Quarterly Report • Jul 16, 2021
Quarterly Report
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After a very strong first quarter, we are happy to see an even stronger development through the second quarter, driven by solid market recovery. Underlying¹ revenues grew 18 percent compared to a COVID-19 affected last year, but even more importantly we also delivered a 9 percent underlying¹ growth compared to 2019. Driven by the strong revenue growth, we achieved an EBITDA of NOK 743 million in Q2, up from NOK 498 million in the same period last year. The strong increase in EBITDA was driven by Nordic Marketplaces and News Media.
Revenues from Nordic Marketplaces grew by an underlying¹ 32 percent in the quarter, mainly driven by a strong development in job verticals in all markets, but especially in Norway. At the same time, the real estate and motor verticals across the markets have also shown a positive development compared with the same period last year, as has the development in advertising revenues. In Finland, we are seeing a clear increase in traffic on Oikotie after the integration with Tori has now been completed. This supports a positive underlying¹ income development in all main verticals in Finland during the quarter.
News Media had another strong quarter, where underlying2 revenues grew 10 percent in combination with continued good traction on the cost program. The revenue growth in News Media is driven by a significant uplift in digital advertising revenues, also compared to 2019, in addition to continued strong growth in revenues from digital subscriptions.
Within Financial Services, Lendo's underlying² revenues returned to growth in the quarter, although banks continued to be restrictive in their lending practices. Distribution continued to record strong growth on top of an amplified quarter last year, when online shopping trends increased as result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Prisjakt, on the other hand, showed a slight underlying² revenue decline and affected EBITDA negatively compared to last year due to product investments.
On 25th June, Adevinta finally completed the acquisition of eBay Classifieds Group, creating the world's largest online classifieds platform. As a result of the transaction, Schibsted's ownership share has been reduced to 33 percent of Adevinta's total outstanding share capital. Since Schibsted then no longer has a controlling ownership position in the company, the ownership interest at the time of the transaction is remeasured at fair value in our balance sheet, calculated based on Adevinta's share price at the date of closing. This has led to a significant accounting gain, amounting to NOK 60 billion. The value of the retained interest is together with the value of the shares distributed to shareholders at the time of the spin off a strong sign of the significant value creation to shareholders coming out of Schibsted's long term strategic focus on shaping the global classified industry.
The closing of the eBay transaction also means that we can finally welcome our Danish colleagues to the Schibsted family, which we have been looking forward to since last summer. Together, we will be very well equipped to develop and grow the next generation of online classified businesses in the Nordic region.
Lastly, Schibsted has implemented a new organizational model from 1st July, which links marketplaces with distribution, sharpens focus on venture investments and financial services, and paves the way for an even more ambitious company-wide growth agenda. The new organizational model builds on Schibsted's proven foundation, and is all about matching businesses that can make each other better, while at the same time giving all our businesses the focus and direction they need to grow. In addition, we will increase our efforts further to shape and execute a holistic investment strategy. The aim is to identify additional opportunities for investments, growth and transformation, potentially broadening Schibsted's portfolio of businesses and brands. In connection with this, we are very happy to introduce a new member to our Schibsted Group Executive Management team. In Q3, Andrew Kvålseth will join as our new Chief Investment Officer.
1 Foreign exchange neutral basis and including pro-forma Oikotie revenues in Q2 2020
2 Foreign exchange neutral basis
| Second quarter | Year to date | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
| Schibsted Group | ||||||
| Operating revenues | 3,619 | 3,073 | 18% | 7,019 | 6,099 | 15% |
| - of which digital | 2,353 | 1,851 | 27% | 4,461 | 3,677 | 21% |
| EBITDA | 743 | 498 | 49% | 1,338 | 783 | 71% |
| EBITDA margin | 21% | 16% | 19% | 13% | ||
| Operating revenues per segment | ||||||
| Nordic Marketplaces | 1,047 | 753 | 39% | 1,924 | 1,496 | 29% |
| News Media | 1,947 | 1,802 | 8% | 3,792 | 3,572 | 6% |
| Financial Services | 271 | 252 | 8% | 550 | 545 | 1% |
| Growth | 689 | 604 | 14% | 1,434 | 1,148 | 25% |
| EBITDA per segment | ||||||
| Nordic Marketplaces | 489 | 341 | 43% | 849 | 639 | 33% |
| News Media | 275 | 148 | 86% | 481 | 184 | >100% |
| Financial Services | 39 | 31 | 26% | 89 | 69 | 29% |
| Growth | 13 | 33 | (61%) | 48 | 14 | >100% |
| Other/Headquarters | (73) | (54) | (34%) | (128) | (123) | (4%) |
Historical income statement figures have been re-presented due to the classification of Adevinta as a separate item under "Discontinued operations" (see Note 6).
Alternative performance measures (APMs) used in this report are described at the end of the report.
| Second quarter | Year to date | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
| Classifieds revenues | 833 | 590 | 41% | 1,535 | 1,183 | 30% |
| Advertising revenues | 136 | 106 | 29% | 244 | 207 | 18% |
| Other revenues | 78 | 57 | 36% | 145 | 106 | 37% |
| Operating revenues | 1,047 | 753 | 39% | 1,924 | 1,496 | 29% |
| EBITDA | 489 | 341 | 43% | 849 | 639 | 33% |
| EBITDA margin | 47% | 45% | 44% | 43% |
Revenue growth in Nordic Marketplaces accelerated in all three countries during the second quarter, primarily driven by the Job vertical.
Oikotie numbers were included from mid-July 2020 onwards and affected the revenue growth positively. On a foreign exchange neutral basis, and adjusting the Q2 2020 figures with pro-forma numbers for Oikotie, revenues increased 32 percent compared to Q2 last year.
EBITDA increased significantly compared to Q2 last year due to the consolidation of Oikotie and the strong revenue growth. On a foreign exchange neutral basis, and adjusting the Q2 2020 figures with pro-forma numbers for Oikotie, EBITDA increased 41 percent compared to Q2 last year.
| Second quarter | Year to date | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
| Classifieds revenues | 538 | 366 | 47% | 968 | 749 | 29% |
| Advertising revenues | 64 | 49 | 30% | 113 | 99 | 14% |
| Other revenues | 69 | 54 | 27% | 123 | 102 | 20% |
| Operating revenues | 670 | 469 | 43% | 1,203 | 949 | 27% |
| EBITDA | 370 | 244 | 51% | 638 | 455 | 40% |
| EBITDA margin | 55% | 52% | 53% | 48% |
Marketplaces Norway delivered a strong 43 percent revenue growth compared to Q2 last year. As in the previous quarter, the growth was primarily driven by higher volumes, supported by improved ARPA, in the Job vertical.
"Traditional" Motor (excluding Nettbil) experienced volume growth compared to Q2 last year in addition to an increased demand for upsale products towards the end of the quarter.
Increased volume was also the main driver for revenue growth in Real estate this quarter, although a high demand continues to result in less need for republishments.
The travel vertical has started a slight upgoing trend, in line with the ease of COVID-19 related travel restrictions.
Advertising revenues ended 30 percent above Q2 last year and 16 percent above Q2 2019. The increase was driven by both direct and programmatic advertising.
The strong EBITDA margin in Q2 is driven by higher revenues. Costs are somewhat lower than planned due to longer time lines to fill vacant positions within the product and technology function.
| Second quarter | Year to date | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (SEK million) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
| Classifieds revenues | 234 | 207 | 13% | 440 | 411 | 7% |
| Advertising revenues | 50 | 43 | 17% | 90 | 82 | 10% |
| Other revenues | 4 | 3 | 52% | 8 | 3 | >100% |
| Operating revenues | 288 | 252 | 14% | 537 | 496 | 8% |
| EBITDA | 124 | 106 | 17% | 228 | 209 | 10% |
| EBITDA margin | 43% | 42% | 43% | 42% |
Revenues in Marketplaces Sweden increased by 14 percent, driven by all main verticals including advertising.
The Motor vertical saw a solid growth driven by higher professional volumes and the premium product "Bump", and the Jobs vertical experienced an accelerated revenue growth driven by volume recovery.
EBITDA margin slightly above last year driven by revenues, partly offset by investments in marketing and product development.
| Second quarter | Year to date | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (EUR million) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
| Classifieds revenues | 6.1 | 1.0 | >100% | 12.3 | 2.0 | >100% |
| Advertising revenues | 2.2 | 1.1 | 95% | 4.0 | 2.4 | 69% |
| Other revenues | 1.2 | 0.1 | >100% | 2.4 | 0.1 | >100% |
| Operating revenues | 9.5 | 2.2 | >100% | 18.7 | 4.5 | >100% |
| EBITDA | 1.4 | 0.0 | >100% | 1.8 | 0.4 | >100% |
| EBITDA margin | 15% | 1% | 9% | 8% |
The table above consists of Schibsted's Finnish Marketplaces, Tori and Oikotie. Oikotie numbers were included from mid-July 2020 onwards, driving the growth compared to Q2 last year. Adjusting Q2 2020 figures with pro-forma numbers, classifieds revenues increased year-on-year in Q2 across all verticals, especially within Jobs. Advertising revenue turned around from last quarter, with 30 percent growth compared to last year.
EBITDA was affected by investments in marketing, product and technology in the quarter.
| Second quarter | Year to date | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
| Advertising revenues | 711 | 552 | 29% | 1,318 | 1,105 | 19% |
| -of which digital | 536 | 392 | 37% | 987 | 764 | 29% |
| Subscription revenues | 690 | 657 | 5% | 1,389 | 1,289 | 8% |
| -of which digital | 311 | 263 | 18% | 621 | 505 | 23% |
| Casual sales | 282 | 315 | (10%) | 555 | 621 | (11%) |
| Other revenues | 264 | 279 | (5%) | 530 | 557 | (5%) |
| Operating revenues | 1,947 | 1,802 | 8% | 3,792 | 3,572 | 6% |
| Personnel expenses | (684) | (641) | 7% | (1,334) | (1,301) | 3% |
| Other expenses | (988) | (1,014) | (3%) | (1,977) | (2,087) | (5%) |
| Operating expenses | (1,672) | (1,654) | 1% | (3,311) | (3,388) | (2%) |
| EBITDA | 275 | 148 | 86% | 481 | 184 | >100% |
| EBITDA margin | 14% | 8% | 13% | 5% |
News Media continued the strong performance from the last quarters with an increase in both revenue and EBITDA margin compared to Q2 last year. The foreign exchange neutral revenue growth of 10 percent was driven by significant growth in digital advertising and continued strong growth in subscriptions. Driven by both volume and ARPU, digital subscriptions continued to grow even with stronger comparable numbers from last year. Advertising, both digital and print, grew compared to last year. The growth was both driven by lower comparable numbers from last year, but also a very strong advertising market overall.
The cost reduction program of NOK 500 million is still progressing according to plan. Q2 2020 was heavily impacted by COVID-19 cost reductions, and as these effects are diminishing, the operating expenses increased slightly compared to last year.
EBITDA increased by NOK 127 million compared to Q2 last year, and margin was strong at 14 percent.
| Split revenue per brand | Second quarter | Year to date | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
| VG | 503 | 421 | 19% | 959 | 825 | 16% |
| Aftonbladet | 408 | 359 | 14% | 784 | 699 | 12% |
| Subscription Newspapers | 793 | 770 | 3% | 1,568 | 1,550 | 1% |
| Other | 244 | 252 | (3%) | 481 | 499 | (4%) |
| Operating revenues | 1,947 | 1,802 | 8% | 3,792 | 3,572 | 6% |
VG delivered another quarter with strong revenue growth of 19 percent compared to Q2 last year. This was driven by digital revenues from both subscription and advertising. VG had significant positive effects on advertising revenues from the strong advertising market in Q2, particularly within video, content and premium display formats.
Aftonbladet posted strong revenue growth of 18 percent on a foreign exchange neutral basis compared to Q2 last year. Similar to VG, revenue growth was driven by digital subscription and advertising revenues.
The subscription newspapers continued the good trend from the end of last quarter, and experienced an increase in revenues compared to Q2 last year. The main driver was growth in digital subscriptions and advertising.
Other consists of New Models (for example TV.nu, Klart.se and Omni), Schibsted's printing facilities and centralized functions in Norway and Sweden. Revenues declined 3 percent compared to Q2 last year driven by printing services, somewhat outweighed by revenue growth in New Models.
| Second quarter | Year to date | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
| Operating revenues | 271 | 252 | 8% | 550 | 545 | 1% |
| EBITDA | 39 | 31 | 26% | 89 | 69 | 29% |
| EBITDA margin | 14% | 12% | 16% | 13% |
The revenue development within Financial Services turned positive from last quarter, with 13 percent revenue growth on a foreign exchange neutral basis compared to Q2 last year. This was mainly due to weak comparable numbers in Q2 2020 as this quarter was most affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
Even though Lendo continued to experience higher prices in performance marketing channels due to increased competition, the EBITDA was stable due to revenue growth and lower geographical expansion investments.
| Lendo Group | Second quarter | Year to date | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
| Operating revenues | 238 | 208 | 14% | 480 | 458 | 5% |
| EBITDA | 34 | 25 | 33% | 83 | 68 | 22% |
| EBITDA margin | 14% | 12% | 17% | 15% |
The increase in revenues in Lendo Group was mainly due to weak comparable numbers from last year, as Lendo's revenues were strongly affected by COVID-19. Lendo experienced revenue growth compared to Q2 last year on a foreign exchange neutral basis in most countries, except Denmark. The growth was primarily driven by increased demand from customers, while conversion rates are still below pre-pandemic levels.
EBITDA margin increased slightly compared to Q2 last year driven by underlying efficiency improvement and reduced investments in international expansion.
| Second quarter | Year to date | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
| Operating revenues | 689 | 604 | 14% | 1,434 | 1,148 | 25% |
| EBITDA | 13 | 33 | (61%) | 48 | 14 | >100% |
| EBITDA margin | 2% | 5% | 3% | 1% |
Continuing from the last quarters, Distribution experienced high activity levels with increased e-commerce volumes compared to last year, driven by both HeltHjem and Morgenlevering.
On a foreign exchange neutral basis, revenues grew by 16 percent compared to Q2 last year. Driven by investments in product development, EBITDA in Schibsted Growth decreased compared to last year.
| Second quarter | Year to date | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
| Operating revenues | 475 | 382 | 24% | 998 | 736 | 36% |
| EBITDA | 11 | 8 | 48% | 41 | 7 | >100% |
| EBITDA margin | 2% | 2% | 4% | 1% |
Distribution currently has operations in Norway and consists of the legacy newspaper distribution and "Distribution New Business" (mainly HeltHjem Netthandel, Morgenlevering and Zoopit). The Distribution New Business experienced strong growth in Q2 last year due to increased online shopping trends during COVID-19 restrictions. This year, Distribution New Business continued the strong performance and delivered high revenues compared to Q2 last year.
Even with strong comparable numbers from Q2 last year, HeltHjem Netthandel grew 61 percent in revenues compared to Q2 last year and almost tripled the EBITDA. Morgenlevering continued to deliver strong revenue growth with 45 percent growth compared to Q2 last year.
| Second quarter | Year to date | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | Change | 2021 | 2020 | Change |
| Operating revenues | 87 | 94 | (7%) | 176 | 168 | 5% |
| EBITDA | 22 | 36 | (38%) | 47 | 48 | (1%) |
| EBITDA margin | 25% | 38% | 27% | 28% |
The revenue in Prisjakt decreased by 2 percent on a foreign exchange neutral basis compared to Q2 last year, driven by lower traffic and hence click revenues. Prisjakt experienced a strong boost in e-commerce in Q2 2020 as a result of the pandemic outbreak. As this effect has declined throughout the year, the year-over-year development shows a slight decrease in revenues compared to last year.
The total cost base has increased compared to Q2 last year mainly driven by investments in product development. Slight decrease in revenue, combined with increased cost resulted in lower margin compared to last year.
Other and HQ had a negative EBITDA of NOK 73 million in Q2, which was an increased deficit of NOK 18 million compared to last year.
The year-over-year increase was primarily driven by increased activity compared to a significantly low cost level last year, as result of the pandemic outbreak with actions such as reversal of bonuses and lower employer taxes.
Based on Adevinta's stand-alone reporting, revenues increased by 33 percent in Q2 2021 to EUR 193 million, compared to Q2 2020, demonstrating further recovery across the board.
Operating expenses increased by 31 percent in Q2 2021, compared to Q2 2020, due to strong marketing investment in France, an increase in personnel costs in the absence of government subsidies and an increase in transactional costs due to the ramp-up of the services.
Uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions is reduced in line with increased vaccination levels. Effects from the pandemic are still evident within the society and hence in the economy, and new user habits seem to have come to stay. Consumers and businesses seek convenient, reliable, and safe ways to buy and sell products and services. As a result, digital transformation has accelerated across many industries which brings new possibilities for our Nordic Marketplaces and businesses like Distribution and Prisjakt. Consumers continue to show high interest in our independent, high quality journalism to stay informed about the pandemic, politics and society at large.
After witnessing resilience during the pandemic and an increased recovery across all markets in Nordic Marketplaces during the first half of 2021, we remain confident in the growth potential of this business and keep our medium- to long-term target to grow annual revenues by 8-12 percent for this segment. In 2021, growth will be at the high end of this range or potentially even above, due to the strong re-bounce effects we are observing, especially in the job vertical, when society now returns to a more normal situation again. We expect that the growth going forward primarily will be driven by three things. First, by leveraging our Nordic market positions driven by the development of better products and value-added services for our verticals. Second, the transformation to next generation marketplaces. And finally, by expanding into new marketplaces. The high growth ambitions and the transformation towards the next generation of marketplaces will require increased investments in product and technology over time. The costs within these functional areas will therefore increase going forward. This will potentially have a negative effect on margins as the costs occur, as will the effect from lower margins on some of the new transactional services that will be launched.
The pandemic initially had a significant negative effect on digital advertising revenues within News Media. The last two quarters though have shown significant improvement in digital advertising, with Q2 revenues growing strongly YoY with a solid increase also compared to 2019. Looking ahead, the most important matter is the continued transition to a future oriented, digitally focused news organization with an even stronger emphasis on our subscription business. Already today, News Media has a strong and loyal customer base in As a result, gross operating profit (EBITDA) increased by 37 percent in Q2 2021, compared to Q2 2020. Gross operating profit (EBITDA) for the quarter amounted to EUR 53 million compared to EUR 39 million in Q2 2020.
For more details, please refer to Adevinta's trading update for Q2 published 15 July 2021 on www.adevinta.com/ir.
Norway and Sweden with close to 1.3 million subscriptions in total, to be further strengthened with the acquisition of PodMe in Q2 2021. News Media will continue to pursue opportunities to further capitalize on these positions, which will enable us to secure News Media's long-term financial profitability and safeguard its high relevance for society. News Media announced a cost program of NOK 500 million in Q1 2020 (the net effect will be reduced by inflation and wage increases) to accelerate the digital transformation of the business. The implementation of the program is progressing well with around NOK 330 million of cost savings per Q2 2021. On the back of these good underlying trends and our strategy, we expect an annual low single-digit revenue growth in the medium-term and a medium-term EBITDA margin for News Media in the range of 10-12 percent. Depending on the further development in the advertising market, both revenues and margins in 2021 may end up in the upper part of or slightly above our mid-term guidance.
Within Next (Financial Services and Growth), Lendo is expected to grow well over time. In the shorter term, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a slower revenue development, as banks have been more restrictive due to increased macroeconomic uncertainty. Driven by increased competition in Sweden, we have lately also observed increased unit costs in performance marketing channels and expect this trend to continue. The investment into new markets for Lendo will continue. In Q4 2020 we started to launch the service in Spain, and in Q2 2021 we entered the Portugese market. Lendo's expansion is expected to affect EBITDA negatively with around NOK 70-80 million in 2021. In Distribution, we expect continued strong revenue growth and will continue to focus on new and innovative product and tech solutions supporting the strong megatrend of growth within e-commerce which will lead to some investments.
Across all business areas, use of data is getting more and more important for a wide range of purposes – from development to personalization of products and services. At the same time, collection and utilization of data has become increasingly complex due to development in the regulatory framework as well as technical restrictions, such as tracking prevention implemented by internet browsers. Schibsted has good progress on a Group wide data strategy and our goal is to ensure sustainable use of data going forward.
Schibsted's consolidated operating revenues in the first half of 2021 totaled NOK 7,019 million, up 15 percent compared to last year. The Group's gross operating profit (EBITDA) amounted to NOK 1,338 million, equivalent to a growth rate of 71 percent.
Depreciation and amortisation were NOK -454 million (NOK -393 million), mainly related to software, licenses, and right-of-use assets (leasing). Other income in the first half of 2021 were NOK 74 million (NOK 129 million), mainly related to gain from remeasurement of previously held equity interests in PodMe. Other expenses were NOK -76 million (NOK 70 million) related to the acquisition of the Danish eBay classifieds company and integration of Oikotie, and headcount reductions. Other income and expenses are disclosed in note 4.
Operating profit in the first half of 2021 amounted to NOK 761 million (NOK 402 million).
The Group reported a tax expense of NOK -128 million (20%) compared to an income of NOK 236 million (75%) in the first half of 2020. The reported tax rate is positively affected by nontaxable gains and deductible losses from hedging the acquisition of eBay Denmark, offset by the recognized impairment loss on goodwill.
Profit (loss) after taxes from discontinued operations (Adevinta business) amounted to NOK 59,970 million (NOK -468 million). Profit in Adevinta is adjusted for the effect of not depreciating, amortising, and impairing of non-current assets and for discontinuing the equity method for associated companies and joint ventures in Adevinta. This affected profit (loss) from discontinued operations positively by NOK 304 million after tax in the first half of 2021. Profit (loss) after taxes from discontinued operations includes a NOK 60 billion gain related to loss of control of Adevinta. For further details see note 2 and note 6.
Basic earnings per share in the first half of 2021 was NOK 259.95 compared to NOK 1.10 in the first half of 2020. Basic earnings per share from continuing operations in the first half of 2021 was NOK 2.03 compared to NOK 2.25 in the first half of 2020.
Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations in the first half of 2021 is NOK 2.41 compared to NOK 2.00 in the first half of 2020.
Net cash flow from operating activities excluding discontinued operations was NOK 977 million for the first half of 2021, compared to NOK 419 million in the same period of 2020. The increased cash flow is mainly explained by increased EBITDA, a positive change in working capital and reduced tax payments.
Net cash flow from investing activities excluding discontinued operations was NOK -3,534 million for the first half of 2021, compared to NOK -348 million in the same period of 2020. The increased cash outflow is mainly related to the acquisition of eBay Denmark and PodMe.
Net cash flow from financing activities excluding discontinued operations was NOK 2,086 million for the first half of 2021 compared to NOK -319 million in the same period of 2020. Financing activities is mainly related to net change in interestbearing borrowings, due to repayment of a NOK 600 million bond with maturity in May 2021 and drawing a NOK 3.3 billion bridge facility in connection with the closing of the acquisition of eBay Denmark. Schibsted also paid out dividend of NOK 468 million during the first half of 2021. Please see note 7 for more details on cash flow from continuing operations.
In discontinued operations, net cash flow from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities were NOK 341 million (NOK 587 million), NOK -1,380 million (NOK -360 million) and NOK -392 million (NOK 2,441 million) respectively.
The carrying amount of the Group's assets increased by NOK 36,298 million to NOK 84,776 million during the first half of 2021, mainly related to remeasurement of the investment in Adevinta as an associate at fair value. Schibsted's equity ratio is 84 percent at the end of June 2021, compared to 33 percent the end of 2020.
Schibsted has a well-diversified loan portfolio with loans from both the Norwegian bond market, a group of relationship banks and the Nordic Investment bank. A bond (FRN) of NOK 600 million was repaid at maturity 6 May.
The bridge loan facility was drawn by NOK 3.3 billion at closing of the acquisition in Denmark at the end of June and the remaining facility amount is cancelled. In addition, Schibsted had a revolving credit facility of EUR 300 million which was not drawn as of 30 June 2021. This facility has successfully been refinanced by a new EUR 300 million multi-currency revolving credit facility. The new facility was signed 9th of July and has a term of 5 years, with two 1-year extension options. The new facility is not drawn and secures a strong liquidity buffer going forward.
The cash balance at the end of June 2021 was NOK 727 million giving a net interest-bearing debt of NOK 5,696 million. Including the undrawn facility, the liquidity reserve amounts to NOK 3,778 million. Dividend for 2020 of NOK 2.00 per share was paid in May, totally amounting to NOK 468 million.
Following the completion of Adevinta's acquisition of eBay Classifieds Group on 25 June 2021, Schibsted lost control over Adevinta and ceased to consolidate Adevinta with effect from closing of the acquisition. The retained ownership interest in Adevinta will be accounted for as an associate and share of profit (loss) of Adevinta will be reported with one quarter lag commencing Q4 2021.
See note 2 and note 6 for further details.

| Second quarter | Year to date | Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Operating revenues | 3,619 | 3,073 | 7,019 | 6,099 | 12,908 |
| Raw materials and finished goods | (129) | (100) | (275) | (193) | (454) |
| Personnel expenses | (1,366) | (1,189) | (2,665) | (2,410) | (4,905) |
| Other operating expenses | (1,380) | (1,286) | (2,741) | (2,713) | (5,422) |
| Gross operating profit (loss) | 743 | 498 | 1,338 | 783 | 2,126 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | (233) | (199) | (454) | (393) | (829) |
| Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures and associates | (22) | (4) | (23) | (34) | (44) |
| Impairment loss | (91) | (13) | (97) | (13) | (61) |
| Other income | 64 | 63 | 74 | 129 | 146 |
| Other expenses | (45) | (59) | (76) | (70) | (237) |
| Operating profit (loss) | 415 | 285 | 761 | 402 | 1,101 |
| Financial income | 4 | 7 | 8 | 24 | 37 |
| Financial expenses | (58) | (53) | (114) | (110) | (197) |
| Profit (loss) before taxes | 362 | 239 | 655 | 316 | 941 |
| Taxes | (57) | 264 | (128) | 236 | 128 |
| Profit (loss) from continuing operations | 305 | 503 | 527 | 552 | 1,068 |
| Profit (loss) from discontinued operations | 60,471 | (34) | 59,970 | (468) | (233) |
| Profit (loss) | 60,776 | 469 | 60,497 | 84 | 836 |
| Profit (loss) attributable to: | |||||
| Non-controlling interests | (135) | (1) | (310) | (173) | (22) |
| Owners of the parent | 60,911 | 471 | 60,807 | 257 | 858 |
| Earnings per share in NOK: | |||||
| Basic | 260.36 | 2.01 | 259.95 | 1.10 | 3.67 |
| Diluted | 259.92 | 2.01 | 259.48 | 1.10 | 3.66 |
| Earnings per share from continuing operations in NOK: | |||||
| Basic | 1.18 | 2.09 | 2.03 | 2.25 | 4.30 |
| Diluted | 1.18 | 2.08 | 2.03 | 2.25 | 4.29 |
| Second quarter | Year to date | Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Profit (loss) | 60,776 | 469 | 60,497 | 84 | 836 |
| Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss: | |||||
| Remeasurements of defined benefit pension liabilities | - | (93) | - | (393) | (148) |
| Cash flow hedges | (51) | - | 672 | - | (1,626) |
| Change in fair value of equity instruments | (2) | (16) | (1) | (17) | (18) |
| Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates |
- | - | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Income tax relating to items that will not be reclassified | (50) | 20 | (21) | 87 | 53 |
| Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss: | |||||
| Foreign exchange differences | 740 | (1,079) | (318) | 792 | 148 |
| Accumulated exchange differences reclassified to profit or loss on disposal of foreign operation |
480 | - | 587 | - | 22 |
| Cash flow hedges and hedges of net investments in foreign operations |
(31) | 166 | 130 | (267) | (223) |
| Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates |
5 | 2 | 4 | 2 | (2) |
| Income tax relating to items that may be reclassified | 17 | (29) | (31) | 65 | 48 |
| Other comprehensive income | 1,109 | (1,030) | 1,022 | 267 | (1,745) |
| Total comprehensive income | 61,885 | (561) | 61,519 | 351 | (909) |
| Total comprehensive income attributable to: | |||||
| Non-controlling interests | 18 | (405) | (87) | 76 | (661) |
| Owners of the parent | 61,867 | (156) | 61,606 | 274 | (249) |
| (NOK million) | 30 Jun 2021 | 30 Jun 2020 | 31 Dec 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intangible assets | 9,420 | 19,014 | 6,018 |
| Property, plant and equipment and investment property | 499 | 745 | 480 |
| Right-of-use assets | 1,516 | 2,735 | 1,620 |
| Investments in joint ventures and associates | 69,883 | 4,062 | 922 |
| Deferred tax assets | 716 | 588 | 690 |
| Other non-current assets | 132 | 344 | 101 |
| Non-current assets | 82,166 | 27,489 | 9,832 |
| Contract assets | 267 | 226 | 173 |
| Trade receivables and other current assets | 1,617 | 3,147 | 1,792 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 727 | 6,282 | 1,306 |
| Assets held for sale | - | - | 35,375 |
| Current assets | 2,610 | 9,655 | 38,646 |
| Total assets | 84,776 | 37,144 | 48,478 |
| Paid-in equity | 7,026 | 6,990 | 7,028 |
| Other equity | 64,120 | 3,696 | 3,151 |
| Equity attributable to owners of the parent | 71,145 | 10,686 | 10,178 |
| Non-controlling interests | 112 | 6,402 | 5,675 |
| Equity | 71,257 | 17,088 | 15,853 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 641 | 1,020 | 351 |
| Pension liabilities | 1,065 | 1,450 | 1,154 |
| Non-current interest-bearing loans and borrowings | 6,344 | 5,297 | 3,090 |
| Non-current lease liabilities | 1,388 | 2,579 | 1,503 |
| Other non-current liabilities | 389 | 411 | 317 |
| Non-current liabilities | 9,827 | 10,757 | 6,416 |
| Current interest-bearing loans and borrowings | 79 | 3,133 | 678 |
| Income tax payable | 122 | 115 | 74 |
| Current lease liabilities | 298 | 446 | 286 |
| Contract liabilities | 632 | 1,227 | 600 |
| Other current liabilities | 2,562 | 4,378 | 2,537 |
| Liabilities held for sale | - | - | 22,034 |
| Current liabilities | 3,692 | 9,299 | 26,209 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 84,776 | 37,144 | 48,478 |
The statement of cash flows is prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and includes cash flows from discontinued operations. For detailed information on cash flows from continuing operations, see note 7.
| Second quarter | Year to date | Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Profit (loss) before taxes from continuing operations | 362 | 239 | 655 | 316 | 941 |
| Profit (loss) before taxes from discontinued operations | 205 | 61 | (130) | (247) | 154 |
| Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses | 326 | 374 | 552 | 710 | 1,226 |
| Net effect pension liabilities | (24) | 4 | (79) | (42) | (7) |
| Share of loss (profit) of joint ventures and associates, net of dividends received |
24 | (18) | 36 | 9 | 52 |
| Taxes paid | (198) | (174) | (397) | (333) | (819) |
| Sales losses (gains) non-current assets and other non cash losses (gains) |
(31) | (58) | 522 | (124) | (189) |
| Non-cash items and change in working capital and provisions |
(61) | 39 | 159 | 717 | 1,043 |
| Net cash flow from operating activities | 602 | 467 | 1,318 | 1,005 | 2,402 |
| -of which from continuing operations | 678 | 320 | 977 | 419 | 1,292 |
| -of which from discontinued operations | (76) | 146 | 341 | 587 | 1,110 |
| Development and purchase of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment |
(276) | (295) | (545) | (553) | (1,069) |
| Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | (2,947) | - | (2,975) | (76) | (2,025) |
| Proceeds from sale of intangible assets, investment property and property, plant and equipment |
10 | 115 | 15 | 115 | 116 |
| Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries, net of cash sold | (1,278) | 14 | (1,125) | 99 | 426 |
| Net sale of (investment in) other shares | (64) | (59) | (127) | (139) | (254) |
| Net change in other investments | 45 | (117) | (157) | (155) | (3,302) |
| Net cash flow from investing activities | (4,510) | (342) | (4,914) | (708) | (6,109) |
| -of which from continuing operations | (3,110) | (183) | (3,534) | (348) | (2,654) |
| -of which from discontinued operations | (1,400) | (159) | (1,380) | (360) | (3,455) |
| Net change in interest-bearing loans and borrowings | 2,700 | 2,538 | 2,699 | 2,530 | 3,276 |
| Payment of principal portion of lease liabilities | (131) | (105) | (253) | (193) | (419) |
| Change in ownership interests in subsidiaries (Note 2) | - | (61) | (227) | (61) | (91) |
| Capital increase | - | - | - | 8 | 8 |
| Net sale (purchase) of treasury shares | 7 | 3 | 17 | (104) | (90) |
| Dividends paid | (542) | (54) | (542) | (60) | (61) |
| Net cash flow from financing activities | 2,034 | 2,322 | 1,694 | 2,121 | 2,624 |
| -of which from continuing operations | 2,155 | (164) | 2,086 | (319) | (498) |
| -of which from discontinued operations | (120) | 2,487 | (392) | 2,441 | 3,122 |
| Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
31 | (142) | (48) | (2) | (105) |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (1,842) | 2,305 | (1,951) | 2,417 | (1,188) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at start of period | 2,569 | 3,977 | 2,678 | 3,866 | 3,866 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 727 | 6,282 | 727 | 6,282 | 2,678 |
| -of which cash and cash equivalents in assets held for sale |
- | - | - | - | 1,371 |
| -of which cash and cash equivalents excluding assets held for sale |
727 | 6,282 | 727 | 6,282 | 1,306 |
| Attributable | Non | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | to owners of the parent |
controlling interests |
Equity |
| Equity as at 31 Dec 2020 | 10,178 | 5,675 | 15,853 |
| Profit (loss) for the period | 60,807 | (310) | 60,497 |
| Other comprehensive income | 799 | 223 | 1,022 |
| Total comprehensive income | 61,606 | (87) | 61,519 |
| Share-based payment | (2) | (8) | (10) |
| Dividends paid to owners of the parent | (468) | - | (468) |
| Dividends paid to non-controlling interests | 16 | (139) | (123) |
| Change in treasury shares | 17 | - | 17 |
| Business combinations | - | 15 | 15 |
| Loss of control of subsidiaries | - | (5,249) | (5,249) |
| Changes in ownership of subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control (Note 2) |
(134) | (95) | (229) |
| Share of transactions with the owners of joint ventures and associates |
(67) | - | (67) |
| Equity as at 30 Jun 2021 | 71,145 | 112 | 71,257 |
| Equity as at 31 Dec 2019 | 10,498 | 6,383 | 16,882 |
| Profit (loss) for the period | 257 | (173) | 84 |
| Other comprehensive income | 18 | 249 | 267 |
| Total comprehensive income | 274 | 76 | 351 |
| Capital increase | - | 8 | 8 |
| Share-based payment | 23 | 4 | 27 |
| Dividends paid to non-controlling interests | 15 | (60) | (45) |
| Change in treasury shares | (104) | - | (104) |
| Loss of control of subsidiaries | - | (2) | (2) |
| Changes in ownership of subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control |
(2) | (8) | (10) |
| Share of transactions with the owners of joint ventures and associates |
(19) | - | (19) |
| Equity as at 30 Jun 2020 | 10,686 | 6,402 | 17,088 |
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements comprise the Group and the Group's interests in joint ventures and associates. The interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.
The interim financial statements are unaudited. All numbers are in NOK million unless otherwise stated. Tables may not summarise due to rounding.
The accounting policies adopted in preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in preparing the Group's annual financial statements for 2020.
Adevinta is classified as a discontinued operation until loss of control as disclosed in Note 2 Changes in the composition of the group. Previous periods are re-presented, reflecting Adevinta as discontinued for all reported periods until loss of control. The re-presentation affects the income statement and related note disclosures.
In July 2020, Schibsted announced that its subsidiary Adevinta ASA had signed an agreement to acquire 100% of eBay Classified Group being the global classifieds operations of eBay Inc (eBay). The transaction was completed on 25 June 2021. Under the terms of the agreement, eBay received a consideration of USD 2.5 billion in cash and approximately 540 million shares in Adevinta representing an ownership interest of 44.1% of the capital and 33.3% of the votes.
The share issue of Adevinta ASA diluted the ownership interest of Schibsted in Adevinta to 33.1% of the capital and 39.5% of the votes, thereby resulting in Schibsted losing control of Adevinta. The accounting gain recognised in relation to loss of control amounts to NOK 60 billion. The gain primarily reflects the difference between the fair value of the retained interest in Adevinta being recognised and the carrying amounts of Adevinta as a subsidiary being derecognized. Further, the net gain reflects reclassification of accumulated translation differences and transaction cost. The loss of control affects consolidated cash flows negatively by the cash of Adevinta being disposed of. The gain is included in the line item Profit (loss) after taxes from discontinued operations. See note 6 Assets held for sale and discontinued operations.
Subsequent to loss of control, the retained interest in Adevinta will be accounted for as an associate applying the equity method of accounting. Share of profit (loss) recognised will reflect Schibsted's share of profit (loss) as reported by Adevinta with appropriate adjustments for depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets based on their fair values when equity accounting commences. As Adevinta will be issuing interim financial statements later than Schibsted, share of profit (loss) of Adevinta will be reported with a one quarter lag.
During the first half year of 2021, Schibsted (continuing operations) invested NOK 2,956 million related to business combinations, whereof NOK 2,830 is related to the acquisition of eBay Classifieds Scandinavia ApS. The amount comprises cash consideration transferred reduced by cash and cash equivalents of the acquiree.
As part of Adevinta's acquisition of eBay Classified Group, Schibsted acquired the Danish operations of eBay Classified Group (DBA.dk and bilbasen.dk) from Adevinta through the acquisition of 100% of the shares of eBay Classifieds Scandinavia ApS. With the completion of the acquisition, Schibsted added a strong online classifieds business with solid margins to its portfolio and obtained access to a digitally advanced and attractive market for online classifieds. The transaction was completed on 25 June 2021 with consolidation in practice commencing at the end of June 2021.
In June 2021, Schibsted obtained control over the Swedish premium podcast company PodMe AB through increasing its ownership interest from 48% to 91% through acquisition of shares. The brand will be central in Schibsted's strategy for subscription-based podcasts. The previously held ownership interest was accounted for as an associate and was remeasured at fair value at the acquisition date resulting in a gain of NOK 50 million recognised in the line item Other income.
Schibsted has also been involved in other minor business combinations.
Due to pre-completion restrictions on access to financial information, Schibsted has not been able to perform the valuations of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, required for a final purchase price allocation. The allocations recognised for the acquired businesses are preliminary, reflecting an allocation primarily to intangible assets including goodwill.

In November 2020,the Norwegian Competition Authority (NCA) resolved to prohibit the business combination between Schibsted and Nettbil, which was acquired in December 2019. Schibsted appealed the decision to the Norwegian Competition Tribunal. In May Schibsted received the decision from the Norwegian Competition Tribunal, confirming the NCA's decision that Schibsted was not allowed to acquire Nettbil. The decision may be appealed to the Court of Appeal within 27 August 2021, and Schibsted is currently considering the next steps.
The cash outflow from changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries of NOK 227 million in the first half of 2021 relate to Adevinta ASA having purchased treasury shares.
Schibsted has done some minor adjustments to the reporting structure effective Q1 2021. Certain operations (Tv.nu, Klart Vädertjänster, Vinguiden Nordic, Omni.se and Schibsted Tilväkstmedier Annonsförsälning) are transferred between Growth and News Media, and the definition of Classifieds revenues within Nordic Marketplaces is updated. The adjustments are made to reflect changes in internal reporting and monitoring of the businesses. Operating segments and disaggregation of revenues for 2020 have been restated retrospectively to give comparable information.
Schibsted's operating segments are Nordic Marketplaces, News Media, Financial Services and Growth.
Nordic Marketplaces comprises online classified operations in Norway (Finn), Sweden (Blocket) and Finland (Tori and Oikotie). These operations provide technology-based services to connect buyers and sellers and facilitate transactions, from job offers to real estate, cars, travel, consumer goods and more. Nordic Marketplaces also includes adjacent businesses such as Nettbil and Qasa.
News Media comprises news brands such as VG, Aftenposten, Bergens Tidende in Norway and Aftonbladet and Svenska Dagbladet in Sweden both in paper and digital formats, in addition to printing plant operations in the Norwegian market.
Financial Services consists of a portfolio of companies in the digital personal finance space, mainly in Norway and Sweden. Lendo is the key brand in the portfolio, offering digital marketplaces for consumer lending.
Growth consists of a portfolio of digital companies operating mainly in Norway and Sweden, such as Prisjakt. In addition, the distribution operations in Norway deliver not only newspapers but also parcels for businesses and consumers.
Other / Headquarters comprises operations not included in the other reported operating segments, including the Group's headquarter Schibsted ASA and other centralised functions including Product and Technology.
Eliminations comprise intersegment sales. Transactions between operating segments are conducted on normal commercial terms.
In the operating segment information presented, Gross operating profit (loss) is used as measure of operating segment profit (loss). For internal control and monitoring, Operating profit (loss) is also used as measure of operating segment profit (loss).
| Nordic | Other / | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market | News | Financial | Head | Elimina | |||
| Second quarter 2021 | -places | Media | Services | Growth | -quarters | -tions | Schibsted |
| Operating revenues | 1,047 | 1,947 | 271 | 689 | 158 | (494) | 3,619 |
| -of which internal | 27 | 173 | - | 144 | 150 | (494) | - |
| Gross operating profit (loss) | 489 | 275 | 39 | 13 | (73) | - | 743 |
| Operating profit (loss) | 410 | 159 | (74) | 19 | (99) | - | 415 |
| Second quarter 2020 | |||||||
| Operating revenues | 753 | 1,802 | 252 | 604 | 177 | (516) | 3,073 |
| -of which internal | 19 | 199 | 1 | 142 | 156 | (516) | - |
| Gross operating profit (loss) | 341 | 148 | 31 | 33 | (54) | - | 498 |
| Operating profit (loss) | 303 | 63 | (3) | 4 | (81) | - | 285 |
| Year to date 2021 | |||||||
| Operating revenues | 1,924 | 3,792 | 550 | 1,434 | 319 | (999) | 7,019 |
| -of which internal | 49 | 350 | 1 | 296 | 303 | (999) | - |
| Gross operating profit (loss) | 849 | 481 | 89 | 48 | (128) | - | 1,338 |
| Operating profit (loss) | 689 | 265 | (43) | 21 | (171) | - | 761 |
| Year to date 2020 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating revenues | 1,496 | 3,572 | 545 | 1,148 | 344 | (1,007) | 6,099 |
| -of which internal | 41 | 373 | 1 | 292 | 300 | (1,007) | - |
| Gross operating profit (loss) | 639 | 184 | 69 | 14 | (123) | - | 783 |
| Operating profit (loss) | 564 | 33 | 3 | (34) | (164) | - | 402 |
| Year 2020 | |||||||
| Operating revenues | 3,181 | 7,459 | 1,100 | 2,517 | 668 | (2,017) | 12,908 |
| -of which internal | 84 | 739 | 2 | 597 | 594 | (2,017) | - |
| Gross operating profit (loss) | 1,336 | 750 | 203 | 109 | (272) | - | 2,126 |
| Operating profit (loss) | 1,043 | 385 | 90 | (48) | (368) | - | 1,101 |
| Nordic | Other / | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market | News | Financial | Head | Elimina | |||
| Second quarter 2021 | -places | Media | Services | Growth | -quarters | -tions | Schibsted |
| Classifieds revenues | 833 | - | - | - | - | - | 832 |
| Advertising revenues | 136 | 711 | - | 47 | - | (51) | 843 |
| -of which digital | 136 | 536 | - | 47 | - | (50) | 670 |
| Subscription revenues | - | 690 | - | 64 | - | - | 753 |
| -of which digital | - | 311 | - | 64 | - | - | 374 |
| Casual sales | - | 282 | - | - | - | - | 282 |
| Other revenues | 78 | 235 | 271 | 579 | 142 | (414) | 890 |
| Revenues from contracts with customers |
1,047 | 1,918 | 271 | 689 | 142 | (466) | 3,601 |
| Revenues from lease contracts, government grants and others |
- | 30 | - | - | 16 | (28) | 18 |
| Operating revenues | 1,047 | 1,947 | 271 | 689 | 158 | (494) | 3,619 |
| Second quarter 2020 | |||||||
| Classifieds revenues | 590 | - | - | - | - | - | 590 |
| Advertising revenues | 106 | 552 | - | 53 | - | (58) | 653 |
| -of which digital | 106 | 392 | - | 53 | - | (56) | 495 |
| Subscription revenues | - | 657 | - | 61 | - | (1) | 717 |
| -of which digital | - | 263 | - | 61 | - | - | 324 |
| Casual sales | - | 315 | - | - | - | - | 315 |
| Other revenues | 57 | 253 | 252 | 490 | 161 | (430) | 784 |
| Revenues from contracts with customers |
753 | 1,776 | 252 | 604 | 161 | (488) | 3,058 |
| Revenues from lease contracts, government grants and others |
- | 26 | - | - | 16 | (27) | 15 |
| Operating revenues | 753 | 1,802 | 252 | 604 | 177 | (516) | 3,073 |
| Year to date 2021 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classifieds revenues | 1,535 | - | - | - | - | (1) | 1,534 |
| Advertising revenues | 244 | 1,318 | - | 89 | - | (102) | 1,549 |
| -of which digital | 244 | 987 | - | 89 | - | (99) | 1,221 |
| Subscription revenues | - | 1,389 | - | 128 | - | - | 1,516 |
| -of which digital | - | 621 | - | 128 | - | - | 748 |
| Casual sales | - | 555 | - | - | - | - | 555 |
| Other revenues | 145 | 472 | 550 | 1,216 | 286 | (838) | 1,831 |
| Revenues from contracts with | 1,923 | 3,734 | 550 | 1,433 | 286 | (942) | 6,985 |
| customers | |||||||
| Revenues from lease contracts, | - | 58 | - | 1 | 33 | (57) | 34 |
| government grants and others | |||||||
| Operating revenues | 1,924 | 3,792 | 550 | 1,434 | 319 | (999) | 7,019 |
| Year to date 2020 Classifieds revenues |
1,183 | - | - | - | - | (1) | 1,183 |
| Advertising revenues | 207 | 1,105 | - | 92 | - | (99) | 1,305 |
| -of which digital | 207 | 764 | - | 92 | - | (95) | 968 |
| Subscription revenues | - | 1,289 | - | 119 | - | (1) | 1,407 |
| -of which digital | - | 505 | - | 119 | - | - | 625 |
| Casual sales | - | 621 | - | - | - | - | 621 |
| Other revenues | 105 | 508 | 545 | 936 | 313 | (852) | 1,556 |
| Revenues from contracts with customers |
1,496 | 3,523 | 545 | 1,148 | 313 | (953) | 6,071 |
| Revenues from lease contracts, | 1 | 49 | - | - | 32 | (53) | 28 |
| government grants and others | |||||||
| Operating revenues | 1,496 | 3,572 | 545 | 1,148 | 344 | (1,007) | 6,099 |
| Year 2020 | |||||||
| Classifieds revenues | 2,486 | - | - | - | - | (1) | 2,485 |
| Advertising revenues | 449 | 2,377 | - | 203 | - | (200) | 2,829 |
| -of which digital | 449 | 1,694 | - | 203 | - | (193) | 2,153 |
| Subscription revenues | - | 2,658 | - | 249 | - | (2) | 2,905 |
| -of which digital | - | 1,088 | - | 249 | - | - | 1,336 |
| Casual sales | - | 1,256 | - | - | - | - | 1,256 |
| Other revenues | 244 | 1,015 | 1,100 | 2,065 | 604 | (1,702) | 3,326 |
| Revenues from contracts with | 3,179 | 7,307 | 1,100 | 2,517 | 604 | (1,906) | 12,800 |
| customers | |||||||
| Revenues from lease contracts, government grants and others |
1 | 153 | - | - | 64 | (110) | 107 |
| Operating revenues | 3,181 | 7,459 | 1,100 | 2,517 | 668 | (2,017) | 12,908 |
| Second quarter | Year to date | Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Gain on sale of subsidiaries, joint ventures and | 5 | (1) | 8 | 66 | 75 |
| associates | |||||
| Gain on sale of intangible assets, property, plant and | 2 | 51 | 2 | 51 | 51 |
| equipment and investment property | |||||
| Gain from remeasurement of previously held equity | 50 | - | 50 | - | - |
| interests in business combinations achieved in stages | |||||
| Gain on amendments and curtailment of pension plans | 7 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 21 |
| Total other income | 64 | 63 | 74 | 129 | 146 |
| Restructuring costs | (30) | (59) | (43) | (70) | (134) |
| Transaction-related costs | (15) | - | (32) | (1) | (101) |
| Loss on sale of subsidiaries, joint ventures and | - | - | - | - | (2) |
| associates | |||||
| Total other expenses | (45) | (59) | (76) | (70) | (237) |
For further information on Gain from remeasurement of previously held equity interests, see Note 2.
Transaction-related costs in first half of 2021 mainly relate to the acquisition of eBay Denmark.
Impairment loss of NOK -97 million in first half of 2021 includes impairment of goodwill, primarily related to Compricer.
| Second quarter | Year to date | Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Interest income | 2 | 7 | 5 | 23 | 29 |
| Net foreign exchange gain | - | - | - | - | 3 |
| Other financial income | 3 | - | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Total financial income | 4 | 7 | 8 | 24 | 37 |
| Interest expenses | (50) | (46) | (94) | (89) | (176) |
| Net foreign exchange loss | (1) | (3) | (7) | (12) | - |
| Other financial expenses | (7) | (4) | (13) | (9) | (21) |
| Total financial expenses | (58) | (53) | (114) | (110) | (197) |
| Net financial items | (53) | (46) | (106) | (86) | (161) |
Adevinta was classified as a disposal group held for sale with effect from the date of Adevinta signing the agreement to acquire 100 percent of eBay Classified Group (20 July 2020) and until control was lost. The assets and liabilities of Adevinta were presented separately within current items in the statement of financial position. No depreciation, amortisation or impairment losses are recognised for non-current assets while being part of a disposal group classified as held for sale. Further, the use of the equity method of accounting is discontinued for investments in joint ventures and associates of a disposal group. Adevinta represented a separate major line of business and was therefore classified as a discontinued
operation with effect from signing of the agreement. The posttax profits of discontinued operations are presented in a separate line item in the income statement. Previous periods are re-presented.
Profit (loss) after taxes from discontinued operations includes a NOK 60 billion gain related to loss of control of Adevinta in the first half of 2021.
See also note 2 Changes in the composition of the group.
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations can be analysed as follows:
| Second quarter | Year to date | Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Operating revenues | 1,937 | 1,572 | 3,799 | 3,364 | 7,133 |
| Operating expenses | (1,406) | (1,152) | (2,725) | (2,528) | (5,189) |
| Gross operating profit (loss) | 532 | 420 | 1,074 | 835 | 1,944 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | - | (162) | - | (303) | (337) |
| Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures and associates | - | 22 | - | 25 | 15 |
| Impairment loss | - | - | - | - | - |
| Other income | 3 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 76 |
| Other expenses | (484) | (40) | (1,179) | (57) | (500) |
| Operating profit (loss) | 51 | 248 | (102) | 508 | 1,199 |
| Net financial items | 154 | (188) | (28) | (755) | (1,045) |
| Profit (loss) before taxes | 205 | 61 | (130) | (247) | 154 |
| Taxes | (176) | (95) | (342) | (221) | (387) |
| Profit (loss) after taxes from discontinued operations | 29 | (34) | (472) | (468) | (233) |
| Gain on loss of control | 60,411 | - | 60,411 | - | - |
| Related income tax expense | 30 | - | 30 | - | - |
| Profit (loss) from discontinued operations | 60,471 | (34) | 59,970 | (468) | (233) |
| Other comprehensive income from discontinued | 843 | (953) | 1,107 | 383 | (1,723) |
| operations | |||||
| Total comprehensive income from discontinued | 61,314 | (987) | 61,077 | (85) | (1,956) |
| operations | |||||
| Total comprehensive income from discontinued | |||||
| operations attributable to: | |||||
| Non-controlling interests | (12) | (421) | (137) | 48 | (728) |
| Owners of the parent | 61,326 | (566) | 61,214 | (133) | (1,228) |
| Earnings per share from discontinued operations in NOK: |
|||||
| Basic | 259.18 | (0.07) | 257.92 | (1.15) | (0.63) |
| Diluted | 258.74 | (0.07) | 257.45 | (1.15) | (0.63) |
Intra-group eliminations between continuing and discontinued operations are attributed to discontinued operations as that approach is considered to provide the most relevant information related to results of continuing operations on an ongoing basis. This attribution results in certain deviations in amounts presented for discontinued operations above and amounts previously reported for Adevinta as an operating segment.
The effects from not including depreciation, amortisation, impairment and discontinuing the equity method affect profit (loss) from discontinued operations positively by NOK 851 million before taxes and by NOK 741 million after taxes in the first half of 2021. In the first half of 2021 profit (loss) after taxes from discontinued operations also included a NOK -437 million loss related to Adevinta's disposal of Yapo.cl, in addition to the loss reported in Adevinta.
The consolidated statement of cash flows includes the following cash flow related to continuing operations:
| Second quarter | Year to date | Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (NOK million) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Profit (loss) before taxes from continuing operations | 362 | 239 | 655 | 316 | 941 |
| Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses | 326 | 213 | 552 | 406 | 890 |
| Net effect pension liabilities | (29) | - | (89) | (49) | (44) |
| Share of loss (profit) of joint ventures and associates, net of dividends received |
22 | 4 | 23 | 34 | 44 |
| Taxes paid | (54) | (32) | (159) | (184) | (371) |
| Sales losses (gains) non-current assets and other non cash losses (gains) |
(57) | (50) | (59) | (116) | (124) |
| Non-cash items and change in working capital and provisions |
108 | (54) | 54 | 13 | (45) |
| Net cash flow from operating activities from | 678 | 320 | 977 | 419 | 1,292 |
| continuing operations | |||||
| Development and purchase of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment |
(158) | (170) | (317) | (309) | (602) |
| Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | (2,944) | - | (2,956) | - | (1,951) |
| Proceeds from sale of intangible assets, investment property and property, plant and equipment |
7 | 115 | 11 | 115 | 116 |
| Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries, net of cash sold | - | 12 | - | 97 | 94 |
| Net sale of (investment in) other shares | (60) | (29) | (115) | (102) | (173) |
| Net change in other investments | 45 | (111) | (157) | (149) | (138) |
| Net cash flow from investing activities from | (3,110) | (183) | (3,534) | (348) | (2,654) |
| continuing operations | |||||
| Net change in interest-bearing loans and borrowings | 2,700 | - | 2,699 | - | (2) |
| Payment of principal portion of lease liabilities | (84) | (75) | (162) | (125) | (285) |
| Change in ownership interests in subsidiaries | - | (39) | - | (39) | (69) |
| Capital increase | - | - | - | 8 | 8 |
| Net sale (purchase) of treasury shares | 7 | 3 | 17 | (104) | (90) |
| Dividends paid | (468) | (54) | (468) | (60) | (61) |
| Net cash flow from financing activities from | 2,155 | (164) | 2,086 | (319) | (498) |
| continuing operations |
Second quarter Year to date Year (NOK million) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2020 Profit (loss) before taxes 362 239 655 316 941 Tax (expense) income based on weighted average tax rates* (79) (53) (143) (71) (211) Prior period adjustments 2 - 2 - (3) Tax effect of share of profit (loss) from joint ventures and associates (5) (1) (4) (7) (9) Tax effect of impairment loss on goodwill, joint ventures and associates (19) (2) (19) (2) (7) Tax effect of other permanent differences 50 10 47 21 1 Current period unrecognised deferred tax assets (7) (11) (11) (26) (36) Re-assessment of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets - 320 - 320 393 Tax (expense) income recognised in profit or loss (57) 264 (128) 236 128 *Weighted average tax rates 21.8% 22.1% 21.8% 22.4% 22.5%
The relationship between tax (expense) income and accounting profit (loss) before taxes is as follows:
Tax effect of other permanent differences for the first half of 2021 include tax effects from hedge accounting, gain from remeasurement of previously held equity interests and other non-deductible operating expenses.
We confirm that, to the best of our knowledge, the condensed set of financial statements for the first half-year of 2021 has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Statements, as endorsed by the EU, and gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the company and the Group taken as a whole.
To the best of our knowledge we confirm that the interim management report includes a fair review of important events during the accounting period, and their impact on the financial statements for the first half-year, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that the company is facing during the next accounting period and any major transactions with related parties.
| Ole Jacob Sunde (board chair) | Karl-Christian Agerup | Rune Bjerke |
|---|---|---|
| Torbjörn Ek | Satu Huber | Hugo Maurstad |
| Hans K. Mjelva | Anna Mossberg | Ingunn Saltbones |
| Philippe Vimard | Eugénie van Wiechen | Kristin Skogen Lund (CEO) |
The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with international financial reporting standards (IFRS). In addition, management uses certain alternative performance measures (APMs). The APMs are regularly reviewed by management and their aim is to enhance stakeholders' understanding of the company's performance and financial position alongside IFRS measures.
APMs should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of performance in accordance with IFRS.
APMs are calculated consistently over time and are based on financial data presented in accordance with IFRS and other operational data as described and reconciled below.
As APMs are not uniformly defined, the APMs set out below might not be comparable to similarly labelled measures by other companies.
Schibsted has done some minor adjustments to the reporting structure effective from first quarter 2021. Certain business areas are transferred from Growth to News Media and affected APMs are restated retrospectively to give comparable information. See note 3 Operating segments and disaggregation of revenues for more information.
With effect from first quarter 2021 Schibsted has ended the reporting of underlying tax rate. Due to changes in the composition of the Group, the previous APM does no longer provide increased understanding of deviations between accounting and taxable profits and a better measure of taxes payable by the Group, in addition to the information included in note 8 Income taxes.
| Measure | Description | Reason for including |
|---|---|---|
| EBITDA | EBITDA is earnings before depreciation and amortisation, other income and other expenses, impairment, joint ventures and associates, interests and taxes. The measure equals gross operating profit (loss). |
Shows performance regardless of capital structure, tax situation and adjusted for income and expenses related transactions and events not considered by management to be part of operating activities. Management believes the measure enables an evaluation of operating performance. |
| EBITDA margin | Gross operating profit (loss) / Operating revenues |
Shows the operations' performance regardless of capital structure and tax situation as a ratio to operating revenue. |
| Second quarter | Year to date | Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of EBITDA | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Gross operating profit (loss) | 743 | 498 | 1,338 | 783 | 2,126 |
| = EBITDA | 743 | 498 | 1,338 | 783 | 2,126 |
| Measure | Description | Reason for including |
|---|---|---|
| Liquidity reserve | Liquidity reserve is defined as the sum of cash and cash equivalents and Unutilised drawing rights on credit facilities. |
Management believes that liquidity reserve shows the total liquidity available for meeting current or future obligations. |
| 30 Jun | 31 Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquidity reserve | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 727 | 6,282 | 1,306 |
| Unutilized drawing rights | 3,052 | 7,638 | 6,806 |
| Liquidity reserve | 3,778 | 13,921 | 8,112 |
| Measure | Description | Reason for including |
|---|---|---|
| Net interest-bearing debt |
Net interest-bearing debt is defined as interest-bearing loans and borrowings less cash and cash equivalents and cash pool holdings. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings do not include lease liabilities. |
Management believes that net interest-bearing debt provides an indicator of the net indebtedness and an indicator of the overall strength of the statement of financial position. The use of net interest-bearing debt does not necessarily mean that the cash and cash equivalent and cash pool holdings are available to settle all liabilities in this measure. |
| 30 Jun | 31 Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net interest-bearing debt | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Non-current interest-bearing loans and borrowings | 6,344 | 5,297 | 3,090 |
| Current interest-bearing loans and borrowings | 79 | 3,133 | 678 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | (727) | (6,282) | (1,306) |
| Net interest-bearing debt | 5,696 | 2,147 | 2,462 |
| Measure | Description | Reason for including |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings per share adjusted (EPS (adj.)) |
Earnings per share adjusted for items reported as other income, other expenses and impairment loss, net of any related taxes and non-controlling interests. |
The measure is used for presenting earnings to shareholders adjusted for transactions and events not considered by management to be part of operating activities. Management believes the measure enables evaluating the development in earnings to shareholders unaffected by such non-operating activities. |
| Second quarter | Year to date | Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings per share - adjusted - total | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Profit (loss) attributable to owners of the parent | 60,911 | 471 | 60,807 | 257 | 858 |
| Other income | (67) | (71) | (77) | (137) | (223) |
| Other expenses | 529 | 99 | 1,256 | 127 | 736 |
| Impairment loss | 91 | 13 | 97 | 13 | 61 |
| Gain on loss of control of discontinued operations | (60,411) | - | (60,411) | - | - |
| Taxes and Non-controlling interests related to Other income and expenses, Impairment loss and Gain on loss of control of discontinued operations |
(232) | (37) | (522) | (47) | (214) |
| Profit (loss) attributable to owners of the parent - adjusted |
819 | 475 | 1,150 | 213 | 1,218 |
| Earnings per share – adjusted (NOK) | 3.50 | 2.03 | 4.91 | 0.91 | 5.21 |
| Diluted earnings per share – adjusted (NOK) | 3.50 | 2.03 | 4.91 | 0.91 | 5.20 |
| Earnings per share - adjusted | Second quarter | Year to date | Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - continuing operations | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Profit (loss) attributable to owners of the parent | 60,911 | 471 | 60,807 | 257 | 858 |
| -of which continuing operations | 276 | 488 | 475 | 527 | 1,006 |
| -of which discontinued operations | 60,635 | (17) | 60,332 | (271) | (148) |
| Profit (loss) attributable to owners of the parent - | 276 | 488 | 475 | 527 | 1,006 |
| continuing operations | |||||
| Other income | (64) | (63) | (74) | (129) | (146) |
| Other expenses | 45 | 59 | 76 | 70 | 237 |
| Impairment loss | 91 | 13 | 97 | 13 | 61 |
| Taxes and Non-controlling interests related to Other | (7) | (10) | (12) | (14) | (37) |
| income and expenses and Impairment loss | |||||
| Profit (loss) attributable to owners of the parent - | 341 | 487 | 563 | 468 | 1,120 |
| adjusted |
| Earnings per share – adjusted (NOK) | 1.46 | 2.08 | 2.41 | 2.00 | 4.79 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diluted earnings per share – adjusted (NOK) | 1.45 | 2.08 | 2.40 | 2.00 | 4.78 |
| Measure | Description | Reason for including |
|---|---|---|
| Revenues on a foreign exchange neutral basis |
Growth rates on revenue on a foreign exchange neutral basis are calculated using the same foreign exchange rates for the period last year and this year. |
Enables comparability of development in revenues over time excluding the effect of currency fluctuation. |
| Reconciliation of revenues on a foreign | Nordic | News | Financial | Other/HQ, | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| exchange neutral basis | Marketplaces | Media | Services | Growth | Eliminations | Total |
| Revenues current quarter 2021 | 1,047 | 1,947 | 271 | 689 | (336) | 3,619 |
| Currency effect | 23 | 27 | 14 | 8 | (3) | 69 |
| Revenues adjusted for currency | 1,069 | 1,975 | 285 | 698 | (339) | 3,688 |
| Revenue growth on a foreign exchange neutral basis |
42% | 10% | 13% | 16% | 0% | 20% |
| Revenues current quarter 2020 | 753 | 1,802 | 252 | 604 | (339) | 3,073 |
| Measure | Description | Reason for including |
|---|---|---|
| Revenues on a foreign exchange neutral basis adjusted for business combinations |
Growth rates on revenue on a foreign exchange neutral basis adjusted for business combinations are calculated including comparable figures for Oikotie and using the same foreign exchange rates for the period last year and this year. |
Enables comparability of development in revenues over time excluding the effect of business combinations and currency fluctuation. |
| Reconciliation of revenues on a foreign | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| exchange neutral basis adjusted for | Nordic | News | Financial | Other/HQ, | ||
| business combinations | Marketplaces | Media | Services | Growth | Eliminations | Total |
| Revenues current quarter 2021 | 1,047 | 1,947 | 271 | 689 | (336) | 3,619 |
| Currency effect | 23 | 27 | 14 | 8 | (3) | 69 |
| Revenues adjusted for currency | 1,069 | 1,975 | 285 | 698 | (339) | 3,688 |
| Revenue growth on a foreign exchange neutral basis adjusted for business combinations |
32% | 10% | 13% | 16% | (0%) | 18% |
| Revenues current quarter 2020 (presented) |
753 | 1,802 | 252 | 604 | (339) | 3,073 |
| Revenues in Oikotie current quarter 2020 |
56 | - | - | - | - | 56 |
| Revenues current quarter 2020 adjusted for business combinations |
809 | 1,802 | 252 | 604 | (339) | 3,129 |
| Currency rates used when converting | Second quarter | Year to date | Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| profit or loss | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Swedish krona (SEK) | 0.9951 | 1.0340 | 1.0048 | 1.0066 | 1.0226 |
| Euro (EUR) | 10.0894 | 11.0202 | 10.1767 | 10.7361 | 10.7250 |


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