Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA reported its financial results for the first half of 2025, revealing a decline in RTL Group's revenue by 3.2% to €2.781 billion compared to €2.872 billion in the first half of 2024. The decrease was primarily attributed to lower TV advertising and content revenue, partially offset by increased streaming revenue. Total advertising revenue for RTL Group stood at €1.405 billion, with TV advertising contributing €1.018 billion, digital advertising €230 million, and radio, print, and other advertising €157 million. Fremantle, RTL Group's global content business, generated a revenue of €905 million, marking a 5.4% year-on-year decrease mainly due to lower revenue from the US and phasing effects. The US revenue decline was anticipated following the spin-off of America's Got Talent in the first half of 2024. The number of paying streaming subscribers rose by 15.3% year on year to 7.2 million, with streaming revenue increasing by 27.0%. Start-up losses were reduced by over 50% to €34 million. The Group's overall profit decreased to €59 million from €173 million in the first half of 2024, largely due to one-time effects including higher special items. Profit from continuing operations fell to €6 million from €110 million, while profit from discontinued operations was €53 million, down from €63 million. Bertelsmann reaffirmed its 2025 outlook, expecting full-year Adjusted EBITA to rise to around €780 million, contingent upon a 2 to 3% growth in RTL Group's TV advertising revenue in the second half of 2025. Additionally, the company announced the acquisition of Sky Deutschland (DACH) to enhance RTL Group's streaming business and further diversify revenue streams.
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.