Wetherspoons warns on profits, cites higher costs

(Sharecast News) - Pub group Wetherspoons warned on profits again on Wednesday as it pointed to higher costs.

In a trading update for the 13 weeks to 26 April, chairman Tim Martin said: "As many hospitality operators, including Wetherspoon, have reported, there have been substantial increases in costs, which may result in profits slightly below market expectations."

The warning came as Wetherspoons reported a 3.4% rise in like-for-like sales during the period, compared to the same period a year earlier. Year-to-date LFL sales rose 4.3%.

Meanwhile, total sales were up 4.1% in the quarter and 4.9% in the year to date.

The company said it has opened eight pubs and sold eight in the year to date. It currently operates 794 managed pubs, while 21 pubs operate under a franchise agreement. There have been 13 franchised openings in the YTD.

Tim Martin said: "Sales growth was ahead of the 'NIQ RSM Hospitality Business Tracker' for the 43rd month in a row in March 2026, although Wetherspoon's growth for Q3 was slightly below the year-to-date.

"The company has a strong pipeline of new pubs and planned openings include Manchester airport, Heathrow airport, Paddington station, Charing Cross station and Shaftesbury Ave in central London."

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Wetherspoon (J.D)