Ebiquity plc Announces Dividend for the Twelve Months Ended 31 December 2017, Payable on May 15, 2018; Announces Consolidated Earnings Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2017; Provides Earnings Guidance for 2018
March 21, 2018 at 03:00 am EDT
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Ebiquity plc announced that it board intention to pay a dividend of 0.71 pence per share for the twelve months ended December 12, 2017, against 0.65 pence per share paid a year ago. This would represent an increase in dividend per share of 10% and would also represent the continuation of a progressive dividend policy which commenced with maiden dividend paid in October 2015. The dividend will be recommended as a final dividend at the Company's AGM on 9 May 2018. Ex-dividend date is April 12, 2018, record date is April 13, 2018 and payment date is May 15, 2018.
The company announced consolidated earnings results for the year ended December 31, 2017. For the year, the company reported revenues of £87,374,000 compared with £83,569,000 a year ago. Operating profit was £5,535,000 compared with £7,757,000 a year ago. Profit before taxation was £4,491,000 compared with £6,625,000 a year ago. Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent was £2,064,000 against £4,150,000 a year ago. Diluted EPS was 2.57 pence compared with 5.20 pence a year ago. Net cash generated from operating activities was £4,820,000 against £9,542,000 a year ago. Purchase of property, plant and equipment was £642,000 against £479,000 a year ago. Purchase of intangible assets was £1,589,000 against £1,872,000 a year ago. Total underlying operating profit was £12,026,000 against £12,959,000 a year ago. Underlying profit before tax was £10,982,000 against £11,827,000 a year ago. Underlying diluted EPS was 9.25 pence compared with 11.26 pence a year ago. Underlying cash from operations was £11,203,000 against £11,342,000 a year ago. Net debt as at December 31, 2017 was £28,926,000 against £28,150,000 a year ago.
The actions that have been taken in 2017, has positioned the business for faster revenue growth in 2018 and beyond. With an expectation of a turnaround in performance in the U.S. in 2018, together with continued revenue growth outside of the U.S., the company remains confident of delivering against the financial goals set out in the growth acceleration plan.
Ebiquity plc is a United Kingdom-based provider of media investment analysis. The Company provides data-driven solutions and independent, fact-based advice, enabling brand owners to improve media investment decisions and business outcomes. It provides analysis and solutions through five Service Lines: media management, media performance, marketing effectiveness, technology advisory and contract compliance. Its media management service provides guidance to global brands, offering an understanding of their digital media performance to help them make informed decisions about their media investments. The Company's media performance service helps brand owners drive efficiency and effectiveness from their media spend, eliminating wastage and creating value. Its marketing effectiveness service provides a picture of the true levers of business performance by using a suite of complementary methods. The Company's contract compliance division, FirmDecisions, provides contract compliance services.
Ebiquity plc Announces Dividend for the Twelve Months Ended 31 December 2017, Payable on May 15, 2018; Announces Consolidated Earnings Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2017; Provides Earnings Guidance for 2018