Rank Group raises FY26 profit forecast on trading momentum

Rank Group Plc on Wednesday raised its full-year profit forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, citing sustained trading momentum across its UK and US operations. The company, which operates casinos under brands including Grosvenor and Mecca, now expects adjusted operating profit to exceed prior guidance, though it did not provide a specific figure.

The improved outlook follows a period of robust trading performance, with the group reporting a 12% rise in like-for-like revenue for the six months to September 2025. Management attributed the growth to strong customer engagement and disciplined cost management, which helped mitigate regulatory headwinds in certain markets.

Rank Group also declared a final dividend of 11.5 pence per share, bringing the total for the year to 23.0 pence, in line with its progressive dividend policy. The payout reflects confidence in the group’s ability to sustain earnings growth despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny in the UK gaming sector.

Chief Executive Ian Burke said the company remains focused on expanding its digital and omnichannel offerings to drive long-term value. "The trading momentum we’ve seen is a testament to our strategic investments in customer experience and operational efficiency," Burke stated in a statement accompanying the results.

Analysts noted that the upgrade underscores Rank Group’s resilience in a challenging regulatory environment, though concerns persist over potential further restrictions in the UK market. The company’s shares were trading 2.1% higher in London on Wednesday morning, outperforming the broader FTSE 250 index.