| Valuation method | Value, £ | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 63.79 | -20 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 25.22 | -68 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | n/a | |
| Graham Formula | 0.31 | -100 |
Inspired Plc (LSE: INSE) is a leading UK-based energy consultancy firm specializing in corporate energy solutions, ESG advisory, and energy management software. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Preston, the company operates through three key segments: Inspired Energy Solutions (energy assurance and optimization), Inspired ESG Solutions (sustainability reporting and compliance), and Inspired Software Solutions (technology-driven energy management tools). Serving businesses across the UK and Ireland, Inspired Plc helps clients navigate complex energy markets, reduce costs, and meet sustainability goals through data-driven insights and regulatory expertise. As a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange, it plays a critical role in the Industrials sector's Specialty Business Services niche, particularly in the growing ESG compliance and energy efficiency markets. With increasing corporate focus on net-zero targets and energy price volatility, Inspired's integrated service model positions it as a key enabler of the energy transition for mid-to-large enterprises.
Inspired Plc presents a specialized play on corporate energy efficiency and ESG compliance with moderate market risk (β=0.63). The company demonstrates profitability (FY net income £9.6m on £93.8m revenue) and generates positive operating cash flow (£10.97m), though carries significant debt (£66.78m vs. £5.19m cash). Its 2p dividend yields approximately 2.5% at current prices. Growth potential lies in regulatory tailwinds (UK Net Zero Strategy, CSRD compliance) and energy price volatility driving demand for consultancy services. However, the business faces concentration risk in UK/Ireland markets and depends on corporate capex budgets. Valuation appears reasonable at ~1.2x revenue, but investors should monitor debt levels and customer acquisition costs in this fragmented advisory sector.
Inspired Plc occupies a middle-market niche between large diversified consultancies (e.g., Accenture) and boutique energy advisors. Its competitive advantage stems from: 1) Integrated service model combining energy procurement, consumption optimization and ESG reporting - rare among UK-focused specialists; 2) Proprietary software tools that create stickier client relationships versus pure advisory firms; 3) Deep regulatory expertise in UK energy markets and emerging sustainability disclosures. However, the company lacks the global scale of multinational competitors and faces pricing pressure from accounting firms expanding into ESG services. Its technology differentiation is modest compared to dedicated energy SaaS platforms. Market positioning is strongest with mid-sized UK corporates needing turnkey solutions, while larger enterprises often prefer Big Four advisors. The 2021 rebranding to 'Inspired Plc' reflects strategic emphasis on ESG services (30% of revenue), where it competes on sector-specific expertise versus generalist sustainability consultants. Working capital constraints may limit M&A opportunities to consolidate the fragmented UK energy advisory space.