DFS Furniture Raises Profit Expectations After Robust First-Half Performance and Deleveraging

DFS Furniture (LSE:DFS) has reported a strong first-half performance for the 26 weeks ended 28 December 2025, prompting an upgrade to full-year profit guidance. Underlying profit before tax and brand amortisation is now expected to reach £30–31 million, representing an improvement of £13–14 million year on year, driven by better margins, disciplined cost control and increased operating leverage.

Trading momentum remained resilient in a largely flat market, with group order intake up 2.3%. Gross sales on delivered orders are forecast to be approximately 8.7% higher, while robust free cash flow generation enabled the group to reduce net bank debt to around £60–61 million. This has brought leverage back within management’s target range. Following this performance, and with Winter sale trading in line with expectations, DFS has lifted its full-year profit outlook above current market consensus. The group has also strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Dominique Highfield as permanent chief financial officer, reinforcing confidence in its strategy and medium-term financial objectives.

Looking ahead, DFS’s outlook is underpinned by solid earnings momentum, strong cash generation and effective cost management, although leverage levels remain an area of focus. Positive recent trading updates and corporate developments support confidence in the group’s direction, partly offset by a moderate valuation and the absence of a dividend yield.

More about DFS Furniture

DFS Furniture plc is the UK’s leading retailer of upholstered furniture, operating an integrated estate of physical showrooms and online channels across the UK and Republic of Ireland under the DFS and Sofology brands. The group specialises in living room furniture, combining exclusive product ranges with in-house UK manufacturing and third-party suppliers in the UK, Europe and the Far East. Its vertically integrated model includes a dedicated final-mile delivery network, supported by national marketing, product design innovation and accessible consumer finance options.