26 week period ending 3rd July
2005
Trinity Mirror plc is today issuing a trading update for the 26
weeks ending 3rd July 2005 - ahead of entering its close period. The company
will announce its interim results on 28th July.
Advertising
Since our AGM statement on 5th May, the advertising market has
remained challenging. Group advertising revenues for the 26 week period are
expected to fall by 0.4% year on year.
The Regionals division is expected to achieve advertising
revenue growth of 1.4% year on year for the period. Growth in display, other
classified categories and particularly in property has been partially offset by
declines in recruitment and motors.
Advertising revenues for the Nationals division are expected to
fall by 5.3% year on year reflecting a 7.0% decline in the UK National titles
and a 0.3% decline in the Scottish National titles. The National newspapers
continue to hold volume market share of advertising.
The Sports division is expected to achieve advertising revenue
growth of 14.5% year on year and the Magazines and Exhibitions advertising
revenues are expected to increase marginally by 0.5%.
Circulation
Group circulation revenues for the 26 week period are expected
to increase by 3.1% year on year. All newspaper divisions are expected to
achieve growth in circulation revenues with expected increases of 5.2% for
Regional newspapers, 1.9% for National newspapers and 9.6% for Sports
newspapers. Magazines and Exhibitions circulation revenues are expected to be
1.1% lower.
Outlook
In an uncertain economic climate the Board's strategy "Stabilise
Revitalise Grow" continues to drive improvements in performance. Whilst we
anticipate the advertising market will remain extremely challenging the Board
expects a satisfactory outcome for the year.
