Axel Springer reported consolidated earnings results for the first quarter of 2018. For the quarter, the Group increased revenues in the first quarter by 6.9% to EUR 773.5 million against EUR 723.5 million a year ago. Organically, which means adjusted for consolidation and currency effects, the increase was 4.7% compared to the prior year period. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), adjusted for non-recurring effects, increased considerably by 16.3% to EUR 171.2 million against EUR 147.2 million a year ago. Organically, Group EBITDA grew by 6.7% in the reporting period. The adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 22.1% against 20.3% a year ago. The consolidated net income, adjusted for non-recurring effects and depreciations due to purchase price allocations, increased in the first quarter by 3.7% to EUR 80.9 million against EUR 78.1 million a year ago. The company achieved adjusted earnings per share of EUR 0.63 compared to EUR 0.62 in the prior year. This amounts to an increase of 0.7%, whilst the organic growth was 2.2%. Unadjusted consolidated net income increased considerably in the reporting period by 79% to EUR 84.7 million against EUR 47.3 million a year ago. The primary contributor to this increase was the one-time effect from the transfer of the Axel-Springer high-rise in Berlin to the Axel Springer Pensionstreuhandverein. Non-adjusted earnings per share increased from EUR 0.36 in the prior year period to EUR 0.69. Adjusted for consolidation and currency effects, revenues were 1.9% higher than in the prior year period.

The Group further developed its position as a digital growth company in the first quarter of 2018. The Executive Board confirm their full-year forecast for 2018. On the revenue side it expects a rise in the low to mid single-digit percentage range. This growth in earnings is also going to be achieved organically. The Group expects adjusted EBITDA to rise by a figure in the low double-digit percentage range. For adjusted earnings per share, Axel Springer expects an increase in the low to mid single-digit percentage range. Organically, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per share are expected to increase in the mid to high single-digit percentage range.