Pre-Close Trading Update & Notice of Results
Summary by AI BETAClose X
6 August 2026
Digitalbox plc
("Digitalbox" or the "Company" or the "Group")
Pre-Close Trading Update, Notice of Interim Results and Investor Presentation
New Expansion Strategy
Digitalbox plc (AIM: DBOX), the mobile-first digital media business, which owns among others the leading websites The Tab, The Daily Mash, The Poke and TV Guide, announces an unaudited trading update ahead of the publication of its unaudited results for the six months to June 2026 ("H1 2026") on 23 September 2026.
In H1 2026, advertising performance, session values and yields have significantly improved year-on-year. Trading was strong in Q1 2026, but changes by Meta to favour creator content on its platforms created significant audience headwinds from Q2 2026 onwards. While previous algorithmic changes have typically been followed by a recovery in audience engagement as seen in June, these changes have negatively impacted the trading outlook of Digitalbox as well as its peers.
As a result of the factors identified above, the Board expects revenue and EBITDA for the full year to 31 December 2026 to be lower than market expectations.1
H1 2026 revenue was down 12% at c.£1.7m, compared to the same period last year, and EBITDA was broadly breakeven.
Looking ahead, total audience session volumes are anticipated to follow a similar trend to those recently formed in Q2 2026, and a cautious view for the balance of the year is being taken. H2 2026 revenue is expected to be down by a similar low double-digit percentage vs H2 2025. The Company has implemented cost reduction measures and consequently expects an EBITDA margin of c.8% for the full year. Gross profit margins are expected to be consistent with the prior year, and the Company continues to have a strong balance sheet with cash as at end of June 2026 of c.£2m.
Expansion Strategy - Launch of The Creator Network
Reflecting on the changes at Meta and other key digital platforms, the Company has started to invest in a major new expansion strategy through the launch of its Creator Network to generate new sources of revenue. In the short term, this investment will contribute to the reduction in expected FY 2026 EBITDA margin.
With major platforms like Meta increasingly competing for original video content, Digitalbox has launched its Creator Network to grow the diversity of its revenue sources.
Comprising more than 200 creators, the Creator Network will enable the significant scaling of the Company's original video output and distribution footprint, building on Digitalbox's market leading social media follower base of over 30 million people. Digitalbox expects to be publishing around 500 original videos each month by October 2026.
The Creator Network will expand the unique offer provided by The Tab Student Network and Digitalbox's Entertainment Network, which incorporates among others TV Guide as well as soap opera-focused sites such as Coronation Street Insider.
Furthermore, the Company will deliver branded content solutions for companies with assured results across both text and video-based execution via its portfolio. With AI disrupting the global media market, the Company believes there is significant value in allowing brands to work within its trusted properties combined with their extended social reach. The Tab Student Network will enable brands to target audiences nationally or locally via its campus-based websites and social channels, while the Entertainment Network delivers some of the most engaged consumers in the UK market.
James Carter, CEO, Digitalbox, said: "Agility and adaptability have been defining characteristics of Digitalbox's success. The media landscape is evolving rapidly, and we have chosen to embrace that change. While recent platform changes have created audience challenges across our sector, they have also accelerated the opportunity for businesses that can create original video content at scale and deliver measurable results directly for brands.
"We are incredibly excited about the direction Digitalbox is taking. Our Creator Network, combined with the unique strength of The Tab Student Network and our Entertainment Network, gives us the foundations to build a very different growth business; one that is less reliant on traditional publishing economics and is increasingly focused on original video, creator-led content and direct commercial partnerships.
"The progress we've already made is extremely encouraging with our video production accelerating rapidly. We believe this is just the beginning. With more than 30 million social followers, trusted editorial brands and growing direct relationships with advertisers, we are creating a platform that is well positioned for the next generation of digital media. We are confident that the investments we are making today will create significant long-term value for shareholders."
Investor Presentation
James Carter, CEO, Richard Spilsbury, CFO, and Jim Douglas, COO, will provide a live investor presentation relating to the Company's results for the six months to June 2026 via the Investor Meet Company platform on 23 September 2026 at 10:00am.
The presentation is open to all existing and potential shareholders. Questions can be submitted pre-event via the dashboard function within Investor Meet Company up until 9am the day before the meeting or at any time during the live presentation.
Investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free and add to meet DIGITALBOX PLC via:
https://www.investormeetcompany.com/digitalbox-plc/register-investor
Investors who already follow DIGITALBOX PLC on the Investor Meet Company platform will automatically be invited.
1 The Company considers that current market consensus for year ending 31 December 2026 to be revenue of £5m and adjusted EBITDA of £0.8m.
Enquiries:
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Digitalbox |
c/o SEC Newgate |
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James Carter, CEO
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Panmure Liberum (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) |
Tel: 020 7886 2500 |
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James Sinclair-Ford / Izzy Anderson |
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Rupert Dearden
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Leander Capital Partners (Joint Broker) |
Tel: 07786150915 |
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Alex Davies
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SEC Newgate (Financial PR) |
Tel: 07540 106 366 |
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Robin Tozer / Harry Handyside |
digitalbox@secnewgate.co.uk |
Market abuse regulation: This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("MAR"). The person responsible for arranging for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company is James Carter, Chief Executive Officer.
About Digitalbox plc
Digitalbox plc is a UK-based, pure-play digital media company focused on delivering profitable publishing at scale, specifically optimised for mobile platforms. The company operates a portfolio of high-performing, content-rich brands that engage audiences through entertainment, satire, and youth culture. Digitalbox owns and operates the following trading brands:
● Entertainment Daily - A leading source of UK entertainment news, covering television, showbiz, and celebrity stories.
● The Daily Mash - A satirical news platform known for its humorous take on current events and cultural commentary.
● The Tab - The UK's largest youth culture site, powered by student journalists and contributors from universities across the country.
● The Poke - A curator of the internet's funniest content, offering a sharp and witty editorial lens on viral trends and social media.
● TV Guide - A comprehensive digital destination for UK television listings, schedules, and viewing recommendations.
● Emmerdale Insider - A niche brand dedicated to news, spoilers, and fan content related to the long-running British soap opera Emmerdale.
● Royal Insider - A specialist outlet providing news, features, and insights into the British Royal Family.
● Reality Shrine - A hub for fans of reality TV, covering shows, personalities, and behind-the-scenes gossip.
● EastEnders Insider - A dedicated platform for fans of EastEnders, delivering the latest news, spoilers, and features from Albert Square.
● Reality Shrine - A hub for fans of reality TV, covering shows, personalities, and behind-the-scenes gossip.
● Coronation Street Insider - Again, a dedicated platform for fans of this show delivering the latest news, spoilers, and features from the cobbled streets of Manchester
Digitalbox generates revenue primarily through digital advertising, leveraging its mobile-first strategy to deliver significantly higher revenue per session than industry averages. Its proprietary technology and editorial expertise enable it to scale content efficiently while maintaining strong audience engagement.
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