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RNS Number : 3953R JD Sports Fashion PLC 20 August 2026 JD Group Q2 2026/27 TRADING STATEMENT SALES PERFORMANCE BY REGION : North America * Europe UK Asia Pacific Group Q2 : 13 weeks to 1 August Organic ( 1 ) ( 4.5 ) % ( 0.4 ) % ( 0.2 ) % + 10.2 % ( 1.3 ) % H1 : 26 weeks to 1 August Like - for - like ( 1 ) Organic ( 1 ) Like - for - like ( ¹ ) ( 6.8 ) % ( 1.7 ) % ( 4.0 ) % ( 2.7 ) % ( 0.5 ) % ( 3.3 ) % + 0.8 % ( 1.7 ) % ( 1.4 ) % + 1.4 % + 11.3 % + 3.0 % ( 3.1 ) % ( 0.7 ) % ( 2.8 ) % * North America excluding Finish Line organic sales : Q2 : -1.0 % and H1 : + 1.8 % . Refer to appendices for sales by segment HEADLINES : Q2 sales : Group Q2 organic sales -1.3 % ( Q1 : -0.1 % ) . Q2 LFL sales of -3.1 % ( Q1 : -2.5 % ) By category : Footwear remained soft given consumer pressures and ongoing product cycle evolution across key brand partners , amidst a promotional market ; good performance in apparel and accessories in all regions By channel : Store footfall generally lower YoY outside of key events , with improved conversion ; good online sales growth ( Q2 : + 2.6 % ) , supported by strength of apparel proposition and growth in store - based fulfilment North America : Sales performance reflects weaker core consumer sentiment , a slower quarter for high- heat footwear product , and deferred ' back - to - school ' demand from July into the first half of August UK and Europe : Improved UK sales performance in Q2 , driven by apparel and accessories ( including strong football replica kit sales ) and improved Outdoor business performance ; improved sales trend in Europe against a more subdued consumer backdrop , supported by resilient trading in our Sporting Goods businesses Gross margin : Group gross margin % for H1 in line with our expectations . As guided , controlled price investments were made in H1 to stay competitive amidst a promotional market , partially offset by higher marketing contributions Costs and inventory : Actively managing costs , with tight control over discretionary spend and store operating costs . Inventory remains well controlled FY27 guidance : Noting our underlying H1 sales trends and the promotional market backdrop , which may persist into H2 , we now anticipate FY27 profit before tax and adjusting items ( 2 ) of £ 700m to £ 800m ( previously £ 750m to £ 850m ) . We remain on track to deliver FY27 free cash flow of £ 460m to £ 520m Cash and returns to shareholders : Group in a net cash position as of 1 August 2026 before lease liabilities ( vs net debt in the prior year ) . Commenced the second £ 100m tranche of the £ 200m annual share buyback programme on 3 August , reflecting confidence in our medium - term growth and cash generation RÉGIS SCHULTZ , CEO OF JD SPORTS FASHION PLC :