Who are your biggest shareholders?
What is the Company's core business?
Our core business is Publishing and Printing local newspapers with associated websites.
What are your main business dynamics?
The main elements of turnover are:
Print advertising 66%
Newspaper sales 19%
Contract print 7%
Digital revenues 4%
(Newsprint – no change)
Labour 37%
Who are your Competitors?
Our main competitors are:
- Other local newspapers
- Local Radio
- Outdoor Advertising
- Internet
- Advertising only publications
Who are your main customers?
Our main customers are local advertisers and readers.
How much of the Company does the management own?
2%
What are the Company's main competitive strengths?
The strength comes from the newspaper brands, internet sites and established circulation figures.
Which is your most profitable franchise?
All of our newspapers are profitable but there is some variation between titles reflecting circulation frequency and whether the title is paid for or free.
How many sales outlets do you have?
We have a total of over 200 outlets.
What is the Company's strategy for the next year?
1. Reducing debt by continuing to focus on cost control and seeking to maximise the cash generation of the businesses in what will be a very difficult trading year in 2009.
2. Review the future strategy for the business and to plan for the turn of the cycle, which will undoubtedly happen.
How is the Company organised?
A Head Office composed of 16 people with the business split into 7 operating divisions and 50 operating centres.
How did the Company perform last year?
2008 was a very difficult trading year due to the economic downturn. Turnover was £75.6 million down on 2007 and operating profit before non-recurring items was £49.7 million lower than 2007.
What are the prospects for 2009?
As at 11 March 2009, advertising markets remain very depressed which means advertising revenues to date in 2009 are 35.9% below those for 2008. However, we are benefiting from the full effects of the 2008 cost reduction programme with more initiatives in place which will drive further efficiencies. Costs for the first two months of 2009 are running 15.7% down on the same period as 2008. In the short term there is little prospect of a turn in the advertising cycle and our expectation is for 2009 to be a very challenging year with revenues significantly below 2008 levels and only partially offset by lower costs.
Johnston Press will continue to develop its traditional print operations in a cost effective way whilst at the same time enhancing and upgrading the digital publishing platforms. We will remain an invaluable source of news, information and entertainment in local markets which will enable us to be the business partner of choice for local advertisers as we have been for many years.
The business started in 1767 as a Johnston family business. A brief history of the Company can be found
here
How many people does the company employ?
We currently employ over 6,500 people.
When does the company report financial results?
When is the next Annual General Meeting?
Our AGM takes place on the last Friday in April. Please click
here to access the event calendar.
Where can I obtain a copy of the Report and Accounts?
A hard copy can be obtained in writing from:
The Secretary
Johnston Press plc
53 Manor Place
Edinburgh
EH3 7EG
Or alternatively you can view and download a copy
here.
On which market is the Company stock traded?
We trade on the London Stock Exchange. Please click
here to see our latest share price.
What is the ticker symbol or EPIC code?
Our ticker symbol is JPR.
Who are the Company's registrars?
Computershare Investor Services PLC
P O Box 82
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol
BS99 7NH
Any questions, other than those addressed here, you need to contact:
The Secretary
Johnston Press plc
53 Manor Place
Edinburgh
EH3 7EG
When was your most recent dividend paid?
Can I take my dividend in shares?
Unfortunately you can not.
Can I receive my dividend directly into my bank or building society account?
Yes you can.
When do I receive my dividend tax voucher?
You will receive it when the dividend is paid.
How do I confirm the number of shares that I hold?
You can contact the Company's Registrar at the following address:
Computershare Investor Services PLC
PO Box 82
The Pavilions
Bridgewater Road
Bristol
BS99 7NH
What should I do if I lose my share certificate?
You need to write to the Registrar and ask for a duplicate. The Registrar will require you to complete a Form of Indemnity for which there will be a charge.
What do I need to do if I wish to transfer my shares to someone else?
You will have to complete and sign a Share Transfer Form and send it to the Registrar.
How do I sell my shares or buy more?
You will need to contact your stockbroker, financial adviser or bank.
What is the Company dividend policy?
The dividends are proposed by the Board based on the results for the year.
When will the next dividend be paid?
Is there any way I can donate my shares to charity?
Yes you can by completing a Share Transfer Form indicating your selection of charity. The Company’s registrars will be able to provide you with the appropriate form.
Where should shareholders direct stock administration questions?
Computershare
Investor Services PLC
PO BOx 82
The Pavillons
Bridgewater Road
Bristol
BS99 7NH
How many shares are in issue
At 31 December 2008, there were 639,739,766 Ordinary Shares of 10p each in issue.
In which sector are the Company's shares listed?
We are listed as Media.
I have questions about tax on my dividends, who should I direct them to?
You need to talk to your personal financial adviser.
Has the Company made any share issues since flotation?
Yes a bonus issue in 1994, a Rights Issue in 1992, 1996 and 2002.
The comapany successfully completed a 1 for 1 Rights Issue in June 2008 at a rights price of 53p.
Can the Company shares be held as an ISA?
Yes they can.
How can I get more information about your sector?
What do you see as the main drivers of growth in the business?
Acquisitions and modest organic growth.
What is the geographical split of sales?
Prior to 2005, the Group’s operations were entirely within the UK. In 2005, the Group acquired Score Press Limited, Local Press Limited and Leinster Leader Limited, all of which have operations in the Republic of Ireland. The total level of turnover in the Republic of Ireland is less than 10% of the Group’s total turnover.
How important is the internet to your business?
The internet is very important in the future strategy of the business. The Group maintains over 300 websites generating revenues in excess of £19 million.
How do currency fluctuations affect the Company?
Currency fluctuations do not have a major impact on the Company.
How many widgets do you sell a year?
The annual turnover in 2008 was approximately £532 million.
Is there much scope for innovation in your business?
Yes, in looking at generating additional revenues and utilising technological advances in the production process.
Who do I notify if I have changed my name and address?
You need to contact the Company's Registrar:
Computershare
Investor Services plc
Owen House
8 Bankhead Crossway North
Edinburgh
EH11 4BR
Should I attend the Annual General Meeting?
All shareholders are encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting.
The Company operates an Executive Share Option Scheme, a SAYE Share Option Scheme, PSP and a Share Matching Plan. More details are contained in the
Annual Report and Accounts.
Does the Company have any shareholder concessions?
Unfortunately not.
Who are your house brokers?
Deutsche Bank AG London
Winchester House
1 Great Winchester Street
London
EC2N 2DB
Has the Company had any capital re-organisations?
The last capital re-organisation was a 1 for 1 Rights Issue completed in June 2008.
