DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited 2026 Half-Year Results For The Six Months Ended 30 June 2026
DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited 2026 Half-Year Results For The Six Months Ended 30 June 2026
Rabu, 29 Juli 2026 | 08:59
The following announcement was issued today to a Regulatory
Information Service approved by the Financial Conduct Authority in the
United Kingdom.
DFI RETAIL GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
HALF-YEAR RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2026
Highlights
- Underlying profit from continuing businesses1 grew 44% to US$117 million
- Reported profit was US$118 million, compared to a US$38 million loss in the prior year period
- Like-for-like (LFL) subsidiary sales growth from continuing businesses2 improved to 3%
- Health & Beauty sustained strong LFL sales; Convenience and Home Furnishings returned to growth
- E-commerce and DFIQ Media contributed to approximately 35% of sales growth
- Return on capital employed improved to 12%, up from 9% as of December 2025
- Interim dividend of US?6.20 per share, up 77% year-on-year. Maintain full-year dividend payout of 70%
- Raised full-year organic revenue3 growth guidance to be between 3.0% and 4.0%, and underlying profit to be between US$285 million and US$305 million
- Announced 100% interest acquisition of Cody Hong Kong (Cody HK), one
of the leading outdoor advertising solution providers in Hong Kong
HONG KONG SAR -
Media OutReach Newswire - 28 July 2026 - "Our first-half performance, with underlying profit1
growth of 44% and a consistently improving LFL subsidiary sales trend,
reflects the strength of our strategy in action ? a sharper value for
customers, a strong focus on returns and execution with discipline. This
was supported by sustained momentum in Health & Beauty, as well as
strong recovery in Convenience and Home Furnishings segments. Our
acquisition of Cody HK's extensive outdoor media portfolio, together
with its experienced leadership team, strengthens our capability to
deliver full-funnel, omnichannel advertising solutions while
accelerating the growth of DFIQ Media. As we continue to deepen customer
engagement and build new profit pools through the DFI Omni Platform, we
are well-positioned to deliver sustainable long-term value with greater
earnings resilience."
Scott Price
Group Chief Executive
DFI RETAIL GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
HALF-YEAR RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2026
OVERVIEW
The Group delivered strong performance in an evolving macroeconomic
climate, underpinned by disciplined execution and a focus on driving
higher returns. A portfolio built on everyday essentials, combined with a
strong value proposition with convenience, continues to resonate with
customers against the backdrop of oil price volatility. For the first
half of 2026, subsidiary LFL sales growth from continuing businesses4
further improved to 3%. This was driven by sustained strong momentum in
the Health & Beauty segment, as well as a return to growth in both
the Convenience and Home Furnishings businesses. Price reinvestment,
supported by a reset in sourcing strategy, drove Food volume growth with
Wellcome's basket price now trading at a discount relative to the
Greater Bay Area5, compared to a premium in the prior year.
The Group's commitment to retail excellence, a lean overhead structure
and expanded omnichannel touchpoints enables us to serve our customers
with better pricing and better experience. The DFI Omni Platform further
strengthens this by seamlessly integrating our extensive store network
with digital capabilities, delivering greater convenience and
personalisation while unlocking new value pools through rich,
cross-format data insights. Developing and scaling high-margin revenue
streams, including retail media (DFIQ Media) and insights monetisation
(DFIQ Insights), will diversify our profit base and support long-term
value creation.
To enhance operational efficiency and improve productivity of team
members, the Group introduced GenAI-powered tools in the first half of
2026, with plans to scale deployment across operating markets in the
coming months. In parallel, AI capabilities are increasingly embedded
across core retail functions, including assortment optimisation,
promotion planning and demand forecasting, to drive better, more
data-driven decisions.
The Group undertook a thorough review of the cost structure with the aim
of driving sustainable savings and improving long-term cost efficiency.
This has led to a reallocation of resources and costs toward
format-level operations, driving greater agility and responsiveness to
evolving market conditions, while continuing to reduce central selling,
general and administrative (SG&A) costs through overhead
optimisation. Combined with improving digital economics, underlying
operating profit from continuing businesses6 grew 14%
year-on-year in the first half of 2026. Improved operating performance
and lower financing costs contributed to an 11% increase in underlying
profit attributable to shareholders, or 44% from continuing businesses7 only.
The Group maintained a healthy balance sheet with a net debt position of
US$22 million as of 30 June 2026. Return on capital employed further
improved to 12%, up from 9% as of December 2025.
The Group declared an interim dividend of US?6.20 per share,
representing a significant increase of 77% compared to the same period
last year. This enhanced interim dividend distribution underscored the
Board's confidence in the Group's underlying business momentum and
strong cash flow generation, while ensuring sufficient capital for
future growth in line with our 70% payout policy.
OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Overall
For the first half of 2026, underlying subsidiary revenue from continuing businesses6
was US$4.1 billion, up 4% year-on-year and 3% on a LFL basis. The
growth was driven by strong performance in the Health & Beauty
division, as well as a return to growth in the Convenience and Home
Furnishings segments. Total revenue, including Maxim's, was US$5.6
billion. Excluding divestments7, total revenue increased by approximately 4%.
Overall underlying profit attributable to shareholders from continuing businesses7 grew 44% year-on-year to US$117 million, primarily driven by improved operating profit and lower financing costs.
Underlying subsidiary profit from continuing businesses6 was
US$101 million, reflecting a 49% year-on-year increase, primarily driven
by earnings recovery in the Home Furnishings and Food segment with
lower SG&A expenses as a result of overhead reduction.
Underlying profit from associates was US$16 million, down from US$30
million in the prior comparable period, which included share of profits
from Robinsons Retail ahead of its disposal. Excluding this, profit
contribution from associates was up 22% year-on-year due to robust sales
growth and effective cost optimisation at Maxim's.
The Group reported operating cash flow after lease payments of US$178
million, 16% higher than the prior year period, driven by underlying
operating profit growth. Free cash flow for the period was a net inflow
of US$85 million, down 5% year-on-year, due to increased capex
investment in priorities that will further strengthen the Group's
competitive position while driving long-term value for shareholders.
Digital
Capturing a significant share of daily essential customer missions in
Hong Kong, the DFI Omni Platform ? powered by yuu ? enables deeper
customer engagement across offline and online touchpoints, maximises
data capture and unlocks incremental margin opportunities beyond core
retail through DFIQ Media and DFIQ Insights. Overall digital turned
profitable, with e-commerce and DFIQ Media contributing to approximately
35% of total revenue growth in the first half of 2026. This was
supported by improved underlying e-commerce economics, a rising online
sales penetration8 to 6.9% and 3 times in DFIQ Media revenue
compared to first half of 2025. As of June 2026, more than 10,000
digital media-ready screens were available across DFI outlets.
Subsidiaries
Sales for the Health & Beauty division were US$1.4 billion, up 8% year-on-year from continuing businesses9,
7% in constant currency, or 6% on a LFL basis, with continued market
share gains across key operating markets. Mannings and Guardian deepened
their leadership as the trusted advisors for wellness through an
enhanced, wellness-focused assortment and continued roll-out of skin and
scalp assessment services across a wider store network. The recently
announced exclusive distribution partnership with Holland & Barrett,
a leading UK health and wellness retailer, will further expand customer
access to trusted wellness solutions in Hong Kong and Singapore,
followed by a broader rollout across selected Asia markets in the coming
years. In Hong Kong and Macau, Mannings delivered 5% LFL sales growth,
driven by increased basket size and robust tourist store sales amid
higher visitor arrivals. In Southeast Asia, Guardian achieved strong LFL
sales growth of 9%, supported by higher basket sizes and improved
promotional efficiency, with Indonesia and Vietnam delivering close to
20% LFL growth. Excluding the impact of cost reallocation and closure of
Mannings China offline stores, divisional profit increased moderately
by 2% to US$109 million. Margin declined primarily due to increased
strategic promotions to drive stronger sales and market share in
Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia where health & beauty
retailers did not benefit from the SARA Cash Aid Programme.
Total Convenience sales were US$1.2 billion, up 4% year-on-year or 2% on
a LFL basis, as continued growth in higher-margin categories, including
ready-to-eat (RTE) and exclusive collectibles, more than offset the
decline in lower-margin cigarette volumes. Hong Kong LFL sales returned
to growth in the second quarter following ten consecutive quarters of
decline, supported by RTE and an expanded non-food assortment, including
limited-edition collectibles and K-pop merchandise. Excluding
cigarettes, LFL sales were up 3% for the period. In Singapore, effective
promotional campaigns and collectible product launches drove strong LFL
sales growth of 8%. In South China, continued store network expansion
through a capex-light franchise model ? including a net addition of 112
stores since June 2025 to nearly 1,980 locations ? contributed to 12%
sales growth year-on-year or 6% on constant currency basis. LFL sales
were 1% higher compared to the prior year period, driven by the
successful launch of Own Brand in key categories of frozen products and
packaged drinks. The team remains focused on driving footfall and sales
through further expansion of the RTE offering across both offline and
online channels. This includes a broader rollout of the Food Bar to 453
stores as of June 2026, up from 325 at year-end 2025, and strong overall
online sales growth of more than 35%. Excluding cost reallocation
impact, profit for the division increased by 2% to reach US$37 million.
Reported sales for the Food division from continuing businesses10
were US$1.1 billion, up 1% year-on-year. LFL sales returned to positive
growth of 0.5% in the second quarter of 2026. In Hong Kong, investment
in reduced pricing on core basket items, a stronger fresh proposition,
and Own Brand offering drove 2% increase in total volume and 0.5% LFL
sales growth in the first half of 2026. As of June 2026, Wellcome's
"Everyday Value" range has expanded to nearly 500 items, offering
savings of up to 40%, bringing its basket price down from a premium to a
discount relative to the Greater Bay Area. The team also accelerated
omnichannel growth with more than 35% growth in online order volume. In
Cambodia, Lucky reported strong double-digit sales growth, with profit
more than doubling year-on-year. The plan to open 50 new stores over the
next few years remains on track. Macau Food sales remained challenging
as a result of cross-border grocery shopping. Excluding the impact of
cost reallocation and the divestment of Singapore Food, overall
divisional profit increased by 27% year-on-year to US$17 million.
The Home Furnishings division delivered strong recovery in performance
during the first half of 2026, with LFL sales growth of 4%, compared to a
decline of 6% in the prior year period. Price reinvestment in core
value SKUs, a stronger focus on locally relevant ranges and IKEA Food
innovation drove increased footfall and items per baskets, resulting in a
3% LFL sales growth in Hong Kong and 5% in Taiwan. IKEA Food remains a
critical traffic and revenue driver, accounting for 15% of total sales.
In Indonesia, while offline sales momentum remained soft, LFL sales
trend improved on a strengthening IKEA's omnichannel proposition with
online sales penetration reaching 24%. Sales recovery and effective cost
optimisation measures contributed to 85% growth in overall divisional
profit, excluding cost reallocation impact.
Associates
The Group's share of Maxim's underlying profits was US$16 million for
the first half of 2026, up 15% year-on-year, underpinned by continued
cost optimisation and operational efficiency measures. Sales for the
period increased by 4%, driven by strong restaurant performance in
Southeast Asia and a return to growth in the Chinese mainland, partially
offset by weaker sales in Hong Kong.
RECENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS
On 30 June 2026, the Group announced the acquisition of 100% interest in
Cody Hong Kong (Cody HK), one of the leading outdoor advertising
solution providers in Hong Kong, for a cash consideration of HK$30.2
million (approximately US$3.8 million) from ARN Media Network Limited
(ASX: A1N), subject to customary adjustments.
The acquisition advances DFI's strategy to build a full-funnel
advertising solution in Hong Kong through DFIQ Media. By integrating
Cody HK's strategic assets ? including multi-year exclusive advertising
rights with Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) and Hong Kong Tramways (HKT) ? with
DFI's extensive store network, growing online user base, and closed-loop
measurement capabilities, DFIQ Media strengthens its ability to deliver
high-impact advertising solutions to a broader advertiser base across
online, in-store, and outdoor channels.
Subject to satisfaction of third-party consents, the transaction is expected to complete in the second half of 2026.
PEOPLE
On 6 July 2026, the Group announced four senior leadership appointments
effective from 1 August 2026. These moves reflect the Group's continued
focus on strengthening its leadership pipeline and driving the next
phase of growth with experienced, proven leaders.
Andrew Wong will be appointed Chief Executive Officer, DFI IKEA.
Formerly CEO of Health & Beauty, Andrew brings extensive experience
in driving customer-led growth, operational discipline and in-store
digitalisation across multiple markets. His earlier leadership of
franchise operations at Jardine Restaurant Group positions him well to
lead the IKEA business into its next phase of development.
Curtis Liu, having most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of
Food, will be appointed Chief Executive Officer, Health & Beauty.
His proven leadership in driving customer value repositioning in Hong
Kong, combined with deep operational retail knowledge and digital
experience at JD.com, positions him well to drive continued momentum and
omnichannel growth in Health & Beauty.
Tom van der Lee will be appointed Chief Executive Officer, Food. Tom has
played an instrumental role as Group Chief Financial Officer, driving
financial discipline and supporting key strategic decisions across the
Group. His prior experience at FrieslandCampina, a global food company,
and his broad financial leadership across DFI banners in Southeast Asia
supported his strong commercial grounding to lead the Food business.
Kaizhi Wu will succeed Tom as Group Chief Financial Officer. Kaizhi
currently serves as Group Finance Director, Planning & Reporting,
based in Hong Kong. Prior to joining DFI, he served as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of Yonghui Superstores Co., and
earlier held senior roles at Jardine Matheson, Fosun Group and PwC in
London. Kaizhi will join the Group's Management Committee upon assuming
his new role.
OUTLOOK
The Group remains confident in our ability to navigate the evolving
trading environment, supported by sharpened business priorities, a
strong balance sheet and low-cost operating model. Financial outlook
outlined at the Investor Day in December 2025 remains intact as DFI
continues to execute our multi-year strategic initiatives that are
critical to driving sustainable revenue and earnings growth. These
initiatives include strengthening our value proposition, strategically
expanding store network, enhancing omnichannel capabilities and
accelerating digital asset monetisation through data-driven insights. In
particular, the growing DFI Omni Platform will deepen our customer
engagement, further reinforce our core retail strength and enhance
overall earnings resilience in the long term.
Despite an elevated oil price outlook for the remainder of the year, the
Group expects to deliver stronger profitability supported by enhanced
operational efficiency. As a result, the Group revises up its full-year
organic revenue growth11 outlook to be between 3.0% and 4.0%
(up from previously 2.0% to 3.0%), and underlying profit attributable to
shareholders to be between US$285 million and US$305 million (up from
previously US$270 million and US$300 million).
Scott Price
Group Chief Executive
----------------- 1 Excluding impacts of divestment of Singapore Food business,
closure of Mannings China and disposal of minority stake of Robinsons
Retail
2 Excluding impacts of divestment of Singapore Food business and closure of Mannings China
3 Excluding Singapore Food and Mannings China
4 Excluding impacts of divestment of Singapore Food business and closure of Mannings China
5 Based on a third-party assured price comparison of a 200-item comparable basket between DFI and Shenzhen
6 Excluding impacts of divestment of Singapore Food business and closure of Mannings China
7 Excluding impacts of divestment of Singapore Food business,
closure of Mannings China and disposal of minority stake of Robinsons
Retail
8 Excluding cigarettes under Convenience and IKEA Food
9 Excluding Mannings China
10 Excluding Singapore Food business
11 Excluding Singapore Food and Mannings China