Profitability and Revenue Growth
Adjusted operating profit increased by 28% to £97.5 million, with adjusted earnings per share growing 37% to 12.7p. Like-for-like revenue growth was 3.4% and volume growth was 0.5%.
Strong Cash Flow and Balance Sheet
Free cash inflow of £70.1 million, an increase of 23% compared to 2023. Leverage reduced to 1x net debt to EBITDA, at the lower end of the target range.
Shareholder Returns
Completed £50 million capital return to shareholders, including a progressive dividend policy of 2p per share and a £40 million share buyback. Announced a further £10 million in buybacks.
Operational Improvements
Gross margin improved by 310 basis points since 2022. Adjusted operating margin increased by 120 basis points to 5.4%.
Innovation and Market Outperformance
421 new margin-accretive SKUs launched, with volume growth driven by key categories like sandwiches and ready meals outperforming the market.