Superdrug bucks high street trend as pre-tax profits rise to £144m
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Superdrug’s latest accounts reveal its pre-tax profits rose by 5.43 per cent to £144m in the year to December 27, 2025, with the health and beauty chain reporting a “strong financial performance” for the year.
Sales were 5.2 per cent year-on-year and growth in both its online channel and retail stores, despite “subdued UK retail footfall”. Revenue rose from £1.6bn in 2024 to £1.7bn in 2025.
Operating profit rose from £144m to £155m, while directors were paid £75m in dividends, up from £45m the previous year. The chain achieved a post-tax profit of £110m in 2025.
The business added 22 new stores during the 2025 trading year – including a new flagship store in Westfield White City – compared to 13 openings the previous year, as well as refurbishing 44 existing stores.
Commenting on the challenges facing retail operators, Superdrug directors said: “Consumer disposable income remained under pressure, with elevated household savings ratios contributing to increased price sensitivity and greater emphasis on value."
But they added that the health and beauty sector has been “among the few retail categories to deliver year-on-year sales growth”.
“The company’s investment in high quality own-brand products, alongside a competitive promotional strategy and everyday low prices on own-brand ranges, has ensured that customers continue to choose the company for innovation, value and affordability,” they said.
Efforts to drive productivity and cost-efficiency saw operating margin rise from 8.8 to nine per cent “notwithstanding the adverse impact of the increases to National Insurance costs in the period”.
Around a quarter of Superdrug’s 789 UK stores have a pharmacy. Commenting on the chain’s performance within the healthcare segment, its directors said: “The company continued to expand its healthcare offering through professionally led health clinics and healthcare ambassadors, providing personalised support and clinically approved weight management treatments delivered by trained nurses and pharmacists.
“During the year, the NHS Pharmacy First service continued to gain traction and delivered strong patient uptake.
“Through the completion of over 45,000 consultations, the service has supported increased patient access to primary care while supporting the company’s pharmacy performance.”