UK-based independent finance provider Time Finance has announced an upward revision of its financial outlook for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The company attributes this positive shift to sustained trading momentum and record-breaking revenues over the first nine months of FY 2025. With a focus on expanding its asset lending portfolio, Time Finance has seen significant growth in both revenue and profit, setting new benchmarks for future performance.
The revised projections anticipate at least £36 million in revenue and £7.5 million in pre-tax profit for FY 2025. This marks a notable improvement from previous estimates set in November 2024. Additionally, the company's asset lending portfolio has surpassed £100 million for the first time, reflecting a strategic emphasis on secured lending and invoice finance.
Enhanced Financial Projections Reflect Strong Trading Momentum
Time Finance has experienced consistent growth throughout the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The company's latest financial update reveals that it is on track to exceed market expectations, driven by robust trading performance. Revenue and profit before tax are projected to reach at least £36 million and £7.5 million, respectively, surpassing earlier forecasts. This optimistic outlook underscores the company's ability to capitalize on favorable market conditions.
During the first half of FY 2025, Time Finance reported a 16% increase in revenue, reaching £18.2 million compared to £15.7 million in the same period last year. Profit before tax also saw a substantial rise of 44%, climbing to £3.9 million. These figures highlight the company's strong operational performance and effective management strategies. The upward revision in financial projections reflects Time Finance's commitment to maintaining positive momentum through disciplined business practices and strategic investments. Furthermore, the company plans to release its Q3 trading update on March 25, 2025, providing further insights into its ongoing success.
Strategic Growth in Asset Lending Portfolio Drives Expansion
A key driver behind Time Finance's impressive financial performance is the rapid expansion of its asset lending portfolio. As of January 31, 2025, the portfolio has reached £103 million, marking a 21% increase from the previous year-end and a remarkable 222% surge since the launch of its strategic growth plan in June 2021. This consistent month-on-month growth demonstrates the company's dedication to expanding its own-book secured lending operations.
The growth in the asset lending portfolio is integral to Time Finance's broader strategy of increasing its total lending book to over £300 million by 2028. By focusing on secured lending and invoice finance, the company has successfully positioned itself as a leader in these sectors. As of January 31, 2025, the combined hard asset and invoice finance books accounted for 80% of the group's total lending portfolio. This strategic approach not only enhances the company's financial stability but also supports its long-term growth objectives. The continued expansion of the asset lending portfolio signifies Time Finance's commitment to delivering value to its clients and stakeholders while maintaining a strong market presence.
Despite a challenging financial year, Liverpool Football Club has demonstrated resilience and growth in various areas. The club reported an annual pre-tax loss of £57 million up to May 31, 2024, marking a significant increase from the previous year's deficit. However, this period also saw a rise in overall revenue by £20 million to reach £614 million for the 2023-2024 season. Commercial income surged by £36 million, surpassing the £300 million mark for the first time, driven by enhanced partnerships and retail activities. This fiscal year encompassed Jurgen Klopp's final season as manager, during which Liverpool secured third place in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup. The club invested heavily in new talent, spending approximately £165 million on four players, while facing a drop in media revenue due to the absence from the Champions League. Despite these challenges, the club remains committed to financial sustainability and has emerged as the strongest brand in the Premier League.
The 2023-2024 fiscal year was marked by notable achievements and financial adjustments for Liverpool FC. Under the leadership of former manager Jurgen Klopp, the team clinched the Carabao Cup and finished third in the Premier League. The club's commercial success was highlighted by its record-breaking commercial revenue of £308 million, primarily fueled by robust partnerships and retail ventures. The opening of the new Anfield Road Stand contributed to a £22 million boost in matchday revenue, reaching £102 million. However, administrative expenses, particularly salaries and overhead costs, rose sharply, totaling £600 million. This increase in operating costs reflects the growing demands of maintaining a top-tier football club. The departure of Klopp and his staff resulted in severance payments of £9.6 million, adding to the financial pressures faced by the club.
Despite the financial challenges, Liverpool FC made strategic investments in player acquisitions. The club spent around £165 million on bringing in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch. These additions aimed to bolster the squad's strength and competitiveness. The absence from the Champions League led to a £38 million decline in media revenue, dropping to £204 million. Nevertheless, the club's performance in the Premier League improved, resulting in higher domestic media revenue compared to the previous season. This balance between increased revenue streams and rising operational costs underscores the club's ongoing efforts to maintain financial stability.
Liverpool FC has also seen remarkable growth in its brand presence and social media engagement. The club generated 1.5 billion fan engagements and added a record 37 million followers to its social channels. According to Brand Finance's 2024 report, Liverpool now holds the title of the strongest brand in the Premier League. Jenny Beacham, the club's chief finance officer, emphasized the importance of sustaining financial health amid rising costs. She noted that over the past eight years, matchday costs have risen by nearly 80%, and staff costs have increased by 86% since 2018. Moving forward, the club remains focused on expanding its income sources to ensure long-term financial stability. Under the new management of Arne Slot, Liverpool currently leads the Premier League with a commanding 13-point advantage over Arsenal, signaling a promising future for the club.
In a recent update to investors, the organic egg producer Vital Farms highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by the avian influenza epidemic sweeping across American farms. The company anticipates that supply constraints will continue into early 2025, with shortages expected to gradually ease later in the year. Despite these difficulties, Vital Farms remains optimistic about its supply chain investments, which are set to yield positive results as the year progresses. The company reported a significant increase in revenue for both the fourth quarter and full-year 2024, with projections indicating continued growth in 2025. While the stock market has shown some volatility, consumer concerns over rising egg prices remain a critical issue.
Avian Influenza Impact on Egg Supply and Market Dynamics
In the midst of a challenging agricultural season, the United States is grappling with the effects of a severe outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This crisis has placed considerable strain on poultry populations nationwide, leading to notable disruptions in the supply of eggs. According to Russell Diez-Canseco, CEO of Vital Farms, the industry faces sustained pressure on supplies at the beginning of the year due to HPAI's impact on flocks. However, Diez-Canseco expressed confidence that the company's strategic investments in supply chain enhancements made during 2024 and continuing into 2025 will start to show benefits as the year unfolds.
The financial performance of Vital Farms reflects resilience amidst adversity. For the quarter ending December 29, revenues climbed by 22.2% to reach $166 million. Over the entire year, the company achieved total revenues of $606 million. Looking ahead, Vital Farms projects full-year 2025 revenues to exceed $740 million. These figures underscore the company's ability to navigate through tough times while positioning itself for future success.
Market sentiment towards Vital Farms has been mixed, with shares experiencing fluctuations. Early Friday, stocks saw an uptick of up to 5%, although they have declined by approximately 13% this year. Nonetheless, over the past 12 months, the stock has surged nearly 90%, indicating investor optimism about the company's long-term prospects.
Egg prices have soared dramatically, becoming one of the most pressing economic issues for consumers in early 2025. By January, the average cost of a dozen eggs reached a record high of $4.95, marking a 15.2% increase from the previous month and a staggering 53% rise compared to the same period last year. This sharp escalation in grocery prices, particularly for essential household items like eggs, has drawn widespread attention and concern from policymakers, economists, and everyday shoppers alike.
From a consumer perspective, the surge in egg prices serves as a stark reminder of the immediate and tangible impacts of inflation. While inflation affects various sectors, the rapid increase in the cost of basic necessities such as eggs resonates deeply with households, highlighting the need for robust measures to stabilize markets and ensure affordable access to essential goods.