Sanoma Oyj

Sanoma Corporation is considering issuing its first euro-denominated fixed-rate social bond with an expected principal amount of EUR 150 million and a three-year term. The issuance is subject to market conditions and would follow the Social Bond Framework published by Sanoma. Nordea Bank Abp and Swedbank AB have been appointed as joint lead managers for the potential issuance, with Swedbank also acting as an advisor for establishing the Framework. Sanoma is a learning and media company committed to sustainability and operates in twelve European countries, employing over 5,000 professionals. The company’s net sales in 2023 were approximately EUR 1.4 billion, with an operational EBIT margin of 12.6%. Sanoma shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. The information about the bond issuance is not intended for distribution in certain countries, including the United States and others where it would be unlawful.

Sanoma Corporation released its Half-Year Report for January to June 2024, highlighting strong earnings improvements in both its Learning and Media segments. The company's net sales for 2024 are projected to be between EUR 1.29 and 1.34 billion, with an operational EBIT (excluding PPA) expected to be between EUR 160 and 180 million. The first half saw around a 50% improvement in operational EBIT for both segments compared to the previous year, attributed to cost containment measures, lower paper prices, and price increases. Learning segment growth was notable in Spain and the Netherlands, while Media Finland saw improvements in digital subscriptions and advertising sales. The Group's free cash flow improved due to higher earnings, lower investments, and active working capital management. Sanoma's net debt and leverage also improved, with expectations to decline further in the second half of the year. The company's strategic focus areas for 2024–2026 include increasing profitability, organic and acquisition growth, and deleveraging the balance sheet. An analyst and investor conference will be held to discuss these results, with opportunities for media interviews available post-conference.

Sanoma Corporation announced the composition of its Shareholders' Nomination Committee on 19 June 2024. Juhani Mäkinen was elected as Chair, and Pekka Ala-Pietilä, Chair of Sanoma’s Board of Directors, was invited to serve as an expert. The Committee, formed in accordance with the 2022 Annual General Meeting's decision, consists of up to four members representing Sanoma's largest shareholders as of 31 May 2024. The Committee's role is to prepare proposals regarding the Board of Directors' composition, number, and remuneration for the Annual General Meeting. These proposals will be detailed in a separate release and the notice for the 2025 Annual General Meeting. Sanoma is a learning and media company committed to sustainability and operates in twelve European countries with over 5,000 employees. In 2023, its net sales were approximately 1.4 billion euros, with an operational EBIT margin of 12.6%. Sanoma shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. For more information, contact Kaisa Uurasmaa, Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability.

Sanoma Corporation held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 17 April 2024, where shareholders adopted the Financial Statements, Board of Directors' Report, and Auditor's Report for 2023. A dividend of EUR 0.37 per share will be paid in three instalments in April, September, and November 2024. The AGM also elected eight members to the Board of Directors, with Pekka Ala-Pietilä as Chair and Klaus Cawén as Vice Chair. The remuneration for board members remains unchanged. Audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy was appointed as the Auditor and Sustainability Auditor. The Board was authorised to repurchase up to 16,000,000 of the company's own shares and to issue shares, option rights, and other special rights. The authorisations will be valid until 30 June 2025. The Board also appointed members to its Audit, Human Resources, and Executive Committees.