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JD Sports warns annual profit to fall as Iran war weighs
The retailer widened its profit outlook to £750 million-£850 million and warned higher costs and weaker demand could hit results.
- On Thursday, May 7, 2026, JD Sports forecast 2026/27 pre-tax profits between £750 million and £850 million, citing muted market growth and uncertainty over the Middle East conflict's potential impact on customers and the business.
- The retail giant, which operates about 4,811 stores globally, blamed a "tough consumer backdrop" in the UK for organic sales falling 2.5%, leading to 24 store closures under a "fewer, bigger, better" strategy.
- JD revealed that its pre-tax profit declined 6.4% year-on-year to £852 million for the year ending January 31, 2026, while total organic sales for the global business increased 2.1% to £12.66 billion.
- Management warned that a prolonged Iran war could drive up energy and fuel costs across store and logistics networks, though the company noted it has no "direct exposure" to the Middle East region.
- Chief Executive Regis Schultz remains confident in the company's medium-term trajectory, emphasizing that the JD Group continues expanding its "King of Trainers" status through high-value acquisitions despite near-term headwinds.
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Devon LiveJD Sports closes 24 branches amid drop in profit
JD revealed that its pre-tax profit declined by 6.4% year-on-year
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JD Sports warns Middle East conflict could hit profits and drive up prices
JD Sports has warned that geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East could weigh on profits, push up costs and weaken consumer demand, as the retail giant reported a fall in annual earnings. The sportswear retailer said it had seen no material impact on the business so far and had “no direct exposure” to the Middle East, with only a small number of franchised stores in the region. However, JD Sports cautioned that prolonged uncertainty could cr…
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
L 25%
C 75%
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