Whitbread PLC (LSE:WTB) held full-year guidance as robust demand for hotels supporting occupancy and pricing in the third quarter.  For the 13 weeks to November 30, Whitbread said Premier Inn UK sales rose 11% with strong demand in both London and the regions. Total RevPAR increased 9% and was up 39% versus 2020 with high occupancy and strong pricing, while food and beverage continued to perform well with sales up 6%. In Premier Inn Germany, sales jumped 47% with total estate RevPAR €60. Whitbread said the ...

Premier Inn-owner Whitbread PLC (LSE:WTB) could grace investors with upgrades in its Thursday, 11 January third-quarter update, according to Peel Hunt analysts. “As demand remains high and cost inflation is abating, we believe there is scope for upgrades,” analysts wrote in a note. Given the hotel operator is still making market share gains and has a strong balance sheet to underpin long-term growth plans, Whitbread is well positioned, the bank said. Peel Hunt sees Whitbread shares topping 4,000p in the com ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 44% increase in profit before tax compared to the previous year, with UK margins at 27.5% [8][11] - Revenues, profits, margins, and returns all grew strongly, indicating a robust financial performance [6][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - UK accommodation sales increased by 15% year-over-year, while food and beverage sales rose by 10% [7] - In Germany, the company has opened 57 hotels and reported revenues well ahead of last year, despite a soft market [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total supply of hotel rooms in the UK is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels for at least five more years, creating opportunities for market share growth [12][54] - The company has gained market share, with its share of overall rooms in the UK increasing from 9% in 2015 to 12% in 2022 [96] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence and cost savings while continuing to invest in business growth and shareholder returns [6][11] - There is a disciplined approach to expanding the pipeline, with a focus on high-return sites and opportunities [39][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the long-term prospects due to a strong market position, customer proposition, and favorable supply backdrop [13][54] - The company is optimistic about maintaining margins despite potential cost inflation, citing historical cost-saving measures [25][32] Other Important Information - An increased interim dividend and a £300 million share buyback have been recommended, reflecting strong cash flow and financial health [11][13] - The company is transitioning to a new cloud-based reservation system, Opera Cloud, which is expected to enhance commercial benefits [47][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand slowdown strategy - Management noted resilient demand and a balanced customer base, which provides resilience against potential downturns [15][16] Question: Confidence in maintaining margins - Management expressed confidence in retaining margins through internal strategies and operational efficiencies [25][32] Question: Germany's commercial strategy - Management indicated positive progress in Germany, with a focus on trading events better and building brand awareness [21][24] Question: UK pipeline replenishment - Management highlighted that their UK pipeline is still larger than competitors, focusing on high-return opportunities [38][39] Question: Supply study details - Management clarified that 70% of the independent hotel supply that exited the market is unlikely to return, supporting their supply outlook [55][56] Question: Pricing strategy - Management confirmed that they can continue to drive prices while maintaining value for customers, with improved guest satisfaction scores [60][72] Question: Cash and buyback program - Management emphasized a flexible capital allocation framework, balancing investments in growth with shareholder returns [101][106]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported significant revenue growth and strong cash flow, with increased returns in the U.K. market [6][8] - An initial £300 million share buyback was announced, alongside a £100 million dividend increase, reflecting confidence in the financial outlook [9][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.K., record occupancy levels and strong RevPAR growth were achieved, outperforming the market [8][40] - In Germany, 51 hotels are now operational with 7,000 rooms in the pipeline, and the performance of 18 established hotels is in line with market expectations [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.K. hotel market has seen a structural shift with a material reduction in supply, coinciding with a recovery in demand [6][8] - The independent hotel sector in Germany has declined by about 5% compared to pre-pandemic levels, providing opportunities for growth [80][82] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to replicate its successful U.K. model in Germany, focusing on long-term returns of 10% to 14% [7][79] - There is a commitment to optimizing food and beverage performance as part of the overall guest experience [16][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the full-year outlook, supported by strong current trading and positive forward indicators [8][9] - The company is focused on maintaining profitability in the U.K. despite expected cost inflation, with a target to offset these costs through like-for-like sales growth [39][40] Other Important Information - The company has made a £1 billion commitment to the German market, indicating a strong belief in its long-term potential [7][79] - The recent acquisition in Germany includes six hotels and a freehold property in Vienna, which is seen as a strategic addition to the portfolio [32][34] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Organic room growth targets for U.K. and Germany - Management acknowledged that room growth next year will be slightly lower than in previous years but expressed confidence in the medium-term pipeline [13][14] Question: Food and beverage performance and ownership model - Management emphasized the importance of food and beverage to customer experience and indicated ongoing opportunities for optimization [16][18] Question: Share buyback and future capital allocation - Management confirmed that the capital allocation framework will guide future decisions on buybacks and investments, without committing to specific amounts [22][23] Question: Recent acquisition details and future opportunities - The acquisition in Germany was described as a strategic move, with potential for more acquisitions as the market evolves [32][33] Question: Demand outlook and maintaining U.K. profit - Management indicated strong demand in both leisure and business segments, with expectations to maintain U.K. profitability despite cost pressures [35][40] Question: Pricing strategy and elasticity of demand - Management noted that the company is well-positioned in the value space, with room for further pricing adjustments while maintaining strong occupancy [88][90]

Whitbread plc (OTCPK:WTBCF) Q2 2023 Earnings Conference Call October 25, 2022 4:15 AM ET Company Participants Alison Brittain - Chief Executive Officer Hemant Patel - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Jamie Rollo - Morgan Stanley Vicki Stern - Barclays Jarrod Castle - UBS Leo Carrington - Citi Alex Brignall - Redburn Tim Barrett - Numis Ivor Jones - Peel Hunt Desmond Taljaard - LR Ventures Operator Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Whitbread H1 Full-Year '23 Interim Results Call. ...

WHITBREAD FY23 INTERIM RESULTS 25 OCTOBER 2022 Premier Inn ** Rest easy CONTENTS H1 FY23 PERFORMANCE AND OUTLOOK Alison Brittain FINANCIAL REVIEW Hemant Patel DRIVING LONG-TERM VALUE Alison Brittain WHITBREAD 2 2 H1 PERFORMANCE & OUTLOOK | Alison Brittain - CEO Premier Inn WHITBREAD H1 FY23 Highlights | 'Investing to win' strategy driving outperformance 44 | --- | --- | --- | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ...

Whitbread PLC (OTCPK:WTBCF) Q4 2021 Earnings Conference Call April 28, 2022 3:15 AM ET Company Participants Alison Brittain - CEO & Executive Director Hemant Patel - CFO & Director Conference Call Participants Alison Brittain Good morning. I'm Alison Brittain, and I'd like to welcome you to Whitbread's Financial Year 2022 Preliminary Results Presentation. Joining me this morning is Hemant Patel, our new CFO, and I'd like to welcome him to his first results presentation. As you know, Hemant has been with Whi ...

Align to ARA front cover FY22 Preliminary Results 28 April 2022 Contents | --- | --- | --- | |-------------------------|-----------------|-------| | Performance update | Alison Brittain | p3 | | Financial review | Hemant Patel | p11 | | Driving long-term value | Alison Brittain | p18 | WHITBREAD 2 Full year highlights and outlook • Continued hotel market outperformance in the UK driven by our 'Investing to win' commercial strategy, our strong brand, scale, direct distribution and the strong appeal of the Pr ...

WHITBREAD FY22 Interim Results 26 October 2021 Premier Inn ** Rest easy Contents Operating and business review Alison Brittain p3 Financial review Nicholas Cadbury p22 WHITBREAD 2 H1 highlights • H1 recovery ahead of expectations: • Premier Inn - significant outperformance of the UK market • Potential to reach full recovery in UK LFL RevPAR run rate at some point in 2022 • Expansion continuing in Germany with positive trends post reopening • Challenging operating and inflationary environment – better placed ...

WHITBREAD FY21 Full Year Results 27 April 2021 Premier Inn ** Rest easy Contents | --- | --- | --- | |-------------------------|------------------|-------| | Performance update | Alison Brittain | p3 | | Financial review | Nicholas Cadbury | p10 | | Driving long-term value | Alison Brittain | p17 | WHITBREAD 2 Navigating COVID-19 and investing to drive long-term value | --- | --- | |----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ...