Whitbread PLC

WTB

Equity

ISIN GB00B1KJJ408 / Valor 2831070

LSE London Stock Exchange, SETS (2024-12-23)

GBP 29.23+0.31%

Whitbread PLC
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About company

Whitbread PLC is a prominent UK-based hospitality company, recognized as the largest hotel operator in the country, primarily through its ownership of Premier Inn. The company has recently expanded its footprint by securing a second location for Premier Inn in Cork City, Ireland, marking a significant step in its international expansion efforts. This move involves the acquisition of the site of the Leisureplex entertainment complex in the Victorian Quarter of Cork, indicating Whitbread's strategic approach to growth by selecting locations that offer both cultural significance and potential for high customer traffic. Beyond its hotel operations, Whitbread PLC has demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility through partnerships, such as with Hope and Aid Direct. This collaboration aims to provide support for people affected by the war in Ukraine, showcasing the company's engagement in humanitarian efforts. This initiative is part of Whitbread's broader "Force for Good" sustainability strategy, which, while not the focus of this description, underscores the company's efforts to integrate social responsibility into its business model.

Summarized from source with an LLMView SourceSector: Consumer Services

Revenue Stability

In the first half of FY25, Whitbread PLC reported group statutory revenue of £1,570 million, which remained stable compared to the previous year (H1 FY24: £1,574 million). This stability reflects the company's ability to maintain its revenue levels despite various market challenges.

Profit Decline

Whitbread PLC's adjusted profit before tax for H1 FY25 was £340 million, a decrease of 13% from the previous year's £391 million. This decline was attributed to the transitionary impact of the Accelerating Growth Plan on UK revenues, net inflation, and lower interest receivable, partially offset by strong performance in Germany.

Earnings Per Share

The adjusted basic earnings per share (EPS) for Whitbread PLC in H1 FY25 decreased by 6% to 137.1p, compared to 146.1p in H1 FY24. The statutory basic EPS also saw a decline, dropping 18% to 121.0p from 147.6p in the previous year.

Dividend Increase

Reflecting confidence in its financial outlook, Whitbread PLC increased its interim dividend to 36.4p per share in H1 FY25, up 7% from 34.1p per share in H1 FY24. This increase is part of the company's strategy to deliver significant returns to shareholders.

Future Outlook

Whitbread PLC remains optimistic about its future performance, with plans to increase adjusted profit before tax by at least £300 million by FY30. The company also aims to generate more than £2 billion for dividends, share buy-backs, and potential high-return investments, demonstrating its commitment to long-term growth and shareholder value.

Summarized from source with an LLMView Source

Key figures

-19.6%1Y

-1.35%3Y

-30.0%5Y

Performance

21.7%1Y

27.7%3Y

38.4%5Y

Volatility