524.00 p (
+5.50) 
Debt investors
A disciplined approach to our debt and cost of borrowing ensures we maintain a robust balance sheet and have access to sufficient financial resources to achieve our business strategy.
Debt summary
The level of debt and cost of borrowing is monitored on an ongoing basis. We maintain a disciplined approach to manage leverage and target a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of approximately 30-35%, net debt to EBITDA of 6-7x and ICR of 3.5-4.0x over the medium term.
Our credit ratings are BBB+ (stable outlook) and Baa1 (stable outlook) with Standard & Poors and Moody’s respectively, reflecting our prudent leverage targets, robust capital position, stable cash flow and track record.
The following key principles guide how we look to structure and manage our debt:
- We proactively manage our cost of debt to mitigate the impact of rising rates.
- We have published our Sustainable Finance Framework to enable future sustainable debt.
- We manage our maturity profile to target no more than 25% of drawn debt maturing in any one year.
- We diversity funding sources to reduce reliance on any single lender.
- We maintain flexibility for the business through our unsecured debt portfolio for the Group.
- We protect against potential interest rate volatility by targeting our fixed/hedged ratio at 75% to 95% of total debt.
Sustainable finance framework
In April 2021, we launched a sustainable finance framework and updated this in April 2024. This links the company’s financing strategy with our wider sustainability strategy.
The framework sets up the criteria for financing projects through sustainable bonds, loans and other debt products. Projects will also have a positive environmental and/or social impact, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and supporting the company’s business strategy. These include green buildings, projects aimed at improving our properties’ energy efficiency and use of renewable energy, as well as social initiatives, including affordable housing, financial support for students, and projects aimed at widening participation in post-18 education.
ISS ESG has assessed the framework to make sure it aligns with principles published by the International Capital Markets Association and the Loan Markets Association. ISS’s opinion is available on the investor relations section.
NatWest acted as the sole sustainability structuring advisor while we developed and updated the framework.
Key debt statistics
Unite Group plc bonds
