Why Is Marks and Spencer Up Today?

Marks and Spencer Group plc (LSE:MKS) shares rose 0.77% to 459.7p today, a gain of 3.5p on the session. The food and clothing retailer remains in focus following half-year results that included sharply higher sales and profit and an increased interim dividend.

Revenue rose 15% to £9.17 billion, and adjusted pretax profit more than doubled to £403.2 million from £184.1 million.

About Marks and Spencer Group plc

Marks and Spencer Group plc is a leading British retailer with two main businesses: Food, which sells groceries and prepared meals, and Fashion, Home & Beauty, which sells clothing, homeware and beauty products. It operates through stores and online channels, and it has a presence in international markets.

LSE:MKS has a 0.36% weighting in the FTSE 100 and a Market Capitalisation of about £9.5 billion. The Brand is widely recognised for quality and trusted products.

Food Performance

Food sales rose 14% to £5.16 billion, and adjusted operating profit was £288.6 million, compared with £89.1 million a year earlier. The Margin was 5.6%.

The comparison period was affected by last year's cyber incident, so the recovery in the half also reflects the return to normal trading. Customers continue to value the quality and range of the M&S Food offer.

Fashion, Home & Beauty

Sales rose 18% to £2.00 billion, and adjusted operating profit was £150.5 million, up from £46.1 million. The margin rose to 7.5% from 2.7%.

Online sales grew in the division, and management said that sales and profit remain below the 2024/25 level, which it attributed to the lingering effects of the incident and lower store sales during a hot summer.

Profit, Dividend and Ocado

Reported pretax profit was £355.1 million, compared with £3.4 million a year earlier. The Interim Dividend was increased 17% to 1.4p per share from 1.2p.

The Ocado joint venture contributed profit of £25.6 million, compared with a loss of £3.1 million a year earlier.

Outlook

Management expects full-year adjusted pretax profit for 2026/27 to be in line with market expectations. Second-half performance in Fashion, Home & Beauty is expected to improve on the first half, and full-year Food margins are expected to be ahead of 2024/25. Capital Expenditure is expected to be around £750 million this year.

Why Quality and Trust Matter

Marks and Spencer has built its reputation on high standards for food and clothing, with a focus on own-label products. Customers often choose it for convenience meals, fresh produce and everyday essentials, as well as for clothing basics.

The group has been investing in store refreshes, Supply chain systems and digital channels to improve availability and customer experience. A larger online offer complements its store network.

Transformation

Chief executive Stuart Machin has set out a programme to improve stores, expand the food estate and modernise the supply chain. Management has said that there is more to do, particularly in Fashion, Home & Beauty, where it is working to rebuild ranges and online availability.

Sustainability and Partnerships

M&S has set targets to reduce emissions and food waste, and it works with farmers and suppliers on responsible sourcing standards. Its Plan A programme has guided many of these efforts for years.

Food Offer and Customers

M&S Food is known for its high-quality ready meals, fresh produce and own-label range, and it has been expanding its store network with new and refurbished food halls. The Business also supplies products to Franchise partners and to customers online.

Customers value the quality of its products and its innovation in areas such as healthier eating and premium convenience. Food sales growth of 14% shows how this positioning resonates, while the improvement in margin to 5.6% reflects better cost control and Volume growth.

The group has also been investing in its supply chain, including automation and new distribution capacity, to improve availability and efficiency.

Factors to Monitor

Investors following LSE:MKS may watch Food sales trends, the recovery in Fashion, Home & Beauty, margin progress, the Ocado venture and the Christmas trading period.

Conclusion

Marks and Spencer Group plc rose 0.77% to 459.7p today following half-year results showing 15% Revenue growth, adjusted pretax profit of £403.2 million and a 17% higher interim dividend. Food momentum and a recovering clothing business remain central themes. Future company announcements should provide further detail on operating progress, capital allocation and management priorities.