Annual
Report
2024
About Gannett
Gannett Co., Inc. (“Gannett”, “we”, “us”, “our”, or the “Company”) is a diversified media company with
expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities.
We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital
marketing solutions company. We prioritize a digital-first strategy, focusing on audience growth and
engagement while diversifying revenue streams.
Through our trusted brands, including
the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised
of the national publication, USA TODAY,
and local media organizations, including
our network of local properties, in
the United States, and Newsquest, a
wholly-owned subsidiary operating
in the United Kingdom, we provide
essential journalism, local content, and
digital experiences to audiences and
businesses. We deliver high-quality,
trusted content with a commitment to
balanced, unbiased journalism, where
and when consumers want to engage.
Our digital marketing solutions brand,
LocaliQ, supports small and medium-
sized businesses with innovative digital
marketing products and solutions. Our
mission remains to inspire, inform, and
connect communities while driving
sustainable growth for our customers,
advertisers, partners, and shareholders.
96
million
monthly unique visitors, on
average(1)
~193
~85%
of our daily media brands
domestically have been published
for more than 100 years
Pulitzer Prizes
won since 1918
A reach of
1 in 2 adults
in the U.S.
through our
USA TODAY
NETWORK(2)
digital-only paid
subscriptions
14+
2.0+
total DMS core platform
average customer count
thousand
(1) 193 million average monthly unique visitors in 2024 with approximately 140 million average monthly unique visitors coming from our U.S. media network, which includes
USA TODAY (based on 2024 Comscore Media Metrix®) and approximately 53 million average monthly unique visitors in 2024 coming from our U.K. digital properties (based
on Adobe Analytics).
(2) Based on 2024 Comscore Inc., US Multi-Platform, Desktop 2+ and Total Mobile 18+, December 2023-December 2024.
billion
$1.1
or 44% of total revenues
million
Total Digital Revenues of
Dear Stockholders,
As a diversified media enterprise with expansive reach at the national and local level, our mission is
to empower and enrich communities. Gannett achieves this by inspiring, informing and connecting
audiences as a sustainable, growth-focused media and digital marketing solutions company. We
endeavor to deliver high-quality, trusted and relevant content with a deep commitment to factual,
unbiased journalism. We seek to drive audience growth and loyalty, where and when consumers want to
engage, while diversifying revenue streams. We have created a powerful network of news organizations
that positions us well to ensure and preserve the future of local journalism. We will continue to connect
people to content that matters and connect business to the customers they want to reach.
2024 represented an important year of progress for Gannett. We executed against our strategy to
advance our digital transformation, resulting in total digital revenues of $1.1 billion and accounting
for 44% of total revenues. We also expanded our digital audience, improved engagement, grew the
monetization of our audience, and significantly improved many of our financial results over the prior
year. Importantly, we believe our highly engaged audience is a powerful leading indicator of the
potential revenue opportunities we are poised to unlock.
The Company has prioritized growing total digital revenues through a diverse portfolio of meaningful
digital revenue streams and employing a holistic monetization strategy that maximizes revenue
opportunities across the spectrum and tailors such opportunities based on individual consumer habits.
Likewise, our digital marketing solutions (“DMS”) business is focused on optimizing and expanding our
core digital marketing services products and solutions while enhancing our portfolio with an Artificial
Intelligence (“AI”) powered software solution.
We intend to create stockholder value through a variety of methods, including organic growth driven
by our consumer and business-to-business strategies, as well as paying down debt to strengthen our
capital structure.
The three key operating pillars of our strategy include:
1. Expand reach and engagement with our customer segments
2. Diversify digital revenues
3. Strengthen our capital structure
Operational Highlights:
Our commitment to a diversified digital strategy is expected to provide a foundation for sustainable
growth. In 2024, we successfully built one of the largest digital audiences in the U.S. media sector, both
locally and nationally, with 193 million(1) average monthly unique visitors coming to our platform. We also
improved our engagement with that audience evidenced by 12 consecutive months of at least 1 billion
pageviews across the USA TODAY Network of more than 200 publications across the nation. We believe
our heightened focus on monetizing the full spectrum of our audience through personalized experiences
and multiple revenue streams has driven significant wins across our digital business.
Letter to Stockholders
(1) 193 million average monthly unique visitors in 2024 with approximately 140 million average monthly unique visitors coming from our U.S. media network, which includes
USA TODAY (based on 2024 Comscore Media Metrix®) and approximately 53 million average monthly unique visitors resulting from our U.K. digital properties (based on
Adobe Analytics).
In 2024, our digital-only subscription business continued to perform well with growth observed across
our key metrics. We achieved double-digit growth in digital-only subscription revenue and digital-only
average revenue per user compared to the prior year, while also driving growth in digital-only paid
subscriptions both sequentially and year-over-year. We believe there is significant upside in this digital
category though pricing optimization, leveraging our full product portfolio, and leaning in on local
growth. Equally noteworthy, our focus on audience expansion and increased engagement resulted in
four consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth in digital advertising. We also broadened our efforts
to strategically monetize the vast array of content already produced on our platform. This included
syndication across various vendors, leveraging our existing partnership portfolio, implementing AI-
driven platforms, and building a more robust e-commerce business. With our audience at scale, the next
phase of our transformation prioritizes driving higher engagement and increasing the monetization
of our digital audience. We believe there is significant potential to grow our total digital revenues by
further personalizing the consumer journey through strategic tools and tactics along with increasing the
engagement, loyalty and monetization of those consumers that come to our platform. This is expected
to unlock greater revenue opportunities through digital advertising, digital-only paid subscriptions,
and e-commerce.
We believe our DMS platform provides a similar strategic opportunity for long term growth and
increasing monetization. At the core of our plan is our commitment to delivering the best possible
experience and return for our advertisers. Key priorities for 2025 include enhancing lead generation
efficiency and effectiveness through our core product suite, streamlining the conversion process, and
optimizing our core offerings with new features and functionalities, including scaling Customer Center
powered by Dash®, an AI-powered platform. We believe these efforts will position us well to become an
indispensable digital partner and drive sustainable growth in our DMS business in 2025.
The foundation for stability, and the fuel for investment in digital growth, is enabled through the
continued optimization of our traditional print businesses. Our 2024 results in print subscription revenue
continued to showcase promising improvements driven by the actions we have implemented to enhance
the subscriber experience.
At Gannett, our employees are our greatest asset. The foundation of our business is the people and
employees who make our day-to-day operations possible. Fostering a broad range of experiences,
opinions and perspectives are core to our shared values and form the critical pillars of how we deliver
value to our customers and communities. Gannett is a proud Gold recipient of Mental Health America’s
Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, awarded for our commitment to employee mental health and
well-being. As a leading media organization, our longstanding corporate social responsibility position is
driven by our deep commitment to our people and the communities where we live and operate.
Debt Paydown:
As we continued to stabilize our business and build the foundation for sustainable revenue growth, we
also created a more balanced capital structure. In 2024, we successfully completed a comprehensive
debt refinancing that simplified our capital structure, extended our debt runway, and reduced potential
future share dilution. We believe our ability to successfully refinance our debt reflects the strength of
our long-term strategy and the progress we have made executing against our plans. In 2025, we expect
continued progress towards reducing our leverage, both through anticipated growth in Adjusted EBITDA
as well as expected debt paydown of at least $100 million.
Letter to Stockholders
2025 and Beyond:
We believe our progress and results in 2024 reflect the sustained momentum across our business,
further validate our strategic plan and represent just the beginning of the value we expect to capture
over time. We have consistently demonstrated the ability to grow our audience, increase digital
revenues, and strategically modulate our cost structure to positively impact Adjusted EBITDA and
free cash flow. As we look ahead to 2025, we expect to build on our momentum and drive further
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 stockholders as well as
the communities that we serve.
Sincerely,
Michael E. Reed
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
April 1, 2025
Letter to Stockholders
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain items herein may constitute forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding
our business outlook, digital revenue performance and growth, growth in our DMS segment, our total addressable market, core
platform revenue, growth of and demand for our digital-only subscriptions, digital marketing and advertising services, digital-
only subscription revenue, audience growth and engagement, monetization strategy and opportunities, diversification of our
revenue streams, expectations regarding our free cash flows, revenues, cash flows, total digital revenues, our growth rate, including
growth in revenues and Adjusted EBITDA, our ability to create stockholder value, our expectations, in terms of both amount and
timing, with respect to debt repayment, asset sales, economic impacts, our capital structure, our strategy, our partnerships, our
ability to achieve our operating priorities, growth of average revenue per user, our long-term opportunities, future revenue trends,
and our ability to influence trends. Words such as “expect(s)”, “plan(s)”, “believes(s)”, “anticipate”, “will”, “seek “, “intend”, “goal”,
“should”, “opportunity”, “potential”, “prioritize,” “focus,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks
and uncertainties. These and other risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the
forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond our control. The Company can give no assurance its expectations will be
attained. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained herein. For a discussion
of some of the risks and important factors that could cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements, see the
risks and other factors detailed from time to time in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports
on Form 10-Q, and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Furthermore, new risks and uncertainties emerge
from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict or assess the impact of every factor that may cause its actual
results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the
date of this Annual Report. Except to the extent required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly
any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations
with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
☒
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-36097
GANNETT CO., INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
38-3910250
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
175 Sully's Trail, Suite 203,
Pittsford,
New York
14534-4560
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (703) 854-6000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Trading Symbol
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
GCI
The New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to
Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to submit such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company,"
and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☒
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of
its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public
accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant
included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based
compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing sales price of the
registrant's Common Stock as reported on The New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2024 was approximately $648.5 million. The registrant
has no non-voting common equity.
As of February 14, 2025, 147,369,070 shares of the registrant's Common Stock were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information in the definitive proxy statement for the registrant's Annual Meeting of Stockholders for 2025, to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, is incorporated by reference
in Part III to the extent described therein.
INDEX TO GANNETT CO., INC.
2024 FORM 10-K
Page
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
3
Part I
Item 1.
Business
4
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
18
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
38
Item 1C.
Cybersecurity
38
Item 2.
Properties
39
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
40
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
40
Part II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
41
Item 6.
[Reserved]
41
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
42
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
72
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
74
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
123
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
123
Item 9B.
Other information
123
Item 9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
123
Part III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
124
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
124
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
124
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
124
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
124
Part IV
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
125
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary
128
2
possible for us to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor,
or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
Except to the extent required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or change in events,
conditions, or circumstances on which any statement is based.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including "Item 1 — Business," "Item 1A — Risk Factors" and "Item 7 —
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," contains forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect our current
views regarding, among other things, our future or ongoing growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and
opportunities, stock repurchases, our expectations, in terms of both amount and timing, with respect to debt repayment and our
capital structure, our foundation, and our environmental, social and governance goals, and are not statements of historical fact.
Words such as "anticipate(s)," "expect(s)," "intend(s)," "plan(s)," "focus(ed)," "goal," "project," "opportunity," "believe(s),"
"will," "aim," "strive(s)," "commit," "would," "could," "can," "may," "seek(s)," "estimate(s)" and similar expressions are
intended to identify such forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of
known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could lead to actual results materially different from those
described in the forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance our expectations will be attained. Our actual results,
liquidity, and financial condition may differ materially from the anticipated results, liquidity, and financial condition indicated
in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and
uncertainties, and there are certain important factors that could cause our actual results to differ, possibly materially, from the
expectations or estimates reflected in such forward-looking statements, including, among others, the risks identified by us under
the heading "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of this report, as well as other risks and factors identified from time to time in our other
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-
looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not
3
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
Gannett Co., Inc. ("Gannett", "we", "us", "our", or the "Company") is a diversified media company with expansive reach at
the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect
audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands,
including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations,
including our network of local properties, in the United States (the "U.S."), and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary
operating in the United Kingdom (the "U.K."), we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to
audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where
and when consumers want to engage. We prioritize a digital-first strategy, focusing on audience growth and engagement while
diversifying revenue streams. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses
("SMBs") with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. Our mission remains to inspire, inform, and connect
communities while driving sustainable growth for our customers, advertisers, partners, and shareholders.
We report in three segments: Domestic Gannett Media, Newsquest and Digital Marketing Solutions ("DMS"). We also
have a Corporate and other category that includes activities not directly attributable to a specific reportable segment and
includes broad corporate functions, such as legal, human resources, accounting, analytics, finance, marketing and technology,
as well as other general business costs. A full description of our reportable segments is included in Note 14 — Segment
reporting in the notes to the Consolidated financial statements.
We have prioritized growing digital revenues by expanding our reach and engagement with customers across markets and
diversifying digital revenues through meaningful monetization streams. In 2024, total digital revenues, which includes Digital
advertising revenues, Digital marketing services revenues, Digital-only subscription revenues, and Other Digital revenues,
including digital content syndication, affiliate and content partnerships, and licensing revenues, grew to $1.1 billion, or 44% of
our total revenues. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately two million paid digital-only subscriptions, which
outnumbered our print subscriptions. Our U.S. media network, which includes USA TODAY and our domestic network of local
properties, averaged approximately 140 million(a) unique visitors monthly during 2024 to our digital platforms. In the U.K.,
Newsquest is a publishing and digital leader with a network of websites that averaged approximately 53 million(b) unique
visitors monthly during 2024. In total, we averaged 193 million(a)(b) unique visitors across both the Domestic Gannett Media and
Newsquest segments during 2024.
We believe that a number of factors and industry trends have, and will continue to, present risks and challenges to our
business. For a detailed discussion of certain factors that could materially affect our business, results of operations and financial
condition, see "Item 1A — Risk Factors."
Strategy
We are committed to inspiring, informing and connecting audiences as a sustainable, growth-focused media and digital
marketing solutions company. Our strategy is rooted in three operating pillars: (i) expanding our reach and engagement, (ii)
diversifying our digital revenues, and (iii) strengthening our capital structure, all supported by what we believe is a stable and
increasingly agile foundation which we continue to optimize as the business and industry evolves. We believe our strategy will
allow us to continue our evolution to a sustainable, growth-focused media and digital marketing solutions company.
Foundation for ongoing growth
We continue to optimize and improve our infrastructure – through ongoing systems consolidations and migrations,
improving process workflows, leveraging evolving technology, and ensuring we have the synergy across the organization
expected to deliver the stabilization required to fuel our plan into the future. We also continue to invest in our people and in the
skills needed to support our future aims and to retain our talent by remaining an attractive place to work.
Three operating pillars
Expand reach and engagement with our customer segments
We believe that a key to our ongoing growth is expanding our base – including clients in our DMS segment and audience
4
in our Domestic Gannett Media and Newsquest segments – and optimizing our revenue streams across this growing base.
As of December 31, 2024, we have built one of the largest digital audiences in the U.S. media sector, both locally and
nationally. For both the Domestic Gannett Media and Newsquest segments, we seek to continue to strengthen the connection
with our audience by providing relevant content and expanded offerings that resonate with our readers. We believe a scaled,
engaged audience is the catalyst for creating diversified, predictable, and repeatable digital revenues.
In our DMS segment, we seek to enhance our customer acquisition efforts by targeting client profiles and broadening our
product portfolio. By capitalizing on our domain expertise, we aim to grow our addressable market and provide comprehensive
solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Diversify digital revenues
We expect to continue to expand the ways that we grow digital revenues through creating a diverse portfolio of meaningful
digital revenue streams and employing a holistic monetization strategy that maximizes revenue opportunities across the
spectrum and tailors such opportunities based on individual consumer habits.
Our strategy aims to allow us to more fully monetize the numerous visitors to our digital platforms, approximately 193
million(a)(b) unique monthly visitors during 2024, capitalizing on every interaction. Each interaction is an opportunity to present
a digital advertising offering, a digital-only subscription, an e-commerce opportunity, or to reach consumers more broadly who
access our content via our paid syndication partners. By optimizing our interactions with readers, we aim to fully leverage our
digital portfolio of products and maximize the overall revenue opportunity while providing each consumer with a meaningful
experience.
Likewise, our digital marketing solutions business is focused on optimizing and expanding our core digital marketing
services products and solutions while enhancing our portfolio with an Artificial Intelligence ("AI") powered software solution,
which we expect to increase our addressable market, improve retention, and increase Core platform revenues. Refer to "Key
Performance Indicators" below for further discussion of Core platform revenues.
Strengthen our capital structure
We remain focused on reducing debt, generating consistent cash flow, and creating flexibility to reinvest in growth
initiatives. We believe this disciplined approach supports our ability to innovate and adapt while ensuring long-term financial
health.
Domestic Gannett Media Segment
Our Domestic Gannett Media segment is comprised of USA TODAY, daily and weekly content brands in approximately
220 local U.S. markets across 43 states and our community events business, USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures. As of
December 31, 2024, we operated over 330 digital news and media brands across our portfolio.
Our core offerings include:
•
Digital: digital-only subscriptions for local brands, USA TODAY, sports, and games. Subscribers also receive E-
Newspapers, offering digital replicas of print editions with additional features, such as article sharing and access to
archived editions; and
•
Print: home delivery offered on a subscription basis ("home delivery"), single copy, and non-daily publications (i.e.,
shoppers and niche publications).
We aim to engage more than 130 million monthly digital and print consumers through evolving digital strategies, and
optimizing product types to balance consumer and advertiser needs. The number of products within each publication type shifts
regularly as we identify opportunities to best serve consumer and advertiser needs.
Approximately 85% of our daily media brands domestically have been published for more than 100 years. We believe the
longevity of our publications demonstrates the value and relevance of the local information we provide and has created a strong
foundation of reader loyalty and a highly-recognized media brand name in each community we serve. Our trusted brands, which
includes USA TODAY, are powered by an integrated and award-winning news organization, which as of December 31, 2024,
comprised of approximately 3,100 journalists with deep roots in approximately 220 local communities.
5
•
Digital advertising offerings include direct sold display advertising and programmatic advertising that leverages both
first and third-party data delivered on either our digital products or off-platform as well as classified advertisements
such as auto, employment, real estate, legal, and obituary notifications, which may leverage third-party providers.
•
Digital marketing services represent our integrated, proprietary marketing platform that helps local businesses build
their online presence through high conversion websites, drives awareness and leads through products such as search
engine marketing, manages and nurtures leads through our marketing automation platform, and measures which
activities are most effective. Our digital marketing services utilize digital inventory across a number of third-party
websites.
•
Digital-only subscription offerings reflect the digital distribution of our publications.
•
Digital other revenues are mainly derived from digital content syndication, affiliate and content partnerships and
licensing revenues.
Growing total digital revenues remains one of our top priorities, including a focus on growing paid digital-only
subscription revenues. We have focused our efforts on maximizing the total digital revenue of each unique visitor, employing a
holistic approach to monetization. As of December 31, 2024, our targeted subscription acquisition efforts resulted in
approximately 2.0 million paid digital-only subscriptions. We are focused on acquiring highly engaged, long-term, profitable
subscribers, as well as extending the subscribers lifetime value. As a result of this strategy, in 2024 we increased Digital-only
average revenue per user ("Digital-only ARPU") by 21.2% compared to 2023. Refer to "Key Performance Indicators" in
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" below for further discussion of
Digital-only ARPU.
The scale of our consumer audience across the Domestic Gannett Media segment, combined with a full funnel suite of
products, makes us an attractive marketing partner to various local and national businesses trying to reach consumers. We reach
1 in 2 adults(a) in the U.S., led by USA TODAY and amplified by local media brands within the USA TODAY NETWORK.
We are the leading news media publisher in the U.S. in terms of circulation and have the largest digital audience in the News
and Information category, excluding news aggregators, based on the December 2024 Comscore Media Metrix® Desktop +
Mobile. Per those metrics, our content reaches more people digitally than Fox News Media, CNN Network, New York Times
Digital, or WashingtonPost.com(a).
During 2024, our U.S. media network, which includes USA TODAY and our network of local properties, had a total digital
audience of approximately 140 million(a) monthly unique visitors, on average. In addition, during 2024, the combined average
daily print readership was approximately 2.6 million on Sunday and 2.3 million daily Monday through Saturday, primarily
driven by our domestic local property network and to a lesser extent, USA TODAY.
Domestic Gannett Media segment revenues
The Domestic Gannett Media segment primarily generates revenue through subscriptions to our print and digital products,
advertising augmented by full funnel solutions including digital marketing services, and, to a lesser extent, commercial printing
and distribution. The Domestic Gannett Media segment is focused on monetizing its digital audience, through multiple digital
revenue touchpoints, such as digital subscriptions, digital content syndication, affiliate and content partnerships, digital
advertising leveraging both first and third-party data, and new product offerings. We are focused on growing digital revenues
through a balanced, multi-point monetization strategy while maintaining a robust print base with subscription models and
innovative delivery methods, such as same day mail.
Our advertising teams employ a multi-product, platform, and location approach to advertising sales. With local market
teams, national and centralized sales, and self-service options, we aim to maximize the scale of our network. We offer a
comprehensive portfolio of print and digital advertising, including digital marketing services, tailored to meet the unique needs
of advertisers, from small local businesses to complex national brands. As advertisers navigate the challenges of managing
media budgets and reaching shifting audiences, we provide trusted expertise, access to wide ranging audiences, a nationally
scaled sales force, and targeted, integrated solutions. Our broad portfolio positions us to influence attitudes and behavior at
every stage of the purchase path.
Digital revenues
Digital revenues at the Domestic Gannett Media segment were $692.7 million in 2024 compared to $641.7 million in 2023,
which represented 36% of total Domestic Gannett Media segment revenues in 2024, up from 31% in 2023.
We track our Digital revenues in four main categories: digital advertising, digital marketing services, digital-only
subscription and digital other. Below are descriptions of these categories:
6
•
Print advertising is mainly derived from local and national advertising runs in our print products, such as our daily or
non-daily publications, and are either display advertising or preprinted inserts.
•
Print circulation reflects the sale of both home delivery and single copy sales of our publications.
•
Commercial and other reflects revenues generated from commercial printing and distribution arrangements, and
revenues from our events business.
Our all access content subscription model in our local markets includes a home delivered print product along with access to
our content via multiple digital platforms, with subscription prices varying by market, frequency, and product, among other
variables. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately 1.0 million print subscribers.
In the U.S. local markets, print circulation revenue is largely subscription based, with approximately 85% of print
circulation revenues derived from home delivery subscriptions in 2024. In addition to the subscription model in our U.S. local
markets, single-copy print editions continue to be sold at retail outlets and accounted for approximately 9% of daily and 14% of
Sunday net paid circulation volume in 2024. Approximately 44% of the net paid circulation volumes of USA TODAY in 2024
was generated by single-copy sales at retail outlets, vending machines, or hotels that provide copies to their guests. Net paid
circulation volumes of USA TODAY also include home and office delivery, mail, educational, and other sales.
Events
USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, our events and promotions business, diversifies the Company's media offerings by
connecting communities through impactful experiences. In 2024, USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures hosted a variety of in-
person and virtual events, attracting over 430 thousand attendees. Our portfolio includes home and garden shows, food and
wine festivals, high school sports recognition programs, including the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards, and major
events such as the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K, RAGBRAI, and Detroit Free Press Marathon.
USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures revenues are generated primarily through sponsorship sales, race registrations, and
ticket sales, which are reported in other revenues, and print and digital advertising and marketing revenues.
Production and Distribution
As of December 31, 2024, Gannett Publishing Services ("GPS") owned and/or operated 16 production facilities. By
clustering our production resources, utilizing excess capacity for commercial work, or outsourcing where cost-beneficial, we
seek to reduce the operating costs of our publications while enhancing the quality of our small and mid-size market
publications.
GPS leverages existing assets, including employee expertise, equipment, and distribution networks, to produce print
products for Gannett and third-party customers. We aim to continue to optimize our geographic footprint to efficiently produce
and transport printed products, with daily newspaper distribution generally outsourced to independent third-party distributors.
We continuously explore lower-cost delivery options.
We continue to refine our production and distribution methods. In 2024, we converted 55 publications to same-day mail
delivery via the U.S. Postal Service in certain markets where it is viable from a customer and financial perspective. Our goal is
to reliably deliver to the consumer, and in some cases, at lower costs, as well as eliminate unprofitable distribution routes where
possible. We intend to continue to explore mail delivery in 2025.
Competition
Our Domestic Gannett Media operations and affiliated digital platforms compete with other media and digital companies
for advertising and marketing spend. Additionally, we compete for circulation and readership against other news and
Print and commercial revenues
Print and commercial revenues at the Domestic Gannett Media segment were $1.2 billion in 2024, compared to $1.5 billion
in 2023, which represented 64% of total Domestic Gannett Media segment revenues in 2024, down from 69% in 2023, making
it our single largest revenue category in 2024.
We track our Print and commercial revenues in three primary categories: print advertising, print circulation, and
commercial and other. Below are descriptions of the categories:
7
information outlets and amateur content creators, some of which offer their content free of charge. Each of our publications
compete for advertising revenues to varying degrees with traditional media outlets such as direct mail, yellow pages, radio,
outdoor advertising, broadcast and cable television, magazines, local, regional and national newspapers, shoppers, and other
print and online media sources. We also increasingly compete with technology and social media companies, as well as
advertising networks and other programmatic buying channels for advertising revenues.
Development of opportunities in, and competition from, digital and social media platforms, including websites, mobile
applications, social products, and AI continues to increase. There is very little barrier to entry and often limited capital
requirements for new companies to enter the market with competitive digital products. Additionally, there are times when we
are not, or in the future we may not be, compensated for the use of our original content by third-party digital products and social
platforms, including AI-driven platforms.
We expect the Domestic Gannett Media segment to continue to protect its audience market share and to expand its
audience reach in the digital media industry through a focus on high quality content and journalism, internal audience
development efforts, content distribution programs, acquisitions, and partnerships. Additionally, we expect the Domestic
Gannett Media segment to continue to improve its suite of advertising and marketing services products through both internal
development and partnerships.
Joint Operating Agreement
Our Domestic Gannett Media subsidiary in Detroit, Michigan is party to a partnership which is subject to and operates
under a joint operating agreement ("JOA"). Under the JOA, the partnership performs the production, sales, distribution, and
back-office functions for our subsidiary and the publisher of another publication. The term of the Detroit JOA will end as of
December 31, 2025 unless the partners reach an agreement to continue. Operating results for the Detroit JOA are fully
consolidated along with a charge for the minority partner's share of profits. Effective June 30, 2024, York Dispatch Publishing
Company withdrew as a limited partner from the JOA in York, Pennsylvania. As a result, as of June 30, 2024, the Company no
longer pays a management fee associated with the York JOA.
Major Publications and Markets we Serve
The USA TODAY NETWORK operates as a network, leveraging integrated shared support for back-office operations such
as content design and layout services, print and digital creative development, certain sales and service platforms, technology,
data, and accounting and finance. We centrally manage production and distribution across our entire newsroom network to
maximize efficiency. We also leverage a single content management platform, allowing for content sharing across our portfolio
of brands. However, we believe that it is critically important that our U.S. local property network operate at the local level and
utilize the centralized infrastructure in a manner that maximizes each property's individual performance.
8
Circulation
Location
Daily(1)
Sunday(1)
Digital-only(2)
USA TODAY
99,974
—
402,948
Detroit, MI
25,743
62,461
119,433
Phoenix, AZ
39,841
58,738
71,923
Milwaukee, WI
26,004
44,539
55,068
Indianapolis, IN
18,187
26,618
48,714
Cincinnati, OH
17,637
27,248
34,430
Columbus, OH
15,231
23,207
39,852
Des Moines, IA
15,527
24,627
36,050
Austin, TX
11,513
16,319
40,401
Palm Beach, FL
16,837
20,607
27,723
Louisville, KY
15,270
21,844
25,272
Nashville, TN
11,853
17,182
31,544
Rochester, NY
15,113
23,066
20,142
Providence, RI
15,694
19,421
20,548
Bergen County, NJ
14,691
18,154
20,362
Oklahoma City, OK
11,265
15,581
25,338
Sarasota, FL
14,187
16,945
20,214
Akron, OH
14,911
19,227
16,064
Naples, FL
11,721
13,582
21,479
Asbury Park, NJ
11,760
16,240
18,573
(1) Print volumes are based on reported copy sales per issue for the period January 2024 through December 2024.
(2) Digital-only reflects reported subscription volumes as of December 31, 2024.
The following table lists information for our major publications and their affiliated digital platforms within the listed
market in the U.S., as well as our national publication, USA TODAY, as of December 31, 2024.
9
Our core offerings include:
•
Digital: digital-only subscriptions for local brands, magazines, and sports verticals; and
•
Print: single copy, home delivery, and non-daily publications (i.e., weekly news brands, shoppers and niche
publications).
Many of our publications are located in small and mid-size markets where we are often the primary provider of
comprehensive local community news and information. We reach a large, diverse audience through our print and digital daily
and non-daily publications throughout the U.K. As of December 31, 2024, our journalism network is powered by an integrated
and award-winning news organization comprised of approximately 500 journalists.
The scale of our consumer audience across the Newsquest segment, combined with a full funnel suite of products, makes
us an attractive marketing partner to various local and national businesses trying to reach consumers. In 2024, Newsquest had a
digital audience of approximately 53 million(b) monthly unique visitors, on average, with a total average print readership of
approximately 4.0 million every week.
Newsquest segment revenues
The Newsquest segment generates revenue primarily through advertising, single-copy sales and subscriptions to our print
and digital products, augmented by full funnel advertising solutions including digital marketing services, and, to a lesser extent,
commercial printing and distribution. The Newsquest segment is focused on monetizing its large organic audience of
approximately 53 million(b) monthly unique visitors, on average, through multiple digital revenue touchpoints, such as digital
subscriptions, affiliate and content partnerships, digital advertising leveraging both first and third-party data, new product
offerings, and sports verticals. We believe this strategic focus, coupled with our unwavering commitment to delivering
engaging and essential content, will enable us to better optimize our audience and accelerate our digital revenue growth.
Our advertising operations leverage a multi-faceted approach across products, platforms, and locations. We operate sales
teams in local markets as well as a national sales agency, in conjunction with self-service options, to maximize the scale of our
network. Our advertising teams sell a full portfolio of print and digital advertising, including digital marketing services. This
diverse set of products can be specifically tailored to the individual needs of advertisers from small, locally owned merchants to
large, complex national brands. Our comprehensive portfolio encompasses print and digital advertising, along with digital
marketing services, designed to serve a spectrum of clients, from small local businesses to complex national brands. As
advertisers face the challenges of managing media budgets and engaging evolving audiences, we provide trusted expertise,
access to wide ranging audiences, a nationally scaled sales force, and integrated, targeted solutions. This expansive portfolio
enables us to drive influence and impact consumer behavior throughout the entire purchase journey.
Digital revenues
Digital revenues at the Newsquest segment were $79.3 million in 2024 compared to $74.9 million in 2023, which
represented 33% of total Newsquest segment revenues in 2024, up from 32% in 2023.
We track our Digital revenues in four main categories: digital advertising, digital marketing services, digital-only
subscription and digital other. Below are descriptions of these categories:
•
Digital advertising offerings include direct sold display advertising and programmatic advertising that leverages both
first and third-party data delivered on either our digital products or off-platform as well as classified advertisements
such as auto, employment, real estate, legal, and obituary notifications, which may leverage third party providers.
•
Digital marketing services represent our integrated, proprietary marketing platform that helps local businesses build
their online presence through high conversion websites, drives awareness and leads through products such as search
engine optimization and marketing, manages and nurtures leads through our marketing automation platform, and
measures which activities are most effective. Our digital marketing services utilize digital inventory across a number
of third-party websites.
•
Digital-only subscription offerings reflect the digital distribution of our publications.
•
Digital other revenues are mainly derived from digital content syndication.
Newsquest Segment
Our Newsquest segment in the U.K. is comprised of over 210 digital news and media brands across our portfolio, including
over 150 daily and weekly newspapers and over 60 magazines as of December 31, 2024.
10
•
Print advertising is mainly derived from local and national advertising runs in our print products, such as our daily or
non-daily publications, and are either display and classified advertising or preprinted inserts.
•
Print circulation reflects the sale of both home delivery and single copy sales of our publications.
•
Commercial and other reflects revenues generated from commercial printing and distribution arrangements.
Production and Distribution
As of December 31, 2024, the Newsquest segment owned and/or operated four production facilities. By clustering our
publication resources, utilizing excess capacity for commercial work, or outsourcing where cost-beneficial, we seek to reduce
the operating costs of our publications while increasing the quality of our small and mid-size market publications that would
typically not otherwise have access to high quality production facilities at competitive costs. We believe we are able to reduce
future capital expenditure needs by having fewer overall pressrooms and buildings.
The Newsquest segment operates its publishing activities in a similar manner to GPS (as described in the Domestic Gannett
Media segment discussion above), through regional and central teams to maximize the use of management, finance, printing,
and personnel resources. This approach allows the business to leverage a variety of back-office and administrative activities to
optimize financial results and enables Newsquest to offer readers and advertisers a range of attractive products across the
market.
Competition
Our Newsquest segment operations and affiliated digital platforms compete with other media and digital companies for
advertising and marketing spend. Our operations also compete for circulation and readership against other news and
information outlets and amateur content creators, some of which offer their content free of charge. Each of our publications
compete for advertising revenues to varying degrees with traditional media outlets such as direct mail, radio, outdoor
advertising, broadcast and cable television, magazines, local, regional and national newspapers, and other print and online
media sources, including local blogs. We also compete with digital and social media companies, as well as advertising networks
and other programmatic buying channels for advertising revenues.
Development of opportunities in, and competition from, digital and social media, including websites, mobile applications,
and social products continues to increase. There is very little barrier to entry and often limited capital requirements for new
companies to enter the market with competitive digital products. Additionally, there are times when we are not, or in the future
we may not be, compensated for the use of our original content by third-party digital products and social platforms.
The Newsquest segment expects to continue to protect its audience market share and to expand its audience reach in the
digital media industry through a focus on high quality content and journalism, internal audience development efforts, content
distribution programs, acquisitions, and partnerships. Additionally, the Newsquest segment expects to continue to improve its
suite of advertising and marketing services products through both internal development and partnerships.
Circulation
The Newsquest segment has a portfolio of over 150 news and media brands and over 60 magazines, published in print and
online in the U.K., with a digital audience in 2024 averaging approximately 53 million(b) monthly unique visitors and
approximately 4.0 million total weekly average print readers. In addition to local news brands, the Newsquest segment owns the
Maximizing our digital revenues remains one of our top priorities as we aim to strike the optimal balance between digital
revenue categories. In 2024, our paid digital-only subscriptions grew approximately 33%, which we believe underscores the
value of our unique and essential content and reflects our ability to deliver experiences that resonate with our audience and
foster engagement. We are also focused on expanding our content offerings and enhancing our product suite to meet the needs
of our consumers and leverage our expansive organic audience. Refer to "Key Performance Indicators" below for further
discussion of digital-only subscriptions.
Print and commercial revenues
Print and commercial revenues at the Newsquest segment were $160.0 million in 2024 compared to $159.1 million in
2023, which comprised 67% of total Newsquest segment revenues, down from 68% in 2023.
We track our Print and commercial revenues in three primary categories: print advertising, print circulation and commercial
and other. Below are descriptions of the categories:
11
Title
Location
Circulation
Monday - Saturday(1)
Digital-only(2)
Basildon & Southend Echo
Basildon, Southend on Sea
7,003
1,720
Bournemouth - The Daily Echo
Bournemouth
4,895
5,272
Bradford Telegraph & Argus
Bradford
3,875
2,783
Colchester Daily Gazette
Colchester
3,237
879
Dorset Echo
Dorset
3,781
1,713
East Anglian Daily Times
Ipswich
6,078
3,910
Eastern Daily Press
Norwich
12,036
4,579
Glasgow - Evening Times
Glasgow
4,903
821
Greenock Telegraph
Greenock
4,114
1,531
Ipswich Star
Ipswich
2,423
1,101
Lancashire Telegraph
Blackburn, Burnley
2,760
1,761
News & Star
Carlisle
1,737
1,500
Norwich Evening News
Norwich
2,627
1,088
Oxford Mail
Oxford
3,836
2,859
South Wales Argus - Newport
Newport
3,283
2,085
Southampton - Southern Daily Echo
Southampton
5,561
3,827
Swindon Advertiser
Swindon
3,513
2,307
The Argus Brighton
Brighton
3,654
2,475
The Bolton News
Bolton
3,469
2,420
The Herald, Scotland
Glasgow, Edinburgh
9,943
10,554
The Leader
Wrexham
2,765
686
The Mail
Cumbria
2,046
943
The National, Scotland
Glasgow, Edinburgh
2,567
8,151
The Northern Echo
Darlington
7,739
2,659
The Press - York
York
4,679
2,066
Worcester News
Worcester
2,492
1,325
(1) Print volumes are based on reported copy sales per issue for the period January 2024 through December 2024.
(2) Digital-only reflects reported subscription volumes as of December 31, 2024.
Digital Marketing Solutions Segment
Our DMS segment, operating under the brand LocaliQ, provides digital advertising and marketing products and solutions
to help local businesses succeed. Its cloud-based platform offers a suite of products and solutions for marketing automation, AI-
driven advertising optimization, and customizable reporting. LocaliQ helps businesses build online presence, drive consumer
awareness, manage leads, and measure marketing performance across multiple channels. The platform is an all-in-one suite of
products and solutions that delivers relevant marketing messages to local consumers, helps optimize marketing budgets, and
provides actionable insights to advertisers. In 2024, LocaliQ launched Customer Center powered by Dash®, an AI-powered
platform, which provides AI-generated call attributes, AI-assisted call details, and a customer interaction activity feed with AI-
generated insights.
We believe we have an advantage successfully reaching the SMBs given our scaled sales force, long-standing involvement
in and knowledge of the communities in which we operate, and vast data accumulated through decades of campaign
management. We believe we offer a lower cost of acquisition for our customers based on our extensive data and experience in
optimizing campaigns. We also believe we have the technology, the experience, and the relationships to provide best-in-class
metrics.
digital businesses s1jobs and s1Homes, Exchange & Mart, and a specialist magazine business.
The following table presents information for our major local media organizations and affiliated digital platforms operated
by our Newsquest segment in the U.K. as of December 31, 2024:
DAILY PAID-FOR LOCAL MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS AND AFFILIATED DIGITAL PLATFORMS /
NEWSQUEST
12
Our products and solutions focus on three key categories local businesses need to manage in order to grow:
•
Get Found: Listings, websites and landing pages, search engine optimization and social media marketing.
•
Scaling Their Business: Search engine marketing, display ads, video ads, social ads, targeted email marketing, and
custom promotions. Search engine marketing, which is recorded as Digital marketing services revenues, accounted for
68% of our DMS segment's total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024.
•
Converting and Keeping Customers: Customer Center powered by Dash® and chat.
Distribution
We deliver our suite of products and solutions to local businesses through a combination of our proprietary technology
platform, our sales force, and select third-party agencies and resellers. Our DMS segment has sales operations in the U.S.,
Canada, New Zealand, Australia, India and the U.K. During 2024, approximately 95% of our DMS segment revenues were
generated in North America and the remaining 5% from other international markets. All DMS segment revenues are digital
revenues.
Competition
The market for local online advertising solutions is intensely competitive and rapidly changing. The market is highly
fragmented as there are a number of smaller companies which provide digital marketing services at highly competitive prices
and, increasingly, we compete with SMB marketing providers who offer solutions tailored for specific verticals. In addition, the
online publishers that we utilize for clients, such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, generally offer their products and
services through self-service platforms. Many traditional offline media companies also offer online advertising solutions and
have large, direct sales forces and digital publishing properties. Further, a proliferation of marketing automation tools continues
to commoditize the DMS environment while actions from major technology companies have caused challenges to advertising
agencies.
Government Regulation
We are subject to a variety of laws, rules, and regulations in numerous jurisdictions within the U.S. and in each of the
countries where we conduct business. These laws, rules, and regulations cover several diverse areas, including environmental
matters, employee health and safety, data and privacy protection, consumer protection and anti-trust provisions. These U.S.
federal, state, and foreign laws and regulations, which in some cases can be enforced by private parties in addition to
government entities, are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. For example, many jurisdictions have
enacted or are considering enacting privacy or data protection laws and regulations that apply to the processing or protection of
personal information as well as laws and regulations governing the use of artificial intelligence. Data and privacy protection
laws, rules and regulations are applicable to our businesses and the compliance costs and operational burdens imposed by these
laws and regulations could be significant. As a result of the often rapidly evolving changes, the application, interpretation, and
We believe the DMS segment provides a scalable business model due to its consistent customer budget retention rates,
averaging 96% in 2024. In addition, we believe that ongoing investment in product and marketing, combined with sales channel
expansion, are critical to growing the number of core platform customers. As of December 31, 2024, our core platform average
customer count was approximately 14,300 at our DMS segment. Refer to "Key Performance Indicators" below for further
discussion of core platform average customer count.
DMS Digital marketing services revenues are subject to moderate seasonality due primarily to fluctuations in marketing
budgets for seasonal businesses. We believe the diversification of the product suite will, over time, reduce the impact from
seasonal fluctuations.
Products
Digital marketing requires a holistic view of how online presence, advertising and conversion efforts work together to
achieve results. Our products and solutions work across the USA TODAY NETWORK and major online platforms such as
Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Yelp, Snap, and others. Our products and solutions portfolio offers a simple all-in-one platform
powered by AI and service experts that grows and adapts with the needs of local business owners. For example, some
businesses might need to significantly improve their websites and focus on converting sales leads, while others may need to
focus on building awareness of their business and driving more leads to their site and social pages. LocaliQ identifies the
biggest opportunities and provides solutions by recommending the right mix of product platform features and measuring results.
13
Raw Materials
Newsprint, which is the basic raw material used in our print publications, has been and may continue to be subject to
significant price changes from time to time. During 2024, we purchased newsprint as well as other specialty paper grades from
14 domestic and global suppliers. Our total consumption was approximately 96,000 metric tons in 2024, a decrease of 16%
from 2023, which included consumption by our owned and operated print sites, third-party printing sites, and Newsquest, and
includes consumption for Gannett products as well as products printed commercially for third-parties. Newsprint capacity
reductions through the closure of mills or the conversion of paper machines to other products or grades of paper has reduced the
number of newsprint suppliers over the years. North American suppliers are becoming a larger share of the global market and
domestic and global supply are susceptible to supply chain disruptions and pricing volatility tied to economic and geopolitical
factors. The availability and price of newsprint is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which are described more fully
under "Item 1A — Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Macroeconomic Environment
We are exposed to certain risks and uncertainties caused by factors beyond our control, including economic and political
instability and other geopolitical events. We believe that these uncertain economic conditions have adversely impacted and may
continue to have an adverse impact on our revenues, and the occurrence of these factors has resulted in a reduction in demand
for our print and digital advertising, reduced the rates for our advertising, and caused marketers to shift, reduce or stop spend.
We are exposed to potential increases in interest rates associated with our new $900.0 million five-year first lien term loan
facility, which as of December 31, 2024, accounted for approximately 76% of our outstanding debt, as well as fluctuations in
foreign currency exchange rates, primarily related to our operations in the U.K. We expect continued uncertainty and volatility
in the U.S. and global economies which will continue to impact our business. See "Item 1A — Risk Factors" in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
Seasonality
We experience seasonality in our revenues. The Domestic Gannett Media segment typically witnesses the greatest impact
enforcement of these and other applicable laws and regulations are often uncertain and may be interpreted and applied
inconsistently from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and inconsistently with our current policies and practices. We are committed to
conducting our business in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Environmental Regulation
We are committed to its strategy of protecting the environment. Our goal is to ensure our production and distribution
facilities comply with applicable federal, state, local, and foreign environmental laws and to incorporate appropriate
environmental practices and standards in our operations. We believe we are one of the industry leaders in the use of recycled
newsprint. During 2024, 12% of our domestic newsprint purchases contained recycled content, with average recycled content of
22%.
Our operations use inks, solvents, and fuels. The use, management, and disposal of certain of these substances are regulated
by environmental agencies. In addition, there is increasing attention in the U.S. and worldwide concerning the issue of climate
change and the effect of greenhouse gas emissions. We believe that understanding and managing greenhouse gas emissions are
important to effectively mitigate our impact to the environment. See "Climate Change" below.
We retain a corporate environmental legal consultant who, along with internal and outside counsel, provides advice on
regulatory compliance and preventive measures. We believe we are in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and
regulations for the protection of the environment and the health and safety of our employees based upon existing facts presently
known to us. Compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and foreign environmental laws and regulations relating to the
discharge of substances into the environment, the disposal of hazardous wastes, and other related activities has had, and will
continue to have, an impact on our operations but has been accomplished to date without having a material adverse effect on
our operations. While it is difficult to estimate the timing and ultimate costs to be incurred due to uncertainties about the status
of laws, regulations, and technology, based on information currently known to us and insurance procured with respect to certain
environmental matters, we do not expect environmental costs or contingencies to be material or to have a material adverse
effect on our financial performance. Our operations involve risks in these areas, however, and we cannot provide assurance that
we will not incur material costs or liabilities in the future which could adversely affect us. See also "Item 1A — Risk Factors"
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
14
diversity, further reductions in our total paper consumption, and the successful completion of our inaugural climate disclosure
project questionnaires for climate change and forests.
Gannett is committed to ensuring our coverage is widely available, actively promoted across our media sites and marketed
to our millions of registered users. In January 2025, we published our network-wide 2024 Journalism Impact Report, which
highlighted what we believe are the most influential articles we produced in 2024 and covers topics such as coverage on
inclusion, diversity and equity as well as climate change. The Company is committed to the ongoing publishing of an annual
network-wide Journalism Impact Report, which surfaces the top stories we produced that led to action.
Climate Change
Essential to Gannett's mission of empowering communities to thrive are the pillars that make up our corporate social
responsibility platform. As part of our commitment to social responsibility, Gannett strives to minimize its environmental
from seasonality in the third quarter, primarily attributed to reduced population in seasonal markets and decreased holiday
related spending. The DMS segment generally experiences the greatest impact from seasonality in the first half of the fiscal
year, which can be attributed to the advertising needs of specific verticals, which are generally lower in the first half of the year.
Human Capital Resources
We believe our employees are our greatest asset and the foundation of our business is the people and employees who make
our day-to-day operations possible. Having and fostering a broad range of experiences, opinions and perspectives are core to
our shared values and form the critical pillars of how we deliver value to our customers and communities.
Enabling a positive employee experience, remains a top priority at Gannett. Aligned to our purpose, we endeavor to
provide engaging work and foster a learning culture that supports our employees' ability to reach their goals and continue to
develop new skills and capabilities. We invest in management development to enable strong team-based connections and to
support effective manager to employee dialogue. Culture building is a priority on a local, divisional and enterprise level. Our
efforts include supporting volunteer participation in our employee resource groups, with thirteen active employee resource
groups operating in the Company as of December 31, 2024. Volunteer employee resource group leaders set annual goals
utilizing a strategic "4c" model, where Career, Culture, Company, and Community objectives are set and used to determine
topics for programming and live discussions, as well as track progress and successes. Our programming and consistent
communication across our entire workforce includes intersectional employee resource group events, monthly Town Hall
meetings with our Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership, and many communication channels, including, as an example,
our bi-monthly Focused Leader guide, and our monthly Together employee newsletter, which shares strategies on topics such
as hybrid working, staying socially and professionally connected, and highlighting individual employee career progression
stories.
Throughout the year we engage employees through lifecycle milestones to maintain a clear pulse on the employee
experience. Annually, the performance review process begins with goal setting and includes structure for regular manager
feedback and coaching. We incorporate individual development plans to assist with the career growth of our employees. During
2024, there was an added focus each month on enabling management effectiveness by sharing specific programs, tools, forums,
and communications for people managers. We also have implemented a Company-wide mentor platform that allows for
targeted mentor/mentee cohorts to further enable career elevation progress.
As of December 31, 2024, we employed approximately 8,900 employees in the U.S., of which approximately 17% were
represented by labor unions, most of which were affiliated with one of seven international unions. As of December 31, 2024,
there were approximately 2,800 employees outside of the U.S., including approximately 1,900 employed by Newsquest in the
U.K. Our U.K. subsidiaries bargain with two unions over working practices, wages, and health and safety issues. Most of our
unionized employees work under collective bargaining agreements. As of December 31, 2024, there were approximately 66
existing collective bargaining agreements and five bargaining units negotiating initial contracts. While we have experienced
isolated work stoppages from time to time, we believe relations with our employees are generally good.
Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") Initiatives
As a leading media organization, our longstanding corporate social responsibility position is driven by our deep
commitment to our communities. We are dedicated to ensuring that we have mindful and ethical business practices that
positively impact our world. In early 2024, we published our 2024 ESG Report detailing the progress we made on our U.N.
Sustainable Development Goals ("U.N. SDGs") that include Reduced Inequalities, Climate Action, and Peace, Justice, and
Strong Institutions. The 2024 ESG Report highlighted several key achievements, such as improvements to our workplace
15
impact through sustainable business practices for sourcing, consumption, and waste. We have taken a number of steps within
the organization in an effort to reduce our use of water, to recover and recycle electricity and fossil fuels when possible, and to
pursue green energy options where available. We continue to reduce the number of presses in operation by consolidating print
operations and by significantly reducing the square footage of our office space through consolidation of offices, in many cases,
to more energy efficient spaces. We also strive to incorporate sustainability throughout our supply usage and supply chain.
We invested in a best-in-class carbon accounting software and partnered with Green Impact to implement this software and
enhance our ability to capture emissions data on an expanded number of assets and scopes. To build upon our progress in
measuring and tracking our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, we have plans to expand into Scope 3 categories. Gannett recognizes that
if we are to contribute towards achieving net zero, we need to establish our full carbon footprint baseline, implementing
reduction strategies along our journey.
Gannett continues to harness employee enthusiasm through Sustainability Forward, which is an employee resource group
focused on bringing together a community of employees who are passionate about ESG topics. Sustainability Forward aims to
align initiatives and efforts that support Gannett’s commitment to sustainability, climate, people, and communities with a
mission to contribute to a better, more inclusive, and equitable planet. In 2024, the group hosted monthly meetings, community
initiatives, and company-wide events and training geared toward education, climate change solutions, traditions and investing in
companies dedicated to saving our planet. With consistent growth throughout the year, the Sustainability Forward employee
resource group ended 2024 with approximately 150 employees across the Company.
Gannett is committed to continuing to include more detailed articles to provide broader context to news in health,
environment and science and include in-depth analyses that explore questions of how and why health and climate trends matter
to our readers. In 2024, Gannett’s U.S. National Climate Change Cross team published over 10,600 stories, newsletters or major
projects about climate change and the environment. Additionally, the USA TODAY NETWORK publishes a weekly
newsletter, Climate Point, that curates content about the environment, sustainability, and climate change from across the
network for a national audience, helping readers make better informed decisions for themselves, their families, and their
communities.
Corporate Governance and Public Information
The address of Gannett's website is www.gannett.com. Stockholders can access a wide variety of information on Gannett's
website, under the "Investor Relations" tab, including corporate governance information, news releases, Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings, and information Gannett is required to post online pursuant to applicable SEC and New
York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") rules. Gannett makes available via its website all filings it makes under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, as well as any related amendments as soon as
reasonably practicable after they are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. All such filings are available free of charge. The
content of, or information available on, Gannett's website and any other website referred to in this report are not a part of, and
are not incorporated by reference into, this report unless expressly noted otherwise.
Use of Website to Distribute Material Company Information
The Company's website address is www.gannett.com. The Company uses its website as a channel of distribution for
important company information and we use the investors.gannett.com website as a means of disclosing material non-public
information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Important information, including press
releases, analyst and other presentations, transcripts, and financial information regarding the Company, is routinely posted on
and accessible on the Investor Relations and News and Events subpages of its website, which are accessible by clicking on the
tab labeled "Investor Relations" and "News and Events", respectively, on the website home page. The Company also uses its
website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the Company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a
press release or a filing with the SEC disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor
Relations, and News and Events subpages of the Company's website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the
Company's website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is
made available on the Company's website.
The contents of our websites are not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report or in any other report
or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.
16
References
(a) 2024 Comscore Inc., US Multi-Platform, Desktop 2+ and Total Mobile 18+, December 2023-December 2024
(b) Newsquest used Adobe Analytics to identify unique visitors between January 2024 and December 2024
17
•
We operate in a highly competitive business environment, and our success depends on our ability to compete effectively,
including through the implementation of our strategic initiatives and development of new and enhanced products and
services.
•
Our indebtedness could materially and adversely affect our business or financial condition.
•
Certain actions, including our ability to incur additional indebtedness, require the consent of our lenders and note holders
which, if not provided, would limit our ability to take advantage of future opportunities.
•
The majority of our indebtedness is held by one creditor, who may have interests that diverge from our interests and the
interests of our stockholders.
•
If we are unable to raise funds necessary to repurchase the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes upon a fundamental change as
described in the 2027 Notes Indenture and the 2031 Notes Indenture, there may be defaults under such indentures and
under agreements governing our existing or future indebtedness. In addition, a change of control may constitute a default
under the 2029 Term Loan Facility, the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes.
•
Our strategy of growing our paid digital-only subscriber base may negatively impact advertising revenues in the near term.
•
We may be unsuccessful in our efforts to execute our digital revenue strategy and optimize our revenue streams.
•
Our DMS segment utilizes online media acquired from third parties and our business could be materially adversely affected
if these companies take actions that are adverse to our interests or otherwise restrict our ability to do business.
•
Any required changes in practices and techniques to enhance the customer experience, including for enhanced data privacy,
could materially and adversely impact our advertising revenues and business results, and impair our ability to acquire
consumers efficiently.
•
Volatility in the U.S. and global economies, macroeconomic events, market disruptions, changes in the U.S. or
international political environment, and other events outside of our control, have had, and may in the future have, a
material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
•
Our ability to generate revenues is highly sensitive to the strength of the local economies in which we operate and the
demographics of the local communities that we serve.
•
The collectability of accounts receivable under adverse economic conditions could deteriorate to a greater extent than
provided for in our financial statements and in our projections of future results.
•
Evolving regulatory matters may impact our business.
•
If our reputation or brand is damaged, our ability to grow our user base, advertiser relationships, and partnerships may be
impaired, and our business may be harmed.
•
Our financial results are subject to risks associated with our international operations.
•
Foreign exchange variability could materially and adversely affect our consolidated operating results.
•
Domestic and/or foreign jurisdictions may enact gross receipts taxes on our digital services which, if we are required to
pay, could materially adversely affect our cash flows and financial condition.
•
Foreign jurisdictions in which we operate may enact rules to address the tax challenges of the digitization of the global
economy, such as those from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, which could have a material
adverse impact on our consolidated financial statements.
•
Our possession and use of personal information and the use of payment cards by our customers and users present risks and
expenses that could harm our business. Unauthorized access to or disclosure or manipulation of such data, whether through
breach of our, or our third-party service providers', network security or otherwise, could expose us to liabilities and costly
litigation and damage our reputation.
•
We regularly face risks related to cybersecurity incidents and threats, including attempts by malicious actors, which may be
external or internal threat actors, to breach our security and compromise our information technology systems.
•
Privacy and security-related laws and other data security requirements are constantly evolving and may increase our
compliance costs and potential for liability, either of which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
and results of operations.
•
We use AI and may use other new technologies in our business. Challenges with properly managing their use by us or third
parties could result in reputational harm, competitive harm, and legal liability, and adversely affect our results of
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following risks and other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K in evaluating
us and our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock". Any of the following risks could materially and
adversely affect our results of operations, our financial condition, and the market price of our Common Stock. Although the risk
factors are grouped by general category, many of the risks described in a given category relate to multiple categories.
Risk Factor Summary
The following is a summary of some of the risks and uncertainties that could materially adversely affect our business,
financial condition, and results of operations, which are discussed in more detail below:
18
operations.
•
Defects, delays, or interruptions in the cloud-based hosting services we utilize, both directly and indirectly, could adversely
affect our systems, reputation and operating results.
•
Any significant increase in newsprint costs or disruptions in our newsprint supply chain, including as a result of
manufacturing facility closures and on-going capacity shifts between newsprint and specialty paper grades, transportation
and other issues that are challenging supplier deliveries, increased demand, and inflationary pressures, may materially and
adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
•
The value of our goodwill and intangible assets may become impaired, which could materially and adversely affect future
reported results of operations.
•
We may not be able to protect intellectual property rights upon which our business relies and, if we lose intellectual
property protection, our assets may lose value.
•
We are subject to environmental and employee safety and health laws and regulations that could cause us to incur
significant compliance expenditures and liabilities.
•
We may not be able to generate future taxable income which may prevent our realization of deferred tax assets or require
us to establish additional valuation allowances which could materially and adversely affect future reported results of
operations.
•
We are required to use a portion of our cash flows to make contributions to our pension and postretirement plans, which
diverts cash flow from operations, and the amount of required future contributions may be difficult to estimate.
•
The loss of the services of any of our key personnel, reduced staffing levels, or our inability to attract qualified personnel in
the future may materially and adversely affect our ability to operate or grow our business effectively.
•
We rely on equity-based compensation to attract, retain, and motivate our key employees, which may result in price
pressures on our Common Stock, stockholder dilution and increased usage of shares under our equity incentive plan during
periods in which our stock price is depressed. Our ability to continue a competitive long-term equity-based incentive
program required to attract and retain talent may be hindered, and alternative incentive models may cause our cash flows to
be reduced.
•
A shortage of skilled or experienced employees with the capabilities necessary to support our business strategies, or our
inability to retain such employees, could pose a risk to achieving our business objectives, which could materially adversely
affect our business and profitability.
•
A number of our employees are unionized, and our business and results of operations could be materially adversely
affected if current or additional labor negotiations or contracts were to further restrict our ability to maximize the efficiency
of our operations.
•
FIG LLC (the "Former Manager") is not liable to us for certain acts or omissions performed in accordance with, and prior
to the termination of, our former management agreement (the "Former Management Agreement"), and for certain matters
in connection with the termination of our relationship with the Former Manager, and we may incur liability for such acts or
omissions.
•
Our stock price is subject to volatility and there can be no assurance that the market for our stock will provide adequate
liquidity.
•
Sales or issuances of shares of our Common Stock, including upon conversion of the 2027 Notes and/or the 2031 Notes,
could materially adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.
•
We presently have no intention to declare or pay a dividend, the terms of our indebtedness restrict our ability to pay
dividends, and we may not be able to pay dividends in the future or at all.
•
The percentage ownership of our existing stockholders may be diluted in the future, including upon conversion of the 2027
Notes and/or the 2031 Notes, and holders of the 2031 Notes may possess significant voting power following conversion of
the 2031 Notes.
•
An "ownership change" could limit our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes, which
could result in our payment of income taxes earlier than if we were able to fully utilize our net operating loss and other tax
benefit carryforwards.
•
Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws and of Delaware law
may prevent or delay an acquisition of the Company, which could decrease the trading price of our Common Stock.
•
Our ability to compete may be materially and adversely affected if adequate capital is not available. In addition, future
offerings of debt securities, which would rank senior to our Common Stock upon our liquidation, and future offerings of
equity securities, which may be senior to our Common Stock for the purposes of dividend and liquidating distributions,
may be dilutive and materially and adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.
19
Risks Related to Competition
We operate in a highly competitive business environment, and our success depends on our ability to compete effectively,
including through the implementation of our strategic initiatives and development of new and enhanced products and
services.
We face significant competition from other providers of news, information, and entertainment services, including both
traditional and other providers, some of which provide their products free of charge. This competition continues to intensify as
a result of changes in technologies, platforms and business models and corresponding changes in consumer and customer
behavior, and we may be adversely affected if consumers or customers migrate to other alternatives. In addition, to be
successful, we must provide the type and quality of content our consumers desire. The number of choices available to
consumers for content consumption has increased and may adversely impact demand for, and the price consumers are willing to
pay for our products and services. Consumption of our content on third-party delivery platforms may also lead to loss of
distribution and pricing control, loss of a direct relationship with consumers and lower engagement and subscription rates.
Further, news and subscription fatigue among consumers has become more widespread and could continue to grow. These
trends and developments have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our circulation and subscription
revenue and advertisers' willingness to purchase advertising from us, as well as increase subscriber acquisition, retention, and
other costs.
Technological developments have in some cases also increased competition by lowering barriers to entry. Other digital
platforms and technologies, such as user-generated content platforms and self-publishing tools, have reduced the effort and
expense of producing and distributing certain types of content on a wide scale, allowing digital-only content providers,
customers, suppliers and other third parties to compete with us, often at a lower cost. Additional digital distribution channels,
such as digital marketplaces, have presented, and may continue to present, challenges to our business models, which could
adversely affect our sales volume and pricing.
In addition, the competitive landscape may shift if other industry players adopt AI more swiftly. The use of AI may also
affect the discoverability and presentation of our content and consequently our ability to monetize our digital audiences.
Furthermore, ethical concerns and public sentiment regarding AI could have reputational implications. See also the risk factor
below under the heading "We use AI and may use other new technologies in our business. Challenges with properly managing
their use by us or third parties could result in reputational harm, competitive harm, and legal liability, and adversely affect our
results of operations."
In order to compete effectively, we must differentiate and distinguish our brands and our products and services, respond to
and develop new technologies, distribution channels and platforms, products and services, and anticipate and consistently
respond to changes in consumer and customer needs, preferences and behaviors. For example, we rely on brand awareness,
reputation and acceptance of our content and other products and services in order to retain and grow our consumers and
subscribers. However, consumer preferences change frequently and are difficult to predict, and when faced with a multitude of
choices, consumers may place greater value on the convenience and price of products and services than they do on their source,
quality, or reliability. Online traffic and product and service purchases are also driven by internet search results, referrals from
social media and other platforms and visibility on digital marketplace platforms and in mobile app stores. Search engine results
and digital marketplace and mobile app store rankings are based on algorithms that are changed frequently, and social media
and other platforms may also vary their emphasis on what content to highlight for users. Use of AI in search engines could
result in decreased viewership and engagement with our media content. Any failure to successfully manage and adapt to these
changes across our businesses, including those affecting how our content, apps, products, and services are discovered,
prioritized, displayed, and monetized, could impede our ability to compete effectively by significantly decreasing traffic to our
offerings, lowering advertiser interest in those offerings, increasing costs if free traffic is replaced with paid traffic and lowering
advertising revenue and subscriptions. A loss in the expected popularity or discoverability of our content or other products and
services could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
We expect to continue to pursue new strategic initiatives and develop new and enhanced products and services in order to
remain competitive. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, significant costs in order to implement our strategies
and develop new products and services, as well as other costs to acquire, develop, adopt, upgrade and exploit new and existing
technologies and attract and retain employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to support our priorities. There can be no
assurance any of our strategic initiatives, products or services will be successful in the manner or time period or at the cost we
expect or that we will realize the anticipated benefits we expect to achieve. The failure to realize those benefits could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
20
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
Our indebtedness could materially and adversely affect our business or financial condition.
Our indebtedness, incurred from time to time, could have significant consequences on our future operations, including
making it more difficult for us to satisfy our debt obligations and our other ongoing business obligations, which may result in
defaults, and limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, and increasing our vulnerability to, changes in our business, the
industries in which we operate, and the overall economy. As of December 31, 2024, our outstanding indebtedness included (i)
$850.0 million of term loans under a $900.0 million five-year first lien term loan facility (the "2029 Term Loan Facility"), (ii)
$38.1 million of 6.000% Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2027 ("2027 Notes"), and (iii) $223.7 million of 6.000% Senior
Secured Convertible Notes due 2031 ("2031 Notes"). In addition, as of such date, $49.6 million of term loans was available to
be borrowed on a delayed-draw basis.
All obligations under the 2029 Term Loan Facility, the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes are secured by all or substantially
all of our assets and all or substantially all of the assets of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. We may incur additional
indebtedness in the future.
The 2029 Term Loan Facility matures on October 15, 2029, and bears interest, at Gannett Holdings LLC's option, at either
the Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("Adjusted Term SOFR") (which shall not be less than 1.50% per
annum) plus a margin equal to 5.00% per annum or an alternate base rate (which shall not be less than 2.50% per annum) plus a
margin equal to 4.00% per annum. The 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes each bear interest at a rate of 6.00% per annum.
Accordingly, we are required to dedicate a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to fund interest payments. The 2029
Term Loan Facility is amortized at a rate of $17.0 million per quarter, with such rate to be adjusted upon the borrowing of any
delayed-draw term loans to the extent necessary to cause such delayed-draw term loans to be fungible with the initial term loans
under the 2029 Term Loan Facility. In addition, we are required to repay the 2029 Term Loan Facility from time to time with
(i) the proceeds of non-ordinary course asset sales and casualty and condemnation events, (ii) the proceeds of indebtedness that
is not otherwise permitted under the 2029 Term Loan Facility and (iii) the aggregate amount of cash and cash equivalents on
hand at the Company and our restricted subsidiaries in excess of $100.0 million as of the last day of any fiscal year of the
Company (beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024). Our debt service obligations reduce the amount of cash
flow available to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, investments and potential distributions to stockholders.
Moreover, there can be no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt service obligations.
Our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations depends on our ability to generate cash flow from operations, which is subject
to a variety of risks, including general economic conditions and the strength of our competitors, which are outside our control.
The terms of our indebtedness impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us. The 2029 Term Loan Facility
and the 2031 Notes require us to comply with numerous affirmative and negative covenants, including a requirement to
maintain minimum liquidity of $30.0 million at the end of each fiscal quarter, and restrictions limiting our ability to, among
other things, incur additional indebtedness, make investments and acquisitions, pay certain dividends, sell assets, merge, incur
certain liens, enter into agreements with our affiliates, change our business, engage in sale/leaseback transactions, and modify
our organizational documents. These requirements may make it impractical to declare and pay dividends at any time that the
requirements are in effect. See also "Risks Related to our Common Stock" below.
A failure to satisfy our debt service obligations on the 2029 Term Loan Facility, a breach of a covenant in the 2029 Term
Loan Facility, or a material breach of a representation or warranty in the 2029 Term Loan Facility, among other events
specified in the 2029 Term Loan Facility, could give rise to a default, which could give our lenders the right to declare our
indebtedness, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable. A failure to satisfy our debt
service or conversion obligations on the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes, among other events specified in the indenture governing
the 2027 Notes (the "2027 Notes Indenture") or the indenture governing the 2031 Notes (the "2031 Notes Indenture"), could
also give rise to a default, which could give rise to the right of noteholders to declare the principal of the 2027 Notes and/or the
2031 Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable. A default under the 2029 Term Loan
Facility or any of our indentures could also lead to a default under the other agreements governing our existing or future
Some of our current and potential competitors may have fewer regulatory burdens, better competitive positions in certain
areas, greater access to sources of content, data, technology or other services or strategic relationships or easier access to
financing, which may allow them to respond more effectively to changes in technology, consumer and customer needs,
preferences and behavior and market conditions. Continued consolidation among competitors in certain industries in which we
operate may increase these advantages, including through greater scale, financial leverage, or access to content, data,
technology and other offerings. If we are unable to compete successfully against existing or future competitors, our business,
results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
21
indebtedness (including the 2029 Term Loan Facility or any of our indentures, as the case may be). An acceleration of our
indebtedness would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and
stock price.
Certain actions, including our ability to incur additional indebtedness, require the consent of our lenders and note
holders which, if not provided, would limit our ability to take advantage of future opportunities.
Our agreements relating to our indebtedness, including the 2029 Term Loan Facility and the 2031 Notes, contain
restrictions and covenants that limit our ability to take certain actions without requisite lender approval, approval of the holders
of a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding, or modification of the loan agreements, as applicable. These
limitations include restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness or refinance our existing debt, make certain
investments and acquisitions, pay certain dividends, sell assets, merge, incur certain liens, enter into agreements with our
affiliates, change our business, engage in sale/leaseback transactions, and modify our organizational documents. There is no
assurance that our debtholders will approve or consent to our activities, even if the activities are in the best interests of our
stockholders. If we are unable to secure the required consent of our lenders or noteholders, our ability to take advantage of
future opportunities, including acquisition or financing opportunities, could be restricted.
The majority of our indebtedness is held by one creditor, who may have interests that diverge from our interests and the
interests of our stockholders.
A majority of our outstanding indebtedness is held by entities controlled, managed or advised by a large financial sponsor.
We have historically relied on this financial sponsor with respect to a significant portion of our financing and credit needs. In
the event that this sponsor is unable or unwilling to extend us credit, we may not be able to obtain financing on terms as
favorable to us as those under current arrangements. As a result, we may face less available capital and be subject to more
stringent covenants and higher borrowing costs.
Additionally, this creditor may have interests that diverge from our interests or interests of our stockholders, and it may
exercise is rights as a creditor in a manner with which our stockholders may not agree or that may not be in the best interests of
the Company. In particular, this creditor’s ownership of the majority of our indebtedness could limit our ability to take certain
actions that are restricted under the agreements relating to our indebtedness. See "Risks Related to Our Indebtedness—Certain
actions, including our ability to incur additional indebtedness, require the consent of our lenders and note holders which, if not
provided, would limit our ability to take advantage of future opportunities."
To our knowledge, this creditor owns a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2031 Notes. In the event
that this creditor converts their 2031 Notes into Common Stock, they could possess significant voting power with respect to our
Common Stock and may have interests that are different from, or adverse to, the interests of our other stockholders. See "Risks
Related to Our Common Stock—The percentage ownership of our existing stockholders may be diluted in the future, including
upon conversion of the 2027 Notes and/or the 2031 Notes, and holders of the 2031 Notes may possess significant voting power
following conversion of the 2031 Notes."
If we are unable to raise funds necessary to repurchase the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes upon a fundamental change
as described in the 2027 Notes Indenture and the 2031 Notes Indenture, there may be defaults under such indentures and
under agreements governing our existing or future indebtedness. In addition, a change of control may constitute a default
under the 2029 Term Loan Facility, the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes.
If there is a fundamental change, as defined in the 2027 Notes Indenture and the 2031 Notes Indenture, we must, if certain
other conditions are met, make an offer to repurchase the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes at a price equal to 110% of the
principal amount thereof, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of the repurchase. If
we become obligated to repurchase the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes upon a change of control, we may not have enough
available cash or may be unable to obtain financing at the time we are required to make purchases of the notes being
surrendered. In addition, our ability to repurchase the notes is limited by the agreements governing our existing indebtedness
(including the notes and the 2029 Term Loan Facility) and may also be limited by law or regulation, or by agreements that will
govern our future indebtedness. Our failure to repurchase the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes at a time when the repurchase is
required by the 2027 Notes Indenture or the 2031 Notes Indenture, respectively, would constitute a default under the respective
indenture. A default under the governing indenture or the change of control itself could also lead to a default under agreements
governing our existing or future indebtedness (including the 2029 Term Loan Facility).
The 2029 Term Loan Facility provides, and future credit agreements or other agreements relating to indebtedness to which
we become a party may provide, that the occurrence of certain change of control events with respect to us would constitute a
22
default thereunder. If we experience a change of control event that triggers a default under our 2029 Term Loan Facility, we
may seek a waiver of such default or may attempt to refinance the 2029 Term Loan Facility. In the event we do not obtain such
a waiver or refinance the 2029 Term Loan Facility, such default could result in amounts outstanding under our 2029 Term Loan
Facility being declared due and payable.
The 2029 Term Loan Facility and the 2031 Notes contain, and future indebtedness that we may incur may contain,
prohibitions on the occurrence of certain events that would constitute a change of control or, in the case of the 2027 Notes and
the 2031 Notes, require the repurchase of such indebtedness upon a change of control. Moreover, the exercise by the holders of
their right to require us to repurchase their 2027 Notes or 2031 Notes could cause a default under such indebtedness, even if the
change of control itself does not, due to the financial effect of such repurchase on us. Finally, the ability to pay cash to the
holders of the 2027 Notes and/or the 2031 Notes following the occurrence of a change of control may be limited by our then
existing financial resources. There can be no assurance that sufficient funds will be available when necessary to make any
required repurchases. In addition, the foregoing provisions of our existing and possible indebtedness may prevent or impede a
potential acquirer from engaging in a change of control transaction with us and, accordingly, our stockholders from receiving a
change of control premium.
Risks Related to Digital Commerce and Media
Our strategy of growing our paid digital-only subscriber base may negatively impact advertising revenues in the near
term.
A key element of our consumer strategy is growing our paid digital-only subscriber base, which may lead to declines in our
existing advertising revenue. To implement our strategy and grow our paid digital-only subscriber base, we may need to restrict
certain content from non-subscriber access or limit the amount of content non-subscribers can view in an effort to encourage
non-subscribers to become paid digital subscribers. In the short-term, this strategy may reduce the number of unique visitors
accessing our content and, in turn, reduce our digital advertising revenue. Over time, the anticipated increase in the number of
paid digital-only subscribers is expected to increase our circulation revenue derived from paid digital-only subscribers as well
as our digital advertising revenues. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to increase the number of our paid
digital-only subscribers in amounts or within the time periods we expect. If we are unable to grow or retain the volume of such
subscribers, our circulation and advertising revenues could decline materially and adversely affecting our results of operations
and financial condition.
Declining subscriber volume can also lead to more marked declines in advertising revenue. Print subscriber volume
declines directly impact preprint and other print revenues that are linked to the number of subscribers. In terms of digital
advertising revenues, news aggregation websites and customized news feeds (often free to users) reduce traffic on our websites
and related digital advertising revenues. While we do sell paid digital-only subscriptions for our content through some of these
news aggregators, we have reduced our ability to fully monetize those users since they do not engage with our content within
our own platforms. If traffic levels stagnate or decline, and/or print subscriber volume continues to decline, we may not be able
to maintain or increase the advertising rates or attract new advertising customers. Further, we are generally not compensated for
the consumption of our original content on third-party digital products and social platforms.
We may be unsuccessful in our efforts to execute our digital revenue strategy and optimize our revenue streams.
Print-related revenue streams have continued to decline at a significant pace. We have focused on offsetting traditional
print advertising and circulation revenue declines in part by diversifying our sources of revenue through the development and
acquisition of complementary businesses with growth potential. For example, our business USA TODAY NETWORK
Ventures produces local events.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to grow revenue from these or other complementary businesses we may
develop internally or acquire, or that any revenue generated by new business lines will be adequate to offset revenue declines
from our legacy businesses. For example, technological developments could adversely affect the availability, applicability,
marketability and profitability of the suite of SMB services we offer. Technological developments and any changes we make to
our business strategy may require significant capital investments, and such investments may be restricted by the 2029 Term
Loan Facility.
These complementary businesses also face competition from various digital media providers, such as Google, which may
have more resources to invest in product development and marketing. Our sales force may not be able to utilize the
relationships we have throughout our local property network to effectively sell these products. If we are unable to diversify our
23
traditional revenues with revenues from complementary businesses, we may experience persistent declines in revenue which
could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our DMS segment utilizes online media acquired from third parties and our business could be materially adversely
affected if these companies take actions that are adverse to our interests or otherwise restrict our ability to do business.
Our DMS segment utilizes online media acquired from third parties, particularly Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, which
account for a large majority of all U.S. internet searches and traffic. These companies, and the other companies with which we
do business, have no obligation to conduct business with us, and may decide at any time and for any reason to significantly
curtail or inhibit our ability to do business with them. Additionally, any of these companies may make significant changes to
their respective business models, policies, systems, plans or ownership, and those changes could impair or inhibit the manner in
which they sell their advertising units or otherwise conduct their business with us. For example, new privacy controls and
tracking transparency frameworks that have been implemented or may be implemented in the future, by platforms such as
Facebook, Google, and Apple would limit our ability to access and use data from consumers through those platforms, which we
rely on for digital advertising and marketing. Any such controls or transparency frameworks may impair our ability to market to
consumers. Any new developments or rumors of developments regarding business practices at companies that affect the online
advertising industry may materially and adversely affect our products or services, or create perceptions with our clients that our
ability to compete in the online marketing industry has been impaired.
Any required changes in practices and techniques to enhance the customer experience, including for enhanced data
privacy, could materially and adversely impact our advertising revenues and business results, and impair our ability to
acquire consumers efficiently.
We use certain practices and techniques, such as utilizing third-party cookies, to enhance our customer’s online experience
by allowing us to customize and display relevant content and advertising. As a response to growing concern over data privacy,
third parties, including major browsers, are increasing user agency and increasing privacy controls. The industry-wide shift
towards increased user privacy presents a challenge as the advertising industry has yet to find a universally accepted solution to
address the impact on targeted advertising. If we are unable to find alternative strategies to address data privacy changes, our
ability to provide certain types of advertising may be compromised or may result in lower rates and revenues, and our business
results could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, privacy controls may result in difficulties delivering relevant
audience targeting and our customer acquisition strategies may become less efficient.
Risks Related to Macroeconomic Factors
Volatility in the U.S. and global economies, macroeconomic events, market disruptions, changes in the U.S. or
international political environment, and other events outside of our control, have had, and may in the future have, a
material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current and future conditions in the economy have an inherent degree of uncertainty and are impacted by political, market,
health and social events or conditions. As a result, it is difficult to estimate the level of growth or contraction for the economy
as a whole. It is even more difficult to estimate growth or contraction in various parts, sectors and regions of the economy,
including the markets in which we participate. We are currently operating in, and expect for the foreseeable future to continue
to operate in, a period of economic uncertainty and market volatility, including as a result of higher inflation, unpredictable
interest rates, supply chain disruptions, expanded or retaliatory tariffs, sanctions, quotas or other trade barriers (including recent
U.S. tariffs imposed or threatened to be imposed on China, Canada and Mexico and other countries and any retaliatory actions
taken by such countries), fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates, changes in governmental administrations, and other
geopolitical events. These conditions have had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on our business, including the
demand for advertising and advertising revenues.
Advertisers have responded, and may in the future respond, to such economic uncertainty by reducing their budgets or
shifting priorities or spending patterns, which has had and could have a material adverse impact on our business. Continued
declines in market spend or advertisers' changing priorities in response to any further economic slowdown or decline could have
a material adverse impact on our business.
Challenging economic conditions, especially higher inflation and interest rates, have had, and may continue to have, an
adverse impact on our consumers and consumer spending, which, in turn, could materially and adversely affect our business.
Discretionary purchases, including for our products and services, generally decline during periods of economic uncertainty,
when disposable income is reduced or when there is a reduction in consumer confidence.
24
Higher interest rates, which may continue to fluctuate, could result in increased borrowing costs which may negatively
affect our operating results. We are exposed to potential increases in interest rates associated with our 2029 Term Loan Facility.
Further, if the equity and credit markets deteriorate, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain
in a timely manner, if at all, or on favorable terms, as well as more costly or dilutive. Further, rising interest rates may
negatively impact our ability to sell or dispose of our real estate and other assets which in turn may impact our ability to repay
debt.
Our operations in foreign jurisdictions have also been and may be affected by volatile markets, uncertain economies,
tariffs, and geopolitical and local events. We have been and will continue to be impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates, primarily related to our operations in the U.K.
We have been, and may continue to be, impacted by inflation, higher costs associated with labor, newsprint, ink, printing
plates, fuel, delivery costs and utilities, higher interest rates, and supply chain disruptions, including as a result of tariffs or
retaliatory tariffs. Global or regional recessions, perceived or actual, higher unemployment and declines in income levels may
also materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Adverse changes may also occur as a result of other events outside of our control, including pandemics and other health
crises, political uncertainties, hostilities or social unrest, war, terrorism or other similar events, declining oil prices, wavering
customer confidence, volatility in stock markets, contraction of credit availability, declines in real estate values, natural
disasters, severe weather events (which may occur with increasing frequency and intensity), or other factors affecting economic
conditions in general. These changes may negatively affect the sales of our products, increase exposure to losses from bad
debts, increase the cost and decrease the availability of financing, or increase costs associated with publishing and distributing
our publications. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting business and travel restrictions led to decreased
demand for our advertising services, as well as reductions in the single copy and commercial distribution of our newspapers.
Declining revenue may impair our ability to generate sufficient cash flows to service our existing or any future debt obligations,
including the 2029 Term Loan Facility, the 2031 Notes and the 2027 Notes. There can be no assurance that cost constraint
actions, if any, taken in response to the pandemic or any future crisis outside our control, will offset possible future impacts of
the crisis. Any measures taken to preserve cash flow and defer payments into future periods, such as the deferral of pension
obligations in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, could have a greater impact on cash flow in future periods as we also
incur such payments in the normal course of business. Moreover, such measures, and other measures we may implement in the
future in response to a crisis, may negatively impact our reputation and our ability to attract and retain employees. See "Risks
Related to Pension Obligations and Employees" below. Accordingly, future events outside of our control may have the effect of
heightening various risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any sustained economic downturn in the U.S. or any
of the other countries in which we conduct significant business, other adverse macroeconomic events, market disruptions, or
other events outside of our control, could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial
condition.
Our ability to generate revenues is highly sensitive to the strength of the local economies in which we operate and the
demographics of the local communities that we serve.
Our advertising revenues and, to a lesser extent, circulation revenues, depend upon a variety of factors specific to the
communities that our publications serve. These factors include, among others, the size and demographic characteristics of the
local population, local economic conditions in general and the economic condition of the retail segments of the communities
that our publications serve. Our local operations and the economies we serve are also susceptible to events outside of our
control, which can materially and adversely impact our revenues. For instance, weather-related events such as hurricanes or
other natural disasters can disrupt local businesses, reduce consumer activity, and displace populations, leading to a decline in
advertising and circulation revenues. These events can also cause temporary or long-term business closures in affected areas.
If the local economy, population or prevailing retail environment of a community we serve experiences a downturn, our
publications, revenues and profitability in that market could be materially and adversely affected. Our advertising revenues are
also susceptible to negative trends in the general economy that affect customer spending and is impacted by other external
factors such as competitors' pricing, and advertisers' decisions to increase or decrease their advertising expenditures in response
to anticipated consumer demand. The advertisers in our newspapers and other publications and related websites are primarily
retail businesses that can be significantly affected by regional or national economic downturns and other developments. For
example, many traditional retail companies continue to face greater competition from online retailers and face uncertainty in
their businesses, which has reduced and may continue to reduce their advertising spending. Declines in the U.S. economy could
also significantly affect key advertising revenue categories, including classified ads such as help wanted, real estate, and
automotive.
25
Risks Related to International Operations
Our financial results are subject to risks associated with our international operations.
The Newsquest segment operates in the U.K., and the DMS segment has international sales operations in the U.K.,
Australia, New Zealand and Canada, as well as campaign support services in India. Revenue from international operations
comprised 11% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024. Our ability to manage these international operations
successfully is subject to numerous risks inherent in foreign operations, including:
•
Challenges or uncertainties arising from unexpected legal, political, economic, or systemic events, including, for
example as a result of the continued impacts of Brexit on the relationship between the U.K. and Europe;
•
Difficulties or delays in developing a network of clients in international markets;
•
Restrictions on the ability of U.S. companies to do business in certain foreign countries;
•
Compliance with legal or regulatory requirements, including with respect to internet services, privacy and data
protection, censorship, banking and money transfers, and sale transactions, which may limit or prevent the offering of
our products in some jurisdictions or otherwise harm our business;
•
International intellectual property laws that may be insufficient to protect our intellectual property or permit us to
successfully defend our intellectual property in international lawsuits;
The collectability of accounts receivable under adverse economic conditions could deteriorate to a greater extent than
provided for in our financial statements and in our projections of future results.
Adverse economic conditions in the U.S. and in other areas where we operate may increase our exposure to losses resulting
from financial distress, insolvency and the potential bankruptcy of our advertising customers. Our accounts receivable is stated
at net estimated realizable value, and our allowance for credit losses represents our best estimate of credit exposure and is
determined based on several factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical payment trends and
current economic factors. If such collectability estimates prove inaccurate, adjustments to future operating results could occur.
Evolving regulatory matters may impact our business.
The rules and regulations related to environmental, social and governance ("ESG") and diversity, equity and inclusion
("DEI") matters imposed or proposed by governmental and self-regulatory organizations such as the SEC and the New York
Stock Exchange have been changing at a rapid pace. A variety of third-party organizations, institutional investors and
customers evaluate the performance of companies on ESG topics, and the results of these assessments are widely publicized.
These changing rules, regulations and stakeholder expectations may result in increased general and administrative expenses and
increased management time and attention spent complying with or meeting such regulations and expectations. Furthermore,
statements about our ESG-related initiatives and goals, and progress against those goals, may be based on standards for
measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve and assumptions that are
subject to change in the future. If our ESG-related data, processes and reporting are incomplete or inaccurate, or if we fail to
achieve progress with respect to our goals, on a timely basis, or at all, our reputation, business, financial performance and
growth could be adversely affected. Also, given the rapidly changing regulatory landscape, we may in the future also face a
heightened risk of litigation and compliance obligations in connection with these rules and regulations.
If our reputation or brand is damaged, our ability to grow our user base, advertiser relationships, and partnerships may
be impaired, and our business may be harmed.
We have developed trusted brands comprised of our national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations
that provide audiences with essential journalism. We believe our reputation and the trust we have built with our audiences have
contributed to our success. We also believe that maintaining and enhancing our brand and reputation is critical to growing our
user base, advertiser relationships, and partnerships. Maintaining and enhancing our reputation and brand depends on many
factors, including factors that are beyond our control. If our products and services do not work as intended, are utilized in
methods not intended, violate the law, or harm individuals or businesses, we may be subject to government investigations,
enforcement actions, lawsuits, or other legal claims. These risks, if realized, may increase our costs, damage our reputation, or
adversely affect our results of operations. Further, changes in government policies, legislation, and scrutiny may result in
heightened compliance requirements and greater risks of litigation and reputational harm. In addition, defending a lawsuit,
regardless of its merit, is costly and may divert management's attention and if our business liability insurance coverage is
inadequate or future coverage is unavailable on acceptable terms or at all, our financial condition could be harmed. If we fail to
successfully promote and maintain our trusted brand or if we suffer damage to the public perception of our brand, our business,
operating results, and financial condition may be harmed.
26
•
Difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, as well as the existence of workers' councils and labor unions,
which could make it more difficult to terminate underperforming employees;
•
Currency fluctuations and price controls or other restrictions on foreign currency; and
•
Potential adverse tax and legislation consequences, including difficulties in repatriating earnings generated abroad.
Any of the foregoing factors could materially and adversely impact our international operations, which could harm our
overall business, operating results, and financial condition.
Foreign exchange variability could materially and adversely affect our consolidated operating results.
Our financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars; however, certain of our operations are conducted in currencies
other than our reporting currency because we conduct operations in foreign jurisdictions. For example, Newsquest operates in
the U.K., and its operations are conducted in foreign currency, primarily the British pound sterling. Weakening in the British
pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rate has in the past, and could in the future, diminish Newsquest's contributions to our
results of operations. If the value of currency in any of the jurisdictions where we conduct business weakens as compared with
the U.S. dollar, our operations in those jurisdictions similarly will contribute less to our results. Since our financial statements
are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in foreign currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies have
had, and will continue to have, a currency translation impact on our earnings when the results of those operations that are
reported in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements, which
could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our reported results of operations in a given period or in specific markets.
Domestic and/or foreign jurisdictions may enact gross receipts taxes on our digital services which, if we are required to
pay, could materially adversely affect our cash flows and financial condition.
The U.K. imposes a 2% Digital Services Tax ("DST") that applies to gross revenue of specified digital business models
deriving value from participation of their U.K.-based users. The tax is intended to apply to search engines, social media
platforms, and online marketplaces. Newsquest's revenue from its small online marketplace is currently below the threshold at
which the DST applies. If Newsquest's applicable revenues grew to exceed the threshold and/or if DST was to become
applicable more widely to online advertising, we may have to pay additional cash taxes, which could materially and adversely
affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
In 2024, Canada introduced a Digital Services Tax ("Canadian DST") which imposes a 3% tax on revenues in excess of
CAD20 million from digital services. It applies to revenue from online marketplace services, online advertising services, social
media services, or the sale or licensing of user data obtained from online marketplaces, social media platforms or online search
engines. Currently, our Canadian-source digital revenues are below the Canadian DST threshold. If our relevant revenues
surpass the threshold, it could increase our tax complexity and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition,
and cash flows.
Maryland enacted the first tax targeting digital advertising in the United States. The scaled rate between 2.5% and 10%
Digital Advertising Gross Revenues Tax will be imposed on annual gross revenues derived from digital advertising services.
The rate of tax varies depending on the amount of revenue a company earns. However, as amended, the legislation exempts
digital advertising by a "broadcast entity" or a "news media entity." Maryland's new digital advertising tax could be the
beginning of a wave of similar new taxes on digital advertising enacted by other states that are experiencing budget shortfalls
and economic distress. Adoption of similar taxes in U.S. states, particularly if such states do not exempt broadcast or news
media entities, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
Risks Related to International Tax Legislation
Foreign jurisdictions in which we operate may enact rules to address the tax challenges of the digitization of the global
economy, such as those from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, which could have a material
adverse impact on our consolidated financial statements.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (the "OECD")/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion
and Profit Shifting has agreed on a two-pillar approach to address tax challenges arising from the digitalization of the global
economy by (i) allocating profits to market jurisdictions ("Pillar One") and (ii) ensuring multinational enterprises pay a
minimum level of tax regardless of where the headquarters are located or the jurisdictions in which the company operates
("Pillar Two"). Pillar One targets multinational groups with global revenue exceeding €20 billion and a profit-to-revenue ratio
of more than 10%. Companies subject to Pillar One will be required to allocate certain residual profits to market jurisdictions
27
where goods or services are used or consumed. Pillar Two focuses on global profit allocation, ensuring multinational companies
with revenues exceeding €750 million are subject to a global minimum tax rate of 15% on income arising in low-tax
jurisdictions. In July 2023, the European Union ("EU") enacted Pillar Two legislation introducing an Income Inclusion Rule
and a domestic minimum top-up tax to apply for accounting periods beginning on or after December 31, 2023. Similar rules are
being or may be implemented in many jurisdictions where we operate. The timing and method of the adoption or
implementation of these Pillar Two rules could increase tax complexity and uncertainty in jurisdictions where we conduct
business. In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order which contains a statement requiring the U.S. Secretary
of the Treasury to notify the OECD that any commitments made by the prior administration with respect to the OECD's Global
Tax Deal (which references Pillars I and II) have no force or effect in the U.S. absent an act by Congress. In addition, the order
instructs the U.S. Treasury to investigate whether any foreign countries are not in compliance with any U.S. tax treaty or
otherwise have or are likely to put tax rules in place that are extraterritorial or disproportionately affect American companies.
The U.S. Secretary of Treasury is instructed to develop and present to the President a list of options for protective measures and
actions in response to such noncompliance or tax rules. As a result, this executive order may have a chilling effect on the
willingness of other countries to impose or enforce the two-pillars. Currently, we do not expect to be subject to taxes under
Pillar One or Pillar Two, but will continue to assess the potential impacts of both on our consolidated financial statements and
related disclosures. Any future rules or regulations addressing the tax challenges arising from the digitization of the global
economy could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Risks Related to Personal Information, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Other Technology
Our possession and use of personal information and the use of payment cards by our customers and users present risks
and expenses that could harm our business. Unauthorized access to or disclosure or manipulation of such data, whether
through breach of our, or our third-party service providers', network security or otherwise, could expose us to liabilities and
costly litigation and damage our reputation.
Our information systems, both online and on-premise, store and process large amounts of confidential employee,
subscriber and other user data, such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, addresses, and other personal information.
Therefore, maintaining our network and identity security is critical.
In addition, we rely on the technology, systems, and services provided by third-party vendors and outsourced service
providers (including cloud-based service providers) to process the personal information of our employees, subscribers and other
users, and for a variety of other operations, including encryption and authentication technology, employee email, domain name
registration, content delivery to customers, administrative functions (including payroll processing and certain finance and
accounting functions), technology functions (including application development and technology support functions) and other
operations. Accordingly, we depend on the security of our third-party service providers and business partners to protect these
functions and associated data. Unauthorized use of or inappropriate access to our, or our third-party service providers' or
business partners' networks, computer systems and services could potentially jeopardize the security of personal information or
other confidential information of our customers or users, including payment card (credit or debit) information.
A significant number of our customers authorize us to bill their payment card accounts directly for all amounts charged by
us. These customers provide payment card information and other personally identifiable information which, depending on the
particular payment plan, may be maintained to facilitate future payment card transactions. Under payment card rules and our
contracts with our card processors, if there is a breach of payment card information that we store, we could be liable to the
banks that issue the payment cards for their related expenses and penalties. In addition, if we fail to follow payment card
industry data security standards, even if there is no compromise of customer information, we could incur significant fines or
lose our ability to give our customers the option of using payment cards. If we were unable to accept payment cards, our
business would be seriously harmed.
We regularly face risks related to cybersecurity incidents and threats, including attempts by malicious actors, which may
be external or internal threat actors, to breach our security and compromise our information technology systems.
In addition to the risks related to personal information discussed above, because we are a news reporting organization,
cybersecurity risks also include attempts by attackers to manipulate or misrepresent our news reporting. Attackers may use a
blend of technology and social engineering techniques (including denial of service attacks, phishing attempts intended to induce
our employees and users to disclose information or unwittingly provide access to systems or data, and other techniques) to
disrupt service or exfiltrate data. Cybersecurity incidents and threats are constantly evolving, increasing the difficulty of
detecting and successfully defending against them. We and the third parties with which we work may be more vulnerable to the
risk from activities of this nature as a result of operational changes such as significant increases in remote work. To date, no
cybersecurity incidents or threats have had, either individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business,
28
financial condition, or results of operations.
Our systems, and those of the third parties with which we work and on which we rely, also may be vulnerable to
interruption or damage that can result from the effects of natural disasters or climate change (such as increased storm severity
and flooding); fires; power, systems or internet outages; acts of terrorism; pandemics; or other similar events.
Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change
frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we or our third-party service providers or business
partners may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. Non-technical means,
such as actions or omissions by an employee or contractor, can also result in a data breach or other cybersecurity incident. A
party that is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate our proprietary information or the information of
our vendors, business partners, customers or users, cause interruption in our operations, or damage our computers or those of
our vendors, business partners, customers or users. As a result of any such breaches or incidents, vendors, business partners,
customers, users or other third parties may assert claims of liability against us and these activities may subject us to
governmental fines or penalties, legal claims, adversely impact our reputation, and interfere with our ability to provide our
products and services, all of which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The coverage and limits of our insurance policies may not be adequate to reimburse us for losses caused by security breaches or
other cybersecurity incidents.
We have implemented controls and taken other preventative measures designed to strengthen our systems against such
cybersecurity incidents and threats, including measures designed to reduce the impact of a security breach at our third-party
vendors and outsourced service providers. Efforts to prevent hackers from disrupting our service or otherwise accessing our
systems are expensive to develop, implement and maintain. These efforts require ongoing monitoring and updating as
technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures become more sophisticated and may limit the functionality of or
otherwise negatively impact our products, services, and systems. Although the costs of the controls and other measures we have
taken to date have not had a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, the costs and effort to
respond to a cybersecurity incident or threat and/or to mitigate any security vulnerabilities that may be identified in the future
could be significant.
There can be no assurance that any security measures we, or our third-party service providers, take will be effective in
preventing a cybersecurity incident that could have a material impact on us. We may need to expend significant resources to
protect against security incidents or to address problems caused by such incidents. If an actual or perceived incident or breach
of our security occurs, the perception of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed and we could lose
customers or users. Failure to protect confidential customer data or to provide customers with adequate notice of our privacy
policies could also subject us to liabilities imposed by international or United States federal and state regulatory agencies or
courts. We could also be subject to evolving international, federal and state laws that impose data breach notification
requirements, specific data security obligations, or other customer privacy-related requirements. Our failure to comply with any
of these laws or regulations may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Privacy and security-related laws and other data security requirements are constantly evolving and may increase our
compliance costs and potential for liability, either of which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
and results of operations.
Many jurisdictions have enacted or are considering enacting privacy or data protection laws and regulations that apply to
the processing or protection of personal information. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation adopted by the EU
and the Data Protection Act of 2018 in the U.K. impose stringent data protection requirements and significant penalties for
noncompliance; California's Consumer Privacy Act created data privacy rights, which other states have implemented as well.
By the end of 2025, we expect there will be 17 U.S. state data privacy laws in effect. These laws and regulations may impose
notification requirements, notice and consent requirements and specific data security obligations, and may also provide for a
private right of action or statutory damages. In addition, all 50 U.S. states have data breach notification laws. The compliance
costs and operational burdens imposed by these laws and regulations could be significant. Failure to protect confidential
personal data, provide individuals with adequate notice of our privacy policies, our use of AI products or services, or obtain
required valid consent, could subject us to liabilities imposed by the jurisdictions where we operate. Further, because some of
our products and services are available on the internet, we may be subject to laws or regulations exposing us to liability or
compliance obligations even in jurisdictions where we do not have a substantial presence.
Existing privacy-related laws and regulations are evolving and are subject to potentially differing interpretations. In
addition, cure periods under various state privacy laws that were in effect when the laws were first enacted have expired or will
expire, meaning non-compliance with such laws would result in exposure to immediate penalties without a grace period.
29
Various federal and state legislative and regulatory bodies, as well as foreign legislative and regulatory bodies, may expand
current laws or enact new laws regarding privacy and data protection or increase enforcement efforts under existing laws. For
example, the EU's anticipated ePrivacy Regulation is expected to impose, with respect to electronic communications and
website cookies, additional data protection and data processing requirements beyond those of the current EU ePrivacy
Directive. In addition, various regulatory bodies have increased privacy-related enforcement efforts, such as the Federal Trade
Commission's enforcement activities relating to misleading privacy disclosures. Any failure or perceived failure by us, or the
third-party service providers upon which we rely, to comply with laws and regulations that govern our business operations, as
well as any failure or perceived failure by us, or the third-party service providers upon which we rely, to comply with our own
posted policies, could result in claims against us by governmental entities or others, negative publicity and a loss of confidence
in us by our customers, users and advertisers. Each of these potential consequences could materially adversely affect our
business and results of operations.
We use AI and may use other new technologies in our business. Challenges with properly managing their use by us or
third parties could result in reputational harm, competitive harm, and legal liability, and adversely affect our results of
operations.
We have incorporated and will likely continue to incorporate AI solutions, products, and services including those both
developed in-house as well as third party AI products and services, as well as and other new technologies into our platform,
offerings, services and features, and these applications have become important and may become more important in our
operations over time. Our competitors or other third parties may incorporate AI into their products more quickly or more
successfully than us, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations. If our
competitors and other third parties adopt AI applications that use our content without end users visiting our network of
websites, our digital advertising and subscription revenues could be reduced and we could lose additional monetization
opportunities. The introduction of AI applications into our business may disrupt our relationship with employees and/or result
in labor disputes if the AI tools are viewed as displacing work from newsrooms, which could adversely affect our business and
results of operations. Additionally, if the content, analyses, or recommendations that AI applications assist in producing, or our
descriptions of our AI use in contexts where we make AI disclosures, are or are alleged to be deficient, inaccurate, or biased,
our reputation, business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.
The use of AI applications may result in cybersecurity incidents that implicate the personal data of end users of such
applications or other confidential data. Any such cybersecurity incidents related to our use of AI applications could adversely
affect our reputation and results of operations and expose us to civil litigation and/or regulatory actions. AI applications also
introduce risks to our ability to protect our intellectual property, to the extent large language models have used our content to
train AI tools. Similarly, if we use open-source AI applications, we could be subject to claims of infringement of others’
intellectual property, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
AI also presents emerging ethical and legal issues and our use of AI may result in brand or reputational harm, competitive
harm, or legal liability. The EU and several U.S. states including California, Colorado and Utah have recently enacted AI-
focused consumer protection laws. The rapid evolution of AI, including current and future regulation of AI, could significantly
impact our business and will require significant resources to develop, test and maintain our platform, offerings, services, and
features to help us implement AI ethically and in a compliant manner in order to minimize unintended, harmful impacts.
Defects, delays, or interruptions in the cloud-based hosting services we utilize, both directly and indirectly, could
adversely affect our systems, reputation and operating results.
Third-party subscription-based software services as well as public cloud infrastructure services are utilized to provide
solutions for many of our computing and bandwidth needs. Any interruptions to these services generally could result in the
unavailability of our content sites, and interruptions in service to our subscribers and advertisers and/or our critical business
functions, notwithstanding any contractual service level commitments, business continuity or disaster recovery plans or
agreements that may currently be in place with some of these providers. This could result in unanticipated downtime and/or
harm to our operations, reputation, and operating results. A transition from these services to different cloud providers would be
difficult to implement and cause us to incur significant time and expense. In addition, if hosting costs increase over time and/or
if we require more computing or storage capacity as a result of subscriber growth or otherwise, our costs could increase
disproportionately.
30
Additional Risks Related to Our Business
Any significant increase in newsprint costs or disruptions in our newsprint supply chain, including as a result of
manufacturing facility closures and on-going capacity shifts between newsprint and specialty paper grades, transportation
and other issues that are challenging supplier deliveries, increased demand, and inflationary pressures, may materially and
adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our ability to supply the needs of our print operations depends upon the continuing availability of newsprint at an
acceptable price, and our results of operations may be impacted significantly by changes in newsprint prices. The price of
newsprint has historically been volatile, and a number of factors may cause prices to increase, including capacity reductions
through the closure and consolidation of newsprint mills or the conversion of newsprint mills to other products or grades of
paper, which has reduced the number of newsprint suppliers over the years. North American newsprint is supplied by nine
manufacturers with only three mills in the United States. Offshore exports are approximately 50% of total North America
shipments and will increase as domestic demand declines and global newsprint capacity is removed. North American suppliers
are becoming a larger share of the global market and domestic supply is susceptible to supply chain disruptions and pricing
volatility tied to economic and geopolitical factors, including tariffs and retaliatory tariffs. We may not be able to secure
alternative providers quickly and cost-effectively, which could disrupt our printing and distribution operations or increase the
cost of printing and distributing our newspapers. Shortages of newsprint have historically resulted in, and may in the future
result in, higher prices. We generally maintain only a 30- to 55-day inventory of newsprint. The timely procurement of
necessary production materials is critical and any significant increase in the cost of newsprint, or undersupply or other
significant disruption in the newsprint supply chain, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and financial condition.
The value of our goodwill and intangible assets may become impaired, which could materially and adversely affect
future reported results of operations.
Our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, which include mastheads, are subject to annual impairment testing, and
more frequent testing upon the occurrence of certain events or significant changes in our circumstances, to determine whether
the fair value of such assets is less than their carrying value. In such a case, a non-cash charge to earnings may be necessary in
the relevant period, which could materially and adversely affect future reported results of operations. At December 31, 2024,
the carrying value of our goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and amortizable intangible assets was $530.0 million,
$166.7 million and $263.7 million, respectively.
We performed goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment tests in the fourth quarter of 2024 with the assistance of
third-party valuation specialists and determined that there were no goodwill or intangible impairments.
Management assumptions used to calculate fair value are highly subjective and involve forecasts of future economic and
market conditions and their impact on operating performance. Changes in key assumptions impacting the analyses could result
in the recognition of additional impairment. There can be no assurance that we will not be required to take an impairment
charge in the future which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. While we believe our judgments
represent reasonably possible outcomes based on available facts and circumstances, adverse changes to the assumptions,
including those related to macroeconomic factors, comparable public company trading values and prevailing conditions in the
capital markets, could lead to future declines in the fair value of a reporting unit. If our future operating results are not in line
with the cash flow forecasts underlying our impairment analysis, we could have an impairment of our goodwill or intangible
assets in the future and such impairment could materially affect our operating results. We continually evaluate whether current
factors or indicators, such as prevailing conditions in the business environment, capital markets or the economy generally, and
actual or projected operating results, require the performance of an interim impairment assessment of goodwill, as well as other
long-lived assets. For example, any significant shortfall, now or in the future, in advertising revenues or subscribers and/or
consumer acceptance of our products could lead to a downward revision in the fair value of certain reporting units.
We may not be able to protect intellectual property rights upon which our business relies and, if we lose intellectual
property protection, our assets may lose value.
Our business depends on our intellectual property, including, but not limited to, our titles, mastheads, content and
proprietary software, which we may attempt to protect through patents, copyrights, trade laws and contractual restrictions, such
as confidentiality agreements. We believe our proprietary and other intellectual property rights are important to our success and
our competitive position.
31
Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized third parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and
use our content, services and other intellectual property, and we cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent any
misappropriation or confusion among consumers and merchants, or unauthorized use of these rights. If we are unable to
procure, protect and enforce our intellectual property rights, we may not realize the full value of these assets, and our business
may suffer. If we must litigate to enforce our intellectual property rights or determine the validity and scope of the proprietary
rights of third parties, such litigation may be costly and divert the attention of our management from day-to-day operations.
We are subject to environmental and employee safety and health laws and regulations that could cause us to incur
significant compliance expenditures and liabilities.
Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to the environment, storage tanks and
the management and disposal of wastes at our facilities. Under various environmental laws, a current or previous owner or
operator of real property may be liable for contamination resulting from the release or threatened release of hazardous or toxic
substances or petroleum at that property. Such laws often impose liability on the owner or operator without regard to fault, and
the costs of any required investigation or cleanup can be substantial. Although in connection with certain of our acquisitions we
have rights to indemnification for certain environmental liabilities, these rights may not be sufficient to reimburse us for all
losses that we might incur if a property acquired by us has environmental contamination. In addition, although in connection
with certain of our acquisitions we have obtained insurance policies for coverage for certain potential environmental liabilities,
these policies have express exclusions to coverage as well as express limits on amounts of coverage and length of term.
Accordingly, these insurance policies may not be sufficient to provide coverage for us for all losses that we might incur if a
property acquired by us has environmental contamination.
Our operations are also subject to various employee safety and health laws and regulations, including those pertaining to
occupational injury and illness, employee exposure to hazardous materials and employee complaints. Environmental and
employee safety and health laws tend to be complex, comprehensive and frequently changing. As a result, we may be involved
from time to time in administrative and judicial proceedings and investigations related to environmental and employee safety
and health issues. These proceedings and investigations could result in substantial costs to us, divert our management's attention
and adversely affect our ability to sell, lease or develop our real property. Furthermore, if it is determined that we are not in
compliance with applicable laws and regulations, or if our properties are contaminated, it could result in significant liabilities,
fines or the suspension or interruption of the operations of specific printing facilities. Future events, such as changes in existing
laws and regulations, new laws or regulations or the discovery of conditions not currently known to us, may give rise to
additional compliance or remedial costs that could be material.
We may not be able to generate future taxable income which may prevent our realization of deferred tax assets or
require us to establish additional valuation allowances which could materially and adversely affect future reported results of
operations.
We have deferred tax assets reported on our balance sheet, net of valuation allowances and deferred tax liabilities of $56.1
million. If we do not generate taxable income in future years, we may be required to establish a valuation allowance against the
deferred tax assets that are not currently valued.
Risks Related to Pension Obligations and Employees
We are required to use a portion of our cash flows to make contributions to our pension and postretirement plans,
which diverts cash flow from operations, and the amount of required future contributions may be difficult to estimate.
We, along with our subsidiaries, sponsor various defined benefit retirement plans, including plans established under
collective bargaining agreements. Our retirement plans include (i) the Gannett Retirement Plan (the "GR Plan"), (ii) the Gannett
Retirement Plan for Certain Union Employees, (iii) the Newsquest Pension Scheme in the U.K., (iv) the Newspaper Guild of
Detroit Pension Plan, (v) the George W. Prescott Publishing Company Pension Plan and (vi) the Times Publishing Company
Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
We also participate in certain multiemployer pension plans and because of the nature of multiemployer pension plans, there
are risks to us associated with participation in these plans. For example, in the event of the termination of a multiemployer
pension plan, or a complete or partial withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan, under applicable law we could incur
material withdrawal liabilities. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded $24.5 million related to withdrawal
liabilities which were expensed as a result of ceasing contributions to multiemployer pension plans in which we formerly
participated.
32
Our pension plans invest in a variety of equity and debt securities. Future volatility and disruption in the equity and bond
markets could cause declines in the asset values of our pension plans. As of December 31, 2024, the value of our pension assets
exceeded our pension benefit obligations and our retirement plans were overfunded by approximately $156.6 million on a U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") basis.
Our ability to make contribution payments will depend on our future cash flows, which are subject to general economic,
financial, competitive, business, legislative, regulatory, and other factors beyond our control. Various factors, including future
investment returns, interest rates, longevity, and potential pension legislative changes, may impact the timing and amount of
future pension contributions.
The loss of the services of any of our key personnel, reduced staffing levels, or our inability to attract qualified
personnel in the future may materially and adversely affect our ability to operate or grow our business effectively.
The success of our business depends heavily on our ability to attract and retain knowledgeable, experienced personnel that
execute critical functions for us, any of whom may be difficult to replace. It will also be necessary for us to be able to continue
to attract, retain and engage such qualified personnel in the future. Demand for experienced, capable talent remains highly
competitive. As we continue to implement our business strategy and transform the organization, cost control initiatives have
resulted in a reduced workforce, causing management to operate with reduced capacity in some areas of our business. Reduced
staffing levels may materially and adversely affect our ability to conduct our operations and other functions effectively and
impact our profitability and cash flow, especially under economic pressures. Further, if we are unable to have competitive
compensation programs, the incentives provided by our securities or by other compensation and benefits arrangements are
ineffective, or there are perceived or actual limitations for growth opportunities, we may experience increased turnover and loss
of critical capabilities. Reduced talent acquisition capacity, limited employee investment and industry pressures, may further
challenge our ability to hire in a competitive market. While we have entered into letter agreements with certain of our key
personnel, these agreements do not ensure that such personnel will continue in their present capacity with us for any particular
period of time and we do not have agreements with all of our critical personnel. Further, we do not have key employee
insurance for any of our current management or other key personnel. The loss of any key personnel or critical employee would
require our remaining key personnel to divert immediate and substantial attention to seek a replacement. The loss of the
services of any of our existing key personnel, including senior officers and critical talent, as a result of competition or for any
other reason, or an inability to find a suitable replacement for any departing key employee on a timely basis could materially
and adversely affect our ability to operate or grow our business.
We rely on equity-based compensation to attract, retain, and motivate our key employees, which may result in price
pressures on our Common Stock, stockholder dilution and increased usage of shares under our equity incentive plan during
periods in which our stock price is depressed. Our ability to continue a competitive long-term equity-based incentive
program required to attract and retain talent may be hindered, and alternative incentive models may cause our cash flows to
be reduced.
We rely upon equity awards including stock option awards, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and preferred
stock units as a component of our employee and director compensation programs to align our directors', officers' and
employees' interests with the interests of our stockholders, to attract and retain key talent and provide competitive compensation
packages. During periods in which our stock price declines, we may be required to issue equity awards under the terms of our
existing incentive plan covering a larger number of shares than anticipated to meet the current market level of compensation
required to retain key employees given the strong demand for talent. We also may be required to use a greater percentage of our
cash flow for incentive, retention and hiring payments, which would reduce the cash flow available for other purposes and
could have a material adverse effect on our ability to attract and retain talent necessary to run our business. Our stock price also
may face incremental downward pressure as employees sell more shares into the market than anticipated. In addition,
stockholders may experience additional dilution to the extent we are required to seek, and we obtain, stockholder approval to
expand the size of our employee equity incentive pool in order to maintain a competitive compensation position.
A shortage of skilled or experienced employees with the capabilities necessary to support our business strategies, or our
inability to retain such employees, could pose a risk to achieving our business objectives, which could materially adversely
affect our business and profitability.
Production and distribution of our various publications and service lines requires skilled and experienced employees. We
need to hire and retain qualified employees to support our business strategies. We may be constrained in hiring and retaining
sufficient qualified employees due to general labor shortages, shifts in workforce availability or interest in our sector, any hiring
freeze we have or may in the future impose, any pandemic or public health crises, or due to challenging macroeconomic market
33
•
Risks and uncertainties associated with public health matters and other events outside of our control;
•
Our business profile and market capitalization may not fit the investment objectives of any stockholder;
•
A shift in our investor base;
•
Our quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other comparable companies;
•
Actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;
•
Risks relating to our ability to meet long-term forecasts;
conditions. A shortage of such employees, as well as increased turnover rates, could have an adverse impact on our productivity
and costs, our ability to expand, develop and distribute new products, our entry into new markets, and our ability to achieve our
business goals. The cost of retaining or hiring such employees could exceed our expectations, which could materially and
adversely affect our results of operations and continued labor constraints may limit our profitability due to the impact of rising
wages.
A number of our employees are unionized, and our business and results of operations could be materially adversely
affected if current or additional labor negotiations or contracts were to further restrict our ability to maximize the efficiency
of our operations.
As of December 31, 2024, we employed approximately 8,900 employees in the U.S., of whom approximately 1,500 (or
approximately 17%) were represented by seven unions. Of the unionized employees, 50% are in five states: Michigan, Rhode
Island, New Jersey, Arizona, and Ohio and represented 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, and 8% of all our union employees, respectively.
Although the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle engaged in a short-lived strike in 2024, our other newspapers have not
experienced a union strike in the recent past nor do we anticipate a union strike to occur, we cannot preclude the possibility that
a strike may occur at one or more of our newspapers at some point in the future. We believe that, in the event of a newspaper
strike, we would be able to continue to publish and deliver to subscribers, which is critical to retaining advertising and
circulation revenues, although there can be no assurance of this. Further, settlement of actual or threatened labor disputes or an
increase in the number of our employees covered by collective bargaining agreements can have unknown effects on our labor
costs, productivity and flexibility.
Risks Related to the Termination of our Relationship with our Former Manager
Our Former Manager is not liable to us for certain acts or omissions performed in accordance with, and prior to the
termination of, the Former Management Agreement, and for certain matters in connection with the termination of our
relationship with the Former Manager, and we may incur liability for such acts or omissions.
Pursuant to, and prior to the termination of, the Former Management Agreement, the Former Manager assumed no
responsibility other than to render the services called for thereunder in good faith and was not responsible for any action of our
Board of Directors in following or declining to follow its advice or recommendations. The Former Manager, its members,
managers, officers and employees are not liable to us or any of our subsidiaries, to our Board of Directors, or our or any
subsidiary's stockholders or partners for any acts or omissions by the Former Manager, its members, managers, officers or
employees, except by reason of acts constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
Former Manager's duties under the Former Management Agreement that occurred prior to its termination. Pursuant to the
Termination Agreement, our indemnification obligations to the Former Manager and its affiliates under the Former
Management Agreement survive its termination indefinitely. In addition, pursuant to the Termination Agreement, the Former
Manager will be held harmless with respect to certain acts and omissions performed in connection with the Termination
Agreement except by reason of acts or omissions constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the Former Manager's performance under the Termination Agreement. As a result, we may incur liabilities as a
result of certain acts or omissions by the Former Manager, which could materially and adversely impact our business and
results of operations.
Risks Related to our Common Stock
Our stock price is subject to volatility and there can be no assurance that the market for our stock will provide adequate
liquidity.
The market price of our Common Stock may fluctuate widely, depending upon many factors, some of which may be
beyond our control. These factors include, without limitation:
34
•
Announcements by us or our competitors of significant investments, acquisitions or dispositions, strategic
developments and other material events;
•
The failure of securities analysts to cover our Common Stock;
•
Changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts or our ability to meet those estimates;
•
The operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;
•
Negative public perception of us, our competitors, or industry;
•
Overall market fluctuations or volatility, including, but not limited to, as a result of changes in political or other
conditions affecting the financial and capital markets;
•
Changes in accounting standards, policies guidance, interpretations or principles; and
•
General economic conditions.
In addition, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million of our Common Stock (the "Stock
Repurchase Program"). The amount and timing of the purchases, if any, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not
limited to, the price and availability of the shares, trading volume, capital availability, Company performance and general
economic and market conditions. Further, future repurchases under our Stock Repurchase Program may be subject to various
conditions under the terms of our various debt instruments and agreements, unless an exception is available or we obtain a
waiver or similar relief. The Stock Repurchase Program will continue in effect until the approved dollar amount has been used
to repurchase shares or the program is terminated by further action of the Board of Directors. This repurchase program has no
termination date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The Stock Repurchase Program does not require us to
repurchase any specific number of shares of Common Stock or any shares of Common Stock at all. We cannot assure
stockholders that any specific number of shares of Common Stock, if any, will be repurchased under the Stock Repurchase
Program. The Company does not currently anticipate repurchasing any shares of Common Stock during the first quarter of
2025. Our stock repurchases, if any, could affect the trading price of our stock, the volatility of our stock price, reduce our cash
reserves, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time, which may result in a decrease in our stock price.
Further, stock markets in general and recently have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating
performance of a particular company. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our Common
Stock. Additionally, these and other external factors have caused and may continue to cause the market price and demand for
our Common Stock to fluctuate, which may limit or prevent investors from readily selling their shares of Common Stock and
may otherwise negatively affect the liquidity of our Common Stock. Further, an unpredictable or volatile U.S. political
environment, including any social unrest and uncertainty as a result of the change in the U.S. presidential administration, could
negatively impact business and market conditions, economic growth, financial stability, and business, consumer, investor, and
regulatory sentiments, any one or more of which could have a material adverse impact on our stock price, financial condition
and results of operations.
Sales or issuances of shares of our Common Stock, including upon conversion of the 2027 Notes and/or the 2031 Notes,
could materially adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.
Sales or issuances of substantial amounts of shares of our Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that such
sales or issuances might occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock. The issuance of our Common
Stock in connection with property, portfolio or business acquisitions or the settlement of awards that may be granted under our
Incentive Plans (as defined below) or otherwise could also have an adverse effect on the market price of our Common Stock.
In accordance with the Investor Agreement among the Company and the holders of the 2027 Notes (the "2027 Holders")
and the Registration Rights Agreement among the Company and holders of the 2031 Notes (together with the 2027 Holders, the
"Holders"), in each case establishing certain terms and conditions concerning the rights and restrictions on the respective
Holders with respect to the Holders' respective ownership of the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes, the Holders have certain
registration rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of the 2027 Notes or the 2031
Notes. In addition, Holders who receive Common Stock upon conversion of the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes may be able to
sell these shares of Common Stock pursuant to any applicable exemption under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the
rules promulgated thereunder, including Rule 144, if applicable. If significant quantities of the Common Stock are sold, or if it
is perceived that they may be sold, the trading price of the Common Stock could go down.
We presently have no intention to declare or pay a dividend, the terms of our indebtedness restrict our ability to pay
dividends, and we may not be able to pay dividends in the future or at all.
We presently have no intention to declare or pay a dividend, and there can be no assurance that we will pay dividends in
the future.
35
Our 2029 Term Loan Facility contains terms that restrict our ability to pay dividends or make other distributions. Under the
2029 Term Loan Facility, we can only pay cash dividends up to an agreed-upon amount and provided that the ratio of Total
Indebtedness secured on an equal priority basis with the 2029 Term Loan Facility (net of Unrestricted Cash) to Consolidated
EBITDA (as such terms are defined in the 2029 Term Loan Facility) does not exceed a specified ratio. The 2031 Notes
Indenture contains similar dividend restrictions. The 2031 Notes Indenture also provides that, at any time our Total Gross
Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2031 Notes Indenture) exceeds 1.50 to 1.00 and we approve the declaration of a dividend, we
must offer to purchase a principal amount of 2031 Notes equal to the proposed amount of the dividend. This repurchase offer
requirement may make it impractical to declare and pay dividends at any time that the requirement is in effect. Stockholders
also should be aware that they have no contractual or other legal right to dividends that have not been declared.
Any determination by our Board of Directors regarding dividends will depend on a variety of factors, including our U.S.
GAAP net income, free cash flow generated from operations or other sources, liquidity position and potential alternative uses of
cash, such as acquisitions, as well as economic conditions and expected future financial results. There can be no guarantee
regarding the timing and amount of any dividends. Our ability to pay dividends in the future will depend on our future financial
performance, which, in turn, depends on the successful implementation of our strategy and on financial, competitive,
regulatory, technical and other factors, general economic conditions, demand and selling prices for our products, and other
factors specific to our industry or specific projects, many of which are beyond our control. Therefore, our ability to generate
free cash flow depends on the performance of our operations and could be limited by decreases in our profitability or increases
in costs, capital expenditures, or debt servicing requirements.
The percentage ownership of our existing stockholders may be diluted in the future, including upon conversion of the
2027 Notes and/or the 2031 Notes, and holders of the 2031 Notes may possess significant voting power following conversion
of the 2031 Notes.
We have issued and may continue to issue equity in order to raise capital or in connection with future acquisitions and
strategic investments, which would dilute investors' percentage ownership in the Company. In addition, a stockholder's
percentage ownership may be diluted if we issue equity-linked instruments, such as our 2027 Notes and 2031 Notes. Further,
the percentage ownership of our existing stockholders may be diluted in the future as a result of any issuances of our shares
upon exercise of any outstanding options, or issuances of shares under our equity incentive plans.
To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, a stockholder's
ownership interest in the Company may be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other
preferences that adversely affect a stockholder's rights. Debt and equity financings, if available, may involve agreements that
include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as redeeming our shares, making investments,
incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, declaring dividends or placing limitations on our ability to acquire, sell
or license intellectual property rights.
The percentage ownership of our existing stockholders may be diluted in the future as result of the issuance of Common
Stock due to conversion of the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes. Each 2027 Note and each 2031 Note may be converted into
shares of Common Stock at an initial conversion rate of 200 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes
(subject to adjustment as provided in the Indenture, the "Conversion Rate"). Based on the number of shares outstanding on
February 14, 2025, conversion of all of the 2027 Notes and all of the 2031 Notes into Common Stock (assuming no adjustments
to the Conversion Rate) would result in the issuance of an aggregate of 52.4 million shares of the Common Stock representing
approximately 26% of the shares outstanding as of February 14, 2025 and conversion of all of the 2027 Notes and 2031 Notes
into Common Stock (assuming the maximum increase in the Conversion Rate as a result of certain events, including, subject to
exceptions as described in the Indenture, the acquisition of 50% or more of voting power of our securities by a person or group,
a stockholder-approved liquidation of us, the delisting of our Common Stock, or certain changes of control, but no other
adjustments to the Conversion Rate) would result in the issuance of an aggregate of 166.4 million shares of the Common Stock
representing approximately 53% of the shares outstanding as of February 14, 2025. To our knowledge, a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding 2031 Notes are held by entities controlled, managed or advised by a large financial sponsor.
In the event that a holder of a majority or even a significant portion of the 2031 Notes were to convert their notes into Common
Stock, such a holder could possess significant voting power with respect to our Common Stock and may have interests that are
different from, or adverse to, the interests of our other stockholders. From time to time, investors (including holders of a
significant portion of the 2031 Notes) may acquire additional 2031 Notes or shares of Common Stock, and we are unable to
predict or monitor such ownership.
Any sales in the public market of the Common Stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing
market prices of our Common Stock. In addition, the existence of the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes may encourage short
selling by market participants because the conversion of the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes could be used to satisfy short
36
•
Amendment of provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws
regarding the election of directors, the term of office of directors, the filling of director vacancies and the resignation
and removal of directors only upon the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the then issued and outstanding shares of
our capital stock entitled to vote thereon;
•
Amendment of provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation regarding corporate opportunity
only upon the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the then issued and outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to
vote thereon;
•
Removal of directors only for cause and only with the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the voting interest of
stockholders entitled to vote in the election of directors;
•
Our Board of Directors to determine the powers, preferences and rights of our preferred stock and to issue such
preferred stock without stockholder approval;
•
Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws prevent
stockholders from calling special meetings of our stockholders;
•
Advance notice requirements applicable to stockholders for director nominations and actions to be taken at annual
meetings;
•
A prohibition, in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, stating that no holder of shares of our Common
Stock will have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors, which means that the holders of majority of the
issued and outstanding shares of our Common Stock can elect all the directors standing for election; and
•
Action by our stockholders outside a meeting, in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our
amended and restated bylaws, only by unanimous written consent.
Stockholders who might desire to participate in these types of transactions may not have an opportunity to do so, even if
the transaction is considered favorable to stockholders. These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of
stockholders to benefit from a change in control or a change in our management and Board of Directors and, as a result, may
adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock and a stockholder's ability to realize any potential change of control
premium.
Our ability to compete may be materially and adversely affected if adequate capital is not available. In addition, future
offerings of debt securities, which would rank senior to our Common Stock upon our liquidation, and future offerings of
equity securities, which may be senior to our Common Stock for the purposes of dividend and liquidating distributions, may
be dilutive and materially and adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.
positions. Further, the anticipated possibility of conversion of the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes into shares of our Common
Stock could depress the price of our Common Stock.
An "ownership change" could limit our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes,
which could result in our payment of income taxes earlier than if we were able to fully utilize our net operating loss and
other tax benefit carryforwards.
Federal and state tax laws impose restrictions on the utilization of net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards and other tax
attributes in the event of an "ownership change" as defined by Section 382 of the Code ("Section 382"). Generally, an
"ownership change" occurs if the percentage of the value of the stock that is owned by one or more direct or indirect "five
percent stockholders" increases by more than 50% over their lowest ownership percentage at any time during an applicable
testing period (typically, three years). Under Section 382, if a corporation undergoes an "ownership change," such corporation's
ability to use its pre-change NOL carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes to offset its income may be limited. While
no "ownership change" has resulted in annual limitations, future changes in our stock ownership, which may be outside of our
control, may trigger an "ownership change." In addition, future equity offerings or acquisitions that have equity as a component
of the consideration could result in an "ownership change." Furthermore, the issuance of Common Stock upon the conversion of
the 2031 Notes or the 2027 Notes (in the event we elect to issue Common Stock upon any such conversions, rather than cash),
may trigger an "ownership change." If an "ownership change" occurs in the future, utilization of our NOL carryforwards or
other tax attributes may be limited, which could potentially result in increased future tax liability to us.
Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws and of Delaware
law may prevent or delay an acquisition of the Company, which could decrease the trading price of our Common Stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law contain
provisions that are intended to deter coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids by making such practices or bids
unacceptably expensive to the raider and to encourage prospective acquirers to negotiate with our Board of Directors rather than
to attempt a hostile takeover. These provisions provide for:
37
Our ability to be competitive in the marketplace is dependent on the availability of adequate capital. We may raise
additional capital through the issuance of debt or equity securities (including preferred stock) from time to time. There is no
guarantee that we will file or have an effective shelf registration statement on file with the SEC, which could impact our ability
to engage in future offerings and could impair our ability to raise additional capital quickly in response to changing
requirements and market conditions.
In addition, upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities (including holders of our 2031 Notes and 2027 Notes) and
preferred stock, if any, and lenders with respect to other borrowings (including the lenders under the 2029 Term Loan Facility)
will be entitled to our available assets prior to the holders of our Common Stock. Preferred stock could have a preference on
liquidating distributions or a preference on dividend payments that could limit our ability to pay dividends to the holders of our
Common Stock.
Because our decision to issue debt or equity securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other
factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, holders of
our Common Stock bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of our Common Stock and diluting the value
of their holdings in our stock.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Risk Management and Strategy
We recognize the importance of assessing, identifying, and managing material risks associated with cybersecurity threats
(as such term is defined in Item 106(a) of Regulation S-K), including, among other things, operational risks, intellectual
property theft, fraud, extortion, harm to employees or customers, violation of privacy or security laws and other litigation and
legal risks, and reputational risks.
We employ various processes and controls to aid in our efforts to identify, assess, and manage our material risks from
cybersecurity threats and to protect against, detect, and respond to cybersecurity incidents (as such term is defined in Item
106(a) of Regulation S-K). To identify and assess material risks from cybersecurity threats, we consider and gather information
with respect to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our information systems (as defined in Item 106(a) of
Regulation S-K). We have adopted policies and procedures that are designed to assist us with managing identified risks at a
system and organizational level and with assessing the materiality of the risk, its severity, and potential mitigations or
remediations. Our enterprise risk management program considers cybersecurity threat risks alongside other company risks as
part of our overall risk assessment process.
The cybersecurity risk identification process includes: (i) identifying information systems and assets, including physical
and virtual devices, software, data, data transfers, external systems, and cloud resources; (ii) reviewing organizational business
processes, identities, access, and roles (including privileged access), asset configurations, technology policies, standards,
controls, and processes; (iii) determining if those systems or assets process or store customer and/or employee personal data,
(iv) analyzing the criticality of systems, assets and business processes and sensitivity of data; and (v) identifying vulnerabilities
and threats to the identified systems, assets, data, and processes, from both internal and external sources, including through
threat intelligence, previous cybersecurity incidents, and third-party assessments.
Our processes also consider cybersecurity risks associated with our use of third-party service providers and business
partners, including those in our supply chain and those who have access to our customer and employee data or our information
systems. Identified third-party service provider and business partner risks are managed by our cybersecurity risk management
program. In addition, cybersecurity and privacy considerations affect the selection and oversight of our third-party service
providers and business partners, as well as third-party specific integration plans. Additionally, we generally require those third
parties that could introduce significant cybersecurity or data privacy risk to us to agree by contract to comply with applicable
data protection laws, and to manage their cybersecurity risks by implementing appropriate technical and organizational
measures, and to agree to be subject to cybersecurity audits, which we conduct as appropriate.
We employ a range of tools and services to inform our risk preparedness, identification, assessment and remediation
processes, including, among others, continuous monitoring, regular reoccurring security and compliance activities, training,
38
threat intelligence, business processes, change management, strategic planning, annual assessments, and periodic testing and
assessments performed by qualified security personnel and by third-party firms. As part of the above-described processes, we
engage with third-party firms to perform independent assessments, including internal and external penetration tests,
configuration assessments, security plan and program assessments, compliance assessments, and incident response readiness
exercises to help identify areas for continued focus, improvement and/or compliance.
Identified risks are evaluated and assessed by the Company's security review council, comprised of various security,
technology, legal and privacy staff members and management. A member of management is assigned as the risk owner and
takes an active role in managing the risk, including approving the risk response and risk treatment plan, as well as participating
in assessing any residual risk after implementation of the treatment plan. Our Chief Information Security Officer oversees our
cybersecurity risk management program.
In the event of a potential material risk, the risk is reported to the Chief Information Security Officer, the Chief Technology
Officer, the Chief Privacy Officer and to the legal department and the appropriate member of senior management responsible
for the function where the risk has been identified. The risk is then reviewed by the Disclosure Committee, which includes
among others, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, and Chief Accounting
Officer to determine whether the risk is material for disclosure purposes in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
In 2024, our business strategy, results of operations, and financial condition were not materially affected by risks from
cybersecurity threats but we cannot provide assurance that they will not be materially affected in the future by such risks or any
future material incidents. We describe whether and how risks from identified cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any
previous cybersecurity incidents, have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business
strategy, results of operations, or financial condition, under the heading "Risks Related to Cybersecurity and Artificial
Intelligence" under Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which disclosures are incorporated by reference herein.
Governance
Cybersecurity is an important part of our risk management processes and an area of increasing focus for our Board of
Directors and management. Our Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of risks from cybersecurity threats. Each
quarter or as needed, the Board of Directors receives an overview from management of our cybersecurity program and strategy
covering topics such as cybersecurity incidents and response, progress towards pre-determined risk-mitigation-related goals,
results from third-party assessments, cybersecurity staffing, compliance status, and material cybersecurity threat risks or
incidents and developments, as well as the steps management has taken to respond to any such risks. In such sessions, our Chief
Information Security Officer is available to the Board of Directors to discuss any relevant cybersecurity matters. In addition, at
least bi-annually, the Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Technology Officer report to the Board of Directors about
cybersecurity threat risks, among other cybersecurity related matters.
Our cybersecurity risk management and strategy processes discussed above, are led by our Chief Information Security
Officer and Chief Technology Officer, both of whom are Certified Information Systems Security Professionals. Specifically,
our Chief Information Security Officer has approximately 10 years of experience developing cybersecurity strategy, incident
response, and implementing cybersecurity programs for public media companies and is a certified boardroom Qualified
Technology Expert and our Chief Technology Officer has approximately 16 years of experience developing cybersecurity
strategy, incident response, and implementing cybersecurity programs.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters are located in New York, New York, where we lease approximately 24 thousand square feet,
under a lease agreement terminating in May 2031. We also have an executive office in Pittsford, New York, where we lease
approximately 7 thousand square feet, under a lease agreement terminating in December 2026.
Our domestic facilities, excluding our corporate headquarters above, occupy approximately 5.3 million square feet in the
aggregate, of which approximately 3.9 million square feet are leased from third parties. Many of our local media organizations
also have outside news bureaus, sales offices, and distribution centers that are leased from third parties. We own some of the
plants that house most aspects of the publication process but in certain locations have outsourced printing or combined the
printing of multiple publications.
Newsquest, our subsidiary headquartered in London, U.K., occupies approximately 450 thousand square feet in the U.K.
spread over 59 locations. Of this, approximately 300 thousand square feet spread over 48 locations are leased from third parties,
including three production facilities. Included in Newsquest's 11 owned premises is one production facility.
39
Our digital marketing services companies under the brand LocaliQ is headquartered in Woodland Hills, California, and has
sales and other offices and data centers in two locations in two states: California and Texas. In addition, LocaliQ has 11
locations in four other countries: Australia, India, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. These properties include leased buildings
and data centers. In total, LocaliQ properties occupy approximately 160 thousand square feet. Excluded from total square
footage but included in location counts are serviced office spaces.
All of our material real properties owned by our material domestic subsidiaries are mortgaged as collateral for our 2029
Term Loan Facility, 2031 Notes and 2027 Notes. We believe our current facilities, including the terms and conditions of the
relevant lease agreements, are adequate to operate our businesses as currently conducted.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information regarding legal proceedings may be found in Note 13 — Commitments, contingencies and other matters —
Legal Proceedings of the notes to the Consolidated financial statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
40
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information and Holders
Our common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock") trades on the NYSE under the trading symbol "GCI." As
of February 14, 2025, there were approximately 3,707 holders of record of our Common Stock.
Dividends
We presently have no intention to declare or pay a dividend, and there can be no assurance that we will pay dividends in
the future. In addition, the terms of our indebtedness, including the 2029 Term Loan Facility and the 2031 Notes Indenture have
terms that restrict our ability to pay dividends.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
In February 2022, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million (the "Stock Repurchase
Program") of our Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share. Repurchases may be made from time to time through open market
purchases or privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to one or more plans established pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or by means of one or more tender offers, in each case, as permitted by securities
laws and other legal requirements. The amount and timing of the purchases, if any, will depend on a number of factors,
including, but not limited to, the price and availability of the Company's shares, trading volume, capital availability, Company
performance and general economic and market conditions. The Stock Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued
at any time. Further, future repurchases under our Stock Repurchase Program may be subject to various conditions under the
terms of our various debt instruments and agreements, unless an exception is available or we obtain a waiver or similar relief.
The Stock Repurchase Program will continue in effect until the approved dollar amount has been used to repurchase shares or
the program is terminated by further action of the Board of Directors. The Stock Repurchase Program does not require us to
repurchase any specific number of shares of Common Stock or any shares of Common Stock at all. We cannot assure
stockholders that any specific number of shares of Common Stock, if any, will be repurchased under the Stock Repurchase
Program.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we did not repurchase any shares of Common Stock under the Stock
Repurchase Program. As of December 31, 2024, the remaining authorized amount under the Stock Repurchase Program was
approximately $96.9 million. The Company does not currently anticipate repurchasing any shares of Common Stock during the
first quarter of 2025.
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
41
•
Print advertising and Print circulation revenues have and are expected to continue to decline as our audience
increasingly moves to digital platforms. We seek to optimize our print operations to efficiently manage for the
declining print audience. We are focused on growing a digitally-oriented audience across multiple platforms and
revenue streams.
•
Our revenues and results of operations continue to be influenced by general macroeconomic conditions, including, but
not limited to, interest rates, housing demand, employment levels, and consumer confidence. We believe that these
factors are contributing to uncertainty, which is resulting in lower levels of advertising performance and reduced
spending.
•
We rely on third-party platforms from large technology companies, particularly search engines, social media
platforms, and emerging technologies. These platforms exert significant control over the visibility and ranking of our
content, and their actions can adversely impact traffic, engagement, and revenues. Additionally, these companies can
influence both the type of media we acquire and the associated costs. We continue to adapt by diversifying our digital
strategies and optimizing content distribution to mitigate these impacts.
•
The application of artificial intelligence ("AI") and the rapid rate of change within the AI ecosystem is increasing the
pace of change in the media sector.
Certain Matters Affecting Comparability
The following items affect period-over-period comparisons and will continue to affect period-over-period comparisons for
future results:
Asset impairments
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded impairment charges of $46.6 million, of which approximately
$46.0 million related to the McLean, Virginia operating lease right-of-use asset and the associated leasehold improvements. For
the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recorded impairment charges of $1.4 million and $1.1 million related to our
plan to monetize non-strategic assets.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
We are a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and
enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital
marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national
publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States (the
"U.S."), and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom (the "U.K."), we provide essential
journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a
commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. We prioritize a digital-first strategy,
focusing on audience growth and engagement while diversifying revenue streams. Our digital marketing solutions brand,
LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses ("SMBs") with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. Our
mission remains to inspire, inform, and connect communities while driving sustainable growth for our customers, advertisers,
partners, and shareholders.
We report in three segments: Domestic Gannett Media, Newsquest and Digital Marketing Solutions ("DMS"). We also
have a Corporate and other category that includes activities not directly attributable to a specific reportable segment and
includes broad corporate functions, such as legal, human resources, accounting, analytics, finance, marketing and technology,
as well as other general business costs. A full description of our reportable segments is included in Note 14 — Segment
reporting in the notes to the Consolidated financial statements.
Business Trends
We have considered several industry trends when assessing our business strategy:
42
Loss (gain on sale or disposal of assets, net
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized a net loss on the sale of assets of $1.1 million, primarily related to
net losses of $1.7 million at the Domestic Gannett Media segment and $0.2 million at our Corporate and other category,
partially offset by a net gain of $0.9 million at the Newsquest segment, as part of our plan to monetize non-strategic assets.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a net gain on the sale of assets of $40.1 million, primarily related to
a net gain of $38.9 million at the Domestic Gannett Media segment due to the sales of production facilities as part of our plan to
monetize non-strategic assets, and a gain of $1.4 million at our Corporate and other category related to the sale of intellectual
property.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized a net gain on the sale of assets of $6.9 million, primarily related to a
net gain of $6.7 million at the Domestic Gannett Media segment, mainly driven by the sales of production facilities as part of
our plan to monetize non-strategic assets.
Integration and reorganization costs
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred Integration and reorganization costs of $66.2 million. Of the total costs
incurred, $15.1 million were related to severance activities and $51.0 million were related to other reorganization-related costs,
including $24.5 million related to withdrawal liabilities, generally paid over a period of approximately 20 years, which were
expensed as a result of ceasing contributions to multiemployer pension plans, and $9.7 million expensed as of the cease-use
date related to certain licensed content, as well as costs associated with facility consolidation and systems implementation.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we incurred Integration and reorganization costs of $24.5 million. Of the total costs
incurred, $18.5 million were related to severance activities and $6.0 million were related to other costs, including costs for
consolidating operations, primarily related to costs associated with systems implementation and the outsourcing of corporate
functions, partially offset by the reversal of withdrawal liabilities related to multiemployer pension plans of $6.4 million based
on settlement of the withdrawal liabilities.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, we incurred Integration and reorganization costs of $88.0 million. Of the total costs
incurred, $57.6 million were related to severance activities and $30.4 million were related to other costs, including a withdrawal
liability related to multiemployer pension plans of $8.6 million, which was expensed as a result of ceasing contributions, costs
for consolidating operations, primarily related to systems implementation and the outsourcing of corporate functions, and
facilities consolidation expenses, primarily associated with exiting a lease.
Foreign currency
Our U.K. media operations are conducted through our Newsquest subsidiary. In addition, we have foreign operations in
regions such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India. Earnings from operations in foreign regions are translated into U.S.
dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect
at the balance sheet date. Currency translation fluctuations may impact revenue, expense, and operating income results for our
international operations. For example, our international revenues are favorably impacted as the U.S. dollar weakens relative to
other foreign currencies, and unfavorably impacted as the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to other foreign currencies. Foreign
currency exchange rate fluctuations positively impacted our revenues and profitability during the year ended December 31,
2024.
Strategy
We are committed to inspiring, informing and connecting audiences as a sustainable, growth-focused media and digital
marketing solutions company. Our strategy is rooted in three operating pillars: (i) expanding our reach and engagement, (ii)
diversifying our digital revenues, and (iii) strengthening our capital structure, all supported by what we believe is a stable and
increasingly agile foundation which we continue to optimize as the business and industry evolves. We believe our strategy will
allow us to continue our evolution to a sustainable, growth-focused media and digital marketing solutions company.
Foundation for ongoing growth
We continue to optimize and improve our infrastructure – through ongoing systems consolidations and migrations,
improving process workflows, leveraging evolving technology, and ensuring we have the synergy across the organization
expected to deliver the stabilization required to fuel our plan into the future. We also continue to invest in our people and in the
43
skills needed to support our future aims and to retain our talent by remaining an attractive place to work.
Three operating pillars
Expand reach and engagement with our customer segments
We believe that a key to our ongoing growth is expanding our base – including clients in our DMS segment and audience
in our Domestic Gannett Media and Newsquest segments – and optimizing our revenue streams across this growing base.
As of December 31, 2024, we have built one of the largest digital audiences in the U.S. media sector, both locally and
nationally. For both the Domestic Gannett Media and Newsquest segments, we seek to continue to strengthen the connection
with our audience by providing relevant content and expanded offerings that resonate with our readers. We believe a scaled,
engaged audience is the catalyst for creating diversified, predictable, and repeatable digital revenues.
In our DMS segment, we seek to enhance our customer acquisition efforts by targeting client profiles and broadening our
product portfolio. By capitalizing on our domain expertise, we aim to grow our addressable market and provide comprehensive
solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Diversify digital revenues
We expect to continue to expand the ways that we grow digital revenues through creating a diverse portfolio of meaningful
digital revenue streams and employing a holistic monetization strategy that maximizes revenue opportunities across the
spectrum and tailors such opportunities based on individual consumer habits.
Our strategy aims to allow us to more fully monetize the numerous visitors to our digital platforms, approximately
193 million(a)(b) unique monthly visitors during 2024, capitalizing on every interaction. Each interaction is an opportunity to
present a digital advertising offering, a digital-only subscription, an e-commerce opportunity, or to reach consumers more
broadly who access our content via our paid syndication partners. By optimizing our interactions with readers, we aim to fully
leverage our digital portfolio of products and maximize the overall revenue opportunity while providing each consumer with a
meaningful experience.
Likewise, our digital marketing solutions business is focused on optimizing and expanding our core digital marketing
services products and solutions while enhancing our portfolio with an Artificial Intelligence ("AI") powered software solution,
which we expect to increase our addressable market, improve retention, and increase Core platform revenues. Refer to "Key
Performance Indicators" below for further discussion of Core platform revenues.
Strengthen our capital structure
We remain focused on reducing debt, generating consistent cash flow, and creating flexibility to reinvest in growth
initiatives. We believe this disciplined approach supports our ability to innovate and adapt while ensuring long-term financial
health.
Macroeconomic Environment
We are exposed to certain risks and uncertainties caused by factors beyond our control, including economic and political
instability and other geopolitical events. We believe that these uncertain economic conditions have adversely impacted and may
continue to have an adverse impact on our revenues, and the occurrence of these factors has resulted in a reduction in demand
for our print and digital advertising, reduced the rates for our advertising, and caused marketers to shift, reduce or stop spend.
We are exposed to potential increases in interest rates associated with our new $900.0 million five-year first lien term loan
facility (the "2029 Term Loan Facility"), which as of December 31, 2024, accounted for approximately 76% of our outstanding
debt, as well as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily related to our operations in the U.K. We expect
continued uncertainty and volatility in the U.S. and global economies which will continue to impact our business. See "Item 1A
— Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Seasonality
We experience seasonality in our revenues. The Domestic Gannett Media segment typically witnesses the greatest impact
from seasonality in the third quarter, primarily attributed to reduced population in seasonal markets and decreased holiday
44
diversity, further reductions in our total paper consumption, and the successful completion of our inaugural climate disclosure
project questionnaires for climate change and forests.
We are committed to ensuring our coverage is widely available, actively promoted across our media sites and marketed to
our millions of registered users. In January 2025, we published our network-wide 2024 Journalism Impact Report, which
highlighted what we believe are the most influential articles we produced in 2024 and covers topics such as coverage on
inclusion, diversity and equity as well as climate change. We are committed to the ongoing publishing of an annual network-
wide Journalism Impact Report, which surfaces the top stories we produced that led to action.
related spending. The DMS segment generally experiences the greatest impact from seasonality in the first half of the fiscal
year, which can be attributed to the advertising needs of specific verticals, which are generally lower in the first half of the year.
Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") Initiatives
As a leading media organization, our longstanding corporate social responsibility position is driven by our deep
commitment to our communities. We are dedicated to ensuring that we have mindful and ethical business practices that
positively impact our world. In early 2024, we published our 2024 ESG Report detailing the progress we made on our U.N.
Sustainable Development Goals ("U.N. SDGs") that include Reduced Inequalities, Climate Action, and Peace, Justice, and
Strong Institutions. The 2024 ESG Report highlighted several key achievements, such as improvements to our workplace
45
A summary of our consolidated results is presented below:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands, except per share amounts
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
2022
$ Change
% Change
Revenues:
Digital advertising
$ 346,378 $ 333,611 $
12,767
4 % $ 357,346 $ (23,735)
(7) %
Digital marketing services(a)
476,049
476,958
(909)
— %
467,909
9,049
2 %
Digital-only subscription
188,828
155,621
33,207
21 %
132,618
23,003
17 %
Digital other
92,396
84,180
8,216
10 %
80,707
3,473
4 %
Digital
1,103,651
1,050,370
53,281
5 %
1,038,580
11,790
1 %
Print advertising
525,800
576,545
(50,745)
(9) %
670,882
(94,337)
(14) %
Print circulation
650,047
772,200
(122,153)
(16) %
952,019
(179,819)
(19) %
Commercial and other(b)
229,817
264,435
(34,618)
(13) %
283,822
(19,387)
(7) %
Print and commercial
1,405,664
1,613,180
(207,516)
(13) % 1,906,723
(293,543)
(15) %
Total revenues
2,509,315
2,663,550
(154,235)
(6) % 2,945,303
(281,753)
(10) %
Total operating expenses(a)
2,552,153
2,577,279
(25,126)
(1) % 2,978,902
(401,623)
(13) %
Operating (loss) income
(42,838)
86,271
(129,109)
***
(33,599)
119,870
***
Non-operating expenses
34,835
92,436
(57,601)
(62) %
43,307
49,129
***
Loss before income taxes
(77,673)
(6,165)
(71,508)
***
(76,906)
70,741
(92) %
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
(51,286)
21,729
(73,015)
***
1,349
20,380
***
Net loss
(26,387)
(27,894)
1,507
(5) %
(78,255)
50,361
(64) %
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling
interests
(33)
(103)
70
(68) %
(253)
150
(59) %
Net loss attributable to Gannett
$ (26,354) $ (27,791) $
1,437
(5) % $ (78,002) $
50,211
(64) %
Loss per share attributable to Gannett -
basic
$
(0.18) $
(0.20) $
0.02
(10) % $
(0.57) $
0.37
(65) %
Loss per share attributable to Gannett -
diluted
$
(0.18) $
(0.20) $
0.02
(10) % $
(0.57) $
0.37
(65) %
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
(a)
Amounts are net of intersegment eliminations of $151.8 million, $150.5 million and $143.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022,
respectively, which represent digital marketing services revenues and expenses associated with products sold by sales teams in our Domestic Gannett
Media and Newsquest segments but fulfilled by our DMS segment. When discussing segment results, these revenues and expenses are presented gross but
are eliminated in consolidation.
(b) For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, included Commercial printing and delivery revenues of $152.0 million, $186.1 million, and
$211.8 million, respectively.
Revenues
Digital revenues are primarily derived from digital advertising offerings such as digital marketing services generated
through multiple services, including search advertising, display advertising, search optimization, social media, website
development, web presence products, customer relationship management, and software-as-a-service solutions, classified
advertisements and display advertisements, which may leverage third-party providers, and digital distribution of our
publications, as well as digital content syndication, affiliate and content partnerships, and licensing revenues.
Print and commercial revenues are generated from the sale of local, national, and classified print advertising products, the
sale of both home delivery and single copies of our publications, as well as commercial printing and distribution arrangements,
and revenues from our events business.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses consist primarily of the following:
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Summary
46
•
Operating costs at the Domestic Gannett Media and Newsquest segments include labor, newsprint, delivery and digital
costs and at the DMS segment include the cost of online media acquired from third parties and costs to manage and
operate our marketing solutions and technology infrastructure;
•
Selling, general and administrative expenses include labor, payroll, outside services, benefits costs and bad debt
expense;
•
Depreciation and amortization;
•
Integration and reorganization costs include severance costs as well as other reorganization costs associated with
individual restructuring programs, designed primarily to right-size our employee base, consolidate facilities and
improve operations;
•
Impairment charges, including costs incurred related to goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment;
•
Gains or losses on the sale or disposal of assets; and
•
Other operating expenses, including third-party debt expenses as well as acquisition-related costs.
Refer to Segment results below for a discussion of the results of operations by segment.
Non-operating expenses (income)
Interest expense: For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, Interest expense was $104.7 million, $111.8
million and $108.4 million, respectively.
The decrease in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023, was primarily due to quarterly
amortization payments and required prepayments on our prior five-year senior secured term loan facility in an original
aggregate principal amount of $516.0 million (the "Senior Secured Term Loan"), and the repurchase of our $400 million
aggregate principal amount of 6.00% first lien notes due November 1, 2026 (the "2026 Senior Notes"). The Senior Secured
Term Loan was refinanced and replaced on October 15, 2024 with our 2029 Term Loan Facility (collectively with the Senior
Secured Term Loan, the "Term Loans"). The decrease in interest expense was partially offset by payments made on our 2029
Term Loan Facility and an increase in interest rates on the Senior Secured Term Loan.
The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022, was primarily due to the impact
of the increase in interest rates on our Senior Secured Term Loan, partially offset by a lower debt balance, mainly driven by
quarterly amortization payments on our Senior Secured Term Loan and repurchases of our 2026 Senior Notes.
Gain on early extinguishment of debt: For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we recognized net gains on
the early extinguishment of debt of $55.6 million, $4.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, mainly due to our debt
refinancing transactions. Refer to Note 8 — Debt for additional discussion regarding our debt.
Non-operating pension income: For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, Non-operating pension income
was $12.4 million, $9.4 million and $59.0 million, respectively. The increase in Non-operating pension income for the year
ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to the decrease in the discount rate, partially offset by a decline
in the projected benefit obligation. The decrease in Non-operating pension income for the year ended December 31, 2023
compared to 2022 was primarily due to a decrease in the expected return on plan assets, mainly driven by a decrease in assets
following the annuity contract entered into during 2022, related to the Gannett Retirement Plan (the "GR Plan").
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net: For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, Equity income in
unconsolidated investees, net was $0.5 million, $2.4 million and $3.4 million, respectively.
Other non-operating income, net: Other non-operating income, net consisted of certain items that are outside of our normal
business operations. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we recorded Other non-operating income, net of
$1.3 million, $3.1 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
47
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
The following table summarizes our pre-tax net loss before income taxes and income tax accounts:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
Loss before income taxes
$
(77,673)
$
(6,165) $
(76,906)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
(51,286)
21,729
1,349
Effective tax rate
66.0 %
NM
(1.8) %
NM indicates not meaningful.
Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 66.0%. The tax benefit for 2024 was primarily impacted by
the release of uncertain tax position reserves related to an Internal Revenue Service audit, the release of foreign valuation
allowances, debt refinancing transactions and the pre-tax book loss, partially offset by the increase in valuation allowances on
non-deductible U.S. interest expense carryforwards and global intangible low-taxed income inclusion. Refer to Note 8 — Debt
for additional discussion regarding our debt.
Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 was not meaningful. The tax provision for 2023 was primarily
impacted by the valuation allowances on non-deductible U.S. interest expense carryforwards, the global intangible low-taxed
income inclusion from our U.K. operations, nondeductible compensation, and state and local tax expense, partially offset by the
benefit from the pre-tax book loss.
Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 was negative 1.8%. The tax provision for 2022 was primarily
impacted by the valuation allowances on non-deductible U.S. interest expense carryforwards, the global intangible low-taxed
income inclusion, the release of uncertain tax positions in the U.S., and the reduction in the blended state tax rate, which were
offset by the tax benefit of the pre-tax book loss.
Net loss attributable to Gannett and diluted loss per share attributable to Gannett
Net loss attributable to Gannett and diluted loss per share attributable to Gannett were $26.4 million and $0.18 for the year
ended December 31, 2024, respectively, $27.8 million and $0.20 for the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively, and $78.0
million and $0.57 for the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The changes reflect the various items discussed above
and below in "Segment Results."
Segment Results
48
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Revenues:
Digital
$
692,714
$
641,743
$
50,971
8%
Print and commercial
1,245,684
1,454,110
(208,426)
(14%)
Total revenues
1,938,398
2,095,853
(157,455)
(8%)
Operating expenses:
Operating costs
1,211,817
1,362,815
(150,998)
(11%)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
524,868
540,843
(15,975)
(3%)
Depreciation and amortization
96,478
112,201
(15,723)
(14%)
Integration and reorganization costs
49,625
5,582
44,043
***
Asset impairments
600
1,370
(770)
(56%)
Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets, net
1,682
(38,937)
40,619
***
Other operating (income) expenses
(140)
139
(279)
***
Total operating expenses
1,884,930
1,984,013
(99,083)
(5%)
Operating income
$
53,468
$
111,840
$
(58,372)
(52%)
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
Revenues
The following table provides the breakout of Revenues by category for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Digital advertising
$
292,897
$
283,249
$
9,648
3%
Digital marketing services
142,120
140,589
1,531
1%
Digital-only subscription
181,670
150,384
31,286
21%
Digital other
76,027
67,521
8,506
13%
Digital
692,714
641,743
50,971
8%
Print advertising
451,589
501,701
(50,112)
(10%)
Print circulation
582,965
704,158
(121,193)
(17%)
Commercial and other(a)
211,130
248,251
(37,121)
(15%)
Print and commercial
1,245,684
1,454,110
(208,426)
(14%)
Total revenues
$
1,938,398
$
2,095,853
$
(157,455)
(8%)
(a) For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, included Commercial printing and delivery revenues of $141.8 million and $178.1 million, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Digital advertising revenues increased compared to 2023, primarily due to an
increase in national revenues, including sponsored link and programmatic revenue, as well as higher spend on automotive
advertisements, partially offset by a decrease in local revenues and lower spend on employment and obituary notifications.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Digital marketing services revenues increased compared to 2023, primarily due to
an increase in client spend.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Digital-only subscription revenues increased compared to 2023, primarily due to
an increase in digital-only subscription average revenue per user ("Digital-only ARPU") of 21.2%, mainly due to higher rates.
Refer to "Key Performance Indicators" below for further discussion of Digital-only ARPU.
Domestic Gannett Media segment 2024 compared to 2023
A summary of our Domestic Gannett Media segment results comparing the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year
ended December 31, 2023 is presented below:
49
Operating expenses
The following table provides the breakout of Operating costs for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Newsprint and ink
$
67,833
$
99,760
$
(31,927)
(32%)
Distribution
276,069
323,750
(47,681)
(15%)
Compensation and benefits
375,008
393,196
(18,188)
(5%)
Outside services
305,593
326,695
(21,102)
(6%)
Other
187,314
219,414
(32,100)
(15%)
Total operating costs
$
1,211,817
$
1,362,815
$
(150,998)
(11%)
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Newsprint and ink costs decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to lower
volume due to the decline in revenues, as well as a decrease in the cost of newsprint of approximately $12.8 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Distribution costs decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to a decrease of
$55.6 million associated with lower home delivery and single copy revenues, and the conversion to mail and route optimization,
partially offset by an increase in postage costs of $7.9 million, mainly due to conversion to mail delivery in multiple markets, as
well as higher postage costs associated with increased revenue for direct mail.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Compensation and benefits costs decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to
lower payroll expense of $15.9 million, mainly driven by a decrease in headcount tied to ongoing cost control initiatives,
including facility closures and conversion to mail delivery in multiple markets, partially offset by higher wages, and to a lesser
extent, lower employee benefit costs of $2.3 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Outside services costs, which includes professional services fulfilled by third
parties, media fees and other digital costs, and paid search and ad serving services, decreased compared to 2023, primarily due
to a decrease in news and editorial expenses of $13.1 million, mainly due to the cease-use of certain licensed content, a decrease
in event related expenses of approximately $5.1 million, mainly due to the decline in revenues, and a decrease in third-party
media fees of approximately $3.7 million, partially offset by an increase in outside printing costs of $3.9 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Other costs decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to lower facility related
expenses of $17.0 million, mainly associated with real estate sales and facility consolidations, as well as lower miscellaneous
expenses of $15.8 million, mainly related to lower technology costs, partially offset by higher promotion costs of approximately
$0.7 million.
The following table provides the breakout of Selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December
31, 2024 and 2023:
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Digital other revenues increased compared to 2023, primarily due to an increase in
affiliate and syndication revenues, partially offset by the absences of revenues associated with non-core products which were
sunset.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Print advertising revenues decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to a decrease
in local and national print advertisements and lower advertiser inserts, mainly due to a reduction in spend from customers
driven by macroeconomic factors, and lower spend on classified advertisements, mainly associated with obituary notifications
and real estate advertisements.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Print circulation revenues decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to a decline
in home delivery and single copy as a result of a reduction in the volume of subscribers, partially offset by higher rates on home
delivery and single copy.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Commercial and other revenues decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to a
decrease in commercial print and delivery revenues, driven by the decline in production volume, including the impact of a
business divested in 2024 and facility closures as well as a decrease in the price of newsprint.
50
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Compensation and benefits
$
251,441
$
255,491
$
(4,050)
(2%)
Outside services and other
273,427
285,352
(11,925)
(4%)
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
$
524,868
$
540,843
$
(15,975)
(3%)
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Compensation and benefits costs decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to
lower payroll expense of $2.2 million, driven by lower commissions related to revenue performance as well as a decrease in
headcount tied to ongoing cost control initiatives, and to a lesser extent, lower employee benefit costs of $1.8 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Outside services and other costs, which include services fulfilled by third parties,
decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to lower bad debt expense of approximately $6.3 million, and lower miscellaneous
expenses of approximately $5.6 million, including lower product and finance costs, partially offset by higher promotion and
technology costs.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Depreciation and amortization expense decreased compared to 2023, reflecting the
impact of fewer print facilities in 2024 compared to 2023.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Integration and reorganization costs increased compared to 2023, mainly due to an
increase in other reorganization-related costs of $42.4 million and an increase in severance costs of $1.6 million. For the year
ended December 31, 2024, the change in other reorganization-related costs was primarily due to $25.9 million related to
withdrawal liabilities which were expensed as a result of ceasing contributions to multiemployer pension plans, $9.7 million
expensed as of the cease-use date related to certain licensed content, and the absence of $6.4 million related to the reversal of
withdrawal liabilities in 2023 related to multiemployer pension plans based on settlement of the withdrawal liability.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized a net loss on the sale of assets of $1.7 million compared to a net
gain of $38.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily related to sales of production facilities as part of our
plan to monetize non-strategic assets.
Domestic Gannett Media segment Adjusted EBITDA
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Net income attributable to Gannett
$
61,333
$
114,254
$
(52,921)
(46%)
Non-operating pension income
(5,021)
(705)
(4,316)
***
Depreciation and amortization
96,478
112,201
(15,723)
(14%)
Integration and reorganization costs
49,625
5,582
44,043
***
Third-party debt expenses and acquisition costs
—
139
(139)
(100%)
Asset impairments
600
1,370
(770)
(56%)
Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets, net
1,682
(38,937)
40,619
***
Other non-operating (income) expense, net
(2,263)
773
(3,036)
***
Non-recurring items
(13)
(36)
23
(64%)
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)(a)
$
202,421
$
194,641
$
7,780
4%
Net income attributable to Gannett margin
3.2 %
5.5 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP basis)(a)(b)
10.4 %
9.3 %
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for additional information about non-GAAP financial performance measures.
(b) We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total Revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the increase in Domestic Gannett Media segment Adjusted EBITDA compared to
2023 was primarily attributable to the changes discussed above.
51
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Revenues:
Digital
$
641,743
$
633,103
$
8,640
1%
Print and commercial
1,454,110
1,746,703
(292,593)
(17%)
Total revenues
2,095,853
2,379,806
(283,953)
(12%)
Operating expenses:
Operating costs
1,362,815
1,544,708
(181,893)
(12%)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
540,843
631,414
(90,571)
(14%)
Depreciation and amortization
112,201
130,557
(18,356)
(14%)
Integration and reorganization costs
5,582
55,575
(49,993)
(90%)
Asset impairments
1,370
1,056
314
30%
Gain on sale or disposal of assets, net
(38,937)
(6,738)
(32,199)
***
Other operating expenses
139
2
137
***
Total operating expenses
1,984,013
2,356,574
(372,561)
(16%)
Operating income
$
111,840
$
23,232
$
88,608
***
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
Revenues
The following table provides the breakout of Revenues by category for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Digital advertising
$
283,249
$
306,456
$
(23,207)
(8%)
Digital marketing services
140,589
133,219
7,370
6%
Digital-only subscription
150,384
127,671
22,713
18%
Digital other
67,521
65,757
1,764
3%
Digital
641,743
633,103
8,640
1%
Print advertising
501,701
594,741
(93,040)
(16%)
Print circulation
704,158
884,854
(180,696)
(20%)
Commercial and other(a)
248,251
267,108
(18,857)
(7%)
Print and commercial
1,454,110
1,746,703
(292,593)
(17%)
Total revenues
$
2,095,853
$
2,379,806
$
(283,953)
(12%)
(a) For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, included Commercial printing and delivery revenues of $178.1 million and $204.8 million, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Digital advertising revenues decreased compared to 2022, driven by decreases in
both domestic national and local revenue volumes and a reduction in digital advertising demand as a result of a more
challenging macroeconomic environment, including declining CPMs (cost per thousand impressions) and lower spend on
employment and obituary notifications, partially offset by higher spend on automotive advertisements.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Digital marketing services revenues increased compared to 2022, primarily due to
an increase in rates, partially offset by a decrease in client counts.
Domestic Gannett Media segment 2023 compared to 2022
A summary of our Domestic Gannett Media segment results comparing the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year
ended December 31, 2022 is presented below:
52
The following table provides the breakout of Operating costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Newsprint and ink
$
99,760
$
129,077
$
(29,317)
(23%)
Distribution
323,750
370,594
(46,844)
(13%)
Compensation and benefits
393,196
487,868
(94,672)
(19%)
Outside services
326,695
333,137
(6,442)
(2%)
Other
219,414
224,032
(4,618)
(2%)
Total operating costs
$
1,362,815
$
1,544,708
$
(181,893)
(12%)
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Newsprint and ink costs decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to a decline
associated with lower revenues, partially offset by an increase of $2.4 million driven by the change in the cost of newsprint.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Distribution costs decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to a decrease of
$51.2 million associated with lower home delivery and single copy revenues, partially offset by an increase of $4.4 million,
driven by higher postage costs primarily due to conversion to mail delivery in multiple markets. Included in the decline of
Distribution costs was the absence in 2023 of expenses of $16.8 million associated with both businesses divested and non-core
products which were sunset in 2023 and 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Compensation and benefits costs decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to
lower payroll expense of $69.5 million, driven by a decrease in headcount tied to ongoing cost control initiatives, including
facility closures and conversion to mail delivery in multiple markets, and to a lesser extent, lower employee benefit costs of
$25.1 million, mainly due to a decrease in insurance costs due to a decrease in headcount and a decline in employer 401(k) plan
matching contributions, which were suspended in the third quarter of 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Outside services costs, which includes professional services fulfilled by third
parties, media fees and other digital costs, and paid search and ad serving services, decreased compared to 2022, primarily due
to a decrease of $12.4 million in various expenses, including costs related to news and editorial, professional services, outside
printing, and software licensing, partially offset by an increase of $6.0 million in third-party media fees.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Digital-only subscription revenues increased compared to 2022, due to an increase
in Digital-only ARPU of 7.8%, mainly due to product mix. Refer to "Key Performance Indicators" below for further discussion
of Digital-only ARPU.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Digital other revenues increased compared to 2022, primarily due to an increase in
affiliate and partnership revenues, partially offset by a decline in digital syndication revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Print advertising revenues decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to a decrease
in advertiser inserts, mainly due to volume declines, a decrease in local and national print advertisements, mainly due to the
ongoing decline associated with secular trends and both a shift and a reduction in spend from customers driven by
macroeconomic factors, and lower spend on classified advertisements, mainly driven by lower spend on obituary notifications
and real estate advertisements, partially offset by an increase in spend on employment advertisements. In addition, the decrease
in Print advertising revenues was also due to the absence in 2023 of revenues of $31.3 million associated with both businesses
divested and non-core products which were sunset in 2023 and 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Print circulation revenues decreased compared to 2022, due to a decline in home
delivery as a result of a reduction in the volume of subscribers, partially offset by an increase in rates, as well as a decline in
single copy due to a reduction in volume. In addition, the decrease in Print circulation revenues was due to the absence in 2023
of revenues of $6.8 million associated with non-core products which were sunset in 2023 and 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Commercial and other revenues decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to a
decline in commercial print volume, partially offset by an increase in event revenues, mainly driven by an increase in
registration fees and higher merchandising revenues, driven by higher attendance, partially offset by slightly fewer events.
Operating expenses
53
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Compensation and benefits
$
255,491
$
289,761
$
(34,270)
(12%)
Outside services and other
285,352
341,653
(56,301)
(16%)
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
$
540,843
$
631,414
$
(90,571)
(14%)
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Compensation and benefits costs decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to
lower payroll expense of $24.0 million, driven by a decrease in headcount tied to ongoing cost control initiatives and lower
commissions related to revenue performance, and to a lesser extent, lower employee benefit costs of $10.3 million, including a
decrease in employer 401(k) plan matching contributions, which were suspended in the third quarter of 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Outside services and other costs, which include services fulfilled by third parties,
decreased compared to 2022, due to a decrease in costs related to technology, promotions, and professional services.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Depreciation and amortization expense decreased compared to 2022, reflecting the
impact of fewer print facilities in 2023 compared to 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Integration and reorganization costs decreased compared to 2022, mainly due to a
decrease in severance costs of $30.7 million and a decrease in other reorganization-related costs of $19.3 million. The decrease
in other costs was primarily due to the reversal of withdrawal liabilities related to multiemployer pension plans of $6.4 million
based on settlement of the withdrawal liability, and the absence in 2023 of an accrual of $8.6 million made in 2022 related to a
multiemployer pension plan, as well as lower facility and consolidation costs in 2023 compared to 2022.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recognized net gains on the sale of assets of $38.9 million and
$6.7 million, respectively, primarily related to sales of production facilities as part of our plan to monetize non-strategic assets.
Domestic Gannett Media segment Adjusted EBITDA
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Net income attributable to Gannett
$
114,254
$
63,225
$
51,029
81%
Non-operating pension income
(705)
(35,921)
35,216
(98%)
Depreciation and amortization
112,201
130,557
(18,356)
(14%)
Integration and reorganization costs
5,582
55,575
(49,993)
(90%)
Third-party debt expenses and acquisition costs
139
2
137
***
Asset impairments
1,370
1,056
314
30%
Gain on sale or disposal of assets, net
(38,937)
(6,738)
(32,199)
***
Other non-operating expense (income), net
773
(398)
1,171
***
Non-recurring items
(36)
290
(326)
***
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)(a)
$
194,641
$
207,648
$
(13,007)
(6%)
Net income attributable to Gannett margin
5.5 %
2.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP basis)(a)(b)
9.3 %
8.7 %
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for additional information about non-GAAP financial performance measures.
(b) We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total Revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the decrease in Domestic Gannett Media segment Adjusted EBITDA compared to
2022 was primarily attributable to the changes discussed above. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2023, the
decrease in Non-operating pension income compared to 2022 was primarily due to a decrease in the expected return on plan
assets mainly driven by a decrease in assets following the annuity contract entered into during 2022 related to the GR Plan.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Other costs decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to lower facility related
expenses associated with real estate sales and lower promotion expenses.
The following table provides the breakout of Selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December
31, 2023 and 2022:
54
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Revenues:
Digital
$
79,293
$
74,910
$
4,383
6%
Print and commercial
159,980
159,070
910
1%
Total revenues
239,273
233,980
5,293
2%
Operating expenses:
Operating costs
122,995
120,264
2,731
2%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
63,257
63,947
(690)
(1%)
Depreciation and amortization
8,485
8,792
(307)
(3%)
Integration and reorganization (reversal) costs
(513)
1,763
(2,276)
***
Gain on sale or disposal of assets, net
(894)
(42)
(852)
***
Other operating (income) expenses
(410)
215
(625)
***
Total operating expenses
192,920
194,939
(2,019)
(1%)
Operating income
$
46,353
$
39,041
$
7,312
19%
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
Revenues
The following table provides the breakout of Revenues by category for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Digital advertising
$
53,481
$
50,362
$
3,119
6%
Digital marketing services
7,941
8,920
(979)
(11%)
Digital-only subscription
7,158
5,237
1,921
37%
Digital other
10,713
10,391
322
3%
Digital
79,293
74,910
4,383
6%
Print advertising
74,211
74,844
(633)
(1%)
Print circulation
67,082
68,042
(960)
(1%)
Commercial and other(a)
18,687
16,184
2,503
15%
Print and commercial
159,980
159,070
910
1%
Total revenues
$
239,273
$
233,980
5,293
2%
(a) For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, included Commercial printing revenues of $10.2 million and $8.0 million, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Digital advertising revenues increased compared to 2023, primarily due to an
increase in national and local display revenues, partially offset by lower spend on employment notifications.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Digital marketing services revenues decreased compared to 2023, driven by a
decrease in client counts.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Digital-only subscription revenues increased compared to 2023, primarily driven
by the increase in digital-only paid subscriptions. Refer to "Key Performance Indicators" below for further discussion of digital-
only paid subscriptions.
Newsquest segment 2024 compared to 2023
A summary of our Newsquest segment results comparing the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December
31, 2023 is presented below:
55
The following table provides the breakout of Operating costs for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Newsprint and ink
$
10,187
$
13,351
$
(3,164)
(24%)
Distribution
12,755
13,325
(570)
(4%)
Compensation and benefits
53,084
50,144
2,940
6%
Outside services
15,233
16,033
(800)
(5%)
Other
31,736
27,411
4,325
16%
Total operating costs
$
122,995
$
120,264
$
2,731
2%
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Newsprint and ink costs decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to a decrease
in the cost of newsprint of approximately of $1.8 million, as well as volume declines.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Compensation and benefits costs increased compared to 2023, primarily due to
higher headcount for production facilities.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Other costs, increased compared to 2023, primarily associated with the increase in
digital advertising revenues.
The following table provides the breakout of Selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December
31, 2024 and 2023:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Compensation and benefits
$
47,517
$
47,350
$
167
—%
Outside services and other
15,740
16,597
(857)
(5%)
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
$
63,257
$
63,947
$
(690)
(1%)
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Outside services and other costs decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to
lower technology related expenses of approximately $0.8 million and lower bad debt expense of approximately $0.2 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Integration and reorganization costs decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to
a decrease in severance costs of $0.9 million and a decrease in other reorganization-related costs of $1.4 million due to the
reversal of a withdrawal liability in 2024 related to a pension plan based on settlement of the withdrawal liability.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Print advertising revenues decreased compared to 2023, primarily due to lower
spend on classified advertisements.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Commercial and other revenues increased compared to 2023, primarily due to an
increase in customer spend.
Operating expenses
56
Newsquest segment Adjusted EBITDA
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Net income attributable to Gannett
$
55,196
$
49,257
$
5,939
12%
Non-operating pension income
(7,417)
(8,677)
1,260
(15%)
Depreciation and amortization
8,485
8,792
(307)
(3%)
Integration and reorganization (reversal) costs
(513)
1,763
(2,276)
***
Third-party debt expenses and acquisition costs
(22)
215
(237)
***
Gain on sale or disposal of assets, net
(894)
(42)
(852)
***
Other non-operating income, net
(1,426)
(1,539)
113
(7%)
Non-recurring items
—
359
(359)
(100%)
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)(a)
$
53,409
$
50,128
$
3,281
7%
Net income attributable to Gannett margin
23.1 %
21.1 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP basis)(a)(b)
22.3 %
21.4 %
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for additional information about non-GAAP financial performance measures.
(b) We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total Revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the increase in Newsquest segment Adjusted EBITDA compared to 2023 was
primarily attributable to the changes discussed above.
Newsquest segment 2023 compared to 2022
A summary of our Newsquest segment results comparing the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December
31, 2022 is presented below:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Revenues:
Digital
$
74,910
$
74,610
$
300
—%
Print and commercial
159,070
160,020
(950)
(1%)
Total revenues
233,980
234,630
(650)
—%
Operating expenses:
Operating costs
120,264
125,405
(5,141)
(4%)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
63,947
69,563
(5,616)
(8%)
Depreciation and amortization
8,792
7,374
1,418
19%
Integration and reorganization costs
1,763
4,425
(2,662)
(60%)
Gain on sale or disposal of assets, net
(42)
(319)
277
(87%)
Other operating expenses
215
725
(510)
(70%)
Total operating expenses
194,939
207,173
(12,234)
(6%)
Operating income
$
39,041
$
27,457
$
11,584
42%
57
Revenues
The following table provides the breakout of Revenues by category for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Digital advertising
$
50,362
$
50,890
$
(528)
(1%)
Digital marketing services
8,920
9,263
(343)
(4%)
Digital-only subscription
5,237
4,947
290
6%
Digital other
10,391
9,510
881
9%
Digital
74,910
74,610
300
—%
Print advertising
74,844
76,141
(1,297)
(2%)
Print circulation
68,042
67,165
877
1%
Commercial and other(a)
16,184
16,714
(530)
(3%)
Print and commercial
159,070
160,020
(950)
(1%)
Total revenues
$
233,980
$
234,630
(650)
—%
(a) For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, included Commercial printing revenues of $8.0 million and $7.0 million, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Digital advertising revenues decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to lower
spend on employment notifications, partially offset by the impact of an acquisition in the first quarter of 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Digital other revenues increased compared to 2022, primarily due to higher digital
syndication revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Print advertising revenues decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to a
reduction in spend driven by the ongoing decline associated with secular trends reflecting the shift to digital platforms and
lower spend on real estate, employment, and automobile classified advertisements, partially offset by an increase reflecting the
impact of an acquisition in the first quarter of 2022 and higher spend on legal notifications.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Print circulation revenues increased compared to 2022, primarily due to the impact
of an acquisition in the first quarter of 2022.
Operating expenses
The following table provides the breakout of Operating costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Newsprint and ink
$
13,351
$
15,039
$
(1,688)
(11%)
Distribution
13,325
14,697
(1,372)
(9%)
Compensation and benefits
50,144
51,032
(888)
(2%)
Outside services
16,033
16,924
(891)
(5%)
Other
27,411
27,713
(302)
(1%)
Total operating costs
$
120,264
$
125,405
$
(5,141)
(4%)
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Newsprint and ink costs decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to a decline
associated with lower volume due to the decline in revenues and a reduction in the cost of newsprint.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Distribution costs decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to a decline
associated with lower revenues.
58
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Compensation and benefits
$
47,350
$
50,708
$
(3,358)
(7%)
Outside services and other
16,597
18,855
(2,258)
(12%)
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
$
63,947
$
69,563
$
(5,616)
(8%)
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Compensation and benefits costs decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to
lower payroll and employee benefit expenses driven by a reduction in headcount tied to integration activities associated with an
acquisition in the first quarter of 2022, as well as ongoing cost control initiatives.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Outside services and other costs decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to a
reduction in technology spend tied to integration activities associated with an acquisition in the first quarter of 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Depreciation and amortization expense increased compared to 2022, mainly due to
higher accelerated depreciation as a result of exiting space and higher amortization of capitalized software.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Integration and reorganization costs decreased compared to 2022, mainly due to a
decrease in severance costs of $2.5 million and a decrease in other reorganization-related costs of $0.2 million.
Newsquest segment Adjusted EBITDA
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Net income attributable to Gannett
$
49,257
$
49,301
$
(44)
—%
Non-operating pension income
(8,677)
(23,032)
14,355
(62%)
Depreciation and amortization
8,792
7,374
1,418
19%
Integration and reorganization costs
1,763
4,425
(2,662)
(60%)
Third-party debt expenses and acquisition costs
215
725
(510)
(70%)
Gain on sale or disposal of assets, net
(42)
(319)
277
(87%)
Other non-operating (income) expense, net
(1,539)
1,188
(2,727)
***
Non-recurring items
359
365
(6)
(2%)
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)(a)
$
50,128
$
40,027
$
10,101
25%
Net income attributable to Gannett margin
21.1 %
21.0 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP basis)(a)(b)
21.4 %
17.1 %
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for additional information about non-GAAP financial performance measures.
(b) We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total Revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the increase in Newsquest segment Adjusted EBITDA compared to 2022 was
primarily attributable to the changes discussed above. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2023, the decrease in Non-
operating pension income compared to 2022 was primarily due to an increase in interest rates.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Compensation and benefits costs decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to
lower payroll and employee benefit expenses driven by integration savings due to decreased headcount associated with an
acquisition in the first quarter of 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Outside services costs, which includes professional services fulfilled by third
parties, media fees and other digital costs, and paid search and ad serving services, decreased compared to 2022, due to lower
miscellaneous expenses driven by cost control initiatives.
The following table provides the breakout of Selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December
31, 2023 and 2022:
59
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Revenues:
Digital(a)
$
477,807
$
477,909
$
(102)
—%
Total revenues
477,807
477,909
(102)
—%
Operating expenses:
Operating costs
343,782
336,056
7,726
2%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
90,981
88,630
2,351
3%
Depreciation and amortization
24,066
23,795
271
1%
Integration and reorganization costs
2,061
784
1,277
***
Loss on sale or disposal of assets, net
93
324
(231)
(71%)
Total operating expenses
460,983
449,589
11,394
3%
Operating income
$
16,824
$
28,320
$
(11,496)
(41%)
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
(a) Digital revenues are solely generated by digital marketing services revenues.
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Digital revenues remained essentially flat compared to 2023, primarily due to a
decline in revenues from non-core products which were sunset, offset by growth in the core direct business. Core platform
average revenue per user ("Core platform ARPU") increased 5.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024. Refer to "Key
Performance Indicators" below for further discussion of Core platform ARPU.
Operating expenses
The following table provides the breakout of Operating costs for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Outside services
$
300,523
$
294,073
$
6,450
2%
Compensation and benefits
36,684
35,604
1,080
3%
Other
6,575
6,379
196
3%
Total operating costs
$
343,782
$
336,056
$
7,726
2%
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Outside services costs increased compared to 2023, due to an increase in expenses
associated with third-party media fees driven by higher costs of search.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Compensation and benefits costs increased compared to 2023, primarily due to
higher wages.
The following table provides the breakout of Selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December
31, 2024 and 2023:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Compensation and benefits
$
78,709
$
76,190
$
2,519
3%
Outside services and other
12,272
12,440
(168)
(1%)
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
$
90,981
$
88,630
$
2,351
3%
Digital Marketing Solutions segment 2024 compared to 2023
A summary of our DMS segment results comparing the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31,
2023 is presented below:
60
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Net income attributable to Gannett
$
13,382
$
28,841
$
(15,459)
(54%)
Depreciation and amortization
24,066
23,795
271
1%
Integration and reorganization costs
2,061
784
1,277
***
Loss on sale or disposal of assets, net
93
324
(231)
(71%)
Other non-operating expense (income), net
3,442
(521)
3,963
***
Non-recurring items
634
—
634
***
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)(a)
$
43,678
$
53,223
$
(9,545)
(18%)
Net income attributable to Gannett margin
2.8 %
6.0 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP basis)(a)(b)
9.1 %
11.1 %
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for additional information about non-GAAP financial performance measures.
(b) We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total Revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the decrease in DMS segment Adjusted EBITDA compared to 2023 was primarily
attributable to the changes discussed above. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2024, the change in Other non-
operating expense compared to 2023, was mainly due to foreign currency fluctuations.
Digital Marketing Solutions segment 2023 compared to 2022
A summary of our DMS segment results comparing the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31,
2022 is presented below:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Revenues:
Digital(a)
$
477,909
$
468,883
$
9,026
2%
Total revenues
477,909
468,883
9,026
2%
Operating expenses:
Operating costs
336,056
323,646
12,410
4%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
88,630
87,657
973
1%
Depreciation and amortization
23,795
26,431
(2,636)
(10%)
Integration and reorganization costs
784
1,108
(324)
(29%)
Loss on sale or disposal of assets, net
324
179
145
81%
Total operating expenses
449,589
439,021
10,568
2%
Operating income
$
28,320
$
29,862
$
(1,542)
(5%)
(a) Digital revenues are solely generated by digital marketing services revenues.
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Digital revenues increased compared to 2022, primarily due to growth in the core
direct business, including growth in revenues associated with both local and multi-location customers, and an increase in Core
platform ARPU of 6.5% for the year ended December 31, 2023, partially offset by the impact of the sunset of non-core
products. Refer to "Key Performance Indicators" below for further discussion of Core platform ARPU.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Compensation and benefits costs increased compared to 2023, primarily due to
higher payroll expense of $1.7 million, driven by higher wages, and higher employee benefit costs of $0.8 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Outside services and other costs decreased compared to 2023, mainly due to lower
bad debt expense of $0.5 million, partially offset by an increase in miscellaneous expenses, including higher costs associated
with outsourcing and professional services.
DMS segment Adjusted EBITDA
61
Operating expenses
The following table provides the breakout of Operating costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Outside services
$
294,073
$
283,380
$
10,693
4%
Compensation and benefits
35,604
32,633
2,971
9%
Other
6,379
7,633
(1,254)
(16%)
Total operating costs
$
336,056
$
323,646
$
12,410
4%
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Outside services costs increased compared to 2022, due to an increase in expenses
associated with third-party media fees driven by a corresponding increase in revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Compensation and benefits costs increased compared to 2022, primarily due to an
increase in payroll expense driven by higher headcount.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Other costs decreased compared to 2022, primarily due to lower facility related
expenses, mainly as a result of exiting space associated with the sunset of non-core products.
The following table provides the breakout of Selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December
31, 2023 and 2022:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Compensation and benefits
$
76,190
$
74,867
$
1,323
2%
Outside services and other
12,440
12,790
(350)
(3%)
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
$
88,630
$
87,657
$
973
1%
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Compensation and benefits costs increased compared to 2022, primarily due to an
increase in payroll expense of $2.9 million driven by a higher bonus accrual, partially offset by lower employee benefit costs of
$1.5 million, mainly due to a decline in employer 401(k) plan matching contributions, which were suspended in the third
quarter of 2022.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Outside services and other costs decreased compared to 2022, due to a decrease in
various miscellaneous expenses.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Depreciation and amortization expense decreased compared to 2022, primarily due
to a decrease in amortization expense, resulting from the impact of intangibles becoming fully amortized in the fourth quarter of
2022, partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense related to capitalized software.
62
DMS segment Adjusted EBITDA
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Net income attributable to Gannett
$
28,841
$
26,919
$
1,922
7%
Depreciation and amortization
23,795
26,431
(2,636)
(10%)
Integration and reorganization costs
784
1,108
(324)
(29%)
Loss on sale or disposal of assets, net
324
179
145
81%
Other non-operating (income) expense, net
(521)
2,943
(3,464)
***
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)(a)
$
53,223
$
57,580
$
(4,357)
(8) %
Net income attributable to Gannett margin
6.0 %
5.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP basis)(a)(b)
11.1 %
12.3 %
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
(a) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for additional information about non-GAAP financial performance measures.
(b) We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total Revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the decrease in DMS segment Adjusted EBITDA compared to 2022 was primarily
attributable to the changes discussed above. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2023, Other non-operating expense,
net decreased compared to 2022, mainly due to foreign currency fluctuations.
Corporate and other category 2024 compared to 2023
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Corporate and other revenues were $5.7 million compared to $6.3 million for the
year ended December 31, 2023.
The following table provides the breakout of Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Operating expenses:
Operating costs
$
18,809
$
23,356
$
(4,547)
(19%)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
46,922
41,919
5,003
12%
Depreciation and amortization
27,258
17,834
9,424
53%
Integration and reorganization costs
14,982
16,339
(1,357)
(8%)
Asset impairments
45,989
—
45,989
***
Other operating expenses
10,954
1,196
9,758
***
Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets, net
225
(1,446)
1,671
***
Total operating expenses
$
165,139
$
99,198
$
65,941
66%
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Corporate and other operating expenses increased compared to 2023, primarily due
to an increase in Asset impairments of approximately $46.0 million related to the write-off of the McLean, Virginia operating
lease right-of-use asset and the associated leasehold improvements, an increase in Depreciation and amortization expense,
mainly driven by software and capitalized labor, an increase in Other operating expenses, mainly driven by third-party fees
expensed related to the refinancing of our debt in October 2024, and an increase in Selling, general and administrative
expenses, mainly driven by higher legal fees and an increase in outsourcing costs, partially offset by lower compensation and
benefits costs and lower facility related costs. In addition, the increase in operating expenses also reflected the absence in 2024
of the $1.4 million gain on the sale of intellectual property incurred in the first quarter of 2023. The increases noted above were
offset by a decrease in Operating costs, mainly driven by lower credit card fees and lower content allocation costs, partially
offset by higher compensation and benefits costs, and a decrease in Integration and reorganization-related costs, primarily due
to a decrease in severance costs of $4.6 million, partially offset by an increase in other reorganization-related costs of
$3.2 million, mainly driven by higher facility consolidation costs.
63
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
% Change
Operating expenses:
Operating costs
$
23,356
$
10,050
$
13,306
***
Selling, general and administrative expenses
41,919
63,854
(21,935)
(34%)
Depreciation and amortization
17,834
17,660
174
1%
Integration and reorganization costs
16,339
26,866
(10,527)
(39%)
Other operating expenses
1,196
1,165
31
3%
Gain on sale or disposal of assets, net
(1,446)
(5)
(1,441)
***
Total operating expenses
$
99,198
$
119,590
$
(20,392)
(17%)
*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Corporate and other operating expenses decreased compared to 2022, primarily
due to a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses, mainly driven by a decrease of $29.3 million in payroll and
employee benefit costs, a decrease in Integration and reorganization-related costs, primarily due to a decrease in severance costs
of $6.2 million and a decrease in other reorganization-related costs of $4.3 million, mainly due to a decrease in system
integration costs and an increase in the gain on sale of assets driven by a $1.4 million gain on the sale of intellectual property,
partially offset by an increase in Operating costs.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary cash requirements are for working capital, debt obligations, and capital expenditures.
We expect to fund our operations and debt service requirements through cash provided by our operating activities. We
expect we will have adequate capital resources and liquidity to meet our ongoing working capital needs, borrowing obligations,
and all required capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months and beyond. However, a further economic downturn or
an increased rate of revenue declines would negatively impact our revenue, cash provided by operating activities and liquidity.
We continue to implement cost reduction initiatives to reduce our ongoing level of operating expense. We believe our ability to
realize benefits from our cost reduction initiatives will be necessary to offset the continued secular decline in our legacy print
business revenue streams. We believe that these measures are important in response to the overall challenging macroeconomic
environment that we are facing. Refer to "Overview - Macroeconomic Environment" above for further discussion.
Details of our cash flows are included in the table below:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
Cash provided by operating activities
$
100,310
$
94,574
Cash (used for) provided by investing activities
(27,950)
46,979
Cash used for financing activities
(68,853)
(135,511)
Effect of currency exchange rate change on cash
2,062
(234)
Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
5,569
$
5,808
Cash flows provided by operating activities: Our largest source of cash provided by operating activities is cash generated
through circulation subscribers and advertising and marketing services, primarily from local and national print advertising, as
well as retail, classified, and online revenues. Additionally, we generate cash through commercial printing and delivery services
to third parties, and events. Our primary uses of cash from our operating activities include compensation, newsprint, delivery,
and outside services.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, cash flows provided by operating activities were $100.3 million compared to $94.6
million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities was primarily due to
Corporate and other category 2023 compared to 2022
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Corporate and other revenues were $6.3 million compared to $5.4 million for the
year ended December 31, 2022.
The following table provides the breakout of Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
64
a decrease in severance payments, a decrease in interest payments, an increase in accounts payable due to overall timing of
payments and a decrease in compensation cost, partially offset by third-party fees expensed related to the refinancing of our
debt in 2024, an increase in contributions to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans, and lower cash receipts related
to deferred revenues.
Cash flows (used for provided by investing activities: For the year ended December 31, 2024, cash flows used for
investing activities were $28.0 million compared to $47.0 million in cash flows provided by investing activities for the year
ended December 31, 2023. The increase in cash flows used for investing activities was primarily due to an increase in purchases
of property, plant, and equipment of $11.4 million and a decrease in proceeds from the sale of real estate and other non-strategic
assets of $64.3 million.
Cash flows used for financing activities: For the year ended December 31, 2024, cash flows used for financing activities
were $68.9 million compared to $135.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in cash used for financing
activities was primarily due to the higher borrowings of long-term debt, net of repayments of $326.8 million, offset by higher
repayments of convertible debt, net of borrowings of $248.1 million and $8.9 million in payments of deferred financing costs.
Debt
As of December 31, 2024, the carrying value of our outstanding debt totaled $1.080 billion, which consisted of $830.1
million related to the 2029 Term Loan Facility, $215.9 million related to the 2031 Notes (as defined below), and $33.8 million
related to the 2027 Notes (as defined below). Our 2029 Term Loan Facility, 2031 Notes, and 2027 Notes all contain usual and
customary covenants and events of default. As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all such covenants and
obligations. Refer to Note 8 — Debt for additional discussion regarding our debt.
Term Loans
On October 15, 2024 (the "Closing Date"), we entered into an Amendment and Restatement Agreement (the "Amendment
and Restatement Agreement") among us, as a guarantor, Gannett Holdings LLC ("Gannett Holdings"), as the borrower (in such
capacity, the "Borrower"), certain subsidiaries of the Borrower as guarantors, the lenders party thereto, Citibank, N.A., as the
existing collateral agent and administrative agent for the lenders, and Apollo Administrative Agency LLC, as the successor
collateral agent and administrative agent for the lenders, which amended and restated our existing First Lien Credit Agreement
dated as of October 15, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the Closing Date, the
"Existing Credit Agreement"; the Existing Credit Agreement, as amended and restated by the Amendment and Restatement
Agreement, the "Amended Credit Agreement") by and among us, as guarantor, the Borrower, certain subsidiaries of the
Borrower as guarantors and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent. The Amended Credit Agreement
provides for the 2029 Term Loan Facility, which refinanced and replaced our Senior Secured Term Loan.
The 2029 Term Loan Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal, at the Borrower's option, to either (a) an alternate base
rate (which shall not be less than 2.50% per annum) plus a margin equal to 4.00% per annum or (b) Adjusted Term SOFR
(which shall not be less than 1.50%) plus a margin equal to 5.00% per annum. The 2029 Term Loan Facility will mature on
October 15, 2029 and will be freely prepayable without penalty.
The 2029 Term Loan Facility is amortized at a rate of $17.0 million per quarter, with such rate to be adjusted upon the
borrowing of any delayed-draw term loans to the extent necessary to cause such delayed-draw term loans to be fungible with
the initial term loans under the 2029 Term Loan Facility. In addition, we are required to repay the 2029 Term Loan Facility
from time to time with (i) the proceeds of non-ordinary course asset sales and casualty and condemnation events, (ii) the
proceeds of indebtedness that is not otherwise permitted under the 2029 Term Loan Facility and (iii) the aggregate amount of
cash and cash equivalents on hand at the Company and our restricted subsidiaries in excess of $100.0 million as of the last day
of any fiscal year of the Company (beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024).
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company prepaid $350.4 million, including quarterly amortization payments, on
the Senior Secured Term Loan, and prepaid $0.5 million on the 2029 Term Loan Facility, which were classified as financing
activities in the Consolidated statements of cash flows.
2026 Senior Notes
In March 2024, we entered into a privately negotiated agreement with certain holders of our 2026 Senior Notes, and
repurchased $13.0 million of principal of our outstanding 2026 Senior Notes at a discount to par value.
65
On October 15, 2024, the Company and Gannett Holdings completed an offer to exchange (the "2026 Senior Notes
Exchange Offer") any and all outstanding 2026 Senior Notes for, at the election of each holder of 2026 Senior Notes, either (a)
(i) term loans under the 2029 Term Loan Facility and (ii) an upfront fee equal to 1.5% of such term loans (together with the
term loans, the "Loan Option Consideration"); or (b) cash (the "Cash Option Consideration").
Pursuant to the 2026 Senior Notes Exchange Offer, $274.7 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes
were tendered and accepted for exchange and subsequently canceled. 2026 Senior Notes in an aggregate principal amount of
$40.4 million were exchanged for the Loan Option Consideration and 2026 Senior Notes in an aggregate principal amount of
$234.3 million were exchanged for the Cash Option Consideration. Pursuant to the 2026 Senior Notes Exchange Offer, we paid
aggregate cash consideration of $234.9 million (including the Cash Option Consideration and the upfront fee included in the
Loan Option Consideration).
On December 4, 2024, Gannett Holdings redeemed the remaining $3.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2026
Senior Notes outstanding using the proceeds of non-ordinary course asset sales and cash on hand.
Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2027, Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2031, and the Convertible Notes
Exchange
On October 15, 2024, we completed privately negotiated transactions with certain holders of our 6.000% Senior Secured
Convertible Notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes") pursuant to which we (i) repurchased a total of $223.6 million in aggregate
principal amount of 2027 Notes for cash at a rate of $1,110 per $1,000 principal amount of 2027 Notes, for aggregate cash
consideration of $248.2 million and (ii) exchanged a total of $223.6 million in aggregate principal amount of 2027 Notes for
new 6.000% Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2031 (the "2031 Notes" and such repurchase and exchange, collectively, the
"Convertible Notes Exchange").
Additionally, on October 15, 2024, we issued and sold $110,000 in aggregate principal amount of 2031 Notes in a privately
negotiated transaction (the "2031 Notes Sale").
The 2031 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of October 15, 2024, among us, the guarantors party thereto,
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, and Alter Domus Products Corp, as collateral agent.
Following the completion of the Convertible Notes Exchange and the 2031 Notes Sale, we had outstanding $38.1 million
aggregate principal amount of 2027 Notes and $223.7 million aggregate principal amount of 2031 Notes.
Interest on the 2027 Notes and 2031 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears, and the 2027 Notes and 2031 Notes mature
on December 1, 2027, and December 1, 2031, respectively, unless earlier repurchased or converted. The 2027 Notes and 2031
Notes may be converted at any time by the Holders into cash, shares of our Common Stock or any combination of cash and
Common Stock, at the Company's election. The initial conversion rate for both the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes is 200 shares
of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes, respectively, which is equal to a
conversion price of $5.00 per share of Common Stock (the "Conversion Price").
For the year ended December 31, 2024, no shares of Common Stock were issued upon conversion, exercise, or satisfaction
of the required conditions of the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes.
Additional information
We continue to evaluate our results of operations, liquidity and cash flows, and as part of these measures, we have taken
steps to manage cash outflow by rationalizing expenses and implementing various cost management initiatives. We do not
presently pay a quarterly dividend and there can be no assurance that we will pay dividends in the future. In addition, the terms
of our indebtedness, including the 2029 Term Loan Facility and the 2031 Notes Indenture have terms that restrict our ability to
pay dividends.
On February 1, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million (the "Stock Repurchase
Program") of our Common Stock. Repurchases may be made from time to time through open market purchases or privately
negotiated transactions, pursuant to one or more plans established pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, or by means of one or more tender offers, in each case, as permitted by securities laws and other legal
requirements. The amount and timing of the purchases, if any, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to,
the price and availability of our shares, trading volume, capital availability, our performance and general economic and market
conditions. The Stock Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Further, future repurchases under
66
our Stock Repurchase Program may be subject to various conditions under the terms of our various debt instruments and
agreements, unless an exception is available or we obtain a waiver or similar relief.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we did not repurchase any shares of Common Stock under the Stock
Repurchase Program. As of December 31, 2024, the remaining authorized amount under the Stock Repurchase Program was
approximately $96.9 million. The Company does not currently anticipate repurchasing any shares of Common Stock during the
first quarter of 2025.
We expect our capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2025 to total approximately $55 million to
$65 million. These capital expenditures are anticipated to be primarily comprised of projects related to digital product
development, costs associated with our print and technology systems, and system upgrades.
Our leverage may adversely affect our business and financial performance and restricts our operating flexibility. The level
of our indebtedness and our ongoing cash flow requirements may expose us to a risk that a substantial decrease in operating
cash flows due to, among other things, continued or additional adverse economic conditions or adverse developments in our
business, could make it difficult for us to meet the financial and operating covenants contained in our 2029 Term Loan Facility,
the 2031 Notes, and the 2027 Notes. In addition, our leverage may limit cash flow available for general corporate purposes such
as capital expenditures as well as share repurchases and acquisitions and our flexibility to react to competitive, technological,
and other changes in our industry and economic conditions generally. We continue to closely monitor economic factors,
including, but not limited to, the current inflationary market and changing interest rates, and we expect to continue to take the
steps necessary to appropriately manage liquidity.
As of December 31, 2024, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a material current or
future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Contractual obligations and commitments
We enter into various contractual arrangements as a part of our operations. Many of these contractual obligations are
discussed in the notes to our Consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2024, material obligations discussed in the
notes to our Consolidated financial statements included (i) principal payments on our long-term debt discussed in Note 8 —
Debt, (ii) operating leases discussed in Note 4 — Leases, and (iii) pension and postretirement benefits discussed in Note 9 —
Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans. We anticipate interest payments associated with our long-term debt totaling
$91.7 million in 2025, $84.3 million in 2026 and $201.9 million thereafter. Due to uncertainty with respect to the timing of
future cash flows associated with unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2024, we are unable to make reasonably reliable
estimates of the period of cash settlement. See Note 11 — Income taxes to the Consolidated financial statements for a further
discussion of income taxes.
In addition, we have purchase obligations which include digital licenses and information technology services, professional
services, interactive marketing agreements, and other legally binding commitments. As of December 31, 2024, we had future
purchase obligations totaling $85.7 million due in 2025, $55.4 million due in 2026, and $25.4 million due thereafter. We have
certain contracts to purchase newsprint that require us to purchase a percentage of our total requirements for production at
market rate. Since the quantities purchased annually under these contracts are not fixed, the amount of the related payments for
these purchases is excluded from our future purchase obligations. Amounts for which we are liable under purchase orders
outstanding at December 31, 2024 are reflected in the Consolidated balance sheets as Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
We also have other noncurrent liabilities totaling $2.1 million due in 2025, $1.8 million due in 2026, and $3.7 million due
thereafter.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
A non-GAAP financial measure is generally defined as one that purports to measure historical or future financial
performance, financial position, or cash flows, but excludes or includes amounts that would not be so excluded or included in
the most comparable U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") measure.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial performance measures we believe offer a useful
view of the overall operations of our business. These non-GAAP financial performance measures, which may not be
comparable to, and may be defined differently than, similarly titled measures used or reported by other companies, should not
be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the related U.S. GAAP measures and should be read together with financial
information presented on a U.S. GAAP basis.
67
We define Adjusted EBITDA as Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett before (1) Income tax expense (benefit), (2)
Interest expense, (3) Gains or losses on the early extinguishment of debt, (4) Non-operating pension income, (5) Loss on
convertible notes derivative, (6) Depreciation and amortization, (7) Integration and reorganization costs, (8) Third-party debt
expenses and acquisition costs, (9) Asset impairments, (10) Goodwill and intangible impairments, (11) Gains or losses on the
sale or disposal of assets, (12) Share-based compensation, (13) Other non-operating (income) expense, net, and (14) Non-
recurring items. We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total Revenues.
Management's use of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are not measurements of financial performance under U.S. GAAP and
should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income (loss), margin, or any other measure of performance or
liquidity derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe these non-GAAP financial performance measures, as we have
defined them, are helpful in identifying trends in our day-to-day performance because the items excluded have little or no
significance on our day-to-day operations. These measures provide an assessment of core expenses and afford management the
ability to make decisions which are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieve optimal financial
performance.
We use Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin as measures of our day-to-day operating performance, which is
evidenced by the publishing and delivery of news and other media and excludes certain expenses that may not be indicative of
our day-to-day business operating results.
Limitations of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin have limitations as analytical tools. They should not be viewed in
isolation or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP measures of earnings. Material limitations in making the adjustments to our earnings
to calculate Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin and using these non-GAAP financial measures as compared to
U.S. GAAP net income (loss) include: the exclusion of the cash portion of interest/financing expense, income tax (benefit)
provision, and charges related to asset impairments, which are items that may significantly affect our financial results.
Management believes these items are important in evaluating our performance, results of operations, and financial position.
We use non-GAAP financial performance measures to supplement our U.S. GAAP results in order to provide a more complete
understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are not alternatives to net income (loss), margin, or any other measure of
performance or liquidity derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As such, they should not be considered or relied upon as
substitutes or alternatives for any such U.S. GAAP financial measures. We strongly urge you to review the reconciliation of Net
income (loss) attributable to Gannett to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin along with our Consolidated
financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also strongly urge you not to rely on any
single financial performance measure to evaluate our business. In addition, because Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
margin are not measures of financial performance under U.S. GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, the Adjusted
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin measures as presented in this report may differ from and may not be comparable to
similarly titled measures used by other companies.
68
The table below shows the reconciliation of Net loss attributable to Gannett to Adjusted EBITDA and Net loss attributable
to Gannett margin to Adjusted EBITDA margin:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
Net loss attributable to Gannett
$
(26,354)
$
(27,791)
$
(78,002)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
(51,286)
21,729
1,349
Interest expense
104,697
111,776
108,366
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
(55,559)
(4,529)
(399)
Non-operating pension income
(12,438)
(9,382)
(58,953)
Depreciation and amortization
156,287
162,622
182,022
Integration and reorganization costs(a)
66,155
24,468
87,974
Third-party debt expenses and acquisition costs
10,932
1,550
1,892
Asset impairments
46,589
1,370
1,056
Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets, net
1,106
(40,101)
(6,883)
Share-based compensation expense
12,522
16,567
16,751
Other non-operating income, net
(1,317)
(3,050)
(2,286)
Non-recurring items
21,855
12,454
4,396
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)
$
273,189
$
267,683
$
257,283
Net loss attributable to Gannett margin
(1.1) %
(1.0) %
(2.6) %
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP basis)
10.9 %
10.0 %
8.7 %
(a) For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, Integration and reorganization-related costs mainly reflect severance-related expenses and other
reorganization-related costs, designed primarily to right-size the Company's employee base, consolidate facilities and improve operations.
69
Year ended December 31,
In thousands, except ARPU
2024
2023
Change
% Change
2022
Change
% Change
Domestic Gannett Media:
Digital-only ARPU
$
7.83 $
6.46 $
1.37
21.2 % $
5.99 $
0.47
7.8 %
Newsquest:
Digital-only ARPU
$
6.17 $
6.14 $
0.03
0.5 % $
7.44 $
(1.30)
(17.5) %
Total Gannett:
Digital-only ARPU
$
7.75 $
6.45 $
1.30
20.2 % $
6.04 $
0.41
6.8 %
DMS:
Core platform revenues
$ 474,298 $ 473,172 $
1,126
0.2 % $ 462,067 $
11,105
2.4 %
Core platform ARPU
$
2,760 $
2,620 $
140
5.3 % $
2,459 $
161
6.5 %
Core platform average customer count
14.3
15.1
(0.8)
(5.3) %
15.7
(0.6)
(3.8) %
As of December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
% Change
2022
% Change
Digital-only paid subscriptions:
Domestic Gannett Media:
1,953
1,912
2.1 %
1,970
(2.9) %
Newsquest
110
83
32.5 %
59
40.7 %
Total Gannett
2,063
1,995
3.4 %
2,029
(1.7) %
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make decisions based on
estimates, assumptions, and factors it considers relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable
principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which could differ from those anticipated.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually on November 30 and between annual tests if events occur or circumstances
change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We have the option
to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value,
although we did not elect to use this option for the Company's evaluation as of November 30, 2024. If we elect to perform a
qualitative assessment and conclude it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is equal to or greater than
its carrying value, no further assessment of that reporting unit's goodwill is necessary; otherwise goodwill must be tested for
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
A key performance indicator ("KPI") is generally defined as a quantifiable measurement or metric used to gauge
performance, specifically to help determine strategic, financial, and operational achievements, especially compared to those of
similar businesses.
We define Digital-only ARPU as digital-only subscription average monthly revenues divided by the average digital-only
paid subscriptions within the respective period. We define Core platform ARPU as core platform average monthly revenues
divided by average monthly customer count within the period. We define Core platform revenues as revenue derived from
customers utilizing our proprietary digital marketing services platform that are sold by either our direct or local market teams.
Management believes Digital-only ARPU, Core platform ARPU, digital-only paid subscriptions, Core platform revenues
and core platform average customer count are KPIs that offer useful information in understanding consumer behavior, trends in
our business, and our overall operating results. Management utilizes these KPIs to track and analyze trends across our
segments.
The following tables provide information regarding certain KPIs for the Domestic Gannett Media, Newsquest and DMS
segments:
70
Our contracts with customers sometimes include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer.
Revenue from sales agreements that contain multiple performance obligations are allocated to each obligation based on the
relative standalone selling price. We determine standalone selling prices based on observable prices charged to customers. See
Note 2 — Summary of significant accounting policies for further discussion.
Income Taxes
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions in which we operate and record our tax
provision for the anticipated tax consequences in our reported results of operations. Tax laws are complex and subject to
impairment. In the quantitative test, we are required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the
carrying amount of the reporting unit. Fair value of the reporting unit is defined as the price that would be received to sell the
unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We generally determine the fair
value of a reporting unit using a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market-based approach. Estimates of fair
value include inputs that are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties, and involve matters of significant judgment that are
made at a specific point in time. Changes in key assumptions from period to period could significantly affect the estimates of
fair value. Significant assumptions used in the fair value estimates include projected revenues and related growth rates over
time, projected operating cash flow margins, discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. If the carrying value of
the reporting unit exceeds the estimate of fair value, we calculate the impairment as the excess of the carrying value of goodwill
over its implied fair value.
While the Company believes its judgments represent reasonably possible outcomes based on available facts and
circumstances, adverse changes to the assumptions, including those related to macroeconomic factors, comparable public
company trading values and prevailing conditions in the capital markets, could lead to future declines in the fair value of a
reporting unit. The Company continually evaluates whether current factors or indicators, such as prevailing conditions in the
business environment, capital markets or the economy generally, and actual or projected operating results, require the
performance of an interim impairment assessment of goodwill, as well as other long-lived assets. For example, any significant
shortfall, now or in the future, in advertising revenues or subscribers and/or consumer acceptance of our products could lead to
a downward revision in the fair value of certain reporting units.
Newspaper mastheads (newspaper titles) are not subject to amortization as it has been determined that the useful lives of
such mastheads are indefinite. Newspaper mastheads are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or
changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of
each group of mastheads with their carrying amount. We used a relief from royalty approach, which utilizes a discounted cash
flow model to determine the fair value of newspaper mastheads. Our judgments and estimates of future operating results in
determining the reporting unit fair values are consistently applied in determining the fair value of mastheads.
The performance of our annual impairment analysis resulted in no impairments to goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible
assets for the year ended December 31, 2024. See Note 6 — Goodwill and intangible assets for further discussion. If our future
operating results are not in line with the cash flow forecasts underlying our impairment analysis, we could have an impairment
of our goodwill or intangible assets in the future and such impairment could materially affect our operating results.
Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate the carrying value of property, plant, and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. The
evaluation is performed by asset group, which is the lowest level of identifiable cash flows independent of other assets. The
assessment of recoverability is based on management's estimates by comparing the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash
flows generated by the underlying asset groups to its carrying value of the asset groups to determine whether an impairment
existed at its lowest level of identifiable cash flows. If the carrying amount of the asset group is greater than the expected
undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the asset group, an impairment is recognized to the extent the carrying value of
such asset group exceeds its fair value. The market approach is used in some cases to estimate the fair value of property, plant,
and equipment, particularly when there is a change in the use of an asset.
As part of ongoing cost-efficiency programs, we have ceased a number of print operations. Pursuant to these actions,
certain assets and real estate to be retired have been assessed for impairment.
Revenue Recognition
71
different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective government taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in
determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties in the application of tax laws
and regulations.
We account for income taxes under the provisions of ASC 740, "Income Taxes" ("ASC 740"). Under ASC 740, deferred
tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and
liabilities using tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The assessment of
the realizability of deferred tax assets involves a high degree of judgment and complexity. Valuation allowances are established
when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are expected to be realized. When we determine that it is more
likely than not that we will be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, an
adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be made and reflected either in income or as an adjustment to goodwill. This
determination will be made by considering various factors, including our expected future results, that in our judgment will make
it more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will be realized.
Our actual effective tax rate and income tax expense could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of
various items, including changes in income tax laws, tax planning and our forecasted financial condition, and results of
operations in future periods. Although we believe current estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these
estimates.
ASC 740 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its
financial statements uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. Under ASC 740, the
financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of such positions presuming the taxing authorities' full knowledge
of the position and all relevant facts, but without considering time values. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the
largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in
the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
Pension and Postretirement Liabilities
ASC 715, "Compensation—Retirement Benefits," requires recognition of an asset or liability in the consolidated balance
sheet reflecting the funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans, such as retiree health and life, with current-
year changes in the funded status recognized in the statement of stockholders' equity.
The determination of pension plan obligations and expense is based on a number of actuarial assumptions. Two critical
assumptions are the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the discount rate applied to pension plan obligations.
For other postretirement benefit plans, which provide for certain health care and life insurance benefits for qualifying retired
employees and which are not funded, critical assumptions in determining other postretirement benefit obligations and expense
are the discount rate and the assumed health care cost-trend rates.
Our pension plans had assets valued at $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2024 and the plans' benefit obligation was $1.5
billion, resulting in the plans being 110% funded at such date.
For 2024, the assumption used for the funded status discount rate was 5.75% for our principal retirement plan obligations.
As an indication of the sensitivity of pension liabilities to the discount rate assumption, a 50 basis point reduction in the
discount rate at the end of 2024 would have increased plan obligations by approximately $28.3 million. A 50 basis point change
in the discount rate used to calculate the benefit for 2024 would have decreased total pension plan expense for 2024 by
approximately $2.5 million. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider the current
and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets, input from the
actuaries and investment consultants, and long-term inflation assumptions. For our principal retirement plan, we used an
assumption of 5.25% for our expected return on pension plan assets for 2024. If we were to reduce our expected rate of return
assumption by 50 basis points, the benefit for 2024 would have increased by approximately $4.4 million.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates.
Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in earnings and cash flow. In the normal course of business, exposure to
certain of these market risks is managed as described below.
72
Interest Rates
We generally manage our risk associated with changes in interest rates through the use of a combination of variable and
fixed-rate debt. As of December 31, 2024, we had variable and fixed-rate debt totaling $850.0 million and $261.8 million,
respectively. Our variable-rate debt consisted of our 2029 Term Loan Facility which bears interest at an annual rate equal, at
Gannett Holdings LLC's option, to either (i) an alternate base rate (which shall not be less than 2.50% per annum) plus a margin
equal to 4.00% per annum or (ii) Adjusted Term SOFR (which shall be no less than 1.50%) plus a margin equal to 5.00% per
annum. On October 15, 2024, our 2029 Term Loan Facility refinanced and replaced our Senior Secured Term Loan which bore
interest at the Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate. A hypothetical interest rate increase of 100 basis points to our
2029 Term Loan Facility would have increased our interest expense related to our variable-rate debt and likewise decreased our
income and cash flows by approximately $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. See Note 8 — Debt to our
Consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our debt.
Commodity Prices
Certain operating expenses of ours are sensitive to commodity price fluctuations, as well as inflation. Our primary
commodity price exposures are newsprint and, to a lesser extent, ink, which in the aggregate represented approximately 3% and
4% of our total operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. A hypothetical $10 per
metric ton increase in newsprint price would not have materially impacted our results of operations or cash flows based on
newsprint usage for the year ended December 31, 2024 of approximately 96,000 metric tons.
Foreign Currency
We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risk due to our operations in the U.K., for which the British pound sterling is the
functional currency. We are also exposed to foreign exchange rate risk due to our DMS segment which has operating activities
denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, including the Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Indian rupee, and New
Zealand dollar. Translation gains or losses affecting the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income
(loss) have not been significant in the past. A hypothetical 10% fluctuation of the price of the British pound sterling and the
currencies in our DMS segment against the U.S. dollar would not have materially impacted operating income for the year ended
December 31, 2024.
73
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Page
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
75
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 248)
76
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42)
78
Consolidated Balance Sheets
79
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
80
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
81
Consolidated Statements of Equity
82
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
83
74
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such
term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company's internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable
detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or
timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company's management and
Board of Directors regarding the preparation of reliable financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes self-monitoring mechanisms and actions taken
to correct deficiencies as they are identified. Because of the inherent limitations in any internal control, no matter how well
designed, misstatements may occur and not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial
reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, the evaluation of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting was made as of a specific date, and continued effectiveness in future
periods is subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or to the degree that
compliance with the policies and procedures may decline.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the
framework set forth in "Internal Control-Integrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on its evaluation, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2024, the
Company's internal control over financial reporting is effective based on the specified criteria.
The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 has been audited by the Company's
independent registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP, as stated in their report on page 76 herein.
75
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Gannett Co., Inc.
Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Gannett Co., Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of
December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in
all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in
the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
("PCAOB"), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, and our
report dated February 20, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for opinion
The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be
independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all
material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk
that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
New York, New York
February 20, 2025
76
New York, New York
February 20, 2025
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Gannett Co., Inc.
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gannett Co., Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of
December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), equity, and
cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as
the " consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
("PCAOB"), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in
the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission ("COSO"), and our report dated February 20, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered
with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities
laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to
error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included
evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical audit matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or
required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the
financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there
are no critical audit matters.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2023.
77
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Gannett Co., Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss, equity and cash flows of
Gannett Co., Inc. (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the
"consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the results of operations and cash flows of Gannett Co., Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to
error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements,
whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a
test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We served as the Company's auditor from 2007 to 2023.
Tysons, Virginia
February 23, 2023, except for the recast 2022 segment information disclosed in Note 14, as to which the date is February 20,
2025.
78
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
106,299
$
100,180
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $13,596 and $16,338, respectively
239,636
266,096
Inventories
20,910
26,794
Prepaid expenses
40,268
36,210
Other current assets
18,782
14,957
Total current assets
425,895
444,237
Property, plant, and equipment, net
240,980
239,087
Operating lease assets
143,955
221,733
Goodwill
530,028
533,876
Intangible assets, net
430,374
524,350
Deferred tax assets
60,983
37,125
Pension and other assets
207,932
180,839
Total assets
$
2,040,147
$
2,181,247
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
318,384
$
293,444
Deferred revenue
108,000
120,502
Current portion of long-term debt
74,300
63,752
Operating lease liabilities
39,761
45,763
Other current liabilities
5,157
10,052
Total current liabilities
545,602
533,513
Long-term debt
755,754
564,836
Convertible debt
249,757
416,036
Deferred tax liabilities
4,928
2,028
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
37,820
42,661
Long-term operating lease liabilities
167,731
203,871
Other long-term liabilities
125,921
100,989
Total noncurrent liabilities
1,341,911
1,330,421
Total liabilities
1,887,513
1,863,934
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note 13)
Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 300,000 shares authorized, none of which were issued and
outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
—
—
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 2,000,000,000 shares authorized; 158,835,742 shares issued
and 147,388,555 shares outstanding at December 31, 2024; 158,554,705 shares issued and
148,939,463 shares outstanding at December 31, 2023
1,588
1,586
Treasury stock, at cost, 11,447,187 shares and 9,615,242 shares at December 31, 2024 and
December 31, 2023, respectively
(20,540)
(17,393)
Additional paid-in capital
1,281,801
1,426,325
Accumulated deficit
(1,053,546)
(1,027,192)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(56,164)
(65,541)
Total Gannett stockholders' equity
153,139
317,785
Noncontrolling interests
(505)
(472)
Total equity
152,634
317,313
Total liabilities and equity
$
2,040,147
$
2,181,247
In thousands, except share data
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
79
Year ended December 31,
In thousands, except per share amounts
2024
2023
2022
Digital
$
1,103,651
$
1,050,370
$
1,038,580
Print and commercial
1,405,664
1,613,180
1,906,723
Total revenues
2,509,315
2,663,550
2,945,303
Operating costs
1,545,584
1,692,031
1,860,353
Selling, general and administrative expenses
726,028
735,339
852,488
Depreciation and amortization
156,287
162,622
182,022
Integration and reorganization costs
66,155
24,468
87,974
Asset impairments
46,589
1,370
1,056
Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets, net
1,106
(40,101)
(6,883)
Other operating expenses
10,404
1,550
1,892
Total operating expenses
2,552,153
2,577,279
2,978,902
Operating (loss) income
(42,838)
86,271
(33,599)
Interest expense
104,697
111,776
108,366
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
(55,559)
(4,529)
(399)
Non-operating pension income
(12,438)
(9,382)
(58,953)
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
(548)
(2,379)
(3,421)
Other non-operating income, net
(1,317)
(3,050)
(2,286)
Non-operating expenses
34,835
92,436
43,307
Loss before income taxes
(77,673)
(6,165)
(76,906)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
(51,286)
21,729
1,349
Net loss
$
(26,387) $
(27,894) $
(78,255)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(33)
(103)
(253)
Net loss attributable to Gannett
$
(26,354) $
(27,791) $
(78,002)
Loss per share attributable to Gannett - basic
$
(0.18) $
(0.20) $
(0.57)
Loss per share attributable to Gannett - diluted
$
(0.18) $
(0.20) $
(0.57)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(14) $
13,683
$
(24,008)
Pension and other postretirement benefit items:
Net actuarial gain (loss)
10,205
33,135
(185,282)
Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss)
1,014
(305)
(500)
Change in prior service cost
—
3,307
—
Amortization of prior service cost
(500)
(502)
66
Settlement loss
35
—
—
Equity method investments
116
610
—
Other
1,405
(7,415)
5,283
Total pension and other postretirement benefit items
12,275
28,830
(180,433)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax
12,261
42,513
(204,441)
Income tax provision (benefit) related to components of other comprehensive
income (loss)
2,884
6,823
(43,212)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
9,377
35,690
(161,229)
Comprehensive (loss) income
(17,010)
7,796
(239,484)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(a)
(33)
(103)
(253)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Gannett
$
(16,977) $
7,899
$
(239,231)
(a) For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 there were no redeemable noncontrolling interests included in Net loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
80
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
Operating activities
Net loss
$
(26,387) $
(27,894) $
(78,255)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to operating cash flows:
Depreciation and amortization
156,287
162,622
182,022
Share-based compensation expense
12,522
16,567
16,751
Non-cash interest expense
18,072
21,199
21,303
(Benefit) provision for deferred incomes taxes
(44,758)
11,514
2,549
Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets, net
1,106
(40,101)
(6,883)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
(55,559)
(4,529)
(399)
Asset impairments
46,589
1,370
1,056
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
(23,916)
(13,917)
(80,012)
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
(548)
(2,379)
(3,421)
Change in other assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net
25,843
34,135
44,943
Inventory
4,617
18,510
(7,434)
Prepaid expenses
(1,820)
16,680
3,244
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(1,934)
(65,094)
(23,653)
Deferred revenue
(17,277)
(29,971)
(30,076)
Other assets and liabilities
7,473
(4,138)
(959)
Cash provided by operating activities
100,310
94,574
40,776
Investing activities
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
—
—
(15,432)
Purchase of property, plant, and equipment
(49,534)
(38,116)
(45,376)
Proceeds from sale of real estate and other assets
20,976
85,298
83,504
Change in other investing activities
608
(203)
(572)
Cash (used for) provided by investing activities
(27,950)
46,979
22,124
Financing activities
Payments of deferred financing costs
(8,933)
—
(1,652)
Borrowings of long-term debt
837,671
—
80,000
Repayments of long-term debt
(644,732)
(133,821)
(170,994)
Repurchase of convertible debt
(248,211)
—
—
Proceeds from convertible debt
110
—
—
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests
—
—
(2,050)
Treasury stock
(3,141)
(2,642)
(6,555)
Changes in other financing activities
(1,617)
952
(1,616)
Cash used for financing activities
(68,853)
(135,511)
(102,867)
Effect of currency exchange rate change on cash
2,062
(234)
1,152
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
5,569
5,808
(38,815)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year
110,612
104,804
143,619
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year
$
116,181
$
110,612
$
104,804
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
81
Common stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Accumulated
deficit
Treasury stock
Non-
controlling
interests(a)
Total
equity
In thousands
Shares
$
Shares
$
Balance at December 31, 2021 144,667
$ 1,446
$ 1,400,206
$
59,998
$
(921,399)
2,368
$ (8,151) $
(2,485) $ 529,615
Net loss attributable to Gannett
—
—
—
—
(78,002)
—
—
(253)
(78,255)
Acquisition of noncontrolling
interests
—
—
(4,419)
—
—
—
—
2,369
(2,050)
Restricted share grants
7,127
71
(71)
—
—
—
—
—
—
Restricted stock awards settled,
net of withholdings
615
7
(1,737)
—
—
—
—
(1,730)
Performance stock units settled,
net of withholdings
563
6
(892)
—
—
—
—
—
(886)
Other comprehensive loss,
net(b)
—
—
—
(161,229)
—
—
—
—
(161,229)
Share-based compensation
expense
—
—
16,751
—
—
—
—
—
16,751
Issuance of common stock
314
3
135
—
—
—
—
—
138
Treasury stock
—
—
—
—
—
1,568
(6,555)
—
(6,555)
Restricted share forfeiture
—
—
—
—
—
3,127
(31)
—
(31)
Other activity
—
—
(395)
—
—
—
—
—
(395)
Balance at December 31, 2022 153,286
$ 1,533
$ 1,409,578
$
(101,231) $
(999,401)
7,063
$ (14,737) $
(369) $ 295,373
Net loss attributable to Gannett
—
—
—
—
(27,791)
—
—
(103)
(27,894)
Restricted share grants
4,682
47
(47)
—
—
—
—
—
—
Performance stock units settled,
net of withholdings
97
1
(127)
—
—
—
—
—
(126)
Other comprehensive income,
net(b)
—
—
—
35,690
—
—
—
—
35,690
Share-based compensation
expense
—
—
16,567
—
—
—
—
—
16,567
Issuance of common stock
490
5
95
—
—
—
—
—
100
Treasury stock
—
—
—
—
—
1,132
(2,642)
—
(2,642)
Restricted share forfeiture
—
—
—
—
—
1,420
(14)
—
(14)
Other activity
—
—
259
—
—
—
—
—
259
Balance at December 31, 2023 158,555
$ 1,586
$ 1,426,325
$
(65,541) $
(1,027,192)
9,615
$ (17,393) $
(472) $ 317,313
Net loss attributable to Gannett
—
—
—
—
(26,354)
—
—
(33)
(26,387)
Other comprehensive income,
net(b)
—
—
—
9,377
—
—
—
—
9,377
Share-based compensation
expense
—
—
12,522
—
—
—
—
—
12,522
Equity component of
convertible debt
—
—
(157,089)
—
—
—
—
—
(157,089)
Issuance of common stock
281
2
97
—
—
—
—
—
99
Treasury stock
—
—
—
—
—
1,289
(3,141)
—
(3,141)
Restricted share forfeiture
—
—
—
—
—
543
(6)
—
(6)
Other activity
—
—
(54)
—
—
—
—
—
(54)
Balance at December 31, 2024 158,836
$ 1,588
$ 1,281,801
$
(56,164) $
(1,053,546) 11,447
$ (20,540) $
(505) $ 152,634
(a) Excludes Redeemable noncontrolling interests which are reflected in temporary equity.
(b) Other comprehensive income (loss) is net of an income tax provision of $2.9 million and $6.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023,
respectively, and net of an income tax benefit of $43.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
82
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 — Description of business and basis of presentation
Description of business
Gannett Co., Inc. ("Gannett", "we", "us", "our", or the "Company") is a diversified media company with expansive reach at
the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect
audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands,
including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations,
including our network of local properties, in the United States (the "U.S."), and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary
operating in the United Kingdom (the "U.K."), we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to
audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where
and when consumers want to engage. We prioritize a digital-first strategy, focusing on audience growth and engagement while
diversifying revenue streams. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses
("SMBs") with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. Our mission remains to inspire, inform, and connect
communities while driving sustainable growth for our customers, advertisers, partners, and shareholders.
The Company reports in three segments: Domestic Gannett Media, Newsquest and Digital Marketing Solutions ("DMS").
We also have a Corporate and other category that includes activities not directly attributable to a specific reportable segment
and includes broad corporate functions, such as legal, human resources, accounting, analytics, finance, marketing and
technology, as well as other general business costs. A full description of our reportable segments is included in Note 14 —
Segment reporting.
Basis of presentation
The Consolidated financial statements include all the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and cash flows of entities which
Gannett controls due to ownership of a majority voting interest ("subsidiaries"). All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, and the Company consolidates entities that it controls due to ownership of a
majority voting interest.
Use of estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S.
GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated financial
statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the Consolidated financial statements include pension and
postretirement benefit obligation assumptions, income taxes, goodwill and intangible asset impairment analysis, valuation of
property, plant, and equipment and the mark to market of the conversion feature associated with the convertible debt.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year Consolidated financial statements to conform to classifications
used in the current year. Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, the Company updated the presentation of its revenues to reflect
the disaggregation between Digital revenues and Print and commercial revenues. These reclassifications had no impact on net
income (loss), stockholders' equity or cash flows as previously reported.
NOTE 2 — Summary of significant accounting policies
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and supplementary cash flow information
Cash equivalents represent highly liquid certificates of deposit which have original maturities of three months or less.
Restricted cash is held as cash collateral for certain business operations. Restricted cash primarily consists of funding for letters
of credit, cash held in an irrevocable grantor trust for our deferred compensation plans and cash held with banking institutions
for insurance plans.
83
The following table presents a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
Cash and cash equivalents
$
106,299
$
100,180
$
94,255
Restricted cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets
278
371
563
Restricted cash, included in other assets
9,604
10,061
9,986
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
116,181
$
110,612
$
104,804
The following table presents supplementary cash flow information, including non-cash investing and financing activities:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
Cash paid for taxes, net
$
10,115
$
8,222
$
3,409
Cash paid for interest
86,321
89,335
86,485
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Convertible notes exchange
223,614
—
—
Accrued capital expenditures
39,634
2,390
699
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers, net of allowances, which reflect the Company's expected
credit losses based on historical experience as well as current and expected economic conditions.
Inventory
Inventory consists principally of newsprint, which is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined
using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.
Property, plant, and equipment, software development costs and depreciation
Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost or at fair value for property, plant, and equipment related to acquired
businesses. Routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated under the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized under the straight-line method over the shorter of the
lease term or estimated useful life of the asset.
We capitalize costs to develop software for internal use when it is determined the development efforts will result in new or
additional functionality or new products. Costs incurred prior to meeting these criteria and costs associated with ongoing
maintenance are expensed as incurred and included in Operating costs in the accompanying Consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Property, plant, and equipment and software development costs are evaluated for impairment in accordance with our policy
for amortizable intangible assets and other long-lived assets.
84
A breakout of property, plant, and equipment and software is presented below:
December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
Useful Lives (range)
Land
$
18,075
$
21,990
Buildings and improvements
123,454
147,171
10 years
-
30 years
Machinery and equipment
224,138
258,432
3 years
-
20 years
Capitalized software
183,172
114,122
3 years
-
5 years
Furniture and fixtures
14,793
23,541
7 years
-
10 years
Construction in progress
14,361
10,239
Total
577,993
575,495
Less: accumulated depreciation(a)
(337,013)
(336,408)
Property, plant, and equipment, net
$
240,980
$
239,087
(a) Includes accumulated depreciation of capitalized software of approximately $105.5 million and $74.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and
2023, respectively.
Depreciation expense was $68.2 million, $72.6 million, and $86.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023,
and 2022, respectively.
Goodwill, intangible and long-lived assets
Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible
assets, net of liabilities assumed. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of newspaper mastheads and finite-lived intangible
assets consist of advertiser, subscriber and other customer relationships, as well as trade names, and developed technology.
Newspaper mastheads are not amortized because it has been determined that the useful lives of such mastheads are indefinite.
Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over those useful lives.
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of November 30 each year and between annual tests if events occur or
circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We
perform our impairment analysis on each of our reporting units. We evaluate our reporting units annually, as well as when
changes in our operating structure occur. The Company has the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not
that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment
and concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is equal to or greater than its carrying value, no
further assessment of that reporting unit's goodwill is necessary; otherwise goodwill must be tested for impairment. In the
quantitative test, we are required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the
reporting unit. Fair value of the reporting unit is defined as the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company generally determines the fair value of a
reporting unit using a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market-based approach. Estimates of fair value
include inputs that are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties, and involve matters of significant judgment that are made at a
specific point in time. Changes in key assumptions from period to period could significantly affect the estimates of fair value.
Significant assumptions used in the fair value estimates include projected revenues and related growth rates over time, projected
operating cash flow margins, discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. If the carrying value of the reporting
unit exceeds the estimate of fair value, we calculate the impairment as the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its
implied fair value.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which are newspaper mastheads, are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if
events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the
fair value of each group of mastheads with their carrying amount. We use a relief from royalty approach which utilizes a
discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of newspaper mastheads. Our judgments and estimates of future
operating results in determining the reporting unit fair values are consistently applied in determining the fair value of
mastheads.
The Company assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets, including property, plant, and equipment and finite-lived
intangible assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The
evaluation is performed by asset group, which is the lowest level of identifiable cash flows independent of other assets. The
assessment of recoverability is based on management's estimates by comparing the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash
flows generated by the underlying asset groups to its carrying value of the asset groups to determine whether an impairment
85
that contain multiple performance obligations are allocated to each obligation based on the relative standalone selling price. We
determine standalone selling prices based on observable prices charged to customers.
Digital
Digital revenues are primarily derived from digital advertising offerings such as digital marketing services generated
through multiple services, including search advertising, display advertising, search optimization, social media, website
development, web presence products, customer relationship management, and software-as-a-service solutions, classified
advertisements and display advertisements, which may leverage third-party providers, and digital distribution of our
publications, as well as digital content syndication, affiliate and content partnerships, and licensing revenues.
Digital advertising and marketing revenues are generated primarily by online marketing products provided by our DMS
existed at its lowest level of identifiable cash flows. If the carrying amount of the asset group is greater than the expected
undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the asset group, an impairment is recognized to the extent the carrying value of
such asset group exceeds its fair value.
All three of our reporting units have goodwill balances. We conducted our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset
impairment testing in the fourth quarter of 2024 and did not identify any impairment. In addition, we had no impairments of
goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in 2023 and 2022.
See Note 6 — Goodwill and intangible assets for further discussion of Goodwill and intangible assets.
Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for
the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and
liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company establishes a valuation allowance if it is more likely than
not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. See Note 11 — Income taxes for further discussion.
We also evaluate any uncertain tax positions and recognize a liability for the tax benefit associated with an uncertain tax
position if it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities upon
consideration of the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions
are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We
record a liability for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Any change in judgment related to the
expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions is recognized in earnings in the period in which such change occurs.
Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying value of the Company's cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities
approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. A discussion of the fair value level of the Company's debt
and embedded conversion option is disclosed in Note 8 — Debt. For further details surrounding our policies on fair value
measurement, including the fair values of our pension plan assets, refer to Note 10 — Fair value measurement.
Deferred financing costs
Deferred financing costs consist of costs incurred in connection with debt financings and are recorded as a contra-liability
in Long-term debt on the Consolidated balance sheets. Such costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the
estimated remaining term of the debt. This amortization represents a component of Interest expense. A proportionate amount of
deferred financing costs is written-off upon early prepayment of debt as a component of Loss (gain) on early extinguishment of
debt on the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Revenue recognition
Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that
reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Our contracts with
customers sometimes include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Revenue from sales agreements
86
segment. The Company enters into agreements for products in which our clients typically pay in advance and on a monthly
basis. These prepayments include all charges for the included technology and any media services, management, third-party
content, and other costs and fees, all of which are accounted for as a single performance obligation. Revenue is then recognized
as we purchase and deliver media on behalf of the customer and perform other marketing-related services.
Digital subscription revenues are derived from digital subscriptions. Digital subscription revenues are generally billed to
customers at the beginning of the subscription period and are typically recognized over the subscription period as the
performance obligations are delivered. The term of customer subscriptions normally ranges from one to twelve months.
Digital other revenues are derived mainly from digital syndication, affiliate, production and licensing revenues and are
recognized when the related services are performed.
Print and commercial
Print and commercial revenues are generated from the sale of local, national, and classified print advertising products, the
sale of both home delivery and single copies of our publications, as well as commercial printing and distribution arrangements,
and revenues from our events business.
The Company generates Print advertising revenues primarily by delivering advertising in its national publication, USA
TODAY, and in its local publications including newspapers. Advertising revenues are categorized as local retail, local
classified, online, and national. Print advertising revenue is recognized upon publication of the advertisement.
Print circulation revenues are derived from print subscriptions as well as single copy sales at retail stores, vending racks
and boxes. Print circulation revenues from subscribers are generally billed to customers at the beginning of the subscription
period and are typically recognized over the subscription period as the performance obligations are delivered. The term of
customer subscriptions normally ranges from one to twelve months. Print circulation revenues from single-copy income are
recognized based on the date of publication.
The Company provides commercial printing services to third parties as a means to generate incremental revenue and utilize
excess printing capacity. Customers consist primarily of other publishers that do not have their own printing presses and do not
compete with other Gannett publications. The Company also prints other commercial materials, including flyers, business cards
and invitations. Revenue is generally recognized upon delivery. In addition, the Company generates revenues from its events
and promotions business. Revenues are generated primarily through ticket sales, endurance events and race management
services. Revenue is generally recognized when the event occurs.
Principal versus agent considerations
We evaluate whether we are the principal (i.e., report revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., report revenues on a net
basis) by performing analyses regarding whether we control the provision of specified goods or services before they are
transferred to our customers. We report revenues gross when we control advertising inventory before it is transferred to the
customer. Our control is evidenced by us being primarily responsible or sharing responsibility for the fulfillment of services and
maintaining control over transaction pricing.
Practical expedients and exemptions
The Company generally expenses sales commissions or other costs to obtain contracts when incurred because the
amortization period is generally one year or less. These costs are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses.
The Company does not disclose unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of
one year or less and (ii) contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue at the amount to which the Company has the right
to invoice for services performed.
Deferred revenues
The Company records deferred revenues when cash payments are received in advance of the Company's performance
obligation. The Company's primary source of deferred revenues is from circulation subscriptions paid in advance of the service
provided, which represents future delivery of publications (the performance obligation) to subscription customers. The
Company expects to recognize the revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations over the next one to twelve months in
accordance with the terms of the subscriptions.
87
The Company's payment terms vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. The
period between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. For certain products or services and customer types, the
Company requires payment before the products or services are delivered to the customer. The majority of our subscription
customers are billed and pay on monthly terms.
Advertising costs
Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred. The Company incurred total advertising expenses for the years
ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 of $45.7 million, $41.9 million, and $56.8 million, respectively.
Pension and postretirement liabilities
Pension and other postretirement benefit costs under our defined benefit retirement plans are actuarially determined. For
plans with frozen benefits, we recognize the cost of postretirement benefits such as pension, medical, and life insurance benefits
on an accrual basis over the average life expectancy of employees expected to receive such benefits. For active plans, costs are
recognized over the estimated average future service period. We also recognize liabilities associated with the withdrawal from
multiemployer pension plans. See Note 9 — Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans for further details.
Share-based compensation
Share-based payments to employees and members of the Board of Directors (i.e., grants of stock options and restricted
stock) are recognized in the Consolidated financial statements over the service period (generally the vesting period) based on
fair values measured on grant dates, less forfeitures. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
Self-insurance liability accruals
The Company maintains self-insured medical and workers' compensation programs. The Company purchases stop loss
coverage from third parties, which limits our exposure to large claims. The Company records a liability for healthcare and
workers' compensation costs during the period in which they occur, including an estimate of incurred but not reported claims.
Concentration of risk
Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with multiple financial institutions. The Company has deposits held with banks
that exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and
are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and, therefore, bear minimal credit risk.
Due to the distributed nature of our operations, we are not subject to significant concentrations of risk relating to
customers, products, or geographic locations. Our foreign revenues, principally from businesses in the U.K. at our Newsquest
segment and international operations at our DMS segment, were $239.3 million and $40.6 million, respectively, for the year
ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, our long-lived assets in foreign countries were $182.7 million at our
Newsquest segment and $5.5 million for our international operations at our DMS segment.
Leases
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in Operating lease assets, Other
current liabilities, and Long-term operating lease liabilities on our Consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease right-of-use
("ROU") assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments
over the lease term at commencement date. The rates implicit within the Company's leases are generally not determinable;
therefore, the Company uses judgment to determine the incremental borrowing rate used to calculate the present value of lease
payments. The incremental borrowing rate is determined using our credit rating and information available related to similar
terms and payments as of the commencement date. ROU assets are assessed for impairment in accordance with the Company's
accounting policy for long-lived assets.
Our lease terms include options to extend or terminate. The period which is subject to an option to extend the lease is
included in the lease term if it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. The period which is subject to an option to
terminate the lease is included if it is reasonably certain that the option will not be exercised. Lease expense for minimum lease
payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
88
A breakout of Accounts payable and accrued liabilities is presented below:
December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
Accounts payable
$
154,162
$
142,215
Compensation
81,738
82,160
Taxes (primarily property, sales, and payroll taxes)
9,135
9,990
Benefits
19,765
19,422
Interest
3,972
5,617
Other
49,612
34,040
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
318,384
$
293,444
Loss contingencies
We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory matters, the outcomes of which are subject to
significant uncertainty. We determine whether to disclose or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether
the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible, or probable and whether it can be reasonably estimated. We accrue for loss
contingencies when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. If a contingent liability is only reasonably possible,
we will disclose the potential range of the loss if material and estimable. Legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with
loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.
Foreign currency translation
The statements of income of foreign operations have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange
rates in effect during the relevant period. The balance sheets have been translated using the currency exchange rates as of the
end of the accounting period. The impact of currency exchange rate changes on the translation of the balance sheets are
included in Comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and
are classified as Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated balance sheets and Consolidated statements of
equity.
Recent accounting pronouncements adopted
Reportable segment disclosures
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued guidance, Accounting Standards
Update ("ASU") 2023-07, which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures
about significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 requires the amendments to be applied retrospectively and is effective for
annual reporting periods beginning with the year ended December 31, 2024 and for interim periods beginning with the quarter
ending March 31, 2025. The Company's adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Consolidated financial
statements. Refer to "Note 14 – Segments", which reflects updated disclosures to include segment expenses regularly provided
to the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), which is our Chief Executive Officer.
Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
Induced conversions of convertible debt instruments
In November 2024, the FASB issued guidance, ASU 2024-04, which clarifies the assessment of whether certain
settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as an inducement conversion. The new guidance is
effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim periods within those annual periods. The
Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on the Consolidated financial
statements.
For all material classes of leased assets, we do not separate lease components from non-lease components, and account for
both components as a single lease component. For certain equipment leases, we apply a portfolio approach to account for the
operating lease ROU assets and liabilities.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
89
The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by segment and revenue type:
Year ended December 31, 2024
In thousands
Domestic
Gannett
Media
Newsquest
Digital
Marketing
Solutions
Corporate
and other
Intersegment
eliminations
Consolidated
Digital advertising
$
292,897 $
53,481 $
— $
— $
— $
346,378
Digital marketing services
142,120
7,941
477,807
—
(151,819)
476,049
Digital-only subscription
181,670
7,158
—
—
—
188,828
Digital other
76,027
10,713
—
5,656
—
92,396
Digital
692,714
79,293
477,807
5,656
(151,819)
1,103,651
Print advertising
451,589
74,211
—
—
—
525,800
Print circulation
582,965
67,082
—
—
—
650,047
Commercial and other(a)
211,130
18,687
—
—
—
229,817
Print and commercial
1,245,684
159,980
—
—
—
1,405,664
Total revenues
$ 1,938,398 $
239,273 $
477,807 $
5,656 $
(151,819) $ 2,509,315
(a) For the year ended December 31, 2024, included $141.8 million of Commercial printing and delivery revenues at the Domestic Gannett Media segment and
$10.2 million of Commercial printing revenues at the Newsquest segment.
Disaggregation of income statement expenses
In November 2024, the FASB issued guidance, ASU 2024-03, which requires disaggregated disclosures of certain
categories of expenses that are included in expense line items on the face of the income statement. The disclosures are required
on an annual and interim basis. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and
interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the
updated guidance and assessing the impact on the Consolidated financial statements.
Income tax disclosures
In November 2023, the FASB issued guidance, ASU 2023-09, which enhances annual income tax disclosures. ASU
2023-09 requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity's effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on
income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is
currently evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on the Consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3 — Revenues
Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that
reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
The Company's Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) present revenues disaggregated by
revenue type. Sales taxes and other usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues.
90
Year ended December 31, 2023
In thousands
Domestic
Gannett
Media
Newsquest
Digital
Marketing
Solutions
Corporate
and other
Intersegment
eliminations
Consolidated
Digital advertising
$
283,249 $
50,362 $
— $
— $
— $
333,611
Digital marketing services
140,589
8,920
477,909
—
(150,460)
476,958
Digital-only subscription
150,384
5,237
—
—
—
155,621
Digital other
67,521
10,391
—
6,268
—
84,180
Digital
641,743
74,910
477,909
6,268
(150,460)
1,050,370
Print advertising
501,701
74,844
—
—
—
576,545
Print circulation
704,158
68,042
—
—
—
772,200
Commercial and other(a)
248,251
16,184
—
—
—
264,435
Print and commercial
1,454,110
159,070
—
—
—
1,613,180
Total revenues
$ 2,095,853 $
233,980 $
477,909 $
6,268 $
(150,460) $ 2,663,550
(a) For the year ended December 31, 2023, included $178.1 million of Commercial printing and delivery revenues at the Domestic Gannett Media segment and
$8.0 million of Commercial printing revenues at the Newsquest segment.
Year ended December 31, 2022
In thousands
Domestic
Gannett
Media
Newsquest
Digital
Marketing
Solutions
Corporate
and other
Intersegment
eliminations
Consolidated
Digital advertising
$
306,456 $
50,890 $
— $
— $
— $
357,346
Digital marketing services
133,219
9,263
468,883
—
(143,456)
467,909
Digital-only subscription
127,671
4,947
—
—
—
132,618
Digital other
65,757
9,510
—
5,440
—
80,707
Digital
633,103
74,610
468,883
5,440
(143,456)
1,038,580
Print advertising
594,741
76,141
—
—
—
670,882
Print circulation
884,854
67,165
—
—
—
952,019
Commercial and other(a)
267,108
16,714
—
—
—
283,822
Print and commercial
1,746,703
160,020
—
—
—
1,906,723
Total revenues
$ 2,379,806 $
234,630 $
468,883 $
5,440 $
(143,456) $ 2,945,303
(a) For the year ended December 31, 2022, included $204.8 million of Commercial printing and delivery revenues at the Domestic Gannett Media segment and
$7.0 million of Commercial printing revenues at the Newsquest segment.
Revenues generated from international operations comprised 11.2%, 10.3%, and 9.3% of total revenues for the years ended
December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
The following table presents the change in the deferred revenues balances for the years ended December 31,:
In thousands
2024
2023
Beginning balance
$
120,502 $
153,648
Receipts, net of refunds
1,023,636
1,097,699
Revenue recognized
(1,036,138)
(1,130,845)
Ending balance
$
108,000 $
120,502
NOTE 4 — Leases
We lease certain real estate, vehicles, and equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of one to 12 years, some of
which may include options to extend the leases, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases. The exercise of
lease renewal options is at our sole discretion. The depreciable lives of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the
expected lease term unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise.
91
The components of lease expense are as follows:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
Operating lease cost(a)
$
52,417
$
64,845
$
73,103
Short-term lease cost(b)
938
900
929
Variable lease cost
12,390
13,200
13,002
Net lease cost
$
65,745
$
78,945
$
87,034
(a) Includes sublease income of $8.3 million, $9.1 million, and $7.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
(b) Excludes expenses relating to leases with a lease term of one month or less.
In 2023, the Company sold two properties in Michigan and Arizona for a total of $60.5 million, which resulted in a net gain
of $39.3 million. Contemporaneously with the closing of the sales, the Company entered into leases pursuant to which we
leased back the properties for cumulative annual rent of $39.9 million, subject to annual escalations. The leases are accounted
for as operating leases.
Supplemental information related to leases are as follows:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands, except lease term and discount rate
2024
2023
2022
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities
$
71,985
$
76,338
$
79,659
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations
6,071
31,501
15,272
Gain on sale and leaseback transactions, net
(105)
(40,221)
(12,249)
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)
6.0
6.4
6.8
Weighted-average discount rate
13.2 %
13.0 %
12.6 %
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases are as follows:
In thousands
Year ended
December 31,
2025
$
61,987
2026
50,461
2027
42,486
2028
38,113
2029
37,293
Thereafter
74,223
Total future minimum lease payments
304,563
Less: Imputed interest
97,071
Total
$
207,492
As of December 31, 2024, we have entered into leases that have not yet commenced with future lease payments of $0.9
million, which are not yet recorded on the Consolidated balance sheet.
NOTE 5 — Accounts receivable, net
The Company performs its evaluation of the collectability of trade receivables based on customer category. For example,
trade receivables from individual subscribers to our publications are evaluated separately from trade receivables related to
advertising customers. For advertising trade receivables, the Company applies a "black motor formula" methodology as the
baseline to calculate the allowance for credit losses. The reserve percentage is calculated as a ratio of total net bad debts (less
write-offs and recoveries) for the prior three-year period to total outstanding trade accounts receivable for the same three-year
period. The calculated reserve percentage by customer category is applied to the consolidated gross advertising receivable
balance, irrespective of aging. In addition, each category has specific reserves for at risk accounts that vary based on the nature
of the underlying trade receivables. Due to the short-term nature of our circulation receivables, the Company reserves all
receivables aged over 90 days.
92
The following table presents changes in the allowance for credit losses:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
Beginning balance
$
16,338
$
16,697
Current period provision
5,155
12,316
Write-offs charged against the allowance
(10,564)
(17,143)
Recoveries of amounts previously written-off
2,676
4,325
Other
(9)
143
Ending balance
$
13,596
$
16,338
The calculation of the allowance considers current economic, industry and customer-specific conditions relative to their
respective operating environments in the incremental allowances recorded related to high-risk accounts, bankruptcies,
receivables in repayment plan and other aging specific reserves. As a result of this analysis, the Company adjusts specific
reserves and the amount of allowable credit as appropriate. The collectability of trade receivables related to advertising,
marketing services and other customers depends on a variety of factors, including trends in local, regional, or national economic
conditions that affect our customers' ability to pay. The advertisers in our newspapers and other publications and related
websites are primarily retail businesses that can be significantly affected by regional or national economic downturns and other
developments that may impact our ability to collect on the related receivables. Similarly, while circulation revenues related to
individual subscribers are primarily prepaid, changes in economic conditions may also affect our ability to collect on amounts
owed from single copy circulation customers.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded bad debt expense of $5.2 million and $12.3
million, respectively, which is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive income (loss). The decrease in bad debt expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, was
primarily due to stronger collections as well as the reversal of special reserves no longer needed in 2024.
NOTE 6 — Goodwill and intangible assets
Goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
In thousands
Gross
carrying
amount
Accumulated
amortization
Net
carrying
amount
Gross
carrying
amount
Accumulated
amortization
Net
carrying
amount
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Advertiser relationships
$
445,356
$
279,176
$
166,180 $
446,609 $
236,168 $
210,441
Other customer relationships
89,106
59,198
29,908
101,819
56,601
45,218
Subscriber relationships
250,820
183,895
66,925
251,099
155,528
95,571
Other intangible assets
66,870
66,212
658
68,780
62,536
6,244
Sub-total
$
852,152
$
588,481
$
263,671 $
868,307 $
510,833 $
357,474
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Mastheads
166,703
166,876
Total intangible assets
$
430,374
$
524,350
Goodwill
$
530,028
$
533,876
As of December 31, 2024, the weighted average amortization periods for amortizable intangible assets were 11.1 years for
advertiser relationships, 10.0 years for other customer relationships, 10.3 years for subscriber relationships, and 3.9 years for
other intangible assets. The weighted average amortization period in total for all amortizable intangible assets is 10.2 years.
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, amortization expense was $88.1 million, $90.0 million, and $95.6
million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2024, the estimated future amortization expense for each of the five fiscal years was as follows: 2025 -
93
$80.7 million; 2026 - $62.2 million; 2027 - $60.9 million; 2028 - $26.0 million; and 2029 and thereafter - $33.8 million.
Changes in the carrying amount of Goodwill by segment are as follows:
In thousands
Domestic Gannett
Media
Newsquest
Digital Marketing
Solutions
Total
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
401,106 $
14,589 $
117,471 $
533,166
Acquisitions
—
30
—
30
Divestitures
(46)
(82)
—
(128)
Foreign exchange
(3)
811
—
808
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
401,057 $
15,348 $
117,471 $
533,876
Divestitures
(3,662)
—
—
(3,662)
Foreign exchange
13
(199)
—
(186)
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
397,408 $
15,149 $
117,471 $
530,028
As of both December 31, 2024 and 2023, the carrying amount of goodwill reflected accumulated impairment losses of
$340.8 million, $70.5 million and $44.1 million related to impairments at the Domestic Gannett Media, Newsquest and DMS
segments, respectively.
Annual impairment assessment
The Company performed its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment assessment in the fourth quarter of 2024
with the assistance of third-party valuation specialists. Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgments,
including judgments about appropriate discount rates, long-term growth rates, company earnings multiples and relevant
comparable transactions, as applicable, and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The cash flows employed in
the analysis are based on the Company's internal forecasts, which considered the current and expected future economic and
market conditions for each reporting unit. The long-term growth rates are dependent on various factors and could be adversely
impacted by a sustained decrease in overall market growth rates, the competitive environment, relative currency exchange rates
and a sustained increase in inflation, all of which the Company considered in determining the long-term growth rates used in
the 2024 analysis, which ranged from 0% to 3.0%. The discount rates for each reporting unit are determined based on the
inherent risks of each reporting unit's underlying operations and may be impacted by adverse changes in the macroeconomic
environment and volatility in the equity and debt markets. The Company considered these factors in determining the discount
rates used in the 2024 analysis, which ranged from 13.5% to 20.0%.
For goodwill, the Company determined the fair value of each reporting unit using a combination of a discounted cash flow
analysis and a market-based approach. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company compared the fair value of each
reporting unit to its carrying amount, which resulted in the fair value of all the reporting units being in excess of their carrying
values.
For mastheads, the Company applied a "relief from royalty" approach, a discounted cash flow model, reflecting current
assumptions, to determine the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company
compared the fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset to its carrying amount, which resulted in the fair value of each
indefinite-lived intangible asset being in excess of its carrying value.
In addition to the annual impairment test, the Company is required to regularly assess whether a triggering event has
occurred under ASC 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment ("ASC 360"), which would require interim impairment testing. As of
December 31, 2024, the Company performed a review of potential indicators for its long-lived asset groups under ASC 360 and
it was determined that no indicators of impairment were present.
During 2023 and 2022, there were no impairments of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.
While the Company believes its judgments represent reasonably possible outcomes based on available facts and
circumstances, adverse changes to the assumptions, including those related to macroeconomic factors, comparable public
company trading values and prevailing conditions in the capital markets, could lead to future declines in the fair value of a
reporting unit. The Company continually evaluates whether current factors or indicators, such as prevailing conditions in the
business environment, capital markets or the economy generally, and actual or projected operating results, require the
performance of an interim impairment assessment of goodwill, as well as other long-lived assets. For example, any significant
94
Severance-related expenses
The Company recorded severance-related expenses by segment as follows:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
Domestic Gannett Media
$
11,529
$
9,935
$
40,654
Newsquest
884
1,762
4,216
Digital Marketing Solutions
1,254
756
434
Corporate and other
1,481
6,064
12,310
Total
$
15,148
$
18,517
$
57,614
A roll-forward of the accrued severance and related expenses included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the
Consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows:
In thousands
Severance and
related expenses
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
29,773
Restructuring provision included in integration and reorganization costs
18,517
Cash payments
(41,362)
Balance at December 31, 2023
6,928
Restructuring provision included in integration and reorganization costs
15,148
Cash payments
(16,585)
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
5,491
Other reorganization-related costs
Other reorganization-related costs represent individual restructuring programs, designed primarily to right-size the
Company's employee base, consolidate facilities and improve operations. The Company recorded Other reorganization-related
costs by segment as follows:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
Domestic Gannett Media(a)
$
38,096
$
(4,353) $
14,921
Newsquest(b)
(1,397)
1
209
Digital Marketing Solutions
807
28
674
Corporate and other
13,501
10,275
14,556
Total
$
51,007
$
5,951
$
30,360
(a) For the year ended December 31, 2024, Other restructuring-related costs at the Domestic Gannett Media segment primarily reflected $25.9 million related to
withdrawal liabilities which were expensed as a result of ceasing contributions to multiemployer pension plans and $9.7 million expensed as of the cease-use
date related to certain licensed content. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Other restructuring-related costs at the Domestic Gannett Media segment
reflected the reversal of $6.4 million of withdrawal liabilities related to multiemployer pension plans based on settlement of the withdrawal liability. For the
year ended December 31, 2022, Other restructuring-related costs at the Domestic Gannett Media segment reflected a withdrawal liability of $8.6 million
shortfall, now or in the future, in advertising revenues or subscribers and/or consumer acceptance of our products could lead to
a downward revision in the fair value of certain reporting units.
NOTE 7 — Integration and reorganization costs and asset impairments
Integration and reorganization costs
Integration and reorganization costs include severance costs as well as other reorganization-related costs associated with
individual restructuring programs, designed primarily to right-size the Company's employee base, consolidate facilities and
improve operations. These initiatives impact all the Company's operations and can be influenced by the terms of union
contracts. Costs related to these programs, which primarily include severance and other reorganization-related costs, are
accrued when probable and reasonably estimable or at the time of program announcement.
95
which was expensed as a result of ceasing contributions to a multiemployer pension plan, as well as facilities consolidation expenses associated with exiting
a lease.
(b) For the year ended December 31, 2024, Other restructuring-related costs at the Newsquest segment primarily reflected the reversal of a withdrawal liability
of $1.4 million related to a pension plan based on settlement of the withdrawal liability.
Asset impairments
Corporate office relocation
On March 1, 2024, we exited and ceased use of our leased facility in McLean, Virginia and moved our corporate
headquarters to our existing office space in New York. We will continue to seek subleases for the leased facility in McLean. As
a result of the headquarters relocation, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $46.0 million during the year ended
December 31, 2024 related to the McLean operating lease right-of-use asset and the associated leasehold improvements. The
fair value was measured using a discounted cash flow model based on market rents projected over the remaining lease term,
which goes through October 2030.
NOTE 8 — Debt
The Company's debt as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the financing arrangements described below.
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
In millions
Principal
balance
Unamortized
original issue
discount
Unamortized
deferred
financing
costs
Carrying
value
Principal
balance
Unamortized
original issue
discount
Unamortized
deferred
financing
costs
Carrying
value
2029 Term Loan Facility
$
850.0 $
(12.2) $
(7.7) $
830.1 $
— $
— $
— $
—
Senior Secured Term Loan
—
—
—
—
350.4
(5.2)
(1.1)
344.1
2026 Senior Notes
—
—
—
—
291.6
(5.8)
(4.6)
281.2
2031 Notes
223.7
(5.0)
(2.8)
215.9
—
—
—
—
2027 Notes
38.1
(4.2)
(0.1)
33.8
485.3
(67.8)
(1.5)
416.0
2024 Notes
—
—
—
—
3.3
—
—
3.3
Total debt
$
1,111.8 $
(21.4) $
(10.6) $
1,079.8 $
1,130.6 $
(78.8) $
(7.2) $
1,044.6
Less: Current portion of
long-term debt
$
(74.3) $
— $
— $
(74.3) $
(63.8) $
— $
— $
(63.8)
Non-current portion of
long-term debt
$
1,037.5 $
(21.4) $
(10.6) $
1,005.5 $
1,066.8 $
(78.8) $
(7.2) $
980.8
Term Loans
2029 Term Loan Facility
On October 15, 2024 (the "Closing Date"), the Company entered into an Amendment and Restatement Agreement (the
"Amendment and Restatement Agreement") among the Company, as a guarantor, Gannett Holdings LLC ("Gannett Holdings"),
a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, as the borrower (in such capacity, the "Borrower"), certain subsidiaries of the
Borrower as guarantors, the lenders party thereto, Citibank, N.A., as the existing collateral agent and administrative agent for
the lenders, and Apollo Administrative Agency LLC, as the successor collateral agent and administrative agent for the lenders,
which amended and restated the Company's existing First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of October 15, 2021 (as amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the Closing Date, the "Existing Credit Agreement"; the Existing
Credit Agreement, as amended and restated by the Amendment and Restatement Agreement, the "Amended Credit
Agreement") by and among the Company, as guarantor, the Borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Borrower as guarantors and
Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a new $900.0 million
five-year first lien term loan facility (the "2029 Term Loan Facility"), which refinanced and replaced the Company's existing
Senior Secured Term Loan (defined below). The 2029 Term Loan Facility is comprised of an initial term loan facility of $850.4
million, funded on the Closing Date (the "2029 Initial Draw Facility"), and a delayed draw term loan facility of $49.6 million
(the "2029 Delayed Draw Facility"), which has been made available to the Borrower at its discretion from the Closing Date and
for a period of six months thereafter, subject to certain terms and conditions. As of December 31, 2024, no amounts have been
drawn under the 2029 Delayed Draw Facility. As of the Closing Date, the lenders under the Amended Credit Agreement
consisted primarily of funds, accounts or other clients managed by Apollo Capital Management, L.P. or its affiliates (the
96
The Senior Secured Term Loan bore interest at a per annum rate equal to the Adjusted Term SOFR (which shall not be less
than 0.50% per annum) plus a margin equal to 5.00% or an alternate base rate (which shall not be less than 1.50% per annum)
plus a margin equal to 4.00%. Loans under the Senior Secured Term Loan were able to be prepaid, at the option of Gannett
Holdings, at any time without premium. In addition, we were required to repay the Senior Secured Term Loan from time to
time with (i) the proceeds of non-ordinary course asset sales and casualty and condemnation events, (ii) the proceeds of
indebtedness not permitted under the Senior Secured Term Loan, and (iii) the aggregate amount of cash and cash equivalents on
hand at the Company and its restricted subsidiaries in excess of $100 million at the end of each fiscal year of the Company.
Subsequent to the amendment effective as of April 8, 2022, the Senior Secured Term Loan was amortized at $15.1 million per
quarter (or, if the ratio of debt secured on an equal basis with the Senior Secured Term Loan less unrestricted cash of the
Company and its restricted subsidiaries to Consolidated EBITDA (as such terms were defined in the Senior Secured Term
Loan) (such ratio, the "First Lien Net Leverage Ratio"), for the most recently ended period of four consecutive fiscal quarters
was equal to or less than 1.20 to 1.00, $7.6 million per quarter). All obligations under the Senior Secured Term Loan were
secured by all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and the wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company
"Apollo Funds"), with $40.4 million of loans being provided by investors that elected the Loan Option Consideration in the
2026 Senior Notes Exchange Offer (as defined below). Pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement, Apollo Administrative
Agency LLC was appointed as the successor administrative agent and the successor collateral agent to Citibank, N.A.
The 2029 Term Loan Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal, at the Borrower's option, to either (i) an alternate base
rate (which shall not be less than 2.50% per annum) plus a margin equal to 4.00% per annum or (ii) Adjusted Term SOFR
(which shall be no less than 1.50%) plus a margin equal to 5.00% per annum. The 2029 Term Loan Facility will mature on
October 15, 2029 and will be freely prepayable without penalty.
The 2029 Term Loan Facility is amortized at a rate of $17.0 million per quarter, with such rate to be adjusted upon the
borrowing of any delayed-draw term loans to the extent necessary to cause such delayed-draw term loans to be fungible with
the initial term loans under the 2029 Term Loan Facility. In addition, we are required to repay the 2029 Term Loan Facility
from time to time with (i) the proceeds of non-ordinary course asset sales and casualty and condemnation events, (ii) the
proceeds of indebtedness that is not otherwise permitted under the 2029 Term Loan Facility and (iii) the aggregate amount of
cash and cash equivalents on hand at the Company and our restricted subsidiaries in excess of $100.0 million as of the last day
of any fiscal year of the Company (beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024).
Proceeds from the 2029 Initial Draw Facility, funded on the Closing Date, were used on the Closing Date to prepay in full
the Senior Secured Term Loan (as defined below), to repurchase the 2026 Senior Notes (as defined below) that were tendered
by the holders thereof in the 2026 Senior Notes Exchange Offer and to repurchase the 2027 Notes (as defined below) that were
exchanged by the holders thereof on the Closing Date pursuant to the Convertible Notes Exchange (as defined below).
The proceeds of the 2029 Delayed Draw Facility may be used to repurchase, redeem, defease or otherwise discharge
outstanding 2027 Notes not exchanged in the Convertible Notes Exchange.
As of December 31, 2024, the 2029 Term Loan Facility was recorded at carrying value, which approximated fair value, in
the Consolidated balance sheet and was classified as Level 2. As of December 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with
all of the covenants and obligations under the 2029 Term Loan Facility.
Senior Secured Term Loan
On October 15, 2021, Gannett Holdings entered into the Senior Secured Term Loan in an original aggregate principal
amount of $516.0 million (the "Senior Secured Term Loan") with Citibank N.A., as collateral agent and administrative agent
for the lenders. On January 31, 2022, Gannett Holdings entered into an amendment (the "Term Loan Amendment") to the
Senior Secured Term Loan to provide for new incremental senior secured term loans (the "Incremental Term Loans") in an
aggregate principal amount of $50 million. The Incremental Term Loans had substantially identical terms as the Senior Secured
Term Loan and were treated as a single tranche with the Senior Secured Term Loan. The Term Loan Amendment also amended
the Senior Secured Term Loan to transition the interest rate base from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") to the
Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("Adjusted Term SOFR"). During 2022, Gannett Holdings entered into two
separate amendments to the Senior Secured Term Loan to provide for incremental senior secured term loans totaling an
aggregate principal amount of $30.0 million (collectively, the "Exchanged Term Loans"). The Exchanged Term Loans had
substantially identical terms as the Senior Secured Term Loan and Incremental Term Loans and were treated as a single tranche
with the Senior Secured Term Loan and the Incremental Term Loans. As noted above, in October 2024, the 2029 Term Loan
Facility refinanced and replaced the Senior Secured Term Loan.
97
On October 15, 2021, Gannett Holdings completed a private offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00%
(the "Senior Secured Term Loan Guarantors"). The obligations of Gannett Holdings under the Senior Secured Term Loan were
guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Company and the Senior Secured Term Loan Guarantors.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company received a waiver from certain lenders of the Senior Secured Term
Loan that reduced the scheduled quarterly amortization payments payable to those lenders by $12.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 2024, and which was the amount used by the Company to repurchase a portion of its 2026 Senior Notes (defined
below) in March 2024.
As of December 31, 2023, the Senior Secured Term Loan was recorded at carrying value, which approximated fair value, in
the Consolidated balance sheet and was classified as Level 2.
Term Loan Summary
The 2029 Term Loan Facility contains and the Senior Secured Term Loan (collectively with the 2029 Term Loan Facility,
the "Term Loans") contained usual and customary covenants for credit facilities of this type, including a requirement to have
minimum unrestricted cash of $30 million as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, and restricts, among other things, our ability
to incur debt, grant liens, sell assets, make investments and pay dividends, in each case with customary exceptions, including an
exception that permits dividends and repurchases of outstanding junior debt or equity in (i) an amount of up to $25 million per
fiscal quarter if the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio for such fiscal quarter is equal to or less than 2.00 to 1.00 but greater than
1.50 to 1.00, (ii) an amount of up to $50 million per fiscal quarter if the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio for such fiscal quarter is
equal to or less than 1.50 to 1.00 but greater than 1.00 to 1.00, and (iii) an unlimited amount if the First Lien Net Leverage
Ratio for such fiscal quarter is equal to or less than 1.00 to 1.00.
There were certain lenders that participated in the 2029 Term Loan Facility, whose balances in the Senior Secured Term
Loan and the 2026 Senior Notes were deemed to be modified. As a result, the Company continues to defer, over the term of the
2029 Term Loan Facility, the original issue discount and deferred financing fees from the Senior Secured Term Loan of $1.3
million and $0.3 million, respectively, and original issue discount and deferred financing fees from the 2026 Senior Notes of
$0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to those lenders.
Original issue discount of $10.6 million was allocated to both the new lenders in the 2029 Term Loan Facility as well as
those lenders whose balances in the Senior Secured Term Loan and the 2026 Senior Notes were deemed to be modified on a
pro-rata basis. Additionally, deferred financing fees of $7.1 million were allocated to the new lenders in the 2029 Term Loan
Facility, as well as those lenders whose balances in the Senior Secured Term Loan and the 2026 Senior Notes were deemed to
be extinguished. Such amounts were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 2029 Term Loan Facility using
the effective interest method.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, original issue discount of $2.2 million related to the 2029 Term Loan Facility was
allocated to the lenders whose balances in the Senior Secured Term Loan and the 2026 Senior Notes were deemed to be
extinguished and third-party fees of $5.0 million related to the 2029 Term Loan Facility were allocated to the lenders whose
balances in the Senior Secured Term Loan and the 2026 Senior Notes were deemed to be modified. Such amounts were
expensed and recorded in Other operating expenses in the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income
(loss).
In connection with the Term Loans, during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized interest
expense of $45.0 million and $40.0 million, respectively, and paid cash interest of $42.5 million and $40.0 million,
respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized amortization of original issue
discount of $2.3 million and $2.8 million, respectively, and amortization of deferred financing costs of $0.7 million and $0.6
million, respectively. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized a loss on
early extinguishment of debt of $2.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to the write-off of original issue discount
and deferred financing costs as a result of early prepayments on the Term Loans.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company prepaid $350.4 million, including quarterly amortization payments, on
the Senior Secured Term Loan, and prepaid $0.5 million on the 2029 Term Loan Facility, which were classified as financing
activities in the Consolidated statements of cash flows. As of December 31, 2024, the effective interest rate for the 2029 Term
Loan Facility was 10.1%.
2026 Senior Notes
98
first lien notes due November 1, 2026 (the "2026 Senior Notes"). The 2026 Senior Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture,
dated October 15, 2021 (the "2026 Senior Notes Indenture") among Gannett Holdings, the Company, the guarantors from time
to time party thereto (the "2026 Senior Notes Guarantors"), U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and U.S. Bank National
Association, as collateral agent, registrar, paying agent and authenticating agent.
In March 2024, the Company entered into a privately negotiated agreement with certain holders of our 2026 Senior Notes,
pursuant to which the Company repurchased $13.0 million of principal of our outstanding 2026 Senior Notes at a discount to
par value. In connection with the repurchase of our 2026 Senior Notes in March 2024, the Company received the 2024 Waiver
from certain lenders of the Senior Secured Term Loan, which was used to reduce the scheduled quarterly amortization
payments payable to those lenders by approximately $12.0 million.
On October 15, 2024, the Company and Gannett Holdings completed an offer to exchange (the "2026 Senior Notes
Exchange Offer") any and all outstanding 2026 Senior Notes for, at the election of each holder of 2026 Senior Notes, either (a)
(i) term loans under the 2029 Term Loan Facility and (ii) an upfront fee equal to 1.5% of such term loans (together with the
term loans, the "Loan Option Consideration"); or (b) cash (the "Cash Option Consideration").
Pursuant to the 2026 Senior Notes Exchange Offer, $274.7 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes
were tendered and accepted for exchange and subsequently canceled. 2026 Senior Notes in an aggregate principal amount of
$40.4 million were exchanged for the Loan Option Consideration and 2026 Senior Notes in an aggregate principal amount of
$234.3 million were exchanged for the Cash Option Consideration. Pursuant to the 2026 Senior Notes Exchange Offer, the
Company paid aggregate cash consideration of $234.9 million (including the Cash Option Consideration and the upfront fee
included in the Loan Option Consideration).
On December 4, 2024, Gannett Holdings redeemed the remaining $3.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2026
Senior Notes outstanding (the "2026 Senior Notes Redemption") using the proceeds of non-ordinary course asset sales and cash
on hand.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, as a result of the March 2024 privately negotiated agreement with certain
holders of our 2026 Senior Notes, the 2026 Senior Notes Exchange Offer and the 2026 Senior Notes Redemption, the Company
recognized a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $5.1 million, which included the write-off of original issue discount
and unamortized deferred financing costs. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as a result of privately
negotiated agreements with certain holders of our 2026 Senior Notes pursuant to which the Company repurchased $53.6 million
of outstanding 2026 Senior Notes at a discount to par value, the Company recognized a gain on the early extinguishment of debt
of $5.6 million, which included the write-off of original issue discount and unamortized deferred financing costs.
As of December 31, 2023, the 2026 Senior Notes were recorded at carrying value in the Consolidated balance sheet.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized interest expense of $13.4 million and $19.5
million, respectively, and paid cash interest of $16.3 million and $20.1 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31,
2024 and 2023, the Company recognized amortization of original issue discount of $1.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively,
and amortization of deferred financing costs of $1.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2027, Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2031, and the Convertible Notes
Exchange
The 6.000% Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes") were issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as
of November 17, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "2027 Notes Indenture"),
between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.
In connection with the issuance of the 2027 Notes, the Company entered into an Investor Agreement (the "Investor
Agreement") with the holders of the 2027 Notes (the "Holders") establishing certain terms and conditions concerning the rights
and restrictions on the Holders with respect to the Holders' ownership of the 2027 Notes. The Company also entered into an
amendment to the Registration Rights Agreement dated November 19, 2019, between the Company and FIG LLC.
On October 15, 2024, the Company completed privately negotiated transactions with certain holders of 2027 Notes
pursuant to which it (i) repurchased a total of $223.6 million in aggregate principal amount of 2027 Notes for cash at a rate of
$1,110 per $1,000 principal amount of 2027 Notes, for aggregate cash consideration of $248.2 million and (ii) exchanged a
total of $223.6 million in aggregate principal amount of 2027 Notes for new 6.000% Senior Secured Convertible Notes due
2031 (the "2031 Notes" and such repurchase and exchange, collectively, the "Convertible Notes Exchange"). The Company
99
also paid accrued and unpaid interest of approximately $10.0 million to the holders of 2027 Notes who participated in the
Convertible Notes Exchange.
Additionally, on October 15, 2024, the Company issued and sold $110,000 in aggregate principal amount of 2031 Notes in
a privately negotiated transaction (the "2031 Notes Sale").
The 2031 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of October 15, 2024 (the "2031 Notes Indenture"), among
the Company, the guarantors party thereto, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, and Alter Domus
Products Corp, as collateral agent.
Concurrently with the Convertible Notes Exchange, the Company and the guarantors party thereto entered into a
supplemental indenture to the 2027 Notes Indenture pursuant to which (i) substantially all of the restrictive covenants contained
in the 2027 Notes Indenture were eliminated, (ii) certain of the default provisions contained in the 2027 Notes Indenture were
eliminated and (iii) certain related provisions were amended to conform with such eliminations.
Interest on the 2027 Notes and 2031 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears, and the 2027 Notes and 2031 Notes mature
on December 1, 2027, and December 1, 2031, respectively, unless earlier repurchased or converted. The 2027 Notes and 2031
Notes may be converted at any time by the holders thereof into cash, shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01
per share (the "Common Stock") or any combination of cash and Common Stock, at the Company's election. The initial
conversion rate for both the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes is 200 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of the
2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes, respectively, which is equal to a conversion price of $5.00 per share of Common Stock (the
"Conversion Price"). As of December 31, 2024, the amount by which the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes if-converted value
exceeded its principal was $0.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively.
Upon the occurrence of a "Make-Whole Fundamental Change" (as defined in the 2027 Notes Indenture and the 2031 Notes
Indenture), the Company will in certain circumstances increase the conversion rate for the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes for a
specified period of time. If a "Fundamental Change" (as defined in the 2027 Notes Indenture and the 2031 Notes Indenture)
occurs, the Company will be required to offer to repurchase the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes at a repurchase price of 110%
of the principal amount thereof.
Under the 2031 Notes Indenture, the Company can only pay cash dividends up to an agreed-upon amount, provided the
ratio of consolidated debt to EBITDA (as such term is defined in the 2031 Notes Indenture) does not exceed a specified ratio. In
addition, the 2031 Notes Indenture provides that, at any time that the Company's Total Gross Leverage Ratio (as defined in the
2031 Notes Indenture) exceeds 1.5 and the Company approves the declaration of a dividend, the Company must offer to
purchase a principal amount of 2031 Notes equal to the proposed amount of the dividend.
The Company will have the right to redeem for cash up to the lesser of (i) approximately $72.8 million and (ii) 30% of the
aggregate principal amount of 2031 Notes issued pursuant to the 2031 Notes Indenture, in either case, with such amount
reduced by 30% of the principal amount of 2031 Notes that has been converted by the holders of the 2031 Notes or redeemed or
repurchased by the Company, at a redemption price of 140% of the principal amount thereof, on or prior to December 1, 2030
(or December 1, 2028 if the 2029 Term Loan Facility is refinanced or amended to permit the redemption of the 2031 Notes in
an amount equal to or greater than such principal amount of 2031 Notes).
The 2027 Notes and 2031 Notes are guaranteed by Gannett Holdings and all subsidiaries of the Company that guarantee
the 2029 Term Loan Facility. The 2027 Notes and 2031 Notes rank as senior secured debt of the Company and are secured by
liens on the same collateral package that secures the indebtedness incurred in connection with the 2029 Term Loan Facility. The
2027 Notes are secured by liens that are junior to the liens securing indebtedness incurred under the 2029 Term Loan Facility
and the 2031 Notes. The 2031 Notes are secured by liens that are junior to the liens securing indebtedness incurred under the
2029 Term Loan Facility but senior to the liens securing the 2027 Notes.
The 2031 Notes Indenture includes affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on liens, indebtedness,
dispositions, loans, advances and investors, sale and leaseback transactions, restricted payments, transactions with affiliates,
restrictions on dividends and other payment restrictions affecting restricted subsidiaries, negative pledges, and modifications to
certain agreements. The 2031 Notes Indenture also requires that the Company maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter,
at least $30.0 million of Qualified Cash (as defined in the 2031 Notes Indenture). The 2027 Notes Indenture and the 2031 Notes
Indenture include customary events of default.
The 2027 Notes have two components: (i) a debt component, and (ii) an equity component. As of December 31, 2024 and
2023, the debt component of the 2027 Notes was recorded at carrying value in the Consolidated balance sheets. The carrying
100
value of the 2027 Notes reflected the balance of the unamortized discount related to the value of the conversion feature assessed
at inception and did not approximate fair value as of December 31, 2024. The 2027 Notes were classified as Level 2, and based
on unadjusted quoted prices in the active market obtained from third-party pricing services, the Company determined that the
estimated fair value of the 2027 Notes was $44.6 million as of December 31, 2024, and was primarily affected by fluctuations
in market interest rates and the price of the Company's Common Stock.
In connection with the Convertible Notes Exchange, for the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized a
gain on extinguishment of $114.6 million and a write-off of unamortized original issue discount and unamortized deferred
financing costs of $50.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. As a result of the Convertible Notes Exchange, the Company
recorded a reduction in Additional paid-in capital of $237.5 million in the Consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, the conversion feature remaining in Additional paid-in capital was $42.0 million, net of tax. The
remaining 2027 Notes are convertible into 7.6 million shares of Common Stock, based on the initial conversion price of $5.00
per share.
The 2031 Notes have two components: (i) a debt component, and (ii) an equity component. The debt component of the
2031 Notes was recorded at its principal value at issuance, and as of December 31, 2024 was recorded at its carrying value in
the Consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2024, the 2031 Notes were classified as Level 2 and the carrying value of
the 2031 Notes approximated fair value.
The excess of the fair value over the principal value of the 2031 Notes was recorded in Additional Paid-in capital as the
2031 Notes were issued at a 50% premium. The equity component of the 2031 Notes was classified as Level 3, as it was
calculated based on the aggregate fair value of the 2031 Notes which used a binomial lattice model and assumptions based on
market information and historical data, and significant unobservable inputs. As of December 31, 2024, the amount of the equity
component recorded in Additional paid-in capital was $80.4 million, net of tax. The 2031 Notes are convertible into 44.7
million shares of Common Stock, based on the initial conversion price of $5.00 per share.
Pursuant to the Convertible Notes Exchange, original issue discount and deferred financing costs of $3.6 million and $2.9
million, respectively, will be amortized over the 7-year contractual life of the 2031 Notes, and the Company also continues to
defer $1.6 million of original issue discount from the 2027 Notes over the 7-year contractual life of the 2031 Notes.
Additionally, original issue discount and deferred financing costs of $4.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively, related to the
remaining 2027 Notes will continue to be amortized over the remaining contractual life of the 2027 Notes.
In connection with the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company
recognized interest expense of $26.2 million and $29.1 million, respectively, and paid cash interest of $27.4 million and $29.1
million, respectively. In connection with the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023,
the Company recognized amortization of original issue discount of $11.9 million and $13.4 million, respectively, and
amortization of deferred financing costs of $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The effective interest rate on the debt
component of the 2027 Notes was 10.50% as of December 31, 2024. The effective interest rate on the debt component of the
2031 Notes was 6.60% as of December 31, 2024.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, no shares of Common Stock were issued upon conversion, exercise, or satisfaction
of the required conditions of the 2027 Notes or the 2031 Notes. Refer to Note 12 — Supplemental equity and other information
for details on the impact of the 2027 Notes and the 2031 Notes to diluted earnings per share under the if-converted method.
Senior Convertible Notes due 2024
The $3.3 million principal value of the remaining 4.75% convertible senior notes was repaid on April 15, 2024 (the "2024
Notes"). As of December 31, 2023, the 2024 Notes were reported within the Current portion of long-term debt and were
recorded at carrying value, which approximated fair value, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and were classified as
Level 2.
101
Future debt obligation payments
Future debt obligation payments for the year ended December 31, are as follows:
In millions
Principal payments
2025
$
68.0
2026
68.0
2027
106.1
2028
68.0
2029 and thereafter
801.7
Total debt obligations
$
1,111.8
NOTE 9 — Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans
We, along with our subsidiaries, sponsor various defined benefit retirement plans, including plans established under
collective bargaining agreements. Our retirement plans include the (i) Gannett Retirement Plan (the "GR Plan"), (ii) Gannett
Retirement Plan for Certain Union Employees (the "Gannett CUE Plan"), (iii) Newsquest Scheme in the U.K. (the "U.K.
Pension Plan"), (iv) Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan (the "Detroit Plan"), (v) George W. Prescott Publishing Company
Pension Plan (the "GWP Plan") and (vi) Times Publishing Company Defined Benefit Pension Plan (the "TPC Plan"). The GWP
Plan was amended to freeze all future benefit accruals by December 31, 2008, except for a select group of union employees
whose benefits were frozen in 2009, the GR Plan was amended to freeze all future benefit accruals by August 1, 2008, except
for a select group of unions and the TPC Plan was frozen as of May 31, 2007, prior to the Company's acquisition of the TPC
Plan.
The Company also maintains several postretirement medical and life insurance plans which cover certain employees. We
also provide health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees who meet age and service requirements. Most
of our retirees contribute to the cost of these benefits and retiree contributions are increased as actual benefit costs increase. The
cost of providing retiree health care and life insurance benefits is actuarially determined. Our policy is to fund benefits as claims
and premiums are paid. We use a December 31 measurement date for these plans.
The following table presents the change in the projected benefit obligation for the years ended December 31:
Pension benefits
Postretirement benefits
In thousands
2024
2023
2024
2023
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period
$
1,658,045
$
1,642,180
$
41,719
$
47,043
Service cost
998
1,366
35
40
Interest cost
81,500
84,449
2,120
2,334
Change in prior service cost
—
—
—
(3,307)
Actuarial (gain) loss
(101,025)
21,769
(286)
109
Foreign currency translation
(8,174)
33,973
—
—
Benefits and expenses paid
(127,368)
(125,692)
(4,581)
(4,500)
Curtailment
119
—
—
—
Settlement
(964)
—
—
—
Projected benefit obligation at end of period
$
1,503,131
$
1,658,045
$
39,007
$
41,719
102
Pension benefits
Postretirement benefits
In thousands
2024
2023
2024
2023
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
$
1,783,898
$
1,720,810
$
—
$
—
Actual return on plan assets
5,620
150,371
—
—
Employer contributions
7,949
1,441
4,581
4,500
Settlement
(964)
—
—
—
Benefits paid
(127,368)
(125,692)
(4,581)
(4,500)
Foreign currency translation
(9,433)
36,968
—
—
Fair value of plan assets at end of period
$
1,659,702
$
1,783,898
$
—
$
—
Funded status at end of period
156,571
125,853
(39,007)
(41,719)
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)
76,547
90,813
(11,929)
(13,555)
Unrecognized prior service cost
1,491
1,581
(2,169)
(2,738)
Net prepaid (accrued) benefit cost
234,609
218,247
(53,105)
(58,012)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, are listed below:
Pension benefits
Postretirement benefits
In thousands
2024
2023
2024
2023
Other assets
$
160,343
$
131,881
$
—
$
—
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
277
282
4,682
4,804
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
3,495
5,746
34,325
36,915
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(78,038)
(92,394)
14,098
16,293
Net prepaid (accrued) benefit cost
$
234,609
$
218,247
$
(53,105) $
(58,012)
Accumulated pension benefit obligations were $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2024 and 2023,
respectively. For the Funded plans, the fair value of plan assets exceeds both the projected benefit obligation and accumulated
benefit obligation. For the Underfunded plans, the projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation exceed the
fair value of plan assets. The following table presents information about funded and underfunded pension plans at December
31:
Funded plans
Underfunded plans
In thousands
2024
2023
2024
2023
Projected benefit obligation
$
1,457,351
$
1,602,112
$
45,780 $
55,933
Accumulated benefit obligation
1,456,629
1,601,306
45,780
55,933
Fair value of plan assets
1,617,694
1,733,993
42,008
49,905
Net periodic benefit cost and amounts recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss)
The combined net pension and postretirement expense (benefit) recognized in the Consolidated statements of operations
and comprehensive income (loss) was $11.4 million, $8.0 million, and $57.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024,
2023, and 2022, respectively.
The following table presents the change in the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31, and the plans'
funded status at December 31:
103
Pension benefits
Postretirement benefits
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Operating expenses:
Service cost - benefits earned during the
period
$
998
$
1,366
$
1,754
$
35
$
40 $
77
Non-operating expenses:
Interest cost on benefit obligations
81,500
84,449
71,733
2,120
2,334
1,770
Expected return on plan assets
(96,726)
(95,358)
(131,295)
—
—
—
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)
2,926
2,185
89
(1,912)
(2,490)
(589)
Amortization of prior service costs
69
67
66
(569)
(569)
—
Settlement loss (gain)
35
—
(727)
—
—
—
Curtailment
119
—
—
—
—
—
Total non-operating (benefit) expense
(12,077)
(8,657)
(60,134)
(361)
(725)
1,181
Total (benefit) expense for retirement plans
$
(11,079) $
(7,291) $
(58,380) $
(326) $
(685) $
1,258
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other
comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial (gain) loss
$
(9,919) $
(33,244) $
199,374
$
(286) $
109 $
(14,092)
Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain
(2,926)
(2,185)
(89)
1,912
2,490
589
Change in prior service cost
—
—
—
—
(3,307)
—
Amortization of prior service costs
(69)
(67)
(66)
569
569
—
Settlement (loss) gain
(35)
—
—
—
—
—
Equity method investments
(116)
(610)
—
—
—
—
Other
(1,405)
7,415
(5,283)
—
—
—
(Gain) loss recognized in Other comprehensive
income (loss)
$
(14,470) $
(28,691) $
193,936
$
2,195
$
(139) $
(13,503)
Assumptions
The following assumptions were used in connection with the Company's actuarial valuation of its pension plans and
postretirement benefit obligations at December 31:
Pension benefits
Postretirement benefits
2024
2023
2024
2023
Weighted average discount rate
5.7 %
5.1 %
5.8 %
5.4 %
Rate of increase in future compensation levels(a)
2.0 %
2.0 %
N/A
N/A
Current year medical trend
N/A
N/A
7.5 %
6.3 %
Ultimate year medical trend
N/A
N/A
4.5 %
4.5 %
Year of ultimate trend
N/A
N/A
2037
2031
(a) Relates only to the Newspaper Guild of Detroit defined benefit pension plans.
The following assumptions were used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost for the Company's pension plans and
postretirement benefit obligations at December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022:
Pension benefits
Postretirement benefits
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
Weighted average discount rate
5.1 %
5.4 %
3.8 %
5.4 %
5.7 %
3.0 %
Rate of increase in future compensation levels(a)
2.0 %
2.0 %
2.0 %
N/A
N/A
N/A
Weighted average expected return on assets
5.6 %
5.7 %
4.8 %
N/A
N/A
N/A
Current year medical trend
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.3 %
6.5 %
6.0 %
Ultimate year medical trend
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5 %
4.5 %
4.5 %
Year of ultimate trend
N/A
N/A
N/A
2031
2031
2028
(a) Relates only to the Newspaper Guild of Detroit defined benefit pension plans.
The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost and amounts recognized in Other comprehensive
income (loss) at December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022:
104
Target
allocation
Allocation of plan assets
2025
2024
2023
Equity securities
17%
21%
24%
Debt securities
71%
62%
57%
Alternative investments(a)
12%
17%
19%
Total
100%
100%
100%
(a) Alternative investments include real estate, private equity and hedge funds.
Purchase of pension annuity contract
On August 31, 2022, Gannett Media Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as sponsor of the GR Plan, entered
into an agreement pursuant to which the GR Plan used a portion of its assets to purchase annuities from two insurance
companies (the "Insurers") and transferred approximately $450 million of the GR Plan's pension liabilities and related pension
assets. As of August 31, 2022, this agreement irrevocably transferred to the Insurers future GR Plan benefit obligations for
certain U.S. retirees and beneficiaries ("Participants") beginning with payments due to the Participants on November 1, 2022
(the "Effective Date") and Gannett Media Corp. has no financial responsibility for the Participants' benefits on or after such
date. As of the Effective Date, the Insurers assumed responsibility for administrative and customer service support, including
distribution of payments to the Participants. Participants' benefits were not reduced as a result of this transaction. As a result of
this transaction, we were required to remeasure the related plan benefit obligations and assets as of August 31, 2022 reflecting
the use of an updated discount rate. The plan remeasurement resulted in a decrease of $99.9 million to our net funded pension
obligation, which included a decrease in benefit obligation of $281.8 million (primarily due to an increase in the discount rate
from 2.95% at January 1, 2022 to 5.05%) and an incremental decrease in plan assets of $381.7 million. In addition, we
recognized a noncash pension settlement gain of $0.7 million ($0.5 million after tax) for the GR Plan for the year ended
December 31, 2022, which represented the accelerated recognition of actuarial gains that were included in accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders' equity.
Contributions
We are contractually obligated to contribute to our pension and postretirement benefit plans. During the year ended
December 31, 2024, we contributed $7.9 million and $4.6 million to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively.
Beginning with the quarter ended December 31, 2022, and ending with the quarter ending September 30, 2024, the GR Plan's
appointed actuary certified the GR Plan's funded status for each quarter (the "Quarterly Certification") in accordance with U.S.
GAAP. If the GR Plan was less than 100% funded, the Company would have been required to make a $1.0 million contribution
to the GR Plan no later than 60 days following the receipt of the Quarterly Certification. The Company's obligation to make
additional contractual contributions terminated the day following the date that a contractual contribution would have been due
for the quarter ending September 30, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the GR Plan was more than 100% funded.
Future contributions to our pension and postretirement benefit plans, which we are contractually obligated to contribute, are
estimated to be $6.6 million in 2025. Contributions beyond 2025 are not estimated due to uncertainties regarding significant
assumptions involved in estimating these contributions, such as interest rate levels, as well as the amount and timing of invested
asset returns. These future contributions do not include additional contributions which may be required to meet Internal
Revenue Service ("IRS") minimum funding standards as these contributions are subject to uncertainties regarding significant
assumptions involved in their estimation such as interest rate levels as well as the amount and timing of invested asset returns.
To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, the Company considers the current and expected
asset allocations as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets, input from the actuaries and
investment consultants, and long-term inflation assumptions. The expected allocation of pension plan assets is based on a
diversified portfolio consisting of domestic and international equity securities and fixed income securities. This expected return
is then applied to the fair value of plan assets. The Company amortizes experienced gains and losses, including the effects of
changes in actuarial assumptions and plan provisions, over a period equal to the average future service of plan participants or
over the average remaining life expectancy of inactive participants. The Company updates the estimates used to measure the
defined benefit pension assets and obligations annually or upon a remeasurement event.
The fiduciaries of the pension plans set investment policies and strategies for the pension trusts. Objectives include
preserving the funded status of the plan and balancing risk against return.
The weighted average target asset allocation of our plans for 2025 and allocations at the end of 2024 and 2023, by asset
category, are presented in the table below:
105
Estimated future benefit payments
We estimate making the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service:
In thousands
Pension
benefits
Postretirement
benefits
2025
$
134,982
$
4,815
2026
133,856
4,536
2027
133,474
4,269
2028
130,646
4,010
2029
128,982
3,764
Thereafter
554,288
15,549
The amounts above exclude the participants' share of the benefit cost. We expect no subsidy benefits for 2025 and beyond.
Multiemployer plans
The Company is a participant in six multiemployer pension plans covering certain employees with collective bargaining
agreements ("CBAs"). The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the
following aspects:
•
The Company plays no part in the management of plan investments or any other aspect of plan administration;
•
Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other
participating employers;
•
If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the
remaining participating employers; and
•
If the Company chooses to stop participating in some of its multiemployer plans, the Company may be required to pay
those plans in an amount based on the unfunded status of the plan, referred to as withdrawal liability.
The Company's participation in these plans for the year ended December 31, 2024, is outlined in the table below. The
"EIN/Pension Plan Number" column provides the Employee Identification Number ("EIN") and the three-digit plan number.
Unless otherwise noted, the two most recent Pension Protection Act zone statuses available are for the plans for the years ended
December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The zone status is based on information the Company received from the plan and is
certified by the plan's actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded; plans in the
orange zone are both (i) less than 80% funded and (ii) have an accumulated/expected funding deficiency in any of the next six
plan years, net of any amortization extensions; plans in the yellow zone meet either one of the criteria mentioned in the orange
zone; and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The "FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented" column indicates plans
for which a financial improvement plan ("FIP") or a rehabilitation plan ("RP") is either pending or has been implemented. The
last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject. The Company
makes all required contributions to these plans as determined under the respective CBAs. For each of the plans listed below, the
Company's contribution represented less than 5% of total contributions to the plan.
106
EIN/Plan
number
Zone status
Year Ended
FIP/RP status
pending/
implemented
Contributions
(In thousands)
Surcharge
imposed
Expiration
dates of CBAs
Pension Plan Name
December
31, 2024
December
31, 2023
2024
2023
2022
CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan
13-6212879/001
Red
Red
Implemented
$ 160 $ 255 $ 276
No
December 31,
2025 and
March 30,
2026
GCIU—Employer Retirement Benefit
Plan(a)
91-6024903/001
Red
Red
Implemented
46
41
42
No
12/31/2025
The Newspaper Guild International
Pension Plan(a)
52-1082662/001
Red
Red
Implemented
9
14
15
Yes
10/6/2021
IAM National Pension Plan(a) (b)
51-6031295/002
Red
Red
Implemented
118
147
177
Yes
January 6,
2026 and
January 8,
2026
Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of
Philadelphia and Vicinity(a)
23-1511735/001
Green as
of Apr.
29, 2024
Green as
of Apr.
30, 2023
N/A
998
965 1,249
N/A
8/31/2025
Central Pension Fund of the International
Union of Operating Engineers and
Participating Employers(a)
36-6052390/001
Green
Green
N/A
53
58
56
N/A
1/9/2026
Total
$ 1,384 $ 1,480 $ 1,815
(a) This plan has elected to utilize special amortization provisions provided under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension
Relief Act of 2010.
(b) The trustees of this plan have voluntarily elected to put the fund in critical status to strengthen its funding position.
As of December 31, 2024, the total unpaid balance for the Company's withdrawal liabilities was approximately $55.6
million, which are payable over 13.9 years. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded $24.5 million related to
withdrawal liabilities which were expensed as a result of ceasing contributions to multiemployer pension plans in which we
formerly participated.
Defined contribution plans
Employees are immediately eligible to participate in the Gannett Media Corp. 401(k) Savings Plan (the "Gannett 401(k)
Plan") and can elect to save up to 75% of compensation on a pre-tax basis, subject to IRS limitations. Effective January 1, 2021,
employees covered under collective bargaining agreements are eligible to participate in the Gannett 401(k) Plan only if
participation has been bargained, unless previously eligible in the New Media Investment Group Inc. Retirement Savings Plan.
In October 2022, matching contributions to the Gannett 401(k) Plan, with the exception of certain employees covered under
collective bargaining agreements, were suspended. Prior to the suspension of matching contributions in October 2022, the
matching formula was 100% of the first 4% of employee contributions and 50% on the next 2% of employee contributions of
eligible pay. Beginning in July 2024, matching contributions to the Gannett 401(k) Plan were reinstated, and the current
matching formula is 25% of the first 4% of employee contributions of eligible pay. For the years ended December 31, 2024,
2023, and 2022, the Company's matching contributions were $3.3 million, $0.8 million and $13.5 million, respectively.
NOTE 10 — Fair value measurement
In accordance with ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement," fair value measurements are required to be disclosed using a
three-tiered fair value hierarchy which distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the
Company's own assumptions (unobservable inputs). Level 1 refers to fair values determined based on quoted prices in active
markets for identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant other observable inputs and
Level 3 includes fair values estimated using significant unobservable inputs.
As of December 31, 2024, and 2023, assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and measured on a recurring basis
primarily consist of pension plan assets. As permitted by U.S. GAAP, we use net asset values ("NAV") as a practical expedient
to determine the fair value of certain investments. These investments measured at NAV have not been classified in the fair
value hierarchy.
The Company's debt is recorded on the Consolidated balance sheets at carrying value. Refer to Note 8 — Debt for
additional discussion regarding fair value of the Company's debt instruments.
Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on
an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of
107
In thousands
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
10,989
$
1,695
$
—
$
12,684
Corporate common stock
66,725
—
—
66,725
Corporate and government bonds
—
231,518
—
231,518
Real estate
—
—
124,790
124,790
Mutual funds
20,430
—
—
20,430
Exchange traded funds
23,215
—
—
23,215
Interest in common/collective trusts:
Equities
—
255,382
—
255,382
Fixed income
—
721,506
—
721,506
Partnership/joint venture interests
—
—
171,476
171,476
Total plan assets at fair value excluding those measured at NAV
$
121,359
$
1,210,101
$
296,266
$
1,627,726
Instruments measured at NAV using the practical expedient:
Real estate funds
8,814
Interest in common/collective trusts - fixed income
23,163
Partnerships/joint ventures
1,675
Total plan assets at fair value
$
1,661,378
Liabilities:
Other liabilities
$
(1,676) $
—
$
—
$
(1,676)
Total plan liabilities at fair value
$
(1,676) $
—
$
—
$
(1,676)
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension plan assets for the year ended
December 31, 2024:
Actual return on plan
assets
In thousands
Balance at
beginning
of year
Relating to
assets still
held at
report date
Relating to
assets sold/
redeemed
during the
period
Purchases
Sales
Settlements
Balance at
end of
year
Assets:
Real estate
$
133,503
$
(2,039) $
— $
—
$
(6,674) $
—
$
124,790
Partnership/joint venture interests
169,932
(10,044)
—
39,243
(23,899)
(3,756)
171,476
Hedge funds
48,695
—
7
—
—
(48,702)
—
Total assets
$
352,130
$
(12,083) $
7 $
39,243
$
(30,573) $
(52,458) $
296,266
There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 for the year ended December 31, 2024.
impairment). Assets held for sale (Level 3), which are recorded in Other current assets on the Consolidated financial statements,
are measured on a nonrecurring basis and are evaluated using executed purchase agreements, letters of intent or third-party
valuation analyses when certain circumstances arise. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had assets held for sale
of $1.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
The Company performs its annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment assessment during the fourth quarter
of the year. Any resulting asset impairment would require that the asset be recorded at its fair value. The resulting fair value
measurements of the assets are considered to be Level 3 measurements. Refer to Note 6 — Goodwill and intangible assets for
additional discussion regarding the annual impairment assessment.
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the fair values of assets related to the following
pension plans: the (i) GR Plan, (ii) Gannett CUE Plan, (iii) U.K. Pension Plan, (iv) Detroit Plan (v) GWP Plan, and (vi) TPC
Plan as of December 31, 2024:
Pension Plan Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2024
108
In thousands
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
11,524
$
1,899
$
—
$
13,423
Corporate common stock
98,309
—
—
98,309
Corporate and government bonds
—
253,403
—
253,403
Real estate
—
—
133,503
133,503
Mutual funds
22,764
—
—
22,764
Exchange traded funds
21,050
—
—
21,050
Interest in common/collective trusts:
Equities
—
296,624
—
296,624
Fixed income
—
691,479
—
691,479
Partnership/joint venture interests
—
—
169,932
169,932
Hedge funds
—
—
48,695
48,695
Total plan assets at fair value, excluding those measured at NAV $
153,647
$
1,243,405
$
352,130
$
1,749,182
Assets measured at NAV using the practical expedient:
Real estate funds
9,576
Interest in common/collective trusts - fixed income
23,396
Partnership/joint venture interests
3,213
Total plan assets at fair value
$
1,785,367
Liabilities:
Other liabilities
$
(1,469) $
—
$
—
$
(1,469)
Total plan liabilities at fair value
$
(1,469) $
—
$
—
$
(1,469)
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension plan assets and liabilities for
the year ended December 31, 2023:
Actual return on plan
assets
In thousands
Balance at
beginning
of year
Relating to
assets still
held at
report date
Relating to
assets sold
during the
period
Purchases
Sales
Settlements
Balance at
end of
year
Assets:
Real estate
$
132,593
$
2,683
$
—
$
13
$
(1,786) $
—
$
133,503
Partnership/joint venture interests
166,184
4,164
—
30,714
(25,917)
(5,213)
169,932
Hedge funds
63,054
3,141
—
—
—
(17,500)
48,695
Other assets
2
—
—
—
—
(2)
—
Total assets
$
361,833
$
9,988
$
—
$
30,727
$ (27,703) $
(22,715) $
352,130
Liabilities:
Other liabilities
$
2,008
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
(2,008) $
—
There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Valuation methodologies used for pension plan assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:
•
Corporate common stock is valued primarily at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual
securities are traded;
•
Corporate bonds are a type of debt security issued by a corporation and are primarily valued using trades or quotes in
secondary markets for that specific issue or similar security;
•
Investments in direct real estate in the U.K. have been valued by an independent qualified valuation professional in the
U.K. using a valuation approach that capitalizes any current or future income streams at an appropriate multiplier.
Investments in real estate funds are mainly valued utilizing the net asset valuations provided by the underlying private
investment companies or through proprietary models with varying degrees of complexity;
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the fair values of assets and liabilities related to the
following pension plans: the (i) GR Plan, (ii) U.K. Pension Plan, (iii) Detroit Plan (iv) GWP Plan, and (v) TPC Plan as of
December 31, 2023:
Pension Plan Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2023
109
•
Mutual funds are valued at the daily closing price as reported by the fund. Mutual funds held are open ended funds that
are registered with the SEC. These funds are required to publish their NAV and to transact at that price. The mutual
funds held are deemed to be actively traded;
•
Exchange traded funds are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities
are traded;
•
Interests in common/collective trusts are primarily equity and fixed income investments valued using the NAV
provided by the administrator of the underlying fund available daily to the administrator of the respective plan. Where
the daily NAV is not provided, interests in common/collective trusts are valued either through the use of a NAV as
provided monthly by the fund family or fund company or through proprietary models with varying degrees of
complexity. Shares in the common/collective trusts are generally redeemable upon request;
•
Investments in partnerships and joint venture interests classified in Level 3 are valued considering items such as
expected cash flows, changes in market outlook and subsequent rounds of financing. These investments are included in
Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because exit prices tend to be unobservable and reliance is placed on the above
methods. Most of the partnerships are general leveraged buyout funds, others include a venture capital fund, a fund
formed to invest in special credit opportunities, an infrastructure fund and a real estate fund. Interest in partnership
investments could be sold on the secondary market but cannot be redeemed. Instead, distributions are received as the
underlying assets of the funds are liquidated. As of both December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were $3.1 million and
$3.3 million, respectively, in unfunded commitments related to partnership/joint venture interests. One of the
investments in partnerships and joint venture interests represents a limited partnership commingled fund valued using
the NAV as reported by the fund manager; and
•
Investments in hedge funds consist of hedge funds whose strategy is to produce a return uncorrelated with market
movements. This fund is classified as a Level 3 because its valuation is derived from unobservable inputs. Shares in
the hedge funds are generally redeemable twice a year or on the last business day of each quarter with at least 60 days
written notice subject to a potential 5% holdback.
We review appraised values, audited financial statements and additional information to evaluate fair value estimates from
our investment managers and/or fund administrator.
NOTE 11 — Income taxes
The following table outlines the Company's Loss before income taxes:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
Domestic
$
(128,806) $
(55,073) $
(121,840)
Foreign
51,133
48,908
44,934
Loss before income taxes
$
(77,673) $
(6,165) $
(76,906)
The following table outlines the Company's (Benefit) provision for income taxes:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
Current:
Federal
$
(15,979) $
(311) $
(3,579)
State and local
1,780
1,705
804
Foreign
7,671
8,821
1,575
Total current
(6,528)
10,215
(1,200)
Deferred:
Federal
(38,805)
6,436
(692)
State and local
(2,493)
399
(5,868)
Foreign
(3,460)
4,679
9,109
Total deferred
(44,758)
11,514
2,549
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
$
(51,286) $
21,729
$
1,349
110
The effective tax rate varies from the federal statutory tax rate as a result of the following differences:
Year ended December 31,
In percentage
2024
2023
2022
Federal statutory tax rate
21.0 %
21.0 %
21.0 %
(Increase) decrease in taxes resulting from:
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit
(0.5)
3.6
6.0
Debt refinancing
37.8
—
—
Change in valuation allowance
(0.2)
(130.0)
(30.9)
Foreign tax rates differences
(1.0)
(9.2)
0.4
Non-deductible parking
(0.1)
(2.5)
(0.2)
Non-deductible meals, entertainment
(1.0)
(12.8)
(0.9)
(Loss) gain on foreign exchange rate
(0.6)
2.4
0.4
Stock compensation shortfall
(1.2)
(24.2)
(0.2)
Partnership permanent differences
(0.1)
(2.0)
(0.1)
Tegna indemnification release
—
(2.8)
(0.7)
Foreign entities loss adjustments
(1.4)
(1.3)
(1.6)
Newsquest permanent differences
(0.7)
(7.6)
(0.1)
Nondeductible compensation
(1.0)
(13.4)
(2.3)
Provision to return and deferred tax adjustments
5.2
(45.1)
5.4
Global intangible low-taxed income
(10.0)
(112.7)
(4.6)
Branch income
1.2
5.4
1.2
Profit on non-qualifying land and buildings
0.2
0.2
0.1
Uncertain tax positions
19.0
(134.5)
(2.6)
Deduction for interest expense
—
102.7
8.5
Impact of non-deductible goodwill
(0.5)
—
—
Other expenses
(0.1)
10.3
(0.6)
Effective tax rate
66.0 %
NM
(1.8) %
NM indicates not meaningful.
Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 66.0%. The tax benefit for 2024 was primarily impacted by
the release of uncertain tax position reserves related to an IRS audit, the release of foreign valuation allowances, debt
refinancing transactions and the pre-tax book loss, partially offset by the increase in valuation allowances on non-deductible
U.S. interest expense carryforwards and the global intangible low-taxed income inclusion.
Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 was not meaningful. The tax provision for 2023 was primarily
impacted by the valuation allowances on non-deductible U.S. interest expense carryforwards, the global intangible low-taxed
income inclusion, the release of uncertain tax positions in the U.S., and the reduction in the blended state tax rate, which were
offset by the tax benefit of the pre-tax book loss.
111
December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
Deferred tax assets:
Fixed assets
$
4,474
$
—
Accrued compensation costs
13,167
12,900
Accrued liabilities
17,787
14,676
Disallowed interest
121,110
115,030
Goodwill
162
3,200
Capitalized research and development costs
11,572
9,743
Partnership investments
4,961
4,231
Loss carryforwards
203,602
224,505
Lease liabilities
50,826
58,828
Other
15,130
17,257
Total deferred tax assets
$
442,791
$
460,370
Less: Valuation allowances
(304,673)
(312,038)
Total net deferred tax assets
$
138,118
$
148,332
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets
$
—
$
(5,565)
Right of use asset
(43,157)
(60,384)
Convertible debt
(22,472)
(18,441)
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
(9,380)
(8,388)
Definite and indefinite lived intangible assets
(7,054)
(20,457)
Total deferred tax liabilities
$
(82,063) $
(113,235)
Net deferred tax assets
$
56,055
$
35,097
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considered whether it is more likely than not that some
portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the
generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. During the
year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a reduction of $7.4 million of valuation allowances against its deferred
tax assets. The decrease in the valuation allowance was primarily due to a decrease of $10.9 million related to foreign valuation
allowances and various other decreases in the valuation allowance of $3.2 million, partially offset by an increase in the U.S.
disallowed interest expense carryforward of $6.1 million and an increase related to currency translation adjustments of
$0.6 million. The Company considered the available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the
weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was needed. The Company reached the conclusion it was
appropriate to record a valuation allowance against a portion of its federal deferred tax assets based on available evidence. We
relied on evidence shown by reversing taxable temporary differences, as well as expectations of future taxable income with the
appropriate tax character.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded an additional $12.0 million of valuation allowances
against its deferred tax assets. The increase in the valuation allowance is primarily due to increases in the U.S. disallowed
interest expense carryforward, decreases in foreign valuation allowances, and increases related to currency translation
adjustment. The Company continues to maintain its existing valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets in many of its
state and foreign jurisdictions as it is not believed to be more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized in such
jurisdictions.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for the year ended
December 31, 2024 (In thousands):
The tax effects of each type of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to significant portions of our deferred
tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:
112
Balance at
beginning of period
Additions/
(reductions)
charged to expenses
Additions/
(reductions) for
acquisitions/
dispositions
Other additions to
(deductions from)
reserves
Foreign currency
translation
Balance at end of
period
$
312,037
$
(7,985) $
—
$
—
$
620
$
304,672
The aforementioned valuation allowance relates to indefinite-lived intangible assets, nondeductible interest expense
carryforwards, capital losses, state and foreign net operating losses and other tax attributes.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $396.2 million of Federal net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards, $500.9
million of Federal disallowed business interest expense carryforwards, $1.058 billion of apportioned state NOL carryforwards
and $184.7 million of foreign net NOL carryforwards. Additionally, as of December 31, 2024, the Company had $6.2 million of
other business tax credits, $0.2 million of foreign tax credits, $4.7 million of state credits and $43.2 million of foreign capital
loss carryforwards. The Federal NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2033, and the state NOL carryforwards began to expire
in 2024. The foreign NOLs begin to expire in 2030. The tax credits began to expire in 2024. A portion of the NOLs are subject
to the limitations of the Internal Revenue Code Section 382. This section provides limitations on the availability of NOL
carryforwards to offset income if a corporation undergoes an "ownership change," generally defined as a greater than 50%
change in equity ownership over a three-year period. The most recent analysis of our historical ownership change was
completed through December 31, 2024. Based on the analysis, we do not anticipate a current limitation on tax attributes.
The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the federal tax benefit of state
tax deductions:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
Change in unrecognized tax benefits:
Balance at beginning of year
$
52,821
$
43,697
$
46,082
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
837
7,017
5,411
Additions for tax positions of prior years
8
1,327
—
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
(11,261)
(652)
(2,664)
Reductions due to lapsed statutes of limitations
(137)
(208)
(2,264)
Foreign currency translation
(541)
1,640
(2,868)
Balance at end of year
$
41,727
$
52,821
$
43,697
At December 31, 2024, the Company's uncertain tax positions of $41.7 million, if recognized, would impact the effective
tax rate. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company released $11.3 million of the uncertain tax position reserves
and $4.8 million of interest and penalties related to an IRS audit in the second quarter of 2024. The Company recognizes
interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2024 and
2023, the amount of accrued interest and penalties payable related to uncertain tax positions was $0.1 million and $4.6 million,
respectively.
The Company files a federal consolidated income tax return for which the statute of limitations remains open for any year
in which a net operating loss is utilized, which for the Company is the 2011 tax year and subsequent years. U.S. state
jurisdictions have statute of limitations generally ranging from 3 to 6 years. On November 19, 2019, New Media Investment
Group Inc. ("New Media") completed its acquisition of Gannett Co., Inc. (which was renamed Gannett Media Corp. and is
referred to as "Legacy Gannett"). During the second quarter of 2024, the Company closed the federal income tax return audit
for calendar years 2015-2017 for Legacy Gannett. The U.K. income tax returns for calendar years 2018-2021 for Newsquest
Capital Ltd. are under audit. The statute of limitations for the Company's U.K. income tax return remains open for tax years for
2023 and forward.
113
The following table sets forth the information to compute basic and diluted loss per share:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands, except per share data
2024
2023
2022
Net loss attributable to Gannett
$
(26,354) $
(27,791) $
(78,002)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
142,516
139,633
136,903
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
142,516
139,633
136,903
Loss per share attributable to Gannett - basic
$
(0.18) $
(0.20) $
(0.57)
Loss per share attributable to Gannett - diluted
$
(0.18) $
(0.20) $
(0.57)
The Company excluded the following securities from the computation of diluted loss per share because their effect would
have been antidilutive:
Year ended December 31,
In thousands
2024
2023
2022
2027 Notes(a)
7,612
97,057
97,057
2031 Notes(b)
44,745
—
—
Restricted stock grants(c)
7,267
8,608
8,616
Stock options
5,416
6,068
6,068
Warrants(d)
—
—
845
(a) Represents the total number of shares that would have been convertible as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 as stipulated in the 2027 Notes Indenture.
(b) Represents the total number of shares that would have been convertible as of December 31, 2024 as stipulated in the 2031 Notes Indenture.
(c) Includes restricted stock awards ("RSA"), restricted stock units ("RSU") and performance stock units ("PSU").
(d) The warrants expired on November 26, 2023.
The 2027 Notes and 2031 Notes may be converted at any time by the Holders into cash, shares of the Company's Common
Stock or any combination of cash and Common Stock, at the Company's election. Conversion of all of the 2027 Notes and 2031
Notes into Common Stock (assuming the maximum increase in the conversion rate as a result of a Make-Whole Fundamental
Change but no other adjustments to the conversion rate), would result in the issuance of an aggregate of 22.5 million shares of
Common Stock and 143.9 million shares of Common Stock, respectively. The Company has excluded from the loss per share
calculation approximately 14.9 million shares related to the possible conversion of the 2027 Notes and 99.1 million shares
related to the possible conversion of the 2031 Notes, representing the difference between the total number of shares that would
be convertible at December 31, 2024 and the total number of shares issuable assuming the maximum increase in the conversion
rate.
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expense was $12.5 million, $16.6 million, and $16.8 million for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Total compensation cost not yet recognized related to non-vested
awards as of December 31, 2024 was $15.1 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of
approximately 2.1 years through January 2027.
Equity awards
On June 5, 2023, the Company's 2023 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2023 Incentive Plan") was approved by the Company's
stockholders and became effective. The 2023 Incentive Plan replaced the Company's 2020 Omnibus Incentive Compensation
Plan (the "2020 Incentive Plan"), which had replaced the Company's 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2015
NOTE 12 — Supplemental equity and other information
Loss per share
114
The following table outlines RSA activity:
Year ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Number
of RSAs
(In thousands)
Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
Number
of RSAs
(In thousands)
Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
Number
of RSAs
(In thousands)
Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
Unvested at beginning of year
8,456
$
3.09
8,616
$
4.40
6,949
$
4.32
Granted
272
4.04
5,171
1.87
7,427
4.29
Vested
(4,024)
3.57
(3,910)
4.11
(2,633)
4.63
Forfeited
(543)
3.01
(1,421)
3.68
(3,127)
3.75
Unvested at end of year
4,161
$
2.71
8,456
$
3.09
8,616
$
4.40
As of December 31, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic value of unvested RSAs was $21.1 million.
Restricted stock units ("RSUs") generally vest in equal annual installments over a three-year period subject to the
participants' continued employment with the Company and the terms of the applicable award agreement, and we recognize
compensation costs for these awards based on the fair market value of the award as of the grant date.
Performance stock units ("PSUs") are subject to the achievement of certain performance goals over the eligible period and
the terms of the applicable award agreement. Compensation cost ultimately recognized for these PSUs will equal the grant-date
fair market value of the unit that coincides with the actual outcome of the performance conditions. On an interim basis, we
record compensation cost based on the expected level of achievement of the performance conditions.
The following table outlines RSU and PSU activity:
Year ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Number
of RSUs &
PSUs
(In thousands)
Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
Number
of RSUs &
PSUs
(In thousands)
Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
Number
of RSUs &
PSUs
(In thousands)
Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value
Unvested at beginning of year
181
$
1.83
1,000
$
3.04
2,905 $
4.05
Granted(a)
3,074
4.15
332
1.83
332
4.63
Vested
—
—
(152)
3.04
(1,905)
4.58
Forfeited and canceled(b)
(141)
2.44
(999)
2.85
(332)
4.63
Unvested at end of year
3,114
$
4.10
181
$
1.83
1,000 $
3.04
(a) There were no RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(b) For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, the Company canceled 15 thousand, 900 thousand, and 332 thousand, respectively, of PSUs and
RSUs.
As of December 31, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic value of unvested RSUs and PSUs was $15.8 million.
Incentive Plan"), such that no further awards were or will be granted pursuant to the 2020 Incentive Plan and the 2015 Incentive
Plan.
With respect to restricted stock awards ("RSAs"), if service terminates for certain specified conditions, all unvested shares
of restricted stock may be forfeited. During the period prior to the lapse and removal of the vesting restrictions, a grantee of a
RSA will have all the rights of a stockholder, including without limitation, the right to vote and the right to receive dividends or
other distributions, if any. Any dividends or other distributions that are declared with respect to the shares of restricted stock
will be paid at the time such shares vest. The value of the RSAs on the date of issuance is recognized in Selling, general, and
administrative expenses over the vesting period with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in-capital. Beginning in 2023,
RSAs granted generally vest in equal annual installments over a three-year period subject to the participants' continued
employment with the Company and the terms of the applicable award agreements. RSAs granted prior to 2023 vest 33.3% on
the first and second anniversary of the date of grant, and 33.4% on the third anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the
participants' continued employment with the Company and the terms of the applicable award agreement.
115
Stock options
As of December 31, 2024, FIG LLC, the former manager of the Company, held stock options exercisable for 5,416
thousand shares of Common Stock, all of which are exercisable and had a weighted-average grant date fair value, weighted-
average exercise price and weighted-average remaining contractual term of $1.51, $14.45 and 3.6 years, respectively.
Cash awards
The Company grants certain employees either long-term cash awards ("LTCAs") or cash performance units ("CPUs").
CPUs generally vest and pay out in cash on the third anniversary of the grant date based upon the achievement of threshold
goals depending on actual performance against financial objectives over a three-year period. LTCAs generally vest and pay out
in cash on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. As of December 31, 2024, there was approximately
$14.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to cash awards.
Preferred stock
The Company has authorized 300,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, issuable in one or more series
designated by the Company's Board of Directors, none of which have been issued. There were no issuances of preferred stock
during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Stock repurchase program
On February 1, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million (the "Stock
Repurchase Program") of the Company's Common Stock. Repurchases may be made from time to time through open market
purchases or privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to one or more plans established pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or by means of one or more tender offers, in each case, as permitted by securities
laws and other legal requirements. The amount and timing of the purchases, if any, will depend on a number of factors,
including, but not limited to, the price and availability of the Company's shares, trading volume, capital availability, Company
performance and general economic and market conditions. The Stock Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued
at any time. Further, future repurchases under our Stock Repurchase Program may be subject to various conditions under the
terms of our various debt instruments and agreements, unless an exception is available or we obtain a waiver or similar relief.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we did not repurchase any shares of Common Stock under the Stock
Repurchase Program. As of December 31, 2024, the remaining authorized amount under the Stock Repurchase Program was
approximately $96.9 million.
116
In thousands
Pension and
postretirement
benefit plans
Foreign
currency
translation
Total
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
50,870
$
9,128
$
59,998
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
(136,352)
(24,008)
(160,360)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss(a) (b) (c)
(869)
—
(869)
Current period other comprehensive loss
(137,221)
(24,008)
(161,229)
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
(86,351) $
(14,880) $
(101,231)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
22,639
13,683
36,322
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(a) (b)
(632)
—
(632)
Current period other comprehensive income
22,007
13,683
35,690
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
(64,344) $
(1,197) $
(65,541)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
8,981
(14)
8,967
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(a) (b)
410
—
410
Current period other comprehensive income (loss)
9,391
(14)
9,377
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
(54,953) $
(1,211) $
(56,164)
(a) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component represents amortization of actuarial loss and is included in the computation of net periodic
benefit cost. See Note 9 — Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans.
(b) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are recorded net of income tax provision of $0.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 2024, and net of income tax benefits of $0.2 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(c) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) include a net pension settlement gain of $0.7 million ($0.5 million, net of tax) for
the year ended December 31, 2022. See Note 9 — Pensions and other postretirement benefit plans.
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
The following tables summarize the components of, and the changes in, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax:
117
NOTE 13 — Commitments, contingencies and other matters
Legal proceedings
The Company is and may become involved from time to time in legal proceedings in the ordinary course of its business,
including, but not limited to, matters such as libel, invasion of privacy, intellectual property infringement, wrongful termination
actions, complaints alleging employment discrimination, and regulatory investigations and inquiries. In addition, the Company
is involved from time to time in governmental and administrative proceedings concerning employment, labor, environmental,
and other claims. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these matters. Historically, such claims and
proceedings have not had a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.
We are also defendants in judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to our business. Although
the Company is unable to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, regulatory investigation or inquiry, in
the opinion of management, the Company does not expect its current and any threatened legal proceedings to have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial position or consolidated results of operations. Given the inherent
unpredictability of these types of proceedings, however, it is possible that future adverse outcomes could have a material effect
on the Company's financial results.
On June 20, 2023, the Company filed a civil action against Google LLC and Alphabet Inc. (together, "Google") in the U.S.
District Court in the Southern District of New York seeking injunctive relief and damages for the anticompetitive
monopolization of advertising technology markets and for deceptive commercial practices. The Company's complaint details
more than a dozen anticompetitive and deceptive acts that the Company believes demonstrate Google's unfair control and
manipulation of all sides of each online advertising transaction. The Company intends to vigorously pursue this action.
However, at this stage, the Company is unable to predict the outcome or impact on its business and financial results. The
Company is accounting for this matter as a gain contingency, and will record any such gain in future periods, if and when the
contingency is resolved, in accordance with ASC 450, "Contingencies." We do not expect pursuing this lawsuit to be a
significant cost to us; however, the Company has and plans to continue to engage certain experts to participate in this matter.
The cost of those experts will be expensed as incurred and is not expected to be material.
The Company was a defendant in a lawsuit titled Scott O. Sapulpa ("Plaintiff") v. Gannett Co., Inc. in the District Court in
the State of Oklahoma. In February 2024, a jury found for the Plaintiff and awarded compensatory damages of $5 million and
$20 million in punitive damages. While we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of this action, the Company filed
an appeal of the case in March 2024. We are currently unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss; however, we
believe that damages, if any, would be covered by the Company's insurance policies. As a result, we believe the outcome will
not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated financial statements.
Other
Purchase obligations
We have future expected purchase obligations, in the normal course of operations, of $166.5 million related to digital
licenses and information technology services, professional services, interactive marketing agreements, and other legally binding
commitments. Amounts which we are liable for under purchase orders outstanding at December 31, 2024, are reflected in the
Consolidated balance sheets as Accounts payable and are excluded from the amounts referred to above.
Self-insurance
We are self-insured for most of our employee medical coverage and for our casualty, general liability, and libel coverage
(subject to a cap above which third-party insurance is in place). The liabilities, which are reflected in Accounts payable and
Other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated balance sheets, are established on an actuarial basis with the advice of consulting
actuaries and totaled $39.0 million and $43.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
118
• Domestic Gannett Media is comprised of our portfolio of domestic local, regional, and national newspaper publishers.
The results of this segment include Digital revenues mainly derived from digital advertising offerings such as digital
marketing services delivered by our DMS segment, digital distribution of our publications and digital content
syndication and affiliate and partnership revenues as well as classified advertisements and display advertisements run
on our platforms as well as third-party sites, and Print and commercial revenues mainly derived from the sale of local,
national, and classified print advertising products, the sale of both home delivery and single copies of our publications,
as well as commercial printing and distribution arrangements, and revenues from our events business.
• Newsquest is comprised of our portfolio of newspaper publishers in the U.K.. The results of this segment include
Digital revenues mainly derived from digital advertising offerings such as digital marketing services delivered by our
DMS segment, digital distribution of our publications and digital content syndication revenues as well as classified
advertisements and display advertisements run on our platforms and third-party sites, and Print and commercial
revenues mainly derived from the sale of local, classified, and national advertising as well as niche publications, the
sale of both home delivery and single copies of our publications, as well as commercial printing.
• Digital Marketing Solutions is comprised of our digital marketing services companies under the brand LocaliQ. The
results of this segment include Digital revenues derived from digital marketing services generated through multiple
services, including search advertising, display advertising, search optimization, social media, website development,
web presence products, customer relationship management, and software-as-a-service solutions.
In addition to the reportable segments above, we have a Corporate and other category that includes activities not directly
attributable to a specific reportable segment and includes broad corporate functions, including legal, human resources,
accounting, analytics, finance, marketing and technology, as well as other general business costs.
In the ordinary course of business, our reportable segments enter into transactions with one another. While intersegment
transactions are treated like third-party transactions to determine segment performance, the revenues and expenses recognized
by the segment that is the counterparty to the transaction are eliminated in consolidation and do not affect consolidated results.
We regularly provide management reports to the CODM that include segment revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. Significant
segment expenses regularly provided to the CODM, and included within Adjusted EBITDA include Payroll, Benefits,
Newsprint & ink, Distribution, Outside services and Digital cost of goods sold.
The CODM uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the performance of the segments and allocate resources. Adjusted
EBITDA provides an assessment of controllable expenses and affords the CODM the ability to make decisions which are
expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieve optimal financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a
non-GAAP financial performance measure we believe offers a useful view of the overall operation of our businesses and may
be different than similarly-titled measures used by other companies. We define Adjusted EBITDA as Net income (loss)
attributable to Gannett before (1) Income tax expense (benefit), (2) Interest expense, (3) Gains or losses on the early
extinguishment of debt, (4) Non-operating pension income, (5) Loss on convertible notes derivative, (6) Depreciation and
amortization, (7) Integration and reorganization costs, (8) Third-party debt expenses and acquisition costs, (9) Asset
impairments, (10) Goodwill and intangible impairments, (11) Gains or losses on the sale or disposal of assets, (12) Share-based
compensation, (13) Other non-operating (income) expense, net, and (14) Non-recurring items.
Management considers Adjusted EBITDA to be an important metric to evaluate and compare the ongoing operating
performance of our segments on a consistent basis across reporting periods as it eliminates the effect of items that we do not
believe are indicative of each segment's core operating performance.
NOTE 14 — Segment reporting
We define our reportable segments based on the way the CODM, which is our Chief Executive Officer, manages the
operations for purposes of allocating resources and assessing segment performance. Our reportable segments include the
following:
119
Year ended December 31, 2024
In thousands
Domestic
Gannett
Media
Newsquest
Digital
Marketing
Solutions
Corporate and
other
Total
Revenue
$
1,938,398 $
239,273 $
477,807 $
5,656 $
2,661,134
Elimination of intersegment revenues
—
—
—
—
(151,819)
Total revenues
1,938,398
239,273
477,807
5,656
2,509,315
Payroll
530,120
96,526
102,641
98,251
827,538
Benefits
96,329
4,075
12,752
12,831
125,987
Newsprint and ink
67,833
10,187
—
—
78,020
Distribution
276,069
12,755
—
—
288,824
Outside services
176,643
10,396
10,543
141,685
339,267
Digital cost of goods sold
176,959
9,175
295,548
2,052
483,734
Other(a)
412,024
42,750
12,645
(222,844)
244,575
Elimination of intersegment expenses
—
—
—
—
(151,819)
Adjusted EBITDA
202,421
53,409
43,678
(26,319)
273,189
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
33
Interest expense
104,697
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
(55,559)
Non-operating pension income
(12,438)
Depreciation and amortization
156,287
Integration and reorganization costs(b)
66,155
Third-party debt expenses and acquisition costs(c)
10,932
Asset impairments
46,589
Loss on sale or disposal of assets, net
1,106
Share-based compensation expense
12,522
Other non-operating income, net
(1,317)
Non-recurring items
21,855
Loss before income taxes
(77,673)
Benefit for income taxes
(51,286)
Net loss
(26,387)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(33)
Net loss attributable to Gannett
$
(26,354)
(a) Other expenses include corporate allocations of shared costs and Equity loss (income) in unconsolidated investees, net, which are not separately provided to
the CODM. Corporate allocations include, but are not limited to legal, human resources, accounting, analytics, finance, marketing and technology, as well as
other general business costs.
(b) Integration and reorganization costs mainly reflect severance-related expenses and other reorganization-related costs, designed primarily to right-size the
Company's employee base, consolidate facilities and improve operations.
(c) Third-party debt expenses and acquisition costs are included in Other operating expenses on the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
income (loss).
120
Year ended December 31, 2023
In thousands
Domestic
Gannett
Media
Newsquest
Digital
Marketing
Solutions
Corporate and
other
Total
Revenue
$
2,095,853 $
233,980 $
477,909 $
6,268 $
2,814,010
Elimination of intersegment revenues
—
—
—
—
(150,460)
Total revenues
2,095,853
233,980
477,909
6,268
2,663,550
Payroll
548,253
93,492
99,942
101,925
843,612
Benefits
100,434
4,002
11,852
15,296
131,584
Newsprint and ink
99,760
13,351
—
—
113,111
Distribution
323,749
13,325
2
2
337,078
Outside services
195,937
10,046
8,319
137,380
351,682
Digital cost of goods sold
180,876
9,876
289,878
1,950
482,580
Other(a)
452,203
39,760
14,693
(219,976)
286,680
Elimination of intersegment expenses
—
—
—
—
(150,460)
Adjusted EBITDA
194,641
50,128
53,223
(30,309)
267,683
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
103
Interest expense
111,776
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
(4,529)
Non-operating pension income
(9,382)
Depreciation and amortization
162,622
Integration and reorganization costs(b)
24,468
Third-party debt expenses and acquisition costs(c)
1,550
Asset impairments
1,370
Gain on sale or disposal of assets, net
(40,101)
Share-based compensation expense
16,567
Other non-operating income, net
(3,050)
Non-recurring items
12,454
Loss before income taxes
(6,165)
Provision for income taxes
21,729
Net loss
(27,894)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(103)
Net loss attributable to Gannett
$
(27,791)
(a) Other expenses include corporate allocations of shared costs and Equity loss (income) in unconsolidated investees, net, which are not separately provided to
the CODM. Corporate allocations include, but are not limited to legal, human resources, accounting, analytics, finance, marketing and technology, as well as
other general business costs.
(b) Integration and reorganization costs mainly reflect severance-related expenses and other reorganization-related costs, designed primarily to right-size the
Company's employee base, consolidate facilities and improve operations.
(c) Third-party debt expenses and acquisition costs are included in Other operating expenses on the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
income (loss).
121
Year ended December 31, 2022
In thousands
Domestic
Gannett
Media
Newsquest
Digital
Marketing
Solutions
Corporate and
other
Total
Revenue
$
2,379,806 $
234,630 $
468,883 $
5,440 $
3,088,759
Elimination of intersegment revenues
—
—
—
—
(143,456)
Total revenues
2,379,806
234,630
468,883
5,440
2,945,303
Payroll
641,747
96,853
93,802
125,478
957,880
Benefits
135,882
4,887
13,698
21,358
175,825
Newsprint and ink
129,077
15,039
—
—
144,116
Distribution
370,594
14,697
—
9
385,300
Outside services
223,365
11,061
10,016
134,271
378,713
Digital cost of goods sold
176,986
9,658
278,573
136
465,353
Other(a)
494,507
42,408
15,214
(227,840)
324,289
Elimination of intersegment expenses
—
—
—
—
(143,456)
Adjusted EBITDA
207,648
40,027
57,580
(47,972)
257,283
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
253
Interest expense
108,366
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
(399)
Non-operating pension income
(58,953)
Depreciation and amortization
182,022
Integration and reorganization costs(b)
87,974
Third-party debt expenses and acquisition costs(c)
1,892
Asset impairments
1,056
Gain on sale or disposal of assets, net
(6,883)
Share-based compensation expense
16,751
Other non-operating income, net
(2,286)
Non-recurring items
4,396
Loss before income taxes
(76,906)
Provision for income taxes
1,349
Net loss
(78,255)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(253)
Net loss attributable to Gannett
$
(78,002)
(a) Other expenses include corporate allocations of shared costs and Equity loss (income) in unconsolidated investees, net, which are not separately provided to
the CODM. Corporate allocations include, but are not limited to legal, human resources, accounting, analytics, finance, marketing and technology, as well as
other general business costs.
(b) Integration and reorganization costs mainly reflect severance-related expenses and other reorganization-related costs, designed primarily to right-size the
Company's employee base, consolidate facilities and improve operations.
(c) Third-party debt expenses and acquisition costs are included in Other operating expenses on the Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
income (loss).
Asset and asset related information by segment are not key measures of performance used by the CODM function.
Accordingly, we have not disclosed asset and asset related information by segment. Additionally, equity income in
unconsolidated investees, net, interest expense, other non-operating items, net, and provision for income taxes, as reported in
the Consolidated financial statements, are not part of operating income and are primarily recorded at the corporate level.
NOTE 15 — Subsequent events
On February 19, 2025, the Company announced an agreement to sell the Austin American-Statesman to Hearst
Corporation. The transaction is subject to customary closing adjustments and conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is
expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. The Company is in process of calculating the amount of gain on sale associated
with this future sale transaction.
122
Not applicable.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule
13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as of the end of the
period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer have
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports
filed or submitted by the Company under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by the Company is accumulated
and communicated to the Company's management to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management's report on internal control over financial reporting and the attestation report of our independent registered
public accounting firm on our internal control over financial reporting are set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-
K and are incorporated by reference herein.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Company's fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31,
2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024, none of the Company's directors or executive officers adopted or
terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of Company securities that was intended to satisfy
the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement."
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
123
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information under the subheading "Information Concerning our Director Nominees" under the heading "Proposal No. 1
Election of Directors," the information captioned "Named Executive Officers" under the subheading "Compensation Discussion
and Analysis" under the heading "Compensation," and the information captioned "Statement on Corporate Governance",
"Board and Committee Meetings", "Audit Committee", and "Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee" under the
heading "Corporate Governance" in our 2025 proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information under the subheadings "Compensation Discussion and Analysis", "Compensation Tables", "Compensation
of Directors", "Compensation Committee Report", and "CEO Pay Ratio" under the heading “Compensation” in our 2025 proxy
statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information under the subheading "Equity Compensation Plan Information" under the heading "Compensation" and the
information under the heading "Common Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in our 2025 proxy
statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information under the subheading "Determination of Director and Director Nominee Independence" under the heading
"Corporate Governance" and the information under the heading "Related Persons Transactions" in our 2025 proxy statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information under the heading "Proposal No. 2 Ratification of the Appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in our 2025 proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
124
(a) Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits.
(1) Financial Statements.
As listed in the Index to Financial Statements and Supplementary Data on page 74.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
All schedules are omitted as the required information is not applicable or the information is presented in the
Consolidated financial statements or related notes.
(3) Exhibits.
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
Location
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed
August 2, 2018.
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
November 20, 2019.
3.3
Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock of Gannett Co., Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 7,
2020.
3.4
Certificate of Elimination of the Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock of Gannett Co., Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 8,
2023.
3.5
Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated June
3, 2024.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 4,
2024.
3.6
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
November 20, 2019.
4.1
Indenture with respect to 6.000% Convertible Senior
Secured Notes due 2027, dated as of November 17, 2020,
by and between Gannett Co., Inc., the Subsidiary
Guarantors from time to time party thereto and U.S.
Bank National Association, as a Trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
November 18, 2020.
4.2
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 21,
2020, by and between Gannett Co., Inc., the Subsidiary
Guarantors from time to time party thereto and U.S.
Bank National Association, as trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
December 22, 2020.
4.3
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 9,
2021, by and between Gannett Co., Inc., the Subsidiary
Guarantors from time to time party thereto and U.S.
Bank National Associations, as trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
February 12, 2021.
4.4
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 31,
2022, by and among Gannett Co., Inc., the Subsidiary
Guarantors from time to time party thereto and U.S.
Bank National Association, as trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
February 4, 2022.
4.5
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 15,
2024, among Gannett Co., Inc., the Subsidiary
Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company,
National Association, as trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October
16, 2024.
4.6
Indenture with respect to 6.000% Convertible Senior
Secured Notes due 2031, dated as of October 15, 2024,
among Gannett Co., Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party
thereto from time to time and U.S. Bank Trust Company,
National Association, as trustee.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October
16, 2024.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
125
4.7
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 15,
2024, by and among Gannett Co., Inc. and the other
Persons signatory thereto.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October
16, 2024.
4.8
Description of Securities Registered under Section 12 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Filed herewith.
10.1
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November
19, 2019, by and among Gannett Co., Inc., FIG LLC and
such other persons from time to time party thereto.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
November 20, 2019.
10.2
Amendment No. 1 to Registration Rights Agreement,
dated as of November 17, 2020, by and among Gannett
Co., Inc. and FIG LLC.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
November 18, 2020.
10.3
Amended and Restated Management and Advisory
Agreement, dated August 5, 2019, between New Media
Investment Group Inc. and FIG LLC.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August
6, 2019.
10.4
Termination Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2020,
by and between Gannett Co., Inc. and FIG LLC.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
December 22, 2020.
10.5
Gannett Co., Inc. 2024 Annual Bonus Plan.*†
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May
2, 2024.
10.6
Gannett Co., Inc. 2023 Stock Incentive Plan.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8
(Registration No. 333-272656), filed June 15, 2023.
10.7
Form of Gannett Co., Inc. Director Restricted Stock
Award Agreement (2023 Stock Incentive Plan)*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed
November 2, 2023.
10.8
Form of Gannett Co., Inc. Employee Restricted Stock
Unit Grant Agreement (2023 Stock Incentive Plan)*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed
October 31, 2024.
10.9
Form of Gannett Co., Inc. Employee Cash Performance
Unit Award Agreement*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed
October 31, 2024.
10.10
2020 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, adopted as
of February 26, 2020.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March
2, 2020.
10.11
Amendment No. 1 to 2020 Omnibus Incentive
Compensation Plan.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
December 28, 2020.
10.12
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between
New Media Investment Group Inc. and Fortress
Operating Entity I LP.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 of the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March
19, 2014.
10.13
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between
New Media Investment Group Inc. and Fortress
Operating Entity I LP.
Attached as Exhibit A to the Amended and Restated
Management and Advisory Agreement filed as Exhibit
10.10 hereto.
10.14
Gannett Co., Inc. Form of Employee Restricted Stock
Grant Agreement (2020 Omnibus Incentive
Compensation Plan, as amended).*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed
February 26, 2021.
10.15
Form of Gannett Co., Inc. Employee Performance
Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (2020 Omnibus
Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended).*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May
5, 2022.
10.16
Form of Gannett Co., Inc. Employee Cash Performance
Unit Award Agreement (2020 Omnibus Incentive
Compensation Plan, as amended).*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May
4, 2023.
10.17
Form of Gannett Co., Inc. Employee Restricted Stock
Grant Agreement (2020 Omnibus Incentive
Compensation Plan, as amended).*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May
4, 2023.
126
10.18
2015 Change in Control Severance Plan, as amended and
restated as of December 23, 2020.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
December 28, 2020.
10.19
Key Employee Severance Plan, as amended and restated
as of December 23, 2020.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
December 28, 2020.
10.20
Form of Indemnification Agreement.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May
2, 2024.
10.21
Offer Letter Agreement, dated March 25, 2020, by and
between Gannett Co., Inc. and Douglas E. Horne.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 6,
2020.
10.22
Offer Letter Agreement, dated December 21, 2020, by
and between Gannett Co., Inc. and Michael E. Reed.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed
February 26, 2021.
10.23
Investor Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2020, by
and among Gannett Co., Inc., the other Persons signatory
thereto and such other Persons, if any, that from time to
time become party thereto as Holders.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
November 18, 2020.
10.24
Amendment and Restatement Agreement dated as of
October 15, 2024, among Gannett Co., Inc., Gannett
Holdings LLC, the other Guarantors party thereto, the
Lenders party thereto, Citibank, N.A., as the existing
administrative agent and collateral agent, and Apollo
Administrative Agency, LLC, as administrative agent
and collateral agent.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October
16, 2024.
16.1
Letter from Ernst & Young LLP to the Securities and
Exchange Commission dated March 13, 2023.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March
13, 2023.
19.1
Gannett Co., Inc. Policy on Insider Trading, revised July
1, 2024.
Filed herewith.
21.1
List of subsidiaries.
Filed herewith.
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
Filed herewith.
23.2
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.
Filed herewith.
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.
Filed herewith.
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.
Filed herewith.
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive
Officer.
Furnished herewith.
32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer.
Furnished herewith.
97.1
Gannett Co., Inc. Policy for the Recovery of Erroneously
Awarded Compensation.*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97.1 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed
February 22, 2024.
101
The following financial information from Gannett Co.,
Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2024, formatted in Inline XBRL includes:
(i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
(Loss); (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; (iv)
Consolidated Statements of Equity; and (v) the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Filed herewith.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline
XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
Filed herewith.
127
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
†
Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K.
We agree to furnish to the Commission, upon request, a copy of each agreement with respect to long-term debt not filed
herewith in reliance upon the exemption from filing applicable to any series of debt which does not exceed 10% of our total
consolidated assets.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
128
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: February 20, 2025
GANNETT CO., INC. (Registrant)
By:
/s/ Douglas E. Horne
Douglas E. Horne
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Dated: February 20, 2025
/s/ Michael E. Reed
Michael E. Reed
Chief Executive Officer and
President (principal executive
officer)
Dated: February 20, 2025
/s/ Douglas E. Horne
Douglas E. Horne
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
Dated: February 20, 2025
/s/ Cindy Gallagher
Cindy Gallagher
Chief Accounting Officer
(principal accounting officer)
Dated: February 20, 2025
/s/ Maha Al-Emam
Maha Al-Emam, Director
Dated: February 20, 2025
/s/ Theodore Janulis
Theodore Janulis, Director
Dated: February 20, 2025
/s/ John Jeffry Louis
John Jeffry Louis, Director
Dated: February 20, 2025
/s/ Michael E. Reed
Michael E. Reed
Director, Chairman
Dated: February 20, 2025
/s/ Amy Reinhard
Amy Reinhard, Director
Dated: February 20, 2025
/s/ Debra Sandler
Debra Sandler, Director
Dated: February 20, 2025
/s/ Kevin Sheehan
Kevin Sheehan, Director
Dated: February 20, 2025
/s/ Laurence Tarica
Laurence Tarica, Director
Dated: February 20, 2025
/s/ Barbara Wall
Barbara Wall, Director
129
0
50
100
150
200
250
12/31/19
12/31/20
12/31/21
12/31/22
12/31/23
12/31/24
Index Value ($)
Total Return Performance
Gannett Co., Inc.
Russell 2000 Index
S&P 600 Index
S&P 1500 Publishing & Printing Index
Period Ending
Index
12/31/19
12/31/20
12/31/21
12/31/22
12/31/23
12/31/24
Gannett Co., Inc.
100.00
52.66
83.54
31.82
36.05
79.31
Russell 2000 Index
100.00
119.96
137.74
109.59
128.14
142.93
S&P 600 Index
100.00
111.29
141.13
118.41
137.42
149.37
S&P 1500 Publishing & Printing Index
100.00
120.71
149.49
113.62
152.01
169.08
The following graph compares the cumulative total return for our common stock (stock price plus
reinvested dividends, if any) with the comparable return of the S&P 600, the Russell 2000, and the S&P
1500 Publishing & Printing Index. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in Gannett’s common stock
and in each of the indices on December 31, 2019, and that all dividends, if any, were reinvested. The past
performance of Gannett’s common stock is not an indication of future performance.
Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence
©2025
Performance Graph
Board of Directors
Michael E. Reed – Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Gannett Co., Inc.
Kevin M. Sheehan – Lead Director(a),(b),(e) – Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer,
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.
Maha Al-Emam(a),(d) – Former Advisor, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brand Franchise
Theodore P. Janulis(a),(b),(c) – Founder and Principal, Investable Oceans
John Jeffry Louis III(b),(c),(e) – Co-Founder and Former Chairman, Parson Capital Corporation
Amy Reinhard(c),(d) – President of Advertising, Netflix, Inc.
Debra A. Sandler(b),(c),(d) – President and Chief Executive Officer, La Grenade Group, LLC
Laurence Tarica(a),(c),(d),(e) – Former President and Chief Operating Officer, Jimlar Corporation
Barbara W. Wall(c),(d) – Former Chief Legal Officer, Gannett Media Corp.
Key:
(a) Member of Audit Committee
(b) Member of Compensation Committee
(c) Member of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
(d) Member of Transformation Committee
(e) Member of the Share Repurchase Committee
Corporate Officers
Michael E. Reed – Chief Executive Officer and President
Trisha Gosser – Chief Financial Officer
Corporate Headquarters
Gannett Co., Inc.
1675 Broadway, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10019
Tel: 703-854-6000
www.gannett.com
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Grant Thornton LLP
757 Third Avenue, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Shareholder Services, Transfer Agent & Registrar
Equiniti Trust Company, LLC
55 Challenger Road, 2nd Floor
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
Tel: 800-937-5449
Stock Exchange Listing
Gannett Co., Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:GCI)
Investor Information Services
Gannett Co., Inc.
1675 Broadway, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10019
Tel: 703-854-3000
Email: investors@gannett.com
Corporate Information
We invite you to learn more about Gannett’s business at investors.gannett.com. Our investor relations site
includes an electronic version of this report, investor presentations, earnings conference calls, press releases,
SEC filings, Company history, and information about the Company’s governance and Board of Directors.
Gannett Co., Inc.
1675 Broadway, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10019
703-854-3000
gannett.com