Hollywood Bowl confident in outlook, new locations as H1 revenues rise

(Sharecast News) - Bowling alley chain Hollywood Bowl said it remains confident in the outlook for the current financial year and beyond after a strong first half, during which revenues rose by a tenth. In a trading update on Wednesday, the group, which operates from 77 locations in the UK and 16 in Canada, reported revenues of £141.5m for the six months ended 31 March, up 9.5% compared with the year before.

UK turnover was 9.4% higher at £118.4m, while Canada revenue rose 12.8% on a constant currency basis to CAD 42.9m (£23.2m).

Group like-for-like sales were up 1.9%, with 2.6% underlying growth in the UK and 0.5% growth in Canada.

The company said results were driven by the strong demand for affordable, family-friendly activities, while its high-margin business model means it is "well-insulated against inflationary pressures".

Looking ahead, the company expects to open two new UK centres and one in Canada during the second half, with a "strong" pipeline for openings for FY2027 and beyond.

"Demand for high-quality, family leisure activities that offer great value for money also remains resilient in both territories, and our cash generative business model allows us to invest where we see opportunities and deliver profitable growth," said chief executive Stephen Burns.

The stock was up 6.3% at 281.1p by 0954 BST, a level it has not closed above since early December.

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