Results round-up

Women's value retailer Bonmarché has turned in a lower annual pre-tax profit but bumped its total divided higher in a year that saw difficult trading conditions across the retail sector.

The results showed like-for-like store sales up 0.7% and online sales up 3.6%. Revenue was £187.96m, from £178.58m, and pre-tax profit was £9.56m, from a profit of £12.4m.

"We have emerged from this period with a clear focus on our five key strategic pillars for growth," said chief executive Beth Butterwick.

"We are focused on driving our modernisation plan over the coming year. We firmly believe that with its unique position as a niche retailer, focused on catering for the mature female demographic, Bonmarché is well placed for the future," she said in a statement.

The company recommended a final dividend to 4.64p a share, taking the total to 7.14p, from 6.8p.

"Bonmarché's performance for the year has been achieved amidst the difficult trading conditions widely reported across the retail sector," said Butterwick.

Shares in Fuller, Smith & Turner were down 3.26% in morning trading on Friday, after it reported positive growth for the last financial year but challenging conditions going into the current year.

Adjusted profit before tax at the London-listed pubco rose 12% in the year to 26 March to £40.9m, against £36.4m, with adjusted earnings per share rising 13% to 58.35p.

Revenue grew 9% to £350.5m, and EBITDA was up 11% to £65m. Statutory profit after tax was up 17% to £33m, from £28.3m.

“It has been another outstanding year for the company and I am delighted to be reporting an excellent set of results, particularly in the largest part of our business - our managed pubs and hotels,” said chief executive Simon Emeny.

“We are seeing the rewards of our continued investment programme and the emphasis we have placed on recruiting, developing, rewarding and promoting the best people.”