Finnish media group Hilla Group returns to profit after years of losses

Finnish regional media company Hilla Group, publisher of titles including Kainuun Sanomat and Keski-Pohjanmaa, has reported its first annual profit in years, according to a financial update released Tuesday.

The group posted a profit of €1.2 million for its latest financial year, reversing a loss of over €1 million in the previous period. The turnaround follows several consecutive years of negative results.

Revenue grew by €1 million year-on-year to €28.8 million, while operating profit improved from a near-€2 million loss to a €0.7 million gain. The balance sheet total stood at €30.9 million.

Hilla Group attributed the recovery to structural reforms, cost-cutting measures, and strategic acquisitions to strengthen its digital business. Restructuring negotiations last year contributed approximately €0.5 million in improved profitability.

The board has proposed a €1 per-share dividend for 2025. Acting CEO Teija Pelto-Arvo currently leads the company, which publishes local and regional newspapers across Central Ostrobothnia, Northern Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, and Lapland.

In its outlook, the group expects digital operations and event activities to drive growth and offset challenges in its traditional publishing business this year.