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Marston's PLC (GB:MARS)
LSE:MARS

Marston's (MARS) AI Stock Analysis

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GB

Marston's

(LSE:MARS)

Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
47.00p
▲(11.24%Upside)
The overall stock score is driven by positive technical trends and an attractive valuation, offset by financial performance concerns due to high leverage and net losses. Corporate events further bolster the outlook with strategic leadership changes and profit growth.
Positive Factors
Debt Management
The sale of the brewery joint venture has led to an increased focus as a pure-play pub operator and material debt reduction.
Financial Performance
Stable revenues and a +250bps EBITDA margin increase driven by improved labour scheduling and procurement should underpin confidence in the full year numbers.
Market Valuation
Valuation is slightly below historicals at 7.4x FY24E EV/EBITDA versus c9x pre-pandemic.
Negative Factors
Debt Levels
The main issue remains the quantum of debt (£881m, 4.9x net debt / EBITDA) and that bond amortisation payments will soak up the majority of the new £50m free cash flow per annum target.
Dividend Limitations
Limited scope for a dividend is expected due to the focus on debt reduction and bond amortisation payments.

Marston's (MARS) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Marston's Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionMarston's PLC operates managed, franchised, tenanted, and leased pubs, bars, restaurants, and accommodations in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company operates through approximately 1,500 bars and pubs; and approximately 1,836 rooms. It is also involved in the property management; telecommunications; and insurance businesses. The company was formerly known as The Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries PLC and changed its name to Marston's PLC in January 2007. The company was founded in 1834 and is based in Wolverhampton, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyMarston's PLC generates revenue through a combination of its pub and brewing operations. The primary revenue stream is derived from its extensive network of managed, franchised, and leased pubs, where income is earned through the sale of food and beverages. Additionally, Marston's owns and operates several breweries that produce and sell beer to both its own pubs and other third-party establishments. The company benefits from licensing agreements and partnerships with other beverage producers to distribute and market its products. Revenue is also supplemented by rental income from leased pub properties and franchising fees from pub operators. Marston's strategic partnerships and brand recognition contribute significantly to its financial success, allowing it to maintain a strong presence in the competitive UK pub and beer market.

Marston's Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Marston's is showing revenue growth and strong operational cash flows, which are positive indicators for future growth. However, persistent net losses and high leverage pose risks to financial stability. Improving profitability remains crucial to enhancing overall financial health.
Income Statement
68
Positive
Marston's shows a positive trend in revenue growth with a 3% increase from 2023 to 2024, indicating recovery post-COVID-19 disruptions. However, the company struggles with profitability, reflected in consistent net losses and negative net profit margins over recent years. The gross profit margin is healthy at approximately 54% in 2024, but net income remains a concern, affecting bottom-line performance.
Balance Sheet
62
Positive
The balance sheet reveals high leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.99 in 2024, indicating significant reliance on debt financing. Despite this, the company maintains a stable equity base, with an equity ratio of 29.6%. The return on equity is negative due to net losses, suggesting inefficiencies in utilizing shareholder funds for generating profits.
Cash Flow
74
Positive
Cash flow from operations has strengthened significantly, with a notable increase in free cash flow from 2023 to 2024. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust, indicating strong cash generation capability relative to reported losses. This positions Marston's well for managing liquidity and funding obligations despite ongoing net losses.
BreakdownSep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021Sep 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue898.60M872.30M799.60M401.70M515.50M
Gross Profit489.10M435.70M335.40M74.20M160.20M
EBITDA166.20M115.30M296.20M-34.20M-250.70M
Net Income-18.50M-9.30M137.20M-127.70M-359.60M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.21B2.45B2.52B2.47B2.53B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments45.50M29.60M30.70M35.40M42.60M
Total Debt1.30B1.60B1.62B1.64B1.68B
Total Liabilities1.56B1.81B1.87B2.06B2.28B
Stockholders Equity654.80M640.10M648.10M406.40M248.90M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow161.20M75.90M-14.60M-107.70M3.30M
Operating Cash Flow207.40M141.20M55.50M-61.10M67.00M
Investing Cash Flow211.90M-9.80M-29.10M197.70M13.90M
Financing Cash Flow-401.40M-132.60M-30.90M-145.10M-77.80M

Marston's Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price42.25
Price Trends
50DMA
40.39
Positive
100DMA
39.35
Positive
200DMA
40.13
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.37
Positive
RSI
53.06
Neutral
STOCH
72.35
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:MARS, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 42.25 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 41.46, above the 50-day MA of 40.39, and above the 200-day MA of 40.13, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.37 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 53.06 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 72.35 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:MARS.

Marston's Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
GBMAB
80
Outperform
£1.73B10.316.90%1.95%275.56%
74
Outperform
£323.85M12.476.45%2.48%2.22%98.79%
73
Outperform
£267.29M6.0410.69%0.50%
72
Outperform
£510.87M60.271.27%1.80%16.73%-55.22%
GBJDW
67
Neutral
£849.82M15.1516.38%0.38%3.70%57.10%
66
Neutral
£1.86B11.426.20%3.06%0.61%-17.57%
66
Neutral
£8.11M4.0110.60%3.65%2.76%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:MARS
Marston's
41.60
10.70
34.63%
GB:FSTA
Fuller Smith & Turner
590.00
-92.86
-13.60%
GB:HVTA
Heavitree Brewery
155.00
0.93
0.60%
GB:MAB
Mitchells & Butlers
280.50
-7.50
-2.60%
GB:JDW
J D Wetherspoon
769.50
35.79
4.88%
GB:YNGA
Young & Co'S Brewery
945.00
12.50
1.34%

Marston's Corporate Events

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Marston’s PLC Updates Total Voting Rights Following Sharesave Scheme
Neutral
Jul 1, 2025

Marston’s PLC has announced an update on its total voting rights as of July 1, 2025. The company has 660,362,194 ordinary shares admitted to trading, with 26,040,019 held in treasury, resulting in a maximum of 187,125,042 voting rights available. This update follows a decrease in treasury shares due to the exercise of options under the 2022 Sharesave Scheme. Shareholders can use these figures to calculate their voting rights and determine any changes in their interest in the company.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MARS) stock is a Buy with a £78.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Marston’s stock, see the GB:MARS Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Marston’s PLC Appoints Stephen Hopson as New CFO
Positive
Jun 26, 2025

Marston’s PLC has announced the appointment of Stephen Hopson as the new Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Hayleigh Lupino. Stephen brings extensive experience from the leisure and retail sectors, having previously served as CFO at Topps Tiles plc and held senior roles at Molson Coors Beverage Company and Travis Perkins plc. This leadership change is expected to support Marston’s strategic goals as a leading hospitality business, aiming to enhance shareholder returns and sustain growth.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MARS) stock is a Buy with a £78.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Marston’s stock, see the GB:MARS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Marston’s PLC Reports Strong Profit Growth and Strategic Progress in H1 2025
Positive
May 13, 2025

Marston’s PLC reported strong profit growth and strategic progress in its interim results for the 26 weeks ending March 29, 2025. Despite stable total revenue, the company achieved a 20.1% increase in underlying pub operating profit, driven by operational efficiency and strategic cost-saving measures. The company is on track with its strategic investments and debt reduction, with net debt significantly reduced, providing increased financial flexibility. Marston’s continues to focus on enhancing guest satisfaction and expanding its pub formats, with successful new openings and improved customer engagement through demand-driving events. The company remains confident in its full-year outlook, expecting to meet market expectations and deliver sustainable growth.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:MARS) stock is a Buy with a £78.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Marston’s stock, see the GB:MARS Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Marston’s PLC Announces Total Voting Rights Update
Neutral
May 1, 2025

Marston’s PLC has announced its total voting rights as of May 1, 2025, in compliance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. The company reported having 660,362,194 issued ordinary shares, with 26,048,294 held in treasury, resulting in 187,122,600 total voting rights for ordinary shares. Additionally, the company has 75,000 preference shares with 300,000 total voting rights. This information is crucial for shareholders to determine their voting power and any changes in their interest in the company.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jun 26, 2025