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Grafenia PLC (GB:SFT)
LSE:SFT
UK Market

Grafenia (SFT) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:SFT

Grafenia

(LSE:SFT)

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Neutral 52 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:52Neutral
Price Target:
15.50p
▼(-34.87% Downside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/24/26
The score is held back primarily by very weak technical momentum and the lack of profitability (negative net margin and negative ROE). Offsetting this somewhat are improving revenue and operating margins plus a healthier leverage profile, but cash flow trends (notably declining free cash flow growth) and a loss-driven negative P/E keep the overall rating in the lower-middle range.
Positive Factors
Improving revenue and gross margin
Sustained revenue growth alongside a 72.5% gross margin indicates recovering demand and durable unit economics. Higher gross margin suggests pricing power or lower direct costs, supporting margin sustainability and operational leverage over the next several months.
Improved leverage and equity base
A lower debt-to-equity ratio and a >56% equity ratio provide structural financial flexibility. Reduced leverage lowers default risk and preserves capacity to support franchisees, invest in systems, or absorb shocks without immediate capital raises.
Positive operating cash generation
Positive operating cash flow shows the core franchising and services model converts revenue into cash, enabling working capital and support for franchise network. This cash generation underpins medium-term stability even while free cash flow growth lags.
Negative Factors
Negative net profitability and ROE
Persistent negative net margin and ROE mean the company has yet to translate operational gains into shareholder returns. Over months, continued losses erode equity, limit reinvestment capacity, and make it harder to sustainably finance growth from earnings.
Weak free cash flow growth
A near-50% decline in free cash flow growth is a structural concern for reinvestment and balance sheet repair. Even with positive operating cash, shrinking FCF restricts ability to fund capex, franchise support, or reduce debt without external financing.
Concentration in franchising revenue
Heavy reliance on franchise fees, supply sales and support services concentrates revenue on network health. Structural risks include franchisee economic stress, localized demand shifts, or supply disruptions that would meaningfully affect top-line and cash generation.

Grafenia (SFT) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Grafenia Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSoftware Circle plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the licensing of various software in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, and internationally. Its brands and solutions include Link Maker, an adoption management software; Be the Brand, a marketing and digital asset management software; Arc technology, an education placement management software; and Nettl systems, a business software that includes a collection of online print platforms and software solutions for business owners to run their graphics. The company also offers Watermark, an online document management system; VERTICAL+, an ecommerce storefront; Topfloor systems provide software services for property management businesses; and CareDocs, a digital care planning and management software. The company was formerly known as Grafenia Plc and changed its name to Software Circle plc in October 2023. Software Circle plc was incorporated in 2000 and is based in Manchester, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyGrafenia generates revenue through multiple streams, primarily by selling printed materials and digital marketing services to businesses. Its core revenue model is based on direct sales of products via its online platform, where customers can customize their orders. Additionally, Grafenia earns income from subscription-based services that provide access to design tools and resources. The company also benefits from partnerships with local print shops and resellers, allowing it to expand its reach and service offerings. Key factors contributing to its earnings include a strong focus on customer acquisition and retention, as well as the scalability of its technology platforms, which reduce operational costs and improve profit margins.

Grafenia Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Revenue growth (+8.55%) and a stronger gross margin (72.49%) point to improving operations, and leverage is better with debt-to-equity at 0.50. However, net profitability is still negative (net margin -1.80%) and ROE remains negative (-1.54%). Cash flow is positive but weakening free cash flow growth (-47.58%) limits confidence in the recovery.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Grafenia has shown a positive revenue growth rate of 8.55% in the latest year, indicating a recovery trend. The gross profit margin improved to 72.49%, reflecting strong cost management. However, the net profit margin remains negative at -1.80%, indicating ongoing profitability challenges. The EBIT and EBITDA margins have improved significantly, suggesting operational improvements, but the company is still not profitable at the net level.
Balance Sheet
58
Neutral
The debt-to-equity ratio has improved to 0.50, indicating better leverage management compared to previous years. However, the return on equity remains negative at -1.54%, reflecting continued challenges in generating shareholder returns. The equity ratio stands at 56.15%, indicating a solid equity base relative to total assets.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Operating cash flow is positive, with a ratio of 0.45 to net income, indicating some cash generation capability. However, free cash flow growth is negative at -47.58%, highlighting potential cash flow management issues. The free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.53 suggests that while cash flow is improving, it is not yet robust.
BreakdownTTMMar 2024Mar 2023Mar 2022Mar 2021Mar 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue19.55M18.27M16.16M11.68M8.92M6.94M
Gross Profit599.00K13.25M10.19M5.75M3.54M-559.00K
EBITDA2.95M4.82M1.36M-265.00K172.00K772.00K
Net Income-2.79M-329.00K-2.37M-1.41M-1.15M-2.08M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets38.62M38.10M34.39M23.62M11.76M13.58M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.80M8.57M15.39M1.99M1.46M2.74M
Total Debt11.87M10.80M9.13M18.72M0.007.08M
Total Liabilities18.23M16.70M12.71M22.69M9.27M9.33M
Stockholders Equity20.39M21.39M21.68M928.00K2.49M4.25M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow2.68M1.57M1.42M-142.00K-438.00K-507.00K
Operating Cash Flow2.71M2.94M2.63M308.00K134.00K212.00K
Investing Cash Flow-9.70M-7.97M-5.28M-8.72M-575.00K-842.00K
Financing Cash Flow-897.00K-1.79M16.05M8.94M-708.00K2.27M

Grafenia Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price23.80
Price Trends
50DMA
21.65
Negative
100DMA
22.77
Negative
200DMA
25.28
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-2.38
Positive
RSI
10.78
Positive
STOCH
15.40
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:SFT, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 23.8 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 18.50, above the 50-day MA of 21.65, and below the 200-day MA of 25.28, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -2.38 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 10.78 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 15.40 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:SFT.

Grafenia Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
66
Neutral
£343.68M36.884.01%2.31%6.90%145.00%
64
Neutral
£401.71M23.359.00%-4.87%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
60
Neutral
£282.78M-2.82-12.00%15.28%-3.91%-310.36%
58
Neutral
£36.29M17.2574.66%2.00%-12.04%
52
Neutral
£55.59M-19.79-12.90%16.13%-700.00%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:SFT
Grafenia
14.25
-15.95
-52.81%
GB:CPI
Capita plc
335.50
142.30
73.65%
GB:CTG
Christie
142.50
39.42
38.24%
GB:RST
Restore
251.00
36.97
17.27%
GB:RWS
RWS Holdings
76.20
-35.85
-31.99%

Grafenia Corporate Events

Business Operations and Strategy
Software Circle Sees Consolidation of Stakes by Value Funds
Positive
Mar 2, 2026

Software Circle plc has reported changes in several significant shareholdings, with Abacus Value Capital Fund AGmvK and Electa Value Capital Fund AGmvK increasing their stakes, while investor Wui Yen Liow has reduced his holding. Together, Abacus and Electa now control 34,826,405 shares, representing 8.93% of the company’s issued share capital, highlighting a notable consolidation of ownership among these related institutional investors.

The updated share register underscores growing support from specialist value funds that share the same AIFM and portfolio manager, potentially reinforcing shareholder alignment with Software Circle’s acquisition-led growth model in vertical market software. The shift in holdings may influence future governance dynamics and market perception of the group’s strategy as it continues to build a diversified portfolio of mission-critical software assets.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SFT) stock is a Hold with a £14.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Grafenia stock, see the GB:SFT Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Software Circle Executives Boost Stakes in Vertical Market Software Group
Positive
Feb 27, 2026

Software Circle plc has disclosed share purchases by its top executives, with CEO Gavin Graham Cockerill and CFO Iain Stewart Brown acquiring additional ordinary shares in the company. The transactions modestly increase their beneficial holdings, to 0.05% and 0.06% of issued share capital respectively, and signal internal confidence in the group’s strategy of acquiring and operating vertical market software businesses across the UK and Ireland.

The dealings, executed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market at prices between 13.88p and 13.95p per share, were notified in accordance with UK Market Abuse Regulation. The moves may reassure investors about management’s alignment with shareholders as Software Circle continues to pursue disciplined, value-accretive acquisitions while maintaining decentralised operations within its software portfolio companies.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SFT) stock is a Hold with a £14.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Grafenia stock, see the GB:SFT Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
YOGRO GmbH Lifts Stake in Software Circle to 4.21%
Positive
Feb 23, 2026

Software Circle plc has disclosed a change in its shareholder base, with YOGRO GmbH increasing its holding from 13,079,627 to 16,429,627 ordinary shares, representing 4.21% of the company’s issued share capital. The move marginally concentrates ownership and may signal increased investor confidence in Software Circle’s buy-and-build strategy across vertical market software businesses, potentially reinforcing its position as a consolidator in the UK and Irish software sector.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SFT) stock is a Hold with a £18.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Grafenia stock, see the GB:SFT Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Software Circle CEO Increases Stake with Share Purchase
Positive
Feb 18, 2026

Software Circle plc has disclosed that its chief executive officer, Gavin Graham Cockerill, purchased 29,341 ordinary shares at 17 pence each, increasing his beneficial holding to 168,118 shares, or about 0.04% of the company’s issued share capital. The on-market acquisition on AIM modestly lifts insider ownership and may be viewed by investors as a signal of management confidence in the group’s strategy as it continues to build a diversified portfolio of vertical market software businesses in the UK and Ireland.

Operating a buy-and-build model, Software Circle focuses on acquiring mission-critical vertical market software companies, maintaining their independence while supporting organic growth and reinvesting generated cash into further acquisitions. The CEO’s share purchase aligns managerial interests more closely with shareholders and underscores the company’s commitment to disciplined capital allocation and long-term value creation in the specialised software sector.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SFT) stock is a Hold with a £20.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Grafenia stock, see the GB:SFT Stock Forecast page.

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: Feb 24, 2026