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.

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