LBG Media PLC (AIM:LBG), the company behind youth-focused titles like LADbible, said on Wednesday that its business continued to grow in the first half of 2025, with revenues up 13% and strong progress in the United States and demand from 'blue-chip' brands helping to underpin a positive outlook.
For the six months to 31 March, the group reported turnover was £43.9 million, while Adjusted EBITDA grew 16% to £12.2 million. The group also ended the period with £32.9 million in cash, up from £27.2 million in September.
A key growth driver was the US business, which was bolstered by last year's acquisition of Betches, a women-focused media brand.
During the period, the group secured its first American client worth more than $1 million and said it sees a healthy pipeline of new commercial opportunities.
LBG Media splits its revenues into direct and indirect streams. Direct sales, which include branded content and campaigns aimed at younger audiences, rose 8%.
Indirect revenues, which come from advertising placed alongside the company’s content across social media and on its own websites, climbed 17%.
Its global social media audience also continues to expand, rising to 520 million, compared with 494 million at the same point last year.
Looking ahead, the LBG said it remains cautious given the broader economic backdrop but is still on course to deliver around 10% revenue growth for the full year.
Management said its diversified business model, the traction it is seeing in the US, and a strong roster of upcoming campaigns give it confidence despite a tricky operating environment.
CEO Solly Solomou said: "LBG Media had positive momentum in the first half of the year, with a strong revenue, profit and cash performance.
"This reflects our diversified revenue streams and positive progress in the US, the world's largest advertising market, where we are seeing demand from global blue-chip brands."
Solomou noted that LBG is now the fifth-largest social and digital business in the UK, reaching 70% of the country’s Gen Z population.
LBG Media will publish full half-year results in June.