Strong Adjusted EBITDA Growth in Q1
Q1 adjusted EBITDA grew 61% year-over-year to $12 million (a $5 million increase vs prior year); adjusted EBITDA on a trailing twelve-month basis was reported at $50 million.
Successful $50 Million Equity Raise and Board Strengthening
Completed a $50 million private placement of common stock at $3.25 per share, anchored by David Hoffman, who joined as Chairman; proceeds to be used for working capital and digital transformation.
Material Interest Cost Reduction
Credit agreement amended reducing interest rate from 9% to 5% on $455 million of debt, expected to generate approximately $18 million in annual interest savings (up to ~$90 million over five years), improving liquidity and cash flow.
Digital Revenue Scale and Mix Shift
Total digital revenue exceeded $70 million in Q1 and nearly $300 million over the last 12 months; digital revenue represented 54% of total revenue this quarter (up 330 basis points year-over-year).
Digital-Only Subscription Performance
Digital-only subscription revenue was $23 million in Q1 from 609,000 digital-only subscribers, with digital-only subscription revenue growth of 5% in the quarter and 14% over the last twelve months (sustained growth cited).
Advertising and Agency Digital Strength
Digital sources represented 71% of total advertising revenue; amplified digital agency revenue grew at a 5% annual rate over the last three years, outpacing peers.
Cost Reductions and Operational Efficiency
Total cash costs declined by $17 million year-over-year, driven by reduced headcount and lower legacy print costs; adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 9.4% from 5.3% a year ago.
Balance Sheet and Pension Improvements
Termination of the fully funded defined benefit pension plan removed future pension cost uncertainty; company identified $26 million in non-core assets targeted for monetization to support future debt reduction.
Strategic Partnership to Enhance Local Content
Announced a partnership with Huddl to expand local sports video and data coverage, intended to increase engagement and advertising opportunities in high school and community sports.