Region Group hikes guidance as profit doubles

Retail landlord Region Group (ASX:RGN) has delivered a commanding first-half performance, more than doubling its net profit to $180 million and prompting an immediate upgrade to its full-year earnings guidance.

The result significantly outpaced market expectations of $139.5 million, underpinned by a resilient 3.1% growth in supermarket and non-discretionary specialty sales.

While portfolio occupancy remains robust at 97.7%, the group's funds from operations climbed 3.9% to 7.9 cents per security, allowing the company to lift its FY26 FFO guidance to 16 cents per share.

Investors will also see an increased interim distribution of 6.9 cents, reflecting the group's strengthened $5.4 billion asset base.

Following the earnings beat, Region Group has adjusted its full-year targets, with AFFO guidance upgraded to 14.1 cents (previously 14 cents), representing 2.9% growth.