Fuller, Smith & Turner (FSTA) Trading Update summary

Trading performance

• Like-for-like sales rose 5.9% for the 41 weeks to 11 January 2025, maintaining market outperformance and strong momentum.

• Christmas and New Year period saw like-for-like sales growth of 10.2%, with consistent performance across all estate segments.

Strategic initiatives

• Ongoing share buyback programme has repurchased 5.7 million of the planned 6.5 million 'A' shares.

• Continued investment in estate, including a £4 million project at The Chamberlain Hotel in London, underway in the final quarter.

Outlook and management commentary

• Confident in meeting full-year market expectations despite upcoming cost challenges from National Insurance, Living Wage, and Business Rates increases.

• Actions are being taken to manage cost impacts, with optimism for the business's future.

• Next market update scheduled for 11 June 2025, covering full-year results.