JD vs lululemon

Q2 2026/27 Trading Statement

JD Sports Fashion plc released its Q2 2026/27 trading statement on August 20, 2026, providing an update on trading performance for the period.

JD Sports Cuts Profit Forecast After Weak Q2

JD Sports Fashion reported a slight revenue decline in the second quarter of its 2026/27 financial year and has reduced its full-year pre-tax profit guidance. The group’s organic revenue fell 1.3% overall (like-for-like -3.1%), with North America the weakest region (organic -4.5%; excluding remaining Finish Line stores the decline was 1.0%). Europe and the UK were broadly stable, while Asia-Pacific delivered double-digit organic growth. JD Sports now expects pre-tax profit before exceptional items of £700–800 million (previously £750–850m), but reaffirmed its free cash flow target of £460–520 million. Management cites subdued consumer demand, a difficult sneaker market and elevated promotional intensity, while continuing to invest in omnichannel, digital technologies, AI and efficiency measures. A second share buyback tranche of £200 million is progressing as planned.

• JD Sports reported second-quarter organic group sales down 1.3% and like-for-like sales down 3.1% for FY 2026/27.
• North America organic sales fell 4.5%; excluding remaining Finish Line stores the decline was 1.0%.
• Asia-Pacific organic sales rose 10.2% in Q2; the region had 11.3% organic growth in the first half.

JD Sports launches second £100m share buyback

JD Sports has started the second tranche of its previously announced £200 million share buyback programme, initiating purchases of up to £100 million to return capital to shareholders. The tranche is effective immediately and is expected to complete by the end of the current financial year on 31 January 2027. Purchases will be executed on the London Stock Exchange by broker Peel Hunt under an irrevocable agreement; acquired shares will be transferred to JD Sports and either cancelled or held in treasury. The buyback aims primarily to reduce share capital and enhance earnings per share. The company will report repurchases in weekly aggregated disclosures and is acting in accordance with the UK Listing Rules and the Market Abuse Regulation. The authorization from the 2026 AGM allows acquisition of up to approximately 482 million shares until the end of July 2027.

• JD Sports started the second tranche of its £200 million share buyback programme, targeting up to £100 million of purchases.
• The second tranche is effective immediately and is expected to be completed by 31 January 2027 (end of the financial year).
• JD Sports has an irrevocable agreement with broker Peel Hunt to execute the market purchases on the London Stock Exchange.

Lululemon Q2 Sales Fall, Store Expansion Slowed

Lululemon reported disappointing Q2 results, with net revenue down 4% to $2.4 billion and a 20% decline in its signature leggings sales. The company reduced its store expansion plans to 35 net new stores for 2026, down from the prior 40, and cut full-year revenue guidance. Gross margin expanded due to tariff refunds, but net income dropped 11%. Incoming CEO Heidi O'Neill, a former Nike executive, will face challenges as the company struggles with declining demand for athleisure. Analysts urge a strategic pause in expansion and a refocus on core products.

• Lululemon's Q2 net revenue fell 4% to $2.4 billion.
• Leggings sales plunged 20% in Q2.
• Store expansion reduced to 35 net new locations for 2026.

Lululemon comms chief exits ahead of new CEO start

Lululemon said Chief Communications Officer Bill Chandler will leave the company on Sept. 4 to "pursue other opportunities," a departure that comes days before incoming CEO Heidi O’Neill joins on Sept. 8. Chandler had spent more than seven years at Lululemon, according to his LinkedIn. The exit follows the earlier departure of Chief AI and Technology Officer Ranju Das and has prompted analyst concern about C-suite turnover; BNP Paribas senior analyst Laurent Vasilescu warned there may be further departures. Lululemon said it has "talented teams and leaders in place" and will continue investing in talent during the transition.

• Lululemon Chief Communications Officer Bill Chandler will leave the company on Sept. 4 to "pursue other opportunities."
• Incoming CEO Heidi O'Neill is scheduled to join Lululemon on Sept. 8.
• Bill Chandler spent more than seven years at Lululemon in various communications roles, according to his LinkedIn.

SeaWheeze Half Marathon and Sunset Festival Returns to Vancouver

lululemon announces the return of the SeaWheeze Half Marathon and Sunset Festival to Vancouver on August 14, 2026.