MEDIA PRIMA RECORDS A PROFIT AFTER TAX OF RM64.1 MILLION FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2014

Highlights

• Year to date (30 June 2014)
• Profit after Tax margin of 9%
• Revenue RM742.6 million and Profit After Tax of RM64.1 million

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 August 2014 – Media Prima Berhad (“Media Prima” or the “Group”), Malaysia’s leading fully-integrated media investment group recorded a Profit After Tax (PAT) margin of 9% for the first six months of 2014 despite an increasingly competitive operating environment. The Group recorded revenue of RM742.6 million and PAT of RM64.1 million for the six-month period ended 30 June 2014.

The Group recorded revenue of RM388.6 million and PAT of RM36.5 for the second quarter.
Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Chairman of Media Prima said, “The Group had anticipated a period of intense competition in the industry for 2014 and has taken steps to ensure Media Prima will continue to remain resilient during these challenging times. We will continue providing our audience with award winning content and our customers with total advertising solutions through our integrated media platforms.”
On a current year to date comparison, the Group recorded a lower revenue and PAT against previous corresponding period by 11% and 28% respectively due to consumer sentiments and competitive operating environment. The higher revenue in corresponding period 2013 was attributed by the contribution from non- traditional advertisers. Revenue and PAT for year to date 2014 is RM742.7 million RM64.1 million respectively.

He added that the Group will continue to provide strong returns to its shareholders. “We are pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has declared an interim single tier dividend of 3.0 sen per ordinary share for the financial year ending 31 December 2014 to be paid on 30 September 2014.” added Tan Sri Johan.

On prospects for 2014, Dato’ Amrin Awaluddin, Group Managing Director of Media Prima said, “The Group remains cautious on advertising growth at the back of consumer and economic sentiments.  However, major events such as the Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games and Visit Malaysia Year will provide added comfort. Nonetheless, the year 2014 remains challenging as a result of consumer and economic sentiments. Media Prima had earlier taken several strategic actions including exercising prudent financial management whilst improving operating efficiency.”

He added that the Group’s positive PAT margin is reflective of the Group’s continuous effort to review and improve its internal efficiencies whilst managing costs effectively.

“Moving forward, Media Prima is committed to maintain its strong leadership position by enhancing its respective platforms business strategies which include providing compelling content, selling of content, enhancing service offerings and giving innovative advertising solutions to its clientele” Dato’ Amrin said.

He added that Media Prima Television Networks (MPTN) continue to command the largest viewership where nineteen out of the top twenty highest rated programmes for the first six months of 2014 were aired on its networks. Popular live shows like Anugerah Juara Lagu, Bintang Mencari Bintang Akhir and Anugerah Bintang Popular BH were watched by over 5 million people. MPTN remains Malaysian’s primary choice for local drama series, where Akasia, Lestari and Miranda slots were viewed on average by over 3 million viewers.

Meanwhile, Media Prima Radio Networks (MPRN) remains highly popular with over 5 million social media followers for its three radio stations. In Print Media, the Group’s daily publications have maintained its strong readership with growth reported for New Straits Times and Harian Metro dailies for 2013. Online, Media Prima Digital’s popular video portal Tonton currently has close to 4 million registered users and the launch of Tonton Music earlier this year is expected to contribute to its popularity.
Dato’ Amrin concluded that the leadership position enjoyed by the Group’s integrated media platforms, which also include Media Prima Digital, Big Tree Outdoor and Primeworks Studios, would continue to provide highest returns and widest reach for advertisers looking to maximise their advertising investments.

END

For further information, please contact:
Media Prima Berhad at: 603- 1300 300 672 Ext: 8949 or 03 – 2724 8949
Azlan Abdul Aziz at [email protected]/ or 60126140522
www.mediaprima.com.my/http://twitter.com/MPBtalk

About Media Prima

Media Prima Berhad (Media Prima), a company listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia, is Malaysia’s leading fully-integrated media group. The Group is also one of Malaysia’s Top 100 largest listed companies by revenue.

The Group has equity interests in TV3, 8TV, ntv7 and TV9. In addition, the Group also owns more than 98 percent equity interest in The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad (NSTP), Malaysia’s largest publisher with three national newspapers; New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Harian Metro.
The Group has strong online presence through its digital media subsidiary, Media Prima Digital, via the entertainment portal gua.com.my, women’s lifestyle portal seroja.com.my and tonton.com.my, the No. 1 Malaysian video portal with HD-ready quality viewing experience that offers the individualism of customised content and interactivity of social networking, which now has close to 4 million registered users.

Emas is the first classic channel in Malaysia showcasing Media Prima’s production of popular TV programmes and is available on platforms such as HyppTV and ABN.  The Group also owns three radio stations, Fly Fm, Hot FM and one FM.

The Group’s leadership position in the Out-of-Home Advertising business is represented by Big Tree Outdoor Sdn. Bhd., UPD Sdn. Bhd., The Right Channel Sdn. Bhd., Kurnia Outdoor Sdn. Bhd. and Jupiter Outdoor Network Sdn. Bhd.

The Group also owns a content creation subsidiary, Primeworks Studios Sdn Bhd, Malaysia?s largest production company, producing TV content and feature films since 1984 and 1994 respectively.