WOLVERHAMPTON-based brewery and pub operator Marston’s has seen a steady increase in revenues and profits.
In its interim results for the 26 weeks ended April 2, 2011, the plc reported a climb in group revenue of 2.8% to £317.9m and a 5% hike in underlying profit before tax to £29.2m.
Like-for-like sales at Marston’s Inns and Taverns are up 2.4% with operating profit up 3.9%.
Marston’s Pub Company’s operating profit is up 0.3% while Marston’s Beer Company operating profit is up 1.4%.
The company said today its net debt was “slightly below last year” at £1.1bn.
This year Martson’s has completed eight new-build pubs while like-for-like food sales are up 5%, now representing 41% of sales with premium ale brands making up 62% of its ale portfolio.
The Marston’s portfolio of brands includes Pedigree, Hobgoblin, Banks’s and Ringwood.
Chief executive Ralph Findlay said: “The performance of the group in the first half year has been encouraging, despite challenging market conditions and the severe weather in December, and this has continued with good trading over the Easter period.
“Our focused and disciplined strategy, offering consumers value for money in well-invested pubs, together with sector-leading shares in the growth segments of the beer market, places us in a strong position for the future.”
