Reworld Media is delivering the financial returns on its strategy of digital transformation of well-established media brands, supplemented with the ad tech expertise of Tradedoubler (30% owned). FY17 figures show good revenue and margin progress from the media brands, with Tradedoubler starting to recover post repositioning and restructuring. The group also has a strengthening balance sheet. Our updated model suggests a strong uplift in adjusted PBT in FY18 driven by the growing digital element in Branding and the continuing turnaround at Tradedoubler. The rating is yet to reflect the improving quality of earnings or the scale of the opportunity.
