Total revenues are expected to be in line with last year, as an increase in online revenues of 24% offset an 8% decline in print revenues. The group also expects growth from its events business. It has also instigated significant cost reductions and will continue to slim its cost base where possible.
The mortgage sector has been particularly weak. This has affected brands such as Mortgage Strategy. However, other areas have also suffered from a contraction in revenues.
Chairman Graham Sherrin has recently upped his stake in the group by 100,000 shares.
The shares dipped 2.75p to 57.75p. The shares hit highs of over 150p at the beginning of 2007, but have followed the financial publishing sector downwards ever since. The group now trades on 6x earnings, despite a strong range of brands that includes Money Marketing, Marketing Week and the Lawyer. However, news in this area is likely to continue to be difficult until credit crunch issues are resolved.