Trading Statement

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.

Enquiries

Centaur Media plc                                                                                                                              

Andria Vidler, Chief Executive Officer                                                                  020 7970 4000

Mark Kerswell, Group Finance Director

IR Focus                                                                                                                                              

Neville Harris                                                                                                   07909 976 044

Note to editors

Centaur Media is an award winning UK-based multi-platform media group that inspires and enables people to excel at what they do, setting the standard for market insight, interaction and impact.

Leading brands include: Econsultancy, Marketing Week, Creative Review, Celebrity Intelligence, Fashion Monitor, Money Marketing, The Platforum, The Lawyer, VBR, Employee Benefits, The Engineer, Subcon, Homebuilding & Renovating, Business Travel Show and The Meetings Show.

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[1] Adjusted for the impact of the disposal of Perfect Information in May 2014

 

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