AGM Statement

Vianet Group PLC

07 July 2026

 

7 July 2026

Vianet Group plc

("Vianet" or the "Group")

AGM Statement: Strong Start to FY27 with First Quarter Trading Ahead of Expectations

Vianet Group plc (AIM: VNET), the international provider of actionable data, business insights and payment solutions delivered through an integrated ecosystem of connected hardware devices, software platforms and increasingly AI-enhanced analytics, will hold its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") today at the offices of Vianet Group plc, One Surtees Way, Surtees Business Park, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3HR.

James Dickson, Chairman, will provide the following trading update at today's meeting:

Following the strong operational and financial progress delivered during FY26, I am pleased to report that FY27 has started positively. Both our Hospitality and Unattended Retail divisions have delivered recurring revenue and gross profit growth during the first quarter compared with the prior year, with trading ahead of management's expectations. Group revenue for the first quarter grew by 3.1% year-on-year, with recurring revenue being 5.8% ahead representing approximately 88% of turnover - early evidence that the operational leverage built during FY26 is coming through.

This encouraging start reflects the continued execution of the strategic priorities established over the past two years. The cost management initiatives implemented during FY26 are now translating into improved operational leverage across the Group, while allowing us to continue investing in our people, technology and customer proposition.

Within Hospitality, we have successfully completed the rollout of our Beverage Metrics inventory platform across approximately 100 sites for a leading national full-service restaurant chain in the United States. This successful deployment demonstrates the scalability of our technology and represents an important milestone as we continue to expand our presence within the managed hospitality sector in both the UK and the United States. Operating data from our US deployments continue to support the strong customer payback model that underpins our US proposition. In the UK, preparations remain on track for the launch of the inventory platform in September 2026.

Within Unattended Retail, momentum in cashless adoption has continued, with a net increase of 640 additional cashless devices connected during the first quarter and 21 new contract wins secured on multi-year terms. Cashless devices represent approximately 73% of the connected estate, and the division remains on track to meet the Board's FY27 connection targets.

Our ability to combine critical operational data capture with advanced analytics continues to differentiate Vianet in the markets we serve. By progressively applying AI across both our customer solutions and our internal operations, we are increasing productivity, accelerating innovation and delivering richer commercial insights that enable customers to improve operational performance, reduce waste and enhance profitability.

At today's AGM, shareholders will be asked to approve the final dividend of 2.00 pence per share, taking the total dividend for FY26 to 2.40 pence per share - an increase of 84.6% year-on-year. Subject to approval, the final dividend will be paid on 31 July 2026 to shareholders on the register on 19 June 2026. The Group's net cash position has strengthened further since the year end, standing at £0.7m on 30 June 2026.

Across both divisions, we continue to benefit from long-term customer relationships, high levels of recurring revenue and a healthy pipeline of opportunities. Combined with our strong net cash position, disciplined capital allocation and improving operational leverage, the Board believes the Group is well positioned to deliver sustainable profitable growth and long-term shareholder value.

Whilst recognising that the wider macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, the Board is encouraged by the positive start to FY27 and remains confident in the Group's prospects for the year ahead. The Board looks forward to updating shareholders further at the Group's interim results in December 2026.

James Dickson, Chairman, commented:

"We have entered FY27 with good momentum across the Group. Both of our divisions delivered recurring revenue and contribution growth in the first quarter, with trading ahead of the management's expectations.

The strategic investments we have made over recent years are translating into improved operational performance. Our cost management initiatives are delivering benefits. At the same time, the successful rollout of Beverage Metrics across approximately 100 sites for a leading national restaurant chain in the USA demonstrates the scalability of our hospitality platform, whilst the increasing application of AI within our platforms and internal operations is expected to support productivity and create additional value for customers.

Supported by high levels of recurring revenue, long-standing customer relationships, a strengthening net cash position and disciplined capital allocation - underlined by the materially increased final dividend payable later this month - we believe Vianet is well positioned to deliver sustainable, profitable growth and create long-term shareholder value."

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Enquiries

Vianet Group plc
James Dickson, Chairman Sarah Bentham, Chief Financial Officer	Tel: [phone] www.vianetplc.com
Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (Nominated Adviser and Broker)
Stephen Keys / Isaac Hooper	Tel: [phone] www.cavendish.com
Investor Enquiries
Dale Bellis	Tel: [phone]

About Vianet

Vianet Group plc (AIM: VNET) is a leading provider of operational intelligence and intelligent payment solutions for the hospitality and unattended retail sectors.

Through its proprietary ecosystem of connected hardware, cloud software, and increasingly AI enhanced analytics, Vianet captures, enriches, and transforms millions of mission-critical operational data points every day into actionable intelligence that helps customers improve profitability, productivity, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sales.

In Hospitality, Vianet's Beverage Metrics platform combines Fast Scan beverage inventory management, draught beer management, and bar management solutions to help pub companies, breweries and hospitality operators reduce waste, improve yield, optimise labour productivity, and enhance customer service.

In Unattended Retail, Vianet delivers integrated cashless payment, telemetry and remote asset management solutions that enable operators of vending machines, coffee systems and other unattended retail assets to maximise machine uptime, optimise product availability, and increase sales through real-time operational insight.

With approximately 88% recurring revenue, long-standing relationships with many UK and international blue-chip operators, a strong net cash balance sheet and expanding operations across the United Kingdom and the United States, Vianet is well positioned to deliver sustainable long-term growth through continued investment in software, data and AI capability, creating increasing value for both customers and shareholders.

 

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