Rank increases its 2016 final dividend by 16%

DividendMax Ltd.

Rank increases its 2016 final dividend by 16%

Key highlights

Continued like-for-like growth across all brands and channels, with Group like-for-like revenue up 3%

Group EBITDA and Group operating profit before exceptional items up in the year, 5% and 4% respectively, excluding the impact of Remote Gaming Duty

Continued strong digital revenue growth, up 11%

Mecca's retail bingo growth continues, with revenue up 2% on a like-for-like basis

Debt levels further reduced with leverage down to 0.3x

UK digital brands migrated onto new digital platform in Q3 2015/16, on time and within budget

Strong dividend growth with dividend per share of 6.50p, up 16% year-on-year

Adjusted EPS up 5%

Henry Birch, Chief Executive of The Rank Group Plc said:

"I am pleased to report a solid set of results with Group revenue up 2%, again recording like-for-like growth across all brands and channels in the year."

"This year we have focussed on delivering significant projects to ensure we have the right platform in place for future growth.  This included the migration of our digital business onto a new platform, the rollout of an improved retail casino management system and investments into new generation machines in both our casino and bingo venues."

"At the same time we have delivered a substantial increase in the dividend to our shareholders."

"Rank remains in a strong financial position, possesses market-leading brands and has a clear strategy for long-term growth. The board continues to look to the future with confidence."

Companies mentioned