The founder of electricals retailer AO World said his gran is ‘delighted’ and hopes his ‘mum is proud’ after the company’s latest set of financial results.
John Roberts famously founded the Bolton-based retailer after a £1 bet in a pub with a mate before floating the business in 2014.
For the 12 months to March 31, 2026, AO World’s revenue growth is expected to be c. 11 per cent and B2C growth is expected to be c. 9.5 per cent, underpinned by market share gains across all key categories.
Adjusted profit before tax is expected to be in line with previously upgraded guidance, at the top end of £45-£50m.
The group had hedging arrangements in place in advance of recent geopolitical developments, covering approximately 80 per cent of forecast fuel usage and 100 per cent of electricity usage, which covers the full FY27 trading period.
At the period end, the online electrical retailer expects to have c. £200m of liquidity.
Roberts said: “The numbers speak for themselves again and I am delighted to keep doing our talking on the pitch.
“Our shared economics strategy and membership model, built on the foundations of brilliant retail basics, continues to deliver results. We continue to build momentum and all key metrics continue to improve, with an exciting pipeline of new initiatives ahead.
“In the coming weeks, AO will become the first company globally to reach one million Trustpilot reviews with a 4.9 rating from customers.
“Having founded AO 26 years ago in a small office with three people and a dream, I am incredibly proud to have reached this milestone, which is a testament to the entire team.
“To achieve that in a logistically difficult category highlights the structural advantage we have been building with world class quality at scale.
“This underpins our reputation as the UK’s most trusted electrical retailer and the value of it sits on our balance sheet at zero.
“I’d like to thank every AOer and every trading partner that has made it possible by embracing our relentless obsession with customers. In line with our values, my gran is delighted and I hope my mum is proud!”
AO expects to publish its full year results to March 31, 2026 on June 17, 2026.