Marston's says sales ahead of market

Pub and brewery operator Marston's said like-for-like sales in its destination and premium division were up 1.3% in the 42 weeks to 22 July.

In the most recent three months of the period like-for-like sales rose 0.6%, which continued to be ahead of the market, the company said.

Operating margins were slightly below last year in line with expectations. The company said its cost outlook for 2018 remained unchanged and it was on track to open 23 new pub-restaurants and bars in the current financial year, in addition to eight lodges.

Like-for-like sales in the taverns division were up 1.9%, with June's warm weather boosting growth by 2.4% in the last 12 weeks of the period.
In the leased business, profits for the 42 week period are estimated to be 2% ahead of last year.

Own-brewed beer volumes were up around 4% reflecting the performance of its underlying business and the benefits of the acquisition of Charles Wells Brewing and Beer Business, the company added.