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S4 Capital (GB:SFOR)
:SFOR

S4 Capital Plc (SFOR) AI Stock Analysis

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GB

S4 Capital Plc

(LSE:SFOR)

Rating:48Neutral
Price Target:
26.00p
▲(5.48%Upside)
The overall stock score for S4 Capital Plc reflects significant financial and technical challenges, including instability and negative valuation metrics. However, strategic corporate events and mixed earnings sentiment provide some positive offsets. Addressing financial health and leveraging new leadership will be crucial for future stability.

S4 Capital Plc (SFOR) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

S4 Capital Plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionS4 Capital plc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a digital advertising and marketing services company in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through three segments: Content, Data & Digital Media, and Technology Services. The company offers contents, campaigns, and assets for paid, social, and earned media, such as digital platforms and apps, as well as brand activations. It also provides campaign management analytics, creative production and ad serving, platform and systems integration and transition, and training and education services. In addition, the company offers digital transformation services in delivering digital product design, engineering services, and delivery services. S4 Capital plc is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyS4 Capital Plc generates revenue primarily through its digital marketing services, which include the creation and distribution of digital content, data-driven analytics, and media planning and buying. The company earns money by offering these services to a diverse range of clients, including multinational corporations and brands seeking to enhance their digital presence and engagement with consumers. A significant portion of its income comes from long-term contracts and project-based work in digital advertising and marketing. The company has established key partnerships with technology and media platforms to enhance its service offerings and leverage advanced technologies in data analytics and digital content production. Additionally, strategic acquisitions play a role in expanding S4 Capital's capabilities and geographical reach, contributing to its revenue growth.

S4 Capital Plc Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Mar 24, 2025
(Q4-2024)
|
% Change Since: -22.29%|
Next Earnings Date:Sep 17, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflected a mix of positive and negative developments. While there were significant achievements in cost reduction, AI innovation, and new business wins, the company faced challenges including revenue decline, impairment charges, and struggles within the technology services sector. The overall sentiment is balanced with both progress and setbacks.
Q4-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
EBITDA Margin Improvement
Operational EBITDA margin improved to 11.6%, up 120 basis points like-for-like.
Cost Reduction Success
Significant cost reductions led to operational EBITDA of GBP88 million, with a focus on working capital management.
AI Platform Launch
Launched Monks.Flow AI platform, with implementations for clients like Google, BMW, and Amazon.
New Business Wins
Secured a major contract with General Motors, expected to be a top three client in 2025.
Strong Balance Sheet
Maintained a strong balance sheet with a leverage of 1.6 times and a revolving credit facility undrawn.
Dividend Announcement
Proposing a first dividend of 1 pence per share, reflecting confidence in the business.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline
Net revenue decreased by 11% like-for-like, impacted by macroeconomic conditions and reduced spending from technology clients.
Impairment Charge
Recorded a GBP280 million impairment charge due to trading conditions and a revised medium-term outlook.
Technology Services Struggles
Net revenue in technology services was down 35%, primarily due to the reduction from one key client and longer sales cycles.
Regional Revenue Declines
Revenue declines across all regions: Americas down 12%, EMEA down 5%, and Asia Pacific down 13%.
High Staff Cost Ratios
Staff cost ratios remain high in the 70% range, above the industry average of 65%.
Company Guidance
In the guidance for 2025, S4 Capital anticipates net revenue and operational EBITDA to remain broadly similar to 2024 levels, citing ongoing market uncertainty and a focus on AI-related capital expenditure by technology clients. The first quarter is expected to present challenging comparatives, partly due to a significant revenue reduction from a key client in technology services, but an improved performance is anticipated in the second half, supported by new business revenue phasing. The company plans to continue its disciplined approach to cost management, utilization, and billability to support profitability, with a forecasted net finance cash charge of approximately GBP27 million and a tax rate between 30% and 32%. S4 Capital aims to end the year with net debt ranging from GBP100 million to GBP140 million, adjusting its medium-term leverage target to 1.5 times. The outlook for client caution continues, but the company remains focused on maintaining operational efficiency and medium-term growth prospects.

S4 Capital Plc Financial Statement Overview

Summary
S4 Capital Plc is experiencing significant financial instability with declining revenues and profitability challenges. High leverage and negative net income are concerning, despite a recent improvement in cash flow generation. Addressing profitability and leverage issues is crucial for financial health.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
S4 Capital Plc's revenue has shown significant volatility, with a decrease from 2023 to 2024. The gross profit margin has deteriorated, and the company is facing challenges with profitability, evidenced by negative net income and EBITDA margins. The consistent negative net profitability over the years indicates ongoing operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The company's balance sheet shows a declining equity position and high leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio that has been increasing over the years. Although the equity ratio remains reasonable, the high debt level poses a risk to financial stability. Return on equity is negative, reflecting the company's struggles with profitability.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
S4 Capital Plc's cash flow from operations has been inconsistent, with a return to positive free cash flow in 2024 after a negative figure in 2023. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is volatile, and the free cash flow to net income ratio indicates challenges in translating profits into cash flow.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
848.20M1.01B1.07B686.60M342.69M
Gross Profit
754.60M873.20M126.22M91.27M53.03M
EBIT
-302.80M31.90M42.89M41.44M22.47M
EBITDA
-232.30M94.00M-54.10M14.09M45.85M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-306.90M-6.00M-159.63M-56.72M-3.93M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
168.40M145.70M223.57M301.02M142.05M
Total Assets
1.45B1.72B1.94B1.69B1.17B
Total Debt
349.90M370.10M385.30M353.06M119.40M
Net Debt
181.50M224.40M161.72M52.04M-22.65M
Total Liabilities
867.80M854.00M1.09B884.43M454.61M
Stockholders Equity
577.40M865.80M849.51M801.14M715.68M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
53.10M-18.70M46.20M34.52M53.50M
Operating Cash Flow
57.10M-10.70M64.10M49.09M60.93M
Investing Cash Flow
-14.40M-13.30M-139.79M-106.62M-130.71M
Financing Cash Flow
-15.40M-43.00M-18.22M213.96M146.59M

S4 Capital Plc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price24.65
Price Trends
50DMA
27.35
Negative
100DMA
29.91
Negative
200DMA
34.09
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.48
Positive
RSI
42.58
Neutral
STOCH
19.34
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:SFOR, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 24.65 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 25.72, below the 50-day MA of 27.35, and below the 200-day MA of 34.09, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.48 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 42.58 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 19.34 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:SFOR.

S4 Capital Plc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
GBNFG
74
Outperform
£293.69M7.2223.38%5.27%-0.66%-26.16%
GBWPP
74
Outperform
£6.27B11.0815.82%6.78%-0.70%388.07%
GBSAA
71
Outperform
£213.93M16.9233.95%1.10%-12.89%
GBYOU
63
Neutral
£382.30M296.460.70%2.69%42.19%-94.16%
61
Neutral
$14.37B5.86-4.31%3.69%2.75%-35.55%
GBCAU
60
Neutral
£47.10M9.61-24.72%5.54%-5.93%
48
Neutral
£151.00M99.88-42.53%-16.14%-5856.63%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:SFOR
S4 Capital Plc
24.55
-21.14
-46.27%
GB:CAU
Centaur Media
33.00
-3.10
-8.59%
GB:SAA
M&C Saatchi plc
176.00
-22.53
-11.35%
GB:NFG
Next Fifteen Communications
286.50
-655.28
-69.58%
GB:YOU
Yougov plc
343.50
-495.38
-59.05%
GB:WPP
WPP
558.80
-162.78
-22.56%

S4 Capital Plc Corporate Events

Shareholder MeetingsBusiness Operations and Strategy
S4 Capital Secures Shareholder Approval at 2025 AGM
Positive
Jun 4, 2025

S4 Capital Plc announced that all resolutions proposed at its 2025 Annual General Meeting were approved by shareholders. The resolutions included re-elections of directors, approval of remuneration policies, and authorization for share allotment and purchase. The successful passing of these resolutions reflects strong shareholder support and positions the company to continue its strategic focus on digital advertising and marketing services. This outcome is likely to enhance S4 Capital’s operational stability and market positioning, benefiting stakeholders by aligning with the company’s growth objectives.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SFOR) stock is a Hold with a £0.44 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on S4 Capital Plc stock, see the GB:SFOR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
S4 Capital Projects Resilient Performance Amid Global Challenges
Neutral
Jun 4, 2025

S4 Capital Plc announced that its full-year like-for-like net revenue is expected to decline slightly, with Marketing Services only slightly down and Technology Services affected by a major client’s reduced spending, which is expected to recover in the second half of the year. Despite challenging global macroeconomic conditions, the company has improved liquidity, reduced net debt by 30%, and maintained its operational EBITDA target. S4 Capital is optimistic about the second half of 2025, driven by new business wins with major clients like General Motors, Amazon, and T-Mobile, and the growing impact of its AI initiatives on efficiency and client engagement.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SFOR) stock is a Hold with a £0.44 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on S4 Capital Plc stock, see the GB:SFOR Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
S4 Capital Aligns Executive Incentives with Shareholder Interests
Positive
May 16, 2025

S4 Capital Plc announced the issuance of Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) awards to key executives under its Employee Share Ownership Plan, aiming to align their interests with shareholders. These awards, including market-priced options and conditional share awards, are designed to incentivize leadership and ensure continued employment, with additional awards granted to newly appointed CFO Radhika Radhakrishnan to strengthen her stake in the company.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SFOR) stock is a Hold with a £0.44 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on S4 Capital Plc stock, see the GB:SFOR Stock Forecast page.

Shareholder MeetingsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
S4 Capital Announces 2025 AGM Details
Neutral
May 9, 2025

S4 Capital plc has announced the publication of its Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025, which will be held on June 4, 2025, in London and broadcast live for electronic participation. This announcement is part of the company’s compliance with UK Financial Conduct Authority’s listing rules, allowing shareholders to access the AGM Notice and Proxy Form for inspection. The AGM is a significant event for stakeholders, providing an opportunity to engage with the company’s strategic direction and operational updates.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
S4 Capital Faces Q1 Revenue Decline Amidst Global Economic Challenges
Neutral
May 8, 2025

S4 Capital Plc reported a challenging first quarter with a decline in net revenue due to cautious spending by technology clients and macroeconomic volatility. Despite these challenges, the company maintained its full-year financial targets and improved its liquidity and cash flow. S4 Capital is focusing on larger client relationships and AI adoption to drive efficiency and expects better performance in the second half of the year.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
S4 Capital Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments
Positive
May 1, 2025

S4 Capital Plc has announced the appointment of Radhika Radhakrishnan as Chief Financial Officer and Nirvik Singh as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective May 1, 2025. Radhika, with extensive experience in the advertising and marketing industry, succeeds Mary Basterfield, who is stepping down. Nirvik Singh brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Grey Group and other companies, enhancing S4 Capital’s strategic positioning in the industry. These appointments are expected to strengthen the company’s leadership and support its focus on AI and digital solutions, positioning it to capitalize on industry opportunities.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
S4 Capital to Announce Q1 Trading Update on May 8, 2025
Neutral
Apr 25, 2025

S4 Capital plc has announced that it will release its Q1 trading update on May 8, 2025. The company will host webcasts and conference calls to discuss the update, reflecting its commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement. This announcement is part of S4 Capital’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the digital advertising and marketing industry, leveraging its global presence and expertise in technology services.

Business Operations and Strategy
S4 Capital Plc Sees Increased Stake by Third Avenue Management
Neutral
Apr 3, 2025

S4 Capital Plc announced a change in its major holdings, with Third Avenue Management LLC increasing its stake in the company. The acquisition of additional voting rights by Third Avenue, resulting in a 7.07% ownership, signifies a strengthened position in the company, potentially impacting its strategic decisions and stakeholder interests.

DividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
S4 Capital Reports 2024 Results Amidst Economic Challenges, Focuses on AI Opportunities
Neutral
Mar 24, 2025

S4 Capital Plc reported a decrease in net revenue by 13.6% and operational EBITDA by 6.3% for 2024, attributed to reduced marketing spending by technology clients and challenging global economic conditions. Despite these challenges, the company remains confident in its cash flow, proposing a final dividend and maintaining a strong focus on AI-driven business opportunities. The company continues to streamline operations, focusing on Marketing and Technology Services, and has seen significant new business wins, leveraging its AI capabilities to drive growth and efficiency.

Financial Disclosures
S4 Capital to Announce Full-Year Results on March 24, 2025
Neutral
Mar 17, 2025

S4 Capital plc announced that it will release its full-year results on March 24, 2025, following its previous fourth-quarter trading update. The announcement will be accompanied by webcasts and conference calls to discuss the results, reflecting the company’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement. This release is significant as it provides insights into the company’s financial health and strategic direction, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder interests.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.