Mediaset closed the first half with a net profit of 42,8 million euros compared to 74,5 million in the same period of 2017 (-42,5%). Net revenues amounted to 1,847 billion, stable compared to 1,845 billion in the first half of 2017. In Italy, revenues amounted to 1,34 billion (against the previous 1,337), while in Spain they amounted to 507,9 million euros, in line with the 508,5 million of 2017.
As stated in a note from the company, the group's Ebit amounted to 173 million (down from 212,1 million in the previous year) and the net financial debt as at 30 June 2018 amounted to 1,413 billion, against 1,392 billion in the previous year, with core cash generation of 132,7 million (against 199,4 million in the first half of 2017).
As regards the forecasts for 2018, Mediaset explains in a note that "it will benefit from the first positive effects of the digital transformation of the pay offer launched during the first half of the year, in line with what was announced to the market last year with the 2020 guidelines". On the basis of this evidence, "the objective of achieving a positive operating result and consolidated net result at the end of the year is confirmed". The net result – explains the group – “could further increase due to the capital gain that can be generated if the total takeover bid on the capital of Ei Towers is completed”.
