ASOS returns to fourth-quarter growth as profit improves

Retail & Consumer Written by: Ephrem Joseph 02:29 Thu 24 Sep 2026 --> Disclaimer No investment advice About this content Editorial Standards & Policies Share article About this content × About Ephrem Joseph Ephrem began his journalistic journey at Proactive in June 2021. With a strong academic background in Information Technology, his expertise particularly lies in the field of Cyber Security, Management Information Systems and Computer Forensics. Before joining Proactive, Ephrem worked as a researcher and lecturer at a number of leading universities, including the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, the University of Winchester’s Institute of Policing, and Jain... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the world’s key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. ASOS PLC ( LSE:ASC ) View Price & Profile ASOS returns to fourth-quarter growth as profit improves Published: 02:29 24 Sep 2026 EDT ASOS PLC (LSE:ASC) returned to gross merchandise value growth in the fourth quarter as the online fashion retailer reported further progress on profitability and margins. For the year to 30 August 2026, gross merchandise value declined 5% year on year, although the growth rate improved in every quarter and moved into low-single-digit growth in the fourth quarter. The UK and Germany delivered positive growth in the second half, while the US returned to growth in the fourth quarter. Womenswear, a priority category for the group, grew 3% over the full year and 8% in the second half. Adjusted gross margin is expected to exceed 50%, above the previously guided range of 48% to 50% and also ahead of the company’s medium-term target. Adjusted EBITDA increased by more than 25% year on year and is expected to come in above the midpoint of the £150 million to £180 million guidance range, supported by stronger gross margins, a lower returns rate and continued cost discipline. Active customers stood at 16.4 million at the year-end, compared with 16.5 million at the half-year stage. Fourth-quarter customer numbers increased against the third quarter, marking the first quarterly growth since the second quarter of 2022. Net debt fell to around £110 million from £184.7 million a year earlier, helped by approximately £116 million of proceeds from the disposal of the Lichfield and Atlanta fulfilment centres. The two disposals are also expected to generate annual cash cost savings of around £12 million. Full-year results are due on 5 November. Continue reading