Card Factory

Card Factory raised group revenue in fiscal 2026 by 7.4% to £582.7m, while like‑for‑like retail sales fell 0.2% overall and declined more sharply by 1.7% in the second half. Adjusted pre‑tax profit was £56m, in line with the updated guidance; free cash flow was £40.7m. The wholesale segment more than doubled its revenue through acquisitions. Management cites cost inflation and weaker consumer confidence in the UK as the main headwinds and is relying on acquisitions and a digital strategy to achieve mid‑teens growth from fiscal 2028. » More on de.investing.com

Card Factory is starting a £15 million share buyback programme that begins today and will run until 31 January 2027. Purchases will be funded from surplus cash generated in the 2026 financial year and are intended to reduce the company’s issued share capital; the measure is subject to renewal of the buyback authority at the annual general meeting in June 2026. Buybacks will be carried out within set parameters and in accordance with relevant market rules; the company’s issued share capital currently stands at 351,595,922 ordinary shares, of which 5,717,911 are held as treasury shares. » More on de.investing.com

Card Factory issued a shock profit warning during its peak trading period, saying UK store sales have been hit by weak consumer confidence and soft footfall. The group now expects annual adjusted pre-tax profits of £55m–£60m, down from last year’s £66m and below prior growth expectations, and its shares fell about 23% on the update. Management said North America and Republic of Ireland operations remain in line with expectations, the Funky Pigeon integration is on track, and a productivity and efficiency programme is being progressed to mitigate inflationary pressures. » More on theguardian.com