21 Jan 2025 07:00
21st January 2025
THE MISSION GROUP plc
("MISSION", the "Group")
2024 Full Year Trading Update
Strong, profitable growth in 2024 underpins confidence for 2025Β
The MISSION Group plc (AIM:TMG), the Brand Performance Group, comprising of digital marketing and specialist communications Agencies, provides a trading update for the financial year endedΒ 31 December 2024Β ("FY2024").
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The Group continued to see a resilient trading performance in the second half of the financial year across all segments. The Board therefore expects to report FY2024 revenue (operating income) of Β£88m (FY2023 +2%). The Group's diligent cost control over the course of the year underpinned profitable growth with headline operating profit expected to be between Β£9.0m - Β£9.2m; up approximately 38% on the prior year and in line with market expectations*. Headline operating margins are expected to be 10.5% for FY2024, an improvement of 40% on FY2023.
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Net bank debt on 31 December 2024, following receipt of the proceeds of the disposal of April Six, was Β£9.4m. As previously outlined, additional receipts of up to a maximum of Β£4.2m for the earn out payment linked to EBITDA from the April Six transaction are expected.
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The Value Restoration Plan announced in December 2023 is now complete, as evidenced by the strong margin and profit improvements and significantly reduced bank leverage ratio.
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The Board was also pleased to publish its updated Capital Allocation Policy on 2 January 2025 with a commitment to return up to Β£1.5m to shareholders by way of an on-market Share Buyback. The Share Buyback programme has begun and Β£0.13m has been returned to date.Β
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MISSION will announce its final results on 25 March 2025.
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Commenting, Mark Lund, Interim Chief Executive Officer of MISSION said:
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"2024 has seen MISSION not only deliver a resilient trading performance but take great strides to strengthen the business for the future, ensuring we are leaner and less complex with a significantly improved balance sheet.
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We enter 2025 with momentum and confidence and look forward to capitalising further on this progress as we focus on delivering for our Clients, our people and our shareholders."
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* Footnote
April Six is expected to deliver revenues of Β£11.8m and a headline operating profit of Β£1.0m in FY2024 (Β£0.2m loss in FY2023).
Consensus headline operating profit for 2024 is Β£9.2m.
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ENQUIRIES: Β
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Cat Davis - Group Marketing Director | Via Houston |
E: cdavis@themission.co.uk | |
The MISSION Group PLC | |
Simon Bridges/Andrew Potts/Harry Rees | 020 7523 8000 |
Canaccord Genuity Limited (Financial Adviser, Nominated Adviser and Broker) | |
Peter Tracey Blackdown Partners Limited (Financial Adviser) | 020 3807 8484 |
Kate Hoare/Alexander Clelland/India Spencer | 0204 529 0549Β |
E: mission@houston.co.uk | |
Houston PR |
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NOTES TO EDITORSβ―Β
TheΒ MISSIONΒ Group Plc. is The Brand Performance Group.
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Delivering measurable, results-driven campaigns as the preferred creative partner for real business growth. We offer top-tier agencies, strategic specialisms and global reach delivering outstanding performance for brands. We call it Work That Countsβ’Β www.themission.co.ukΒ
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