This ASX retail stock is falling as a $68 million furniture headache bites

This ASX retail stock is falling after a furniture write-down.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH) shares are sliding on Wednesday after the homewares retailer released its latest trading update.

At the time of writing, the Adairs share price is down 4.03% to $1.43.

The fall comes after a better recent run for the ASX retail stock. Adairs shares are still up around 14% over the past month, although they remain down 18% since the start of 2026.

The update had a few moving parts, with growth in parts of the business offset by a weaker result elsewhere.

Here's what the company told investors.

A woman sets flowers on a side table in a beautifully furnished bedroom.

Image source: Getty Images

Weak furniture sales weigh on Adairs

In its trading update, Adairs expects FY26 group sales to land between $640 million and $641.5 million.

At the midpoint, this represents an increase of 3.7% on FY25.

However, group underlying EBIT is expected to come in between $53.5 million and $55.5 million, which would be down 1.3% on FY25.

The main drag is Focus on Furniture, where Adairs now expects to recognise a non-cash impairment of between $62 million and $68 million against goodwill and brand intangible assets.

After the impairment and other significant items, the company expects to report a statutory net loss after tax of around $43 million for FY26.

Focus on Furniture drags

Adairs said its core retail business and Mocka both delivered sales and earnings growth in FY26.

The Adairs division is expected to report sales of about $458.5 million to $459 million, up 3.7%, with underlying EBIT up 14.6%.

Mocka also had a strong year, with sales expected to rise 22.1% and underlying EBIT up 28.1%.

However, the furniture side of the group was much weaker.

Focus on Furniture sales are expected to fall 5.7% to between $111 million and $111.5 million. Underlying EBIT is expected to drop 68.3% to between $3.5 million and $4 million.

Management pointed to heavy competitor discounting, weaker conversion, product underperformance, and execution challenges.

Adairs has brought in new management and is working through changes across the business, including clearing poorly positioned stock and improving operations.

Balance sheet holds up

Adairs said net debt was about $49 million at the end of June, down from $67.6 million a year earlier. It was also well below the company's $135 million facility limit.

The Focus on Furniture impairment is also non-cash. Adairs said it shouldn't cause any issues with its lenders, franking account, or ability to pay a dividend.

Still, the update gives shareholders a lot to think about.

The core Adairs business is growing, and Mocka is having a strong run. But Focus on Furniture is bringing down group earnings and now needs a proper turnaround.

Attention now turns to when Adairs will release its FY26 results on 24 August.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adairs. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Adairs. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Retail Shares

A young man clasps his hand to his head with a pained expression on his face and a laptop in front of him.
Retail Shares

Why the JB Hi-Fi share price just suffered its worst day on record

How will the retailer's shares respond today?

Read more »

Hands reaching high for a trophy with a sunset in the background.
Retail Shares

A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia's top shares?

This company is flying under the radar. I think it’s a great buy.

Read more »

Investor scratching his head.
Retail Shares

Wesfarmers shares are up 10%: Why experts are saying sell

Wesfarmers’ growth looks impressive, but how much is already priced into shares?

Read more »

Stressed shopper holding shopping bags.
Retail Shares

Should I invest $6,000 in Wesfarmers shares in August?

Here's what brokers tip for the retail conglomerate’s shares now.

Read more »

Stressed shopper holding shopping bags.
Retail Shares

Are Wesfarmers shares a buy in August?

The conglomerate's shares reached an eight-month high in mid-July.

Read more »

A man pushes a supermarket trolley with phone in hand down a supermarket aisle looking at the products on the shelves.
Retail Shares

Are Coles, Wesfarmers or Woolworths shares a better buy right now?

Can these retail giants keep rising?

Read more »

Happy couple doing online shopping.
Retail Shares

3 reasons why the Lovisa share price is a buy right now

This business has a very exciting future. It looks like a great time to buy!

Read more »

Stressed shopper holding shopping bags.
Retail Shares

Why are Myer shares plummeting 8% today?

Shoppers are increasingly keeping their wallets shut.

Read more »