Wrap Text
Summarised results for the year ended 28 February 2026 and dividend payment
FAMOUS BRANDS LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1969/004875/06)
JSE Share code: FBR
ISIN code: ZAE000053328
("Famous Brands" or "the Company")
SUMMARISED RESULTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2026
The Group delivered revenue and operating profit growth driven by consumer demand for our iconic Leading Brands portfolio and the resilience of our vertically integrated business model.
Achievements during the financial year
- Continued to generate free cash flow.
- Refinanced and lowered the cost of debt.
- Completed development and commissioned the Midrand Cold Storage on budget.
- Maintained a Level 1 B-BBEE status.
- Initiated share buyback programme.
- Capital-light Malaysia expansion.
Financial highlights
Dividend per share 382 cents
up 10.7%
Headline earnings per share (HEPS)
583 cents
up 12.1%
Revenue R8.7 billion
up 5.6%
Operating profit R955 million
up 4.5%
Net debt to EBITDA 0.82 times
up 8.3%
Free cash flow R662 million
down 9.1%
The Group delivered revenue and operating profit growth driven by consumer demand for our iconic Leading Brands portfolio and the resilience of our
vertically integrated business model. Revenue increased by 5.6% to R8.7 billion (2025: R8.3 billion), while operating profit rose 4.5% to
R955 million (2025: R914 million), supporting an operating profit margin of 10.9% (2025: 11.0%).
The Group remains highly cash-generative and free cash flow decreased by 9% to R662 million (2025: R728 million). HEPS increased 12% to
583 cents (2025: 520 cents), with BEPS up 10% to 600 cents (2025: 547 cents).
Important definitions
System-wide sales refer to sales reported by all restaurants across the network, including new restaurants opened during the year.
Like-for-like sales refer to sales reported by all restaurants across the network, excluding restaurants opened or closed during the year.
Link to Annual Financial Statements
Shareholders are advised that this short form announcement represents a summary of the information contained in the Annual Financial Statements, published
on Famous Brands' website at www.famousbrands.co.za on 18 May 2026.
Any investment decisions by investors should be based on consideration of the AFS as a whole. The AFS are also available for inspection at the Company's
registered office and at the offices of Famous Brands' sponsor, Standard Bank. Inspection of the full announcement is available to investors at no charge
during normal business hours.
Financial performance
Year Year % change
ended ended (2025
28 February 28 February versus
Unit 2026 2025 2026)
Statement of financial performance
Revenue R'm 8 744 8 283 5.6
Operating profit R'm 955 914 4.5
Operating profit margin % 10.9 11.0 -
Basic earnings per share (BEPS) Cents 600 547 9.8
Headline earnings per share (HEPS) Cents 583 520 12.1
Statement of cash flows
Cash generated from operations R'm 1 135 1 121 1.3
Net cash outflow utilised in investing activities R'm (215) (167) (28)
Net cash outflow from financing activities R'm (250) (192) (30)
Free cash flow* R'm 662 728 (9.1)
Statement of financial position
Cash and cash equivalents R'm 378 441 (14.3)
Net debt** R'm 943 997 5.4
Net debt to EBITDA Times 0.82 0.89 8.3
Net debt/equity Times 0.64 0.77 17.6
Return on capital employed (ROCE)*** % 33.6 34.1 -
* Cash generated from operations, less income tax paid and net capital expenditure.
** Total interest-bearing borrowings, including lease liabilities, less cash.
*** Operating profit divided by capital employed (which is calculated as the sum of total equity and interest-bearing debt net lease liabilities).
Capital allocation
Borrowings
The Group's total borrowings position was R1.0 billion (2025: R1.1 billion) and finance costs on borrowings decreased by 13.3%, supported by favourable
interest rates and capital repayments. In December 2025, the Group concluded a R1.7 billion debt refinancing with Nedbank. The facility structure features
better pricing of a debt variable-rate combination, with a three-year revolving credit facility, an amortising facility repayable semi-annually and a bullet,
both maturing in December 2030.
Share buyback
On 31 January 2026, Famous Brands announced the implementation of the Group's first share buyback programme. The share repurchase was undertaken as part of
Famous Brands' broader capital allocation strategy and specifically in light of the price performance in the Company's shares, which in the Board's view,
continues to undervalue the Company and its prospects. The Group spent R54 million on the programme which commenced on 1 February 2026.
Capital expenditure
Famous Brands invested R214 million (2025: R214 million) during the year; the major portion of this relates to the completion of the Midrand Cold Storage
Facility on time to address capacity constraints.
Dividend
The Board declared a final dividend of 220.45 cents per share, resulting in a total dividend of 382 cents per share for the year (2025: 345 cents).
A total of R382.8 million in dividends was distributed from current year profits.
Event dates
Declaration date Monday, 18 May 2026
Last day to trade 'cum dividend' Tuesday, 14 July 2026
Shares commence trading 'ex-dividend' Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Record date Friday, 17 July 2026
Payment of dividend Monday, 20 July 2026
Those shareholders of the Group who are recorded in the Company's register as at the record date will be entitled to the dividend. Share certificates
may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday, 15 July 2026 and Friday, 17 July 2026, both days inclusive.
In terms of dividends tax legislation, please note the following:
- The local dividend tax rate is 20%.
- The net local dividend amount is 176.36 cents per share for shareholders liable to pay the dividends tax and 220.45 cents per share for shareholders exempt
from paying the dividends tax.
- The issued share capital of Famous Brands is 100 202 284 ordinary shares.
- Famous Brands' tax reference number is 9208085846.
Operational review
Segment operating profit/(loss) (R millions)
Leading Brands - SA 542
Supply Chain - SA 504
SADC 29
AME (35)
Signature Brands - SA (11)
UK (10)
Brands
Leading Brands - SA
Leading Brands' revenue increased by 6% to R1 billion (2025: R969 million) due to 6% growth in system-wide sales, while like-for-like sales grew by 2.8%.
The growth was driven by the consumer appeal of the brand portfolio, competitive value offerings, careful menu price adjustments and franchise network growth.
The operating profit increased to R542 million (2025: R516 million). The footprint grew by 3%, with 105 new restaurants opening.
Southern African Development Community (SADC)
The Group is represented in 11 countries across the region. Economic conditions in Botswana and Zambia, where we have the biggest restaurant footprint,
have deteriorated, undermining consumer spending. Revenue declined 6% to R423 million (2025: R451 million), while operating profit decreased to
R29 million (2025: R51 million).
Africa and the Middle East (AME)
The Group operates in nine countries in Africa (outside of SADC) and the Middle East. Revenue decreased by 17% to R59 million (2025: R71 million).
The operating loss was R35 million (2025: (R43 million)).
Signature Brands - SA
Signature Brands' revenue was in line with the prior year at R202 million (2025: R198 million) while the operating loss increased to R11 million
(2025: (R9 million)). The portfolio faced continued pressure, reflecting softer consumer demand for dining out. Like-for-like sales decreased by 0.9%,
while system-wide sales declined by 1.7%.
United Kingdom (UK)
Economic conditions in the UK remain subdued, affecting demand for eating out. Revenue declined 10% to R119 million (2025: R132 million). The operating
loss was R10 million (2025: operating profit R7 million).
Supply chain - SA
Revenue increased by 7% to R6.2 billion (2025: R5.8 billion), due to sustained front end demand. The operating profit improved by 14% to R504 million
(2025: R444 million). The Supply Chain operations benefited from efficient manufacturing technology and product in-sourcing initiatives. Revenue growth
was supported by bringing the Coca-Cola products and frozen retail products distribution in-house. However, profitability was affected by materially higher
beef and coffee prices, which we did not fully pass on to our franchise partners or consumers. Prices for both commodities have since moderated.
Events after balance sheet
Subsequent to year-end, we spent R46 million to repurchase the company's issued share capital in line with the Board general approval.
Prospects
Our strategy remains resilient and flexible in a constrained operating environment. Our model is underpinned by franchise partners who remain agile and
committed to reinvestment in our brands. A continued focus on efficiency and cost discipline is expected to support the quality of our earnings and our
long-term sustainability.
We intend to continue with our capital allocation priorities of earnings distribution, share buyback programme, paying down debt and investing in the
growth of the business.
On behalf of the Board
CH Boulle DP Hele
Chairman Chief Executive Officer
Midrand
18 May 2026
Famous Brands Limited
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Registration number: 1969/004875/06
JSE share code: FBR | A2X share code: FBR | ISIN code: ZAE000053328
Directors
Chris Boulle (Independent Chairman), Nik Halamandaris, Darren Hele (CEO)*, Alex Maditse, Busisiwe Mathe, Thabo Mosololi, William Mzimba,
Fagmeedah Petersen-Cook, Nelisiwe Shiluvana (Group Financial Director)*
* Executive
Group Company Secretary
Celeste Appollis
Registered office and contact information
478 James Crescent, Halfway House, Midrand, 1685 | PO Box 2884, Halfway House, 1685
Telephone: +27 11 315 3000 | Email: investorrelations@famousbrands.co.za | Website address: www.famousbrands.co.za
Transfer Secretaries
Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Ltd
Registration number: 2004/003647/07
Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, 2196
Private Bag X9000, Saxonwold, 2132
Sponsor
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Registration number: 1969/017128/06
30 Baker Street, Rosebank, 2196
Auditors
KPMG
Registration number: 1999/012876/07
85 Empire Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193
Forward-looking statements disclaimer
This document contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and management's best estimates concerning the Group's future performance.
These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may result in actual future performance being different from that expressed or implied
in any forward-looking statements.
The Audited Consolidated Financial Statements were approved by the Board on 18 May 2026, upon which KPMG have issued an unqualified report.
The Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Auditor's report are available for review by accessing the Famous Brands' website at www.famousbrands.co.za.
The contents of this short form announcement are the responsibility of the Board and have not been reviewed or reported on by the Group's external auditors.
Shareholders are advised that this short form announcement represents a summary of the information contained in the Annual Financial Statements, published
on https://senspdf.jse.co.za/documents/2026/jse/isse/fbr/FY_26.pdf on 18 May 2026. Any investment decisions by investors and/or shareholders should be based
on consideration of the Annual Financial Statements as a whole.
The Annual Financial Statements are also available for inspection at the registered office of the Company and at the offices of Famous Brands' sponsor,
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited. Inspection of the full announcement is available to investors and/or shareholders at no charge during normal
business hours.
www.famousbrands.co.za
Date: 18-05-2026 08:20:00
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