Independent News & Media PLC reported unaudited group earnings results for the six months ended June 30, 2017. For the period, the company reported revenue before exceptional items of EUR 148.1 million against EUR 161.6 million a year ago. Profit before taxation before exceptional items was EUR 14.9 million against EUR 18.5 million a year ago. This decrease was primarily due to continued revenue challenges. Profit attributable to equity holders of the company before exceptional items was EUR 13.9 million against EUR 17.1 million a year ago. Revenue was EUR 148.1 million against EUR 161.6 million a year ago. Profit before taxation was EUR 17.5 million against EUR 19.5 million a year ago. Profit attributable to equity holders of the company was EUR 16.2 million or 1.2 cents per basic and diluted share against EUR 18.3 million or 1.3 cents per basic and diluted share a year ago. Cash generated by operating activities was EUR 12.7 million against EUR 10.7 million a year ago. Purchases of property, plant and equipment were EUR 0.7 million against EUR 2.0 million a year ago. Purchases of intangible assets were EUR 0.6 million against EUR 1.4 million a year ago.

The group anticipates an EBIT performance in 2017 in line with revised market expectations following the trading statement issued in July 2017.