A Woolworths store in Perth, Australia, on Jan. 24, 2024. Wade Zhong/The Epoch Times
Australia’s largest supermarket chain, Woolworths, has reported an 18.1 percent rise in full-year net profit to over $1.1 billion (US$790 million).
Shares in Woolworths rose around 4.7 percent on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) to $40.66 at the time of writing, up from a previous low of $38.85 following the result.
Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell said improved customer service, lower prices and better execution had driven sales momentum, particularly in the second half of the financial year.
“The action we have taken in F26 to deliver more value, greater convenience and better execution has improved customer advocacy and sales momentum in our key Australian Food business, particularly in H2,” Bardwell said in the company’s ASX announcement (pdf).
“Sales momentum together with strong productivity and cost discipline has delivered solid EBIT growth with an increased contribution from all trading segments.”
Woolworths’ Results in Numbers
The supermarket giant reported net profit after tax and significant items of $1,138 million for the 52 weeks ended June 28, 2026, up from $963 million a year earlier.
Group sales rose 3.6 percent to $71.5 billion. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) before significant items increased by 12.7 percent to $3.11 billion.
Australian food sales, the company’s largest division, rose 4.6 percent to $53.9 billion. The food division achieved an 8.5 percent boost in profit to $2.95 billion.
New Zealand food sales rose 2.5 percent in local currency (NZD) to $8.5 billion, with earnings up 8.8 percent to $163 million.
The W Living division, which includes BIG W, returned to profit with earnings of $116 million after a loss the previous year.
Sales in the W Living division were up 1.7 percent to $5.7 billion, with BIG W alone boosting earnings by $97 million.
Online sales jumped 15.9 percent to $10.6 billion, with group e-commerce penetration up 1.7 percent on the prior year to 15.9 percent.
Woolworths invested more than $100 million in price cuts during the year and expanded its Everyday Rewards loyalty program.
It also rolled out Scan&Go Trolleys, launched a DoorDash partnership and expanded its range of own-brand products.
The final dividend was lifted 15.6 percent to 52 cents a share fully franked, taking the full-year payout to 97 cents.
Household Budgets Under Pressure
Bardwell acknowledged Australian householders were struggling in her outlook for the upcoming financial year, noting that her company would keep prices down.
“Looking ahead, while we expect the challenging economic environment to continue with household budgets remaining under pressure, our strategy to deliver low prices and the best range and convenience gives us confidence we can continue to be first choice for customers while delivering for our team and shareholders,” she said.
Woolworths’ results come after rival Coles reported a statutory net profit of $1.09 billion for the 2026 financial year on Aug. 25, up 1 percent from the previous year.
