Marks & Spencer Group Plc (LSE:MKS) reported stronger-than-expected food sales growth and a more than doubling of adjusted pretax profit in the first half of its financial year, as the British retailer continued its recovery from the disruption caused by last year’s cyberattack.
Comparable food sales increased 11.7% in the six months ended 26 September 2026, exceeding analysts’ expectations of 10.9%, while adjusted pretax profit rose to £403.2 million, slightly ahead of market forecasts.
Food Sales Exceed Market Expectations
Marks & Spencer’s food division delivered an 11.7% increase in comparable sales during the first half, outperforming analyst estimates and supporting the group’s recovery.
The performance comes as the retailer continues to compete with established supermarket operators, including Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, in the UK grocery market.
The company’s food business has been an important component of its broader turnaround strategy, with management focusing on strengthening its product offering and improving customer engagement.
Clothing and Homeware Sales Recover
Comparable sales in Marks & Spencer’s clothing and homeware division increased 17.3% during the period, although growth was slightly below market expectations.
The division was among the areas most severely affected by the cyberattack in 2025, which disrupted the retailer’s operations and temporarily affected payment systems and product availability.
The latest figures indicate a recovery in trading activity following those disruptions, with the company continuing to develop its clothing and homeware operations.
Adjusted Pretax Profit More Than Doubles
Marks & Spencer reported adjusted pretax profit of £403.2 million, equivalent to approximately $543 million, for the six-month period.
The result represented more than double the profit recorded in the corresponding period last year and was marginally ahead of analyst forecasts.
The improvement follows the operational disruption caused by the cyberattack, which interrupted the company’s turnaround programme under Chief Executive Stuart Machin.
In May, Marks & Spencer indicated that it expected annual profit to exceed the level achieved before the cyber incident.
Medium-Term Revenue and Profit Outlook
Marks & Spencer now expects revenue to grow at a mid-to-high single-digit annual rate over the medium term, with profit growth anticipated to exceed revenue growth.
The outlook reflects management’s continued focus on operational improvements, digital expansion and strengthening its customer proposition.
However, the company also highlighted increasing operating costs across the retail sector.
Higher energy, production and shipping expenses, partly linked to the conflict in the Middle East, continue to create pressure for UK retailers.
Consumer sentiment also remains fragile, adding uncertainty to the wider trading environment.
Digital Expansion and Customer Loyalty Strategy
Marks & Spencer continues to develop its online operations and international business as part of its longer-term transformation programme.
The company has also introduced changes to its Sparks loyalty programme, seeking to strengthen customer engagement and compete more effectively with rival retailers’ established loyalty schemes.
The initiatives form part of management’s efforts to improve customer retention, increase digital participation and support future revenue growth.
Share Price Performance
Marks & Spencer shares had gained approximately 25% since the beginning of 2026 through Tuesday’s closing session, reflecting improved investor sentiment towards the retailer’s recovery and financial outlook.
The company operates more than 1,000 stores across the UK, with its food, clothing and homeware divisions forming the core of its retail business.
More About Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer Group Plc is a British multinational retailer specialising in food, clothing and homeware. The company operates an extensive UK store network alongside online retail platforms and international operations, serving customers through its physical and digital channels.
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