IMS confirmation of Q1 trading resilience is backed up by reassurance that Hogg Robinson (HRG) is in good shape to weather potential Brexit uncertainty. Strong finances, a fast-developing Fraedom technology business and increasing benefits from corporate restructuring should mitigate market pressures, while in a downturn HRG has been seen to benefit from a corporate desire to use professionals to cut travel costs. We reiterate that low net debt (FY17e net debt/EBITDA of just 0.5x) allows for profitable investment and returns to shareholders.
