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

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GB:SFOR

S4 Capital Plc

(LSE:SFOR)

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Neutral 49 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:49Neutral
Price Target:
17.50p
▼(-22.22% Downside)
S4 Capital Plc faces significant financial and operational challenges, reflected in its low financial performance and technical analysis scores. The company's high leverage and negative profitability are major concerns. However, the earnings call provides some optimism with debt reduction, new business wins, and AI initiatives, which could improve future performance. The valuation is weak due to negative earnings, but the dividend yield offers some support.

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 generates revenue primarily through its digital advertising and marketing services. The company's key revenue streams consist of fees charged for media buying, content production, and consulting services. By leveraging a data-driven approach, S4 Capital creates targeted advertising campaigns that maximize return on investment for clients, which is a significant factor in driving its earnings. Additionally, the company benefits from strategic partnerships with technology and media companies, enhancing its service offerings and expanding its client base. The focus on agile, digital-first strategies allows S4 Capital to respond quickly to market changes, further contributing to its revenue growth.

S4 Capital Plc Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Sep 15, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 01, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a challenging first half of 2025 with significant revenue declines and operational challenges. However, there are positive signs in terms of debt reduction, free cash flow improvement, new business wins, and successful AI initiatives, which are expected to drive a stronger performance in the second half. The sentiment appears balanced, with a mix of significant challenges and emerging opportunities.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Improvement in Net Debt
Net debt reduced significantly to GBP 145.9 million, an improvement of GBP 37 million from the previous year, with a monthly average debt improvement of 27%.
Free Cash Flow Increase
Generated GBP 16 million of free cash flow in the first half of 2025, up from GBP 3.1 million in the first half of 2024, reflecting strong working capital management.
New Business Wins
Secured significant new business wins including General Motors, T-Mobile, Amazon, PIF, and a leading U.S.-based FMCG, expected to contribute to stronger performance in the second half of 2025.
AI Initiative Success
Continued innovation in AI with Monks.Flow, partnering with major tech companies, and winning industry awards, positioning the company as a leader in AI-driven marketing solutions.
Cost Reduction and Efficiency
Personnel and operating expenses reduced by 11.2%, with ongoing efforts to align staff cost ratios with industry averages.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline
Net revenue declined by 12.7% on a reported basis and 10% on a like-for-like basis due to macroeconomic conditions and client cautiousness.
Technology Services Decline
Technology Services revenue fell by 35%, impacted by longer sales cycles and reduced revenue from a major client.
Global Revenue Declines
Regional declines in revenue with the Americas down 9%, EMEA down 13%, and Asia Pacific down 15%.
Operational EBITDA Margin Reduction
Operational EBITDA margin decreased by 190 basis points like-for-like and 170 basis points on a reported basis.
Company Guidance
In the guidance provided for the remainder of 2025, the company expects a mid-single-digit decline in full-year like-for-like net revenue, but anticipates like-for-like operational EBITDA to remain broadly similar to 2024. This forecast is supported by a stronger second-half performance, driven by new business wins and ongoing cost reductions. The company projects a net finance cash charge of approximately GBP 29 million and an effective tax rate between 30% and 32%. By the end of the year, net debt is expected to fall within the range of GBP 100 million to GBP 140 million, reflecting a continued focus on cash flow management. Should net debt drop below GBP 100 million, the company plans to return cash to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.

S4 Capital Plc Financial Statement Overview

Summary
S4 Capital Plc is facing financial instability with declining revenues and profitability challenges. The company has high leverage and negative net income, although it has shown some ability to generate cash flow 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
Neutral
Last Price22.50
Price Trends
50DMA
22.07
Positive
100DMA
23.58
Negative
200DMA
27.51
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.24
Negative
RSI
56.09
Neutral
STOCH
85.83
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:SFOR, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 22.5 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 21.18, above the 50-day MA of 22.07, and below the 200-day MA of 27.51, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.24 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 56.09 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 85.83 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for GB:SFOR.

S4 Capital Plc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
71
Outperform
3.86B9.9515.60%11.01%-4.54%86.79%
70
Outperform
289.65M7.1121.72%5.35%-0.66%-26.16%
60
Neutral
60.14M-5.64-29.50%3.97%-13.72%
59
Neutral
173.33M22.7836.80%1.00%-21.19%-29.54%
59
Neutral
342.96M257.083.09%42.19%-94.16%
49
Neutral
£146.19M99.88-45.75%4.59%-14.27%-15466.67%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:SFOR
S4 Capital Plc
22.50
-14.80
-39.68%
GB:CAU
Centaur Media
41.50
12.90
45.10%
GB:SAA
M&C Saatchi plc
143.00
-36.76
-20.45%
GB:NFG
Next Fifteen Communications
287.00
-143.38
-33.31%
GB:YOU
Yougov plc
291.00
-137.26
-32.05%
GB:WPP
WPP
357.80
-359.26
-50.10%

S4 Capital Plc Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial Disclosures
S4 Capital Reports Revenue Decline but Eyes Growth with New Business Wins
Neutral
Sep 15, 2025

S4 Capital Plc reported a 12.7% decline in net revenue for the first half of 2025, with operational EBITDA down by almost 31%. Despite these challenges, the company improved its net debt position by £37 million, reflecting strong cash flow management. The company remains confident in its strategy, focusing on AI-driven solutions to enhance productivity and client engagement. Significant new business wins, including partnerships with General Motors and Amazon, are expected to boost performance in the second half of the year. The board is considering an enhanced final dividend for 2025, contingent on improved second-half performance and liquidity targets.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SFOR) stock is a Hold with a £23.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on S4 Capital Plc stock, see the GB:SFOR Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
S4 Capital Announces Total Voting Rights and Capital Structure
Neutral
Sep 1, 2025

S4 Capital Plc announced its total voting rights and capital structure, consisting of 639,587,561 ordinary shares and 1 B ordinary share. This information is crucial for shareholders to determine their interests under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, impacting how they manage their investments in the company.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SFOR) stock is a Hold with a £21.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on S4 Capital Plc stock, see the GB:SFOR Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
S4 Capital to Announce Interim Results on September 15, 2025
Neutral
Aug 22, 2025

S4 Capital plc announced that it will release its interim results on September 15, 2025, with webcasts and conference calls scheduled to discuss the outcomes. This announcement is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder relations.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:SFOR) stock is a Hold with a £22.00 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 StrategyM&A Transactions
S4 Capital Expands Latin American Operations with Share Issuance
Positive
Aug 15, 2025

S4 Capital Plc announced the issuance of 18,322,338 ordinary shares as part of a deferred consideration payment related to its acquisition of Raccoon Group, enhancing its data and digital media capabilities in Latin America. The shares are set to be admitted to the London Stock Exchange, with the move expected to strengthen S4 Capital’s market position and expand its operational footprint in the region.

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 StrategyM&A Transactions
S4 Capital Explores Potential Acquisition of MSQ Partners
Neutral
Aug 11, 2025

S4 Capital Plc has confirmed receiving a proposal from MSQ Partners for a potential combination, which would involve S4 Capital acquiring MSQ. The discussions are in early stages, and there is no certainty of a transaction. This move could impact S4 Capital’s operations and market positioning, potentially enhancing its service offerings and expanding its market reach.

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.

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: Sep 17, 2025