Consolidated first-quarter 2019 revenue totaled EUR987 million, up 34.2% as reported and 8.8% like-for-like (LFL). The Group's RevPAR increased by 1.6%, with mixed performances depending on the region: Europe was resilient (+3.3%), while Asia-Pacific was down slightly (-0.6%). Accor anticipates an improvement of the momentum across the year. The Group confirms a RevPAR growth of around 3% for FY19.
Changes in the scope of consolidation (acquisitions and disposals) had a positive impact of EUR176 million (+23.9%), thanks in particular to the contributions of Mantra and Moevenpick. Currency effects had a positive impact of EUR11 million, attributable chiefly to the depreciation the euro against the US dollar (8%). During the first quarter, Accor opened 71 hotels, representing 8,300 rooms. At the end of March 2019, the Group's pipeline amounted to 1,135 hotels and 200,000 rooms.
Strong growth in revenue In the first quarter of 2019, the Group posted a robust 8.8% increase in revenue at constant scope and exchange rates (like-for-like), driven by strong growth in HotelServices (+7.3%) and Hotel Assets (+8.9%). Revenue from New Businesses was up 10.0% like-for-like.
Highly positive momentum for HotelServices
HotelServices, which operated 4,835 hotels (709,945 rooms) under franchise agreements and management contracts at the end of March 2019, reported a 7.3% like-for-like increase in revenue to EUR645 million. This rise demonstrates the resilience of our business model despite moderate RevPAR growth. The Management & Franchise (M&F) business posted revenue growth of 7.0%, reflecting contrasting RevPAR performances in the various regions and the Group's sustained development.
Consolidated RevPAR was up 1.6% overall in the quarter. Europe posted a strong increase in M&F revenue (+7.6% LFL), driven by RevPAR growth of 3.3%, all segments combined. - In France, RevPAR was up 2.7% like-for-like, despite a demanding comparison base. Paris and regional cities posted similar like-forlike growth of 2.7% and 2.5%, respectively. The upcoming Air Show in June will support corporate demand over the second quarter. The Yellow Vests movement had only a marginal impact on the Group's business.
- RevPAR growth was limited in the United Kingdom (+0.9%). The highly contrasted situation between London and the regional cities continued. The increase in RevPAR in London (+5.8%), driven by persistently strong inbound tourism, offset the decline in business in regional markets (-4.0%) attributable to a weak corporate demand amid Brexit uncertainties.
- In Germany, RevPAR grew by a solid 3.4%, driven by a favorable trade fair calendar.
- In Eastern Europe, RevPAR growth remained strong at +5.4% driven by a dynamic pricing policy especially in Poland and strong leisure demand in Budapest.
- The Iberian Peninsula continued its strong recovery, with RevPAR up 8.8%, following political tensions in Catalonia in 2017 and thanks to the ramp-up of Pullman and Fairmont in Barcelona after renovation works.
The slight contraction in business in Asia-Pacific (RevPAR down 0.6%) is driven by Australia, where oversupply in major cities and the upcoming general elections affected prices and occupancy rates, resulting in a 1.6% decrease in RevPAR. Besides, the first quarter showed some weakness in Chinese outbound travel to countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Australia. RevPAR in China was down 3.0% over the quarter.
RevPAR was also down a slight 0.7% in the Middle East & Africa region. Oversupply continued to impact prices, which declined by 2.9% during the period. North America, Central America & the Caribbean posted a 2.1% decrease in RevPAR, impacted by a special event in the US in 2018 and major renovations in Canada in 2019. Lastly, business continued to recover steadily in South America, and particularly in Brazil, where Rio de Janeiro grew strongly, in line with the rest of the country. As a result, RevPAR rose by 11.2%, mainly driven by prices.
The Group's development continues at a rapid pace. During the first quarter, Accor opened 71 hotels, representing nearly 8,300 rooms. At the end of March 2019, the Group's pipeline comprised 1,135 hotels and 200,000 rooms, of which 78% in emerging markets and 50% in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sustained growth in New Businesses New Businesses (concierge services, luxury home rentals, private sales of luxury hotel stays, and digital services for hotels) generated revenue of EUR37 million, up 10.0% like-for-like from EUR31 million in 2018. The 22.0% increase as reported reflects the acquisitions of ResDiary and Adoria.
Strong growth in Hotel Assets revenue
Revenue derived from the "Hotel Assets & Other" segment grew by 8.9% like-forlike, reflecting a solid RevPAR growth in Eastern Europe and the strong recovery observed in Brazil. On a reported basis, the 106.0% increase in revenue is attributable to the acquisitions of Mantra and Moevenpick. At the end of March 2019, this division, which includes owned and leased hotels, represented 245 hotels and 46,038 rooms.
2019 perspectives
The trends observed over the first quarter confirm the robustness of the Group. In 2019, Accor expects notably a record organic system growth and a progressive improvement in RevPAR, which should reach around 3% for the full-year. Meanwhile, the group pursues its transformation.
Share buyback program
A second EUR500 million tranche of the share buyback program was completed between December 20, 2018 and March 26, 2019, covering 13.4 million shares. Since the program's launch in July 2018, the Group has bought back 21.8 million shares, or 7.5% of its capital, for a total of EUR850 million, or an average price of EUR39.0 per share. The Board of Directors will soon decide the next steps to complete the execution of the program.
Events from January 1, 2019 to April 18, 2019
Financing
In January 2019, Accor successfully completed two liability management operations: - On January 24, Accor placed two bonds, for EUR1.1 billion: - a EUR500 million perpetual hybrid bond with a 4.375% coupon; - a EUR600 million 7-year senior bond with a 1.75% coupon. Both transactions were oversubscribed by about six times, reflecting strong investor confidence in the Group's new business model, growth potential and attractive risk profile. - On January 31, Accor successfully closed two tender offers and partially redeemed two bonds, including a perpetual hybrid bond (4.125% coupon) and a senior bond maturing in 2021 (2.625% coupon), for a total amount of EUR736 million: - EUR386 million on the perpetual hybrid bonds (EUR900 million bond issue in June 2014); - EUR350 million on the 2021 bonds.
On February 25, Accor established a EUR500 million Negotiable European Commercial Paper (NEU CP) program. With this program, Accor diversified its source of funding while optimizing its cost of debt.
Orbis
On January 23, Accor confirmed the acquisition of 33.15% of Orbis for around EUR339 million. Accor now owns, directly and indirectly, 85.84% of Orbis' share capital. As a result, Accor has strengthened its control of Orbis and consolidated its leadership in the region. Accor has signed a cooperation agreement under which the Group and Orbis are working on structuring options.
Hotel activities
On February 21, Accor announces the launch of a new customer promise embodied by the "ALL-Accor Live Limitless" program that will combine our distribution platform and a new experiential loyalty program. In this context, the Group announces a signing of several global partnerships notably with AEG, IMG and the Paris SaintGermain football club, as ALL will notably become the main partner and shirt sponsor as of the next season
On March 4, Accor continued to expand its brand portfolio with its new midscale lifestyle brand, Tribe.
On March 5, sbe launched a new global lifestyle brand, The House of Originals.
On April 4, Accor announced the opening of two majestic hotels in India, Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur. The move signals a new direction for Accor in India, with a stronger focus on luxury and premium brands.
Upcoming events in 2019 April 30, 2019: Annual Shareholders' Meeting July 31, 2019: First-half 2019 results (after market close)
ABOUT ACCOR
Accor is a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique and meaningful experiences in 4,800 hotels, resorts, and residences across more than 100 countries. With an unrivalled portfolio of brands from luxury to economy, Accor has been providing hospitality savoir-faire for more than 50 years. Beyond accommodations, Accor enables new ways to live, work, and play with Food & Beverage, nightlife, wellbeing, and co-working brands. To drive business performance, Accor's portfolio of business accelerators amplifies hospitality distribution, operations, and experiences. Guests have access to one of the world's most attractive hotel loyalty programs. Accor is deeply committed to sustainable value creation, and plays an active role in giving back to planet and community. Planet 21 – Acting Here endeavors to act for "positive hospitality", while Accor Solidarity, the endowment fund, empowers disadvantaged people through professional training and access to employment. Accor SA is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States. For more information visit accor.com. Or become a fan and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.