Gannett reports Q2 EPS 9c, consensus (6c)

Reports Q2 revenue $639.8M, consensus $645.02M. Reports Q2: Adjusted EBITDA totaled $74.6 M, a $17M increase from the first quarter of 2024… Cash provided by operating activities of $35.1M, a $12.7 M increase from the first quarter of 2024..”We are pleased to report another strong quarter of financial results. In fact, our operational execution led to year-over-year growth in Adjusted EBITDA and further improvement to our same store revenue trends. Same store revenue trends improved sequentially for the sixth consecutive quarter, and we remain on track and expect to hit the revenue growth inflection point as we exit 2024. Each of our digital revenue streams continued to grow over the prior year, and as a result, total digital revenues now account for 44% of total revenues.” “As part of our strategy, we continued to further optimize our capital structure. During the second quarter, we repaid $24.3 million of debt, which combined with our Adjusted EBITDA growth, reduced our first lien net leverage below 2.0x. Equally important, our total net debt fell under $1.0 billion for the first time since the 2019 acquisition of legacy Gannett, and we continued to maintain a strong liquidity position with approximately $99 million in cash on the balance sheet.” “Midway through 2024 we are on track with our operating plans and believe we are well-positioned to continue this positive momentum for the balance of the year. Our operational performance in the second quarter reinforces the confidence we have in our strategic direction, and as such, we are reiterating our business outlook,” said Michael Reed, Gannett Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.