Hollywood Bowl Group reported a 9.5% increase in revenue for the first half, bringing total top-line sales to £141.5 million. On a regional basis, the group said revenue in the UK climbed 9.4%, while Canadian revenue rose 12.8% when measured on a constant currency basis.
Like-for-like trading varied by market. In the UK, centre like-for-like sales were up 2.6% over the comparable period. Canadian centre like-for-like sales increased by 0.5% on a constant currency basis, with the company noting that adverse weather led to temporary site closures that weighed on performance in that market.
The group disclosed an adjustment to its like-for-like calculation, excluding Striker from those measures going forward. The company did not provide additional metrics for Striker within the update, but indicated the change when presenting like-for-like performance.
On expansion, Hollywood Bowl opened a single new centre in Edmonton, Canada during the first half and described it as performing well. Management plans two further openings in the UK during the second half of the fiscal year, together with one additional location in Canada.
Energy cost management featured in the update. The company stated that 76% of the group’s energy requirements are hedged through the end of fiscal year 2029, and that on-site solar installations account for 12% of supply. The release did not disclose details on the remaining portion of energy supply beyond these figures.
Looking ahead, Hollywood Bowl said it remains confident about the outlook for fiscal year 2026 and beyond, expressing comfort with current consensus expectations. The company did not revise guidance in this trading update.
Summary
Hollywood Bowl Group posted first-half revenues of £141.5 million, a year-on-year increase of 9.5%, with growth in both the UK and Canada. Like-for-like sales rose modestly in both regions, but Canadian trading was affected by weather-related site closures. The group removed Striker from its like-for-like measures, opened a new site in Edmonton that is performing well, and signalled further openings planned for the second half. Energy risk is partly mitigated by hedging through fiscal 2029 and on-site solar providing 12% of supply. Management said it is comfortable with consensus outlooks for fiscal 2026 and beyond.
Key points
- First-half revenue increased 9.5% to £141.5 million, with the UK up 9.4% and Canada up 12.8% on a constant currency basis - impacts leisure and consumer discretionary sectors.
- UK centre like-for-like sales rose 2.6%; Canada centre like-for-like rose 0.5% on a constant currency basis, though weather caused some Canadian site closures - operational and regional performance risk for leisure operators.
- Energy management: 76% of group energy needs hedged through fiscal 2029 and 12% supplied via on-site solar - relevant to cost control and the company’s energy exposure.
Risks and uncertainties
- Weather disruption in Canada led to site closures and weighed on like-for-like sales, highlighting operational sensitivity to adverse conditions - affects the leisure and local retail sectors.
- Removal of Striker from like-for-like measures changes comparability metrics, introducing an accounting or reporting uncertainty for trend analysis.
- Planned openings (two in the UK and one in Canada in the second half) introduce execution risk; performance of new sites will influence future revenue and profitability.