Business
Preliminary Results
J Sainsbury plc reported preliminary results for the 52 weeks ended 28 February 2026, with total retail sales (including fuel) increasing by 2.8% to £33.6 billion. Grocery sales saw a 5.2% rise, outperforming the market, while Argos sales grew by 0.7%. Retail underlying operating profit decreased by 1.1% to £1,025 million, impacted by cost inflation and investments in value, though statutory profit after tax significantly increased by 55.3% to £393 million. The company proposed a full-year dividend of 13.7 pence per share, a 0.7% increase, and retail free cash flow rose by 8.1% to £574 million. The outlook for the next financial year anticipates total underlying operating profit between £975 million and £1,075 million. Disclaimer*
About this update from J Sainsbury Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n23 April 2026\n \nPreliminary Results for the 52 weeks ended 28 February 2026\nConsistently delivering for customers, colleagues, suppliers and shareholders\n \nSimon Roberts, Chief Executive of J Sainsbury plc, said:\n\"More and more customers are choosing Sainsbury's for more of their shopping, trusting us to deliver great value day in day out. The conflict in the Middle East means customers are even more focused on the cost of living and we are absolutely committed to making sure everyone gets the best possible value when they shop with us.\n\"By staying relentlessly focused on the things that matter most - value, quality, availability and service - we have outperformed the market for the sixth year in a row. Rather than pass through the full extent of cost inflation, we invested to sustain the strength of our competitive position while also refreshing stores, improving digital experiences and increasing colleague pay by five per cent.\n\"We offer the biggest Aldi Price Match in the market, with great prices on everyday essentials and even more value through Nectar Prices and personalised Your Nectar Prices. Alongside our standout fresh food offer and the growing strength of Taste the Difference, we are well placed to be first choice for more customers.\n\"Long term partnerships with thousands of farmers and suppliers are key to delivering good food at great value. We have committed to invest more than £5 billion in British and Irish farming over the coming years, making our supply base more resilient at a time of increased challenges.\n\"Our balanced choices reflect a consistent long-term approach to creating value for shareholders: strengthening our relationships with customers, colleagues and suppliers and building a stronger Sainsbury's for the future.\n\"We will do everything we can to support our customers and colleagues over the coming months, with absolute focus on keeping prices low. We have made a positive start to the new financial year, with continued strong Grocery momentum.\n\"I would like to thank all our colleagues, farmers and suppliers for their brilliant commitment and hard work - it's their dedication that makes such a difference for our customers every time they shop with us.\"\n \nFinancial Highlights\n· Sainsbury's FY sales (excluding fuel) £25.9bn, up 4....