NewRiver REIT reported preliminary underlying funds from operations of £37.2 million for the fiscal year 2026, representing a 22% rise versus the prior year, the UK retail property owner said on Tuesday.
The company completed a 10% share buyback during the period. Management said the reduction in share count supported both growth in underlying funds from operations on a per-share basis and a lift in net tangible assets per share.
Like-for-like valuations of the portfolio edged up by 0.7% over the year, and IFRS profit after tax increased to £31.7 million.
NewRiver attributed much of the improvement in its operating metrics to the full-year contribution from the Capital & Regional acquisition. The company said the transaction unlocked £6.2 million of annual net cost synergies.
Leasing activity over the year was described as strong. NewRiver reported that long-term leasing deals were completed at a premium to benchmarks - 8.5% above estimated rental value and 37.3% above the previous passing rent. The REIT also noted that it disposed of certain assets at book value during the fiscal period.
Looking ahead, the company warned that finance costs are expected to be higher over the next three years. Management said it anticipates that this increase in financing expense will be offset by rental growth across the portfolio.
NewRiver also commented on consumer behaviour, stating that essential and value-led retail spending has remained resilient even as consumer confidence has softened.
Context and implications
The headline rise in underlying funds from operations was supported by three main elements cited by the company - the Capital & Regional acquisition completing a full-year contribution, the realization of cost synergies from that deal, and the completion of a 10% share buyback programme. Leasing performance, showing rents achieved above both estimated and prior passing levels, provided an additional operational tailwind.
However, the company signalled a period of increased finance costs over the next three years and indicated reliance on rental growth to neutralize those higher expenses. It also recorded only modest like-for-like valuation improvement and carried out asset disposals at book value.
The statements provide a snapshot of NewRiver's recent fiscal performance and the near-term priorities management has set around rental growth and cost synergies.