**Whitbread PLC 3rd Quarter Results Summary (FY26):**
Whitbread PLC reported strong Q3 FY26 results, highlighting continued trading momentum and progress on strategic initiatives. Key highlights include
1. **Financial Performance**
Total Group sales increased by 2% to £781 million, driven by positive accommodation sales in both the UK and Germany.
Premier Inn UK saw a 2% rise in total accommodation sales and a 3% increase in RevPAR, maintaining a £5.63 premium over the midscale and economy (M&E) market.
Premier Inn Germany achieved a 12% increase in total accommodation sales (16% in GBP) and a 7% rise in RevPAR, outperforming the wider market.
2. **Strategic Progress**
The Accelerating Growth Plan (AGP) is on track, with 90% of planning applications submitted, 65% approved, and 35% of sites completed or under construction.
Increased cost efficiencies for FY26, now expected at £75m–£80m (up from £65m–£70m), driven by savings in labour, technology, and procurement.
3. **Current Trading**
For the six weeks to 8 January 2026, UK accommodation sales and RevPAR rose by 4%, while Germany’s accommodation sales grew by 11% and RevPAR by 5%.
4. **FY27 Outlook**
The impact of UK business rate changes is now estimated at £35m (down from £40m–£50m), with gross UK cost inflation expected at 6.5%–7.5% and net inflation at 3%–4% after efficiencies.
5. **Shareholder Returns**
The £250m share buy-back program is on track for completion by 30 April 2026, with £217m spent so far.
6. **Future Plans**
Whitbread remains confident in its full-year outlook and will provide an update on its Five-Year Plan at the FY26 Preliminary Results on 30 April 2026.
Overall, Whitbread demonstrated resilience and growth, supported by its vertically integrated model and disciplined capital allocation, despite challenges in the broader hospitality sector.
| Whitbread PLC - Financial Comparison (Q3 FY26 vs Q3 FY25) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Q3 FY26 | Q3 FY25 | Year-on-Year Change |
| Total Group Sales | £781m | £766m | +2% |
| Premier Inn UK - Accommodation Sales | +2% | N/A | +2% |
| Premier Inn UK - RevPAR | +3% | N/A | +3% |
| Premier Inn Germany - Accommodation Sales (GBP) | +16% | N/A | +16% |
| Premier Inn Germany - RevPAR (€) | €76 | €71 | +7% |
| UK F&B Sales | -4% | N/A | -4% |
| FY26 Cost Efficiencies | £75m - £80m | £65m - £70m | +£10m to £15m |
| Gross UK Cost Inflation (FY27) | 6.5% - 7.5% | N/A | New Estimate |
| Net UK Cost Inflation (FY27) | 3% - 4% | N/A | New Estimate |