Hilton Foods sees 2025 in line as profits, dividend soar

(Sharecast News) - Hilton Foods said it was on track to deliver 2025 earnings in line with guidance after a sharp jump in profits last year, driven by its core retail meat business and despite the uncertain macroeconomic backdrop caused by US tariffs.

The company posted a 25% rise in pre-tax earnings to £61m in the year to December and hiked its dividend 7.8% to 34.5p. On an adjusted basis profits rose 15.3% to £76.1m.

"While the macro backdrop remains uncertain we are confident that we can deliver further earnings growth for the full year, in line with market expectations," the company said on Tuesday.

Analysts are forecasting adjusted pre-tax profits of £76.8m - £83.3m for the company, which supplies meat to retailers and hospitality businesses.

"Beyond the near term, we are well placed for continued success with a strong medium-term growth pipeline and recently secured opportunities in new geographies, underpinning our expansion strategy and long-term vision."

Hilton plans to launch in Saudi Arabia in the second half of next year and introducing its Hilton Foods Canada brand in early 2027.

UK and Europe core retail meat volumes outpaced the market, but there were "ongoing market challenges" at its vegetarian and vegan business, which reduced to a single production site last year as the market for meat-free options struggled amid a drop in consumer demand, "creating structural headwinds".

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com