Shares in Fuller Smith & Turner PLC (AIM:FSTA) opened 2.4% higher at 727p after the pubs and hotels group said it has maintained strong sales momentum, helped by an “outstanding” Christmas and New Year trading period.
In a trading update covering the 41 weeks to 10 January 2026, Fuller’s said like-for-like sales were up 5.3% for the year to date.
That performance was boosted by a particularly strong festive season, with sales rising 8.2% over the five-week Christmas and New Year period, despite tough comparisons with the previous year.
The company said the growth reflects solid demand across its estate of managed pubs and hotels, which are positioned at the premium end of the market.
Christmas trading is typically the most important period for the group, making the strong finish especially significant.
Alongside the trading update, Fuller’s said it expects to complete its current share buyback programme of one million “A” shares within days.
The board has also approved a further buyback of up to an additional one million “A” shares, signalling confidence in cash generation and the underlying business.
Executive chairman Simon Emeny said the group’s strong operational performance had been matched by disciplined capital allocation, including continued investment across the estate.