TV: Pro Sieben Sat 1 makes surprisingly high profits thanks to austerity measures - TV advertising market is weakening
Strict cost reductions and the sale of peripheral businesses brought the TV group an operating result of 80 million euros in the second quarter. Analysts had only expected half that amount.
Berlin - Television company Pro Sieben Sat 1 achieved a surprising profit in the spring, thanks to cost cuts, and significantly exceeded market expectations. After recording an operating loss of 22 million euros before the fiscal year, the SDax-listed business now reported an 80 million euro profit, as the Italy-based media conglomerate's subsidiary announced on Thursday from Unterföhring near Munich.
This surpassed analysts' estimate of 65 million euros. However, sales fell due to the sale of peripheral businesses, resulting in a decline for the second quarter and the first six months. Pro Sieben Sat 1 reaffirmed its outlook for the full year. "The first half of 2026 demonstrates that we have consistently implemented our strategic priorities and significantly increased our profitability," said CEO Marco Giordani.
The company is determined to transform Pro Sieben Sat 1 - "with a clear focus on entertainment, strict cost discipline, and targeted investments in our future." Finance Director Bob Rajan stated that six companies have been sold since the start of the year to strengthen the group's profitability. "Our path is clear: growth through increased profitability."
In the first half of the year, Ebitda reached 124 million euros (vs. minus 28 million euros for the prior year).
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