Listed media company Standard Group PLC has recorded a 19.2% cut in pre-tax loss to KES 133 million in the six months ended June 2025 from KES 200 million in HY 2024, on the back of declined operating costs. Revenue dropped by 24.8% to KES 789.2 million from KES 1 billion in a similar period last year, attributable to slowed government contracts and reduced advertising revenue. Net finance costs eased by 17.2% to KES 52.1 million.
Operating costs shrank 25.9% to KES 878.8 million from KES 1.2 billion, primarily due to a decline in direct costs, aided by stable foreign exchange rates that lowered newsprint and electricity costs. Overhead costs dropped by 26% largely driven by prudent cost management and operational efficiency.
Loss before tax totaled KES 133 million, a 33.5% improvement from a loss of KES 200.2 million in the same period last year. Loss per share stood at KES 1.25, reflecting an improvement from KES 1.39 loss per share in 2024.
Standard Group’s Total assets expanded marginally to KES 3.9 billion from KES 3.8 billion. Shareholders’ equity persisted in the negative territory at KES 2.4 billion, from KES 1.3 billion in a similar period last year.
Standard Group Performance at the NSE
Standard Group Plc has recorded a modest performance at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The counter has gained 25.9% year-to-date to KES 6.32 per share in August, ranking it 35th on the NSE in terms of year-to-date performance and 51st most valuable stock on the Bourse. The media company’s current market capitalization is KES 517 million, about 0.019% of the NSE’s total market capitalization.
In May 2025, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) approved the Group’s rights issue. The company plans to issue 283,661,120 new shares at KES 5.29 per share, targeting to raise KES 1.5 billion to settle existing liabilities, secure working capital, and bolster growth. According to the Group’s Board Chairman, the funds raised will accelerate the company’s digital transformation strategy and push towards positive financial results.
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