Domain’s move to programmatic advertising has cut into revenue growth.
Nine’s Domain group reported flat revenue for the half year as the pure-play online property classified business was hit by fewer listings and a move into programmatic advertising.
Underlying revenue was $183.9 million up just 0.3% for the six months to December and net profit after tax, ex significant items, down 14.2% to $21.1 million. With significant items, the loss was $156.4 million.
CEO Jason Pellegrino called the result “solid” and in line with expectations in the context of a property market downturn.
“We made the strategic decision to streamline digital media sales by transitioning to a fully programmatic advertising offering,” he says.
“As expected, this had a significant impact on revenue growth in this segment. The new model is lower revenue but much lower cost, providing increased margin.”
The results include a $177.5 million loss after tax related to the impairment of Domain Digital.
See: Google boss reflects on past decade and 'frenetic' two years in top job
While digital revenues are rising they have been hit by lower listing and auction volumes, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.
Including the goodwill impairment, Domain reported statutory revenue of $186.3 million and a net loss after tax of $156.4 million.
Digital revenue grew 7.4% to $150.1 million but print fell 24.6% to $32.8 million.
Residential revenue increased 8.6% to $94 million.
“This is a solid result from residential in the context of lower listings volumes in key markets, where auction volumes declined 20% in Sydney and 19% in Melbourne,” says Pellegrino.
“Nationally, Domain new listings declined low-to-mid single digits.
“Despite lower volumes in the market, yield growth has been achieved in every State. We are selling more premium products to more agents, who recognise the value we are delivering.”
Pellegrino, who became CEO in August last year, says the first six weeks of the 2019 year saw continued growth in yield but lower listing `volumes.
“The late timing of Easter reduces current visibility into the Autumn selling season,” he says.
Nine became a 59.4% shareholder in Domain when it merged with Fairfax Media in December.
The company declared a fully franked dividend of two cents a share.
The first half numbers at a glance:
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.