JD Sports has revealed its group revenue went from ￡4.78bn in the 26 weeks to 29 July 2023 to ￡5bn in the 26 weeks to 3 August 2024 (H1 2025), which it describes as "record interim results".

The company's organic sales growth in the first half was 6.4% with like-for-like (LFL) sales growth of 0.7% and its underlying operating margins were in line with last year.

The company's profit before tax and adjusting items was ￡405.6m, which is a 2% increase on the same prior period and its operating profit before adjusting items was ￡451.1m, which is a 6.7% increase on H1 2024.

JD Sports Fashion Plc CEO Régis Schultz notes the results show the company's ability to "outperform the sector in a volatile global marketplace".

He explains: "Our success is a direct reflection of the strength and agility of our global, multi-brand strategy, which allows us to adapt swiftly to fast-changing industry trends across the world, and our operational excellence. This ensures we continue to deliver an industry-leading customer proposition both in store and online."

The company points out its acquisition of US sporting goods retailer Hibbett, Inc., which completed just before the period end, was a key milestone in its international development and strengthens its position in the US.

"I remain confident in the delivery of our exciting growth plans for North America and that the Group is well positioned to continue growing share in the world's largest sportswear market," says Schultz.

JD Sports points out its pivot toward becoming a more global business continued with North America generating 35% of revenue, Europe 31%, the UK 30% and Asia Pacific 4%.

The company's two fastest growing regions, Europe and North America, delivered organic sales growth of 10.1% and 10.7% respectively with the rollout of the JD fascia leading the growth in both regions.

In the UK trading improved through H1, but the company says period-on-period performance was held back by non-core divestments made during the prior period and the UK's higher weighting towards both online and apparel.

Schultz says: "I am very proud of our teams across the globe, whose dedication and hard work have been instrumental in achieving these results. Our strong business model and clear strategy position us to deliver long-term growth and value creation for our shareholders."

JD Sports outlook and guidance

JD Sports says its trading performance in the first half was in line with its expectations and its overall guidance range of ￡955-1,035m remains unchanged.