B&M shares jump nearly 20% as retailer forecasts profit gain of up to 16%

what happened

B&M shares jumped on Thursday to a high not seen in more than a year. The discount retailer said its annual profit may rise by up to 16%, as lower prices and a leaner range under its turnaround plan helped win back cash-strapped shoppers. According to Reuters, the stock rose as much as 19.5%, to 333.4 pence, by 0833 GMT.

Second-quarter like-for-like sales in the UK rose 3.2%, reversing a 2.3% decline in the first quarter. The company forecasts fiscal 2027 adjusted pre-tax profit of between £280 million and £330 million, against an LSEG consensus of £290.41 million. Sales in France for the six months to September 26 grew 5.9%, and the company said ongoing social unrest in the country had not had a material impact.

why it matters

B&M has long been seen as a beneficiary when household budgets come under pressure. Trading over the October-to-December peak period was positive in all three of its businesses, suggesting the strategy launched in October 2025 is starting to pay off. Competition from supermarket loyalty schemes remains the key risk.

market impact

B&M shares: stronger profit outlook and sales recovery support the stock

• ▲B&M shares pressure up — profit forecast above expectations and a recovery in like-for-like sales

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