Dunelm shares down over 5% on higher costs forecast despite modest profit rise

Published 09/09/2025, 07:38
Updated 09/09/2025, 09:04
© Reuters

Investing.com -- Dunelm Group Plc (LON:DNLM) shares fell more than 5% on Tuesday after the homewares and furniture retailer flagged higher costs for the coming year despite reporting a 3% rise in profit before tax for the financial year ending June 2025.

The company said profit before tax increased to £211 million, broadly in line with expectations, while earnings per share rose 3.3% to 76.8 pence.

The board declared a final dividend of 44.5 pence per share, up 2.3%, bringing the total payout including a special dividend to 79.5 pence, representing a yield of 6.4%.

Revenue for the year climbed 3.8% to £1.77 billion. Dunelm reported its market share in the combined homewares and furniture segment rose to 7.9%, up from 7.7% in 2024. 

The company described the sales growth as “balanced,” with contributions from both volumes and average item values.

Dunelm said trading in the current year had started positively, but it has not seen signs of a broader consumer recovery. The group reiterated its medium-term goal of capturing 10% of the market.

Barclays raised its forecast for FY26 profit before tax by 2% to £220 million. The brokerage expects margins to remain broadly stable, despite a projected 3-4% increase in the cost base driven by labor-related inflation. 

Free cash flow for FY26 was revised down approximately 11% due to higher planned capital expenditure of £50 million for new store openings and refurbishments.

Barclays lifted its price target for Dunelm shares to 1,350 pence from 1,300 pence and maintained an “overweight” rating. 

At the September 5 close of 1,225 pence, the target implied a potential 10.2% upside.

Leadership changes are also underway, with Clo Moriarty set to replace Nick Wilkinson as chief executive on Oct. 1.

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