M Winkworth Regulatory News (WINK)

13 January 2021

M Winkworth plc

Trading Update

M Winkworth plc ("Winkworth" or the "Company"), the leading franchisor of real estate agencies, is pleased to announce the following trading update for the financial year ending 31 December 2020.

Despite the stop/start market conditions brought about by government mandates to control the spread of coronavirus, 2020 was marked by the underlying strength of demand in the sales market. After a brisk start to the year following Boris Johnson's election, putting an end to the political uncertainty which overshadowed the residential market in 2019, the first lockdown in early Spring created new challenges to which we responded rapidly and effectively. We were, therefore, well placed for the ensuing post lockdown boom, fuelled by the stamp duty holiday incentive. The second half of the year remained strong, not only as a result of catch-up but also supported by a new category of buyers and sellers looking to change their lifestyles. Once again, Winkworth increased its market share of Sales Subject to Contract, most notably in London where we ranked second with a market share of 4.6% in 2020 up from 4.2%¹ in 2019. 

Lettings and management revenues suffered far less in the first lockdown, due to the renewal of contracts and property management services, so trading for the year showed greater consistency. Business was driven by a catch-up following the pause rather than an increase in demand and, until international interest recovers, we see reduced rental prices in London limiting growth.

The rate of new office openings was, unsurprisingly, subdued in 2020, but nonetheless we opened two new offices and transferred one office, Crystal Palace, to our ownership. We have four new offices at advanced stages of negotiation at the start of 2021, with promising early discussions on a further four. Over the course of 2020, we avoided making significant cost cuts to our infrastructure and teams to ensure that we were well placed to support our franchisees and help them to grow market share once conditions improved.

Despite the market upheaval, Winkworth's total revenues were broadly flat on 2019. Profits before tax are expected to be lower than those achieved in 2019 and as a result, the total dividend pay-out for the year has been reduced by some 15%. The Company expects to announce its final results for the year ended 31 December 2020 on or around 8 April 2021.

We are relieved that estate agencies are to remain open for business during the current lockdown and with our Q4 2020 sales applications up 44% and lettings applications up 12% year-on-year, and with a record pipeline of sales still to feed through to trading in Q1 2021, we have entered the current year with considerable momentum.

The directors of Winkworth are pleased to announce that the Company will pay a dividend of 1.8p (2019: 2.1p) per share for the fourth quarter of 2020, bringing total dividend payments declared for the year to 6.68p (2019: 7.8p).

The timetable is as follows:

* Shares bought on or after the ex-dividend date will not qualify for the dividend

** Shareholders must be on the Winkworth share register on this date to receive this dividend

¹ Source: TwentyCI

Dominic Agace, Chief Executive Officer of Winkworth, commented:

"Last year will be remembered primarily for the Covid crisis. Our thanks go to our franchisees and employees for working so hard to adapt to changing demands, and to our customers for their patience and loyalty. We are pleased to have once again increased our market share and, notwithstanding the latest lockdown, look forward to our company's future with great confidence."

For further information please contact:

M Winkworth Plc Tel : 020 7355 0206

Dominic Agace (Chief Executive Officer)

Andrew Nicol (Chief Financial Officer)

Milbourne (Public Relations) Tel : 07903 802545

Tim Draper

Shore Capital (NOMAD and Broker) Tel : 020 7408 4090

Robert Finlay

David Coaten

Henry Willcocks

About Winkworth

Winkworth is a leading franchisor of residential real estate agencies and is admitted to trading on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange.

Established in Mayfair in 1835, Winkworth has a pre-eminent position in the mid to upper segments of the central London residential sales and lettings markets. In total the company operates from some 100 offices, having expanded consistently in recent years.

The franchise model allows entrepreneurial real estate professionals to provide the highest standards of service under the banner of a well-respected brand name and to benefit from the support and promotion that Winkworth offers. Franchisees deliver in-depth local knowledge and a highly personalised service to their clients.

www.winkworthplc.com