Gannett reports a Q4 revenue drop, rise in digital

On Feb. 20, Gannett reported a drop in fourth-quarter revenue and earnings along with rises in digital revenue and paid online subscriptions, Gannett-owned USA Today reported. 

The company posted a net loss of $14.2 million in the fourth quarter, “due largely to restructuring, asset impairment charges and other costs of $56.3 million,” USA Today said.

The company reported adjusted earnings per share of 44 cents, with Wall Street expectations at 45 cents per share, S&P Global Market Intelligence said. 

Gannett's digital-only subscriptions rose 46.3 percent year-over-year to 504,000. Gannett CEO and President Robert J. Dickey said USA Today Network publications will lower the number of stories people can read for free without a subscription this year. 

Seventy-five percent of ad revenue is now digital at USA Today, a milestone for the brand, according to Dickey. 

Gannett rebuffed a recent unsolicited bid from MNG Enterprises, owned by Alden Global Capital and known as Digital First Media, to buy the company or take over Gannett’s board. MNG put out a statement last week critical of Gannett’s leadership, while Gannett put out a statement critical of MNG’s remarks.

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