Shore Capital highlighted that Card Factory's (LSE:CARD) acquisition strategy, notably Funky Pigeon plus wholesale additions Garven and Garlanna, together with a 27‑store net rollout and the 'Simplify & Scale' cost programme, is driving digital and wholesale diversification and helping mitigate inflationary pressures.
It comes as the UK greetings‑card retailer delivered top‑line growth in FY26 but weaker profitability after softer second‑half high‑street footfall reduced transactions, with cash generation a standout positive.
Card Factory reported revenue up 7.4% to £582.7m and Adjusted PBT down 15.2% to £56m, generated free cash flow of £40.7m, recorded total digital sales of £20.6m (including £13.5m from Funky Pigeon), recommended a final dividend of 3.7p (5.0p total) and unveiled a £15m buyback, leaving net debt at £67.9m after acquisitions and returns to shareholders.
Shore Capital flags management's guidance that FY27 Adjusted PBT should be broadly in line with market consensus of about £58.2m and says early FY27 trading (excluding incremental Funky Pigeon benefit) plus hedging cover (100% FX, c.80% energy) are the near‑term proof points to watch.
