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Rank Group plc (GB:RNK)
LSE:RNK

Rank Group plc (RNK) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:RNK

Rank Group plc

(LSE:RNK)

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Neutral 65 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:65Neutral
Price Target:
98.00p
▲(0.93% Upside)
Rank Group plc's overall stock score is driven by strong financial performance and a solid valuation, offset by bearish technical indicators and mixed corporate events. The company's financial stability and growth plans are positive, but the recent UK budget changes and technical analysis suggest caution.
Positive Factors
Free Cash Flow Generation
Sustained, high free cash flow growth and strong cash conversion provide durable funding for capital expenditure, dividends, debt reduction, or strategic investment. This cash profile increases financial flexibility and resilience against cyclical downturns in gaming revenues over months.
Improved Balance Sheet
Lower leverage and a stable equity base reduce refinancing and solvency risks, enabling the company to absorb shocks or pursue selective M&A. Improved ROE reflects better capital efficiency, supporting long-term shareholder returns and strategic optionality over the medium term.
Diversified Omnichannel Revenue
A mix of physical casinos, bingo halls and growing online operations across UK and Spain diversifies revenue and customer touchpoints. The omnichannel model and partnerships in payments/affiliates support sustainable customer acquisition and monetization as digital adoption progresses.
Negative Factors
Regulatory/Tax Headwinds
Higher remote gaming taxation is a structural profit headwind for online operations, compressing margins and forcing pricing or cost adjustments. Over months this reduces cash available for reinvestment and heightens sensitivity to regulatory shifts in core markets, harming long-term earnings visibility.
Operational Efficiency Constraints
Persisting margin gaps indicate the company may have cost structure, scale or mix inefficiencies. Limited operational leverage constrains ability to convert revenue growth into durable profit expansion, reducing resilience to price pressure and limiting reinvestment capacity over the medium term.
Geographic Concentration Risk
Heavy exposure to the UK and Spain concentrates regulatory, tax and demand risks regionally. Market-specific cycles or policy changes can disproportionately affect results; limited geographic diversification reduces the company's ability to offset regional downturns over the coming months.

Rank Group plc (RNK) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Rank Group plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionThe Rank Group Plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides gaming services in Great Britain, Spain, Belgium, and India. It operates through Grosvenor Venues, Mecca Venues, Digital, and International Venues segments. The company offers a range of casino table games, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker; electronic roulette and slots machine games; and community games, such as bingo, as well as sports betting and food, drink, and live entertainment. It also operates digital channels, including live casino; social and bingo clubs; and online digital card games. In addition, the company offers support services to interactive gaming; property services; and marketing services. Further, it processes credit transfers; operates parking for social and bingo clubs; and develops and maintains online gaming software. The company was founded in 1937 and is based in Maidenhead, the United Kingdom. The Rank Group Plc is a subsidiary of Guoco Group Limited.
How the Company Makes MoneyRank Group generates revenue through multiple streams, primarily from its casino and bingo operations. The Grosvenor Casinos segment contributes significantly to the company's earnings, providing a variety of gaming experiences in physical locations as well as online. Mecca Bingo adds to the revenue through its bingo halls and online platform, attracting a loyal customer base. Additionally, the company's Enracha division allows it to tap into the Spanish gaming market, further diversifying its revenue sources. Online gaming and digital services have become increasingly important, especially with the growth in online gambling, allowing Rank Group to leverage technology and partnerships to enhance user engagement and increase revenue. Partnerships with payment processors and marketing affiliates also play a critical role in driving traffic and conversions, ultimately contributing to the company's financial performance.

Rank Group plc Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 29, 2026
(Q2-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Aug 13, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call presented a mix of strong operational and financial progress across venues, digital and international businesses — revenue and operating profit growth, successful gaming machine rollouts, digital growth, improving ROCE and employee engagement, and positive regulatory changes for bingo. However, material headwinds remain: a GBP 46m estimated hit from the 40% remote gaming duty, a GBP 6.5m Spanish payment-fraud cash impact, rising employment and lease-related costs, and near-term cash/lease pressure. Management has detailed mitigations and strategic initiatives to offset taxation effects and to capture medium-term upside (targeting at least GBP 100m operating profit), which supports a constructive outlook despite significant regulatory disruption.
Q2-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Group revenue and profit growth
Like-for-like net gaming revenue up 6% to GBP 419.8m; underlying like-for-like operating profit rose 15% to GBP 40.6m; underlying operating profit margin improved to 9.7% from 8.9% last year.
Improved capital efficiency and engagement
Return on capital employed increased by 2.6 percentage points to 15.9%; employee engagement score rose to 8.2/10, indicating stronger colleague momentum.
Grosvenor venues and gaming machine rollout
Average weekly NGR for Grosvenor up 6% to GBP 7.8m/week; rollout of 850 additional gaming machines (c.65% increase) completed by December. Gaming machine revenues were the fastest-growing product (Grosvenor machines +11% in the half; London revenues up 13% vs two years ago and machine revenues up 26% over two years).
Digital revenue and profitability
Group digital revenue grew 8% like-for-like (UK +9%); Grosvenor digital +17% and Mecca digital +5%. Digital operating profit increased 12% to GBP 17.8m despite higher statutory levies and slot staking limits.
Mecca venue transformation and machine adoption
Mecca net gaming revenue up 4%; gaming machine revenue in Mecca grew 9% and now represents 43% of Mecca NGR. Electronic play: 59% of visits are on electronic terminals and tablet players now account for 75% of main-stage bingo revenue.
Enracha (Spain) performance
Enracha revenue up 6% on a constant currency basis and underlying like-for-like operating profit up 5% to GBP 5.9m; gaming machine revenues in Enracha grew 10% with venue refurbishments contributing to growth.
Regulatory/legislative tailwinds for bingo
Abolition of the 10% bingo duty from April provides an annualized benefit of GBP 6.5m and is expected to help Mecca reach double-digit operating profit in the next financial year.
Prudent capital allocation and adjusted CapEx guidance
H1 CapEx GBP 27.6m. FY CapEx guidance adjusted to GBP 50–55m (timing change from prior GBP 60m expectation), reflecting targeted investments with strong expected paybacks.
Strategic and operational initiatives
Company is launching targeted initiatives: unified membership for Mecca (cross-channel personalization), a gaming machine rewards scheme, sports-betting trials in selected casinos, expansion to six machine suppliers, and improvements in data science and AI-led table management to drive future growth.
Negative Updates
40% Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) impact on UK digital
The November budget RGD increase to 40% is estimated to hit the UK digital business by c. GBP 46m to the bottom line before mitigating actions; management expects a seismic market shift with reduced competition and material industry restructuring.
Spanish payment fraud and separately disclosed cash impact
Cash flows relating to separately disclosed items included a GBP 6.5m impact from a Spanish payment fraud; investigation concluded and controls improved, but the event materially affected H1 cash flow (part of GBP 5.5m separately disclosed cash flows).
Rising employment and statutory costs
Group employment costs increased by GBP 6m (around 4%); Grosvenor employment costs up GBP 3.8m and Mecca employment costs up 2.9% due to higher national living wage and national insurance, pressuring margins.
Limited net free cash flow and increased lease liabilities
Net free cash flow in the period was modest at GBP 3.8m. Closing net cash was GBP 39.4m, but including lease liabilities net debt rose to GBP 165m. Lease payments increased to GBP 23.4m after capitalizing gaming machine leases and extending key property leases.
Higher depreciation and statutory levies
Depreciation costs increased due to capital investments and a higher statutory levy also negatively impacted half-year performance, reducing the net benefit of revenue growth.
Q2 softness and consumer confidence headwinds
Revenue growth slowed from 9% in Q1 to 4% in Q2, attributed to tougher comparatives and weaker consumer confidence around the November budget, though Christmas/New Year trading and January improved.
Lower incremental returns in heavily increased-machine venues
Where machine numbers jumped from ~20 to 80, revenue per incremental machine was lower than in venues with modest increases; management notes these venues are early in a maturity curve and require further optimization to stimulate demand.
Digital market risk from unlicensed operators and consolidation
Management flagged the risk of customers shifting to unregulated operators; government enforcement funding is limited. Additionally, smaller proprietary brands may face reduced marketing investment and changing roles in a higher-tax environment, creating uncertainty.
Company Guidance
Rank guided that it remains on track to deliver at least £100m of annual operating profit in the medium term, supported by a revised FY CapEx of £50–55m (H1 CapEx £27.6m), H1 net free cash flow £3.8m and closing net cash £39.4m (net debt incl. leases £165m); the Board proposed an interim dividend of £0.01 per share and working capital is expected to be broadly neutral for the year. Key business targets include Grosvenor average weekly NGR of £9.5m and a >13.5% operating margin (500bp improvement) building on current weekly NGR £7.8m (+6%) and the rollout of 850 additional machines (~+65%), while Mecca benefits from the abolition of 10% bingo duty (annualized +£6.5m) and is expected to reach double‑digit operating profit next year. Management flagged a £46m pre-mitigation hit to UK digital from the new 40% RGD but expect most of this to be offset by marketing reductions, supplier negotiations and efficiencies by April, and noted the Portugal full launch end‑Feb (expected small single‑digit million loss this year).

Rank Group plc Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Rank Group plc exhibits a positive financial trajectory with consistent revenue growth, improved profitability, and strong cash flow generation. The company has strengthened its balance sheet by reducing leverage, enhancing financial stability. However, there is room for improvement in operational efficiency.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Rank Group plc has shown consistent revenue growth over the years, with a 2.78% increase in the latest period. The gross profit margin has improved to 43.17%, indicating better cost management. The net profit margin has also improved significantly to 5.61%, reflecting enhanced profitability. However, the EBIT and EBITDA margins, while positive, suggest room for improvement in operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio has decreased to 0.54, indicating a more balanced capital structure. Return on equity has improved to 11.78%, showing better returns for shareholders. The equity ratio is stable at 47.97%, suggesting a solid equity base. However, the company should continue to monitor its leverage to maintain financial stability.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Rank Group plc has demonstrated strong free cash flow growth of 40.71%, indicating robust cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 2.82, reflecting efficient cash conversion. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 1.51, suggesting strong cash flow relative to earnings. Continued focus on cash flow management will be beneficial.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2025Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue795.40M734.70M681.90M644.00M
Gross Profit343.30M308.90M264.30M242.20M
EBITDA122.40M80.80M-41.70M153.50M
Net Income44.60M12.50M-96.00M64.90M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets789.50M732.50M738.40M856.70M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments64.00M56.40M60.00M95.70M
Total Debt205.70M197.30M232.70M259.70M
Total Liabilities410.80M393.50M408.40M431.60M
Stockholders Equity378.70M339.00M329.70M425.20M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow67.40M66.50M23.40M113.20M
Operating Cash Flow125.90M113.20M67.50M153.80M
Investing Cash Flow-54.70M-47.50M-44.50M-32.40M
Financing Cash Flow-58.20M-59.90M-60.10M-94.30M

Rank Group plc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price97.10
Price Trends
50DMA
100.78
Negative
100DMA
113.10
Negative
200DMA
120.42
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-3.74
Positive
RSI
29.07
Positive
STOCH
11.99
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:RNK, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 97.1 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 94.95, below the 50-day MA of 100.78, and below the 200-day MA of 120.42, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -3.74 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 29.07 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 11.99 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:RNK.

Rank Group plc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
£110.25M13.3824.79%21.27%21.93%
74
Outperform
£846.50M163.36%
65
Neutral
£414.56M12.0912.43%2.58%8.26%263.36%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
59
Neutral
£3.85B-7.39-28.60%2.24%5.14%-7.80%
53
Neutral
£15.65M
41
Neutral
£113.90M-1.045.26%32.20%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:RNK
Rank Group plc
88.40
1.72
1.99%
GB:GMR
Gaming Realms
37.20
0.20
0.54%
GB:B90
B90 Holdings
3.55
0.50
16.39%
GB:ENT
Entain plc
586.60
-129.67
-18.10%
GB:PTEC
Playtech
279.50
-9.43
-3.26%
GB:EVOK
888 Holdings
26.30
-44.70
-62.96%

Rank Group plc Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Rank Group announces CEO succession as John O’Reilly retires
Positive
Jan 6, 2026

The Rank Group plc has announced that Chief Executive Officer John O’Reilly will retire from his role on 29 January 2026, after more than seven years at the helm, though he will continue to support the business until the end of the 2025/26 financial year. Current Chief Financial Officer Richard Harris, an executive director since May 2022 with a background in consumer-facing businesses, will step up as interim CEO from 30 January 2026, ensuring continuity while the board launches a formal search for a permanent chief executive. Chair John H. Ott highlighted O’Reilly’s contribution in positioning Rank for future growth and expressed confidence that Harris will provide strategic leadership to drive performance and maximise shareholder returns, signalling a planned and orderly succession designed to reassure investors and other stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:RNK) stock is a Hold with a £114.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rank Group plc stock, see the GB:RNK Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Rank Group hit by €7.1m payment fraud at Spanish units
Negative
Dec 22, 2025

The Rank Group Plc has disclosed that its Spanish gaming businesses, Enracha and Yo, have fallen victim to a payment fraud totalling approximately €7.1 million. The company has reported the incident to law enforcement, is cooperating with official investigations and has launched its own internal probe with the assistance of an external law firm. Rank plans to treat the financial impact of the fraud as a Separately Disclosed Item in its 2025/26 results, signalling that it regards the event as exceptional and non-recurring in the context of its underlying operational performance.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:RNK) stock is a Hold with a £114.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rank Group plc stock, see the GB:RNK Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Rank Group Announces Executive Share Awards Under Deferred Bonus Plan
Neutral
Dec 16, 2025

Rank Group plc has announced the granting of share awards to its Chief Executive Officer, John O’Reilly, and Chief Financial Officer, Richard Harris, under the company’s 2020 Deferred Bonus Plan. These awards, which are set to vest in December 2027, reflect the company’s commitment to aligning executive compensation with long-term performance goals, potentially impacting the company’s operational strategy and stakeholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:RNK) stock is a Hold with a £114.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rank Group plc stock, see the GB:RNK Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Rank Group Faces Financial Impact from UK Budget Changes
Negative
Nov 26, 2025

Rank Group Plc announced that the UK Autumn Budget 2025 will significantly impact its operations due to an increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%, resulting in an estimated £40 million reduction in operating profit. While the abolition of Bingo Duty provides a £6 million benefit, the company faces additional costs from a rise in the National Minimum Wage. Despite these challenges, Rank Group maintains a strong balance sheet and plans to explore mitigating actions to manage the financial impact.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:RNK) stock is a Buy with a £163.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rank Group plc stock, see the GB:RNK Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Rank Group Plc Appoints John H. Ott as New Chair
Neutral
Nov 11, 2025

Rank Group Plc, a company listed on the London Stock Exchange, has announced the appointment of John H. Ott as the new chair of the company, effective from November 17, 2025. John brings over 40 years of global experience in business consultancy, having worked with Bain & Company, McKinsey & Company, and Barclays Bank. His appointment follows a rigorous selection process, and he is expected to provide strategic leadership as the company embarks on its next phase. Karen Whitworth, who served as interim chair, will return to her roles as Senior Independent Director and Audit Chair.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:RNK) stock is a Buy with a £163.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rank Group plc stock, see the GB:RNK Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 07, 2025