Sydney, Feb 16, 2026, 17:02 AEDT — After-hours
- JB Hi-Fi jumped roughly 7% after its HY26 report and a heftier interim dividend.
- The company reported a 7.3% increase in half-year sales, with net profit up 7.1%.
- Traders are watching for February demand cues, with attention turning to the stock’s ex-dividend date coming up in late February.
JB Hi-Fi shares jumped Monday, with the electronics retailer reporting a stronger half-year profit and hiking its interim dividend. Management, though, pointed to a still-uncertain retail environment.
JB Hi-Fi’s latest move is drawing attention, mostly because the retailer serves as a key gauge for how Australians are spending on non-essentials. Investors are zeroing in, watching for any evidence that households remain willing to shell out for pricey technology and appliances, even after months of financial squeeze.
Shares of JB Hi-Fi surged 7.5% to finish at A$82.40, having bounced around in a range from A$72.31 to A$83.05. Friday’s close: A$76.68. (Investing)
Group sales climbed 7.3% for the half-year ended Dec. 31, reaching A$6.10 billion, the company said. Net profit after tax came in at A$305.8 million, up 7.1%. EBIT rose 8.1% to A$454.0 million. (Ctfassets)
JB Hi-Fi has lifted its interim dividend to 210 cents per share, fully franked—up 23.5%. The payout amounts to 75% of half-year profit attributable to owners, the company said.
Group CEO Nick Wells said the company posted “record sales and strong earnings,” attributing the gains to customers “seeking value” and brands that “continue to resonate strongly.”
The retailer released its January trading update, noting that sales growth moderated after the Christmas promotions but remained in positive territory for its major brands. JB Hi-Fi Australia saw sales climb 4.0% in January, while The Good Guys managed a 2.7% increase, according to the company.
Wells sounded a cautious tone on the outlook, pointing to “uncertainty in the retail market” and “continued competitive activity.” The group plans to zero in on “driving great value” and customer service.
Investors are left wondering if momentum in key segments will stick once the promotions are over. Management cited solid demand for mobile phones, computers, and small appliances, and flagged ongoing growth in online sales.
The group wrapped up December sitting on net cash of A$489.5 million, a cushion as it pours money into stores and other strategic bets.
The second half carries the real risk: a softer consumer, deeper discounts, or a steeper post-Black Friday and Boxing Day slowdown could squeeze margins—especially if competitors push hard for volume.
Mark Feb. 26 for the stock’s ex-dividend date, followed by a Feb. 27 record date—payout lands March 13. That’s per the company’s investor calendar. (Jbhifi)
