Today, Schibsted Media Group released its Q3 2013 report, showing operating revenues of NOK 3.65 billion. The underlying revenues growth was 2 percent. The Online classifieds segements increased underlying revenues with 13 percent, 17 percent excluding Spain. The gross operating profit (EBITDA) was NOK 437 million (518 million). Excluding Online classifieds Investment phase, the EBITDA was NOK 672 million, 4 percent higher than in the same period in 2012.
Schibsted invites to an analyst and press conference at Apotekergaten 10, Oslo, 30 October 2013 at 09:00 CET.
The presentation will be transmitted live as a video webcast
Online Classifieds
– We have achieved good growth in the key established online classifieds operations in Norway, Sweden and France during the third quarter, where we are strengthening our platform for future growth by developing new services and verticals. We are also seeing promising developments in other established operations like for instance in Italy, Austria and Ireland. In Spain, we see some early positive results of the recent refocus towards market share and traffic growth, Rolv Erik Ryssdal says.
– At the same time, we continue our significant investments in rolling out our proven online classifieds concepts in new markets. We are now implementing the new joint venture setup, where Telenor takes the role as an equal partner in selected markets in South America and Asia. Bringing Telenor in will give us even more operational and financial strength to pursue attractive number one positions, Rolv Erik Ryssdal says.
Media houses
– In our media houses we see more and more clearly the results of our long term focus on digital development. Both mobile and web TV are growing very fast in terms of reach and revenues. New concepts have been launched successfully, for instance Aftonbladets “Brottcentralen” and VGTV’s new series. The digital advertising revenues increased by 18 percent in the media houses in the third quarter. For VG and Aftonbladet, digital now counts for close to two thirds of the total advertising revenues. These are encouraging signs for us in the midst of a rapid digital transition of our business, CEO Rolv Erik Ryssdal says.
Highlights of Q3 2013
(Figures in brackets refer to the corresponding period in 2012. Underlying figures are adjusted for currency effects and acquisitions and divestments.)
- Underlying group operating revenues increased 2 percent compared to Q3 2012, with underlying online classifieds revenue up 13 percent. Excluding Spain, the growth was 17%.
- EBITDA of NOK 437 million (518 million), and NOK 672 million (644 million) excluding investments in New Ventures in online classifieds
- Online classifieds EBITDA margin of 24 percent. 47 percent (48%) excluding investments in New Ventures
- Continued growth and high margins in Norway, Sweden and France
- Good revenue growth for other established sites, margins being held back by continued investments to strengthen market positions
- Sharpened focus on volume and traffic growth hampers growth and profitability in Spain going forward
- Strong growth in key performance indicators like number of new ads in the investment phase sites, including Brazil
- New ventures in emerging markets strengthened through new joint venture with Telenor
- Online growth and cost reductions mitigate margin decline in Scandinavian media houses
- Online advertising growth of 18 percent in the media houses. Mobile and web TV are key drivers
- Continued decline for print advertising and circulation
- Digital transition and cost efficiency programs progress as planned