10 April 2018 – final results and acquisition

Results for 2017 have been released with revenue up 6% to £70.0m (2016: £65.9m).  Headline profit before tax was up 10% to £7.7m (2016: £7.0m) and headline diluted earnings per share up by 11% to 7.12p (2016: 6.41p).  Strong cash management allowed the full year dividend to be increased from 1.5p to 1.7p per share.  The ex-dividend date for the final dividend of 1.15p per share is 12 July.  The new year is said to have started well and is expected to be a year of strong growth.  The acquisition of Krow Communications Ltd, a creative agency based in London, has also been announced.  The initial consideration is £2.75m and the acquisition should be earnings enhancing from the outset.  We continue to believe the shares represent good value and keep our BUY rating.