Total revenue for the group rose by 24.9% to £485.8m while adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) climbed 23.2% to £113.6m for the 52 weeks ended 31 March 2025.
Young’s put the results boost down to its strategy and an “excellent performance” during Euro 24 and the Christmas period, despite challenging weather at the start of the year.
Other highlights in its results included adjusted operating profit up £14.1m to £71.4m, with a “sector-leading” margin of 14.7%, despite continued national living wage increases of almost 10%, utility costs and H1 head office dual running costs of £2.1m from the City Pub Group acquisition.
Ahead of last year
On current trade, Young’s said lfl managed house revenue for the past nine weeks was ahead of last year by 8%, giving the board confidence for the year ahead.
Young’s CEO Simon Dodd said: “It’s been a fast start to the new financial year, with the great weather throughout April and May meaning our beautiful pub gardens and riverside locations have been packed full of customers.
“While we remain mindful of the headwinds facing consumers and the wider issues that our industry will encounter, we are confident our premium, well-invested, predominantly freehold pub estate will continue to deliver profitable growth.”
Strength of strategy
On the latest results, Dodd said: “I am delighted to announce another excellent set of results, reflecting the strength of the Young’s strategy. During the year, customers flocked to our wonderful pubs to watch Euro 24 and celebrate Christmas.
“Poor weather at the start of the year held back early trading but unseasonable March sunshine delivered a welcome boost to sales. We have successfully completed the integration of the City Pub Group, realising all the promised synergies and we are well advanced in achieving further operational benefits.
“A tough macroeconomic environment for the industry seems to have been par for the course since I became CEO and Government changes coming into effect in April make life no easier.
“However, we are in excellent shape, with our differentiated approach and premium business model positioning us well in difficult conditions. Young’s continues to be a leader for like-for-like sales in our sector and everything within our control is going to plan.”
