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JD Wetherspoon PLC on Wednesday said it expects a ‘reasonable outcome for the financial year,’ as it said sales were boosted by sunny weather. The Watford, England-based pub operator said like-for-like sales increased by 5.6% in the 13 weeks to April 27 compared to the same period last year. Growth has picked up from the 4.8% rise it reported for the half-year to January 26. Like-for-like sales are up 5.1% in the year-to-date. Total sales are 5.0% higher on-year for the 13-weeks, quickening from a 3.9% hike in the half-year period. Year-to-date, they are 4.2% higher. Chair Tim Martin said: ‘Bearing in mind that recent trading has been helped by favourable weather, the company anticipates a reasonable outcome for the financial year, notwithstanding previously reported wage and tax increases of approximately £1.2 million per week.’ JD Wetherspoon previously warned of a £60 million jump in labour costs from April, due to increases in employers’ national insurance contributions and the minimum wage. In the year-to-date, JD Wetherspoon has opened two pubs and sold seven. It intends to open a four or five more pubs in this financial year, and 10 in the following year. The group said seven freehold reversions, where it was previously the tenant, have been acquired in the year so far for £17 million. JD Wetherspoon anticipates year-end net debt between £720 million and £740 million with headroom of around £200 million. ‘The company’s main ambition, as always, is to improve its appeal to staff and customers. In this connection, for example, the company has invested in new staff facilities in 520 pubs (49 in the current year), including staff rooms and changing rooms, with approximately 270 planned for the future. The investment per pub is approximately £100,000,’ Chair Tim Martin said. Shares in JD Wetherspoon were up 0.7% to 692.50 pence in London on Wednesday morning. Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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