Core Insights - The New York Times Company (NYT) demonstrated solid performance in Q2 2025, with adjusted earnings per share of 58 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 50 cents, and total revenues of $685.9 million, which surpassed the estimate of $669 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 9.7% [1][11] Subscription Performance - NYT added approximately 230,000 net digital-only subscribers in the quarter, bringing total subscribers to 11.88 million, with 11.30 million being digital-only [2][5] - Digital-only average revenue per user (ARPU) rose to $9.64 from $9.34 year-over-year, driven by subscribers moving from promotional pricing to higher rate plans [3] - Subscription revenues reached $481.4 million, a 9.6% increase year-over-year, with digital-only subscription revenues increasing by 15.1% to $350.4 million [4][5] Advertising Revenues - Total advertising revenues increased by 12.4% year-over-year to $134 million, with digital advertising revenues rising 18.7% to $94.4 million, while print advertising revenues slightly declined by 0.1% to $39.6 million [6][11] - For Q3, the company anticipates a low-to-mid-single-digit increase in total advertising revenues and a low-double-digit increase in digital advertising revenues [7] Other Revenue Streams - Affiliate, licensing, and other revenues grew by 5.8% year-over-year to $70.5 million, attributed to higher Wirecutter affiliate referral revenues [8] - Adjusted operating costs rose by 6.1% to $552.1 million, with expectations of a 5-6% increase in Q3 [8] Financial Health - The company ended the quarter with cash and marketable securities totaling $951.5 million, an increase of $39.7 million from the previous quarter [14] - NYT repurchased 460,136 shares of its Class A common stock for $23.6 million, with approximately $422.2 million remaining for further repurchases [15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported nearly 10% year-over-year revenue growth, with adjusted operating profit (AOP) increasing approximately 28% and AOP margin expanding by about 280 basis points [14][18] - Free cash flow generated in the first half of the year was approximately $193 million, with $134 million returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [15][16] - Adjusted diluted EPS in Q2 increased by $0.13 to $0.58, driven by higher operating profit and interest income [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital subscription revenue grew over 15% in the quarter, with total subscription revenues increasing approximately 10% to $481 million [6][18] - The company added 230,000 net new digital subscribers, bringing the total to approximately 11.9 million, with over 50% of subscribers now on bundled or multiple products [6][17] - Digital advertising revenues increased approximately 19% to $94 million, while total advertising revenues grew more than 12% to $134 million [10][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed a multiyear deal with Amazon, marking its first agreement centered around generative AI, which is expected to expand its audience reach [11] - Affiliate, licensing, and other revenues increased approximately 6% to $70 million, with Wirecutter affiliate revenues performing well [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue growing its subscriber base to 15 million by 2027, focusing on enhancing product accessibility and value [29] - The strategy includes expanding video content and enhancing user engagement across various platforms [9][10] - The company is confident in its ability to navigate a dynamic market environment, emphasizing the importance of building direct relationships with its audience [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning to grow despite challenges from big tech companies affecting traffic to publishers [12][44] - The company plans to maintain cost discipline while strategically investing in journalism and product experiences [12][20] - Future guidance includes expectations for continued revenue growth, AOP growth, margin expansion, and strong free cash flow generation [20] Other Important Information - The company is in the early stages of rolling out a new family plan subscription offering, which is expected to enhance subscriber retention and monetization [38] - The company will have only one reportable segment starting next quarter, streamlining its reporting structure [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Advertising performance and key drivers - Management highlighted the broad marketer appeal of its portfolio, effective targeting with first-party data, and the introduction of new ad products as key drivers of advertising growth [23][24] Question: Amazon licensing deal specifics - The deal was described as providing fair value exchange and control over content use, aligning with the company's long-term strategy [25][26] Question: Subscriber growth towards 15 million - Management reiterated confidence in reaching the 15 million subscriber goal by 2027, citing persistent demand and a growing audience [28][29] Question: Bundle strategy progress - The achievement of 50% bundled subscribers was noted, with plans to continue driving bundle adoption as a growth catalyst [35][36] Question: Traffic headwinds from AI - Management acknowledged ongoing traffic challenges from AI but emphasized resilience through direct audience engagement strategies [44][45] Question: Promotional pricing strategy - The company maintains a consistent promotional pricing strategy to engage subscribers and drive bundle adoption [46][47] Question: AI licensing opportunities - Management expressed openness to future licensing deals, emphasizing the importance of fair value exchange and control over content [54][55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported nearly 10% year-over-year revenue growth and approximately 28% growth in adjusted operating profit (AOP) with AOP margin expanding by about 280 basis points [13] - Free cash flow generated in the first half of the year was approximately $193 million, with about $134 million returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [14][16] - Adjusted diluted EPS in Q2 increased by $0.13 to $0.58, primarily driven by higher operating profit and interest income [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital subscription revenue increased by over 15% in the quarter, with total subscription revenues growing approximately 10% to $481 million [6][16] - The company added 230,000 net new digital subscribers, bringing the total to approximately 11.9 million, with over 50% of subscribers now on bundled or multiple products [5][15] - Digital advertising revenues grew nearly 19% to $94 million, while total advertising revenues increased by approximately 12% to $134 million [9][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Affiliate, licensing, and other revenues increased approximately 6% to $70 million, with growth particularly noted in areas like gifts, apparel, and beauty at Wirecutter [10][17] - The company signed a multiyear deal with Amazon, marking its first agreement centered around generative AI, which is expected to enhance audience reach [10][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue growing its subscriber base to 15 million by 2027, focusing on enhancing product accessibility and value [29] - The strategy includes expanding video content to engage audiences more effectively, with a significant push in producing news videos and enhancing lifestyle product experiences [7][9] - The company remains confident in its ability to grow despite challenges from big tech companies affecting traffic to publishers, emphasizing the importance of direct relationships with audiences [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning to continue delivering revenue and profit growth, citing strong audience engagement and a disciplined investment approach [4][12] - The company anticipates healthy growth in revenues and AOP, margin expansion, and strong free cash flow generation for the full year [19] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by AI technologies affecting traffic but emphasized resilience through a focus on essential journalism and audience engagement [44][59] Other Important Information - The company is in the early stages of rolling out a new family plan subscription offering, which is expected to enhance subscriber retention and monetization [38] - The company plans to operate with only one reportable segment starting next quarter, streamlining its reporting structure [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Advertising performance compared to other digital platforms - Management highlighted the broad marketer appeal of their portfolio, effective targeting with first-party data, and the introduction of new ad products as key factors driving advertising growth [22][23] Question: Amazon licensing deal details - The deal was described as consistent with the company's principles, providing fair value exchange and control over content usage, reinforcing the value of their journalism [24][25] Question: Subscriber growth towards 15 million - Management reiterated the goal of reaching 15 million subscribers by 2027, citing persistent demand and a growing audience of registered users [28][29] Question: Amazon AI deal impact on guidance - The Amazon agreement is included in the guidance, with expectations for revenue growth in the affiliate licensing and other revenue line [31][32] Question: Bundle strategy progress - Management expressed satisfaction with achieving 50% of subscribers on bundles, emphasizing the strong lifetime value of bundled subscribers [35][36] Question: Traffic headwinds from AI - Management acknowledged the impact of AI on traffic but emphasized their strategy to build direct relationships with audiences to mitigate these effects [44][59] Question: Promotional pricing strategy for bundles - Management confirmed no changes to their promotional pricing strategy, focusing on engaging subscribers and driving them towards the bundle [46][47]

Financial Performance - The company's total revenues increased by 9.7% year-over-year, reaching $686 million in Q2 2025, compared to $625 million in Q2 2024 [11] - Adjusted operating profit (AOP) grew by 27.8% year-over-year to approximately $134 million [8, 11] - AOP margin increased by approximately 280 basis points year-over-year to 19.5% [8, 42] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased to $0.58 in Q2 2025, up from $0.45 in Q2 2024 [11] - Adjusted operating costs (AOC) grew by 6.1% year-over-year [8] Subscriber Growth - The company added approximately 230,000 net digital-only subscribers in Q2 2025, bringing the total subscriber count to 11.88 million [8, 13] - Bundle and multiproduct subscribers now constitute 51% of the company's total subscriber base, an increase from 49% in Q1 2025 [8] - Total digital-only average revenue per user (ARPU) increased by 3.2% year-over-year to $9.64 [8] Revenue Streams - Digital-only subscription revenues increased by 15.1% year-over-year [8, 26] - Digital advertising revenues increased by 18.7% year-over-year [8, 33] - Affiliate, licensing, and other revenues increased by 5.8% year-over-year [8, 34] Free Cash Flow - The company generated strong free cash flow, with $455 million for the last twelve months ended June 30, 2025 [44]

Core Insights - DallasNews Corporation's shares have increased by 0.9% since the second-quarter 2025 results, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.6% decline, and have surged by 226.2% over the past month compared to the S&P 500's 2% growth, indicating positive investor sentiment towards strategic developments [1] Financial Performance - The company reported a net loss of $6.26 per share for Q2 2025, a significant decline from a net income of $0.27 per share in the same quarter last year [2] - Total net operating revenues for Q2 2025 were $29.8 million, down 7.2% from $32.1 million year-over-year [2] - The net loss for the quarter was $33.5 million, a stark contrast to a net income of $1.5 million a year earlier, primarily due to a non-cash pension settlement charge of $35.3 million [2] Adjusted Metrics - On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted operating income rose to $1.6 million from $1.2 million in the prior-year quarter, while adjusted operating expenses decreased to $28.2 million from $30.9 million [3] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from advertising and marketing services fell by 3.8% year-over-year to $12.3 million, driven by a 4.6% decline in print advertising revenue [4] - Circulation revenue decreased by 5.7% to $15.3 million, largely due to a 5.9% drop in print circulation revenue [4] - Printing, distribution, and other revenues plummeted by 29% to $2.2 million, impacted by the cancellation of a printing contract in April 2025 [4] Segment Performance - The TDMN (The Dallas Morning News) business generated $25.9 million in revenue, down from $28.1 million in the prior-year quarter, while the agency segment posted $3.9 million in revenue, slightly down from $4 million last year [5] - Despite the revenue decline, the agency segment profit improved to $0.2 million from $0.03 million, indicating enhanced operational efficiency [5] Management Insights - Management highlighted the completion of the pension annuitization process as a key milestone, which, despite the current earnings drag, removes future pension-related volatility from the balance sheet [6] - Cost control measures led to a $2.4 million reduction in adjusted operating expenses year-over-year [6] Liquidity Position - As of June 30, 2025, DallasNews had no debt and held $33.7 million in cash, providing a solid liquidity cushion [7] - The company employed 451 individuals at the end of the quarter and is continuing to streamline operations following the transition out of its Plano printing facility in 2023 [7] Industry Context - The second-quarter results were influenced by strategic transitions and industry-wide pressures, with declines in print advertising and circulation revenue reflecting ongoing challenges in the traditional newspaper business [8] - The cancellation of a long-standing printing agreement in April 2025 significantly affected other revenue streams [8] Cost Management - Total operating expenses were $28.5 million, down from $31.5 million a year ago, primarily due to reductions in employee compensation and production costs, although this was partially offset by increased severance expenses [9] Strategic Developments - A significant development was the announcement of a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger with Hearst Media West, LLC, on July 9, 2025, which could reshape DallasNews' operational and strategic direction [11]

-- Reiterates Proposed Merger with Hearst as Path to Certain, Premium Shareholder Value -- DALLAS, Aug. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DallasNews Corporation (Nasdaq: DALN) (the "Company" or "DallasNews"), the holding company of The Dallas Morning News and Medium Giant, today filed a preliminary proxy statement in connection with its pending merger with Hearst, one of the nation's leading information, services and media companies, for $15.00 per share in cash (the "Hearst Merger"). The preliminary proxy state ...

New York Times Co. (NYT) has been beaten down lately with too much selling pressure. While the stock has lost 9% over the past four weeks, there is light at the end of the tunnel as it is now in oversold territory and Wall Street analysts expect the company to report better earnings than they predicted earlier. We use Relative Strength Index (RSI), one of the most commonly used technical indicators, for spotting whether a stock is oversold. This is a momentum oscillator that measures the speed and change of ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, total revenues were $584.9 million, a decrease of 8.6% year over year, or 6.4% on a same-store basis, with a 130 basis point improvement from Q1 [33] - Total adjusted EBITDA was $64.2 million, reflecting a sequential increase of 27% [9][35] - Free cash flow totaled $17.6 million, representing sequential growth of 73% [9][42] - Net income was $78.4 million, significantly improved by a tax benefit of $87.5 million [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital revenues in Q2 were $265.4 million, down 4.6% year over year, but digital advertising returned to growth due to improved page views and programmatic revenue [36][37] - Digital-only subscription revenues totaled $42.7 million, with ARPU increasing to $7.79, showing sequential and year-over-year growth [37][38] - The Digital Marketing Solutions (DMS) segment saw total core platform revenue of $116.9 million, up 8.1%, and segment adjusted EBITDA of $11.5 million, reflecting growth of 35.8% [41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintained an audience of 181 million average monthly unique visitors, indicating strong reach and engagement [12] - Digital advertising revenues grew 4% year over year, with significant potential for further growth as the advertising marketplace stabilizes [10][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a diversified digital revenue strategy, enhancing audience engagement, and leveraging AI for content licensing [7][24] - A $100 million cost reduction program is underway, targeting operational efficiencies and improved EBITDA margins [11][34] - The company aims to grow digital-only subscriptions intentionally, focusing on high-value subscribers and sustainable growth [14][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the second half of 2025, expecting stronger performance driven by digital revenue growth and cost reduction initiatives [6][11] - The digital advertising marketplace is showing strength, with expectations for robust growth in Q3 and Q4 [50] - Management anticipates that revenue trends will stabilize and improve, aiming for flat revenues in early 2026 [51][44] Other Important Information - The company has implemented measures to protect its content from unauthorized AI scraping and is exploring partnerships for fair licensing [27][72] - Strategic hires in the entertainment sector are expected to enhance audience engagement and drive higher digital revenue [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: When do you think your revenues will turn flat? - Management expects revenues to stabilize in early 2026, driven by improvements in print trends and digital advertising [50] Question: Can you provide more details around the cost reduction program? - The program focuses on automation, outsourcing, and eliminating duplication, including the closure of two large print facilities [52][53] Question: What has been your experience with AI search and traffic? - The company continues to grow its digital audience and page views, leveraging automation and diversifying traffic sources [58][60] Question: Any updates on the ad tech antitrust case with Google? - Positive developments are noted in ongoing antitrust cases, with expectations for a ruling later this year [62][64] Question: When do you expect to return to year-over-year growth for digital subscriber revenue? - Management anticipates sequential growth in the third and fourth quarters, with overall growth expected next year [68] Question: Are you seeing trends in AI content partnership deals? - There is a momentum shift towards publishers, with more technology companies recognizing the need for fair licensing of content [71][73] Question: Can you dig into the digital advertising revenue drivers? - Growth was driven by page view increases, programmatic revenue, and the strength of the national brand [78][80] Question: What is happening with the DMS business strategy? - The strategy includes improving search capabilities and integrating CRM systems to enhance customer engagement and retention [83][87]

Core Viewpoint - DallasNews Corporation has rejected an unsolicited acquisition proposal from MNG Enterprises, Inc. and reaffirmed its commitment to a merger agreement with Hearst, which has been amended to increase the purchase price from $14.00 to $15.00 per share in cash [2][5]. Summary by Sections Acquisition Proposals - DallasNews received a non-binding proposal from MNG Enterprises to acquire its shares at $16.50 per share, which was reviewed and rejected by the Board [2][4]. - The Board concluded that the Alden Proposal does not qualify as a "Superior Proposal" under the existing Hearst Merger Agreement [4]. Hearst Merger Agreement - On July 9, 2025, DallasNews entered into a definitive agreement with Hearst to acquire all outstanding shares at $14.00 per share, which was later amended to $15.00 per share at the Board's request [3][5]. - Robert W. Decherd, who controls a significant portion of the voting power, has committed to vote in favor of the Hearst merger and against alternative proposals [3][4]. Shareholder Rights Plan - The Board adopted a shareholder rights plan to protect against potential hostile takeovers, particularly in response to the Alden Proposal [6][7]. - The rights plan allows shareholders to purchase additional shares at a discounted price if a person or group acquires 10% or more of the Company's Series A common stock without Board approval [8][9]. - The rights plan is effective immediately and will expire on July 26, 2026, unless terminated earlier [10]. Financial Advisory - J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as the exclusive financial advisor to DallasNews, while Haynes Boone is providing legal advice [11].

Company Overview - Lee Enterprises, Incorporated is a major subscription and advertising platform providing high-quality local news and information in 72 markets across 25 states [3] - The company operates daily newspapers, rapidly growing digital products, and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications [3] - Key markets include St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; Omaha, NE; Richmond, VA; Lincoln, NE; Madison, WI; Davenport, IA; and Tucson, AZ [3] Upcoming Events - Lee Enterprises has scheduled an audio webcast and conference call for August 7, 2025, at 9 a.m. Central Time to discuss preliminary results for the quarter ended June 29, 2025 [1] - A news release will be issued before the market opens on the same day [1] - The live webcast can be accessed via the Investor Relations section of Lee's website and will be available for replay 24 hours later [2]