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1. Company Snapshot

1.a. Company Description

Future plc, together with its subsidiaries, publishes content for technology, games, TV and entertainment, women's lifestyle, real life, music, creative and photography, sports, home interest, and B2B sectors primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom.It operates through Media and Magazine segments.The Media segment provides e-commerce, digital advertising, events, lead generation, newsletters and CRM, and digital licensing services.


The Magazine segment creates specialist magazines and bookazines in print and digital formats; and offers print licensing services.The company also provides endorsement licensing, comparison shopping, and video content production services, as well as various sales and distribution services to third party publishers.Future plc was founded in 1985 and is based in Bath, the United Kingdom.

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1.b. Last Insights on FUTR

Future plc faced challenges due to evolving business conditions, with significant share price movement despite not having the largest market capitalization. The company's recent events, such as the Marie Claire Power Play Summit, may not have directly impacted earnings. With no recent earnings release available, attention turns to potential growth drivers. According to a September rating from Berenberg, the company was downgraded, citing concerns. No information on share buybacks was found. The company's strategic focus on digital transformation and expansion may be tested by current market dynamics.

1.c. Company Highlights

2. Future's FY '25 Results: Steady Performance Amidst Challenges

Future's FY '25 revenue was GBP 739 million, down 6% year-on-year, with organic performance down 3%. Adjusted operating profit was GBP 205 million, reflecting a 28% margin, flat year-on-year. The actual EPS came out at '0.4667', missing estimates at '0.682'. The company generated good cash flows, with 86% of AOP and 96% underlying, and a strong balance sheet with leverage of 1.3x. A 5-fold increase to the ordinary dividend and a fifth share buyback program have been announced, with GBP 100 million returned to shareholders in the period.

Publication Date: Dec -07

📋 Highlights
  • Revenue and Profit Margin:: Future's FY '25 revenue fell 6% to GBP 739 million, yet adjusted operating profit remained flat at GBP 205 million, maintaining a 28% margin.
  • Shareholder Returns:: The company returned GBP 100 million to shareholders via a 5-fold dividend increase and a GBP 30 million share buyback program, with total buybacks reaching GBP 230 million.
  • Direct Digital Advertising Growth:: Direct digital advertising now accounts for 68% of total advertising revenue, driven by higher yields compared to programmatic, despite AI-driven search trends impacting sessions.
  • New Revenue Streams:: Initiatives like Future Optic (AI-based ads) and Rev Renewal (price comparison) generated GBP 100 million in new revenue, with bespoke ads sold to clients like Samsung.
  • Future Outlook:: FY '26 guidance targets 2-4% revenue growth and 30% EBITDA margin, supported by GBP 20 million efficiency savings by FY '28 and 95% cash conversion goals.

Segmental Performance

The company's digital advertising revenue was impacted by AI-driven search trends, but only 16% of the business is directly tied to sessions. Direct digital advertising revenues increased to 68% of total advertising, with higher yields than programmatic. B2C revenue was down 2%, Go.Compare down 5%, and B2B down, but showing signs of improvement. Magazines performed strongly, flat year-on-year. E-commerce was a mixed bag, with a strong peak trading season, but a decline in unique page views in H2.

Growth Initiatives and Outlook

Future is developing new revenue streams to drive growth, focusing on direct audience relationships. The company expects to maintain a strong cash performance, with cash conversion around 95% going forward. For the FY '26 outlook, Future expects modest revenue growth in line with current consensus and an EBITDA margin of 30%. Analysts estimate next year's revenue growth at 1.0%. The company's growth guidance of 2-4% is driven by direct ads, e-commerce, B2B, and Go.Compare.

Valuation and Returns

Future's current valuation metrics are as follows: P/E Ratio at 8.23, P/B Ratio at 0.64, P/S Ratio at 0.78, EV/EBITDA at 4.14, and Dividend Yield at 0.54%. The company's ROIC is 6.98%, and ROE is 7.9%. The Net Debt / EBITDA ratio is 1.31. Given the current valuation, it is essential to assess whether the market has priced in the expected growth and returns.

Strategic Focus

Future's CEO highlights the company's data-first platform, which monetizes high audience engagement powered by technology and enabled by trusted specialist brands. The company has 175 brands, giving it scale to leverage its tech platform in multiple ways. Future's strategy focuses on growth, returning capital to shareholders, and investing in bolt-on acquisitions that align with its goals. The company is confident in its ability to deliver on its strategy and create long-term value for shareholders.

3. NewsRoom

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Future PLC (FRA:FNWA) (Full Year 2025) Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges and ...

Dec -04

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Michael Peralta Joins Future as Chief Revenue Officer

Nov -13

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Why Future plc (LON:FUTR) Could Be Worth Watching

Oct -18

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Marie Claire’s Power Play Summit Gathers Visionary Women to Champion ‘Perseverance’ in Philadelphia

Sep -22

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The past three years for Future (LON:FUTR) investors has not been profitable

Jul -07

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Marie Claire Brings Power Play Event to Atlanta

May -19

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Future PLC (FRA:FNWA) (H1 2025) Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Revenue Challenges with ...

May -17

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Is It Time To Consider Buying Future plc (LON:FUTR)?

May -11

4. Business Breakdown

4.a. Revenues by Country

4.b. Revenues by Segment

5. Expected revenues mid-term growth (4.31%)

6. Segments

Media

Expected Growth: 5%

Future plc's media segment growth is driven by increasing demand for digital content, strategic acquisitions, and expansion into new markets. The company's focus on niche audiences and diversified revenue streams also contribute to its growth. Additionally, investments in digital marketing and e-commerce capabilities enhance its online presence, further fueling growth.

Magazines

Expected Growth: 3%

Future plc's magazine segment growth is driven by increasing demand for specialist titles, strategic acquisitions, and expansion into digital media. The company's focus on niche markets, such as technology and gaming, has also contributed to growth. Additionally, investments in e-commerce and online platforms have enhanced customer engagement and revenue streams.

7. Detailed Products

Technology

Future plc provides technology products and services, including software, hardware, and IT solutions to businesses and individuals.

Gaming

Future plc offers gaming products and services, including gaming hardware, software, and online communities.

Creative

Future plc provides creative products and services, including design software, photography equipment, and creative online communities.

Music

Future plc offers music products and services, including music gear, software, and online music communities.

Home Interest

Future plc provides home interest products and services, including home decor, gardening, and DIY solutions.

Sports

Future plc offers sports products and services, including sports gear, fitness software, and sports online communities.

Film and Video Production

Future plc provides film and video production products and services, including camera equipment, software, and online communities.

Photography

Future plc offers photography products and services, including camera equipment, software, and online photography communities.

8. Future plc's Porter Forces

Forces Ranking

Threat Of Substitutes

The threat of substitutes for Future plc is medium due to the presence of alternative products and services in the market.

Bargaining Power Of Customers

The bargaining power of customers for Future plc is high due to the availability of alternative products and services, and the high demand for quality products.

Bargaining Power Of Suppliers

The bargaining power of suppliers for Future plc is low due to the company's strong relationships with its suppliers and the availability of alternative suppliers.

Threat Of New Entrants

The threat of new entrants for Future plc is medium due to the moderate barriers to entry and the availability of resources and technology.

Intensity Of Rivalry

The intensity of rivalry for Future plc is high due to the presence of strong competitors and the high demand for market share.

9. SWOT Analysis

10. Capital Structure

10.a. Balance Sheet

10.b. Weighted Average Cost of capital

Value
Debt Weight 27.94%
Debt Cost 7.35%
Equity Weight 72.06%
Equity Cost 7.35%
WACC 7.35%
Leverage 38.78%

11. Quality Control: Future plc passed 5 out of 9 key points

12.a Historical Valuation

12.b Price/Earnings Ratio

12.c Margin Valuation

12.d Peers Valuation

Peers Group Analysis

Stock-Card
Alma Media

A-Score: 5.7/10

Value: 2.8

Growth: 4.6

Quality: 7.8

Yield: 6.2

Momentum: 8.0

Volatility: 5.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
TX Group

A-Score: 5.4/10

Value: 6.6

Growth: 2.6

Quality: 4.1

Yield: 4.4

Momentum: 9.0

Volatility: 6.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Bloomsbury Publishing

A-Score: 5.0/10

Value: 6.0

Growth: 7.4

Quality: 7.0

Yield: 5.6

Momentum: 0.5

Volatility: 3.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Storytel

A-Score: 4.6/10

Value: 4.1

Growth: 6.7

Quality: 6.7

Yield: 1.2

Momentum: 7.5

Volatility: 1.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Future

A-Score: 4.5/10

Value: 8.9

Growth: 7.3

Quality: 6.9

Yield: 0.6

Momentum: 1.0

Volatility: 2.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Polaris Media

A-Score: 4.2/10

Value: 5.6

Growth: 5.9

Quality: 5.0

Yield: 5.6

Momentum: 0.5

Volatility: 2.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Peers Metrics

12.e Scoring Insights

12.f DCF BETA

Parameters

Short Term Growth

Short term Time

Long-Term Growth

WACC

Target Price

5.27$

Current Price

5.28$

Potential

-0.00%

Expected Cash-Flows