Bertelsmann Offsets RTL-Delle Remuneration - Achieves 74% Revenue Outside Germany

Bertelsmann, the global media, services, and education company, has reported its financial results for the first half of 2022, showcasing a resilient performance despite challenging conditions.

In a statement, CEO Thomas Rabe described the company's performance as "solid," expressing optimism about the great potential for growth and efficiency through AI in all their businesses. Rabe also mentioned deals with AI companies like Perplexity, indicating a focus on leveraging advanced technologies to drive growth.

The consolidated result for the first six months of the year is 201 million euros, a decrease from 416 million euros in the same period last year. The decrease is attributed to revaluations in the portfolio of participations, which resulted in negative currency effects of 144 million euros.

Despite the decline, the adjusted operating EBITDA remained stable at 1.25 billion euros. The revenues of the RTL streaming businesses, the Arvato Group, the Bertelsmann Education Group, and Bertelsmann Investments have all grown organically. Notably, North America is now the largest individual market for Bertelsmann, accounting for around 30 percent of the revenues.

Moreover, the share of revenues from Bertelsmann's businesses outside Germany increased by 74 percent. This expansion is a testament to the company's global footprint and its ability to tap into diverse markets.

CFO Rolf Hellermann expects a positive business development for Bertelsmann, echoing Rabe's optimism. As of June 30, 2022, Bertelsmann Investments held 316 participations worldwide.

In a positive turn of events, Bertelsmann announced that the gain from the sale of RTL Nederland to DPG Media will be recognized in July, amounting to 1.1 billion euros. This significant sale is expected to boost the company's financial position.

Looking ahead, Bertelsmann still anticipates a consolidated result of 1.5 billion euros for the full year 2025, demonstrating the company's confidence in its future growth prospects.

In conclusion, Bertelsmann's performance in the first half of 2022 reflects its resilience in the face of challenging conditions. The company's focus on AI, global expansion, and organic growth strategies position it well for future success.