New Risk • Mar 20
New minor risk - Share price stability The company's share price has been volatile over the past 3 months. It is more volatile than 75% of British stocks, typically moving 7.4% a week. This is considered a minor risk. Share price volatility indicates the stock is highly sensitive to market conditions or economic conditions rather than being sensitive to its own business performance, which may also be inconsistent. It also increases the risk of potential losses in the short term as the stock tends to have larger drops in price more frequently than other stocks. Currently, the following risks have been identified for the company: Major Risk Earnings are forecast to decline by an average of 12% per year for the foreseeable future. Minor Risks Currently unprofitable and not forecast to become profitable over next 2 years (UK£1.6m net loss in 2 years). Share price has been volatile over the past 3 months (7.4% average weekly change). Market cap is less than US$100m (UK£24.3m market cap, or US$32.3m). Major Estimate Revision • Feb 03
Consensus EPS estimates have been downgraded. The consensus outlook for earnings per share (EPS) in fiscal year 2026 has deteriorated. 2026 revenue forecast decreased from UK£65.1m to UK£59.4m. Now expected to report a loss of UK£0.0096 per share instead of UK£0.0023 per share profit previously forecast. Hospitality industry in the United Kingdom expected to see average net income growth of 9.5% next year. Consensus price target down from UK£0.32 to UK£0.20. Share price fell 5.3% to UK£0.14 over the past week. Breakeven Date Change • Feb 02
No longer forecast to breakeven The 2 analysts covering XP Factory no longer expect the company to break even during the foreseeable future. The company was expected to make a profit of UK£100.0k in 2026. New consensus forecast suggests the company will make a loss of UK£1.50m in 2028. New Risk • Feb 02
New major risk - Revenue and earnings growth Earnings are forecast to decline by an average of 12% per year for the foreseeable future. This is considered a major risk. Ultimately, shareholders want to see a good return on their investment and that generally comes from sharing in the company's profits. If profits are expected to decline, then in most cases the share price will decline over time as well. In addition, if the company pays dividends it will also likely need to reduce or cut them, striking a dual blow to total shareholder returns. Currently, the following risks have been identified for the company: Major Risk Earnings are forecast to decline by an average of 12% per year for the foreseeable future. Minor Risks Currently unprofitable and not forecast to become profitable over next 2 years (UK£1.6m net loss in 2 years). Market cap is less than US$100m (UK£24.5m market cap, or US$33.6m). Reported Earnings • Dec 11
First half 2026 earnings released First half 2026 results: UK£0.011 loss per share. Net loss: UK£1.84m (flat on 1H 2025). Revenue is forecast to grow 13% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 6.2% growth forecast for the Hospitality industry in the United Kingdom. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has remained flat but the company’s share price has fallen by 17% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. Announcement • Sep 02
XP Factory Plc, Annual General Meeting, Sep 29, 2025 XP Factory Plc, Annual General Meeting, Sep 29, 2025. Reported Earnings • Sep 01
Full year 2025 earnings: EPS and revenues exceed analyst expectations Full year 2025 results: UK£0.007 loss per share (further deteriorated from UK£0.002 loss in FY 2024). Revenue: UK£57.8m (up 26% from FY 2024). Net loss: UK£1.25m (loss widened 272% from FY 2024). Revenue exceeded analyst estimates by 2.4%. Earnings per share (EPS) also surpassed analyst estimates by 28%. Revenue is forecast to grow 13% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 6.2% growth forecast for the Hospitality industry in the United Kingdom. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 49% per year but the company’s share price has fallen by 4% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. Announcement • Aug 13
XP Factory Plc to Report Fiscal Year 2025 Results on Sep 01, 2025 XP Factory Plc announced that they will report fiscal year 2025 results at 8:00 AM, GMT Standard Time on Sep 01, 2025 Board Change • Jul 01
Insufficient new directors No new directors have joined the board in the last 3 years. The company's board is composed of: No new directors. 3 experienced directors. 2 highly experienced directors. Independent Non-Executive Director Martin Raymond Shuker was the last director to join the board, commencing their role in 2022. The company’s insufficient board refreshment is considered a risk according to the Simply Wall St Risk Model. New Risk • Jun 22
New minor risk - Financial data availability The company's latest financial reports are more than 6 months old. Last reported fiscal period ended March 2024. This is considered a minor risk. If the company has not reported its earnings on time, it may have been delayed due to audit problems or it may be finding it difficult to reconcile its accounts. Currently, the following risks have been identified for the company: Minor Risks Latest financial reports are more than 6 months old (reported March 2024 fiscal period end). Market cap is less than US$100m (UK£22.9m market cap, or US$30.7m). Reported Earnings • Sep 06
Full year 2024 earnings released: UK£0.002 loss per share (vs UK£0.004 loss in FY 2023) Full year 2024 results: UK£0.002 loss per share (improved from UK£0.004 loss in FY 2023). Revenue: UK£45.9m (up 63% from FY 2023). Net loss: UK£336.0k (loss narrowed 41% from FY 2023). Revenue is forecast to grow 22% p.a. on average during the next 2 years, compared to a 6.4% growth forecast for the Hospitality industry in the United Kingdom. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 116% per year but the company’s share price has fallen by 25% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. Announcement • Sep 03
XP Factory Plc, Annual General Meeting, Sep 30, 2024 XP Factory Plc, Annual General Meeting, Sep 30, 2024. Announcement • Aug 02
XP Factory Plc to Report 15 Months Period Ending Mar 31, 2024 Results on Sep 02, 2024 XP Factory Plc announced that they will report 15 months, period ending Mar 31, 2024 results on Sep 02, 2024 Reported Earnings • Mar 21
Full year 2023 earnings released: UK£0.003 loss per share (vs UK£0.007 loss in FY 2022) Full year 2023 results: UK£0.003 loss per share (improved from UK£0.007 loss in FY 2022). Revenue: UK£44.6m (up 95% from FY 2022). Net loss: UK£431.0k (loss narrowed 57% from FY 2022). Revenue is forecast to grow 21% p.a. on average during the next 2 years, compared to a 7.3% growth forecast for the Hospitality industry in the United Kingdom. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 116% per year but the company’s share price has fallen by 23% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. New Risk • Jan 25
New minor risk - Share price stability The company's share price has been volatile over the past 3 months. It is more volatile than 75% of British stocks, typically moving 7.7% a week. This is considered a minor risk. Share price volatility indicates the stock is highly sensitive to market conditions or economic conditions rather than being sensitive to its own business performance, which may also be inconsistent. It also increases the risk of potential losses in the short term as the stock tends to have larger drops in price more frequently than other stocks. Currently, the following risks have been identified for the company: Minor Risks Share price has been volatile over the past 3 months (7.7% average weekly change). Shareholders have been diluted in the past year (16% increase in shares outstanding). Market cap is less than US$100m (UK£27.1m market cap, or US$34.5m). Reported Earnings • Sep 29
First half 2023 earnings released: UK£0.016 loss per share (vs UK£0.022 loss in 1H 2022) First half 2023 results: UK£0.016 loss per share (improved from UK£0.022 loss in 1H 2022). Revenue: UK£18.7m (up 130% from 1H 2022). Net loss: UK£2.39m (loss narrowed 26% from 1H 2022). Revenue is forecast to grow 21% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 7.8% growth forecast for the Hospitality industry in the United Kingdom. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 111% per year but the company’s share price has only increased by 31% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings growth. New Risk • Jun 25
New minor risk - Shareholder dilution The company's shareholders have been diluted in the past year. Increase in shares outstanding: 16% This is considered a minor risk. Shareholder dilution occurs when there is an increase in the number of shares on issue that is not proportionally distributed between all shareholders. Often due to the company raising equity capital or some options being converted into stock. All else being equal, if there are more shares outstanding then each existing share will be entitled to a lower proportion of the company's total earnings, thus reducing earnings per share (EPS). While dilution might not always result in lower EPS (like if the company is using the capital to fund an EPS accretive acquisition) in a lot cases it does, along with lower dividends per share and less voting power at shareholder meetings. Currently, the following risks have been identified for the company: Minor Risks Less than 1 year of cash runway based on current free cash flow (-UK£5.9m). Shareholders have been diluted in the past year (16% increase in shares outstanding). Market cap is less than US$100m (UK£32.3m market cap, or US$41.1m). Announcement • Jun 02
XP Factory Plc, Annual General Meeting, Jun 26, 2023 XP Factory Plc, Annual General Meeting, Jun 26, 2023. Reported Earnings • May 24
Full year 2022 earnings released: UK£0.007 loss per share (vs UK£0.009 loss in FY 2021) Full year 2022 results: UK£0.007 loss per share. Revenue: UK£22.8m (up 227% from FY 2021). Net loss: UK£994.0k (loss widened 13% from FY 2021). Breakeven Date Change • Nov 16
Forecast to breakeven in 2023 The analyst covering XP Factory expects the company to break even for the first time. New forecast suggests the company will make a profit of UK£1.87m in 2023. Average annual earnings growth of 116% is required to achieve expected profit on schedule. Reported Earnings • Sep 28
First half 2022 earnings released: UK£0.022 loss per share (vs UK£0.028 loss in 1H 2021) First half 2022 results: UK£0.022 loss per share. Revenue: UK£8.12m (up UK£6.94m from 1H 2021). Net loss: UK£3.25m (loss widened 38% from 1H 2021). Revenue is forecast to grow 45% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 11% growth forecast for the Hospitality industry in the United Kingdom. Board Change • Jul 07
Less than half of directors are independent Following the recent departure of a director, there is only 1 independent director on the board. The company's board is composed of: 1 independent director. 4 non-independent directors. Independent Non-Executive Chairman Richard Rose was the last independent director to join the board, commencing their role in 2016. The company's minority of independent directors is a risk according to the Simply Wall St Risk Model. Announcement • Jun 29
XP Factory Plc Announces Directorate Changes XP Factory announced the appointments of Martin Shuker as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company and Philip Shepherd as independent Non-Executive Director of the Company with effect from the conclusion of the Company's Annual General Meeting to be held later on June 29, 2022 . In addition, Karen Bach will be stepping down as the Company's Senior Independent Non-Executive Director upon the appointments of Martin Shuker and Philip Shepherd. Martin Shuker: Martin has had a long and distinguished career with Yum Brands, the US Fortune 500 Global hospitality business. He spent 24 years in a variety of leadership roles, most recently as Managing Director KFC Western Europe where he had full strategic, growth and operational responsibility over 1,700 restaurants and 165 franchisees which generated £2.3 billion in sales and £120 million of profit. As MD of KFC UK, he more than doubled sales to £1.3 billion and met or exceeded targets in 11 of 13 years. Martin has demonstrated his ability in consistently achieving growth and bottom-line performance of established owner-operated and franchise businesses over a long period of time and has relevant experience in entering new territories through franchise routes. He successfully opened new markets in a number of European countries and has demonstrated his ability to both manage an established franchise network as well as establishing new networks in new territories. Prior to YUM, Martin had a variety of marketing roles with United Biscuits. Following his appointment, Martin will chair the Company's Remuneration Committee. Philip Shepherd: Philip is a former partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he originally trained in audit and tax, qualifying as an ACA in 1987. Following a career in corporate finance and transaction advisory services, Philip returned to PwC in 2004 working both in the UK and overseas, leading Strategy and Deals practices, with a particular focus on the hospitality and leisure sectors. Since leaving PwC in 2018, he has held a number of board and advisor roles, again with a focus on hospitality and leisure. He regularly travels abroad where he advises, and speaks, on the experiential leisure market and start up opportunities. Philip combines his experience in accounting and audit with deal evaluation and execution, and has a deep understanding of the hospitality and leisure markets both in the UK and globally. Following his appointment, Philip will chair the Company's Audit Committee. Karen Bach: As set out above, Karen, who has served as the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board for a number of years, will be stepping down upon the appointment of Martin and Philip in order to pursue a number of other board and advisory opportunities. As a result of this announcement, the resolution to re-elect Karen Bach as a director of the Company at the AGM will be withdrawn. Karen has made a valuable contribution to the Board and as Chair of the Audit Committee. Reported Earnings • Jun 02
Full year 2021 earnings released: UK£0.009 loss per share (vs UK£0.12 loss in FY 2020) Full year 2021 results: UK£0.009 loss per share (up from UK£0.12 loss in FY 2020). Revenue: UK£6.98m (up 163% from FY 2020). Net loss: UK£874.0k (loss narrowed 87% from FY 2020). Over the next year, revenue is forecast to grow 252%, compared to a 23% growth forecast for the restaurants industry in the United Kingdom. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 74% per year but the company’s share price has fallen by 25% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. Announcement • May 31
XP Factory Plc, Annual General Meeting, Jun 29, 2022 XP Factory Plc, Annual General Meeting, Jun 29, 2022. Agenda: To propose re-appointment of HW Fisher LLP as auditor of the Company. Reported Earnings • Oct 01
First half 2021 earnings released: UK£0.028 loss per share (vs UK£0.12 loss in 1H 2020) The company reported a decent first half result with reduced losses and improved control over expenses, although revenues were weaker. First half 2021 results: Revenue: UK£1.18m (down 9.8% from 1H 2020). Net loss: UK£2.35m (loss narrowed 24% from 1H 2020). Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 49% per year but the company’s share price has fallen by 32% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. Executive Departure • Aug 05
Non-Executive Director John Story has left the company On the 2nd of August, John Story's tenure as Non-Executive Director ended after less than a year in the role. As of March 2021, John still personally held 8.00m shares (UK£300k worth at the time). John is the only executive to leave the company over the last 12 months. Reported Earnings • May 20
Full year 2020 earnings released: UK£0.12 loss per share (vs UK£0.25 loss in FY 2019) The company reported a poor full year result with increased losses, weaker revenues and weaker control over costs. Full year 2020 results: Revenue: UK£2.66m (down 46% from FY 2019). Net loss: UK£6.58m (loss widened 9.8% from FY 2019). Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 22% per year but the company’s share price has fallen by 32% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. Is New 90 Day High Low • Mar 12
New 90-day high: UK£0.29 The company is up 90% from its price of UK£0.15 on 11 December 2020. The British market is up 5.0% over the last 90 days, indicating the company outperformed over that time. It also outperformed the Hospitality industry, which is up 17% over the same period. Announcement • Mar 10
Escape Hunt plc (AIM:ESC) completed the acquisition of BGP Escape Escape Hunt plc (AIM:ESC) agreed to acquire BGP Escape for €0.53 million on January 22, 2021. Escape Hunt plc will pay €0.33 million in cash and BGP Escape will issue a vendor loan note of €0.1 million. Escape Hunt plc will make earnout payment over three years from completion, comprising a 5 percent revenue share from each of the sites in Paris and Brussels, and a payment from the existing sub-franchisee network equivalent to the lower of 2.5 percent of the revenue generated by each sub-franchisee or 27.5 percent of the revenue share paid by each sub-franchisee to BGP Escape. BGP Escape is expected to be acquired with approximately €0.1 million of net cash. As of February 26, 2021, the company has exchanged contracts to acquire BGP Escape. In a related transaction, Escape Hunt plc will undertake a private placement of approximately £1.4 million (€1.6 million) and £0.33 million (€0.37 million) shall be used for the acquisition. The current owners of BGP Escape will no longer be involved in its operation following completion of the acquisition, the existing management team will remain in place and will become part of the Escape Hunt team. The transaction is subject to completion of due diligence, finalization of contracts and compliance with local law requirements. The acquisition is also conditional on securing an extension to the majority of sub-franchisee agreements for a further six years on renewed terms which will allow Escape Hunt to offer games from a catalogue rather than providing bespoke games to each sub-franchisee. The transaction is expected to close within the coming weeks and is expected to be accretive to Escape Hunt plc once sites are able to re-open and sales levels return towards historic 2019 levels. The acquisition is expected to complete on or before March 15, 2021. Tom Griffiths, David Coaten and Fiona Conroy of Shore Capital and Corporate Limited acted as the financial advisors to Escape Hunt plc.
Escape Hunt plc (AIM:ESC) completed the acquisition of BGP Escape on March 10, 2021 Announcement • Jan 24
Escape Hunt plc (AIM:ESC) agreed to acquire BGP Escape for €0.53 million. Escape Hunt plc (AIM:ESC) agreed to acquire BGP Escape for €0.53 million on January 22, 2021. Escape Hunt plc will pay €0.33 million in cash and BGP Escape will issue a vendor loan note of €0.1 million. Escape Hunt plc will make earnout payment over three years from completion, comprising a 5 percent revenue share from each of the sites in Paris and Brussels, and a payment from the existing sub-franchisee network equivalent to the lower of 2.5 percent of the revenue generated by each sub-franchisee or 27.5 percent of the revenue share paid by each sub-franchisee to BGP Escape. BGP Escape is expected to be acquired with approximately €0.1 million of net cash. In a related transaction, Escape Hunt plc will undertake a private placement of approximately £1.4 million (€1.6 million) and £0.33 million (€0.37 million) shall be used for the acquisition. The current owners of BGP Escape will no longer be involved in its operation following completion of the acquisition, the existing management team will remain in place and will become part of the Escape Hunt team. The transaction is subject to completion of due diligence, finalization of contracts and compliance with local law requirements. The acquisition is also conditional on securing an extension to the majority of sub-franchisee agreements for a further six years on renewed terms which will allow Escape Hunt to offer games from a catalogue rather than providing bespoke games to each sub-franchisee. The transaction is expected to close within the coming weeks and is expected to be accretive to Escape Hunt plc once sites are able to re-open and sales levels return towards historic 2019 levels. Tom Griffiths, David Coaten and Fiona Conroy of Shore Capital and Corporate Limited acted as the financial advisors to Escape Hunt plc. Announcement • Nov 05
Escape Hunt plc updates on Its Operations Escape Hunt plc announced that under the new restrictions expected to come into effect on 5 November, Escape Hunt's UK owner-operated sites will be required to close during the Lockdown which is currently anticipated to end on 2 December 2020. Announcement • Sep 30
Escape Hunt plc Announces Appointment of John Edward Story as Non-Executive Director Escape Hunt plc announced the appointment of John Edward Story as a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect. John brings a wealth of experience to the Company, having held a number of senior positions in both private and public companies. John was a seed investor and/or founder with significant ownership in a number of companies, including amongst others, Sportingbet, Entertainment One, Neteller, World Gaming, Fairground Gaming, Zoetic International, Ocean Outdoor, Ideagen, Eros Entertainment and Blencowe Resources. Announcement • Sep 18
Escape Hunt plc Announces New Game Launch for the Anticipated Release of A Netflix Original Film Escape Hunt plc announced its new game launch for the anticipated release of a Netflix Original Film. The company is creating a Print and Play game for fans to enjoy and continue their at home immersive entertainment experience. This is a free 1 hour experience suitable for 2 to 6 players aged 8+. The game can be played via video chat by friends, family members or colleagues and will be available exclusively on the company’s website. Announcement • Jul 09
Escape Hunt plc Provides Update on UK Reopening Plans Following the easing of restrictions relating to COVID-19 that forced the closure of its UK sites on 24 March 2020, Escape Hunt is delighted to announce that all eight of its venues in England will reopen on 11 July 2020. The company expects to reopen Edinburgh site in the coming weeks, pending an announcement from the Scottish Government. The Company is accepting bookings via its website ahead of the reopening. The Company has re-commenced work in Norwich and Basingstoke, the two new sites which were put on hold as a result of the lock down. Both sites are expected to open in the coming months, bringing the number of Escape Hunt branded locations in the UK to 11.