BBC Worldwide delivers strong performance despite currency challenges

BBC Worldwide delivers strong performance despite currency challenges

MUMBAI: BBC  Worldwide  has  published  its  2013/14  Annual  Review,  revealing  a  year  of  solid  underlying  growth, and increased returns to the BBC.

 

Headline  profit  increased  0.7%  to  ?157.4m  (2012/13:  ?156.3m),  and  was  up  11.6%  at  constant currency*.  Headline  profit  margin  increased  from  14%  to  15.1%,  a  record  for  the  company.  This  was achieved on headline sales of ?1,042.3m (2012/13: 1,115.8m), down 6.6%, or 5.2% at constant currency, principally  reflecting portfolio changes:  the  sale of Lonely Planet and a new  revenue  share agreement for  BBC.com.  Adjusting  for  these,  trading  revenue  was  broadly  flat,  with  growth  from  non-English language  markets,  sales  to  digital  platforms  and  advertising  helping  to  offset  pressure  on  US  and  UK affiliate fees and declining DVD markets.

 

These  results  were  delivered  despite  the  strengthening  of  sterling  in  the  year. Movements  in  foreign exchange rates had a ?17.1m negative impact on the headline profit. 

 

BBC Worldwide CEO Tim Davie said:  “BBC Worldwide performed well, reflecting the quality of our content and enabling reinvestment into the UK television industry. Headline profit at constant currency, shareholder returns and returns to the indie sector all grew by double digits. This was achieved at the same time as a major re-shaping of the company along regional lines.

 

“We will continue to execute on our strategy - more premium content, dynamic global brands and digital innovation - in the course of the new financial year. While our results for 2014/15 will reflect the choices and investments we are making to do this - including BBC Store and the introduction of new brands - we nonetheless expect to deliver further returns to our shareholder over the course of the year.”

 

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