Ringier reports record profits: EBITDA increased to 118.8 million francs!

Ringier reports record profits: EBITDA increased to 118.8 million francs!

Ringier achieved an operating profit (EBITDA) of 118.8 million francs in the 2024 financial year, an increase of 12.6% compared to the previous year. This improves the EBITDA margin to 14.8%, after 11.5% in 2023, as Small report reported. However, the company's total revenue fell to 800.6 million francs, compared to 918.9 million francs in 2023. This decline is due to strategic actions, including the sale of DeinDeal and the closure of the Swissprinters printing company.

The ownership structure of the Swiss Marketplace Group (SMG), in which Ringier holds a 29.5% stake, shows a diversification in the investor base. TX Group holds 30.76%, Mobiliar also holds 29.5% (of which 25% goes directly to Ringier) and General Atlantic contributes 10%. SMG achieved pleasing results in the areas of real estate, automobiles and finance as well as insurance and paid out a total of 230 million francs in dividends at the end of November 2024.

Market development and digital trends

Digital revenues in the Swiss market fell by 213.9 million francs, compared to 310.8 million francs in 2023. Sales revenues also fell from 135.5 million to 132.1 million francs. Advertising revenue fell from 72.5 million to 67.5 million francs, while printing revenue saw a drastic decline from 57.7 million to 26.7 million francs. Event and other media revenues also fell, from 40.5 million francs in 2023 to 35.5 million francs in 2024.

Nevertheless, digital marketplaces such as the JobCloud group show promising growth indicators. Despite an overall decline in sales, JobCloud has achieved record levels of new registrations and applications and achieved an EBITDA margin of over 52%. In Austria,karriere.at was able to maintain an EBITDA margin of over 50%. The integration of new technologies and expansion into the digital area are crucial for Ringier's future growth.

Innovations and market position

Ringier Media Switzerland (RMS) has strengthened its market position with 20 media formats and 4.6 million readers. The Blick brand in particular achieved 25,000 digital subscriptions within two years. Balance was able to increase the number of readers by 10.1% and LandLiebe remains the most read magazine in Switzerland. Technological innovations, including the integration of AI for automated content and chatbots, are also a key focus for RMS.

In the sports media sector, Ringier Sports Media Group (RSMG) reached over 25 million monthly users and celebrated the 100th anniversary of GSP.ro. In addition, Onet, the platform of Ringier Axel Springer Polska, became the most visited news website in the EU in September 2024. The company continues to pursue an ambitious strategy to expand its leading position in the digital space and plans continued investments in AI technologies.

Overall, Ringier will show dynamic change in 2024, coupled with challenges and opportunities in the fast-moving media and digital market. The strategy focuses on strengthening digital leadership and adapting to changing market conditions, while bringing innovative solutions and new technologies to the forefront.