Third Quarter Trading Update

RNS Number : 2180M
Mitchells & Butlers PLC
27 July 2017
 

 

27 July 2017

 

 

Mitchells & Butlers plc

Third Quarter Trading Update

 

Trading statement covering the 43 weeks ended 22 July 2017.

 

Operating performance

 

Trading since the half year has been strong, with like-for-like sales growth of 2.6% over the 10 week period continuing both the momentum reported at the half year and out-performance to the marketa.  Total sales have increased by 3.1% in the year-to-date.

 

Like-for-like trading performance since the last update is set out below.

 

Like-for-like sales






28 weeks to

8 April 2017

33 weeks to

13 May 2017

10 weeks to

22 July 2017

43 weeks to

22 July 2017

 

Total

 

1.6%

 

1.9%

 

2.6%

 

2.0%

Food

0.8%

1.4%

1.3%

1.4%

Drink

2.3%

2.4%

3.8%

2.7%

 

As previously advised, increased cost pressure is expected to lead to margins being lower than last year.

 

Investments

 

We have opened 13 new sites and completed 224 conversions and remodels in the financial year to date. 

 

Pensions

 

The company has now reached agreement on the 2016 triennial pensions valuation with the scheme trustees. The agreed deficit of £451m as at 31 March 2016 (2013: £572m) will be funded by an unchanged level of cash contributions (of £46m pa indexed) to 2023, as per the agreement reached in 2013.

 

In 2024 an additional payment of £13m will be made into escrow, should such further funding be required at that time.

 

Phil Urban, Chief Executive, commented:

 

"Sales performance since the half year has been encouraging, with strengthening like-for-likes helped by the sunny weather and continued outperformance to the marketa.  The cost headwinds we face remain challenging.  However, we are working hard to mitigate these where we can and we are confident that continued focus on the three strategic priority areas we have identified will help us to deliver a performance for the full year in line with the Board's expectations and will generate long term sustainable shareholder value."

 

 

Note: [a] As measured by the Coffer Peach Business Tracker


 

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Tim Jones - Finance Director

+44 (0)121 498 6112

Amy de Marsac - Investor Relations

+44 (0)121 498 6514

James Murgatroyd (Finsbury)   

+44 (0)20 7251 3801

 

Notes for editors:

 

-

Mitchells & Butlers is a leading operator of managed restaurants and pubs. Its strong portfolio of brands and formats includes Harvester, Toby Carvery, All Bar One, Miller & Carter, Premium Country Pubs, Sizzling Pubs, Stonehouse, Vintage Inns, Browns, Castle, Nicholson's, O'Neill's and Ember Inns. In addition, it operates Innkeeper's Lodge hotels in the UK and Alex restaurants and bars in Germany. Further details are available at www.mbplc.com and supporting photography can be downloaded at www.mbplc.com/imagelibrary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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