NewRiver REIT (LON:NRR) told investors it delivered “another strong quarter of operational performance,” pointing to rising demand in its core markets that drove leasing activity and increased occupancy across the portfolio. Management said operational metrics are “trending positively,” supported by what it described as resilient consumer spending patterns.
The company said total in-store customer spending in the key Christmas quarter was in line with the prior year. For the year to December 2025, total in-store customer spending was also reported as in line with last year.
→ Palantir Bulls Face a Reality Check Before Earnings
Within those totals, NewRiver highlighted outperformance in several categories. Grocery, described as the portfolio’s largest spending segment, increased 6.2% versus the same quarter last year. The company also reported growth in non-food discount, food and beverage, and health and beauty, partially offset by a decline in value fashion.
On property taxes, the company discussed changes to business rates effective April 1, 2026. NewRiver said the new rateable values across its portfolio are expected to increase by 7%.
→ MarketBeat Week in Review – 01/26 – 01/30
However, management said this increase should be more than offset by a recently announced discount for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties. As a result, NewRiver expects an 11% reduction in rates payable for its tenants. The company characterized this as supportive for tenants and positive for rental affordability.
NewRiver said it remains “disciplined” in recycling capital, improving portfolio quality, and strengthening its financial position. During the period, the company completed two disposals: one retail park in Northern Ireland and one shopping center in Hemel Hempstead, described as the smallest of the former Capital & Regional assets. Combined proceeds totaled GBP 12.6 million.
→ Starbucks Gets a Jolt After Earnings, But Will the Buzz Last?
The company provided additional detail on the Northern Ireland sale, saying the disposal of Sprucefield Retail Park followed the creation of three new drive-through units on surplus land and a long-term lease regear with Sainsbury’s.
After the period ended, NewRiver said it exchanged contracts in January on the sale of an additional retail park in Dumfries for GBP 26.5 million, citing completion of a value-enhancing business plan at the asset.