BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The online real estate marketplace Scout24 once again posted a jump in operating profits in the past quarter. In day-to-day operations, the MDax company earned 78.2 million euros, excluding special effects, more than a quarter more than in the same period last year, it announced in Berlin on Tuesday. Consolidated net income rose by 11 percent to 122 million euros. The higher profitability justified Scout24 beside low kept costs with price increases with the customers.

On Sunday, Scout24 had already raised its targets for the current year, providing a first glimpse at the figures for the first six months. Accordingly, the consolidated balance sheet after consolidation of the Sprengnetter Group, which was acquired on July 1, is expected to be somewhat better than previously thought. Sales are now expected to grow by 15 percent instead of 12 percent in the current year. Operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (adjusted Ebitda) adjusted for special items are expected to increase by 18 to 19 percent. Previously, management had forecast an increase of 13 percent.

As the company confirmed on Tuesday, sales in the first half of the year increased by 12 percent year-on-year to just under 244 million euros. Of this, 146.5 million euros remained as operating profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and adjusted for special effects. Compared with the same period last year, this represents an increase of more than one fifth./ngu/lew/he