S4 Capital shares jump after first divi payment despite client caution

(Sharecast News) - Shares in S4 Capital surged on Monday as the Digital advertising and marketing business paid its first dividend despite warning of client caution amid increasing concerns about macro-economic uncertainty and the impact of tariffs. Losses for the year to December 31 widened to £306.9m from £14.3m the year prior, while revenue fell 13.6% to £848.2m, reflecting lower spending on marketing from technology clients, who are investing significantly AI capacity, as well as continued challenging global macroeconomic conditions with high interest rates.

The loss was driven by a non-cash impairment charge of £280.4m, reflecting trading conditions in the second half of 2024 and the medium-term outlook.

However, the company proposed a final dividend of 1p a share for 2024, the first payout since the company was formed in 2018.

"The macroeconomic environment in 2025 will remain challenging given significant volatility and uncertainty in global economic policy, particularly tariffs," said executive chairman Martin Sorrell.

"In geopolitics, US/China relations, Russia/Ukraine and Iran remain volatile issues and therefore clients are likely to remain cautious. With that said, we expect to benefit from new business, especially in the second half and for the full year we expect net revenue and operational EBITDA to be broadly similar to 2024, with a further reduction in net debt."

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com