o
Revenue down 12% underlying
o
Cash operating income² down 13% underlying; 11% margin
o
Adjusted³ operating profit down 19% underlying; 9% margin
o
Adjusted profit before tax down 20% underlying
o
Adjusted EPS up 12%
·
Interim dividend increased +1% to 7.6p
·
Statutory
·
Active portfolio management strategy delivering value creation:
o
Increased investment in Cazoo in October 2020; proposed transaction values stake at c.US$1.35bn
5 vs £117m total investment
o
Disposal of EdTech (Hobsons) for c.US$410m in March 2021
o
Acquisition of New Scientist for £67m in March 2021
·
Strong financial position maintained: pro forma net cash £293m
6 and £362m of committed undrawn bank facilities; statutory net cash £199m