Unite Group delivers 'strong' H1 performance

(Sharecast News) - Student accommodation provider Unite Group said on Tuesday that it had delivered a "strong" H1 performance, with adjusted earnings growth underpinned by high occupancy, rental growth and investment in both its portfolio and operating platform. Unite said adjusted earnings had grown 15% to £144.2m, while adjusted earnings and dividends per share were both up 3% at 29.5p and 12.8p, respectively.

However, Unite said IFRS profits had sunk 34% in the six months ended 30 June to £186.1m, reflecting lower revaluation gains.

Unite noted that growing student numbers and limited new supply buoyed demand for the 2025/26 academic year, with 88% of its portfolio already sold for the school year.

The FTSE 100-listed group also reiterated its FY25 adjusted EPS guidance of 47.5p to 48.25p.

Chief executive Joe Lister said: "Universities continue to attract school leavers in record numbers and improving recruitment of international students reflects the UK's attractiveness as a study destination. Sales for the 2025/26 academic year are building momentum, and we expect strong demand for accommodation in late August and September following A-level results.

"Structurally growing demand combined with limited new supply creates a range of attractive investment opportunities, and we see significant potential to add to our growing pipeline of on-campus university partnerships. Our alignment to the UK's strongest universities and investment pipeline position the business to deliver sustainable earnings growth."

As of 0900 BST, Unite shares were down 1.46% at 774.50p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com