Trinity Mirror plc is today issuing a trading update ahead of its close period. The company will announce its preliminary results for the 52 weeks ending 30 December 2007 on 28 February 2008 .
The advertising environment in 2007 improved on previous years. However, month on month volatility remains and we expect this to continue in 2008. The Board is confident that our 2007 performance will be in line with expectations.
Group advertising revenues for the 5 months to November excluding the businesses disposed of and including all acquisitions on a like for like basis increased by 2.1% year on year. This compares to a decline of 1.5% for the first half resulting in an increase of 0.1% for the 11 months to November.
For our Regionals division advertising revenues for the 5 months to November have increased by 0.6%. This compares to decline of 1.0% for the first half resulting in a decline of 0.3% for the 11 months to November. By category the performance for the 5 months to November was Display up 4.6%, Recruitment down 1.0%, Property up 2.8%, Motors down 13.8% and other classified categories were up 1.3%.
For our Nationals division advertising revenues for the 5 months to November increased by 5.6%. This compares to a fall of 2.3% for the first half resulting in an increase of 1.0% for the 11 months to November.
Group circulation revenues for the 5 months to November have grown by 0.7% year on year maintaining the 0.7% growth seen in the first half. Within this, Nationals have grown by 0.9% and Regionals have grown by 0.2%. For the 11 months to November group circulation revenues have grown by 0.7%.
Group digital revenues for the 5 months to November on an underlying basis, have grown by 33.3% with an increase of 27.0% for the Regionals division and 98.5% for the Nationals. For the 11 months to November group digital revenues have grown by 28.7% with an increase of 24.6% for the first half.
We have applied for clearance from the Pensions Regulator for the return of capital to shareholders and expect to conclude these discussions before the end of the year.
Enquiries:
Trinity Mirror 020 7293 3000
Nick Fullagar, Director of Corporate Communications
Nick Fullagar, Director of Corporate Communications
Maitland 020 7379 5151
Neil Bennett
Neil Bennett
