ProSiebenSat.1 soars in Frankfurt following its quarterly results and cost-cutting measures

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Buying interest is boosting ProSiebenSat.1 in Frankfurt, following better-than-expected quarterly profits. ProSiebenSat.1 “is benefiting from the cost-cutting plan”, write Bernstein analysts in a note. The German media group has confirmed its full-year guidance after posting solid EBITDA growth in the first half of the year. Although the Entertainment segment was affected by the FIFA World Cup, which was broadcast by other channels, Bernstein emphasises that the growth in EBITDA was clearly driven by the group’s cost-cutting programme.

In the statement, the company highlights that revenue was adversely affected by a highly competitive market: in the first half of 2026, ProSiebenSat.1’s group revenue stood at €1.544 billion, down from €1.695 billion in the same period of 2025, and was also affected by changes in the scope of consolidation. In the second quarter, revenue amounted to €768 million, compared with €840 million in the previous year. On an organic basis, revenue fell by 2% in both periods. However, EBITDA rose significantly, with an increase of €152 million in the first half of the year and €102 million in the second quarter. The sharp fall in costs enabled the group to return to positive EBITDA, following the negative result recorded in the same period last year.

Guidance for 2026 has been confirmed: ProSiebenSat.1 continues to expect slight organic growth in group revenue and a strong increase in EBITDA, despite an economic environment that remains volatile. The target for a leverage ratio of between 3.0 and 3.5 times at year-end also remains confirmed, with net financial debt expected to remain stable compared with the end of 2025.

Marco Giordani, Group CEO of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, said: “The results for the first half of 2026 show that we have consistently implemented our strategic priorities and significantly improved profitability. In a challenging environment, we are resolutely driving forward the transformation of the ProSiebenSat.1 Group, with a clear focus on entertainment, rigorous cost discipline and targeted investments for our future.” Furthermore, “with the planned harmonisation of the technological infrastructure of the Joyn streaming platform, we are now taking a further crucial step: a shared technology platform with MFE will enable us to increase efficiency and scalability, whilst local content will ensure our relevance in each market. The combination of a pan-European reach and an attractive range of local content represents a significant competitive advantage.”