In This Article:
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Reported Net Revenue: GBP376 million, down 16% (14% like-for-like).
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Operational EBITDA: GBP30 million, down 18% reported (8% like-for-like).
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Operational EBITDA Margin: 8%, in line with the first half of last year.
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Adjusted Operating Profit: GBP25 million.
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Adjusted Earnings Per Share: 1.2p.
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Net Debt: GBP183 million, leverage at 2.2 times.
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Revenue: GBP423 million, down 18% reported (16% like-for-like).
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Operating Expenses: GBP343 million, down 16% reported (14% like-for-like).
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CapEx: GBP4 million, mainly for IT infrastructure.
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Free Cash Inflow: GBP3 million.
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Content Net Revenue: GBP234 million, down 9% like-for-like.
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Data & Digital Media Net Revenue: GBP96 million, down 8% like-for-like.
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Technology Services Net Revenue: GBP46 million, down 37% like-for-like.
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Americas Net Revenue: Down 15%, strong growth in Latin America.
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EMEA Net Revenue: Down 8%.
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Asia Pacific Net Revenue: Down 9%.
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Content Operational EBITDA: GBP16 million, margin grew 450 basis points to 6.9%.
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Data & Digital Media Operational EBITDA: GBP18 million, margin improved by 330 basis points to 18.5%.
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Technology Services Operational EBITDA: GBP6 million.
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Central Costs: GBP10 million, down 27%.
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Term Loan Maturity: August 2028.
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Revolving Credit Facility Maturity: August 2026.
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Full Year Profit Guidance: Operational EBITDA similar to 2023 on a like-for-like basis.
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Full Year Net Debt Guidance: GBP150 million to GBP190 million.
Release Date: September 19, 2024
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
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S4 Capital PLC (SCPPF) maintained its full-year profit guidance, expecting operational EBITDA to be broadly similar to 2023 on a like-for-like basis.
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The company achieved significant margin improvements in content and Data & Digital Media, with operational EBITDA margins increasing by 450 and 330 basis points, respectively.
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S4 Capital PLC (SCPPF) continues to exercise tight cost discipline, reducing headcount by 12% year-on-year and maintaining a healthy balance sheet with sufficient liquidity.
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The company is capitalizing on its prominent AI positioning, which has been key to recent new business wins such as General Motors.
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S4 Capital PLC (SCPPF) has streamlined its capabilities into two practices, marketing services and technology services, to better align with market demands and improve operational efficiency.
Negative Points
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Reported net revenue for the half year was down 16% to GBP376 million, reflecting global macroeconomic uncertainty and high interest rates.
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Operational EBITDA decreased by 18% on a reported basis, with significant declines in Technology Services due to lower transformation activity from key clients.
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The Americas, which account for 78% of the company's revenue mix, saw a 15% decline in net revenue, impacted by lower spend from tech clients.
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The outlook for Technology Services remains challenging, with anticipated lower revenue and EBITDA due to reduced activity with key clients and longer sales cycles for new business.
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S4 Capital PLC (SCPPF) expects overall like-for-like net revenue to be down year-on-year to a greater extent than previously assumed, driven by continued market uncertainty and cautious client spending.