**Summary of Wickes Group PLC Interim Results 2025**
Wickes Group PLC reported strong interim results for the 26 weeks ending June 28, 2025, highlighting robust profit growth driven by increased volumes across both Retail and Design & Installation (D&I) segments. Key financial and strategic highlights include
### **Financial Performance**
**Revenue Growth**Total revenue increased by 5.6% to £847.9 million (H1 2024: £803.2 million), with Retail revenue up 6.8% and D&I revenue up 2.1%.
**Profitability**Adjusted profit before tax rose by 16.7% to £27.3 million (H1 2024: £23.4 million), reflecting operational leverage and productivity savings. Statutory profit before tax was £24.2 million (H1 2024: £22.9 million).
**Cash Position**Net cash position improved to £158.0 million (H1 2024: £152.4 million) after returning £24.8 million to shareholders.
**Dividend**An interim dividend of 3.6p per share was declared, consistent with H1 2024.
### **Strategic Highlights**
**Retail Growth**Volume-led growth driven by a 10% increase in TradePro sales, with active members rising to 615,000 (H1 2024: 541,000). DIY sales also saw mid-single-digit growth.
**Market Share Gains**Achieved record Retail market share, particularly in timber, garden maintenance, and decorating.
**D&I Recovery**Returned to like-for-like (LFL) growth in Q2, driven by enhanced customer experience initiatives.
**Digital Investments**Continued investment in digital capabilities to support growth and productivity, including AI-driven stock forecasting and new design software.
**Store Expansion**Opened 1 new store and completed 4 refits/refreshes, with plans for 5-7 new stores and 10-15 refits/refreshes in 2025.
**Employee Recognition**Ranked #1 UK retailer in the Financial Times Europes Best Employers 2025.
### **Current Trading & Outlook**
**Q3 Trading**In line with expectations, with increased people costs and new stores impacting H2 more fully.
**Technology Investment**SaaS projects expected to increase P&L costs by £10 million annually.
**Full-Year Expectations**Despite cost headwinds, the company remains comfortable with current consensus expectations for adjusted PBT in 2025.
### **CEO Commentary**
David Wood, CEO, emphasized the strong first-half performance, driven by volume growth across the Group. He highlighted record market share gains in Retail, TradePro sales growth, and the recovery in D&I. Wood reaffirmed the company’s strategy and confidence in meeting full-year expectations despite sector cost headwinds.
### **Responsible Business Strategy**
Wickes continued to progress its Built to Last ESG strategy, focusing on people, environment, and homes. Notable achievements include
**People**Rolled out active bystander training and achieved Level 2 Disability Confident Employer status.
**Environment**On track to meet 2030 decarbonization targets, with solar generation installed at 13 stores.
**Homes**Integrated Wickes Solar into all stores, training 100 design consultants to support solar projects.
### **Conclusion**
Wickes Group PLC delivered a strong first half of 2025, with volume-driven growth, improved profitability, and strategic progress across all segments. Despite cost headwinds, the company remains confident in its full-year outlook, supported by ongoing investments in digital capabilities, store expansion, and ESG initiatives.