Lovisa reported FY26 EBIT of $158 million, up 14%. Sales grew 18% in FY26 with second half sales up 12%. Gross margin at 82.6% improved 60bp. We lower our sales forecasts on lower store numbers but improved comparable sales, with comp sales for the first eight weeks up 3%. We lift gross margin and lower costs. While there is a strong pipeline of store openings, the store network will need to be optimised further and competitive threats are increasing.

Super Retail Group reported a decline in FY26 EBIT of 3%, but gross margin improvement combined with tight cost control bodes well for EBIT growth in FY27e. We forecast EBIT growth of 6% for the year ahead, with higher gross margins the key driver. Rebel is improving its inventory and promotional management and the higher Australian dollar will lower the cost of goods. While we see an improvement in EBIT, the economic backdrop will be a headwind.

The upcoming FY26e reporting season is likely to show better sales trends than some anticipate and active margin management that means results should meet consensus expectations. Even trading updates may be “better than feared”. Don’t misinterpret the good news. Retail sales are highly likely to slow by the December 2026 quarter. Those hoping rate cuts will be enough are overly optimistic.

Lovisa’s global expansion has added operational complexity including currency changes which we have mitigated by forecasting on a constant currency basis. We have lowered our comparable sales forecasts and our ANZ store count estimates. Lovisa has de-rated as consumer sentiment and discretionary spend is impacted by geopolitical tensions. Competition domestically, global tensions and Jewells expansion remain key risks.

Super Retail Group reported 1H26 EBIT down 3%. The weaker result reflected elevated promotions in Rebel and weak sales in BCF. These issues should pass as Rebel’s inventory levels are lean and BCF has already seen an improvement in sales trends. We are positive on earnings outlook over the next two years helped by improving gross margins. Super Retail may see a 70bp gain from the higher Australian dollar. Super Retail Group have arranged an investor day on the 11th June 2026.

Lovisa reported 1H26 EBIT on an underlying basis (ex-Jewells) of $109 million, up 20%. Underlying gross margin improved 50bp to 82.9% and store growth of 64 stores took the store count to 1,095 stores. Total sales in the first six weeks of 2H26e grew 21.5%. Our sales forecasts lift on store count. We lift gross margin expectation but also increase both operating costs and depreciation. The result was impacted by losses in Jewells, Lovisa’s new brand. Jewells may develop into a long-term opportunity but could distract management from course correcting Australian division performance and managing the global Lovisa rollout.

Super Retail Group has set a tone for the trading updates across retail. For 1H26e, the company will achieve 4% sales growth, but profit before tax will fall 7%. The weakness is largely attributable to price discounting in Rebel and negative leverage in BCF. The fundamental debate is likely to centre on the sustainability of profit margins. Supercheap Auto has likely peaked and BCF margins are relatively healthy. The turnaround opportunity is Rebel, but competition make it harder to see substantial margin recovery.

Lovisa will hold its Annual General Meeting on 21 November. In the past Lovisa has provided an update on LFL sales and store numbers. Visible Alpha consensus has 1H26e LFL sales of 5.4%, implying a modest slowing from the first eight weeks of trade. We expect to see a LFL number above 5.3% supported by the US segment where price rises and competitor disruptions have benefitted sales. Our concern is that the LFL sales growth fades in FY27e to 2% as the US benefits are cycled and domestic competitive pressures grow.

Lovisa reported FY25 EBIT of $139 million, up 8%. Gross margins improved 100bp, to 82.0%. The trading update of 5.6% comparable sales growth was an acceleration on the strong 2H25. We lift our sales and gross margin forecasts but also our cost assumptions given 27% cost growth in 2H25.

Super Retail Group’s FY25 result revealed an encouraging reversal of fortunes in the second-half. While 1H25 EBIT fell 7%, 2H25 EBIT rose 9%. The better gross margin and lower cost growth in 2H25 are likely to support earnings in FY26e. While margins are better, sales trends remain volatile and we only forecast 2% EBIT growth in FY26e. There will be a drag from higher overhead costs. While margins are improving, the sales backdrop is unlikely to accelerate much making it difficult to accelerate earnings growth.