Outlook

All Alma Media's disclosed outlook statements since 2008 are archived on this page.

Estimates on the outlook for 2021

5 March 2021

The uncertainty in Alma Media’s operating environment is continuing due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Alma Media expects its full-year revenue and adjusted operating profit for continuing operations to increase compared to 2020. In 2020, the full-year revenue of the Group’s continuing operations was MEUR 230.2 and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 45.4.

17 February 2021

The uncertainty in Alma Media’s operating environment is continuing due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. In 2021, Alma Media expects its full-year revenue and adjusted operating profit for continuing operations to remain at the previous year’s level. In 2020, the full-year revenue of the Group’s continuing operations was MEUR 230.2 and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 45.4.

Estimates on the outlook for 2020

12 January 2021

Alma Media raises its guidance for the 2020 adjusted operating profit for continuing operations. The adjusted operating profit for Q4 2020 falls short of the level of the comparison period, while fall in profitability is less than anticipated in 2020. The company expects that the adjusted operating profit for 2020 will decline less than 10 per cent of the comparison period.

New outlook
Alma Media expects its full-year revenue for 2020 from continuing operations to decline significantly and the adjusted operating profit to decline from the 2019 level. In 2019, the full-year revenue of the continuing operations was MEUR 250.2 and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 49.4.

22 October 2020

The uncertainty in Alma Media’s operating environment is continuing and visibility remains weak. Alma Media expects its full-year revenue and adjusted operating profit from continuing operations in 2020 to decline significantly from the 2019 level. In 2019, the full-year revenue of the continuing operations was MEUR 250.2 and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 49.4.

17 July 2020

21 April 2020

The coronavirus epidemic and the related restrictive measures have resulted in a sudden change in Alma Media’s operating environment, and uncertainty has increased to a significant degree. In the current exceptional circumstances, Alma Media considers visibility to be weak and the Group will not issue a guidance for 2020 at this stage.

On 25 March, Alma Media withdrew the guidance previously issued by the Group in February 2020.

25 March 2020

Alma Media issues a profit warning and changes the outlook statement for 2020 due to the estimated impact of COVID-19. The guidance issued previously, on 14 February 2020, is no longer valid under the changed circumstances. Due to the exceptional change in the operating environment related to the coronavirus epidemic and the resulting increase in uncertainty, Alma Media does not issue a new guidance at this point.

14 February 2020

In 2020, Alma Media expects the full-year revenue and adjusted operating profit of its continuing operations to be at the previous year’s level. In 2019, the full-year revenue of the continuing operations was MEUR 250.2 and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 49.4.

Estimates on the outlook for 2019

23 October 2019

In 2019, Alma Media expects its full-year revenue to be at the previous year’s level and its adjusted operating profit to increase compared to 2018. The full-year revenue for 2018 was MEUR 354.6 and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 57.3.

17 July 2019

25 April 2019

14 February 2019

In 2019, Alma Media expects its full-year revenue to remain at the previous year’s level and its adjusted operating profit to increase compared to 2018. The full-year revenue for 2018 was MEUR 354.6 and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 57.3.

Estimates on the outlook for 2018

25 October 2018

In 2018, Alma Media expects its full-year revenue to remain at the previous year’s level and its adjusted operating profit to increase from the 2017 level. The full-year revenue for 2017 was MEUR 367.3, and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 51.1.

18 July 2018

25 April 2018

14 February 2018

Estimates on the outlook for 2017

27 October 2017

The Finnish economy is expected to grow by 1–3% in 2017. Alma Media’s significant operating countries in Eastern Central Europe, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, are expected to see economic growth of 2–4%. Macroeconomic development affects both consumer demand and advertising volume. The structural transformation of advertising will continue in 2017; online advertising will grow, while print media advertising will decline.

In 2017, Alma Media expects its full-year revenue to remain at the previous year’s level and its adjusted operating profit to clearly increase from the 2016 level. The full-year revenue for 2016 was MEUR 353.2, and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 35.2.

13 July 2017

In 2017, Alma Media expects its full-year revenue to remain at the previous year’s level and its adjusted operating profit to clearly increase from the 2016 level. The full-year revenue for 2016 was MEUR 353.2, and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 35.2.

28 April 2017

The Finnish economy is expected to grow by 1–2% in 2017. Alma Media’s significant operating countries in Eastern Central Europe, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, are expected to see economic growth of 2–4%. Macroeconomic development affects both consumer demand and advertising volume. The structural transformation of advertising will continue in 2017; online advertising will grow, while print media advertising will decline.

In 2017, Alma Media expects its full‐year revenue to remain at the previous year’s level and its adjusted operating profit to increase from the 2016 level. The full‐year revenue for 2016 was MEUR 353.2, and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 35.2.

10 February 2017

In 2017, Alma Media expects its full-year revenue to remain at the previous year’s level and its adjusted operating profit to increase from the 2016 level. The full-year revenue for 2016 was MEUR 353.2, and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 35.2.

Estimates on the outlook for 2016

28 October 2016

Alma Media revised its outlook for 2016 in a release published on 14 September 2016. In 2016, the company expects its full-year revenue and adjusted operating profit to increase clearly from the 2015 level. Outlook for 2016 according to the release published on 14 September 2016:

The Finnish economy is expected to show zero growth or only slight growth in 2016. Alma Media’s main operating countries in Eastern Central Europe, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, are expected to see continued economic growth, but at a lower rate than in 2015.
Macroeconomic development affects both consumer demand and advertising volume. The structural transformation of advertising will continue in 2016; online advertising will grow, while print media advertising will decline.

The Talentum acquisition completed in late 2015 will increase Alma Media’s revenue and operating profit in 2016.
In 2016, Alma Media expects its full-year revenue and adjusted operating profit to increase clearly from the 2015 level. The full-year revenue for 2015 was MEUR 291.5, and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 23.4.

14 September 2016

The Finnish economy is expected to show zero growth or only slight growth in 2016. Alma Media’s significant operating countries in Eastern Central Europe, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, are expected to see continued economic growth, but at a lower rate than in 2015.

Macroeconomic development affects both consumer demand and advertising volume. The structural transformation of advertising will continue in 2016; online advertising will grow, while print media advertising will decline.

The Talentum acquisition completed in late 2015 will increase Alma Media’s revenue and operating profit in 2016.

In 2016, Alma Media expects its full-year revenue and adjusted operating profit to increase clearly from the 2015 level. The full-year revenue for 2015 was MEUR 291.5, and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 23.4.

22 July 2016

The Talentum acquisition completed in late 2015 will increase Alma Media’s revenue and operating profit in 2016. In 2016, Alma Media expects its full-year revenue and adjusted operating profit to increase from the 2015 level. The full-year revenue for 2015 was MEUR 291.5, and the adjusted operating profit was MEUR 23.4.

29 April 2016

The Talentum acquisition completed in late 2015 will increase Alma Media’s revenue and operating profit in 2016. In 2016, Alma Media expects its full-year revenue and operating profit excluding non-recurring items to increase from the 2015 level. The full-year revenue for 2015 was MEUR 291.5, and operating profit excluding non-recurring items was MEUR 23.4.

12 February 2016

Estimates on the outlook for 2015

23 October 2015

Low interest rates, a weaker euro and lower oil price improve the chances for growth in the long run. However, in 2015, economic growth is still expected to remain weak in Europe and, in particular, in Finland. The weak economic development has an impact on advertising volume, which is not expected to increase in Finland in 2015.

Alma Media expects its revenue to decrease in 2015 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items to remain unchanged or decrease from the 2014 level. The full-year revenue 2014 was MEUR 295.4, and operating profit excluding non-recurring items was MEUR 21.4.

21 July 2015

Low interest rates, a weaker euro and lower oil price improve the chances for growth in the long run. However, in 2015, economic growth is still expected to remain weak in Europe and, in particular, in Finland. The weak economic development has an impact on advertising volume, which is not expected to increase in Finland in 2015.

Alma Media expects its revenue to decrease in 2015 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items to remain unchanged or decrease from the 2014 level. The full-year revenue 2014 was MEUR 295.4, and operating profit excluding non-recurring items was MEUR 21.4.

17 June 2015

Low interest rates, a weaker euro and lower oil price improve the chances for growth in the long run. However, in 2015, economic growth is still expected to remain weak in Europe and, in particular, in Finland. The weak overall economic growth has an impact on advertising volume, which Alma Media expects to remain unchanged or increase only slightly in Finland in 2015.

In the first half of 2015, Alma Media expects its revenue to decrease from the 2014 level. The company expects its operating profit excluding non-recurring items to remain at the previous year’s level or to increase. The revenue for the first half of 2014 was MEUR 148.4, and operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 8.8.

30 April 2015

Low interest rates, a weaker euro and lower oil price improve the chances for growth in the long run. However, in 2015, economic growth is still expected to remain weak in Europe and, in particular, in Finland. The weak overall economic growth has an impact on advertising volume, which is not expected to increase in Finland in 2015.

In the first half of 2015, Alma Media expects its revenue and operating profit excluding non-recurring items to decrease from the 2014 level. The revenue for the first half of 2014 was MEUR 148.4, and operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 8.8.

13 February 2015

Low interest rates, a weaker euro and lower oil price improve the chances for growth in the long run. However, in 2015, economic growth is still expected to remain weak in Europe and, in particular, in Finland. The weak overall economic growth has an impact on advertising volume, which is not expected to increase in Finland in 2015.

In the first half of 2015, Alma Media expects its revenue and operating profit excluding non-recurring items to decrease from the 2014 level. The revenue for the first half of 2014 was MEUR 148.4, and operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 8.8.

Estimates on the outlook for 2014

24 October 2014

Economic growth in Europe, and in particular Finland, is expected to remain weak also in 2014. In this market situation, Alma Media’s growth in digital service revenue does not yet fully offset the decline in the sales of print media.

Alma Media expects its full-year revenue 2014 to remain at the 2013 level. The operating profit excluding non-recurring items for 2014 is expected to be lower than in 2013. The full-year revenue 2013 was MEUR 300.2 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items was MEUR 24.2

18 July 2014

Economic growth in Europe, and in particular Finland, is expected to remain weak also in the second half of 2014. In this market situation, Alma Media's strong growth in digital service revenue does not yet fully offset the decline in the sales of print media.

Alma Media expects its full-year revenue 2014 to remain at the 2013 level. The operating profit excluding non-recurring items for 2014 is expected to be lower than in 2013. The full-year revenue 2013 was MEUR 300.2 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items was MEUR 24.2.

29 April 2014

The revenue and operating profit of Alma Media's print newspaper business, especially regional media, did not develop as expected during the first quarter of the year. Therefore, the company lowered its estimate on 15 April 2014 of the development of both revenue and operating profit during the first half of the year, as announced in the Financial Statements Release on 13 February 2014.

The economic operating environment in Finland has remained weaker than expected in the beginning of 2014. The advertising market for print media has declined more than anticipated. In the current economic situation, forecasting the operating environment and especially advertising sales is exceptionally difficult.

In its Financial Statements Release on 13 February 2014, Alma Media expected the revenue of the first half of 2014 to be on a par with, or slightly lower than the corresponding period in 2013. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items was estimated to be MEUR 9.0-10.5.

According to the company's new estimate, the revenue for the first half of the year will be lower than the corresponding period in 2013 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items will be below the level estimated in the Financial Statements Release on 13 February 2014.

Revenue for the first half of 2013 was MEUR 151.2 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 10.1.

15 April 2014

The revenue and result of Alma Media's printnewspaper business, especially regional media, did not develop as expected during the first quarter of the year. Therefore, the company has lowered its estimate of the development of both revenue and result during the first half of the year, as announced in the Financial Statements Release on 13 February 2014.

The economic operating environment in Finland has remained weaker than expected in the beginning of 2014. The advertising market for print media has declined more than anticipated. In the current economic situation, forecasting the operating environment and especially advertising sales is exceptionally difficult.

In its Financial Statements Release on 13 February 2014, Alma Media expected the revenue of the first half of 2014 to be on a par with, or slightly lower than the corresponding period in 2013. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items was estimated to be MEUR 9.0-10.5.

According to the company's new estimate, the revenue for the first half of the year will be lower than the corresponding period in 2013 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items will be below the level estimated in the Financial Statements Release on 13 February 2014 .

Revenue for the first half of 2013 was MEUR 151.2 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 10.1.

13 February 2014

Economic growth is estimated to pick up gradually in Europe but remain weak during the first half of 2014 in Finland. The decline in media advertising is expected to slow down during the first half of the year.

Alma Media expects the revenue of the first half of 2014 to be on a par with the level of 2013 or slightly lower. The operating profit excluding non-recurring items is estimated to amount to MEUR 9,0 – 10,5. Revenue for the first half of 2013 was MEUR 151.2 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 10.1.

Estimates on the outlook for 2013

October 25, 2013

Economic growth in Europe, and in particular Finland, is expected to remain weak also in the fourth quarter of 2013. The decline in media advertising and the gradual shift of media consumption to digital channels will decrease the revenue and profitability of print media. In this market situation, Alma Media’s strong growth in the sales of digital services does not yet fully offset the decline in the sales of print media.

Alma Media maintains its outlook given in the interim report published on 19 July 2013, according to which it expects the revenue and the operating profit excluding non-recurring items for the second half of 2013 and the full year to decline compared to the corresponding periods in 2012. Revenue for the second half of 2012 was MEUR 157.9 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 17.4. Full-year revenue 2012 was MEUR 320.1 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items was MEUR 33.5.

July 19, 2013

Economic growth in Europe, and in particular Finland, is expected to remain weak also in the second half of 2013. The decline in media advertising and the gradual shift of media consumption to digital channels will decrease the revenue and profitability of print media. In this market situation, Alma Media’s strong growth in the sales of digital services does not yet totally cover the decline in the sales of print media.

Alma Media expects the revenue and the operating profit excluding non-recurring items for the second half of 2013 and the full year to decline from the corresponding periods in 2012. Revenue for the second half of 2012 was MEUR 157.9 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 17.4. Full-year revenue 2012 was MEUR 320.1 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items was MEUR 33.5.

April 26, 2013

The general economic uncertainty in the Group’s main markets, as well as the shift in media consumption from print media to electronic channels, make it difficult to forecast the development of the content and advertising revenue. Digital services continue to increase their share of the media market.

European economic growth is expected to remain weak in the first part of 2013. The growth in the sales of digital services will not be enough to entirely cover the decline in print media sales. Alma Media maintains unchanged its estimate given in the financial statements release of February 15, 2013, according to which the revenue and operating profit excluding non-recurring items for the first half-year 2013 will decline from the level of the first half-year 2012. Revenue for the first half-year 2012 was MEUR 162.2 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 16.1.

February 15, 2013

The general uncertainty prevailing in the Group’s principal markets, as well as the shift in media consumption from print media to electronic channels, make it difficult to forecast the development of the advertising and circulation revenues. The share of digital services in the media market will continue.

Economic growth is estimated to remain weak in Europe in the early part of 2013. The increase in the sales of digital services is not enough to cover the drop in the sales of print media. Alma Media estimates that the company’s revenue and operating profit, excluding non-recurring items, will decrease in the first half of 2013 from the level of the corresponding period in 2012. The revenue for the first half of 2012 was MEUR 162.2 and operating profit, excluding non-recurring items, was MEUR 16.1.

Estimates on the outlook for 2012

October 25, 2012

Due to the uncertainty prevailing in the macroeconomic conditions of the Group's main markets, it is exceptionally complicated to estimate the development of circulation and advertising revenues. Digital services are expected to further increase their share of the media market. Alma Media expects that the change in value-added tax, effective since the beginning of 2012, may decrease the circulations of the Group's newspapers.

Alma Media repeats its estimate given in the interim report of July 20, 2012, according to which the company expects its full-year revenue for 2012 to increase from the 2011 level, primarily due to the acquisitions made. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items is expected to be lower than in 2011. Full-year revenue for 2011 was MEUR 316.2, operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 42.9 and operating profit MEUR 42.0.

July 20, 2012

Due to the uncertainty prevailing in the macroeconomic conditions of the Group's main markets, it is exceptionally complicated to estimate the development of circulation and advertising revenues. Digital services are expected to further increase their share of the media market. Alma Media expects that the change in value-added tax, effective since the beginning of 2012, may decrease the circulations of the Group's newspapers.

Alma Media repeats its estimate given in the interim report of April 27, 2012, according to which the company expects its full-year revenue for 2012 to increase from the 2011 level, primarily due to the acquisitions made. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items is expected to be lower than in 2011. Full-year revenue for 2011 was MEUR 316.2, operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 42.9 and operating profit MEUR 42.0.

Apr 27, 2012

Due to the uncertainty prevailing in the macroeconomic conditions of the Group's main markets, it is exceptionally complicated to estimate the development of circulation and advertising revenues. Digital services are expected to further increase their share of the media market. Alma Media expects that the change in value-added tax, effective since the beginning of 2012, may decrease the circulations of the Group's newspapers.

Alma Media expects its full-year revenue for 2012 to increase from the 2011 level, primarily due to the acquisitions made. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items is expected to be lower than in 2011. Full-year revenue for 2011 was MEUR 316.2, operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 42.9 and operating profit MEUR 42.0.

Feb 15, 2012

Due to the uncertainty prevailing in the macroeconomic conditions of the Group's main markets, it is exceptionally complicated to estimate the development of circulation and advertising revenues. Digital services are expected to further increase their share of the media market. Alma Media expects that the change in value-added tax, effective since the beginning of 2012, may decrease the circulations of the Group's newspapers.

Alma Media expects its full-year revenue for 2012 to increase from the 2011 level, primarily due to the acquisitions made. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items is expected to be lower than in 2011. Full-year revenue for 2011 was MEUR 316.2, operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 42.9 and operating profit MEUR 42.0.

Estimates on the outlook for 2011

Jan 13, 2012

Alma Media estimates that its revenue from financial year 2011 will grow but its operating profit excluding non-recurring items will remain below the previous year's level. The company reduces the estimate concerning its operating profit excluding non-recurring items due to the additional costs booked on December and the weaker than expected circulation and advertising sales in December of 2011.
Earlier, Alma Media has expected its revenue and operating profit excluding non-recurring items to increase from the 2010 level. Alma Media's revenue in 2010 was MEUR 311.4, operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 43.9 and operating profit MEUR 43.4.

Oct 28, 2011

Alma Media expects newspaper and online advertising to grow in 2011 compared with the previous year. Alma Media estimates the single-copy sales of afternoon papers to decline further. The circulation revenue of regional and local papers as well as Kauppalehti is expected to remain at the comparison period’s level. The material and delivery costs of the Group are anticipated to increase from the level of the comparison period.

Alma Media estimates that its full-year revenue and operating profit excluding non-recurring items will grow from the 2010 levels. Revenue in 2010 totalled MEUR 311.4, operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 43.9 and operating profit was MEUR 43.4.

Jul 22, 2011

Alma Media expects newspaper and online advertising to grow in 2011 compared with the previous year. Alma Media estimates the single-copy sales of afternoon papers to decline further. The circulation revenue of regional and local papers as well as Kauppalehti is expected to remain at the comparison period’s level. The material and delivery costs of the Group are anticipated to increase from the level of the comparison period.

Alma Media estimates that its full-year revenue and operating profit excluding non-recurring items will grow from the 2010 levels. Revenue in 2010 totalled MEUR 311.4, operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 43.9 and operating profit was MEUR 43.4.

Apr 29, 2011

Alma Media expects newspaper and online advertising to grow in 2011 compared with the previous year. Alma Media expects the single-copy sales of afternoon papers to decline further. The circulation revenue of regional and local papers as well as Kauppalehti is expected to remain on the comparison period's level. The material and delivery costs of the Group are expected to increase from the level of the comparison period.

Alma Media estimates that its full-year revenue and operating profit excluding non-recurring items will grow from the 2010 levels. Revenue in 2010 totalled MEUR 311.4, operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 43.9 and operating profit was MEUR 43.4.

Feb 16, 2011

Alma Media expects newspaper and online advertising to grow in 2011 compared with the previous year. Alma Media expects the single-copy sales of afternoon papers to decline further. A slight decrease is expected in the circulation volumes of regional and local papers. Kauppalehti's circulation is expected to remain stable or decline slightly. The material and delivery costs of the Group are expected to increase from the level of the comparison year.

Alma Media estimates that its full-year revenue and operating profit excluding non-recurring items will grow from the 2010 levels. Revenue in 2010 totalled MEUR 311.4, operating profit was MEUR 43.4 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items MEUR 43.9.

Estimates on the outlook for 2010

29 October 2010

Alma Media expects the advertising in newspapers to grow moderately in 2010 in comparison with the previous year. Online advertising is expected to clearly increase from the previous year. Alma Media expects the single-copy sales of afternoon papers to continue their decline. The circulations of regional and local papers are expected to decline moderately. The circulation of Kauppalehti is expected to remain at the present level or decline slightly.

Alma Media expects the 2010 full-year net sales to increase moderately from the 2009 level as a result of the growth in media advertising. The 2010 full-year operating profit without one-time items is expected to increase from the comparison year. Net sales in 2009 were MEUR 307.8, operating profit MEUR 41.4 and operating profit without one-time items MEUR 42.6.

Earlier Alma Media estimated the full-year comparable net sales to increase moderately from the 2009 level as a result of the growth in the media advertising. The full-year operating profit was expected to be close to the 2009 level.

22 July 2010

Alma Media expects the single-copy sales of afternoon papers to continue their decline. The circulations of regional and local papers are expected to decline moderately. The circulation of Kauppalehti is expected to remain at the present level or decline slightly. Advertising in newspapers is expected to grow moderately in 2010 in comparison with the previous year. Online advertising is expected to clearly increase from the previous year.

Alma Media expects its comparable net sales to increase moderately from the 2009 level as a result of gradual growth in media advertising. Operating profit is expected to remain close to the previous year's level.

9 July 2010: Alma Media's second quarter operating profit to be slightly below the corresponding period

Alma Media's comparable operating profit for the second quarter will be slightly below the level of the corresponding period (Q2/2009: 12.2 MEUR), against the company's previous outlook statement. Reasons behind this are weaker than estimated growth in net sales and the aggregate cost development. The aggregate cost development was partly affected by an ICT expenditure booked for the period but partly caused during previous periods.

At the end of April Alma Media estimated that its second quarter comparable net sales and operating profit were expected to be close to the previous year's level.

30 April 2010

Weak market conditions have continued in the Finnish media market in the first months of 2010.

Alma Media expects the single-copy sales of afternoon papers to continue their decline. The circulations of regional and local papers are expected to decline moderately. The circulation of Kauppalehti is expected to remain at the present level or decline marginally in 2010. Alma Media estimates that in 2010, advertising in newspapers will grow moderately from the previous year. Online advertising is expected to grow clearly from the year before.

Alma Media expects the full-year comparable net sales and operating profit to increase moderately from the 2009 level as a result of the gradual increase in advertising sales. Second-quarter net sales and operating profit are expected to be close to the previous year's level.

12 February 2010

The Finnish media market is forecast to remain weak in the early part of 2010. A gradual upturn in advertising sales is expected if the GDP follows growth predictions during 2010.

Alma Media expects the single-copy sales of afternoon papers to decline further in line with the development in 2009. Kauppalehti's circulation is expected to decline slightly from the 2009 level because of its structural changes. The development of the employment situation is expected to affect the circulations of Alma Media's regional and local papers. Alma Media estimates the Finnish newspaper advertising market to grow moderately in 2010. Growth in online advertising is expected to strengthen during 2010 from the previous year.

Alma Media estimates that its comparable net sales and operating profit will grow moderately from the 2009 level as a result of the gradual growth in media advertising. The first-quarter net sales and operating profit are expected to remain close to the previous year's level.

Estimates on the outlook for 2009

17 December 2009: Alma Media adjusts its forecast for the last quarter 2009 operating profit

Alma Media estimates that its comparable operating profit of the last quarter 2009 will be slightly above the operating profit of the last quarter 2008 (9.5 MEUR). Alma Media estimated in October 2009 that the comparable operating profit for the last quarter will approach the level of the period for comparison. The company repeats its estimate that the full year's comparable net sales and operating profit will be lower than in 2008.

The more favourable operating profit development is based on the better than estimated advertising sales in some of Alma Media’s largest newspapers in November. Also the estimates regarding the December advertising sales have improved.

29 October 2009

Uncertainty about the development of advertising sales will continue.

Alma Media expects the single-copy sales of afternoon papers to continue their decline. The paid circulations of regional and local papers, as well as Kauppalehti, are expected to stay neutral or decline moderately. Advertising in newspapers and the online media is expected to stay at a lower level than in the previous year also during the remaining part of 2009.

Alma Media expects the full-year comparable net sales and operating profit to decrease from the 2008 level as a result of the decline in advertising sales. In the last quarter, net sales will fall behind the levels of the corresponding period in 2008. Operating profit is expected to be close to that of the comparison period.

23 July 2009

Uncertainty about the development of advertising sales will continue in the third quarter and towards the end of the year 2009.

Alma Media expects the single-copy sales of afternoon papers to continue their decline. The chargeable circulations of regional and local papers, as well as Kauppalehti, are expected to stay neutral or decline moderately. Advertising in newspapers and the online media is expected to stay at a lower level than in the previous year also in the second half-year.

Alma Media expects the full-year comparable net sales and operating profit to decrease from the 2008 level as a result of the decline in advertising sales. In the third quarter, net sales and operating profit will fall behind the levels of Q3/2008.

29 Apr 2009

The exceptionally high uncertainty in the Finnish media market continues.

Alma Media expects the single-copy sales of afternoon papers to continue their decline. The circulations of regional and local papers, as well as business newspaper Kauppalehti, are estimated to stay neutral or decline slightly. Advertising in newspapers and the online media is expected to decline further in comparison with the previous year.

Alma Media expects that the comparable net sales and operating profit will be lower than in 2008 due to the decline in media advertising. In the second quarter, net sales and operating profit will drop significantly in comparison with the level of Q2/2008.

13 Feb 2009

Uncertainty in the Finnish media market is exceptionally high at the start of the year 2009.

Alma Media forecasts a drop in the single-copy sales of afternoon papers in line with the developments in 2008. The circulation of Kauppalehti is expected to stay at the 2008 level. No major changes are estimated in the circulations of regional and local papers. Alma Media expects the newspaper advertising market to decline in 2009 as well as slower growth for online advertising. The steep drop in the advertising market that began at the end of 2008 has continued during January-February.

Alma Media expects a decrease in its comparable net sales and operating profit from the figures in 2008 due to the decline in media advertising.

Estimates on the outlook for 2008

17 Nov 2008

Alma Media's comparable operating profit for 2008 will fall below the last year's level due to slower advertising sales. Previously Alma Media estimated its operating profit excluding one-time items to be at the same level as in 2007 (52.9 MEUR).

Alma Media expects its net sales to grow from the previous year in accordance with its previous estimate.

29 Oct 2008

Alma Media expects its net sales to grow from the previous year. The comparable operating profit for the whole year is expected to be at the same level as in 2007.

23 July 2008

Alma Media keeps unchanged its forecast that the company expects its net sales to increase from the previous year. The media market is expected to grow in 2008, but uncertainty will increase. Changes in media advertising and the daily tabloid market are major factors that may affect the company’s result.

Alma Media estimates that the comparable operating profit for the whole year will be similar to that in 2007. One-time items have been eliminated from the comparable 2007 operating profit.

30 May 2008

Alma Media repeats its estimate that the company expects its net sales to increase from the previous year. The media market is expected to grow in 2008, but uncertainty will increase. Developments in the media advertising and daily tabloid markets will be the major factors for the company’s result.

Alma Media estimates that the comparable operating profit for the full year should be at the level of the previous year. However, the operating profit at the beginning of the year may fall short of the previous year’s figure. One-time items have been eliminated from the comparable 2007 operating profit.