Hollywood Bowl (BOWL) AI Stock Analysis

• Market Cap: £394.67M
• Dividend Yield: 4.36%
• Average Volume (3M): 557.44K
• Price to Earnings (P/E): 12.4
• Beta (1Y): 1.07
• Revenue Growth: 8.79%
• EPS Growth: 17.06%
• Country: UK
• Employees: 2,826
• Sector: Consumer Cyclical
• Sector Strength: 84
• Industry: Leisure
• EPS (TTM): 0.08
• Shares Outstanding: 167,588,800
• 10 Day Avg. Volume: 819,348
• 30 Day Avg. Volume: 557,444
• PEG Ratio: 0.71
• Price to Book (P/B): 2.85
• Price to Sales (P/S): 1.72
• P/FCF Ratio: 11.42
• Enterprise Value/Market Cap: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Revenue: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Gross Profit: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Ebitda: N/A
• 1Y Price Target: £440.00
• Price Target Upside: 60.29% Upside
• Rating Consensus: Moderate Buy
• Number of Analyst Covering: 1
• EPS Forecast (FY): 0.23
• Revenue Forecast (FY): £271.68M

• Rating: 75 Outperform
• Price Target: 265.00 p ▼(-3.46% Downside)
• Action: Reiterated Date: 12/18/25
• Date: Action: Reiterated 12/18/25

Hollywood Bowl's strong financial performance and reasonable valuation are the primary drivers of its overall stock score. While technical indicators suggest some short-term weakness, the company's solid fundamentals and attractive dividend yield provide a positive outlook.

Positive Factors

Strong cash generation

Sustained free cash flow growth (31%) and strong cash conversion (OCF to net income 2.12) indicate the business reliably converts profits into cash. This underpins capacity for reinvestment, maintenance capex for venues, dividend support and flexibility to pay down debt over the medium term.

High and stable margins

Robust gross and EBITDA margins reflect efficient venue operations and favorable unit economics of bowling, F&B and arcade services. High margin structure supports profit retention and resilience to demand fluctuations, enabling funding of promotions and incremental expansion without eroding profitability.

Leading UK leisure operator with diversified revenue

Scale as a leading operator plus diversified streams (lane rentals, F&B, arcade, events, brand partnerships) creates resilient revenue mix and cross‑sell opportunities. A broad customer base—families, corporates and parties—smooths seasonality and supports steady footfall and repeat visits over the medium term.

Negative Factors

Elevated leverage

A debt-to-equity ratio around 1.56 and noted rising debt increase interest and refinancing exposure. Elevated leverage can limit strategic flexibility for new sites, make the company sensitive to rate rises, and constrain cash available for dividends or opportunistic investment if not reduced.

Rising operating costs

A noted decline in gross margin signals pressure from higher input, labor or supply costs. For a hospitality/leisure operator with significant staffing and F&B input costs, sustained cost inflation could erode margins unless offset by price increases or efficiency gains, risking long‑term margin compression.

Exposure to discretionary spending cycles

Revenue dependence on discretionary leisure and event spending makes performance sensitive to economic slowdowns and consumer confidence. In downturns customers may cut discretionary outings and events, reducing footfall and spend per visit and increasing volatility in medium‑term revenue growth.

Hollywood Bowl Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company Description

Hollywood Bowl Group plc operates ten-pin bowling and mini-golf centers in the United Kingdom. As of September 30, 2021, it operated 64 centers under the Hollywood Bowl, AMF Bowling, and Puttstars brands. The company was incorporated in 2016 and is headquartered in Hemel Hempstead, the United Kingdom.

How the Company Makes Money

Hollywood Bowl generates revenue primarily through the sale of bowling games, where customers pay for lane rentals and shoe hire. Additional revenue streams include the sale of food and beverages at its venues, arcade game revenues, and the hosting of special events and parties, which are often booked for birthdays, corporate outings, and special occasions. The company also benefits from partnerships with various brands for promotional events and activities, which can drive traffic to its locations and enhance customer engagement. Seasonal promotions and loyalty programs further contribute to its earnings by encouraging repeat visits and customer loyalty.

Hollywood Bowl Financial Statement Overview

Summary

Hollywood Bowl shows strong financial performance with consistent revenue growth and robust profitability. The company maintains efficient operations with high EBIT and EBITDA margins. However, rising costs and increasing debt levels require careful monitoring.

Income Statement

Hollywood Bowl has demonstrated consistent revenue growth with a 4.16% increase in the latest year, reflecting strong demand in the leisure industry. The company maintains healthy profitability with a gross profit margin of 49.95% and a net profit margin of 13.82%. EBIT and EBITDA margins are robust at 22.77% and 35.89%, respectively, indicating efficient operations. However, the slight decrease in gross profit margin from the previous year suggests rising costs that need monitoring.

Balance Sheet

The balance sheet shows a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 1.56, indicating a balanced approach to leveraging. Return on equity stands at 22.87%, showcasing effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio is 34.45%, suggesting a solid capital structure. While the company has managed its debt well, the increasing debt levels over the years could pose a risk if not managed carefully.

Cash Flow

Cash flow analysis reveals a strong free cash flow growth of 31%, highlighting improved cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 2.12, indicating strong cash conversion. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 1.09, reflecting efficient cash management. Despite these strengths, the company should continue to focus on sustaining cash flow growth to support future investments.

Breakdown	Sep 2025	Sep 2024	Sep 2023	Sep 2022	Sep 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue	250.46M	230.40M	215.08M	193.60M	71.88M
Gross Profit	125.11M	145.50M	136.87M	142.85M	41.52M
EBITDA	89.92M	82.08M	79.02M	76.67M	29.68M
Net Income	34.61M	29.91M	34.15M	37.45M	1.73M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets	439.22M	417.83M	383.51M	368.56M	302.49M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments	15.19M	28.70M	52.45M	56.07M	29.94M
Total Debt	235.79M	218.24M	194.21M	188.37M	173.94M
Total Liabilities	287.93M	265.63M	235.57M	230.13M	197.80M
Stockholders Equity	151.29M	152.21M	147.94M	138.42M	104.69M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow	37.73M	29.10M	40.62M	53.36M	18.72M
Operating Cash Flow	73.55M	68.03M	63.47M	75.19M	28.30M
Investing Cash Flow	-36.45M	-52.60M	-30.25M	-29.51M	-9.58M
Financing Cash Flow	-50.54M	-38.86M	-36.75M	-19.55M	-9.56M

Hollywood Bowl Technical Analysis

• Technical Analysis Sentiment: Negative
• Last Price: 274.50
• 50DMA: Negative
• 100DMA: Negative
• 200DMA: Negative
• MACD: Positive
• RSI: Positive
• STOCH: Positive

Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:BOWL, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 274.5 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 254.75, above the 50-day MA of 259.98, and above the 200-day MA of 253.59, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -5.00 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 27.41 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 7.83 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:BOWL.

Hollywood Bowl Peers Comparison

Name	Overall Rating	Market Cap	P/E Ratio	ROE	Dividend Yield	Revenue Growth	EPS Growth
BOWL	75 Outperform	£394.67M	12.45	22.81%	4.36%	8.79%	17.06%
MARS	66 Neutral	£330.96M	3.47	9.91%	―	-0.08%	―
MAB	66 Neutral	£1.52B	8.30	6.46%	―	3.87%	18.31%
RNK	65 Neutral	£425.80M	6.26	9.03%	2.58%	8.26%	263.36%
Sector *	61 Neutral	$18.38B	12.79	-2.54%	3.03%	1.52%	-15.83%
JDW	55 Neutral	£574.24M	8.99	18.03%	1.50%	4.52%	50.39%
ENT	53 Neutral	£3.48B	-7.35	-28.60%	2.24%	5.14%	-7.80%

Hollywood Bowl Corporate Events

Hollywood Bowl appoints EY as new auditor after KPMG resignation

Hollywood Bowl Group plc has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as its new external auditor for the financial year ending 30 September 2026, following a formal tender process aimed at reviewing its audit arrangements. The appointment for subsequent periods will be subject to shareholder approval at the company’s 2027 annual general meeting, in line with standard U.K. corporate governance practice.

At the board’s request, KPMG LLP has resigned as auditor and has formally confirmed there are no circumstances surrounding its departure that need to be brought to the attention of shareholders or creditors. The orderly transition, supported by KPMG’s neutral resignation statement, signals a routine change in audit provider rather than a sign of underlying financial or governance concerns for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BOWL) stock is a Buy with a £420.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hollywood Bowl stock, see the GB:BOWL Stock Forecast page.

Hollywood Bowl Director Takes Audit Chair Role at Tapir Holdings

Hollywood Bowl Group plc, the U.K. and Canada’s largest ten-pin bowling operator, has disclosed a board-related change involving one of its senior figures. The group, which focuses on leisure and family entertainment across its estate, remains a key player in the bowling and social-entertainment market.

The company announced that Senior Independent Director Rachel Addison has been appointed a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at AIM-quoted Tapir Holdings Limited. The cross-appointment underscores the depth of Hollywood Bowl’s board-level expertise and may enhance its governance profile, though it does not directly alter the group’s operational strategy.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BOWL) stock is a Buy with a £420.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hollywood Bowl stock, see the GB:BOWL Stock Forecast page.

Hollywood Bowl Executives Boost Stakes via 2023 SAYE Option Exercises

Hollywood Bowl Group has disclosed that several senior executives, including chief executive Stephen Burns and other key directors, have acquired ordinary shares through the exercise of options granted under the company’s 2023 Save As You Earn scheme. The HMRC-approved, all-employee plan allowed the options, priced at £2.43 per share, to be exercised after a three-year saving period that ended on 1 February 2026, modestly increasing management’s direct equity stakes and further aligning leadership with shareholder interests.

The transactions, carried out on 6 March 2026 on the London Stock Exchange, saw Burns, Chief People Officer Melanie Dickinson, Canada CEO Laurence Keen, UK managing director Darryl Lewis and business development director Mat Hart collectively add thousands of shares to their holdings. While the volumes are small in the context of the company’s total share capital, the moves reinforce the role of broad-based employee ownership in Hollywood Bowl’s remuneration structure and may be viewed positively by investors as a signal of management’s confidence in the group’s long-term prospects.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BOWL) stock is a Buy with a £420.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hollywood Bowl stock, see the GB:BOWL Stock Forecast page.

Hollywood Bowl Group Confirms Total Voting Rights

Hollywood Bowl Group plc has confirmed that, as of 28 February 2026, its issued share capital comprises 167,588,807 ordinary shares of £0.01 each. The company holds no shares in treasury, meaning all issued shares carry voting rights for shareholders.

As a result, the total number of voting rights in Hollywood Bowl Group stands at 167,588,807, a figure that investors must use when assessing whether they are required to disclose holdings or changes in holdings. The clarification supports transparency and regulatory compliance under the Financial Conduct Authority’s disclosure and transparency framework.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BOWL) stock is a Buy with a £420.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hollywood Bowl stock, see the GB:BOWL Stock Forecast page.

Hollywood Bowl Director Adds to Stake with Modest Share Purchase

Hollywood Bowl Group has disclosed that non-executive director Asheeka Hyde purchased 1,000 ordinary shares in the company on 13 February at £2.5975 per share. The transaction increases her holding to 2,000 shares, representing a negligible 0.001% stake, but underscores board-level alignment with shareholders as disclosed under UK Market Abuse Regulation.

The share purchase, executed on the London Stock Exchange, is classified as a routine PDMR transaction and does not materially alter the company’s ownership structure. However, such insider buying can be read by investors as a modest vote of confidence in Hollywood Bowl’s prospects, even though the individual stake remains very small in the context of total issued share capital.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BOWL) stock is a Buy with a £420.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hollywood Bowl stock, see the GB:BOWL Stock Forecast page.

Hollywood Bowl executives disclose LTIP-related share sales

Hollywood Bowl Group has disclosed share transactions by senior management and their closely associated persons following the exercise of awards under its Long-Term Incentive Plan granted in January 2023. On 6 February 2026, shares were sold by the chief people officer, and by the spouses of the group chief executive and the CEO of the Canadian business, primarily to cover tax and national insurance liabilities arising from the LTIP exercises.

Following these disposals, Stephen Burns, the group’s chief executive, holds 3,230,526 shares, Canadian CEO Laurence Keen holds 1,387,724 shares, and chief people officer Melanie Dickinson holds 328,760 shares. The transactions, executed on the London Stock Exchange at £2.5936 per share, underline continuing significant equity exposure of Hollywood Bowl’s top executives despite the sales linked to incentive-plan vesting.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BOWL) stock is a Buy with a £420.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hollywood Bowl stock, see the GB:BOWL Stock Forecast page.

Hollywood Bowl Extends SAYE Share Options to 82 Staff and Senior Executives

Hollywood Bowl Group has granted options over 127,416 ordinary shares to 82 eligible employees under its Save As You Earn scheme, representing about 0.10% of its issued share capital. The options, which carry an exercise price of £2.76 per share and are exercisable between February and July 2029 without performance conditions, are intended to allow staff to share in the company’s future growth.

Senior management, including chief executive Stephen Burns, business development director Mat Hart, UK managing director Darryl Lewis and chief marketing officer Rob Demirtges, have also joined the scheme with relatively modest individual grants. The move underlines Hollywood Bowl’s use of broad-based, regulated share plans to align employees and executives with shareholders, potentially strengthening retention and engagement across the business.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BOWL) stock is a Buy with a £420.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hollywood Bowl stock, see the GB:BOWL Stock Forecast page.

Hollywood Bowl Issues New Shares as Executives Exercise Long-Term Incentive Options

Hollywood Bowl Group has issued 736,901 new ordinary shares to satisfy the exercise of nil‑cost options granted under its Long-Term Incentive Plan to several senior executives, including chief executive Stephen Burns, with a portion of the resulting shares sold to meet tax, national insurance and dealing cost obligations. Following these transactions, which will see the new shares admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange and rank pari passu with existing stock, the affected PDMRs have increased their direct shareholdings, reinforcing management’s equity alignment while causing a modest dilution for existing shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BOWL) stock is a Buy with a £420.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hollywood Bowl stock, see the GB:BOWL Stock Forecast page.

Hollywood Bowl Grants New LTIP Share Awards and Cuts Legacy Options for Canadian CEO

Hollywood Bowl Group has granted new nil-cost share options to its executive directors and senior managers under its Long Term Incentive Plan, including 268,568 share awards to chief executive Stephen Burns and awards to other key executives such as the chief people officer, the CEO for Canada and the UK managing director. The awards, which will vest after three years and be subject to a further two-year holding period, are tied to a mix of financial and non-financial metrics for the 2026–2028 performance period, heavily weighted to pre-IFRS 16 adjusted earnings per share but also linked to relative total shareholder return against the FTSE 250, returns on centre investment and a UK emissions intensity ratio, underscoring the company’s focus on shareholder value and sustainability. In a related move, the company has implemented a 30% reduction in legacy LTIP awards granted to Canadian CEO and former CFO Laurence Keen in 2024 and 2025, achieved through the surrender of 96,895 options, reflecting a recalibration of his remuneration package following his change of role while keeping all other terms of those awards unchanged.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BOWL) stock is a Buy with a £420.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hollywood Bowl stock, see the GB:BOWL Stock Forecast page.

Hollywood Bowl Investors Back All AGM Resolutions and Approve Final Dividend

Hollywood Bowl Group reported the results of its annual general meeting held on 29 January 2026, where all resolutions, including the receipt of the 2025 accounts and the declaration of a final dividend of 9.18 pence per share, were passed with strong shareholder support. Shareholders also approved the directors’ remuneration report, re-elected all standing directors, elected new board member Asheeka Hyde, reappointed KPMG as auditor, and endorsed amendments to the company’s long-term incentive and save-as-you-earn plans, alongside authorities for share allotment, pre-emption right disapplication and buybacks, and shorter notice for general meetings; CFO Laurence Keen stepped down from the board as previously signalled, marking a planned leadership transition while voting levels, at around 88% of issued share capital, underscored robust investor engagement in the group’s capital and governance framework.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BOWL) stock is a Buy with a £420.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hollywood Bowl stock, see the GB:BOWL Stock Forecast page.

Hollywood Bowl Publishes 2025 Annual Report and 2026 AGM Notice

Hollywood Bowl Group plc has published its Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2025 and the Notice of its 2026 Annual General Meeting, following the release of its audited results in December. The documents, which include information on updated rules for the company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan and Save As You Earn Plan, are available on its website and will also be filed with the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s National Storage Mechanism, signalling continued compliance with disclosure requirements and providing shareholders with key governance and remuneration details ahead of the AGM on 29 January 2026 in London.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BOWL) stock is a Buy with a £420.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hollywood Bowl stock, see the GB:BOWL Stock Forecast page.

Hollywood Bowl CFO Transfers Shares to Spouse With No Change in Beneficial Holding

Hollywood Bowl Group has disclosed an internal share transfer involving its chief financial officer, Laurence Keen, who has moved 320,000 ordinary shares in the company to his spouse, Pippa Keen, for no consideration. The transaction, carried out outside a trading venue and notified under UK Market Abuse Regulation, does not alter Keen’s overall beneficial holding, which remains at 1,387,724 shares, or about 0.83% of the company’s issued share capital, indicating no change in his underlying economic exposure to the business for shareholders to interpret as a shift in executive confidence or alignment.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:BOWL) stock is a Buy with a £420.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hollywood Bowl stock, see the GB:BOWL Stock Forecast page.