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S4 Capital (GB:SFOR)
:SFOR
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S4 Capital Plc (SFOR) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:SFOR

S4 Capital Plc

(LSE:SFOR)

Rating:47Neutral
Price Target:
23.50p
▲(4.44% Upside)
S4 Capital Plc's overall stock score reflects significant financial instability and bearish technical indicators. Valuation concerns due to negative earnings further weigh on the score. However, corporate events and earnings call guidance provide some positive outlook and potential for future improvement.

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 makes money primarily through its digital marketing and advertising services. Its revenue model is based on providing end-to-end solutions for digital content creation and media planning and buying. Key revenue streams include fees from content production, digital media services, and data-driven marketing strategies. The company partners with brands and agencies to create engaging digital experiences, leveraging its expertise in areas like programmatic advertising and analytics. Significant factors contributing to its earnings include its ability to integrate creative content with technology-driven insights and its strategic acquisitions of companies that enhance its service offerings and global reach.

S4 Capital Plc Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Mar 24, 2025
(Q4-2024)
|
% Change Since: -29.07%|
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 faces significant financial instability, with declining revenues, negative net income, and high leverage. Despite these challenges, there is some positive cash flow generation recently.
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.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue848.20M1.01B1.07B686.60M342.69M
Gross Profit754.60M873.20M126.22M91.27M53.03M
EBITDA-232.30M94.00M-54.10M14.09M45.85M
Net Income-306.90M-6.00M-159.63M-56.72M-3.93M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.45B1.72B1.94B1.69B1.17B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments168.40M145.70M223.57M301.02M142.05M
Total Debt349.90M370.10M385.30M353.06M119.40M
Total Liabilities867.80M854.00M1.09B884.43M454.61M
Stockholders Equity577.40M865.80M849.51M801.14M715.68M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow53.10M-18.70M46.20M34.52M53.50M
Operating Cash Flow57.10M-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 Price22.50
Price Trends
50DMA
24.62
Negative
100DMA
26.56
Negative
200DMA
29.94
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.43
Positive
RSI
40.22
Neutral
STOCH
9.55
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 22.5 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 23.67, below the 50-day MA of 24.62, and below the 200-day MA of 29.94, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.43 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 40.22 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 9.55 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 (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
69
Neutral
£277.04M6.9623.38%5.55%-0.66%-26.16%
69
Neutral
£227.87M17.9833.95%0.77%-12.89%
66
Neutral
¥440.90B15.112.58%2.33%5.79%-10.55%
63
Neutral
£421.62M318.580.70%2.50%42.19%-94.16%
61
Neutral
£4.35B8.0215.82%9.77%-0.70%388.07%
60
Neutral
£47.82M9.61-24.72%4.99%-5.93%
47
Neutral
£139.55M99.88-42.53%4.42%-16.14%-5856.63%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:SFOR
S4 Capital Plc
22.50
-27.06
-54.60%
GB:CAU
Centaur Media
33.00
3.47
11.75%
GB:SAA
M&C Saatchi plc
188.00
-11.51
-5.77%
GB:NFG
Next Fifteen Communications
274.50
-506.62
-64.86%
GB:YOU
Yougov plc
360.00
-159.40
-30.69%
GB:WPP
WPP
403.60
-241.87
-37.47%

S4 Capital Plc Corporate Events

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
S4 Capital Updates Share Capital Structure
Neutral
Aug 1, 2025

S4 Capital Plc announced a change in its share capital structure, with a total of 621,265,223 ordinary shares and 1 B ordinary share, all with voting rights. The company transferred 6,000,000 ordinary shares from treasury to its Employee Benefit Trust to satisfy share plan awards, leaving no shares in treasury. This update is significant for shareholders as it affects the calculation of their interests under regulatory guidelines.

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.

Delistings and Listing ChangesM&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
S4 Capital Expands with New Share Issuance Following Merger
Positive
Jul 25, 2025

S4 Capital Plc announced the issuance of 1,628,567 ordinary shares as part of a deferred consideration payment related to the merger between TheoremOne and Media.Monks, which expanded Media.Monks’ Technology Services. The shares are set to be admitted to the London Stock Exchange on 28 July 2025, a move that underscores S4 Capital’s strategic growth and integration efforts within the digital marketing and technology services sectors.

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 StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
S4 Capital Plc Announces Change in Major Shareholdings
Neutral
Jul 17, 2025

S4 Capital Plc has announced a change in its major holdings, with Third Avenue Management LLC, a New York-based investment firm, reducing its voting rights from 7.07% to 6.97%. This shift indicates a slight decrease in the firm’s influence over S4 Capital, with Third Avenue Value Fund holding a significant portion of these shares. The adjustment in holdings could impact the company’s shareholder dynamics and influence future strategic decisions.

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 Announces Board Change as Sue Prevezer Steps Down
Neutral
Jul 3, 2025

S4 Capital Plc announced the resignation of Non-Executive Director Sue Prevezer, who is stepping down to focus on her arbitration and mediation practice. Nirvik Singh will take over as Chair of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. This change reflects the company’s ongoing evolution and commitment to leadership transitions, potentially impacting its strategic direction.

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 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.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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.Date of analysis: Jul 30, 2025