NewRiver REIT (LON:NRR) told investors it achieved “another strong quarter of operating performance”, pointing to growing demand in its core markets that boosted leasing activity and increased occupancy across the portfolio. Management said operating metrics are “trending positively,” supported by what it described as resilient consumer spending patterns.
The company said total customer spending in stores in the key Christmas quarter was in line with the previous year. For the year to December 2025, total customer spending in stores was also reported in line with last year.
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Within those totals, NewRiver highlighted superior performance in several categories. Groceries, described as the largest spending segment of the portfolio, increased 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. The company also reported growth in non-food discounts, food and beverage, and health and beauty, partially offset by a decline in fashion value.
Regarding property taxes, the company discussed changes to business rates effective April 1, 2026. NewRiver said new taxable values across its portfolio are expected to increase by 7%.
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However, management said this increase should be more than offset by a recently announced discount for retail, hotel and leisure properties. As a result, NewRiver expects an 11% reduction in rates payable to 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: a retail park in Northern Ireland and a shopping center in Hemel Hempstead, described as the smallest of Capital & Regional’s former assets. Combined revenues amounted to £12.6 million.
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The company provided additional details about the sale in Northern Ireland, saying the sale of Sprucefield Retail Park followed the creation of three new self-service units on surplus land and a long-term lease with Sainsbury’s.
After the period ended, NewRiver said it exchanged contracts in January on the sale of an additional business park in Dumfries for GBP 26.5 million, citing the completion of a business plan to improve the value of the asset.