The group is an integrated information and media business, structured in three operating divisions: Business Publishing, Business Information and Exhibitions. Business Publishing essentially comprises our marketing solutions activities except exhibitions. The primary focus of our marketing solutions is on measurable effectiveness, which is why digital media are a priority. Business Information essentially comprises our business-critical information activities. Their primary focus is on workflow-enabled content and to build a portfolio of high value subscription products within our target markets. The primary focus of Exhibitions is to build a portfolio of international events within our target markets.

Our core strategy is to lead our selected market communities with a diversified portfolio of market-leading publishing brands, events and business-critical information and workflow solutions. We typically aim to achieve this by:
•Creating or acquiring the leading digital information, marketing publication or exhibition brand for high value professional and commercial markets
•Reinforcing those brands through multiple brand extensions eg awards, summits, showcases, special reports, research, magazines, digital newsletters, databases, workflow tools etc.
•Exploiting the premium route to market offered by our marketing brands to enhance the market penetration of our information brands.

Centaur’s vision as a business is to secure sustainable market leadership through customer intimacy, product and service quality and continuous innovation. We believe that the key to our success lies in the calibre and commitment of our people. We aim to provide them with a working environment in which they will thrive. Our meritocratic and entrepreneurial culture is based on the following key values:
•Integrity – we aim to inspire trust and respect in our relationships both internally and externally and in the quality and usefulness of our products and services
•Creative Enterprise – we encourage our people to look for profitable new opportunities to serve our markets and to set high standards of implementation of these initiatives

http://www.centaur.co.uk/

Shares - Business information and media group Centaur Media is seeing an improvement in earnings quality and looks set for a strong 2015.Despite a recent rally this is not yet fully reflected in its valuation. Numis has a price target of 82p, implying a 30% upside.

Trading Statement
RNS
RNS Number : 4314C
Centaur Media PLC
19 January 2015



19 January 2015



Centaur Media Plc



Trading Update



Centaur Media plc (LSE: CAU), the multi-platform media group, today issues a trading update for the year ended 31 December 2014.



Current trading and outlook

The group expects to report profits in line with market expectations, with underlying[1] revenues increasing by 3% and adjusted operating margins increasing to 14%. Underlying revenues in the second half of the year grew by 7%, with the aggregate rate of growth across paid-for content and live events revenues continuing to outstrip declines in advertising revenues. Net debt at 31 December 2014 was £14.7m, slightly better than market expectations.



The Board remains encouraged by the momentum across the business. Alongside a continuing re-balancing of earnings in favour of the second half of the year, the group expects to deliver growth in 2015 adjusted operating profits and adjusted EPS ahead of current market expectations. 2015 adjusted operating margins are expected to increase to approximately 15%.



Operating board appointment

Steve McLaughlin has been appointed as Group Commercial Director. Steve's previous roles include Chief Commercial Officer for the Telegraph Media Group.



Andria Vidler, Chief Executive, commented:



"We are pleased to have delivered a strong performance in the second half of 2014, and are encouraged by the outlook for 2015.



"Having restructured the group, the business feels reinvigorated and positive about the year ahead. The consolidation of these changes alongside a sharper and more innovative focus on our markets will underpin further growth in both revenues and margins".



The group expects to release its results for the 18-month accounting period to 31 December 2014 on 11 March 2015.

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19 Jan Numis 84.00 Buy

19 Jan Westhouse... 77.00 Buy (Upgrades)

28 Jan N+1 Singer 85.00 Buy

Results for 18 month period

IC - Centaur recovery in full swing.

With much of the restructuring out of the way and a strong portfolio of refreshed brands, operational gearing should kick in and bring down the forward PE ratio from 12.

Interims Thurs 30 July

Interim results

18 Aug N+1 Singer 94.00 Buy