Southern Cross Media Group Ltd
ASX:SXL
Southern Cross Media Group Ltd
Southern Cross Media Group Ltd. engages in the provision of entertainment media solutions. The company is headquartered in South Melbourne, Victoria. The company went IPO on 2005-11-17. The firm is engaged in creation of audio content for distribution on broadcast AM, FM and DAB radio, and digital networks. The company broadcasts free to air television content in regional markets. The firm operates through two segments: Audio and Television. Audio segment comprises of metro and regional radio, podcasting and other related businesses. Television segment comprises its regional television business. The firm under the Triple M and Hit network brands owns approximately 99 stations across FM, AM, and DAB+ radio. The company provides approximately 23 regional radio stations. The company broadcasts approximately 92 free to air TV signals across regional Australia with Network 10 programming and advertising representation across Australia’s East Coast, Seven Network programming in Tasmania and Darwin, and Seven, Nine and Network 10 programming in Spencer Gulf.
Southern Cross Media Group Ltd. engages in the provision of entertainment media solutions. The company is headquartered in South Melbourne, Victoria. The company went IPO on 2005-11-17. The firm is engaged in creation of audio content for distribution on broadcast AM, FM and DAB radio, and digital networks. The company broadcasts free to air television content in regional markets. The firm operates through two segments: Audio and Television. Audio segment comprises of metro and regional radio, podcasting and other related businesses. Television segment comprises its regional television business. The firm under the Triple M and Hit network brands owns approximately 99 stations across FM, AM, and DAB+ radio. The company provides approximately 23 regional radio stations. The company broadcasts approximately 92 free to air TV signals across regional Australia with Network 10 programming and advertising representation across Australia’s East Coast, Seven Network programming in Tasmania and Darwin, and Seven, Nine and Network 10 programming in Spencer Gulf.
Merger Milestone: This was the first results call following the completed merger of Southern Cross Media and Seven West Media, forming a major integrated multimedia platform.
Cost Synergy Target: Management is targeting at least $30 million in cost savings by FY 2027, with $20 million in new initiatives identified for H2.
Revenue & Earnings: Pro forma revenue for the half was just over $1 billion, down 1.5%, with EBITDA at $106.9 million (down 14.5%) and NPAT at $34.7 million (down 16.5%).
Debt Reduction: Net debt reduced by 4.8% to $338.2 million; no interim dividend declared as focus remains on strengthening the balance sheet.
Audio Strength: The SCA audio business saw strong results—EBITDA up 28% to $40.1 million and solid audience gains, especially in the key 25-54 demographic.
Digital Growth: 7plus and LiSTNR both posted strong audience and revenue gains; 7plus revenue grew 15% with daily active users up 26%.
Guidance: FY26 group revenue is forecast at $1.91–1.92 billion, costs at ~$1.7 billion, and EBITDA between $200–220 million, all down from FY25.
Management Changes: Recent leadership changes were aimed at accelerating merger benefits and strategy execution, not due to disagreements over vision.
