Doncaster-based DFS Furniture plc said its financial year has begun positively with “improved financial performance.”
In an AGM trading update for 19 weeks ended November 9, 2025, DFS said it has made an encouraging start to the year.
“We have seen order intake growth across the first 19 weeks of FY26, against strong comparatives, and in line with our expectations,” said the firm.
“Our proprietary banking data indicates both our DFS and Sofology retail brands outperformed a market that remains subdued.
“We are pleased with the continued progress we are making with our self-help cost initiatives, driving improvements in gross margin and helping to mitigate the impact of inflation.
“As a result of the trading momentum, the continued smooth running of the supply chain, gross margin improvements and cost control, we expect to deliver strong year on year profit growth in the first half.
“Whilst it is still relatively early in our financial year and we are mindful of the broader macroeconomic environment and the uncertainty created by the upcoming Autumn budget, we remain comfortable with the range of consensus profit expectations2.
“Looking further ahead, we remain confident in the group’s prospects and we will continue to focus on executing our stated strategy and delivering value for all our stakeholders.”
DFS CEO Tim Stacey said: “By continuing to execute our strategy we have made a strong start to the year.
“Despite the upholstery market remaining subdued, we have grown order intake across both our retail brands, ahead of the market, and progressed our gross margin and cost base initiatives leaving us in a good position to deliver strong first half year on year profit growth.
“Our customer proposition is in great shape and our medium-term outlook remains positive. Whilst the macroeconomic backdrop remains uncertain in the short term we will keep focusing on what we can control.”