DallasNews Corporation Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Core Insights - DallasNews Corporation reported a significant turnaround in financial performance for Q1 2025, achieving a net income of $28.3 million compared to a net loss of $1.4 million in Q1 2024, largely due to the sale of the Plano printing facility [2][24]. - The company is focused on its Return to Growth Plan, which includes fully funding pension plans and transitioning printing operations, leading to expected expense savings [2][13]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $29.1 million, a decrease of $2.0 million or 6.4% compared to Q1 2024 [4]. - Advertising and marketing services revenue was $10.8 million, down 7.2% from $11.6 million in the previous year, primarily due to a 12.2% decline in print advertising revenue [5]. - Circulation revenue decreased to $15.4 million, a drop of 5.2% from $16.3 million, mainly due to a 6.0% decline in print circulation revenue [6]. - The company recorded a net gain of $36.2 million from the sale of the Plano printing facility, which significantly impacted operating income, resulting in an operating income of $34.2 million [2][24]. Operating Expenses - Total consolidated operating expense was $(5.1) million, with an improvement of $1.7 million or 5.3% compared to Q1 2024 when excluding the gain from the facility sale [8]. - Adjusted operating expense was $30.3 million, reflecting a decrease of $1.6 million or 4.9% year-over-year, primarily due to savings in employee compensation and benefits [9]. Employee and Cash Position - As of March 31, 2025, the company had 461 employees, a reduction of 70 or 13.2% compared to the previous year, attributed to the transition to a more efficient printing facility [12]. - The company reported cash and cash equivalents of $44.2 million, significantly up from $9.6 million at the end of 2024, and has no debt [12][26]. Pension Plans - The company fully funded its pension liabilities using proceeds from the Plano printing facility sale and transitioned these obligations to an insurance carrier through an annuity purchase agreement [10][13].