• Total sales of $209.6 million, up 14.2% on H1 FY25
• Underlying EBIT of $43.6 million, up 23.1% on H1 FY25
• Underlying NPAT of $28.3 million, up 22.0% on H1 FY25

Universal Store Holdings Limited (ASX: UNI) has reported a strong H1 FY26 performance, with total sales of $209.6 million, up 14.2% on H1 FY25. This sales increase was achieved through robust like-for-like (LFL) growth and the opening of eight new stores across the Group, partially offset by one store closure. The Group ended the half with 118 stores - 87 Universal Store (US) stores, 22 Perfect Stranger (PS) stores and nine THRILLS stores. Group online sales of $27.8 million contributed 13.3% of total sales and represented an increase of 10.4% on H1 FY25. US and PS achieved H1 FY26 LFL growth of 8.7% and 14.8% respectively, reflecting the team's continued success in providing customers with on-trend occasion for wear. The THRILLS retail format delivered H1 FY26 LFL sales growth of 9.5% and opened one new store. Group H1 FY26 gross margin of 62.1% represents a 150-basis point improvement on prior year, driven by category mix, strong private brand and third-party assortments, and disciplined price management. Group underlying EBIT was $43.6 million, a 23.1% increase on H1 FY25, while underlying NPAT was $28.3 million, a 22.0% increase on H1 FY25. The Group ended the period with a robust cash position of $38.4 million with nil bank borrowings and has determined an interim dividend of 26.0 cents per share, which will be fully franked and payable on 27 March 2026.

The company has not provided any high-importance, price-sensitive forward-looking financial metrics in the announcement.

The company has not provided any forward-looking outlook statements in the announcement.