People returning to the pub from January as pandemic restrictions eased helped push Dan Murphy’s and BWS owner Endeavour Group’s profits up 11.2 per cent in 2021-22, but rising costs at the liquor retailing chains in the second half troubled investors and sent the share price tumbling.

The group’s shares slid 12.3 per cent to close at $7.25 on the ASX, with analysts suggesting the liquor retailing arm comprising 258 Dan Murphy’s and 1417 BWS outlets had slowed more than expected in the June half as costs increased, with margins flat.