M&B has reported interim trading figures with like-for-like sales up by 2.6% and like-for-like food volumes up by 1.3%, and selling 6.9m meals. Trading on Christmas Day was particularly strong, with like-for-like sales growth of 7.5% and 193,000 meals sold.
Alistair Darby, Chief Executive, commented:
“We have delivered a strong trading performance over our busiest time of the year, with good sales growth. I was delighted that almost 200,000 people shared their Christmas Day with us and would like to thank the 18,000 staff who worked with such enthusiasm to provide them with a great experience.
“We are reducing staff turnover, modernising our systems, increasing guest satisfaction and delivering against our transformation plan to create sustainable value for shareholders.”
Operating performance
Trading performance over the festive period was strong, including the biggest ever sales week. Over the three-week festive period to 4 January, increased like-for-like sales by 2.6% and like-for-like food volumes by 1.3%, selling 6.9m meals across the estate. Trading on Christmas Day was particularly strong, with like-for-like sales growth of 7.5% and 193,000 meals sold.
Year to date like-for-like sales are up 2.0%, assisted by the strong festive trading and milder weather compared to last year.
| Like-for-like sales | FY 2013 52 weeks to 28 September 2013 |
First 8 weeks 8 weeks to 23 November 2013 |
Trading to IMS 17 weeks to 25 January 2014 |
| Total | 0.4% | 0.1% | 2.0% |
| Food | 0.8% | 0.1% | 2.5% |
| Drink | (0.2%) | (0.4%) | 1.3% |
Cash flow and balance sheet
10 new sites opened in the financial year to date (including the 4 sites acquired from Convivial London Pubs plc) as investment is accelerated into the expansion of selected brands. The investment into the new pub systems is progressing on schedule with encouraging results, with nearly 400 now installed.
There has been no material change to the financial position of the business since the Full Year Results announcement.