New York Times(NYT) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
New York TimesNew York Times(US:NYT)2025-11-05 14:02

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]