The New York Times Company (NYT) Stock: Reports Q125 Meets Revenue Forecast as It Adds About 250,000 Digital-Only Subscribers

TLDR

NYT stock closed at $52.66, up 0.75% before earnings release on May 7, 2025 Q1 revenue matched forecasts at $635.9 million, up 7.1% year over year Adjusted EPS of 41 cents topped the 34-cent estimate by nearly 20% Total subscribers reached 11.66 million, with 250,000 new digital additions Earnings date is May 7, 2025; guidance slightly raised for subscription and ad growth

The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT) stock ended May 6 at $52.66, gaining 0.75% ahead of its first-quarter earnings release on May 7th.

The New York Times Company (NYT) 

The media giant delivered results that aligned with revenue expectations while surpassing profit forecasts, supported by digital subscription gains and rising advertising revenue. The company slightly raised its 2025 guidance, highlighting confidence in its growth strategy.

Q1 Revenue In Line, EPS Beats by Nearly 20%

For Q1 2025, New York Times reported revenue of $635.9 million, marking a 7.1% year-on-year rise and matching Wall Street estimates. Adjusted earnings per share reached 41 cents, beating the consensus view of 34 cents by nearly 20%.

Operating margin improved to 9.2% from 8.1% a year earlier, while free cash flow margin expanded to 14.1% from 7.9%. CEO Meredith Kopit Levien cited the company’s resilience despite economic headwinds, with adjusted operating profit surging 21.9% to $92.7 million.

Subscriber Base Expands, Bundling Drives ARPU Growth

The Times added 250,000 digital-only subscribers during the quarter, bringing its total subscriber count to 11.66 million, including 600,000 print subscribers. Digital subscription revenue jumped over 14%, supporting overall top-line growth.

The New York Times added about 250,000 digital-only subscribers during the first quarter and reported increases in both subscription and advertising revenue https://t.co/GamIe7HcPD

— WSJ Business News (@WSJbusiness) May 7, 2025

Nearly half of all subscribers now pay for bundled services, which include news, Cooking, Games, Wirecutter, and The Athletic. Average revenue per user rose 3.6% to $9.54, reflecting success in upselling customers to premium plans.

Levien reaffirmed the company’s target of reaching 15 million subscribers by 2027, noting that the strategy of offering lifestyle content alongside news is driving sustainable growth.

Digital Ads and The Athletic Shine in Q1

Digital advertising revenue climbed 12.4% year over year to $70.9 million, while total ad revenue improved 4.2% to $108.1 million. Affiliate and licensing revenue also ticked up 3.7% from the prior year.

The Athletic, acquired in 2022, posted a $2.9 million adjusted operating profit in Q1, reversing an $8.7 million loss from a year earlier. Its revenue surged 27.9% to $47.6 million, while ad sales soared 82.5% to $10.4 million, underscoring strong traction.

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