Huntsworth plc is a world-class global public relations and integrated healthcare communications group operating from 73 principal offices in 31 countries.

Strategically aligned under four principal consultancy brands: Citigate, the leading financial brand; Grayling, the world’s second largest independent consultancy; Huntsworth Health, integrated healthcare communications specialists and Red, one of the leading multi-specialist public relations consultancies; we are now successfully positioned for accelerated growth.

http://www.huntsworth.com/~/media/Files/H/Huntsworth-PLC/pdf/latest-announcements/2012/HNT_Interim_announcement_30June%202012.pdf

Huntsworth PLC
Interim results for the six months to 30 June 2012
Profit before tax up 21%
Huntsworth PLC, the global public relations and healthcare communications group, today announces its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2012.
Financial highlights
Revenue
 Revenue of £88.2m (H1 2011: £88.1m)
 Like-for-like revenue growth of 0.5%
 Global and multi-office revenues up to 49% of group revenues (H1 2011: 46%)
Profits
 Operating profits up 18.6% to £13.7m (H1 2011: £11.5m)
 Operating margin before central costs 20.5% (H1 2011: 17.8%)
 Operating margin post central costs 15.5% (H1 2011: 13.1%)
 Profit before tax up 20.8% to £11.6m (H1 2011: £9.6m)

Huntsworth: Numis expects continued revenue stability in second half
4:36 pm by Giles Gwinnett Analyst Richards said in a note today: "We expect continued revenue stability in H2, though quarterly performance will reflect vastly different comparatives, and expect the group to focus on profit delivery and cash generation." Communications and PR firm Huntsworth (LON:HNT) is rated a 'buy' by broker Numis, which says the shares offer "robust medium-term value".

The firm reported interim results last month, which were ahead of the broker's expectations, said analyst Paul Richards.

In the six months to June 30, the firm posted pre-tax profits of £11.6million - an increase of 20.8 per cent. Revenues were virtually unchanged at £88.2 million.

The group's chief executive Peter Chadlington had told investors: "This is a result of our rigorous cost control combined with the changing profile of the group's revenue stream gathering pace with global and multi-office revenues growing strongly in the period and now accounting for almost half of group revenues."

Analyst Richards said in a note today: "We expect continued revenue stability in H2, though quarterly performance will reflect vastly different comparatives, and expect the group to focus on profit delivery and cash generation.

"Looking forwards into 2013, we believe that revenue growth will accelerate, with continued growth in multi-office revenues and less of a drag from single office revenues as attrition moderates."

The analyst added the group was well placed to benefit from its burgeoning operations in the Middle East and strong digital offering.

"We are maintaining our estimates for full year 2012 and 2013 and believe the shares offer robust medium-term value."

Numis has a target price for the stock of 61 pence (current price: 49 pence

:-))

What's your view of Huntsworth now please Dreamcatcher?

May be a good time now to buy in . There has been board changes. The sp is 50% of its peak.

Dc, is the divi % yield still around 8 to 9? Can't see anywhere that the divi has been cut.

Sorry I have been a while sutherlh1, you are correct.
Dividend Yield 8.81 (%)

Thanks Dc, decided to invest in a few; it seems to have set off a small buying spree. Company margins look pretty good and improving. H

Just under 10% up today, good timing sutherlh1

Thanks for heads up dc. Couldn't reply earlier as in Egypt on TCG hol and just got wireless working. Watching TCG drop a little, hoping to buy back closer to 40p.

Its all right for some lol. Freezing here !!!!!!!!!!!!

Pre-Close Trading Statement
RNS
RNS Number : 0901X
Huntsworth PLC
05 February 2013





5 February 2013



Huntsworth plc

Pre-Close Trading Statement

Huntsworth on track to meet 2012 management expectations

New CEO for Grayling to join March 1 2013



Huntsworth plc ("the Group"), the international public relations and healthcare communications group, today issues its pre-close trading statement for the year ended 31 December 2012. The key highlights are:



· Rigorous action on costs will deliver a double digit improvement in Group profitability compared to 2011

· Management expects to meet its expectations for 2012

· Appointment of new CEO for Grayling



Group revenues in 2012 were, in common with other companies in the marketing services sector, adversely affected by the economic conditions in the UK and Europe - which account for circa 60% of Group revenues - and by the downturn in financial and corporate activity in the UK financial markets. However, rigorous cost control will deliver a double-digit improvement in profitability in 2012 over the previous year and the Board expects to meet current management expectations.

The Group balance sheet continues to be strong. Careful working capital management throughout the year has resulted in net debt improving ahead of management expectations with the balance at 31 December 2012 expected to be circa £67m.



The Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Pete Pedersen who joins Grayling as Chief Executive Officer after nearly 20 years at Edelman where he was a leading member of the executive team on key accounts such as Microsoft and Xbox, before becoming Global Chair of the Edelman Technology Practice.

Lord Chadlington, Chief Executive Officer of Huntsworth, said: "Pete is a seasoned operator with long experience of winning and handling global accounts, and has built a global technology practice which over the last few years has averaged double digit growth.

"I'm confident that Pete's client, technology and management experience will be a great fit with Grayling as it takes the next step towards becoming a global PR business with social media and technology at its core."



Sally Withey, Group Chief Operating Officer and Group Finance Director, said:

"I am pleased that despite the difficult economy we will deliver strong profit growth and tight cost control this year. With some early signs of more positive economic conditions in some of our markets, we are focusing on growing revenues, winning more global accounts and leveraging our expertise and leadership in digital communications into more of our work.

"The appointment of Pete Pedersen as Chief Executive Officer of Grayling reflects the Board's ambition to expand and invest in the digital capabilities of the Group.

"The Group's 2012 Preliminary results will be announced on 25 April 2013 at which time we will also give an update on our first quarter revenue growth as well as the progress we are making in global accounts and digital revenues."



The Annual Report will be posted to shareholders on 14 May. The Annual General Meeting will be held on 13 June.

Nice inverted H&S on the chart, targeting 70p plus for another 20% or so upside. Will hold despite sitting on a nice gain at present. Regards to DC, H

I had this on my radar a couple of weeks ago and didn't buy for some stupid reason - damn! Ticking up very nicely again.

Yes, me too, but sadly no funds available to take advantage. CGT issues will prevent any trading before the new tax year - then watch the market sink!

Thanks sutherlh1 hope they continue the rise and good luck all other investors.

As of Mar 15, 2013, the consensus forecast amongst 4 polled investment analysts covering Huntsworth plc advises that the company will outperform the market. This has been the consensus forecast since the sentiment of investment analysts improved on Jan 09, 2013. The previous consensus forecast advised investors to hold their position in Huntsworth plc.

Huntsworth schedules FY results

4 April 2013 | 09:21am

StockMarketWire.com - Huntsworth will announce its preliminary results for the year to the end of December on 25 April.

At 9:21am: [LON:HNT] Huntsworth share price was +0.38p at 53.38p


Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

Final Results

Financial


highlights1

· Revenue of £173.0m (2011: £176.3m); like-for-like2 revenue decline of 0.3%

· Profit before tax up 17.4% at £22.5m

· Operating profit margin before central costs 19.4% (2011: 17.5%)

· Diluted earnings per share:

o Before highlighted items up 11.3% to 6.9p (2011: 6.2p)

o After highlighted items up 56.4% to 6.1p (2011: 3.9p)

· Net debt reduced by £4.2 million to £66.9m (2011: £71.1m)

· Proposed final dividend of 2.50p (2011: 2.50p), giving a total 2012 dividend of 3.50p (2011: 3.50p)



Operational Highlights

· 6.4% like-for-like growth in multi-office revenues, now more than 50% of the Group

· Digital revenues grown to 23% of Group

· Robust growth in revenue from 2011 investments in Asia & Middle East

· High profile client wins including Marks & Spencer and the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change





http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4581399

BLUEFOCUS TO INVEST ?36.5m in HUNTSWORTH

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4581445

Huntsworth: Numis moves target price from 65p to 80p maintaining a buy recommendation.

Hope there are right, that would give me a 2 bagger. The reverse head and shoulders seems to indicate a target just over 70p and I think that's where I will get out assuming of course it gets there. In the meantime there is a nice 2.5p divi coming up in May I believe. H

Well done s,


Huntsworth gains Chinese backing in return for 20 per cent stake
Thu 25 Apr 2013
Huntsworth gains Chinese backing in return for 20 per cent stake LONDON (SHARECAST) - Public relations group Huntsworth has signed a strategic alliance with “Asia's largest public relations group” BlueFocus Communications, which is investing 36.5m pounds into the UK company.

After purchasing 63m of new shares at a 10.5% premium to their previous closing price, BlueFocus will own a 19.8% stake in the enlarged share capital of Huntsworth.

Huntsworth also announced its results for the 2012 calendar year, with profits up 17.4% to £22.5m and over 50% of revenues coming from global and multi-office business. Revenues declined 0.3% on a like-for-like basis to £173.0m.

Huntsworth, which owns the PR business Grayling and Citigate, had been working with the Chinese company for a number of years and, said Chief Executive Lord Chadlington, the deal “cemented” the commercial relationship.

“We can now offer global support to Chinese companies through the international Huntsworth network and also provide our clients in depth service in China using the largest available Chinese PR network," he said.

BlueFocus Chief Executive and founder Oscar Zhao, who will join Huntsworth's board, said the British company’s “unique mix of public relations, healthcare and digital communications” provided its Chinese clients with a global platform to expand.

Huntsworth PLC (HNT:LSE) set a new 52-week high during today's trading session when it reached 64.00. Over this period, the share price is up 31.89%

Huntsworth plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2012


Financial highlights1
 Revenue of £173.0m (2011: £176.3m); like-for-like2 revenue decline of 0.3%
 Profit before tax up 17.4% at £22.5m
 Operating profit margin before central costs 19.4% (2011: 17.5%)
 Diluted earnings per share:
o Before highlighted items up 11.3% to 6.9p (2011: 6.2p)
o After highlighted items up 56.4% to 6.1p (2011: 3.9p)
 Net debt reduced by £4.2 million to £66.9m (2011: £71.1m)
 Proposed final dividend of 2.50p (2011: 2.50p), giving a total 2012 dividend of 3.50p (2011: 3.50p)
Operational Highlights
 6.4% like-for-like growth in multi-office revenues, now more than 50% of the Group
 Digital revenues grown to 23% of Group
 Robust growth in revenue from 2011 investments in Asia and the Middle East
 High profile client wins including Marks & Spencer and the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
http://www.huntsworth.co.uk/~/media/Files/H/Huntsworth-PLC/pdf/report-and-accounts/2012/HNT%20Annual%20Report%202012%20FINAL.pdf

A buy in this weeks IC - A £4m investment programme will hit huntsworth's 2013 earnings, but the blue focus tie-up should boost digital and emerging market capability - suggesting long-term transformational potential. Yet despite soaring 38% since 19 April 2013, the shares still trade on a fairly modest 11 times forecast earnings and there is a tasty yield.

Share price forecast




The 3 analysts offering 12 month price targets for Huntsworth plc have a median target of 65.00, with a high estimate of 70.00 and a low estimate of 40.00. The median estimate represents a 13.54% increase from the last price of 57.25.

Trading statement due Friday 17 May.

Interim Management Statement
RNS
RNS Number : 9389E
Huntsworth PLC
17 May 2013


Huntsworth plc

("Huntsworth" or "the Group")



Huntsworth today publishes its Interim Management Report to cover the period from 1st January 2013 to date.



Lord Chadlington, Huntsworth's Chief Executive, said:



"The general trading environment continues to be difficult in the UK and Europe but the Group has a made a good start to 2013 and we expect trading for the full year to remain in line with management expectations. Huntsworth Health continues to perform well and has won a further 3 digital Agency of Record mandates so far this year. Citigate is seeing more transactional revenues than in prior months and advised on the successful IPO of esure and is currently advising on the potential IPO of Partnership. Red is making steady progress, having added a number of prestigious new accounts including Ford Retail & Air France KLM. The digital and revenue growth investment plan is underway at Grayling, underpinned by some good wins which extend the scope of work for some key clients, such as M&S and Hilton, into new areas and markets.



"Our new relationship with Blue Focus, one of Asia's largest PR firms which is acquiring a 19.8% stake in Huntsworth, is progressing well and at an operational level our businesses are beginning to work together well. This, together with our revenue growth investment plan and further good progress in our digital businesses, gives us confidence in the further development of the Group.



"In due course when the Blue Focus deal is completed, the Board will hold a capital markets day to present the steps taken to develop Group trading in Asia Pacific in general

Huntsworth: Panmure Gordon mmoves target price from 70p to 82p retaining its buy rating.

Ex divi Wed 29 May 2.5p payment 5 July

Result of AGM

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4613482

On Wednesday, Huntsworth PLC (HNT:LSE) closed at 57.00, 10.94% below its 52-week high of 64.00, set on Apr 25, 2013.

Huntsworth schedules interims 29 July 2013 | 14:40pm StockMarketWire.com - Huntsworth, the international public relations and healthcare communications group, will publish its interim results for the six months to the end of June on 8 August. At 2:40pm: [LON:HNT] Huntsworth share price was +0.26p at 58.13p Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

31 Jul Numis 80.00 Buy

Interim results for the six months to 30 June 2013

RNS


RNS Number : 2144L

Huntsworth PLC

08 August 2013










Huntsworth PLC



Interim results for the six months to 30 June 2013



Investment plan in place to stimulate top line growth



Huntsworth PLC, the global public relations and healthcare communications group, today announces its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2013.



Financial highlights1



Revenue

· Revenue up 0.8% to £88.9m (H1 2012: £88.2m)

· Like for like2 revenue decline of 0.5%

· Investment plan in place to stimulate top line growth

· Multi-office revenues up to 50% of Group revenues, with 2% like for like growth

· Digital revenues up to 24% of Group revenues, with 9% like for like growth

· Middle East and Asia Pacific like for like revenue growth at 7%



Profits before highlighted items

· Operating profits of £12.4m (H1 2012: £13.7m)

· Operating margin before central costs 17.9% (H1 2012: 20.5%)

· Operating margin post central costs 14.0% (H1 2012: 15.5%)

· Profit before tax of £10.6m (H1 2012: £11.6m)



Diluted earnings per share

· Before highlighted items at 3.1p (H1 2012: 3.5p)

· After highlighted items at 2.5p (H1 2012: 3.1p)



Cash flow and net debt

· Cash flow from operating activities of £3.0m, representing a cash conversion of 24% (H1 2012: 57%)

· Net debt at £69.0m (31 December 2012: £66.9m)



Dividend

· Interim dividend of 1.0p (H1 2012: 1.0p)



BlueFocus investment
· BlueFocus has received approval for the subscription from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)

· Its investment of £36.5m is expected to be completed in September 2013 subject to Huntsworth shareholder approval





Notes:

1) Unless otherwise stated, all results are adjusted to exclude highlighted items. Highlighted items comprise amortisation of intangible assets, restructuring costs, litigation costs and acquisition/transaction related costs/(credits).

2) Like for like revenues are stated at constant exchange rates and are adjusted to include pre-acquisition revenues and exclude disposals/closures.



Peter Chadlington, Chief Executive of Huntsworth, said:



"Citigate, Red and Huntsworth Health are all performing well. Grayling, under new leadership, is beginning to see the benefits of the investment plan announced in April to stimulate top line growth and capitalise on the growth of digital revenues. We believe that we are on track to meet full year management expectations.



We are working closely with BlueFocus in China and with its investment of £36.5m expected in September 2013 and just £9.6m of deferred contingent consideration payments remaining, the Group is set to deleverage significantly in the coming months."

Not in this -



8 Aug Numis 80.00 Buy - they do not say which year. :-))

10 Sep Numis 80.00 Buy
9 Sep Numis 80.00 Buy

On the up, if any one is in this one.

Atomic merges with Grayling

RNS


RNS Number : 4435V

Huntsworth PLC

13 December 2013






Huntsworth plc



Atomic merges with Grayling; combined operation doubles Grayling size in the U.S.





Huntsworth plc ("Huntsworth" or "the Group"), the global public relations and healthcare communications group, today announces the merger of Grayling with Atomic PR ("Atomic"). The combined company will be branded Grayling and the merger will be effective from 1 January 2014. The two firms have worked closely together since early 2011, when Huntsworth acquired Atomic. Agreement has been reached on the earn-out payments remaining in respect of Atomic. Circa £2m deferred consideration now remains for the Huntsworth Group.



The integration of Atomic and its six American offices accelerates Grayling's growing momentum in the U.S. and caps a year of transformation for Grayling under CEO Pete Pedersen, who joined in February 2013.



Announced this week, as of January 1st 2014, former MSL Group executive Peter Harris, becomes Grayling's U.S. CEO. In September 2013, DutkoGrayling's (U.S. public affairs firm) five U.S. offices were rebranded as Grayling. The combination of Grayling, Atomic and DutkoGrayling brings together world-class public relations, social media, digital marketing, government affairs and investor relations practices under the Grayling brand and further strengthens its U.S. operation.



Atomic co-founders Andy Getsey and James Hannon will continue in senior executive roles at Grayling. Getsey will assume the role of executive vice president, and Hannon will serve as Grayling's chief data strategist, a first in the industry. Together, the two will co-chair Grayling's U.S. technology practice.



The new Grayling U.S. has full service offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Tallahassee, Denver, Seattle, Sacramento, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and Orange County.





Pete Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of Grayling, commented:



"Integrating Atomic gives Grayling U.S. additional critical mass in PR, social media and digital, as well as significant expertise in the use of data to guide strategy and creative. We're delighted to welcome Atomic into the Grayling group."



Andy Getsey, Chief Executive Officer of Atomic, said:



"We're very proud that the Atomic team accomplished its goal of becoming one of the best and most innovative mid-sized PR firms in the digital era. Going forward as Grayling, we look forward to helping create an innovative national and global multi-disciplinary communications powerhouse."



Sally Withey, Group Chief Operating Officer, commented:



"Grayling and Atomic have worked very well together over the last two years and the merger will add Atomic's experience in the technology sector to Grayling's broad network and rapidly developing communication offer. This is another important step in Grayling's development."



About Grayling



Grayling is a leading global communications network founded in 1981 to deliver data-driven strategies for digital marketing, public relations, government affairs and investor relations.



Grayling operates from 54 offices in 26 countries worldwide across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. The firm works across multiple sectors including Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Healthcare, Technology, Consumer Brands, Financial Services, Transport & Logistics, and Government & Public Sector. For more information visit www.grayling.com

Huntsworth plc will announce its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2013 on Tuesday 29th April 2014.

Audited Preliminary Results 2013

RNS


RNS Number : 7126F

Huntsworth PLC

29 April 2014










Audited preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2013



Financial results in line with expectations

Investment programme bringing good results and to be extended into 2014

BlueFocus alliance strengthens further through a formal joint venture

Lord Myners to become Chairman after 2014 AGM



Huntsworth PLC, the global public relations and healthcare communications group, today announces its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2013.

Financial results to 31 December 2013

Sally Withey, Huntsworth's Chief Operating Officer said: "The 2013 Group results are in line with consensus with profit before tax of £20.1m, following our announcement in April 2013 of £4.4m of new strategic investments, and revenues of £171.7m3. Our investment programme is producing revenue growth in our three key strategic areas: digital, growth markets and multi-office accounts.

Digital revenues grew by 10% in the year and now represent 26% of our Group revenues. We expect further growth in 2014. In growth markets we achieved, for example, 34% revenue growth in 2013 in the Middle East and Africa. Huntsworth's multi-office accounts, now 50% of Group revenues, saw a 4% growth in average fee. The capital injection from BlueFocus has made the new strategic investments possible and the results allow us to extend the programme into 2014."

Lord Myners to become Chairman at 2014 AGM

Lord Myners has been Chairman of several leading international and FTSE100 companies including Marks & Spencer and Guardian Media Group, and was City Minister in the last Labour Government. He joins the board with immediate effect and, subject to being re-appointed as a Director by the Company's members, will take over as Chairman at the conclusion of the 2014 AGM. Lord Myners said: "Huntsworth has built a solid international platform with the potential to deliver significant growth in both revenues and profits - particularly as a result of the BlueFocus partnership - which in turn enables the Group to continue its successful investment programme in new geographies and product development. I am looking forward both to working with my new colleagues and strategic partners in growing our business and pursuing value opportunities based on established international platforms, competencies and relationships."

BlueFocus partnership

Lord Chadlington, Huntsworth's Chief Executive, said: "We also announce today the next step in our alliance with BlueFocus by signing a framework joint venture agreement which will establish a joint venture focusing on investment in growth markets to complete the Huntsworth/BlueFocus global network. Particular emphasis will be given to companies in the Asia-Pacific markets with strong digital capabilities.

The framework joint venture agreement will require shareholder approval before it takes effect.



The BlueFocus strategic investment enables us to break out of our dependence on the UK and European economies which have held back organic revenue growth in the last six or seven years. Our success in investing in people, geographies and skills in 2013 and our plans to extend this programme in 2014 will provide the best possible basis for growth in the years ahead. This should coincide with the upturn in the PR markets worldwide, which if this upturn follows historic patterns, is six to twelve months behind the upturn in advertising."

Results were not as good as expected presumably?
This has appeared on my radar because of the ex-divi date of 28th May (2.5p), but not one I have followed at all.
Historically the sp does seem to have a regular lurch downwards, but recovers.

A hold in IC - weak trading hounds Huntsworth.

Shares in PR agency Huntsworth slid 7% on the back of this weak set of results.
Although the company's promising health segment delivered 7% sales growth, operating profits at Grayling, its largest division ,slid 27% to £11.2m as depressed European markets took their toll.

Huntworth shares trade at 14 times Numis's forecast, in line with the sector average.

Profits warning -




Huntsworth Trading Update

RNS


RNS Number : 1876M

Huntsworth PLC

14 July 2014












14 July 2014



Huntsworth plc ("Huntsworth")







Huntsworth Trading Update



The Board of Huntsworth plc, the public relations and healthcare communications Group, announces that first half results will be below market expectations. The Board is reviewing the second half year and, while there is work to do, we believe that the second half will show improvement over the first half year.



The Half year results will be published in mid-August 2014

Interim results for the six months to 30 June 2014

RNS


RNS Number : 7168O

Huntsworth PLC

11 August 2014






Huntsworth PLC



Interim results for the six months to 30 June 2014



Lord Chadlington to step down as Group CEO



Huntsworth PLC, the global public relations and healthcare communications group, today announces its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2014.



Headline financial highlights1

Revenue

· Revenue £83.1m (H1 2013: £88.9m)

· Like-for-like2 revenue decline of 1.7%; constant currency revenue decline of 2.4%

· 69% of all public relations3 revenues in the UK and Europe



Investment

· Investment expense of £2.4m during the half, with 84% of the annual 2014 budgeted investment spend now committed

· Multi-office revenues up to 51% of Group revenues (H1 2013: 50%)

· Digital revenues up to 28% of Group revenues, with 18% like-for-like growth (H1 2013: 24%)

· USA, Middle East and Asia Pacific like-for-like revenue growth of 5% (2013: 5%)



Profits

· Operating profit of £8.9m (H1 2013: £12.4m)

· Operating margin before central costs 14.6% (H1 2013: 17.9%)

· Operating margin post central costs 10.7% (H1 2013: 14.0%)

· Profit before tax of £7.7m (H1 2013: £10.6m)



Cash flow and net debt

· Cash flow from operations of £4.0m, representing a cash conversion of 45% (H1 2013: 24%)

· Net debt at £35.5m (30 June 2013: £69.0m; 31 December 2013: £32.0m)



Reported financial highlights

Revenue

· Revenue after highlighted items £83.6m (H1 2013: £88.9m)

· Like-for-like revenue decline of 1.1%



Profits

· Operating profit of £7.9m (H1 2013: £10.1m)

· Operating margin 9.5% (H1 2013: 11.4%)

· Profit before tax £6.3m (H1 2013: £8.3m)



Cash flow

· Cash flow from operations of £3.7m (H1 2013: £1.0m)

· Cash conversion of 47% (H1 2013: 10%)



Diluted earnings per share

· Before highlighted items at 1.8p (H1 2013: 3.1p)

· After highlighted items at 1.4p (H1 2013: 2.5p)



Dividend

· Interim dividend of 1.0 pence per share (H1 2013: 1.0p)



Board changes

· Lord Chadlington to step down as CEO when a suitable successor is found

· Search commenced for new CEO

· John Farrell to step down as non-executive director

· Andy Boland, CFO of AA plc, appointed as non-executive director; a further non-executive director expected to be appointed in the autumn

· Sally Withey, COO and CFO, expected to return from sick leave in the autumn

· Brian Porritt, Interim CFO will remain in place until Sally Withey's return



Lord Chadlington, Chief Executive of Huntsworth, said: "At the 2013 year end we reported that we would continue our investment programme for a second year in order to build multi-office business, to increase our digital revenues and to increase revenue growth in the USA, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, thereby reducing our high dependence on the UK and Europe. While the pace of these increases in the first half has been slower than we hoped, we are making some good progress, which we expect will continue in the second half and accelerate in 2015.



It has been my intention for some while to stand down and I am delighted that I will do so just as the economies of the world are turning for the better and that we have a management team which will make the most of this all-important investment plan which is now well under way. I am extremely proud of Huntsworth and what we have created."

Notes:

1. Headline results are adjusted to exclude highlighted items. Highlighted items comprise amortisation of intangible assets £0.6m (H1 2013 £0.8m), restructuring costs £nil, (H1 2013 £2.2m), facility fees written off £0.4m (H1 2013 £nil) and acquisition/transaction related costs/(credits) £0.1m (H1 2013 £(0.7m)). In addition, we have highlighted revenues in respect of start-up operations of £0.5m that produced £0.4m of operating losses.

2. Like-for-like revenues are stated at constant exchange rates and are adjusted to include pre-acquisition revenues and exclude disposals/closures.

3. Public relations revenues are those from our three public relations divisions Citigate, Grayling and Red.

Strong recovery underway.

16:35 09/11/2016
Director Deals - Huntsworth PLC (HNT)
Neil Jones, Financial Director, bought 45,000 shares in the company on the 8th November 2016 at a price of 39.66p. The Director now holds 285,000 shares. Story provided by StockMarketWire.com Director deals data provided by www.directorsholdings.com

Interim results for 6 months to 30 June 2017

17:00 06/11/2017
Director Deals - Huntsworth PLC (HNT)
Derek Mapp, Chairman, bought 3,741 shares in the company on the 6th November 2017 at a price of 75.20p. The Director now holds 515,235 shares. NOTE: Co's Scrip Dividend Scheme Story provided by StockMarketWire.com Director deals data provided by www.directorsholdings.com

12:30 14/12/2017
Broker Forecast - Peel Hunt issues a broker note on Huntsworth PLC
Peel Hunt today reaffirms its buy investment rating on Huntsworth PLC (LON:HNT) and raised its price target to 95p (from 80p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

Trading Update
RNS
RNS Number : 2932Z
Huntsworth PLC
14 December 2017
 
 
           
Trading update
 
Huntsworth plc, the healthcare communications and public relations group, today issues a trading update for the 11 months to 30 November 2017.
 
 
Trading
 
The Group continues to trade well and expects to reach at least market consensus* headline profit estimates for the year to 31 December 2017. This has been led by continuing strong growth at Huntsworth Health particularly in Evoke and Apothecom which now account for over 65% of Huntsworth Health revenue and profit. The Creative Engagement Group, which Huntsworth purchased in July 2017, has performed well, is now fully integrated within the Group and is increasingly engaged in joint new business with other Group agencies.
 
 
Financial Position
 
The Group remains in a strong financial position, operating well within its £75m facility. Net debt at 30 November 2017 was approximately £44m, equating to less than 1.5x net debt to pro forma EBITDA**.
 
 
Outlook
 
The Group is confident about future trading and expects continued good growth prospects in its Healthcare businesses. It remains focused on driving improved operating profit throughout the Group.
 
*Consensus Headline PBT is £22.8m
**Pro forma EBITDA takes into account the full annualisation of M&A in 2017.
 

Acquisition of AboveNation Media, LLC
RNS
RNS Number : 5885F
Huntsworth PLC
22 February 2018




22 February 2018


Acquisition of AboveNation Media, LLC

Huntsworth plc (the Company), the international healthcare and communications group (Huntsworth or the Group), today announces the acquisition of 75% of AboveNation Media, LLC (AboveNation Media) from Steve Minichini and John Lee (together the Sellers) for an initial consideration of $1.75m.

Transaction highlights

AboveNation Media is a New York-based full-service media strategy, planning and buying agency. AboveNation Media will provide integrated advertising technology solutions across Huntsworth's Evoke Group business.

AboveNation Media will continue to be led by its CEO, Steve Minichini and its President, John Lee and will report to Reid Connolly, CEO of Evoke Group.

The agreement to acquire 75% of AboveNation Media (the Agreement) provides for an initial consideration of $1.75m (Initial Consideration) and two deferred payments due in 2019 and 2021, based on a multiple of the EBITDA for the preceding years (Deferred Consideration).

In addition, the Agreement provides for a put and call option over the remaining 25% of AboveNation Media exercisable by the Sellers or the Group from 1 January 2023. The consideration payable will be based on average EBITDA for the two calendar years immediately preceding.

The Initial Consideration will be financed through the Group's existing facilities. Both the Deferred Consideration and the put and call option consideration payable, may be satisfied either in cash and/or ordinary shares of the Company.

The maximum amount of total consideration payable is capped at $25m.

AboveNation Media generated revenues of c. $1.3m and EBITDA of c. $0.5m in the year to 31 December 2017 and the Group expects the acquisition to be accretive to the Group's earnings in the current financial year. AboveNation Media's gross assets were $4.2m as at 31 December 2017.

Commenting on the acquisition, Reid Connolly, CEO of Evoke Group, said:

"The convergence of media and technology has changed the way brands and companies connect with their customers. AboveNation Media is a perfect strategic fit within our group and strengthens our commitment to a culture of innovation and accountability. By integrating the emotional insights that fuel great creative with advanced media strategy and technology, we not only create a more nimble and agile offering but we're able to create smarter, harder working creative. Collectively we offer our clients the ability to engage and build more valuable relationships and to do so in the most advanced, efficient and, most importantly, transparent way possible."

The statement regarding earnings enhancement is not a profit forecast and should not be interpreted to mean that the Group's earnings per share will necessarily match or exceed the historic earnings of the Group.

5 Mar
Peel Hunt
95.00
Buy

Preliminary results

Financial Highlights

·
Revenue up 9% at £197.0 million (2016: £180.1 million)
·
Headline operating profit up 47% at £26.4m (2016: £18.0m), representing a margin of 13.4% (2016: 10.0%)
·
Headline profit before tax up 52% at £24.4 million (2016: £16.0 million)
·
Headline diluted earnings per share increased to 5.8p (2016: 4.0p)
·
Strong cash conversion of 113% (2016: 87%) with free cash flow of £20.7m (2016: £2.9m)
·
Proposed final dividend up 16% at 1.45p per share (2016: 1.25p per share) giving a total dividend for the year of 2.0p per share (2016: 1.75p per share)


Operational Highlights

·
Continued strong organic growth from Healthcare divisions
·
All operating divisions growing profits
·
Acquisition of The Creative Engagement Group (TCEG), which is now integrated and performing well
·
Restructuring of the Group into four principal divisions which reflect the increased Healthcare focus
·
Grayling restructuring completed with a return to profitability

New high

08:00 16/03/2018
Broker Forecast - Peel Hunt issues a broker note on Huntsworth PLC
Peel Hunt today reaffirms its buy investment rating on Huntsworth PLC (LON:HNT) and raised its price target to 115p (from 95p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com Broker Forecasts data provided by www.sharesmagazine.co.uk

4 May
Peel Hunt
115.00
Buy

4 Jun
Peel Hunt
N/A
Buy

11:00 06/06/2018
Broker Forecast - Berenberg issues a broker note on Huntsworth PLC
Berenberg today initiates coverage of Huntsworth PLC (LON:HNT) with a buy investment rating and price target of 135p. Story provided by StockMarketWire.com Broker Forecasts data provided by www.sharesmagazine.co.uk

Acquisition of Giant Creative Strategy LLC
RNS
RNS Number : 8107U
Huntsworth PLC
17 July 2018



THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF REGULATION 596/2014 ("MAR").
17 July 2018

Huntsworth plc
("Huntsworth" or the "Company" or the "Group")

Acquisition of Giant Creative Strategy LLC for a cash consideration of $72.2m

Huntsworth plc, the healthcare and communications group, today announces the acquisition of approximately 90.2% of the membership interests of Giant Creative Holdings, LLC, a limited liability company and parent of Giant Creative Strategy LLC ("Giant") from Shamrock Capital Growth Fund III L.P. and its affiliates and Giant's former and existing management, for a cash consideration of $72.2m funded from existing debt facilities.

Transaction highlights

Giant, based in San Francisco, is one of the largest independent healthcare marketing agencies based on the US west coast. It provides a full service, multichannel offering to its clients in the biopharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostics companies, through its circa 150 staff and derives circa 70% of its revenue from marketing to healthcare professionals ('HCPs'), a key growth area for Huntsworth. When combined with our existing Healthcare marketing agencies led by New York-based Evoke, the Group will be significantly more competitive in responding to changing client demand that is seeking fewer but stronger partners to help access the spectrum of their marketing needs.

Giant's management team is led by founders Steven Gold (CEO) and Adam Gelling (President) who will remain with the business and who hold, along with other senior management, the remaining circa 9.8% of Giant Creative Holdings, LLC's equity which is subject to put and call rights that are exercisable in March of each calendar year commencing in 2021 (the "Put and Call"). The value of the Put and Call will be determined based on a multiple of Giant's earnings over the two-year period prior to exercise of the Put and Call, subject to a cap of $25 million in the aggregate. Consequently, the maximum aggregate consideration payable by Huntsworth for Giant will be $97.2 million. Giant generated revenues of circa $32m and EBITDA of circa $7m in the year to 31 December 2017 and the Group expects the acquisition to be materially accretive to the Group's earnings in the current financial year. Giant's gross assets were $26.1m as at 31 December 2017. Huntsworth is entitled to settle any consideration due under the Put and Call either in cash, by the issue of ordinary shares in the Company ("Shares") or by a mixture of cash and the issue of Shares.



Commenting on the acquisition, Paul Taaffe, Group CEO, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Giant into Huntsworth. Giant is a strong addition to the Group, bringing scale in Healthcare professional ('HCP') marketing especially in the fast growth biotech sector and is led by an outstanding management team who will continue to be invested alongside us in the business.

"This expansion of Huntsworth makes it an even more compelling alternative to the large holding company networks."

This statement regarding management's views as to the accretive nature of this transaction is not a profit forecast and should not be interpreted to mean that the Group's earnings per share will necessarily match or exceed the historic earnings of the Group.

10:30 17/07/2018
Broker Forecast - Numis issues a broker note on Huntsworth PLC
Numis today reaffirms its buy investment rating on Huntsworth PLC (LON:HNT) and raised its price target to 165p (from 109p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com Broker Forecasts data provided by www.sharesmagazine.co.uk

14:20 18/07/2018
Broker Forecast - Peel Hunt issues a broker note on Huntsworth PLC
Peel Hunt today downgrades its investment rating on Huntsworth PLC (LON:HNT) to add (from buy) and raised its price target to 140p (from 115p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com Broker Forecasts data provided by www.sharesmagazine.co.uk

Interim results

Highlights

·
Strong growth in profits. Headline1 profit before tax up 9% to £11.0m (H1 2017: £10.0m)
·
Strong growth in Healthcare from Medical and Immersive divisions
·
Acquisition of two agencies in the Marketing division adding key additional capabilities

o
AboveNation Media LLC
o
Giant Creative Strategy LLC acquired post-period end

·
Interim dividend increased by 27% to 0.7p (H1 2017: 0.55p)

Proposed acquisition of Navience Healthcare
RNS
RNS Number : 2335C
Huntsworth PLC
27 September 2018


THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF REGULATION 596/2014 ("MAR").

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.


27 September 2018

Huntsworth plc
("Huntsworth" or the "Company" or the "Group")

Proposed acquisition of Navience Healthcare Solutions LLC for an initial cash consideration of $24m and proposed placing to raise approximately £18m

Huntsworth plc, the healthcare and communications group, today announces it has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire 80% of Navience Healthcare Solutions LLC ("Navience"), an independent payer advisory and marketing agency, for an initial cash consideration of $24m (the "Initial Consideration"). It is intended that the Initial Consideration will be funded by a placing of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company (the "Placing"), to raise approximately £18m, with any proceeds in excess of the Initial Consideration to be used to pay expenses relating to the acquisition and the Placing.

Transaction highlights

Navience is a payer advisory and marketing agency, based in Princeton, New Jersey, in the US. Navience operates in the fast-growing payer marketing segment by helping its clients develop and execute a market access and pricing strategy for their products. Its client base is predominantly big-cap pharmaceutical companies.

Navience is wholly owned by its founder, John Shamsey, who will remain with the business.
The consideration for 80% of the equity of Navience consists of an initial cash consideration on closing of $24m, subject to adjustment for working capital, together with deferred consideration based on a multiple of earnings for the two years ending 31 December 2019, which is subject to a cap of $40m. The remaining 20% of Navience's equity will be subject to put and call rights that are exercisable in May of each calendar year commencing in 2022 (the "Put and Call"). The value of the 20% of Navience's equity that is subject to the Put and Call will be determined based on a multiple of Navience's earnings over the two calendar years that precede the exercise of the Put and Call. Huntsworth is entitled to settle any deferred consideration and any consideration due under the Put and Call either in cash, by the issue of ordinary shares in the Company ("Shares") or by a mixture of cash and the issue of Shares. The maximum aggregate consideration (excluding any adjustment to the initial consideration for working capital) payable by Huntsworth for 100% of the equity of Navience will be capped at $94m.

In 2017, Navience delivered revenues of $6.4m (2016: $3.0m) and adjusted EBITDA (before vendor remuneration) of $3.8m (2016: $0.9m). The strong margins are a result of its consulting-type work, combined with fixed fees that allow for efficiencies within the fee structure. The Directors believe the combined offering will allow the Marketing group to access larger, broader and more international assignments.

The Group expects the acquisition to be accretive to the Group's earnings in the next financial year. Navience's gross assets were $2.5m as at 31 December 2017.

Rationale for the Placing and use of proceeds
Huntsworth plc announces its intention to undertake a placing of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company (the "Placing Shares"). The Placing is intended to raise gross proceeds of approximately £18m (before expenses).

The Placing is being undertaken to fund the Initial Consideration, as detailed above. The Company intends to use any proceeds of the Placing that are in excess of the Initial Consideration to pay expenses related to the acquisition and the Placing. The placing will allow the Group to maintain its conservative gearing policy. Management expect leverage to be below 2.0x as at 31 December 2018. [1]

The acquisition is expected to be completed on or around 3 October 2018, conditional upon, amongst other factors, completion of the Placing. In the event that the Company defaults in completing the acquisition, the Company will be liable to pay a break fee of $1m.
Details of the Placing

Numis Securities Limited ("Numis") and Dowgate Capital Stockbrokers Limited ("Dowgate") are acting as joint bookrunners ("Joint Bookrunners") in connection with the Placing.

The Placing is subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Appendix (which forms part of this announcement, such announcement and the Appendix together being the "Announcement"). The Joint Bookrunners will today commence a bookbuilding process in respect of the Placing (the "Bookbuilding Process"). The price per ordinary share at which the Placing Shares are to be placed (the "Placing Price"), and the number of Placing Shares to be issued, will be decided at the close of the Bookbuilding Process. The book will open with immediate effect following this Announcement. The timing of the closing of the book, pricing and allocations are at the discretion of the Joint Bookrunners and the Company. Details of the Placing Price and the number of Placing Shares will be announced as soon as practicable after the close of the Bookbuilding Process.

The Placing Shares, when issued, will be fully paid and will rank pari passu in all respects with the existing ordinary shares of the Company, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid after the date of issue. The maximum number of Placing Shares will not exceed 33,017,000, being the maximum number of ordinary shares for which the applicable disapplication authorities were granted at the Annual General Meeting held on 24 May 2018.

Application has been made for the Placing Shares to be admitted to the Official List maintained by the UK Listing Authority and to be admitted to trading by the London Stock Exchange plc on its market for listed securities (together, "Admission"). Admission is expected to take place on or before 8.00 a.m. on 2 October 2018 and settlement for the Placing Shares is expected to take place on the same date. The Placing is conditional, among other things, upon Admission becoming effective and the Placing Agreement not being terminated in accordance with its terms. The Appendix sets out further information relating to the Bookbuilding Process and the terms and conditions of the Placing.

This Announcement should be read in its entirety. In particular, you should read and understand the information provided in the Appendix.

Current trading
On 24 July 2018, the Group announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2018. The Board confirmed it expects to see a good performance across the Group in the second half of the year, which has been enhanced by the acquisition of Giant Creative Strategy LLC in July and will be further enhanced by the first-time inclusion of Navience. The Board remains confident in the full year outcome and the longer-term prospects of the Group.
Commenting on the acquisition, Paul Taaffe, Huntsworth CEO, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Navience into Huntsworth. As one of the leading specialists in the fast growing area of payer marketing, Navience meets a healthcare marketing need especially for drugs in the run up to launch.
This expansion of Huntsworth Healthcare Marketing's offering to include leading agencies in the healthcare industry, direct to consumer and now payer marketing, along with media consultancy and public relations, makes the Group an even more compelling alternative to the traditional holding company networks."
The statement regarding management's views as to the accretive nature of this transaction is not a profit forecast and should not be interpreted to mean that the Group's earnings per share will necessarily match or exceed the historic earnings of the Group.

This Announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014 ("MAR"). In addition, market soundings (as defined in MAR) were taken in respect of the Placing with the result that certain persons became aware of inside information (as defined in MAR), as permitted by MAR. This inside information is set out in this Announcement. Therefore, those persons that received inside information in a market sounding are no longer in possession of such inside information relating to the Company and its securities.

Huntsworth plc - www.huntsworth.com
www.evokehealth.com
www.giantagency.com

Results of placing
RNS
RNS Number : 2528C
Huntsworth PLC
28 September 2018


THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF REGULATION 596/2014 ("MAR"). UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN IT, IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER STATE OR JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

28 September 2018

Huntsworth plc
("Huntsworth" or the "Company" or the "Group")

Results of placing

Huntsworth plc, the healthcare and communications group, is pleased to announce the results of the placing launched yesterday, 27 September 2018.

A total of 16,560,604 new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company of 1 pence each (the "Placing Shares") have been placed by Numis Securities Limited ("Numis") and Dowgate Capital Stockbrokers Limited ("Dowgate") (together, the "Joint Bookrunners") at a price of 109.5 pence per Placing Share (the "Placing Price"), raising gross proceeds of approximately £18.1 million (£17.6m net of expenses).

The Placing Shares represent 5.0% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company prior to the Placing. The Placing Price represents a discount of approximately 3.5% to the closing price of 113.5 pence on 27 September 2018.

In relation to the above, applications have been made to the Financial Conduct Authority for admission of the Placing Shares to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and to the London Stock Exchange plc for admission to trading of the Placing Shares on its main market for listed securities (together, "Admission") and Admission is expected to take place at 8.00 a.m. on 2 October 2018.

In accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, following this issue, the Company's issued share capital consists of 349,459,361 ordinary shares of 1 pence each. The Company currently holds 1,686,681 ordinary shares in treasury. Therefore, the total number of issued shares with voting rights in the Company is currently 347,772,680.

The figure of 347,772,680 ordinary shares should be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

Related Party Participation
Canaccord Genuity Group Inc ("Canaccord") is a substantial shareholder for the purposes of chapter 11 of the Listing Rules. They are therefore considered to be a related party for the purposes of chapter 11 of the Listing Rules. Canaccord have committed to subscribe for 4,000,000 Placing Shares in the Placing, equating to £4,380,000. Under Listing Rule 11.1.10 R, the participation in the Placing by Canaccord constitutes a "smaller" related party transaction and as such does not require the approval of independent ordinary shareholders of the Company. The Transaction falls within Listing Rule 11.1.10R (smaller related party transactions) and this announcement is made in accordance with Listing Rule 11.1.10R(2)(c).

Huntsworth plc - www.huntsworth.com

11:30 27/11/2018
Broker Forecast - Berenberg issues a broker note on Huntsworth PLC
Berenberg today reaffirms its buy investment rating on Huntsworth PLC (LON:HNT) and cut its price target to 140p (from 150p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com Broker Forecasts data provided by www.sharesmagazine.co.uk