Strong Profit Growth
Underlying profit before tax of GBP 72m, up 71% year-on-year (nearly 3x the level two years prior), driven by higher EBITDA and lower finance costs.
EBITDA Increase and Margin Expansion
EBITDA of GBP 205m, up ~7% (6.5% cited); EBITDA margin expanded by 140 basis points to 22.8% (progress toward CMD target range).
Recurring Free Cash Flow Above Target
Recurring free cash flow of GBP 53.2m, up 22% year-on-year and ahead of the GBP 50m CMD target (delivered earlier than planned).
Like-for-like Revenue Outperformance
Total revenue reported at GBP 898m (broadly flat year-on-year), with like-for-like sales up 1.6%, ahead of market growth of 0.7%.
Successful Pub Format Conversions
31 format launches in FY25; average revenue uplift from conversions of 23% year-on-year and EBITDA returns >30% to date at an average cost of GBP 260,000 per site (strong ROIC).
Operational Productivity and Cost Savings
Labor productivity delivered nearly GBP 10m of savings (offsetting NLW/NIC increases), plus improved food/drink margins and energy savings contributing to margin gains.
Deleveraging Progress
Net debt (ex leases) reduced by GBP 46.2m to GBP 837.5m; net debt-to-EBITDA (ex leases) reduced to 4.6x from 5.2x as the group continues to delever and commits to a sub-4x target for resumption of shareholder returns.
Estate and Per-site Performance
Estate of 1,328 pubs (1,182 managed & partnership, 146 T&L); EBITDA per pub increased to GBP 154k, a 28% improvement over the last two years.
Balance Sheet and NAV Improvement
Net assets rose by GBP 136m (21% year-on-year) to GBP 791m, with net asset value per share increasing to GBP 1.25; property assets underpinning balance sheet GBP 2.2bn (81% effective freeholds).
Operational KPIs and Guest Experience
Record guest reputation score of 816 (up from 800 last year and 766 in 2023); digital order & pay app delivering ~10% revenue uplift for users and better reputation at higher adoption pubs.