Core Insights - New York Times Co. (NYT) reported quarterly earnings of $0.59 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.54 per share, and up from $0.45 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +9.26% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $700.82 million for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.33% and increasing from $640.18 million year-over-year [2] - The stock has gained approximately 11% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has increased by 15.1% [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.85 on revenues of $779.15 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.28 on revenues of $2.79 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for New York Times was mixed prior to the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The Publishing - Newspapers industry, to which New York Times belongs, is currently ranked in the top 41% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, consolidated revenues grew approximately 9.5% year-over-year, with adjusted operating profit (AOP) increasing by approximately 26% and AOP margin expanding by approximately 240 basis points [10][11] - Free cash flow generated in the first nine months of the year was approximately $393 million, reflecting a capital-efficient model [10] - Adjusted diluted EPS in Q3 increased by $0.14 to $0.59, primarily driven by higher operating profit [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added 460,000 net new digital subscribers in Q3, bringing the total subscriber base to approximately 12.3 million, with digital subscription revenue increasing by 14% to $367 million [4][12] - Total subscription revenues grew approximately 9% to $495 million, in line with guidance [12] - Digital advertising revenues increased approximately 20% to $98 million, while total advertising revenues grew approximately 12% to $132 million [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital advertising growth was attributed to strong marketer demand and new advertising supply, indicating a robust market environment [12][40] - Affiliate licensing and other revenues increased approximately 8% to $74 million, primarily due to higher licensing revenues [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a multi-revenue stream model that includes subscription, advertising, licensing, and affiliate revenues, all of which are growing [3][4] - The strategy emphasizes enhancing product value through video, audio, and AI, aiming to engage a larger audience and drive subscriber growth [5][7] - The company aims to become more essential to a broader audience, expecting to deliver more value for shareholders and society [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate a dynamic market environment, highlighting the importance of independent journalism and compelling product experiences [9][14] - The outlook for Q4 includes expectations for digital-only subscription revenues to increase by 13%-16% and total subscription revenues to grow by 8%-10% [14] Other Important Information - The company has maintained disciplined expense growth while investing in journalism and product experiences, which are seen as sources of long-term advantage [8][10] - The family plan subscription offering has shown positive results, contributing to market penetration and engagement [11][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the video format and its impact on advertising? - Management sees video as a significant opportunity for engagement and brand building, with potential for expanding into video advertising opportunities [16][17] Question: What is the growth rate in operating expenses for Q4? - The company expects adjusted operating costs to increase by 6%-7%, driven by investments in journalism and product development [21][23] Question: Can you discuss the dynamics behind advertising growth? - The advertising growth is attributed to a combination of market demand and new product innovations, with a focus on providing more value to advertisers [39][40] Question: How is The Athletic performing? - The Athletic continues to perform well, contributing positively to engagement and advertising, with the introduction of NFL footage enhancing its product offering [46] Question: Are single product subscriptions converting to higher value products as expected? - The model is working as designed, with single products driving audience engagement and contributing to overall subscription and advertising growth [48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, consolidated revenues grew approximately 9.5% year-over-year, with adjusted operating profit (AOP) increasing by approximately 26% and AOP margin expanding by approximately 240 basis points [10][11] - Free cash flow generated in the first nine months of the year was approximately $393 million, reflecting a capital-efficient model [10] - Adjusted diluted EPS in Q3 increased by 14 cents to 59 cents, primarily driven by higher operating profit [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added 460,000 net new digital subscribers in Q3, bringing the total subscriber base to approximately 12.3 million, with digital subscription revenue increasing by 14% to $367 million [4][12] - Total advertising revenues for the quarter were $132 million, an increase of approximately 12%, with digital advertising revenues increasing approximately 20% to $98 million [12][13] - Affiliate licensing and other revenues increased approximately 8% to $74 million, primarily due to higher licensing revenues [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital-only average revenue per user (ARPU) grew 3.6% to $9.79, reflecting successful pricing strategies [12] - The company expects digital-only subscription revenues to increase by 13-16% and total subscription revenues to increase by 8-10% in Q4 [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a multi-revenue stream model, including subscription, advertising, licensing, and affiliate revenues, which are all growing [3][4] - The strategy focuses on enhancing product value through video, audio, and AI, aiming to engage users more effectively [5][7] - The company aims to become more essential to a larger audience, thereby increasing shareholder value and societal impact [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate a changing media landscape, highlighting persistent demand for quality journalism [9] - The company plans to continue disciplined investments in journalism and product experiences while maintaining cost efficiency [14] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $191 million to shareholders, consisting of share repurchases and dividends, consistent with its capital allocation strategy [10][11] - The family plan subscription offering is performing well, contributing positively to market penetration and engagement [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Video format opportunity and advertising impact - Management sees video as a significant growth opportunity and is focused on increasing engagement before fully monetizing through advertising [16][17] Question: Growth rate in operating expenses for Q4 - Management indicated that the growth in operating expenses is driven by investments in journalism and product development, with a focus on long-term sustainable growth [21][22] Question: Dynamics of advertising growth - Management noted that advertising growth is attributed to a combination of market demand and new product innovations, with a focus on providing value to advertisers [40][42] Question: Performance of The Athletic - Management confirmed that The Athletic is performing well, contributing positively to engagement and advertising revenue [50] Question: Conversion rates from single product subscribers - Management stated that single product subscriptions are effectively driving audience engagement and conversion to higher-value products [52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, consolidated revenues grew approximately 9.5% year-over-year, with adjusted operating profit (AOP) increasing by approximately 26% and AOP margin expanding by approximately 240 basis points [10][11] - Free cash flow generated in the first nine months of the year was approximately $393 million, reflecting a capital-efficient model [10] - Adjusted diluted EPS in Q3 increased by 14 cents to 59 cents, primarily driven by higher operating profit [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital subscription revenue increased by 14% in Q3, reaching $367 million, driven by strong audience engagement [4][12] - Total subscription revenues grew approximately 9% to $495 million, in line with guidance [12] - Digital advertising revenues increased approximately 20% to $98 million, while total advertising revenues grew approximately 12% to $132 million [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added 460,000 net new digital subscribers in Q3, bringing the total subscriber base to 12.3 million [4][11] - Digital-only average revenue per user (ARPU) grew 3.6% to $9.79, reflecting successful pricing strategies [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a multi-revenue stream model, including subscription, advertising, licensing, and affiliate revenues, which are all growing [3][4] - There is a strong emphasis on enhancing video, audio, and AI capabilities to increase user engagement and product value [5][6] - The company aims to become more essential to a larger audience, thereby increasing shareholder value and societal impact [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate a dynamic market environment, expecting healthy growth in revenues and AOP, margin expansion, and strong free cash flow generation for the full year [15] - The company remains focused on sustaining healthy revenue growth while making disciplined investments in high-quality journalism and digital products [24][31] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $191 million to shareholders, consisting of $110 million in share repurchases and $81 million in dividends [10][11] - The family plan subscription offering is performing well, contributing positively to market penetration and engagement [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Video format opportunity and advertising impact - Management sees video as a significant growth opportunity and believes it will enhance engagement and advertising potential [18] Question: Growth rate in operating expenses for Q4 - Management indicated that the growth in operating expenses is driven by investments in journalism and product development, with a focus on long-term sustainable growth [24][26] Question: Advertising dynamics and new product innovations - The advertising strength is attributed to a combination of market demand and new product innovations, with a focus on providing more value to advertisers [44][46] Question: Performance of The Athletic - Management reported strong performance from The Athletic, highlighting the introduction of NFL footage and its positive impact on engagement and advertising [52] Question: Surge in single product subscribers and conversion rates - Management confirmed that the model is working as designed, with single products driving audience engagement and contributing to overall subscription growth [56]

Corporate Earnings Drive Pre-Market Activity - Amgen Inc. reported a 12% increase in total revenues to $9.6 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $5.64, exceeding forecasts and leading to a 3% rise in stock [3] - Lumentum Holdings Inc. saw a 17% stock increase after reporting Q3 2025 EPS of $0.57 on revenues of $425.2 million, driven by growth in its Cloud and Networking segment [4] - Rivian Automotive, Inc. reported Q3 2025 revenues of $1.56 billion, surpassing estimates, with a narrower loss per share of -$0.65 and a 47% year-over-year increase in automotive sales [5] - Johnson Controls International plc reported an adjusted EPS of $1.05 and sales of $6.1 billion, representing a 6% organic increase year-over-year, with an 11% growth in backlog [6] - The New York Times Company added 460,000 digital-only subscribers, boosting total revenue by 9.5% year-over-year to $700.8 million [7] Media and Global Trade Developments - China's Foreign Minister announced willingness to negotiate a free trade agreement with the European Union, emphasizing cooperation over rivalry [9] - The New York Times Company demonstrated strength in digital transformation, contributing to its revenue growth [7] Crude Oil Markets Face Headwinds - WTI crude oil prices are trading near $60.59, facing downward pressure from a stronger U.S. dollar and increased U.S. crude inventories [10] - OPEC+ has paused output hikes for Q1 2026, agreeing to a modest increase in December, but market sentiment remains cautiously bearish [10]

Subscriber Growth and ARPU - The Company added approximately 460,000 net digital-only subscribers in Q3 2025, bringing the total to 12.33 million[8] - Bundle and multiproduct subscribers now constitute 51% of the Company's total subscriber base[8] - Total digital-only ARPU increased 3.6% year-over-year to $9.79[8] Revenue Performance - Digital-only subscription revenues increased 14.0% year-over-year[8] - Digital advertising revenues increased 20.3% year-over-year[8] - Affiliate, licensing, and other revenues increased 7.9% year-over-year[8] - Total subscription revenues grew 9.1% year-over-year, reaching $495 million in Q3 2025 compared to $453 million in Q3 2024[27] - Total advertising revenues increased 11.8% year-over-year[34] Profitability and Costs - Adjusted operating profit (AOP) grew 26.1% year-over-year to approximately $131 million[8] - AOP margin increased approximately 240 basis points year-over-year to 18.7%[8] - Year-over-year adjusted operating costs (AOC) grew 6.2%[8] Financial Outlook - The Company aims to return at least 50% of free cash flow to shareholders over the mid-term[46]

Core Insights - The New York Times Company reported an increase in both profit and revenue for the third quarter, driven by ongoing subscription growth [1] Financial Performance - The company experienced higher third-quarter profit compared to previous periods [1] - Revenue also saw an increase, attributed to the growth in subscriptions [1] Subscription Growth - Continued growth in subscriptions has been a significant factor contributing to the company's financial success [1]

Core Insights - The New York Times is projected to achieve fourth-quarter subscription revenue growth that exceeds Wall Street expectations, driven by its strategy to bundle news with lifestyle and sports content [1] Group 1 - The company's subscription revenue growth is anticipated to be above market forecasts for the fourth quarter [1] - The strategy of bundling news with additional lifestyle and sports content is a key factor in driving this growth [1]

Subscriber Growth - The New York Times Company added approximately 460,000 net digital-only subscribers in Q3 2025, bringing the total to 12.33 million subscribers[4]. - The total number of digital-only subscribers as of Q3 2025 was 11.76 million, an increase from 10.47 million in Q3 2024[47]. - The total number of print subscribers as of Q3 2025 was 570,000, a decrease from 620,000 in Q3 2024[47]. Revenue Growth - Digital subscription revenues grew by 14.0% year-over-year to $367.4 million, while digital advertising revenues increased by 20.3% to $98.1 million[4]. - Total revenues for Q3 2025 reached $700.8 million, a 9.5% increase from $640.2 million in Q3 2024[15]. - Total subscription revenues for the first nine months of 2025 were $1.44 billion, up 9.0% from $1.32 billion in the same period of 2024[43]. Profitability - Operating profit rose 36.6% year-over-year to $104.8 million, with an operating profit margin of 15.0%[4]. - Net income for Q3 2025 was $81.6 million, up 27.3% compared to Q3 2024[40]. - Adjusted operating profit for Q3 2025 was $131.4 million, up 26.1% from $104.2 million in Q3 2024[58]. Earnings Per Share - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 2025 was $0.50, an increase of $0.11 year-over-year, while adjusted diluted EPS was $0.59, up $0.14[4]. - Basic earnings per share increased by 28.2% to $0.50 in Q3 2025[40]. - Adjusted diluted EPS for Q3 2025 was $0.59, a 31.1% increase from $0.45 in Q3 2024[57]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - Net cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2025 was $420.3 million, compared to $258.8 million in the same period of 2024[25]. - Free cash flow for the first nine months of 2025 was $392.9 million, up from $237.7 million in the same period of 2024[25]. - The Company had cash and marketable securities of $1.1 billion as of September 30, 2025, an increase of $184.9 million from the end of 2024[24]. Operating Costs - The company expects adjusted operating costs to increase by 6% to 7%[29]. - Total operating costs for Q3 2025 amounted to $596.0 million, a 5.8% increase from $563.5 million in Q3 2024[60]. Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures for the period were approximately $35 million[34]. - Capital expenditures for the nine months ended 2025 were $27.5 million, compared to $21.1 million in the same period of 2024[61]. Litigation and Other Costs - The company recorded $2.4 million in litigation-related costs in Q3 2025, compared to $4.6 million in Q3 2024[43]. - Generative AI litigation costs decreased by 47.8% in Q3 2025, totaling $2.4 million compared to $4.6 million in Q3 2024[60]. - Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs fell by 33.9% in Q3 2025, amounting to $1.2 million, down from $1.9 million in Q3 2024[60].

Core Viewpoint - The New York Times Company has announced the availability of its third-quarter 2025 financial results and will host an earnings conference call to discuss these results [1] Financial Results - The financial results for the third quarter of 2025 are accessible on The New York Times Company's investor relations website [1] - An earnings conference call is scheduled for today at 8:00 a.m. E.T. to elaborate on these financial results [1] - A live webcast of the earnings conference call will be available for participants [1]