Unite Group PLC

Unite Group reported first-half performance in line with expectations and outlined a strategy to concentrate its portfolio around stronger universities, accelerate asset sales, and use surplus capital for development, partnerships, and share buybacks. The company plans to focus on 55,000 to 60,000 beds across 20 cities, down from its current 72,000 beds in 29 markets, and has identified 15,000 to 20,000 beds for disposal, representing roughly 20% to 25% of operational beds but about 15% of portfolio value. It sold £130 million of assets in the first half and has a further £500 million being marketed, reiterating a target of £300 million to £400 million in disposals this year. Adjusted earnings per share fell 8% to 27.1 pence, while the interim dividend was unchanged at 12.8 pence per share, and the company maintained its 2026 adjusted earnings guidance of 41.5 pence to 43 pence per share.