Trading Update: Trading in-line with expectations
Summary by AI BETAClose X
Strictly embargoed: 07:00, 19th March 2026
Focusrite plc
("Focusrite", "the Group", or "the Company")
Trading Update
Trading in-line with expectations
Focusrite plc (AIM: TUNE), the global music and audio products group supplying hardware and software used by professional and amateur musicians and the entertainment industry, provides the following update on trading ahead of its results for the 18 month period ended 28 February 2026.
As previously announced, the Group has changed its financial year end from 31 August to 28 February. As a result, the Group's next audited results will cover the 18 month period to 28 February 2026 and the Company expects to announce these results in early June 2026.
12 months to 28 February 2026
On a 12 month basis to February 2026, Group revenue is expected to be slightly ahead of the prior 12 month period at approximately £164 million on a reported basis, reflecting stable underlying demand across the Group's product portfolio, with the Group's products consistently occupying top sales rankings with online resellers.
Gross margins for the period have remained strong and slightly ahead of the prior 12 months, notwithstanding the impact of tariffs in the US, with the Group benefiting from continued pricing discipline and strong supply chain management. Operating margins are also expected to remain stable reflecting an ongoing focus on cost control. As a result the Board expects adjusted EBITDA* for the 12 months to February 2026 to be in-line with current market expectations**.
Six months to 28 February 2026
For the six months to 28 February 2026, Group revenue is expected to be approximately £76 million, representing a decrease of approximately 5% on a reported basis compared to the six months ended 28 February 2025. As expected, this reflects a particularly strong comparator for the Content Creation division in the prior period, which benefitted from stock levels being increased in the US distribution channel ahead of anticipated tariff increases, as well as the continued unwinding of inventory levels in the US distribution channel in the six month period to 28 February 2026. Audio Reproduction, including the Martin Audio brand, returned to growth during this period as markets normalised.
Cash and net debt position
The Group has generated healthy cash flows in the period. Net debt at 28 February 2026 was approximately £9.0 million compared to £10.8 million at 31 August 2025, reflecting improved working capital management and the reduction of inventory levels following the previously noted increase in US channel stock ahead of tariff increases.
Commenting on the results, Tim Carroll CEO said:
"While geopolitical developments in the Middle East and macroeconomic uncertainty continue to create volatility in global markets, the Group has not experienced any material impact to date. The situation continues to be monitored closely. The agility of our teams and strength of our product portfolio in combination with strategic actions including the strengthening of routes to market, selective new product development and careful cost management give us confidence in the future progress of the Group."
*Adjusted EBITDA comprises operating profit (earnings) adjusted for interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and adjusting items.
** In so far as the Board is aware, as at 19 March 2026, the range of market forecasts for the 12 month period to 28 February 2026 based on published sell-side research were for revenue of £165.0 million to £168.1 million and adjusted EBITDA of £23.7 million to £25.3 million. For the six months to 28 February 2026 the ranges were £77.0 million to £80.1 million for revenue and £9.4 million to £11.0 million for EBITDA.
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Enquiries: |
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Focusrite plc |
+44 (0) 1494 462246 |
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Tim Carroll (CEO) / Sally McKone (CFO) |
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Investec Bank plc (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker) |
+44 (0) 20 7597 5970 |
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David Flin / Nick Prowting / James Smith |
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Rosewood (Financial PR) |
+44 (0) 20 7653 8702 |
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John West / Llewellyn Angus / Lily Pearce |
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Notes to Editors
Focusrite plc is a global audio products group that develops and markets proprietary hardware and software products. Used by audio professionals and musicians, its solutions facilitate the high-quality production of recorded and live sound. The Focusrite Group trades under thirteen established brands: Focusrite, Focusrite Pro, Novation, Ampify, ADAM Audio, Martin Audio, Optimal Audio, Linea Research Sequential, Oberheim, Sonnox, OutBoard and TiMax.
With a high-quality reputation and a rich heritage spanning decades, its brands are category leaders in the music-making and audio recording industries. Focusrite and Focusrite Pro offer audio interfaces and other products for recording musicians, producers and professional audio facilities. Novation and Ampify products are used in the creation of electronic music, from synthesizers and grooveboxes to industry-shaping controllers and inspirational music-making apps. ADAM Audio studio monitors have earned a worldwide reputation based on technological innovation in the field of studio loudspeaker technology. Martin Audio designs and manufactures performance-ready systems across the spectrum of sound reinforcement applications. Linea designs, develops, manufactures and sells innovative professional audio equipment globally. Sequential designs and manufactures high end analogue synthesizers under the Sequential and Oberheim brands. Sonnox is a leading designer of innovative, high-quality, award-winning audio processing software plug-ins for professional audio engineers. TiMax specialises in innovative immersive audio and show control technologies. OutBoard manufactures and sells industry standard rigging control products for live events, together with enterprise-level safety test, preparation and quality management for global rental companies and venues.
The Company has offices in four continents and a global customer base with a distribution network covering approximately 240 territories.
Focusrite plc is traded on the AIM market, London Stock Exchange.
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