Media and communications group, Aegis, has released a positive trading statement for the year ending 31 December 2004, showing 13.1% increase in profits year on year to £647.5 million, while revenue rose by 15.1% to £747 million in the same period.
Organic revenue grew by 8.4% during 2004, compared to 4.7% in 2003, while the underlying operating margin rose by 15.5% in 2004, up 3.7% from the previous year. Elsewhere, underlying operating profit grew to £100.3 million, up 19.1% like for like.
Media revenues rose by 10.4%, with Aegis Media’s combined operations, Carat and Vizeum, increasing turnover by 5.5% year on year.
Carat performed in line with previous expectations, enjoying strong trading in European, US and Asia-Pacific regions throughout 2004 (see Strong 2004 And Future For Aegis).
Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis, achieved good growth in both revenue and operating margin in 2004, with the business ending the year with revenue up 24.4% to £272.4 million from £218.9 million in 2003.
Commenting on the results, Robert Lerwill, chief executive of Aegis Group said: “These figures represent an excellent performance across the board with a significant contribution from initiatives undertaken in media and research over the last few years.”
He continued: “The Company’s recent investment strategy has created new market opportunities and new revenue streams which are making a significant impact on our results. With the Group’s strong market position and the healthy trading environment the Board remains confident of another good performance this year.”
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