Hollywood Bowl Group (LSE:BOWL) delivered a solid first-half performance, with revenue increasing 9.5% year-on-year to £141.5 million. Growth was supported by both its UK and Canadian operations, alongside a 1.9% rise in like-for-like revenue. The business continued to benefit from steady demand for affordable, family-oriented leisure activities, while maintaining strong gross margins and disciplined cost control, including long-term hedging of electricity costs.
The company also pushed ahead with its expansion plans, opening a new site in Edmonton and bringing its total estate to 77 centres in the UK and 16 in Canada. A further three openings are planned for the second half, with a well-developed pipeline extending into 2027 and beyond. Backed by a strong balance sheet, £8.6 million in capital expenditure, and a net cash position of £26 million—along with access to an undrawn £25 million facility—management remains confident in delivering continued profitable growth into FY2026 and the longer term.
From an investment perspective, the outlook is supported by robust financial performance and a relatively attractive valuation. While technical indicators point to some near-term softness, these are offset by solid fundamentals and a compelling dividend yield.
More about Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Bowl Group plc operates the largest ten-pin bowling brands across the UK and Canada, offering accessible, family-focused leisure experiences through a growing network of centres. The group also runs a Canadian-based equipment supply and maintenance business, giving it an integrated position within the bowling and wider family entertainment market.
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