USA Today Co. reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $548.5 million, down 4% from the prior year, but swung to a net income of $19.9 million — a $27.2 million improvement from a $7.3 million loss in Q1 2025 — driven by digital growth, higher subscription revenue per user, and significant cost reductions.
The company highlighted ongoing progress in its digital transformation, with digital revenue reaching $261.9 million (47.8% of total revenue) and growing 5.2% on a same-store basis.
Digital-only subscription revenue rose to $45.9 million, marking a return to year-over-year growth and the third consecutive quarter of sequential gains.
USA Today Co. ended the quarter with approximately 1.46 million paid digital subscriptions (some reports cite 1.33–1.5 million digital-only), supported by a record-high average revenue per user (ARPU) of $10.30, up sharply from the prior year.
- Total revenue: $548.5 million (−4.0% YoY; −1.8% on same-store basis, a notable improvement from prior periods).
- Digital revenue share: 47.8% of total revenue, approaching 50%.
- Adjusted EBITDA: $73.1 million, up 44.7% YoY, with margins expanding to 13.3%.
- Print and commercial revenue: Declined 11% to $286.6 million, reflecting continued industry headwinds in legacy segments.
The profit turnaround reflects aggressive cost discipline, including a $100 million cost-reduction program initiated in 2025, which helped lower operating costs and SG&A expenses by 8.8%. Additional revenue from AI licensing deals and content partnerships also contributed to the “other” digital revenue category, which surged 125% year-over-year.
Company executives expressed optimism, reiterating full-year 2026 guidance that anticipates digital revenue exceeding 50% of total revenue, continued Adjusted EBITDA growth, and positive cash flow from operations.