AS Ekspress Grupp clarifies in connection with the article published today in the Latvian portal nra.lv that the Group's Latvian subsidiary AS Delfi indeed had a plan to reduce share capital, but this decision was cancelled on September 19, 2025. This was part of regular group financial structure planning related to the sale of the stake in SIA Altero. The share capital reduction was cancelled and will not take place, as the group decided to use an alternative financial solution. These decisions have no imp ...

Core Points - The Murdoch succession drama has concluded with a $3.3 billion settlement, granting Lachlan Murdoch control over the family's media assets, including Fox News, the New York Post, and the Wall Street Journal [1][2] - The settlement resolves ongoing legal disputes that had cast uncertainty over the future direction of Fox Corp. and News Corp. [2] - Rupert Murdoch's desire to maintain the conservative orientation of his media empire influenced the decision to solidify Lachlan's leadership [4][5] Group 1: Succession and Control - The succession battle became public when three of Rupert Murdoch's children attempted to block changes to his trust that would favor Lachlan [3] - Rupert Murdoch aimed to ensure that Lachlan, who aligns ideologically with him, would lead the company to preserve its conservative values [4][5] - As part of the settlement, Prudence, Elisabeth, and James agreed to relinquish their shares in the family trust and any future roles [6] Group 2: Family Dynamics - The legal disputes highlighted divisions within the Murdoch family, particularly between James, Elisabeth, Prudence, and their father [7] - Rupert Murdoch's concerns about the more liberal views of his son James motivated him to limit the influence of his other children [6] - The resolution of the disputes involved dropping ongoing litigation, indicating a move towards family unity [8]

Financial Performance Overview - The group experienced a decline in earnings, primarily due to weaker performance in the Swedish media houses and distribution operations[3,8] - Digital revenues increased, adjusted for currency effects, by 11.7%, while operating costs decreased by 0.5%[6] - Helthjem Netthandel contributed negatively to the earnings decline by MNOK 5[9] Digital Revenue and User Growth - Strong growth in digital user revenues was observed in both Norway and Sweden[7] - Digital advertising revenues also increased in both countries[7] - Revenues from purely digital products accounted for more than half of the media houses' total advertising and user revenues for the first time[7] Cost Management and Efficiency Measures - Measures implemented in 2023 and 2024 helped limit the group's underlying cost growth to 1%[7] - Further measures were implemented in the Swedish distribution business during the quarter, with savings expected from the third quarter of 2025[7] - A process was initiated to reduce staffing by approximately 60 full-time positions in the Swedish media houses, with savings expected from the fourth quarter of 2025[7] Distribution Performance - Distribution in Norway saw earnings growth driven by reduced costs and increased earnings contribution from Aktiv Norgesdistribusjon[37] - Distribution in Sweden experienced weak earnings development, with new measures implemented and expected to take effect from the next quarter[37] Stampen Media Initiatives - Measures in the distribution business of Stampen Media have been implemented, and further efficiency measures are being implemented in the media business, with an annual earnings effect of approximately MSEK 60[46] - The commenced staff reduction process is expected to result in annual cost savings of approximately MSEK 45[48] - Structural changes related to distribution geography and branch structure were implemented in the second quarter of 2025, with savings expected from the third quarter of 2025, resulting in an annual earnings effect of approximately MSEK 15[49] Financial Position and Cash Flow - The group paid out dividends of MNOK 1,095 in the quarter[52] - The group sold shares in FINN for MNOK 2,500, receiving payment in Vend shares[54]

Group 1 - AS Ekspress Grupp and AS SEB Pank signed a loan contract to refinance EUR 5 million bonds from LHV pension funds, with a new loan deadline of 2 July 2030 [1] - The refinancing will reduce Ekspress Grupp's annual interest expenses by approximately EUR 150 thousand, while annual loan service will increase by around EUR 340 thousand [1] - The refinancing will lower the average interest rate of Ekspress Grupp's financial liabilities, allowing the company to decrease overall indebtedness and prepare for potential acquisitions and economic challenges [2] Group 2 - AS Ekspress Grupp is the leading Baltic media group, involved in web media content production, publishing newspapers, magazines, and books [2] - The Group operates an electronic ticket sales platform and ticket sales offices in Latvia and Estonia, and provides digital outdoor screen services in both countries [2] - Established in 1989, Ekspress Grupp employs about 1,000 people [2]

Core Points - AS Ekspress Grupp is convening its Annual General Meeting on 23 May 2025, with an amended agenda due to the resignation of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board [1][2] - Shareholders have submitted additional draft resolutions regarding the election, remuneration, and recall of Supervisory Board members [1][2] Agenda Items - Approval of the 2024 annual report for the financial year from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 [3] - Approval of the profit distribution proposal for 2024, distributing EUR 3.25 million, with dividends of 6 euro cents per share, payable on 12 June 2025 [4][9] - Election of Mr. Ülar Maapalu and Mr. Argo Virkebau as members of the Supervisory Board for a five-year term until 23 May 2030 [5] - Setting the monthly fee for Supervisory Board members at EUR 2000 (gross) and for the Chairman at EUR 4500 (gross) [6] - Recall of Triin Hertmann and Hans Luik from the Supervisory Board [10] Comments and Strategic Insights - Hans H. Luik, the founder and majority shareholder, emphasized the need for media companies to negotiate rights agreements with major international players due to emerging opportunities in content distribution [8] - Luik expressed gratitude to outgoing Chairman Priit Rohumaa and member Triin Hertmann for their contributions [12] - AS Ekspress Grupp is a leading Baltic media group involved in web media content production, publishing, and ticket sales, employing nearly 1,100 people [12]

Group 1 - The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AS Ekspress Grupp, Priit Rohumaa, has resigned from his positions on the Supervisory Board and Audit Committee [1] - The Supervisory Board will continue with three members: Hans H. Luik, Sami Seppänen, and Triin Hertmann [1] - A new Chairman of the Supervisory Board and a member of the Audit Committee will be elected at the next ordinary board meeting [1] Group 2 - AS Ekspress Grupp is the leading media group in the Baltic region, focusing on web media content production, and publishing newspapers, magazines, and books [1] - The Group operates an electronic ticket sales platform and ticket sales offices, and provides outdoor screen services in Estonia and Latvia [1] - AS Ekspress Grupp was established in 1989 and currently employs nearly 1,100 people [1]

Group 1 - UAB Delfi, a subsidiary of AS Ekspress Grupp, is finalising an acquisition agreement to merge with UAB Kenton Baltic, which focuses on conference organization [1] - The restructuring aims to improve management efficiency and transparency [1] - The merger will not affect the consolidated profit, assets, or liabilities of AS Ekspress Grupp [1] Group 2 - AS Ekspress Grupp is the leading media group in the Baltic region, involved in web media content production, and publishing newspapers, magazines, and books [1] - The group also operates an electronic ticket sales platform and ticket sales offices, and provides outdoor screen services in Estonia and Latvia [1] - Established in 1989, AS Ekspress Grupp employs nearly 1,100 people [1]

Core Viewpoint - AS Ekspress Grupp experienced a 5% year-over-year increase in revenue for Q1 2025, reaching EUR 17.0 million, but faced a significant decline in EBITDA and net profit due to a challenging economic environment in the Baltic States [1][2][5]. Revenue - The revenue for Q1 2025 was EUR 17.0 million, up 5% from EUR 16.2 million in Q1 2024, primarily driven by digital subscription revenue and increased volumes in ticket platforms and digital outdoor screens [2][7]. - Digital revenue accounted for 84% of total revenue, maintaining the same percentage as the previous year, with a 5% increase in digital revenue [8][17]. - Ticket sales platforms saw a 10% increase in revenue, while outdoor screen revenue grew by 19% due to network expansion and higher average prices [4][17]. Profitability - EBITDA for Q1 2025 was EUR 0.2 million, a decrease of 45% from EUR 0.4 million in Q1 2024, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 1.4% [10][11]. - The net loss for Q1 2025 was EUR 1.6 million, a 31% increase compared to EUR 1.2 million in the same period last year, influenced by higher depreciation costs and a decline in advertising revenue [5][11]. Expenses - Operating expenses rose to EUR 16.9 million in Q1 2025, a 6% increase from EUR 15.9 million in Q1 2024, with labor costs being the largest contributor, increasing by 3% [9][10]. Cash Position - As of March 31, 2025, the Group had EUR 8.4 million in cash, slightly down from EUR 8.8 million a year earlier, and a net debt of EUR 20.0 million, up from EUR 16.8 million [6][12]. - The Management Board proposed a dividend of 6 euro cents per share, totaling EUR 1.86 million, to be voted on at the upcoming shareholders' meeting [16]. Strategic Goals - The Group aims to increase its digital subscriptions to at least 340,000 by 2026, having added over 25,000 new digital subscriptions in the past year, marking a 12% increase [3].

Core Points - The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for AS Ekspress Grupp is scheduled for 23 May 2025 at 10:00 in Tallinn [1] - Shareholders can vote electronically before the Meeting to promote sustainability [2][3] Agenda Items - Approval of the 2024 annual report for the financial year from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 [5] - Approval of the profit distribution proposal for 2024, which includes distributing EUR 3.25 million, with dividends of EUR 0.06 per share totaling EUR 1.86 million [6][10] - Extension of the mandate of Supervisory Board member Priit Rohumaa for five years [7] - Election of Mr. Ülar Maapalu as a member of the Supervisory Board for five years [8] - Increase in monthly remuneration for Supervisory Board members, including Priit Rohumaa and Sami Jussi Petteri Seppänen [11] - Recall of Triin Hertmann from the Supervisory Board [12] Shareholder Rights - Shareholders representing at least 1/20 of the share capital can present draft resolutions or request additional agenda items [15][16] - Shareholders are entitled to receive information on the activities of AS Ekspress Grupp from the Management Board [14] Company Overview - AS Ekspress Grupp is a leading Baltic media group involved in online media content production, publishing, electronic ticket sales, and event organization [19]

Core Points - Salem Media Group, Inc. announces the launch of a new podcast "Unshaken and Unafraid" hosted by Joe Pags, featuring three episodes per week [1] - The podcast represents a significant advancement in Salem Media's goal to provide trusted conservative content across various platforms [2][6] - Joe Pags is recognized for his bold commentary and has previously conducted exclusive interviews with high-profile figures, including President Donald J. Trump [2][5] Company Overview - Salem Media Group is a leading multimedia company in America, focusing on Christian and conservative content through radio, digital media, and publishing [7] - The company serves millions of dedicated listeners, readers, and viewers daily, providing a range of audio and video programming, text content, and commentary [7]