Whitbread's good run in the recession comes to an end
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Whitbread shares tumbled 4 per cent yesterday as the hotels, pubs and coffee combine caught the chill from turbulent economic winds.
While the FTSE 100 giant is still growing, signs that it is slowing down unnerved investors somewhat. Its figures came as Carpetright and Wickes DIY stores reported they too felt the chill of the economic downturn.
Whitbread, the company behind Costa Coffee, Premier Inn and Beefeater, was one of the winners during the recession as people sought affordable treats and cheap hotel rooms.
That even it is not immune to the financial squeeze is concerning to some City analysts. In the 13 weeks to 1 December, like-for-like sales were up 2.4 per cent against a 3 per cent rise across the last three quarters. Costa is still enjoying healthy sales – up 3.8 per cent on a like-for-like basis and an impressive 25.2 per cent overall.
Its results statement noted: "Trading month by month continues to be variable in a challenging consumer environment."
That revpar – revenue per available room – is moribund in the Capital came as a surprise. So far, Premier Inn is resisting that trend, winning market share. How much longer it will be able to do so is an open question, say analysts.
All of which suggests the honeymoon enjoyed by Whitbread's chief executive Andy Harrison, who succeeded Alan Parker, could be over. "These are good numbers," he insisted today. "There aren't many people doing that at the moment."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments