LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - IG Design Group said on Tuesday that trading in the first half of its financial year supported its confidence in meeting full-year guidance, with a strong orderbook and improved cash discipline helping offset softer market conditions in key regions.
The AIM-traded company, which designs and manufactures products across the celebration and creative categories, said revenue from continuing operations for the six months ended 30 September was expected to be about 13% lower than the prior year, reflecting weaker demand in the UK, competitive pricing pressures in Europe, and tariff-related impacts on UK exports to the US.

Around $7m of revenue had also shifted into the second half due to shipment timing, mainly in Europe.

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations was anticipated to be around $5.6 million, equating to an adjusted operating margin of 4.3%.

The group reiterated that it expected to maintain full-year margins within the previously guided range of 3% to 4%, supported by "continued operational efficiencies, disciplined cost control, and a focus on higher-margin channels."

IG Design said full-year revenue remains on track to fall within the guided range of $270m to $280m, with orderbook visibility at 91% entering the second half.

The group ended the period with net cash of around $2m, compared with $7.4m a year earlier, after a total cash outflow of roughly $33m relating to the completed sale of its DG Americas business to Hilco in May.

Excluding that, cash outflow from the continuing group improved by about 13% year-on-year.

The firm noted that its continuing businesses in the UK, continental Europe and Australia benefitted from "long-established and stable relationships with major retailers" and a "strong focus on design and innovation".

Stewart Gilliland, who remains interim executive chair while the CEO recruitment process continues, said the group was entering the second half "with strong revenue visibility, a robust orderbook, and a net positive cash position."

He added that the board "remains confident in meeting full-year expectations and continues to prioritise opportunities that support sustainable growth in both revenue and margin over the long term."

IG Design said its interim results, including updated segment reporting and further details on the DG Americas disposal, would be published on 2 December.

At 0943 GMT, IG Design shares were down 1.57% at 55.12p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

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