Halfords Shares Drop Despite 7.1% Sales Growth

Halfords Group plc reported a 7.1% increase in like-for-like sales for the 26 weeks ending October 2, 2026. The growth was driven by strong demand for seasonal products during a warm summer, with retail like-for-like sales rising 7.7%. Specifically, cycling and motoring sales grew by 8.3% and 7.3%, while the Autocentres division saw a 6.1% increase.

Despite the positive first-half performance, the company maintained its fiscal year 2027 underlying profit before tax guidance of £55 million to £65 million. Management noted that profits will be weighted toward the first half of the year to accommodate planned investments in marketing and technology during the second half.

Shares fell as much as 10% following the announcement. Investors reacted to the decision not to upgrade the profit forecast and expressed concerns regarding macroeconomic uncertainty and consumer spending in the United Kingdom.