Social and viral publisher entertainment group LBG Media, the home of the LADbible network, has reported a 10% increase in revenue to £92.2 million for its latest financial year, with profits also edging higher.
The Manchester-based firm said performance was in line with expectations, supported by growth across its direct advertising and branded content business.
Adjusted EBITDA rose to £25m, up from £24.5m the previous year, while net cash increased to £30.1m from £27.2m.
The group’s direct revenues, which include content and campaign work for brands and media agencies, were up 13%, driven by double-digit growth in both the UK and US
The US – the world’s largest advertising market, where LBG has been particularly focused of late, including through its acquisition of Betches – delivered “excellent growth” as blue-chip brands looked to reach younger audiences through the firm’s channels.
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The company’s indirect revenues, which come from advertising placed alongside its social and web content, rose 2%.
It wasn’t all good news, however. The strong performance across social platforms offset a decline in website revenue following a particularly strong year in FY24, when web revenues grew 77%. Management actions, including strengthening the team and structure, are expected to support a recovery in the Web business after LBG Media made key appointments including SPORF founder Nick Speakman as director of social and The Twenty Minute VC podcast host Harry Stebbings as a non-executive director.
CEO Solly Solomou said: “LBG Media performed strongly in FY25, in line with expectations – with double digit revenue growth and strong cash generation. This performance reflects our diversified revenue streams and demand from global blue-chip brands for our content, particularly in the U.S..
“LBG Media is the UK’s fifth largest social and digital business. Our leading social entertainment brand for young adults reaches 70% of the UK’s Gen Z population. LBG Media’s diversified model, progress in the U.S., healthy pipeline and audience engagement support the Board’s confidence of further progress in FY26.”
LBG Media, which reaches 70% of the UK’s Gen Z audience, said its diversified model and growing US presence provide confidence for continued progress in FY26. Its share price sat at £1 on the nose this morning, with a market cap of £209m.
