Marston’s reported a rise in revenue and operator profit for the full year ended September 2024.
The pub operator recorded a 65% year-on-year increase in underlying pre-tax profit, reaching £42.1 million.
Marston’s, which operates an estate of 1,339 pubs across the UK, reported a 3% rise in revenue to £898.6 million for the full year, with like-for-like sales up by 4.8%.
During the summer, Marston’s sold its 40% stake in its brewing joint venture with Carlsberg, transitioning to a business model “entirely focused on pubs.”
Marston’s stated at the time that the move would enable it to focus on expanding its 1,370-strong UK pub portfolio.
Justin Platt, chief executive of Marston’s, commented on the results as a “defining year for Marston’s”.
“The sale of our stake in [Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company] has been transformational, allowing us to significantly reduce debt, enhance our flexibility, and focus on what we do best: running great local pubs,” said Justin Platt.
“This single-minded focus, combined with our rejuvenated strategy, is already showing in strong financial results. We’ve delivered like-for-like sales growth ahead of the market, significant margin improvements and robust cash flow, while current trading is encouraging with Christmas bookings already ahead of last year.
“Community-based pubs like ours play an essential role in UK society, backed by our hardworking local teams who give our guests great experiences every single day. All this gives Marston’s a superb foundation for sustainable, long-term growth, and fills us with confidence for 2025 and beyond.”