Woolworths Group (ASX:WOW) Records FY26 Earnings Growth as Australian Food Momentum Strengthens

Aditi Sarkar

06 November 2026 10:33 PM AEDT

Woolworths Group (ASX:WOW) Records FY26 Earnings Growth as Australian Food Momentum Strengthens

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Highlights

For the period, Woolworths Group increased FY26 EBIT by 12.7% to $3.1 billion and NPAT before significant items by 15.4%.
In addition, Group sales grew 3.6% to $71.5 billion, supported by Australian Food momentum and Big W returning to profitability.
For the period, Cartology, Petstock and Everyday Insurance contributed to group Earnings growth as Woolworths expanded its complementary Business operations.
Notably, Woolworths declared a full year Dividend of 97 cents per share, an increase of 15.5% over the prior period.

Woolworths Group Limited (ASX:WOW) is Australia's largest supermarket operator and one of its most diversified consumer groups, operating Woolworths Food Retail, Big W, Cartology, Petstock, Everyday Rewards, and several additional businesses. The company released its FY26 full-year results on 26 August 2026 for the 52 weeks ended 28 June 2026.

FY26 Financial Performance

Woolworths Group reported FY26 group sales of $71.5 billion, up 3.6% from FY25's $69.1 billion. Group EBIT (before significant items) increased 12.7% to $3.1 billion, with Australian Food as the core driver and complementary businesses making a material contribution. NPAT before significant items grew 15.4% to $1.6 billion. The full-year dividend was 97 cents per share, up 15.5%. Significant items in the year included a provision related to the salaried store leaders Payroll remediation program, which had weighed on the first-half statutory result.

Australian Food and Big W Performance

Australian Food Retail was the centrepiece of the FY26 result, with sales momentum building across the year. The group noted that Australian Food prices excluding tobacco declined year-on-year, reflecting customer-focused Investment in value. Big W returned to profitability in FY26, a material recovery from the losses recorded in the prior year. Woolworths highlighted strong eCommerce performance, with digital sales growth contributing to Australian Food's improved market position. Cartology, Woolworths' retail media business, grew Revenue 7.8%, while Petstock comparable sales grew 5.8%.

FY27 Outlook and Strategic Direction

Management outlined an encouraging start to FY27, with Australian Food sales growing 7.6% in the first eight weeks of the new financial year, well above the FY26 full-year rate. The group noted that reduced Supply chain implementation costs — which had been a $113 million expense in FY26 — would provide a tailwind in FY27. CEO Amanda Bardwell highlighted ongoing investment in Woolworths' core supermarket proposition, digital capability, and complementary businesses as the strategic priorities for FY27. The group's strong Balance Sheet and cash generation provide flexibility for continued capital investment.

Stock Price Information

Shares in Woolworths Group Limited (ASX:WOW) rose approximately 3.4% on the FY26 results date. Over the prior 12 months, the WOW share price had gained approximately 16%, reflecting renewed investor confidence in the core supermarket business. As of 6 November 2026, WOW shares were trading on the ASX. Investors should refer to ASX announcements at www.asx.com.au for the latest pricing and disclosures.

What is Cartology and how does it contribute to Woolworths?

Cartology is Woolworths Group's retail media business, which provides Advertising and data solutions to consumer goods companies seeking to reach Woolworths' supermarket customers. In FY26, Cartology revenue grew 7.8%, making it one of Woolworths' fastest-growing businesses. Along with Petstock and Everyday Insurance, Cartology is part of Woolworths' strategy to diversify EBIT beyond traditional supermarket operations and generate higher-margin revenue from its customer ecosystem.

Why did Woolworths record a lower statutory profit in the first half of FY26?

Woolworths' first-half FY26 statutory NPAT fell 49.4% to $374 million, primarily due to a $710 million provision for underpayment of salaried store leaders — a payroll remediation program related to penalty rates and allowances. This was a significant item that did not recur in the second half, and the full-year underlying result (excluding significant items) showed 15.4% NPAT growth.

How did Big W perform in FY26?

Big W, Woolworths Group's discount department store chain, returned to profitability in FY26 after recording a loss in FY25. The recovery was driven by improved cost management, inventory discipline, and a more focused merchandise offering. Big W's turnaround was highlighted as a positive contributor to the group's overall FY26 earnings improvement.

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