TOP NEWS: ITV interim earnings surge as advertising revenue recovers

(Alliance News) - ITV PLC on Wednesday posted a sharp interim profit hike boosted by a continued ...

Alliance News 28 July, 2021 | 8:44AM
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(Alliance News) - ITV PLC on Wednesday posted a sharp interim profit hike boosted by a continued recovery in its advertising revenue.

Pretax profit soared to GBP133 million for the six months to June 30, from just GBP15 million a year before.

Revenue came in 27% higher at GBP1.55 billion. Top and bottom line growth was underpinned by advertising growth which has "rebounded strongly". Total advertising revenue was up 29% year-on-year to GBP866 million while video-on-demand advertising grew 55%.

"Our first-half results demonstrate that ITV is emerging from the worst effects of the pandemic. We've continued to implement our key strategic priorities and have further strengthened the business," Chief Executive Carolyn McCall commented.

ITV Studios generated over half of the broadcaster's total revenue, driven by flagship shows including Dancing On Ice and the return of Love Island, with half-year revenue up 26% at GBP798 million. ITV Studios produced 6 of the top 10 scripted dramas in the UK, including Line of Duty, Pembrokeshire Murders and Unforgotten, ITV noted.

The television broadcaster has benefited from continued advertising growth at the start of the second half, with revenue from advertising in June up 115%, the largest outturn for that month in ITV's history, it said, benefiting from the easing of restrictions and the Euros.

ITV is on track to deliver GBP30 million in permanent cost savings this year, it noted.

Looking ahead, ITV said the outlook remains positive but that comparatives are tougher in the second half. Advertising revenue is expected to be up 68% in July, with August up 17% to 20% compared to the same period in 2020. It is too early to give a range for September given the current uncertainty, but it is expected to be positive, ITV said.

Like the first half of 2020, ITV decided against declaring a payout. However, it announced plans to resume dividends with a 3.3p final payout for 2021.

McCall added: "We intend to re-commence a progressive dividend policy based on a notional [annual] dividend of 5p per share which we expect to grow over time."

Shares in ITV were marginally higher at 119.40p in London on Wednesday morning.

By Will Paige; willpaige@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
ITV PLC 70.35 GBX -0.57 -

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