Fuller Smith & Turner posted full-year revenue of 397.80 million, representing a 5.7% increase and narrowly exceeding the average analyst forecast of 397.67 million compiled from six analysts.
Adjusted pretax profit rose 28% year-on-year to 34.60 million, ahead of the 32.76 million consensus from five analysts. The company's statutory pretax profit for the year was reported at 29.50 million. Fuller Smith & Turner declared a full-year dividend of 0.21 per share.
The board has authorised an extension of its share buyback programme, adding one million A shares to the existing programme. Management said the additional repurchase allocation forms part of ongoing capital return measures.
Operationally, all business segments delivered positive like-for-like sales growth for the period. The Managed Pubs and Hotels division achieved a 4.9% uplift in like-for-like sales, with gains recorded across food, drink and accommodation categories.
Improvement in margins was attributed to procurement initiatives, changes in suppliers and selective price increases, which the company said helped to offset higher labour costs.
Looking into the new financial year, Fuller Smith & Turner reported that like-for-like sales for the first 10 weeks rose 4.4%. The company said it plans to invest in excess of 30 million across its estate over the coming year, signalling continued capital deployment into its property portfolio and operations.
On the cost-inflation front, the group confirmed it has secured full hedging for electricity and gas costs for fiscal year 2027, removing a degree of near-term commodity price uncertainty from its operating outlook.
Overall, the results show revenue growth and a stronger adjusted profit position relative to analyst expectations, coupled with shareholder returns via buybacks and a maintained dividend. The mix of margin actions and energy hedging were highlighted as contributors to the company's performance and risk management approach.