RNS Number : 3106D
Touchstar PLC
07 May 2026
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain
Touchstar plc
Results for the year ended 31 December 2025
2026 is expected to be a pivotal year, with a stronger pipeline supporting the transition to a sustainable, growth‑oriented model.
The Board of Touchstar plc ((AIM: TST) "Touchstar", the "Company" or the "Group"), suppliers of mobile data computing solutions and managed services to a variety of industrial sectors, is pleased to announce its results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2025 ("FY25" and "Period").
Key Financials
2025
2024
Revenue
£6,821,000
£6,893,000
Decline 1%
Recurring revenue
£3,209,000
£3,051,000
Increase 5.2%
Pre tax (loss)/profit
£(1,341,000)
£388,000
Post tax (loss)/profit
£(1,081,000)
£366,000
Adjusted post tax profit *
£312,000
£423,000
Decline 25.8%
Adjusted EPS *
3.83p
5.16p
Decline 25.8%
Basic (loss)/earnings per share
(13.29)p
4.47p
Total ordinary Dividend per share
3.25p
3.0p
Increase 8.3%
Adjusted EBITDA*
£759,000
£1,156,000
Decline 34.3%
Year-end net cash
£2,338,000
£2,918,000
Decline £580,000
Margins
57.6%
60.2%
Decline 260 basis points
*Excludes exceptional costs of £1,393,000 (note 5)
(2024: exceptional costs £57,000).
Highlights
· 2025 delivered a resilient underlying performance, with breakeven trading before exceptional items (£2,000 operating profit; £56,000 PBT), despite a year of significant organisational restructuring and product portfolio review.
· Exceptional non‑cash charges of £1.18m relating to the impairment of development assets, resulted in a statutory loss but do not impact liquidity or operational strength.
· Recurring revenue increased over 5% to £3.21m, representing 47% of total turnover, reinforcing the conscious shift toward a more predictable, SaaS‑led model.
· Cash remains strong at £2.34m, after funding dividends and share buybacks - demonstrating continued financial resilience and disciplined cost control amid significant inflationary pressure.
· Order intake entering 2026 is materially stronger, with Q1 2026 intake exceeding all corresponding periods since 2021, supporting confidence in forward momentum.
· 2025 restructuring has strengthened the organisational foundation, creating two balanced divisions and embedding clearer accountability, positioning the Group for improved scalability and growth.
· 2026 is expected to be a pivotal year, with a sharper commercial focus, maturing development governance and a stronger pipeline supporting the transition to a sustainable, growth‑oriented model for future years.
Lynden Jones, CEO of Touchstar commented:
"The Group enters 2026 with a clearer organisational structure, a strengthened leadership team and a more focused strategic direction. The restructuring undertaken during 2025 has created two balanced divisions with improved accountability, enhanced cross‑selling potential and greater operational efficiency.
While challenges remain, we are confident in the forward direction of the business. The early signs are positive with trading for the first quarter of FY26 in line with expectations and order intake being ahead of the equivalent period in every year since 2021.The focus for the remainder of 2026 is disciplined execution, strengthening pipeline generation, maturing development processes, and building the commercial engine required for sustainable growth."
For further information, please contact:
Touchstar plc
Ian Martin/Lynden Jones
0161 874 5050
Zeus Capital - Nominated adviser and broker
Mike Coe/ Darshan Patel
0203 829 5000
Information on Touchstar plc can be seen at: www.touchstarplc.com
Chairman's statement
In 2025, the Group focused on strengthening its foundations for future growth. Under the leadership of our new CEO Lynden Jones, the business has undergone a structured reorganisation designed to improve efficiency, cement collaboration, and embed greater accountability across all functions. While the costs of these changes have impacted our reported results for the year, they reflect the scale of transformation underway which will position the Group more strongly for the future.
Looking ahead, 2026, will be a pivotal year as we reshape the business. Our priorities are clear:
· completing the transition to next‑generation management;
· repositioning the Group to serve the broader depot, warehouse, and retail markets;
· defining a next‑generation product range aligned with our brand and long-term strategy, and;
· increasing market profile through stronger communication and marketing.
The Group is moving away from its historic dependence on upgrade‑related income and is instead positioning itself for longer‑term, sustainable growth. This involves strengthening our commercial foundations, broadening our routes to market, and embedding a more structured approach to customer engagement. It is a meaningful shift in how the business operates, and while the transition is still progressing, the momentum and direction are firmly aligned with our strategic ambitions.
We recognise that 2026 will remain a transition year, characterised by ongoing market uncertainty and opportunities driven by technology evolution, changing customer needs and a requirement to have operational efficiency. With increased investment and a sharper commercial focus, along with a disciplined approach to product and customer management, Touchstar is well placed to respond.
Dividend
The Board recommends a final ordinary dividend of 1.5p per share (FY24: 1.5p). Together with the interim dividend of 1.75p (FY24: 1.5p) paid in November 2025, this results in a total ordinary dividend for the year of 3.25p (FY24: 3.0p).
Subject to the approval of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, the final ordinary dividend of 1.5p per share will be paid on 12 August 2026 to shareholders on the register on 24 July 2026. The ex-dividend date will be 23 July 2026.
Financial Results and Exceptional Items
Results for the year ended 31 December 2025 were in line with revised market expectations, albeit below original expectations. Exceptional non‑trading charges of £1,393,000 comprising:
· £215,000 for senior management reorganisation;
· £1,181,000 impairment of software development costs; and
· £3,000 credit for costs of strategic review.
The impairment has arisen as a result of the Groups new strategy and focus on product groups.
To provide clearer visibility of underlying performance of the business in FY25 the table below shows prior comparison inclusive and exclusive of the exceptional charges taken in 2025.
Metric
FY 25 (Reported)
FY 24
Variance
FY 25 (ex. Exceptionals)
Variance
Revenue
£6,821,000
£6,893,000
-1%
£6,821,000
-1%
Admin expenses
£5,302,000
£3,785,000
+40%
£3,910,000
+3%
Net exceptional costs included in admin expenses
£1,393,000
£57,000
Operating (loss)/profit before tax
£(1,397,000)
£388,000
-£1,785,000
*£56,000
-£332,000
Basic EPS
(13.29)p
4.47p
-17.76p
Adjusted EPS
3.83p
5.16p
3.83p
-0.64p
*Adjusted profit before tax excludes net exceptional costs of £1,393,000 (note 5) and share based payment provision £6,000 (note 8(b)).
Revenue declined slightly to £6,821,000 (FY24: £6,893,000), reflecting customer hesitancy amid economic uncertainty. Underlying costs (excluding exceptional costs) increased by 3% to £3,910,000, broadly in line with inflation. Including exceptional items, the Group reported a pre‑tax loss of £1,397,000 (FY24: £388,000 profit). Excluding exceptionals, the pre‑tax profit was £56,000. After tax, underlying profit (excluding exceptionals) declined by £55,000 from £366,000 in FY24 to £311,000, with adjusted EPS down by 0.64p to 3.83p.
The balance sheet remains strong, with year‑end cash of £2,338,000 (FY24: £2,918,000). Operating cash flow for FY25 was £736,000. During the year, £479,000 was returned to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, with 278,583 shares repurchased at an average price of 77.5p. This reduced the voting share capital to 7,921,494 and increased the number of shares being held in treasury to 553,583 shares.
EBITDA
The Group's EBITDA for the year is summarised below, presented on a reported and adjusted basis:
FY 25 (Reported)
FY 24
FY 25 (Adjusted)
(Loss)/profit before tax
£(1,341,000)
£388,000
*£56,000
Less: Interest net received
£56,000
£66,000
£56,000
Plus: Depreciation
£198,000
£243,000
£198,000
Plus: Amortisation
£561,000
£534,000
£561,000
EBITDA
£(638,000)
£1,099,000
£759,000
*Adjusted profit before tax excludes exceptional costs of £1,393,000 (note 5) and share based payment provision £6,000 .
Historically, the Group has capitalised both internal (salaries) and external (contractor) development costs where management considered that the investment would generate future revenue, amortising these costs over a four‑year period. As a result, the Group's EBITDA calculation was significantly higher than the operating profit, because capitalised development expenditure was excluded from EBITDA while amortisation was added back. Following the strategic review earlier in the year and findings thereon, a full assessment of the Group's development activity, product roadmap and market positioning was completed in November 2025. The review identified that some existing capitalised development costs no longer met the recoverability requirements, leading to an impairment. It further established that future development work would generally not satisfy the recognition criteria for capitalisation unless it related to new products or clearly defined enhancements.
The combined effect of the revised capitalisation spend, the change in useful economic life, and the impairment is a structural reset of the Group's EBITDA profile. Historically, EBITDA was higher because of:
• high levels of capitalised development expenditure, and
• significant amortisation add‑backs.
Under the revised model, moving forward EBITDA will now more closely reflects the Group's operating cash performance, with materially lower capitalisation and lower amortisation.
This is explained further in the Statement from the Chief Executive Officer along with note 9.
This revised policy provides a more transparent and comparable measure of performance, giving a clearer view of underlying profitability and aligning the Group with common practice across software and technology‑enabled businesses.
Outlook
The Group enters 2026 with a clearer organisational structure, a strengthened leadership team and a more focused strategic direction. The restructuring undertaken during 2025 has created two balanced divisions with improved accountability, enhanced cross‑selling potential and greater operational efficiency.
The Board anticipates a return to revenue growth and profitability in 2027, supported by:
- increased market activity across logistics, fuel distribution, warehousing and access control;
- expansion into targeted overseas markets, including the Nordics and Baltics; and
- the ongoing shift towards SaaS and multi‑year recurring revenue contracts.
The Board remains confident in the Group's long‑term prospects, supported by a strong product portfolio, a loyal customer base, a committed workforce and a clear strategy for sustainable growth.
I Martin
Chairman
6 May 2026
Statement from the Chief Executive Officer
2025 marked the beginning of a structured transition for Touchstar as we moved to address long‑standing commercial, operational, and product‑related challenges. The business is shifting from a historic reliance on upgrade‑driven revenues toward a more proactive, sustainable commercial model built more on new business generation, cross‑selling, and disciplined customer lifecycle management. This represents a significant cultural and operational shift, and while early‑stage challenges remain, the direction of travel is clear and positive.
Commercial Performance
With the enhanced placement of a project delivery team, the sales team can focus on the next requirement sooner resulting in more sales time. Order intake for the first quarter of 2026 was in line with expectations and ahead of first quarter intake for all years since 2021. This is encouraging given how fragile customer confidence has been and remains.
Our goal is to rachet up the pipeline coverage to a level that supports a higher growth rate and builds greater resilience into our revenue forecasts. Our goal is to more aggressively manage the sales pipeline ensuring the gestational period is kept as short as possible from quote to order.
Operational Delivery and Product Development
Development remains the most significant operational area requiring improvement. The backlog-comprising defects, enhancements, technical requirements, and internal product ambitions-is extensive and is now being fully catalogued and prioritised.
Key actions underway include:
- establishing a clear order of priority aligned to generating revenue and maximising customer benefit;
- reducing reactive development activity;
- improving the quality of product releases through a reduction in the frequency of releases; and
- ensuring customers are migrated to current software versions to reduce legacy burden.
A newly appointed Product Delivery Manager is already improving structure and visibility, though the function remains in early‑stage transition.
Customer Lifecycle and Renewals
The business has made strong progress in reducing exposure to legacy products, with only two customers remaining on legacy hardware platforms. Both are engaged in upgrade discussions, and no material revenue is currently at risk.
Renewal performance remains robust. Work is underway to evolve renewals from an administrative process to a strategic lifecycle engagement model, supported by a complete customer lifecycle database and alignment with the product roadmap.
Sales Execution and Resourcing
Sales execution remains in transition. Pipeline quality and cross‑selling activity require improvement, and lead‑generation metrics are still being embedded. However, early indicators are positive, with improved discipline, stronger communication, and greater ownership of performance across the team.
Recruitment plans remain aligned to strategy but are intentionally phased to ensure stability. Internal sales hires are planned for late Q2, and the Fire & Security northern sales role has been approved but not yet initiated.
Overseas Strategy
The overseas channel is progressing from exploratory engagement to early‑stage development. Initial partner discussions have advanced to a more strategic level, with negotiations underway regarding solution structure and customer ownership. Tangible progress is expected by late Q2 or early Q3.
Outlook
Touchstar is in a period of controlled transition, addressing historic structural weaknesses across sales, development, and customer management. The need for revenue growth is clearly understood and actively managed, and the shift toward a proactive, accountable sales culture is underway. Development governance is improving, customer lifecycle risk has reduced significantly, and renewal performance remains strong.
While challenges remain, we are confident in the forward direction of the business. The early signs are positive with trading for the first quarter of FY26 in line with expectations and order intake being ahead of the equivalent period in every year since 2021. The focus for the remainder of 2026 is disciplined execution, strengthening pipeline generation, maturing development processes, and building the commercial engine required for sustainable growth.
I would personally like to thank all my colleagues across the business for their continued hard work, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. It is the consistent effort of individuals-whether operating in customer-facing roles or supporting functions internally-that underpins the Company's performance. Those engaging directly with customers continue to represent Touchstar with integrity and professionalism, reinforcing our reputation in the market, while our internal teams maintain the operational strength and discipline required to deliver at scale. As the business evolves, it is important to emphasise that recent changes reflect a clearer articulation of who we are and how we present ourselves externally, aligned under our unified strapline, "securing the logistics of people and product." While there have been some departures during this period, we remain focused on supporting those who continue with the business. Their resilience, adaptability, and willingness to take ownership are driving accelerated personal development and ensuring continuity of performance as Touchstar moves forward with clarity and purpose.
L N Jones
Chief Executive Officer
6 May 2026
EXTRACTS FROM THE STRATEGIC REPORT
Business Review and Principal Activities
The Group supplies, installs and maintains licensed software applications and hardware solutions for mobile applications in the transport, logistics, warehousing, fuel distribution and access control industries. Our solutions combine in‑house developed software, rugged mobile computing hardware and managed services to deliver complete, integrated systems that enhance operational efficiency, compliance and customer service for our clients.
During 2025, the Group continued to develop and enhance its product portfolio, with a particular focus on strengthening cloud‑based platforms, expanding SaaS capability and improving the performance and usability of our hardware devices. The Group operates under the Touchstar brand, providing consistent brand awareness and a cohesive market presence across all operating companies.
A key development during the year was the restructuring of the business into two balanced divisions, designed to improve operational focus, enhance cross‑selling opportunities and support the Group's long‑term growth strategy. This restructuring has strengthened the organisational foundation and positioned the Group for improved scalability and market penetration.
Key Performance Indicators
The Group uses a range of financial and operational key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor performance, assess progress against strategic objectives and support effective decision‑making. The KPIs reflect the Group's focus on sustainable growth, recurring revenue expansion, operational efficiency and long‑term value creation.
Revenue
Total revenue for the year was £6,821,000 (2024: £6,893,000). Revenue remained broadly stable despite a more cautious economic environment and slower customer decision‑making cycles. The Group continues to prioritise high‑quality revenue streams, particularly those linked to recurring income and multi‑year contracts.
Gross Margin
Gross margin for the year was 57.6% (2024: 60.2%). While slightly lower than the prior year, the margin remains robust and reflects the strength of the Group's in‑house IP, managed service offering and disciplined pricing strategy. Margin performance continues to be a key indicator of product mix, operational efficiency and the value delivered to customers.
Recurring Revenue
Recurring revenue increased over 5% to £3,209,000, representing 47% of total turnover (2024: £3,051,000; 44%). This remains one of the Group's most important KPIs, reflecting the continued transition to a SaaS‑led model and the growing proportion of predictable, contracted income. The increasing proportion of predictable, contracted revenue provides a stable platform for future investment and supports the Group's transition towards a more scalable, software‑led business model. The Board remains committed to further strengthening this revenue stream as a strategic priority.
Order Intake
Order intake for the year was £3,651,000 (2024: £4,867,000). The reduction reflects slower order pipeline conversion in the first half of the year and the timing of larger capital projects. Order intake remains a key indicator of future revenue visibility and market activity.
Intake for the first quarter of 2026 was in line with management expectations and exceeds that in all corresponding periods since 2021.
Order Book
The order book at 31 December 2025 was £876,000 (2024: £1,270,000). While lower than the prior year, the pipeline entering 2026 is materially stronger, supported by enhanced product capability, increased cross‑selling opportunities and a more focused divisional structure.
Operating Profit Before Exceptional Costs
Operating profit before exceptional costs was £2,000 (2024: £408,000 profit). This KPI provides a clearer view of underlying trading performance, excluding non‑recurring items such as impairment charges and restructuring costs. Even with the impact of inflation on costs, the breakeven position reflects disciplined cost control during a year of transition.
Cash and Liquidity
The Group ended the year with cash of £2,338,000 (2024: £2,918,000), despite spend on product development (£658,000), payment of dividends (£264,000) and execution of share buybacks (£215,000). Cash generation and liquidity remain key KPIs, underpinning the Group's ability to invest in growth and maintain financial resilience.
Employee Retention and Engagement
The Group continues to benefit from a stable and committed workforce, with low attrition and long average tenure. Employee engagement, capability and retention remain critical KPIs, given the importance of technical expertise and customer service to the Group's success.
Order Intake and Order Book
Order intake for the year was £3,651,000 (2024: £4,867,000). The reduction reflects the slower pace of customer decision‑making across several sectors, particularly in the first half of the year, as well as the timing of larger capital projects.
The order book at 31 December 2025 stood at £876,000 (2024: £1,270,000). While lower than the prior year, the pipeline entering 2026 is materially stronger, supported by increased cross‑selling opportunities, enhanced product capability and a more focused divisional structure.
The Group's recurring revenue base continues to mitigate fluctuations in order intake, providing a strong foundation for future growth.
Business Environment
The Group's operations remain focused on the logistics, transport distribution, warehousing, fuel delivery and secure access control markets. Although these sectors serve different customer needs, the nature of the products, services and channels to market are comparable, and the Directors therefore continue to regard the Group as operating in one primary segment.
Activity levels across the sectors in which we operate remained steady during 2025, despite a more cautious economic backdrop. Customers continued to invest in technology to improve operational efficiency, compliance and safety, and the Group's ability to provide a complete, integrated solution across hardware, software and managed services remained a key differentiator.
The restructuring undertaken during the year has strengthened the Group's operational alignment and created two balanced divisions with clearer accountability and improved cross‑selling potential. The two divisions are known as IQ Logistics and Fire & Security with the strap line 'Securing the Logistics of People and Products'. This structure enhances our ability to deliver end‑to‑end solutions and increases the relevance of our offering across multiple industries.
Strategy
The Group's strategy is to deliver sustainable long‑term growth through a combination of product innovation, market expansion, operational efficiency and disciplined investment. The restructuring undertaken in 2025 has created a stronger platform from which to execute this strategy.
Strategic Priorities
- Strengthen recurring revenue through continued expansion of SaaS licences, multi‑year support contracts and managed services.
- Enhance product capability across both software and hardware, including the Back Office platform, ATEX and non‑ATEX devices, and next‑generation access control terminals.
- Expand market reach, with a focus on the Nordics, Baltics and selected US opportunities, supported by targeted marketing and partner channels.
- Increase cross‑selling between divisions to maximise customer lifetime value and improve solution penetration.
- Pursue selective acquisitions that complement the Group's product set, strengthen market position and accelerate growth.
- Improve operational efficiency through clearer divisional accountability, streamlined processes and enhanced use of technology.
Use of AI in Development
The Group continued to adopt AI‑enabled tools, including GitHub Copilot, to support software enhancements. These tools improve code quality, reduce development time and enhance security by identifying vulnerabilities earlier in the process. Importantly, all software developed using these tools remains the intellectual property of Touchstar.
Consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 December 2025
2025
2024
£'000
£'000
Revenue
6,821
6,893
Cost of sales
(2,889)
(2,743)
Gross profit
3,932
4,150
Distribution costs
(27)
(43)
Administrative expenses
(5,302)
(3,785)
Operating profit before exceptional costs and share-based payment provision
2
408
Exceptional costs
(1,393)
(57)
Share-based payment provision included in administrative expenses
(6)
(29)
Operating (loss)/profit
(1,397)
322
Finance income
76
79
Finance costs
(20)
(13)
(Loss)/profit before income tax
(1,341)
388
Income tax credit/(charge)
260
(22)
(Loss)/profit for the year attributable to the owners of the parent
(1,081)
366
Earnings per ordinary share (pence) attributable to owners of the parent during the year:
2025
2024
Basic
(13.29)p
4.47p
Adjusted
3.83p
5.16p
Diluted
(13.29)p
4.43p
The exercise price of all share options granted at 31 December 2025 were below the average market share of ordinary shares during the period to 31 December 2025 and therefore deemed dilutive.
There is no other comprehensive income or expense in the current year or prior year and consequently no statement of other comprehensive income or expense has been presented.
All activity in 2025 relating to continuing operations.
The Company has elected to take the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present the parent Company income statement. The profit for the Company is detailed in the Statement of financial position and the Company statement of changes in shareholders' equity.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 December 2025
Share capital
Treasury shares
Share based payment reserves
Retained earnings
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
At 1 January 2024
424
(252)
117
2,974
3,263
Dividend to shareholders
-
-
-
(246)
(246)
Repatriation of unclaimed dividends
-
-
-
24
24
Share based payment charge
-
-
29
-
29
Transactions with shareholders in the period
-
-
29
(222)
(193)
Total comprehensive income (profit for the year)
-
-
-
366
366
At 31 December 2024
424
(252)
146
3,118
3,436
Dividend to shareholders
-
-
-
(264)
(264)
Purchase of own shares
-
(215)
-
-
(215)
Share based payment charge
-
-
6
-
6
Transactions with shareholders in the period
-
(215)
6
(264)
(473)
Total comprehensive income (profit for the year)
-
-
-
(1,081)
(1,081)
At 31 December 2025
424
(467)
152
1,773
1,882
Company statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 December 2025
Share capital
Treasury shares
Share based payment reserves
Retained earnings
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
At 1 January 2024
424
-
117
218
507
Dividend to shareholders
-
-
-
(246)
(246)
Repatriation of unclaimed dividends
-
-
-
24
24
Share based payment charge
-
-
29
-
29
Transactions with shareholders
-
(252)
29
(222)
(193)
Total comprehensive income (profit for the year)
-
-
-
576
576
At 31 December 2024
424
(252)
146
572
890
Dividend to shareholders
-
-
-
(264)
(264)
Purchase of own shares
-
(215)
-
-
(215)
Share based payment charge
-
-
6
-
6
Transactions with shareholders
-
(215)
6
(264)
(473)
Total comprehensive income (profit for the year)
-
-
-
766
766
At 31 December 2025
424
(467)
152
1,074
1,183
Consolidated and Company statements of financial position as at 31 December 2025
Group
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
204
1,288
-
-
Investments
-
-
125
119
Property, plant and equipment EQUIPMENTEQUIPMENTEQUIPMENT EQUIPMENTequipment
151
108
-
-
Right-of-use assets
573
180
-
-
Deferred tax assets
111
9
2
9
Trade and other receivables
119
88
-
-
1,158
1,673
127
128
Current assets
Inventories
708
992
-
-
Trade and other receivables
1,136
1,650
5
2
Corporation tax receivable
84
87
-
-
Cash and cash equivalents
2,493
2,918
1,166
1,240
4,421
5,647
1,171
1,242
Total assets
5,579
7,320
1,298
1,370
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
1,134
1,383
115
480
Borrowings
155
-
-
-
Contract liabilities
1,733
2,018
-
-
Lease liabilities
158
91
-
-
3,180
3,492
115
480
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
8
170
-
-
Contract liabilities
101
148
-
-
Lease liabilities
408
74
-
-
517
392
-
-
Total liabilities
3,697
3,884
115
480
Consolidated and Company statement of financial position as at 31 December 2025 (continued)
Group
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent
Retained earnings
1,773
3,118
1,074
572
Share capital
424
424
424
424
Treasury shares
(467)
(252)
(467)
(252)
Share based payment reserve
152
146
152
146
Total equity
1,882
3,436
1,183
890
Total equity and liabilities
5,579
7,320
1,298
1,370
Consolidated and Company cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2025
Group
Company
2025 £'000
2024 £'000
2025 £'000
2024 £'000
Operating activities
Operating (loss)/profit
(1,397)
322
10
(31)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
198
243
-
-
Amortisation
561
534
-
-
Impairment of intangible assets
1,182
Share-based payment provision
6
29
6
5
Movement in:
Inventories
284
161
-
-
Trade and other receivables
483
(539)
3
237
Trade and other payables and contract liabilities
(581)
290
(377)
359
Cash generated from/(used in) operations
736
1,040
(358)
570
Interest received
76
79
13
-
Interest paid
(20)
(13)
-
-
Net cash generated from operating activities
792
1,106
(345)
570
Investing activities
Addition of intangible assets
(659)
(684)
-
-
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(90)
(89)
-
-
Net cash used in investing activities
(749)
(773)
-
-
Financing activities
Dividend paid to shareholders
(264)
(246)
(264)
(246)
Repatriation of unclaimed dividends
-
24
-
24
Purchase of own shares
(215)
-
(215)
-
Dividend received from subsidiary
-
-
750
600
Principal elements of lease payments
(144)
(198)
-
-
Net cash (used)/generated from financing activities
(623)
(420)
271
378
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(580)
(87)
(74)
948
Cash and cash equivalents at start of the year
2,918
3,005
1,240
292
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year
2,338
2,918
1,166
1,240
1 General information
Touchstar plc (the 'Company') and its subsidiaries (together 'the Group') design and build rugged mobile computing devices and develop software solutions used in a wide variety of field-based delivery, logistics and service applications. The Company is a public company limited by share capital incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Company's are traded on AIM. The address of its registered office is 1 George Square, Glasgow, G2 1AL.
2 Basis of preparation
The final results for the year ended 31 December 2025 have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the annual report and the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The Group Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') as adopted by the United Kingdom, IFRS IC interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRSs and the AIM Rules for Companies. The Group Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
While the financial information included in this final announcement has been computed in accordance with IFRS, this announcement does not itself contain sufficient information to comply with IFRS. The accounting policies used in preparation of this final announcement have remained unchanged from those set out in the Group's 2024 statutory financial statements other than those described below. They are also consistent with those in the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 which have yet to be published. The final results for the year ended 31 December 2025 were approved by the Board of Directors on 5 May 2025.
The financial information set out in this final announcement does not constitute the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 but is derived from those financial statements which were approved by the Board of Directors on 5 May 2025. The Auditors have reported on the Group's statutory financial statements and their report was unqualified and (ii) did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or 498(3) Companies Act 2006. The statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 have not yet been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and will be delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting.
The comparative figures are derived from the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 which carried an unqualified audit report, did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or 498(3) Companies Act 2006 and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies.
Going concern
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Group will be able to meet its liabilities when they fall due. As of 31 December 2025, the Group held unencumbered cash of £2,338,000 (2024: £2,919,000), after considering overdraft balances. The Group still holds an undrawn £200,000 on demand overdraft facility as of 31 December 2025 (also £nil in April 2026).
The Group enters 2026 following a year of significant organisational transformation. Under the leadership of the new CEO, Lynden Jones, the Group implemented a structured reorganisation designed to improve operational efficiency, strengthen cross‑functional collaboration, and embed clearer accountability across all business units.
While these changes temporarily impacted reported results for FY25, they represent a deliberate investment in the Group's long‑term capability and competitiveness. The Group remains financially resilient, with a strong balance sheet, a high‑quality recurring revenue base, and a disciplined approach to cost management.
Management recognises that 2026 will continue to be a transition year, characterised by both macroeconomic uncertainty and opportunities driven by evolving customer needs and technology. With increased commercial focus, targeted investment, and a more streamlined operating model, the Group is well positioned to respond.
The directors remain confident in the business, the skillset employed in its dedicated staff, its solid product set and loyal customer base.
The Group continues to benefit from a supportive bank which has provided the borrowing facility since 2005. The Group has removed its reliance on the facility provided by the bank and since early 2023 has an average of £1,200,000 placed on medium term deposit thereby generating cash via receivable interest. In assessing the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, the Board has reviewed the Group's cash flow and profit forecasts removing completely reliance on any facilities. The impact of potential risks and related sensitivities to the forecasts were considered in assessing the likelihood of additional facilities being required in the future.
The directors have at the time of approving the financial statements, a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
3 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The Group and Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
(a) Development expenditure
The Group recognises costs incurred on development projects as an intangible asset which satisfies the requirements of IAS 38. The calculation of the costs incurred includes the percentage of time spent by certain employees on the development project. The decision whether to capitalise and how to determine the period of economic benefit of a development project requires an assessment of the commercial viability of the project and the prospect of selling the project to new or existing customers.
(b) Impairment of intangibles
As part of the detailed assessment completed in November 2025, management reviewed the Group's capitalised development costs and the expected future economic benefits associated with each project. This review formed part of the Group's normal impairment assessment process and required significant judgement in determining whether the carrying amounts of these assets remained recoverable.
The impairment evaluation involved estimating the recoverable amount of the relevant assets, based on the higher of value in use and fair value less costs of disposal. These calculations require management to make a number of key estimates, including projected future cash flows and the expected useful life of the assets. Changes in these assumptions could materially affect the recoverable amount and therefore the level of impairment recognised.
Judgement was also required in assessing whether previously capitalised development expenditure continued to meet the criteria for recognition under the accounting standards. Where the November 2025 assessment indicated that the anticipated economic benefits were no longer sufficient to support the carrying value, an impairment was recognised.
(c) Stock provisions
Judgement is required in relation to the appropriate provision to be made for the write down of slow moving or obsolete inventory. Such provisions are made based on the assessment of the Group's prospective sale of inventories and their net realisable value, which are subject to estimation uncertainty.
4 Analysis of revenue
2025
2024
£'000
£'000
Recognised at a point in time
3,612
3,842
Recognised over time (recurring revenue)
3,209
3,051
6,821
6,893
5 Exceptional costs
Exceptional costs recognised in the year relate to non‑recurring items arising from the Group strategic review and restructuring including the impairment of the intangible assets (note 15). These costs are not considered reflective of the Company's underlying operating performance.
These items are considered exceptional due to their size, nature, and non‑recurring characteristics. They have been presented separately to provide a clearer understanding of the Company's underlying financial performance for the year.
2025 £'000
2024 £'000
Cost of the Strategic review
(3)
57
Impairment of intangible assets (note 15)
1,181
-
Restructuring and integration costs
215
-
1,393
57
6 Income tax credit
2025 £'000
2024 £'000
Corporation tax
Current tax credit
-
(87)
Adjustment in respect of prior years
4
18
Deferred tax (credit)/charge
(264)
91
(260)
22
Corporation tax is calculated at a rate of 25% (2024: 25%) of the estimated assessable profit for the year.
Factors affecting the tax credit for the year
The charge for the year can be reconciled to the reported profit as follows:
2025 £'000
2024 £'000
(Loss)/profit before income tax
(1,341)
388
Multiplied by the calculated standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2024: 25%)
(335)
97
Effects of:
Items not deductible for tax purposes
-
8
Enhanced research and development deduction
(65)
(201)
Surrender of tax losses for R&D tax credit
-
131
Losses recognised in the period
-
7
Use of previously recognised losses
(28)
(46)
Use of previously unrecognised losses
-
(32)
Difference between writing-down allowances and depreciation
164
40
Adjustment in respect of prior years
4
18
Total tax (credit)/charge for the year
(260)
22 .
Factors affecting the future tax charge
There are no factors currently affecting the future tax charge.
7 Dividends
During the year an interim dividend of 1.75p per share was paid (2024: 1.5p). The board recommends a final dividend of 1.5p per share (2024: 1.5p). Together with the interim dividend of 1.75p, paid in November 2025, gives a total dividend for the year of 3.25p (2024: 3.0p).
8 Earnings per share
The calculation of earnings per share is based on profit attributable to owners of the parent and the
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.
For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares arising from share options granted to employees where the exercise price is less than the market price of the Company's ordinary shares at the year end.
2025 Pence per share
2024 Pence per share
Basic
(13.29)p
4.47p
Adjusted
3.83p
5.16p
Diluted
(13.29)p
4.43p
Reconciliations of the earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculation are set out below:
2025 £'000
2024 £'000
Basic earnings attributable to owners of the parent - for Basic EPS
(1,081)
366
Exceptional costs (note 5)
1,393
57
Adjusted earnings attributable to owners of the parent - for Adjusted EPS
312
423
2025 No.
2024 No.
Basic weighted average number of shares, excluding own shares, in issue
8,129,096
8,200,077
Dilutive effect of share options
13,887
62,479
Dilutive weighted average number of shares, excluding own shares, in issue
8,142,983
8,262,556
9 Intangible assets
Group
Goodwill £'000
Development expenditure £'000
Total £'000
Cost
At 1 January 2024
8,591
4,182
12,773
Additions
-
684
684
Disposal
-
(587)
(587)
At 31 December 2024
8,591
4,279
12,870
Additions
-
659
659
Disposal
-
(4,217)
(4,217)
At 31 December 2025
8,591
721
9,312
Accumulated amortisation
At 1 January 2024
8,591
3,045
11,636
Amortisation charge
-
534
534
Disposal
-
(587)
(587)
At 31 December 2024
8,591
2,992
11,583
Amortisation charge
-
561
561
Disposal
-
(4,217)
(4,217)
Impairment
-
1,181
1,181
At 31 December 2025
8,591
517
9,108
Net book value
At 31 December 2025
-
204
204
At 31 December 2024
-
1,288
1,288
At 1 January 2024
-
1,137
1,137
Amortisation of £561,000 (2024: £534,000) is included within administrative expenses in the income statement.
Development expenditure
The calculation of the costs incurred includes third party developers along with the percentage of time spent by certain employees on hardware and software development for deployment in business operations. The decision whether to capitalise and how to determine the period of economic benefit of a development project requires an assessment of the commercial viability of the project and the prospect of selling the project to new or existing customers.
Management determined budgeted sales growth based on historic performance and its expectations of market development via each product set's underlying pipeline.
During the year the Group completed a strategic review of its software development activities and product roadmap. Following this review, management determined that the Group's historic development model, which supported capitalisation of internal and external development costs and amortisation over four years, no longer reflects the pattern of expected economic benefit.
The Group has transitioned to a continual‑iteration development model in which updates and enhancements rapidly supersede prior versions. Customers have also been migrated to recent software versions, with legacy versions no longer supported or capable of generating future economic benefit.
In accordance with IAS 36, management performed an impairment review of all capitalised software assets. The key assumptions used in the assessment were the allocation of revenue and costs to the software assets where impairment indicators were identified and the time-frame cash flow forecasts were assessed of 12 months.
Whilst different allocations of costs could have led to a material asset still being recorded on the balance sheet. The Directors consider that the estimates used in determining the impairment charge represent the most appropriate assumptions based on the information available at the reporting date.
An impairment charge of £1,181,000 has therefore been recognised in the period.
Remaining development expenditure relating to hardware continues to be capitalised on an ongoing basis and therefore has a remaining useful economic life ranging from 0 to 5 years.
10 Property, plant and equipment
Plant and machinery £'000
Fixtures, fittings, tools and equipment £'000
Total £'000
Cost
At 1 January 2024
243
346
589
Additions
65
24
89
At 31 December 2024
308
370
678
Additions
50
40
90
Disposals
-
(28)
(28)
At 31 December 2025
358
382
740
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2024
209
314
523
Charge for the year
27
20
47
At 31 December 2024
236
334
570
Charge for the year
28
19
47
Disposals
-
(28)
(28)
At 31 December 2025
264
325
589
Net book value
At 31 December 2025
94
57
151
At 31 December 2024
72
36
108
At 1 January 2024
34
32
66
Depreciation expenditure of £47,000 (2024: £47,000) is included within administrative expenses in the income statement.
11 IFRS 16 Right of use assets
Premises £'000
Motor vehicles £'000
Total £'000
Cost
At 1 January 2024
510
358
868
Additions
-
152
152
Disposals
(510)
(217)
(727)
At 31 December 2024
-
293
293
Additions
492
52
544
Disposal
-
(59)
(59)
At 31 December 2025
492
286
778
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2024
409
234
643
Charge for the year
92
104
196
Disposals
(501)
(225)
(726)
At 31 December 2024
-
113
113
Charge for the year
55
96
151
Disposal
-
(59)
(59)
At 31 December 2025
55
150
205
Net book value
At 31 December 2025
437
136
573
At 31 December 2024
-
180
180
At 1 January 2024
101
124
225
The Manchester lease expired in December 2024 and rolled over under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 this lease was renewed on similar terms in April 2025. The lease for East Sussex expired in December 2024 and was vacated with the team being relocated to shared offices on a short-term rental.
Depreciation expenditure of £151,000 (2024: £196,000) is included within administrative expenses in the income statement.
12 Deferred tax
12.1 Deferred tax asset
Group
Company
2025 £'000
2024 £'000
2025 £'000
2024 £'000
At 1 January
9
20
9
2
Credited/(charged) to income statement
102
(11)
(7)
7
At 31 December
111
9
2
9
The deferred tax asset for the Group relates to unused tax losses of £650,000 (2024: £600,000).
The Group has an unrecognised deferred tax asset of £330,000 (2024: £537,000) in relation to unused tax losses. This has not been recognised as the Group considers there is uncertainty as to when the losses will be realised in future years.
12.2 Deferred tax liability
2025 £'000
2024 £'000
At 1 January
170
90
Credited/(charged) to income statement
(162)
80
At 31 December
8
170
Deferred tax (liability)/asset analysis:
2025 £'000
2024 £'000
Amount in respect of fixed assets
(8)
(170)
Amount in respect of losses
111
9
13 Cash and cash equivalents
Group
Company
2025 £'000
2024 £'000
2025 £'000
2024 £'000
Cash at bank and in hand
2,493
2,918
1,166
1,240
Less: bank overdraft (note 25)
(155)
-
-
-
2,338
2,918
1,166
1,240
The above balances are not offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and are included for illustrative purposes only.
The Company holds cash on deposit included as cash and cash equivalents. The amount held on 32-day notice deposit at 31 December 2025 was £1,291,000 earning interest at a rate of 4.3% per annum (2024: £1,030,000 on 95-day notice at a rate of 3.55% per annum) The Group bank overdraft facility is secured by a bond and floating charge over the entire assets of the Group.
The carrying amounts of borrowings approximate to their fair value due to their short-term maturity, meaning that the impact of discounting is not significant. The carrying amounts of the Group's borrowings are denominated solely in sterling.
The Group bank overdraft facility is secured by a bond and floating charge over the entire assets of the Group.
At 31 December 2025, the Group had total committed undrawn facilities of £200,000 (2024: £200,000).
The Group now operates within a £200,000 net overdraft facility which takes into account both the gross cash position of each Group entity netted off against any borrowings. As at the 31 December 2025, this represents the net cash and cash equivalents balance of £2,338,000 (2024: £2,918,000) in Note 23.
The Company and its subsidiaries have given a guarantee in relation to the overdraft facilities extended to The Group.
14 Reserves
14.1 The following describes the nature of each reserve within equity:
Reserve
Description and purpose
Share-based payment reserve
Provision for options granted under the Group Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme.
Retained earnings
All other net gains and losses and transactions with owners (e.g. dividends) not recognised elsewhere.
Treasury shares
Weighted average cost of own shares held in treasury.
14.2 The following describes the nature of each transaction within equity:
Reserve transactions
Description and purpose
Purchase of own shares
At the 31 December 2025 the Group held 553,583 of its own shares with a fair value of £467,000, these are being held in treasury (2024: 275,000 with a fair value of £252,000). 278,583 shares were repurchased during the year at a fair value of £215,000 (2024: nil repurchased).
15 Share capital
Group and Company
2025 Number
2025 £'000
2024 Number
2024 £'000
Ordinary shares of 5p each
8,475,077
424
8,475,077
424
All shares are authorised, issued and fully paid up.
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