REG - Marston's Plc - Interim Management Statement <Origin Href="QuoteRef">MARS.L</Origin>

Marston'sAnnouncement

06/09/2014 20:29

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RNS Number : 1670N
Marston's PLC
24 July 2014 
 
24 July 2014 
 
MARSTON'S PLC 
 
INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT 
 
41 weeks to 19 July 2014 
 
Marston's PLC issues the following Interim Management Statement for the 41
weeks to 19 July 2014. 
 
Trading 
 
We have continued to make good progress in line with our expectations.  The
impact of the World Cup was broadly neutral, with higher drinks sales offset
by weaker food performance in our pubs, and strong sales growth in the
off-trade. 
 
In Destination and Premium, like-for-like sales for the 41 week period were
4.1% ahead of last year, including like-for-like food sales growth of 4.2% and
like-for-like wet sales growth of 3.5%.  Operating margin is slightly above
last year and we remain on track to complete 27 new-build pub restaurants in
the current financial year. 
 
In Taverns, like-for-like sales for the 41 week period were 3.0% ahead of last
year.  Our franchise business continues to perform strongly and now operates
in around 550 pubs. 
 
In Leased, like-for-like profits for the 41 week period are estimated to be up
3% compared to last year. 
 
In Brewing, own-brewed beer volumes were up around 1% compared to last year
including 10% growth in off-trade volumes during the World Cup. 
 
Net debt and cash flow are in line with expectations. 
 
Commenting, Ralph Findlay, Chief Executive Officer said: 
 
"We have continued to make good progress in implementing our strategic
priorities with our focus on investment in new pub-restaurants, the expansion
of franchise and the continued development of our premium beer portfolio all
contributing to our growth targets.  We remain confident of achieving our
expectations for the full year." 
 
Forthcoming Events 
 
Please find below the forthcoming reporting dates for the Group, which are
also available on the investor calendar on our website,
www.marstons.co.uk/investors 
 
 Year-end trading statement  8 October 2014    
 2014 Preliminary results    27 November 2014  
 2015 Interim results        14 May 2015       
 2015 Preliminary results    26 November 2015  
 
 
ENQUIRIES: 
 
 Marston's PLC  Tel: 01902 329516        Instinctif Partners         Tel: 020 7457 2020  
 Ralph Findlay, Chief Executive Officer  Justine Warren                                  
 Andrew Andrea, Chief Financial Officer  Matthew Smallwood                               
 
 
NOTES TO EDITORS 
 
 ○  Marston's is a leading pub operator and independent brewer.                                                                                                                                                          
 ○  It has an estate of around 1,800 pubs situated nationally, comprising managed, franchised and leased pubs.                                                                                                           
 ○  It is the UK's leading brewer of premium cask and bottled ales, including Marston's Pedigree and Hobgoblin.  The beer portfolio also includes Banks's, Jennings, Wychwood, Ringwood, Brakspear and Mansfield beers.  
 ○  Marston's employs around 13,000 people.                                                                                                                                                                              
 
 
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