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New York Times(NYT) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]