National retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has reported a growth in sales while profit reduced.
According to its latest half year results for the 26 weeks ended 27 September 2025, total revenue rose 22.5% to £7.9bn from £6.4bn in 2024.
M&S Group adjusted pre-tax profit resulted at £184.1m, down from £413.1m, reflecting one-off impact of the cyber incident
“Profit performance for the half year was heavily distorted by the one-off impact of the incident and related recovery costs,” the company said. “M&S Group adjusted profit before tax of £184.1m declined by £229.0m versus the prior year, driven by lower online sales and increased stock management costs in Fashion, Home & Beauty and higher markdown and waste in Food.”
Food sales rose by 7.8%, while Fashion, Home & Beauty sales down 16.4%. Commenting within its home section, M&S added: “Home & Beauty grew in store sales in bedding and own label fragrance. Launches included Kelly Hoppen in Home and Estée Lauder in Beauty, demonstrating the potential.
“Fashion, Home & Beauty aims to grow market share by at least 1% between 2022/23 and 2027/28 and deliver an on-going operating margin over 10%. Given our large online customer base, we believe there is long-term potential to double sales online, through modernising fulfilment, sourcing, buying and stock flow, and increasing operational efficiency.
“Sales declined by 16.4%, primarily due to the pause in online from late April to early June. The restoration of the online offer was phased, with home delivery resuming in June and click and collect restored in August.
“Store sales declined 3.4% due to reduced availability and fewer visits linked to the lack of click and collect. Online sales declined 42.9%, although following recovery, sales run-rates have been improving.
“Operating profit of £46.1m reflects a margin decline to 2.7% from 12.0%, driven by lower sales and stock management costs. With warehouse and replenishment systems now restored, both the website and stores are improving availability and operations are recovering.”
