Mitchells & Butlers returns to growth in fourth quarter as drink sales strengthen

Retail & Consumer Leisure, Gaming And Gambling Written by: Ephrem Joseph 02:54 Thu 24 Sep 2026 --> Disclaimer No investment advice About this content Editorial Standards & Policies Share article About this content × About Ephrem Joseph Ephrem began his journalistic journey at Proactive in June 2021. With a strong academic background in Information Technology, his expertise particularly lies in the field of Cyber Security, Management Information Systems and Computer Forensics. Before joining Proactive, Ephrem worked as a researcher and lecturer at a number of leading universities, including the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, the University of Winchester’s Institute of Policing, and Jain... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the world’s key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. Mitchells & Butlers PLC ( LSE:MAB ) View Price & Profile Mitchells & Butlers returns to growth in fourth quarter as drink sales strengthen Published: 02:54 24 Sep 2026 EDT Mitchells & Butlers PLC (LSE:MAB) returned to like-for-like sales growth in the fourth quarter as stronger drink sales helped offset a more challenging trading backdrop earlier in the year. Like-for-like sales increased 1.4% in the nine weeks to 19 September, taking growth for the first 51 weeks of the financial year to 2.1%. Fourth-quarter drink sales rose 3.8%, while food sales increased 0.6%. Trading was particularly strong over the August Bank Holiday weekend, when like-for-like sales grew 5.3%. For the year to date, drink sales were up 2.7% and food sales increased 1.8%, while total sales rose 1.2%. The pub and restaurant operator maintained its full-year expectations and anticipates an outcome in line with market consensus. Mitchells & Butlers also continued to accelerate investment across its estate, completing 222 conversions and remodels during the year to date. The group acquired 11 new sites, including nine freeholds in the UK and two leasehold properties in Germany, alongside four freehold interests in existing locations. Looking to the 2027 financial year, cost pressures are expected to ease to around £95 million from £120 million in 2026, equivalent to roughly 4% of the group’s cost base. Mitchells & Butlers expects its Ignite efficiency programme and capital investment strategy to help offset those pressures and support further operating profit growth. Its brands include Harvester, Toby Carvery, All Bar One, Miller & Carter and Browns. Continue reading