Future plc: history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

Future plc: history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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A Brief History of Future plc

Founded in 1985, Future plc began as a small publishing company, focusing on magazines related to video games and technology. It has since evolved into a leading media company that specializes in digital content, encompassing a wide array of sectors, including gaming, technology, and home entertainment.

In 1994, Future plc became a public company, trading on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FUTR. Over the years, it has expanded its operations significantly through a series of strategic acquisitions. Notable acquisitions include:

  • In 2014, Future acquired the tech website bit-tech.net.
  • In 2018, it acquired GamesRadar+, expanding its footprint in the gaming sector.
  • In 2021, Future completed the acquisition of Gamer Network and its set of gaming-related websites, including Eurogamer and Rock, Paper, Shotgun.

The company's revenue has shown significant growth in recent years. According to its 2022 financial report, Future plc reported total revenue of £337.3 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 29%. The group’s adjusted operating profit for the same period reached £81.9 million, a substantial rise from £61.3 million in the previous year.

Year Revenue (£ million) Adjusted Operating Profit (£ million) Net Profit (£ million)
2020 261.0 61.3 42.0
2021 261.2 66.7 52.6
2022 337.3 81.9 63.4

In terms of digital audience reach, Future plc has seen an impressive increase, boasting over 40 million monthly unique users across its digital publications. This expansion in digital reach has played a crucial role in its growth strategy, reflecting the broader shift toward online content consumption.

Future is particularly recognized for its strong subscription model, which contributes significantly to its revenue. In 2022, the company reported that subscriptions accounted for approximately 45% of its total revenue, highlighting the effectiveness of this business model in generating stable income streams.

As of October 2023, Future plc's shares are trading at approximately £15.40, showing a decline of about 10% year-to-date, impacted by global market conditions and shifts in advertising spend.

The company has also committed to investing heavily in technology and innovation to enhance user engagement. Future's commitment includes a plan to invest £10 million into its digital platform over the next three years, aiming to improve content delivery and user experience.

Future plc's consistent growth trajectory and strategic acquisitions position it as a significant player in the digital media landscape. The evolution of its business model and expansion into new markets underscores its commitment to adapting to changing consumer preferences in the media industry.



A Who Owns Future plc

Future plc, a global platform for specialist media, has undergone substantial ownership changes since its inception. As of the latest reports, Future plc is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FUTR." The company's ownership structure is primarily divided between institutional investors, retail shareholders, and company management.

According to the most recent data, as of October 2023, the largest institutional shareholders include:

Investor Shareholding (%) Number of Shares
BlackRock, Inc. 6.00% 6,870,000
Invesco Ltd. 5.50% 6,290,000
Columbia Threadneedle Investments 4.30% 4,950,000
Schroders plc 4.10% 4,700,000
J.P. Morgan Asset Management 3.80% 4,360,000

The current market capitalization of Future plc is approximately £1.15 billion. In the fiscal year ending September 2023, Future plc reported revenues of approximately £470 million, reflecting a growth of 25% year-over-year. This revenue growth has attracted various institutional investors, solidifying their stake in the company.

In terms of executive ownership, key executives own shares in Future plc as well. The company's Chief Executive Officer, Zillah Byng-Thorne, holds around 1.2% of the total shares, which translates to approximately 1,400,000 shares. Other board members collectively hold around 0.75% of the company.

Retail investors also play a significant role in Future plc's ownership. As of the latest data, retail investors account for roughly 14% of the total shares. This diversified ownership structure has resulted in a stable share price, with the stock trading around £22.50, corresponding to a strong P/E ratio of 20.5.

The investor sentiment around Future plc has been positive, particularly following their strategic acquisitions and growth in digital advertising revenues. This has enhanced their market position within the software and media sector, increasing interest among both institutional and retail investors.



Future plc Mission Statement

Future plc's mission statement centers around its commitment to empowering audiences worldwide through engaging content and innovative experiences. The company aims to connect people with the knowledge and expertise they seek, fostering vibrant communities across various sectors including technology, gaming, and lifestyle.

As of the latest financial reports, Future plc has demonstrated substantial growth and resilience in its operations. For the financial year ending September 2022, Future plc reported revenues of £495.6 million, reflecting a significant increase from £366.4 million in the previous year.

Future plc's strategic focus is evident in its acquisitions and content expansion. The company acquired Gamer Network in 2021, enhancing its gaming portfolio and audience reach. This acquisition is part of Future's broader strategy to diversify its content offerings and engage with a larger base of enthusiasts.

The company emphasizes sustainability and corporate social responsibility in its mission. Future plc aims to achieve significant reductions in its environmental impact by 2025, targeting a 50% reduction in carbon emissions across its operations.

Future plc has established key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of its mission. These include audience growth rates, engagement metrics, and revenue targets from digital subscriptions and advertisements. For example, the total monthly average users across Future's platforms reached 40 million in 2022, a mark underscoring its success in attracting and retaining a diverse audience.

Metric 2021 Reported Figures 2022 Reported Figures Percentage Change
Revenue (£) 366.4 million 495.6 million 35.2%
Monthly Average Users 30 million 40 million 33.3%
Carbon Emissions Reduction Target N/A 50% N/A

Thus, the mission statement of Future plc reflects a commitment not only to its audience but also to sustainable practices and strategic growth in the publishing industry. Their approach combines financial success with responsibilities towards society and the environment, creating a model that aims for long-term impact and engagement.



How Future plc Works

Future plc is a global media company specializing in digital marketing and publishing. They operate a diverse portfolio of brands and platforms across various sectors, including technology, gaming, music, and home interests. The company leverages its extensive audience reach to monetize through advertising, subscriptions, and e-commerce.

In the financial year 2022, Future plc reported revenues of £568.5 million, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 66%. The significant increase in revenue was attributed to strategic acquisitions and growth in their digital operations.

The company’s business model is heavily reliant on content creation. Future plc owns over 200 brands, including key titles like TechRadar and PC Gamer. These brands are targeted toward specific audiences, enabling high engagement rates and effective monetization strategies.

Future plc's revenue streams can be categorized into several key components:

  • Digital Advertising
  • Subscription Services
  • E-commerce and Affiliate Marketing
  • Events and Marketing Solutions

The following table summarizes Future plc's revenue breakdown by segment for the fiscal year ending September 2022:

Revenue Source Amount (£m) Year-over-Year Growth (%)
Digital Advertising 307.2 55
Subscription Services 150.4 78
E-commerce and Affiliate Marketing 70.9 82
Events and Marketing Solutions 39.0 12

As of September 2022, Future plc also reported a gross profit of £290 million, translating to a gross margin of 51%. The operating profit was recorded at £126 million, demonstrating efficient cost management amidst substantial revenue growth.

Future plc has expanded its presence through acquisitions. Notably, in 2021, they acquired Go Compare, an online insurance comparison website, enhancing their financial services portfolio. The acquisition aligned with Future’s strategy to diversify revenue streams.

Moreover, Future plc focuses on expanding its subscription base. Currently, they have over 1.5 million paid subscribers across various digital platforms. This subscriber growth contributes significantly to their recurring revenue model.

The company operates in a highly competitive digital landscape but maintains a strong position due to its tailored content offerings and strategic partnerships. Future plc’s emphasis on SEO and content marketing amplifies its audience reach, driving digital engagement and advertising revenue.

For investors, Future plc's performance metrics position it as a growth-oriented company. The stock price reached approximately £25.10 as of the end of September 2022, reflecting an increase of 70% since the beginning of the year.

Overall, Future plc exemplifies a modern media company effectively leveraging its digital platforms, diverse revenue streams, and strategic growth initiatives to capture market opportunities and drive shareholder value.



How Future plc Makes Money

Future plc generates revenue through several core business segments, primarily focusing on digital media, publishing, and events. The company's diversified portfolio includes a wide range of brands across technology, gaming, music, and lifestyle sectors.

Digital Revenue Streams

Approximately 68% of Future plc's revenue comes from digital sources. This includes advertising sales, subscriptions, and affiliate marketing. The company's digital advertising revenue experienced a growth rate of 45% year-on-year, reflecting a strong performance in online media consumption.

Publishing and Magazines

Future plc also derives significant income from traditional publishing, with over 200 magazine titles in its portfolio. In the fiscal year 2022, the publishing segment contributed £65 million to overall revenue. Notably, Future plc's magazine titles, such as TechRadar and Edge, have seen circulation grow, with TechRadar recording 10 million monthly visitors.

Revenue Sources Fiscal Year 2022 Revenue (£ million) Percentage of Total Revenue
Digital Advertising 45 22%
Subscriptions 35 17%
Affiliate Marketing 25 12%
Publishing 65 32%
Events 30 15%

Subscriptions and Memberships

The growth in subscription services has become a crucial element in Future plc's revenue strategy. As of 2023, the company reported 1.2 million paying subscribers across its various platforms, which represents a 20% increase from the previous year. Subscription-based revenue accounted for £35 million in the last fiscal year.

Affiliate Marketing

Future plc leverages affiliate marketing as an additional revenue channel. In 2022, the company earned £25 million from affiliate marketing, emphasizing this as an important growth area. The affiliate revenue grew by 30% year-on-year, driven by high traffic to its technology and lifestyle websites.

Events and Trade Shows

Future plc also hosts various events and trade shows. In fiscal year 2022, the events segment provided £30 million, reflecting a robust recovery post-pandemic. The company organized over 15 major events, attracting thousands of attendees, which has enhanced its brand visibility and business relationships.

Recent Financial Performance

According to the latest earnings report, Future plc achieved a total revenue of £300 million in the fiscal year ending September 2022, with an operating profit margin of 20%. The company’s net profit for the same period was approximately £60 million, signifying a strong financial position.

Future plc's strategic acquisitions have further bolstered its financial performance. The acquisition of GoCo Group in 2021 has allowed Future to expand its presence in the price comparison market, which aligns well with its affiliate marketing operations. For the year, GoCo contributed £10 million to Future's overall revenue.

Looking forward, Future plc plans to continue investing in digital expansion and content diversification while maintaining its core publishing operations. The company's ability to adapt to market trends will play a crucial role in sustaining its revenue growth.

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