The Rank Group Plc announced unaudited group earnings results for the half year ended December 31, 2016. For the period, the company reported revenue of £355.3 million against £352.7 million a year ago. Group operating profit was £38.4 million against £46.4 million a year ago. Profit before taxation was £35.4 million against £42.7 million a year ago. Profit for the period from continuing operations was £28.1 million against £37.9 million a year ago. Profit for the period was £28.1 million against £41.6 million a year ago. Basic and diluted earnings per share were 7.2 pence compared to 10.6 pence a year ago. Net cash from operating activities was £44.6 million against £38.5 million a year ago. Purchase of intangible assets was £3.8 million against £6.5 million a year ago. Purchase of property, plant and equipment was £13.2 million against £19.6 million a year ago. Group EBITDA was £59.7 million against £62.7 million a year ago. Net debt as at December 31, 2016 was £33.0 million against £52.0 million a year ago. Adjusted earnings per share were 6.9 pence compared to 7.4 pence a year ago. Adjusted profit before tax was £34.5 million against £37.4 million a year ago. During the period, the company spent GBP 17 million on CapEx, which was lower than originally planned. The group remains highly cash generative with an operating inflow over the period of GBP 58 million.

Trading in the 4-week period to 22 January 2017 has been in line with management's expectations and, combined with detailed plans to improve second half operating profit, the company expects that the full year results will be in line with market forecasts.