The Gym Group reports sharp rise in H1 profitability, maintains FY guidance

(Sharecast News) - Fitness clubs operator The Gym Group posted a "strong" set of interim results on Wednesday, with higher revenue, improved margins and a sharp rise in profitability, leading the firm to reiterate full-year guidance.

The Gym Group said revenues had risen 8% year-on-year to �121m in the six months ended 30 June, driven by a 4% increase in average membership and a 4% uplift in yield. Group adjusted underlying earnings were 16% higher at �48.3m, while EBITDA less normalised rent jumped 24% to �27.4m, reflecting operational leverage and cost discipline.

Adjusted pre-tax profits shot up from �500,000 to �4.9m, while free cash flow rose 8% to �25.1m, supporting investment in new sites and technology upgrades. Non-property net debt fell 6% to �51.2m, with adjusted leverage reducing to 1.0x.

The London-listed group also highlighted that it had opened five new gyms year-to-date and remains on track to deliver 14-16 openings in 2025, funded entirely from free cash flow.

Beyond the first half, The Gym Group stated trading momentum had continued into July and August, with FY like-for-like revenue growth expected to reach around 3%. Management added that it now expects FY EBITDA less normalised rent to come in at the top end of the current analyst forecast range of �50.6m to �52.8m.

Chief executive Will Orr said: "This strong set of half-year results reflects continued progress against the strategic objectives set out in our Next Chapter growth plan 18 months ago.

"In a growing sector, we have once again increased membership, revenue and profit and are well set to deliver full year results at the top end of market expectations."

As of 0815 BST, The Gym Group shares were up 6.15% at 145p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com