Image of a person changing TV channels with a remote control.
Source: Adobe Stock
The Market Online - At The Bell

Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights

Seven West Media Ltd (ASX:SWM) has seen a cut in earnings for the 2024 fiscal year by a third compared to the same time last year, which it blamed on a tough economic environment and a slight increase in costs.

According to the company’s 12-month financial report released today, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) were down 33% – to $187 million – in the 2024 fiscal year compared to the previous year.

There were also falls in group revenue – which was 5% lower in the 2024 fiscal year compared to the previous one, at $1,415 million – in addition to an 8.2% drop in the total TV market for the year.

The latter however, reflected a sharper downturn in the first half of the fiscal year – where the TV market slumped by 9.1% – which moderated in the 7.2% in the second half.

Despite this, Seven West did report a growth in total TV revenue by 40.2% across the year, with total linear audiences growing slightly by 0.5%.

SWM Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Howard pointed to a variety of factors explaining the result.

“FY24 is a tough result for SWM in a challenging market. While growth in audience and revenue share partially offset the impact of the weak market, cost growth of 2% contributed to our EBITDA decline of 33%, reflecting the operating leverage in our business,” he said.

“Following delivery of $25 million of cost out initiatives in 2H, we have taken decisive action to materially increase the program into FY25 to give SWM a platform to drive improved
performance.

“The continued weak economic environment contributed to an 8.2% decline in the total
TV advertising market on FY23. SWM was able to partially offset this decline by increasing our revenue share of the total TV market to 40.2%.”

With the 2% cost rise registering $1,228 million, Mr Howard said action would be taken on this issue.

“The Group was able to partially offset these investments through the implementation of $25 million of cost reductions in the 2H under the program announced at the FY23 AGM,” he said.

Seven West Media has been trading at 16 cents.

SWM by the numbers
More From The Market Online
The Market Online Video

ASX Market Close: RBA keeps rates on hold amid sticky inflation | November 5, 2024

The Reserve Bank Board has kept interest rates on hold at 4.35% in line with consensus…
The Market Online Video

Timing will be everything for ‘smashing’ Hot Stock tip Judo Capital Holdings

Australian bank Judo Capital Holdings (ASX:JDO), best known for its finance and credit for small and medium-sized businesses, is
The Market Online Video

‘We’re looking’: Nickel-rich Indonesia sounds graphite warning to Aus producers

Nickel-rich Indonesia muscles in on Australian graphite producers as the Southeast Asian country expands into downstream…
Confused man

Aussie inflation seemingly hit a 3 year low. So why’s the ASX200 red?

Headline inflation in Australia has fallen to 2.8%, and that officially takes us into the RBA's…