Millennium & Copthorne Hotels sees profits fall in first quarter

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels saw first quarter pre-tax profit fall 34.7 per cent on the previous year as the company closed accommodation for refurbishments.

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels saw first quarter pre-tax profit fall 34.7 per cent on the previous year as the company closed accommodation for refurbishments.

Pre-tax profit for the first three months of the year dropped to £16.9m from the prior year's £25.9m, reflecting a 3.6% decline in revenue to £169m and the cost of renovations.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up

The group said harsh weather conditions also deterred travellers in Europe and the US while a slowing economy put a strain on travel budgets.

Revenue per available room (RevPAR) was up 1.6% and the average room rate rose by 1.7% while occupancy fell slightly by 0.1 percentage point.

Net cash increased from £52.2m at the end of December to £56.5m and the end of March.

"Although Group RevPAR increased by 1.6% over the three months ended March 31st 2013, revenue declined due to a number of factors, which are unlikely to abate in the foreseeable future," Chairman Kwek Leng Beng said.

"Asia, which accounted for over 40% of group revenues last year and has led our revenue and profit growth in recent years, is facing a number of political, economic and other challenges that are likely to impact performance.

"Europe also continues to face challenges as a result of austerity programmes and the ongoing fallout from the financial crisis."

However, he said the company's strong financial position will provide a safeguard against economic headwinds and allow for flexibility to act on acquisitions and investments.

Shares dropped 3.24% to 537p at 08:56 Thursday.

RD

MoneyWeek

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.