Super Retail Group on Thursday announced a special dividend despite statutory net profit after tax slipping eight per cent to $222 million due to higher rents, new stores and an extra pay cycle compared with the year before.
"Super Retail Group delivered a solid financial performance in FY25 with another year of record sales despite a challenging retail environment and heightened competitive activity," managing director and chief executive Anthony Heraghty said.
Supercheap Auto sales increased 2.1 per cent to $1.5 billion as its network expanded, while Rebel Sport sales grew 4.8 per cent to $1.4 billion.
Camping and fishing chain BCF recorded the highest sales growth, up 7.9 per cent to $951 million, while Christchurch-headquartered Macpac sales jumped 3.8 per cent to $231 million.
"Like-for-like growth across the portfolio was mixed, with a strong performance from BCF, a solid result from rebel and softer outcomes for Supercheap Auto and Macpac," Mr Heraghty said.
"Pleasingly, growth accelerated for all four brands in the second half."
Group sales growth nearly doubled in the second half to 3.4 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in the first, tracking with the improved consumer confidence since the Reserve Bank began cutting interest rates in January.
Former Kathmandu chief executive Reuben Casey will join Super Retail Group as Macpac's managing director in November, taking the reins from Cathy Seaholme who will step down after four years in the role.
"Under her leadership, Macpac achieved record sales and expanded its market share in a highly competitive segment," Mr Heraghty said.
"I wish Cathy all the best for her retirement and return to Australia."
Shareholders will receive a fully franked special dividend of 30 cents per share, bringing the total payout for the financial year to 96 cents per share.
Positive signs were continuing for the retailer in the current financial year, with like-for-like sales growth in the first seven weeks at five per cent, up from 3.1 per cent at the same time in 2023/24.
Super's network expansion is set to continue, with a $155 million capital expenditure target also set to fund the completion of its new distribution centre in Victoria and ongoing investments in its digital systems.
The group plans to open 23 new stores in the 2026 financial year, and close nine.
