The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX; WOW) share price is in focus today as the company reported a 3.6% increase in Group sales to $71.5 billion and a 15.4% gain in net profit after tax (NPAT) before significant items, reaching $1.60 billion for FY26.
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What did Woolworths Group report?
- Group sales rose 3.6% to $71.54 billion.
- EBITDA before significant items lifted 6.7% to $6.09 billion.
- EBIT before significant items increased 12.7% to $3.11 billion.
- NPAT before significant items jumped 15.4% to $1.60 billion.
- Final fully franked dividend of 52 cents per share, up 15.6% from last year.
- Group eCommerce sales rose 15.9% to $10.6 billion.
What else do investors need to know?
Woolworths' key Australian Food business saw sales rise 4.6% and EBIT up 8.5%, with improved store execution and customer offers driving growth, particularly in the second half. E-commerce was a standout, with online food sales jumping by 18.6% and boosted by expanding On Demand delivery and new tech partnerships.
In New Zealand, sales increased by 2.5% (NZ dollars), but were dampened by weaker currency and disruption from store changes. The complementary businesses segment, including Petstock and PFD, also contributed stronger profits, with Petstock's EBIT climbing 33.5%. BIG W returned to profit after a prior year loss, reflecting better stock management and stronger own-brand ranges.
What did Woolworths Group management say?
Woolworths Group CEO Amanda Bardwell said:
The action we have taken in F26 to deliver more value for customers, greater convenience and better execution has improved customer advocacy and sales momentum in our key Australian Food business, particularly in H2. Sales momentum together with strong productivity and cost discipline has delivered solid EBIT growth with an increased contribution from all trading segments.
Looking ahead, while we expect the challenging economic environment to continue with household budgets remaining under pressure, our strategy to deliver low prices and the best range and convenience gives us confidence we can be first choice for customers while delivering for our team and shareholders in the year ahead.
What's next for Woolworths Group?
For the first eight weeks of FY27, Woolworths reported continued strong momentum in Australian Food, with a notable boost from the Disney Ooshies collectibles campaign. The focus is set to remain on value, technology-driven efficiency, and cost control as high wage growth and economic pressures continue.
In New Zealand and BIG W, trading conditions are expected to stay subdued. Woolworths aims to recover momentum through greater convenience, value offers, and enhanced product ranges. The Moorebank supply chain precinct is expected to deliver efficiency gains as it ramps up this year, helping offset supply chain investment costs.
Woolworths Group share price snapshot
The Woolworths share price has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months with a gain of around 16%.
