Gannett reports Q4 EPS 7c, consensus (6c)

Reports Q4 revenue $ $621.27M, consensus $635.09M. “In 2024, we made continued strong progress executing on our strategy to advance our digital transformation, resulting in total digital revenues exceeding 45% of total revenues in the fourth quarter, and amounting to over $1.1 billion for the year. Equally important, we expanded our audience, improved engagement, and grew digital revenues through diversified channels. Total 2024 digital revenues increased by over 5% compared to 2023,” said Michael Reed, Gannett (GCI) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The successful execution of our strategy has driven continued improvement across our key financial metrics. In 2024, we delivered full-year growth in both Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow, while driving improvement to our bottom line. We also remained focused on enhancing our capital structure in 2024, which was evidenced by repaying $73.5 million of debt in addition to repayments made in connection with the completion of our comprehensive refinancing that extended our debt maturities and significantly reduced potential future dilution from our convertible notes.” “With our continued strong performance, we are pleased to have delivered on the expectations we set for 2024 at the beginning of the year for total revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, and net income. This success reinforces our confidence in achieving our 2025 expectations that we shared this morning. Further, when considering the impact of the refinancing we completed in Q4, our expectations for 2025 and 2026 remain in line with the guidance provided at the start of 2024. While transformations are never a straight line, the reaffirmation of our key financial goals demonstrates the continued progress we are making on our transformation.” “As we look ahead to 2025, we expect to build on that progress and drive improvement across our key financial metrics. We believe we are well-positioned to realize total revenue growth during 2025, growth in both total digital revenues and Adjusted EBITDA, significant free cash flow generation, and meaningful debt reduction. We are excited about our operational and financial plans for 2025, as well as the opportunity to create meaningful value for both our shareholders as well as the communities that we serve.”