Mediaset closes 2016 with a loss of 294,5 million euros compared to a net result of 3,8 million euros in 2015. To weigh on the results, explains the Cologno Monzese group, “The effects of the Vivendi affair”. Mediaset's 2016 financial statements, "beyond the continuing uncertainty of the macroeconomic scenario, were radically altered by the serious damage caused to the group's Italian activities by Vivendi's contractual violations", writes Il Biscione in the press release, with reference to the failure to purchase Premium , which the French were supposed to take over last year. The Premium tile alone cost 341 million euros of extra and unplanned costs.
The net revenues of the group led by Berlusconi family they amount to 3.667,0 million euros, an increase on the 3.524,8 million euros of 2015 (+142,2 million euros). In particular, revenues in Italy grew to 2.675,9 million euros compared to the 2.554,2 million euros of the previous year (+4,8%). Similar increase in Spain with 992,0 million euros compared to 971,9 million in 2015 (+2,1%).
The performance of advertising sales was also positive in both countries. In Spain, gross advertising revenues amounted to 962,9 million euros compared to 933,3 million euros in the previous year. In Italy, although competitors have broadcast major international sporting events during the summer months, gross television advertising revenues grew to 2.058,3 million euros compared to the 2.002,8 million euros of 2015 (+2,8%).
Consolidated Ebit is negative by 189,2 million euros compared to +230,7 million in 2015. In Italy, Ebit is negative by 413,6 million euros compared to +26,1 million in the previous year. In Spain, on the other hand, a positive figure of 224,4 million euros, a marked increase compared to the 205,2 million of 2015. Consolidated Ebit comparable to last year - and adjusted for non-recurring components such as write-downs and costs due to Vivendi - is instead positive for 132,8 million euros. Net financial debt rose to 1.162,4 million euro compared to 859,4 million euros as at 31 December 2015.
Mediaset confirms the plan targets for 2020. In fact, today's Board of Directors reviewed the objectives of the Plan presented on 18 January which envisage growth to 2020 of Mediaset's national advertising market share from 37,4% to 39% and an improvement in the Ebit of media activities in Italy equal to 468 million euros. “The achievement of the economic-financial targets has now been confirmed both in terms of times and dimensions. And it is already possible to predict a return to profit for the 2017 financial year”, states the company in a note.
