JD Sports has reported organic sales growth of 5.8% for its latest financial year but remains uncertain regarding the impact of Trump’s tariffs on the sneaker & sportswear industry.
Meeting its full year profit expectations for its latest financial year up to 1st February 2025, JD Sports has reported a 5.8% organic sales growth, with its profit before tax and adjusting items falling within the range of £915m to £935m. Q4 also saw comparable sales increases in Europe by 11.4% & 7.5% in North America with sporting goods & outdoors categories seeing solid gains. JD Sports (JD.L) stock was up 8% in afternoon trading yesterday and is expected to keep the bullish momentum today as the likes of Nike (NKE), Amer Sports (AS), Foot Locker (FL), On Holding (ONON) & VF Corporation (VF) regained some of last weeks losses yesterday after Trump announced there would be a 90 pause on his “reciprocal tariffs“, apart from China. Nike was up by 11%, Amer Sports was up by 15%, Foot Locker was up 19%, On was up by 16% and VF was up by 27%.
The contribution of economic uncertainty, cost of living and now Trump’s disastrous tariffs which let’s be realistic could take a minimum of 5-10 years to see any benefits to the US, has sent the markets into a frenzy particularly affecting sneaker & sportswear brands, as well as retailers, that heavily rely in outsourcing production to South East Asia. As much as JD Sports has expanded into the US, snapping up the likes of Hibbett and Finish Line in recent years, it’s still got its core business in the UK & Europe, which can still import from the likes of Vietnam & China without the increased tariffs. JD Sports said it expects its 2026 pre-tax profit to be in line with consensus expectations of £920m although the outcome of the tariffs are still unknown. Looking to its next fiscal year, JD Sports expects sales to grow by around 14% with plans to open around 150 new stores alongside 100 revamps, mainly in Eastern Europe.
We have delivered a solid performance in a challenging market, with organic revenue growth of 5.8% for the year. This reflects the continued strength of our multi-channel consumer proposition and our growing international footprint. We remain focused on profitable growth and maintaining trading discipline, despite an environment that remains promotional and unpredictable in key markets. As we enter FY26, we do so with momentum in our core regions and a clear plan to unlock further scale and efficiency across the business.
Régis Schultz – CEO JD Sports
