LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Online electricals retailer AO World lifted its full-year profit outlook on Tuesday following slightly better-than-expected trading in the first half.
In the six months to 30 September, pre-tax profit rose 10% from the same period a year earlier to £18m, despite inflationary headwinds of around £4m from National Minimum Wage and National Insurance cost increases, on revenue of £586m, up 14%.

B2C retail revenue was 12% higher, underpinned by market share gains across all key categories, the retailer said.

In its pre-close trading statement in November, the company had lifted its full-year pre-tax profit guidance to between £45m and £50m. "Given continued positive trading since then, we now upgrade our FY26 PBT guidance to be around the top of that recently narrowed range," it said.

Founder and chief executive John Roberts said: "These numbers speak for themselves, and it's been another positive six months of operational and financial progress.

"I am incredibly excited to have launched Switch24, a new proposition which enables our Five Star members to buy the latest Apple handsets from as little as £17 for an iPhone 17. This is a first in the UK market, and also allows our members to have the latest iPhone every two years.

"It's a great example of AO continuing to disrupt and innovate on behalf of our members to bring them the latest products at the lowest prices.

"It's this kind of value and service that is cementing our position as the UK's most trusted electricals retailer with our world class 4.9/5 Trustpilot score on over 850,000 reviews."

At 1355 GMT, the shares were up 5.5% at 104.80p.

Jefferies said: "We raise our FY26 profit before tax estimate by 6% to £50m. With double-digit top-line momentum, a longstanding upgrade cycle, and a rapidly developing Membership ecosystem that will support future growth, we see material upside in the shares and reiterate buy."

The bank has a 155p price target on the stock.

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