(Alliance News) - ITV PLC shares climbed on Thursday as it reported higher profit in 2024 despite lower revenue, boosted by hits from its Studios division.
The London-based television broadcaster and content producer said pretax profit more than doubled to GBP521 million in 2024 from GBP193 million in 2023. Adjusted pretax profit climbed 19% to GBP472 million from GBP396 million.
Shares in ITV were up 6.1% to 73.85 pence in London on Thursday afternoon.
Group external revenue fell 3.8% to GBP3.49 billion last year from GBP3.62 billion in 2023, while operating costs were reduced by 6.4% to GBP3.17 billion from GBP3.39 billion.
ITV said it has delivered GBP60 million of permanent efficiencies in 2024, GBP10 million ahead of its plan. It said it is set to deliver a further GBP30 million of "non-content savings" in 2025.
ITV declared an unchanged final dividend of 3.30 pence, giving an unchanged dividend of 5.00 pence per share for the full-year.
It said GBP198 million of its GBP235 million share buyback programme was completed by the end of the calendar year.
Adjusted earnings before interest, tax and amortisation climbed 12% to GBP549 million from GBP491 million.
ITV said its Studios division delivered "record profits" despite the impact of the 2023 US actors and writers strikes and "softer demand from free-to air broadcasters" reducing revenue.
Studios adjusted Ebita increased 4.5% to GBP299 million from GBP286 million, while revenue in the division fell 6.1% to GBP2.04 billion from GBP2.17 billion in 2023.
The division was boosted by producing "creative successes" throughout the year including the UK's biggest 2024 drama 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office'.
Digital advertising revenue increased 15% to GBP482 million from GBP420 million, as digital viewing on its streaming platform ITVX increased 12%.
Looking ahead, ITV said it has confidence in delivering "good growth" in the coming years due to its "significant competitive advantages and growth opportunities.
The company said it has become a "more resilient business" through the growth of ITV Studios and digital revenues.
It expects "good revenue growth" in Studios in 2025 weighted to the second half of the year, ahead of the market.
Chief Executive Carolyn McCall said: "Three years ago we announced the second phase of our More than TV strategy and today's results show our significant progress and success in navigating the rapidly changing media industry.
"Our efficiency programme has delivered savings which have funded growth investments, offset inflation and improved our margins. The programme is ongoing and will continue to be viewer led - driving efficiencies and prioritising our investment to best reflect viewer dynamics and attract both mass reach audiences on linear and targetable audiences on ITVX."
McCall said: "We are becoming a more resilient business with content production and digital now accounting for close to two thirds of our revenue. Our ongoing transformation ensures we are an adaptable and agile company, well positioned to deliver good profitable growth, strong cash generation and attractive returns to shareholders."
By Michael Hennessey, Alliance News reporter
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