1 May 2025
Reach plc ("The Company") Q1 Trading update for the 3-month period to 31 March 2025
On track to deliver full year expectations
Growing digital audience with print remaining resilient
|
Q1 YOY % |
Digital revenue |
1.6 |
Print revenue |
(5.1) |
- Circulation revenue |
(4.0) |
- Advertising revenue |
(12.5) |
Group revenue |
(3.7) |
Digital revenue grew 1.6% over the quarter, supported by growing audience numbers and increased trading activity. Year-on-year page views grew 9% and this supported the strong performance across our programmatic advertising. Data-driven revenue has had a softer start to the year to make up 43% of digital revenues. This is attributable to the strong prior year performance and a weaker local advertising market.
In Print, circulation revenues remain a predictable and reliable revenue stream with the expected volume decline mitigated by actions on cover prices, one-off specials and promotional activity. Print advertising performed ahead of the decline in circulation volumes.
We remain confident in delivering the reduction in operating costs of 4-5%, in line with previous guidance.
Outlook
We have started 2025 in line with our expectations. Whilst there are no immediate direct impacts from the recent tariff announcements we recognise the heightened levels of macroeconomic uncertainty. We remain on track to deliver in line with market expectations for the full year.1
Piers North, Chief Executive
"While I've been with Reach for over a decade, I've enjoyed spending much of the past month speaking with more people across the company and gaining a deeper understanding of our opportunities.
We remain focused on delivering our plans, supported by impactful journalism that continues to attract a growing audience - a trend that gained momentum at the end of 2024.
While we can't ignore the current market uncertainty, we're pleased with the progress we're making and believe there's significant opportunity ahead. By building on our strategy, leveraging our strong products, and reaching audiences worldwide, we're well-positioned for the future."
Notes
1 |
Market expectations compiled by the Company are an average of analyst published forecasts - consensus adjusted operating profit for FY25 £99.0m. |
Enquiries
Reach |
communications@reachplc.com |
Piers North, Chief Executive Officer |
|
Lija Kresowaty, Head of External Communications |
|
Jo Britten, Investor Relations Director |
jo.britten@reachplc.com +44 (0)7557 557447 |
|
|
Teneo |
reachplc@teneo.com |
Giles Kernick |
+44 (0)207 353 4200 |
About Reach
We're Reach plc, the UK's and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We're home to more than 120 trusted brands, from national titles like the Mirror, Express, Daily Record and Daily Star, to local brands like MyLondon, BelfastLive and the Manchester Evening News, to our recently launched U.S. titles. Every month, 47 million people come to us, via print and online, for trusted news, entertainment and sport.
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