21 February 2025

Time Out Group plc

("Time Out," the "Company" or the "Group")

Unaudited results for the six months ended 31 December 2024 (H1 FY25) and Related Party Transactions

Markets continued growth with strong performance and accelerating openings - reiterating full year EBITDA expectations.

 New £5m convertible loan note instrument at 50p, a 16% premium to current share price.

 

Time Out Group plc (AIM: TMO), the global media and hospitality business, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2024.

Group financial highlights

●     Reported revenue of £50.9m (H1 FY24: £52.5m) a decrease of 3%

●     Market net revenue growth of +12% YoY to £36.5m, with like-for-like revenue^(1,2) growth of +3%

●     Media revenue decreased 19% to £14.4m, (H1 FY24: £17.7m) reflecting broader sector weakness due to US and UK elections.  Significantly stronger H2 anticipated.

●     Adjusted EBITDA^(1,3) of £4.8m (H1 FY24: £6.0m):

●     Markets +12% to £6.9m (H1 FY24: £6.1m)

●     Media (£0.6m) loss (H1 FY24: £2.5m EBITDA profit)

●     Operating loss of £2.6m (H1 FY24: £0.1m loss)

       Cash of £4.8m at 31 December 2024 (H1 FY23: £7.1m) and borrowings of £39.9m (H1 FY24: £34.8m), resulted in adjusted net debt^(1,4) of £35.0m (H1 FY24 £27.7m). Statutory reported net debt was £74.7m (H1 FY24: £49.0m) including £39.7m of IFRS 16 lease liabilities (H1 FY24: £21.3m)

​

 

Commenting on the results, Chris Ohlund, CEO of Time Out Group plc said:

"We anticipate further growth from both new and existing Markets in H2 which, with a more favourable media background post the UK and US election, and careful cost control gives us confidence that we will deliver EBITDA in line with market expectations for the year to June 2025"

 

Convertible Loan Note Instrument and Related Party Transactions

Today, Time Out entered into a convertible loan note instrument ("CLN") to raise £5.0 million of additional growth capital with its existing shareholder Oakley Capital Limited ("OCL") and Chris Ohlund, CEO of the Company. An initial £2.1m of the instrument has been drawn to fund the Group's continued growth strategy, with potential for future further drawdowns.

  The CLN has a maturity date of 31 December 2026 with a conversion price of 50 pence per ordinary share, a 16 per cent. premium to the closing share price as at 20 February 2025. This constitutes an AIM Rule 13 related-party transaction. Further information is included below.

Operational highlights

●    Two new Markets opened in the period: Barcelona owned and operated Market in July 2024 and Bahrain management agreement Market in December 2024. Osaka management agreement Market is on track to open on 21 March 2025

●    Growing portfolio of ten open Markets of which six are owned and operated and four management agreements

●    Six additional Markets contracted and expected to be opened by FY27- a majority of which are management agreements - with a strong pipeline of further opportunities

●    As announced on 30 October 2024, the Group continues to progress commercial negotiations on two new owned and operated Markets: in New York and London; further announcements will be made in due course as these projects progress

●    Media revenue decrease of 19% was impacted by fewer large deals in H1 versus prior year, predominantly in the USA where fewer RFPs were received in the run-up to the US election, with advertisers citing political and economic uncertainty. Post the election, there has been a material increase, with 3x more RFPs received in January than the monthly average for the previous three months. As a result, the pipeline of potential opportunities for H2 is approximately 20 per cent. larger than at the same point in February 2024

●    Global monthly brand reach⁽⁵⁾ grew by 35% to 184m, driven by strong social media growth

●    'Out of home' advertising revenue trial in New York Market now delivering revenue

●    Confirmed Opex synergies will materially contribute to EBITDA in H2, and in FY26

 

Commenting on the results, Chris Ohlund, CEO of Time Out Group plc, added:

 

"Having previously announced the intention to operate as one Time Out brand rather than as two discrete business units, we are making good progress in increasing the synergies between the two and cementing Time Out as a unique proposition, both for our audience and for our commercial partners. We have already identified and actioned significant operational synergy efficiencies, which will benefit profitability in both H2 FY25 and FY26. We also increasingly leverage our unique capabilities to offer advertisers live events and activations in addition to growing our out of home Media revenues in Markets.

"Time Out continues to be trusted and relevant for a growing audience as we inspire and enable millions of people every month to experience the best of the city. We continue to grow our Markets revenues and footprint and are developing both new site formats and additional revenue streams for existing Markets. Growing the average deal size within Media has delivered revenue growth and improved EBITDA profitability over the last four years. Having seen a temporary reduction in RFP's prior to the US election, we have taken appropriate actions on costs and remain confident in the long-term performance; a recent material uplift in the volume and value of RFPs gives Media the potential to deliver significantly stronger H2 revenue growth if converted at the same rate as in H2 FY24."

 

Current Trading and Outlook 

The Group has a clear plan to drive like-for-like growth in existing Markets, whilst continuing to convert the strong pipeline of potential new Market sites and Media advertising deals from leading brands.

From 2014 to 2023 the average opening rate was one Market per year. In 2024 we opened three Markets, and in 2025 we expect to open four Markets. In conjunction with Opex synergy savings, achieving revenue growth will materially and rapidly improve the operational gearing of our fixed cost base, creating the potential to grow profitability at a faster rate than sales. We continue to receive approaches from commercial partners keen to work with the Time Out brand and remain confident in our global strategy.

 We anticipate growth from both new and existing markets in H2 which with a more favourable media background post the UK and US election and careful cost control gives us confidence that we will deliver EBITDA in line with market expectations for the year to June 25. 

 

The information contained within this announcement relating to the CLN is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018., as amended. Upon the publication of this announcement via the Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company is Matt Pritchard, CFO.

 

(1)       This is a non-GAAP alternative performance measure ("APM") that management uses to aid understanding of the underlying business performance. See appendix Alternative Performance Measures for a reconciliation to the statutory numbers.

(2)       Like-for-like revenue is calculated for comparison using FY24 foreign exchange rates to convert both FY24 and FY25 foreign currency revenues.

(3)       Adjusted EBITDA is operating loss stated before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, share-based payments, exceptional items and profit/(loss) on the disposal of fixed assets.

(4)       Adjusted net debt excludes lease-related liabilities under IFRS 16.

(5)       Global monthly brand reach is the estimated monthly average in the year including all Owned & Operated cities and franchises.

 

 

For further information, please contact:
Time Out Group plc	Tel: +44 (0)207 813 3000
Chris Ohlund, CEO
Matt Pritchard, CFO
Steven Tredget, Investor Relations Director
Panmure Liberum (Nominated Adviser and Broker)	Tel: +44 (0)203 100 2222
Andrew Godber / Edward Thomas / Aisa MacMaster / Joshua Borlant
FTI Consulting LLP	Tel: +44 (0)203 727 1000
Edward Bridges / Shaliz Navab

Notes to editors

About Time Out Group

Time Out Group is a global media and hospitality business that inspires and enables people to experience the best of the city across Media and Markets. Time Out launched in London in 1968 to help people discover the best of the city - today it is the only global brand dedicated to city life. Expert journalists curate and create content about the best things to Do, See and Eat across 333 cities in 59 countries and across a unique multi-platform model spanning both digital and physical channels. Time Out Market is the world's first editorially curated food and cultural market, bringing a city's best chefs, restaurateurs and unique cultural experiences together under one roof. The portfolio includes open Markets in ten cities such as Lisbon, New York and Dubai, several new locations with expected opening dates in 2025 and beyond, in addition to a pipeline of further locations in advanced discussions. Time Out Group PLC, listed on AIM, is headquartered in London (UK).

 

IMPORTANT NOTICES

 

This document contains "forward-looking statements", which include all statements other than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "targets", "believes", "expects", "aims", "intends", "will", "may", "anticipates", "would", "could" or similar expressions or the negative thereof. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors beyond the Group's control that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Group to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking, including, among others, the achievement of anticipated levels of profitability, growth, the impact of competitive pricing, volatility in stock markets or in the price of the Group's shares, financial risk management and the impact of general business and global economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Group's present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Group will operate in the future. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. These forward-looking statements speak only as at the date as of which they are made, and each of Time Out Group plc and the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Time Out Group plc's or the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based. Neither the Group, nor any of its agents, employees or advisors intends or has any duty or obligation to supplement, amend, update or revise any of the forward-looking statements contained in this document. 

Chief Executive's Review

Group overview

Financial summary

	Unaudited 6 months ended 31 December 2024	Unaudited 6 months ended 31 December 2023	Change
	£'000	£'000	%
Revenue	50,860	52,509	(3)%
Net revenue(1,3)	38,868	39,545	(2)%
Gross profit	32,307	32,804	(2)%
Gross margin %(1,4)	83%	83%	-
Divisional adjusted operating expenses(1,5)	(26,051)	(24,182)	+8%
Divisional adjusted EBITDA(1,5)	6,256	8,622	(27)%
Market	6,865	6,118	+12%
Media	(609)	2,504	(124)%
Corporate costs	(1,416)	(2,650)	(47)%
Adjusted EBITDA(5)	4,840	5,972	(19)%
Operating loss	(2,626)	(109)	+2309%

 

(1)       This is a non-GAAP alternative performance measure ("APM") that management uses to aid understanding of the underlying business performance. See appendix Alternative Performance Measures for a reconciliation to the statutory numbers.

(2)       Like-for-like revenue is calculated for comparison using FY24 foreign exchange rates to convert both FY25 and FY24 foreign currency revenues.

(3)       Net revenue is calculated as revenue less concessionaires' share of revenue.

(4)       Gross margin is calculated as gross profit as a percentage of net revenue.

(5)       Adjusted measures are stated before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, share-based payments, exceptional items and profit/(loss) on the disposal of fixed assets.

 

Net revenue decreased by 2%, with growth in Markets offset by revenue decrease in Media, driven by a temporary reduction -particularly in the US - in the number and value of large creative solution campaigns won in the period.

 

Divisional Opex increased by 8% or +£1.9m with new owned and operated Markets in Porto and Barcelona adding +£2.7m YoY, partly offset by £0.8m of year-on-year Opex reductions in like-for-like Markets, Media and corporate costs.

 

Operational synergies implemented in January will materially reduce annual operating costs and support EBITDA profitability for H2 and beyond.

 

 

 

Time Out Market trading overview

	Unaudited 6 months ended 31 December 2024	Unaudited 6 months ended 31 December 2023	Change
	£'000	£'000	%
Like-for-like revenue(1,2)	37,577	36,537	+3%
Revenue	36,481	34,812	+5%
Net revenue(1,3)	24,489	21,848	+12%
Owned and operated(3)	22,174	19,475	+14%
Management fees(3)	2,315	2,373	(2)%
Gross profit	20,669	18,626	+11%
Gross margin %(1,4)	84%	85%	(1)%
Divisional adjusted operating expenses(1,4)	(13,805)	(12,508)	+10%
Adjusted EBITDA(1)	6,865	6,118	+12%

 

(1)       This is a non-GAAP alternative performance measure ("APM") that management uses to aid understanding of the underlying business performance. See appendix Alternative Performance Measures for a reconciliation to the statutory numbers.

(2)       Like-for-like revenue is calculated for comparison using FY24 foreign exchange rates to convert both FY25 and FY24 foreign currency revenues.

(3)       Net revenue is calculated as revenue less concessionaires' share of revenue. Management fees include pre-development fees and operating income.

(4)       Gross margin is calculated as gross profit as a percentage of net revenue.

(5)       Adjusted measures are stated before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, share-based payments, exceptional items and profit/(loss) on the disposal of fixed assets.

 

Like-for-like revenue increased by 3% and net revenue grew by 12% driven by the new Market openings in Porto (May 2024) and Barcelona.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 12% to £6.9m (2023 £6.1m).

During the period, new Markets were opened in Barcelona in July 2024 (owned and operated) and Bahrain in December 2024 (management agreement). Osaka (management agreement) is on track to open on 21 March 2025. The expected schedule for future openings is as follows:

·      2025: Osaka (MA)

·      2025: Vancouver (MA)

·      2025: Budapest (MA)

·      2025: Abu Dhabi (MA)

·      2027: Prague (MA)

·      2027: Riyadh (MA)

 

We have a strong pipeline of management agreements at negotiation stage, and expect to sign more in the year ahead. As we grow our portfolio, we continue to optimise operations in existing Markets to further grow revenue and for new sites refine selection criteria based on proven critical success factors, with the objective of improving return on investment and reducing time to completion.

As first announced on 30 October 2024, the Group continues to progress negotiations on two new owned and operated Markets; a smaller format location in New York, and a flagship site in London. Whilst the commercial terms remain unchanged from those previously communicated, the Company has not entered into any legally binding arrangements in relation to either site, so there can therefore be no certainty that the current negotiations will result in subsequent openings.

Time Out Media trading overview

	Unaudited 6 months ended 31 December 2024	Unaudited 6 months ended 31 December 2024	Change
	£'000	£'000	%
Revenue	14,379	17,697	(19)%
Gross profit	11,638	14,178	(18)%
Gross margin %(1,3)	81%	80%	+1%
Adjusted operating expenditure(1,4)	(12,247)	(11,674)	+5%
Adjusted EBITDA(1,4)	(609)	2,504	(124)%

 

(1)       This is a non-GAAP alternative performance measure ("APM") that management uses to aid understanding of the underlying business performance. See appendix Alternative Performance Measures for a reconciliation to the statutory numbers.

(2)       Like-for-like revenue is calculated for comparison using FY24 foreign exchange rates to convert both FY25 and FY24 foreign currency revenues.

(3)       Gross margin is calculated as gross profit as a percentage of revenue.

(4)       Adjusted measures are stated before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, share-based payments, exceptional items and profit/(loss) on the disposal of fixed assets.

 

Time Out Media trading was impacted by the lower pipeline of large deals compared to the prior year and following a single one-off deal in the prior year contributing 4% to the decrease. Media in the USA typically delivers the highest deal values; however, in the run-up to the US election the volume and value of RFPs ('request for proposals') was lower than in the prior year. Subsequently the volume of RFPs has materially increased with 3x more being received in January than the monthly average for October to December; as a result the H2 pipeline value of RFPs is 20% higher than prior year levels.

 

Gross margin increased by +1% to 81% (H1 2024: 80%).

 

Operational synergies already implemented for H2 FY25 will reduce annual operating costs and support profitability. In addition, the new 'Out of home' advertising revenue trial in our Brooklyn New York Market is now delivering revenue with the opportunity to expand this further globally.

 

The strategy to focus on social media content has driven strong traffic growth, with global monthly brand reach growth of +35% to 184 million.  

 

As announced on 30 October 2024, the Company has progressed its plans to make investments in technology acceleration. We expect to make these investments through the remainder of calendar 2025, targeting a payback of less than 36 months.

 

 

 

 

Group Financial Review

	Unaudited 6 months ended 31 December 2024	Unaudited 6 months ended 31 December 2023	Change
	£'000	£'000	%
Revenue	50,860	52,509	(3)%
Concessionaire share	(11,992)	(12,964)	(7)%
Net revenue(1,3)	38,868	39,454	(2)%
Gross profit	32,307	32,804	(2)%
Gross margin(1,4)	83%	83%	-
Administrative expenses	(34,933)	(32,913)	+6%
Operating loss	(2,626)	(109)	+2,309%
Net finance cost	(4,222)	(4,468)	(6)%
Loss before tax	(6,848)	(4,577)	+50%
Operating loss	(2,626)	(109)	+2,309%
Depreciation & amortisation	4,819	4,685	+3%
Share-based payments	675	553	+22%
Exceptional items	1,972	843	+134%
Adjusted EBITDA(1,5)	4,840	5,972	(19)%

 

(1)       This is a non-GAAP alternative performance measure ("APM") that management uses to aid understanding of the underlying business performance. See appendix Alternative Performance Measures for a reconciliation to the statutory numbers.

(2)       Like-for-like revenue is calculated for comparison using FY24 foreign exchange rates to convert both FY25 and FY24 foreign currency revenues.

(3)       Net revenue is calculated as revenue less concessionaires' share of revenue.

(4)       Gross margin is calculated as gross profit as a percentage of net revenue.

(5)       Adjusted EBITDA is operating loss stated before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation, share-based payments, exceptional items and profit/(loss) on the disposal of fixed assets.

 

Revenue and gross profit

 

Market net revenues grew 12%

 

Media revenue decreased 19% to £14.4m (2023: £17.7m)

 

Gross margins were unchanged at 83%

 

Administrative expenses and operating loss

Administrative expenses of £34.9m increased by 6% (2023: £32.9m) resulting in the increase of operating loss to £2.6m (2023: £0.1m loss).

 

The depreciation & amortisation charge of £4.8m (2023: £4.7m) has increased due to the recognition of the Barcelona lease offset by assets becoming fully depreciated.

 

Exceptional items of £1.1m relate to restructuring costs (2023: £0.8m) and £0.8m of one-off costs relating to the Americas Cup event in Barcelona, including sponsorship and temporary market reconfigurations.

 

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA of £4.8m (2023: £6.0m) is stated before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation, share-based payment charges, exceptional items, and loss on disposal of fixed assets.

 

Net finance costs

Net finance costs of £4.2m (2023: £4.5m) primarily relates to interest on debt of £2.5m (2023: £3.2m) and interest cost in respect of lease liabilities of £1.7m (2023: £1.3m).

 

Foreign exchange

The revenue and costs of Group entities reporting in USD and Euros have been consolidated in these financial statements at an average exchange rate of $1.29 (2023: $1.25) and €1.19 (2023: €1.16) respectively.

 

Cash and debt

		Unaudited 31 December 2024 £'000	Unaudited 31 December 2023 £'000	Audited 30 June 2024 £'000
Cash and cash equivalents		4,837	7,124	5,903
Borrowings		(39,875)	(34,847)	(38,882)
Adjusted net debt(1,2)		(35,038)	(27,723)	(32,979)
IFRS 16 Lease liabilities		(39,653)	(21,280)	(24,898)
Net debt		(74,691)	(49,003)	(57,877)

 

(1)       This is a non-GAAP alternative performance measure ("APM") that management uses to aid understanding of the underlying business performance. See appendix Alternative Performance Measures for a reconciliation to the statutory numbers.

(2)       Adjusted net debt excludes lease-related liabilities under IFRS 16.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared under the going concern basis of accounting as the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and the Company will continue in operational existence and be able to settle their liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future, being a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements ("forecast period"). In making this determination, the Directors have considered the financial position of the Group, projections of its future performance and the financing facilities that are in place.

The Board is satisfied that the Group will be able to operate within the level of its current debt and financial covenants and will have sufficient liquidity to meet its financial obligations as they fall due for a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing these financial statements. For this reason, the Group and the Company continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

Chris Ohlund
Group Chief Executive

21 February 2025