Huntsworth plc

Trading update for the year ending 31 December 2016

Huntsworth plc, the healthcare communications and public relations group, is today issuing the following trading update for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Trading

The Group traded well through Q4, led again by strong growth at Huntsworth Health. As a result of this, together with continued favourable exchange rates, management expects the Group's full year results to be ahead of consensus*.

Financial Position

The Group remains in a strong financial position, operating well within its £70m facility. Net debt at 31 December 2016 was c. £31m, leaving the Group at c. 1.5x net debt to EBITDA

Outlook

Grayling's restructuring is now complete and early indications are that the Group's trading in Q1 is in line with management expectations. The Group is focused on driving operating profit and the Board is confident of further progress in 2017.

*Consensus range for Headline PBT is £14.7m to £15.0m

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