Proactive Investors - FTSE 100-listed information services provider Informa (LON:INF) increased revenues by 30% to £3.2 billion in 2023, with underlying profits of £854 million exceeding the £845 million expected.
Very strong free cash flow meant total dividends for the year of 18p per share were 84% higher year on year, with £550 million returned to shareholders via buybacks.
Informa updated its 2024 guidance, with revenues tipped between £3.45 billion and £3.5 billion, with an adjusted operating profit target of £950 million to £970 million.
“At the heart of our expansion in Open Research is the increasing use of technology and artificial intelligence to drive efficiencies in editorial and production, leading to improving article acceptance rates and reduced processing times,” said the group.
Frasers’ Matches goes into administration
Frasers Group subsidiary Matches Fashion has been put into administration just four months after Mike Ashley’s retail business bought the luxury online retailer in December for £52 million.
“Since Frasers Group PLC acquired MATCHES, the business has consistently missed its business plan targets and, notwithstanding support from the group, has continued to make material losses,” Sports Direct (LON:FRAS) owner Fraser said in a statement.
“Whilst MATCHES' management team has tried to try to find a way to stabilise the business, it has become clear that too much change would be required to restructure it, and the continued funding requirements would be far in excess of amounts that the group considers to be viable.
In light of this, Frasers has been informed that the directors of MATCHES have taken the decision to put the MATCHES group into administration. Frasers remains committed to the luxury market and its brand partners.”
Markets to edge higher
FTSE futures point to the blue-chip index adding a handful of points to 7,704 when markets open today after closing 12 points in the green on Thursday.
Informa will shortly have its results out. Some brokers have the FTSE 100-listed specialist information services provider as a winner in a data-driven/artificial intelligence (AI) world.
Today’s results should give a better insight into progress on that front.
There are no UK macroeconomic announcements to look out for, but this afternoon brings US non-farm payrolls and unemployment data.
Onlookers will be looking for a sign of softening in the US employment market in order to make the case for lowering interest rates sooner rather than later.