Photo-Me cautious on outlook

Photo-Me issued a cautious outlook due to the 'depressed' economic conditions, but said that it hopes to achieve stability and reduced debt compared to last year.

Morningstar.co.uk Editors 12 September, 2008 | 11:53AM
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Results for the group are seasonal and the first quarter (1 May to 31 July) is typically the quietest period. Trading in May and June was ‘encouraging’, but weaker in July. Overall, revenue and profits were therefore in line with management expectations.

The group wants to achieve a significant reduction in net debt by April 2009. At the end of the quarter debt stood at £45.1m, compared to £45.5m at the end of April, but still higher than at the end of last year when it stood at £38m. The group sold its loss-making US vending business, generating an exception profit for £900,000.

Photo-Me announced plans in July to move away from its digital imaging business. As part of that, it has installed additional a number of new digital printing kiosks and amusement machines. It has also started its cost reduction programme across the group.

The group operates 21,500 photo booths in railway stations, airports and shopping centres.

The shares rose 0.5p to 14.25p. This time last year, they stood at over 75p. The falls seems to have stopped and the share price has been reasonably steady over the past three months. Its debt is its biggest problem and remains as large as its current market cap.

Photo-Me was embroiled in a long-running dispute last year with Principle Capital and Cycladic Capital, over strategy and the fund managers ousted several long-standing directors. Principle Capital has recently raised its stake again from 29.57m shares to 46.7m shares, representing 12.98% of the company, so there may be drama ahead for the group. Either way, it doesn’t make the share worth buying.

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
ME Group International PLC215.00 GBX1.65

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