Seven executives have forecast full-year earnings that exceed analysts’ estimates and say the momentum will continue with its Olympics and Ashes coverage.
Shares surged by more than 22 per cent after the broadcaster said fourth-quarter sales revenue was up by 45 per cent on the COVID-ravaged previous equivalent period.
Full-year earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation are forecast to be between $250 million and $255 million.
The company claimed analysts’ expectations ranged between $235 million and $245 million.
Seven West Media chief financial officer Jeff Howard said a lift in audience share was expected at the start of next financial year due to the Tokyo Olympics and Ashes cricket coverage.
Executives are also hoping for good ratings from upcoming V8 Supercars races, and reality shows Big Brother and The Voice.
Some programming experiments earlier this year flopped.
Chief executive James Warburton said mini-golf show Holey Moley did well but faded quickly.
Ultimate Tag, based on the popular children’s game, was an outright failure, he said.
A big growth area is video-on-demand or “catchup” TV.
Digital earnings, which include online, are expected to more than double next financial year.
Deals with Facebook and Google for the use of Seven’s online materials were an important contributor to this estimate.
In a conference call, analysts asked for more detail of the revenue expected from Facebook and Google. Mr Warburton and Mr Howard declined to provide it.
Mr Howard said costs in the TV business would be reduced by moving the Sydney studios from Martin Place to Eveleigh. This is an 18-month project.
In TV ratings, Seven claimed it was on track to win a 13th week of 25 this calendar year, based on total viewers.
Shares were higher by 22.5 per cent to 49 cents at 1317 AEST.
-AAP
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