SES Global reported a slight decline in the company’s revenue for 2004 to 1.1 billion euros ($1.4 billion) from 1.2 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in 2003. The one percent drop was attributed to a weak exchange rate with the U.S. dollar, resulting in lower contributions from one-time items.

However, the company’s profits rose to 230 million euros ($301 million) in 2004 from 205 million euros ($268 million) in 2003, which was attributed to the release of tax provisions and a favorable financing result. “Growth drivers have clearly returned to our core video broadcasting businesses as High Definition TV takes off and local-into-local transmission needs in the United States have to be met,” Romain Bausch, president and CEO of SES Global said in a prepared statement. “We are very well positioned to benefit from this. Our confidence in the future supports our recommendation of an increased dividend.

Additionally, we remain committed to seeking additional growth opportunities to deliver shareholder value and continue to work to improve the efficiency of our balance sheet, which potentially can involve cash returns to shareholders. SES GLOBAL remains the only major satellite operator actively delivering both growth and dividends to its shareholders. The future continues to look very bright for the Group.”