LZ Medien with record sales

Following the dramatic economic downturn in 2009, there was a slight recovery on the markets from the second half of the year, according to a statement from the LZ Group. All business divisions took advantage of this environment and, together with the cost-cutting measures introduced in 2010, operating results improved significantly.

The sales growth is mainly the result of higher advertising income and the income from Tele 1 television, which was fully integrated in the reporting year, according to the statement. The economic recovery benefited advertising revenues in particular. These increased by CHF 3.9 million to CHF 50.3 million, also thanks to the acquisition of Anzeiger Luzern. An increase of CHF 1.3 million (or +3.1 percent ) to a total of CHF 42.0 million was recorded in subscription and individual sales. Income from the Print and Calendar business segments remained at the same level despite the continuing difficult market conditions. Sales remained unchanged at CHF 50.2 million. Income from electronic media and other income amounted to CHF 23.9 million and was CHF 2.1 million (+9.3 percent) higher than in the previous year, mainly due to television.

According to the press release, operating expenses increased only slightly by CHF 0.2 million, although the new and expanded business areas (Tele 1 and Anzeiger Luzern) caused expenses to rise by around CHF 3.1 million. In the reporting year, expenses amounted to CHF 150.8 million (+0.2 percent). The operating result margin (EBITDA) improved from 11.5 percent to 16.1 percent. EBITDA amounted to CHF 26.8 million, which corresponds to an increase of 46.7% compared to the previous year. At EBIT level (after depreciation and amortization), the result was CHF 15.6 million compared to CHF 8.5 million in the previous year (+82.8%).

12 million francs Consolidated profit

The financial result was negative at CHF 0.8 million, down CHF 3.2 million on the previous year. The previous year was positively influenced by the good performance of strategic securities investments and the sale of an investment, as the company writes. In the reporting year, exchange rate losses in particular had a negative impact due to the weak EUR and USD. The other result improved by CHF 0.8 million because the previous year was burdened by restructuring costs.

Group profit amounted to CHF 12.0 million in the reporting year, which corresponds to a year-on-year increase in profit of CHF 3.7 million or +44.0%. Total assets amounted to CHF 157.2 million at the end of 2010, of which equity accounted for CHF 101.3 million or 64.4%. The number of shares issued remains unchanged at 78,000. The Board of Directors is proposing a dividend of CHF 100 per share (previous year: CHF 85) to the Annual General Meeting.

At the end of 2010, the LZ Group had 562 employees, who shared 472 positions.