4imprint H1 operating profits edge higher despite modest revenue decline

(Sharecast News) - Promotional products specialist 4imprint said on Wednesday that operating profits had edged higher in H1, even as revenues ticked lower, as it was forced to navigate a challenging customer acquisition landscape.

4imprint said revenues for the six months ended 28 June fell 1% year-on-year to $659.4m, but operating profit edged up 1% to $70.7m, supported by an improved margin of 10.7%, up from 10.5% a year earlier. Pre-tax profits also rose 1%, coming to $74.0m in the half, reflecting disciplined cost control and pricing adjustments.

The FTSE 250-listed firm noted that customer metrics were mixed in H1, with total orders declining to 1.05m from 1.09m, and new customer acquisitions falling 13.8% to 125,000. However, it noted that retention remained robust and average order values held firm.

Free cash flow jumped 26.2% to $74.6m, though cash reserves fell 16% to $102.3m following the payout of $119.9m in final and special dividends. 4imprint also maintained its interim dividend of USD 80cents per share.

Chairman Paul Moody said: "Despite some market challenges and an anticipated level of rising product cost due to tariffs in the second half, the board expects that full year group revenue and profit before tax will remain within the current range of analysts' forecasts.

"The board is confident in the group's ability to navigate current market conditions, delivering the strongest possible near-term financial results while positioning the business to take advantage of opportunities that will present themselves as conditions improve."

As of 0855 BST, 4imprint shares were down 4.40% at 3,455.86p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com