MediaZest, the audiovisual solutions provider, has delivered a marked improvement in trading for the six months to 31 March 2026, with management now targeting record revenues for the full year.
Revenue rose to £2.67m from £1.91m a year earlier, lifted by long-term project roll-outs for a roster of well-known names including Arc’teryx, Hyundai, KIA, Lululemon and Pets at Home.
The firm also installed several hundred digital currency boards for First Rate Exchange Services across the UK.
Gross profit climbed £225,000 to £1.35m, although the margin eased to 51% from 59% on a higher mix of lower-margin hardware sales.
EBITDA slipped to £120,000 from £197,000 as a result of investment in the engineering team and systems to handle rising demand, some of it one-off, as well as the seasonally quieter December and January window.
Profit before tax leapt to £754,000 from £56,000 due to a £529,000 interest write-off as part of a debt restructure, alongside other notional accounting gains with no cash impact. The restructuring leaves the remaining debt much reduced and interest-free at period end.
The cash position swung to £350,000 from a £7,000 overdraft, helped by a £215,000 fundraise in February that brought in Dr Graham Cooley as a notable new shareholder.
The reaction in shares on Tuesday was likley driven by a belief that strong trading will continue.
MediaZest expects a strong second half, with further roll-outs for First Rate Exchange Services and fresh wins across the UK and Europe, including Norway, Germany and Denmark.
As a result, the group is aiming to top £5 million of revenue for the first time and to deliver profit before tax above £250,000 for FY26, while continuing to weigh potential “buy and build” acquisitions.
“We are delighted with these results for the six-month period,” said Geoff Robertson, Chief Executive Officer.
“The increase in project revenues is generating profitability in the current year and also building recurring revenue streams for the future. Additionally, substantial improvement in the balance sheet from the debt restructuring and the fundraising puts the Group in an excellent position to continue to grow and invest in client services.
“The Board continues to evaluate acquisition opportunities on this much stronger base, which is where we believe the Company’s AIM listing provides significant value in helping us deliver further growth and additional value for our shareholders.”
MediaZest shares were 14% higher at the time of writing.