SES held revenues and profit in its 20th year of satellite services over Europe. The company reported recurring EBITDA of €1,136.4 million, 4.8% up on 2007, and an operating profit of €625.1 million, 2% ahead of the prior year.
Net profit of €387.5 million was diluted by restructuring costs and an accelerated depreciation charge on Astra 5A following its untimely withdrawal from service.
The number of TV and radio channels broadcast by the Astra and Sirius satellites continues to grow. As of December 31, 2007 some 2,491 channels were available including 64 in the HD format – around half of these broadcasting to the UK market.
Sales and marketing activities in the controversial Entavio satellite platform have now been reduced to a minimum. However, SES is now exploring the possibility of refocusing the business to support the introduction of HD services in the German market.
