Entain (LON: ENT) has reported half year results that came in ahead of expectations, with revenues rising and losses trimmed significantly across the business.
The sports betting and gambling giant reiterated its full year guidance alongside the results, giving investors a degree of confidence heading into the second half of the year.
Entain also confirmed a 5% increase to its dividend, a move that signals management’s confidence in the ongoing financial recovery of the group.
The company continues to reshape its portfolio, with management noting they “continue to finesse the shape of the company with the phased exit of Entain CEE ongoing, unlocking further value from the portfolio.”
Fellow gambling operator Rank Group (LON: RNK) also delivered its full year numbers, posting a 6% increase in net gaming revenue alongside a 21% rise in operating profits.
Rank recorded a 130 basis point improvement in margins, a notable achievement given the growing UK tax burden being placed on the gambling industry.
Management at Rank is proposing a 35% increase in the dividend payout, underscoring the strength of its trading performance across the period.
The group’s medium term profitability target of £100 million underlying profit remains firmly intact, measured against the £76.8 million posted this year and £64.8 million in FY25.
Infrastructure group Costain (LON: COST) rounded out the morning’s major announcements with half year results described by management as being in line with expectations.
Revenues at Costain rose 3.4% during the period, while adjusted operating profits came in 3% higher compared with the prior year.
The company’s forward order book remained unchanged year on year, though management noted it maintains last year’s record level, which is a strong position heading into the second half.
The order book provides more than 90% of cover for expected revenues across both the current year and next, giving Costain considerable visibility on future income.
In a further shareholder-friendly move, Costain doubled its interim dividend, reflecting the adoption of a new dividend cover ratio by the board.
All three companies operating across gambling and infrastructure demonstrated resilience in their latest reporting periods despite broader economic and tax pressures in the UK market.
