Unite Group PLC

UTG

Equity

ISIN GB0006928617 / Valor 812171

LSE London Stock Exchange, SETS (2026-04-07)

GBP 4.56-0.74%

Unite Group PLC
UMushroom community rating:

0.00 0 votes No rating yet

NegativeNeutralPositive

About company

Unite Group PLC is a prominent UK-based provider of student accommodation, operating in a sector experiencing growth due to increasing demographic demand. The company achieves high occupancy rates through a diverse range of contracts with university partners, private accommodation providers, and direct-let sales. By effectively utilizing its website and agent networks, Unite has been able to enhance its market presence in the houses of multiple occupation (HMO) sector, a segment where it has made significant advancements in recent years. This strategic approach not only delivers quality housing options for students but also contributes to freeing up family housing within local communities.

Summarized from source with an LLMView SourceSector: Finance

Financial headline

Adjusted earnings: £232.3m (+9%); adjusted EPS: 47.5p (+2%). IFRS profit attributable to owners: £97.6m (down 78% year‑on‑year) and IFRS diluted EPS 19.9p (96.1p in 2024). Dividend per share 37.7p (+1%).

Valuation, NAV and returns

Like‑for‑like valuation fell 5%, reflecting 3.8% rental growth offset by 11bps yield expansion. EPRA NTA per share 955p (‑2%); total accounting return (TAR) 2.1% (vs 9.6% in 2024).

Operating performance — rentals & occupancy

Rental growth for the 2025/26 academic year was 4.0% with occupancy at 95.2% (2024/25: 8.2% growth and 97.5% occupancy). Reservations for 2026/27 at 68% (was 71%), with 55% of beds nominated by university partners for 2026/27.

Balance sheet & leverage

Net debt:EBITDA increased to 6.0x (from 5.5x). Loan‑to‑value rose to 27% (from 24%, +3ppt). Cost of debt guidance for 2026 is c.4.3% (2025: 3.9%).

Capital allocation — disposals & buyback

Targeting disposals of £300–400m p.a.; £214m completed in 2025 (Unite share £142m). Agreed sale of St Pancras Way to USAF for £186m (Unite share £126m). £100m share buyback programme commenced in January 2026.

Strategic moves & M&A

Completed acquisition of Empiric in January 2026 (integration underway); cost synergies increased to £17m p.a. Focus on aligning to higher‑tariff universities (67% now, rising to 80% after disposals and committed development) and delivery of new beds via JVs and developments.

2026 guidance

Expect 2026/27 income at lower end of range: rental growth 2–3% and occupancy 93–96%. Empiric’s 2025/26 income below expectations pre‑integration. 2026 adjusted EPS guidance 41.5–43.0p. Summarized from source with an LLMView Source

Key figures

-42.7%1Y

-53.4%3Y

-58.2%5Y

Performance

28.5%1Y

24.2%3Y

26.0%5Y

Volatility