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Alma Media Oyj (FRA:A4M) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Profitability Amidst Digital ...

In This Article:

  • Revenue Growth: 2.4% increase, primarily from the acquisition of Netwheels.

  • Adjusted Operating Profit: Increased by almost 7% to a record high of 29.1% for the quarter.

  • Digital Revenue Share: 86% for the third quarter, with a rolling 12-month average of 84%.

  • Equity Ratio: Healthy level, with leverage decreasing.

  • Marketplaces Segment Organic Growth: 5.5% increase.

  • Career Segment Profitability: 43.2%, with room for further development.

  • News Media Profitability: 16.4%, despite a decline in revenues.

  • Cash Flow After Investments: EUR16.4 million, compared to EUR10.5 million in the previous year.

  • Earnings Per Share: EUR0.18, compared to EUR0.19 in the previous year.

  • Interest Rate: Average of 3.8%, compared to 4% in the previous year.

Release Date: October 18, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Alma Media Oyj (FRA:A4M) achieved an all-time high quarterly profitability with an adjusted operating profit increase of almost 7% to 29.1%.

  • The company reported a slight revenue growth of 2.4%, primarily driven by the acquisition of Netwheels and organic growth in certain segments.

  • Digital transformation continues successfully, with digital revenues accounting for 86% of total revenues in the third quarter.

  • The Marketplaces segment showed strong performance with a 5.5% organic growth, particularly in the commercial premises business in Sweden and Finland.

  • Alma Media Oyj's balance sheet is healthy, with a strong equity ratio and decreasing leverage, providing room for future investments.

Negative Points

  • The print business continues to decline, with a reported decrease of around 10%, impacting overall revenue streams.

  • The Finnish labor market remains challenging, affecting the Career segment's performance, particularly in Finland and the Baltic regions.

  • The housing market in Finland is at a low level, and the new car sales market is also struggling, impacting related business segments.

  • The advertising market remains weak, contributing to a decline in revenues for the News Media segment.

  • Despite positive signs, there is still uncertainty in the overall business environment, making future growth projections cautious.

Q & A Highlights

Q: In the Career segment, sales from the South area decreased slightly. Have you seen a change in trend there, and was there improvement in September? A: Kai Telanne, CEO, explained that the South area is stabilizing after a period of strong growth driven by the travel industry. The growth is now at a healthy level, and future growth will depend on overall economic improvement.