Hollywood Bowl confident after "resilient" 2026, on track for growth

Hollywood Bowl Group PLC on Wednesday hailed its "resilient performance" in financial 2026 and guided annual results in line with the market forecast.

Shares in the Hemel Hempstead, England-based ten-pin bowling operator rose 7.1% to 264.00 pence each on Wednesday morning in London.

The company estimated that revenue for the year ended September 30 totalled £261.6 million, up 4.3% from £250.7 million a year earlier.

On a like-for-like basis, revenue was down 1.0% however, reflecting a 1.4% LfL decline in the UK, offset by a 1.5% LfL rise in Canada.

According to Hollywood Bowl, UK trading took a hit from "exceptionally prolonged hot, dry weather" while Canadian operations benefited from new centre openings and the company's investment strategy.

It expects full-year adjusted pretax profit to be in line with market expectations, which the company cited as £48.0 million to £53.2 million, with a mean of £51.0 million.

Hollywood bowl said its business model set the company up for growth "in an expanding sector".

Its sees its "affordable leisure proposition with cross-generational appeal" supporting demand, with high margins providing cover from cost inflation.

Currently, the company's estate comprises 95 centres, with a piepline of eight to open in the UK and Canada in 2027. Hollywood Bowl said it is on track to reach 130 centres by 2033.

Chief Executive Stephen Burns commented: "I'm pleased that the fundamental financial and operational strengths of our underlying model allowed us to deliver significant sales growth, even against a challenging backdrop...Our affordable, inclusive proposition has continued to ensure we are well-positioned in an environment where consumers are closely watching what they spend.

Burns continued: "As we move into FY27, we have a solid platform to build on. Our cash-generative model enables us to continue to invest in new centre openings and customer-facing upgrades. We are focused on growth and delivering sustainable returns to our shareholders and we remain confident in the opportunities ahead."

Hollywood Bowl is due to report full-year results in December, though the date is not yet confirmed.

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