5 February 2019 – trading update
The group has issued an encouraging trading statement for the year ending 31 December, with revenues expected to be higher than 2017 and adjusted pre-tax profits likely to be in line with revised market expectations. The group has also decided to focus on higher-margin data consultancy services and will accelerate its investment in this business. Although the group should remain profitable during this period, the additional investment will lead to adjusted pre-tax profits in 2019 being lower than those for 2018. Nevertheless, looking longer term, the group will clearly benefit and the shares are a LONG TERM BUY.