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TEGNA Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results and Provides Third Quarter Guidance

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TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) reported Q2 2025 financial results with total revenue decreasing 5% to $675 million. Distribution revenue remained flat at $370 million, while advertising and marketing services (AMS) revenue declined 4% to $288 million.

Key financial metrics include GAAP net income of $68 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.42. The company's Adjusted EBITDA decreased 14% to $151 million, primarily due to lower political advertising and AMS revenue. TEGNA maintained strong liquidity with $757 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Strategic initiatives include adding 100+ hours of new daily local programming across 50+ markets and renewing FOX station affiliation agreements in six markets. For Q3 2025, TEGNA expects revenue to decline 18-20% year-over-year, reflecting typical even-to-odd year election cycle comparisons.

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) ha comunicato i risultati finanziari del secondo trimestre 2025, con un fatturato totale in calo del 5%, attestandosi a 675 milioni di dollari. I ricavi da distribuzione sono rimasti stabili a 370 milioni di dollari, mentre i ricavi da pubblicità e servizi di marketing (AMS) sono diminuiti del 4%, raggiungendo 288 milioni di dollari.

I principali indicatori finanziari includono un utile netto GAAP di 68 milioni di dollari e un utile per azione diluita di 0,42 dollari. L'EBITDA rettificato della società è diminuito del 14%, attestandosi a 151 milioni di dollari, principalmente a causa della riduzione della pubblicità politica e dei ricavi AMS. TEGNA ha mantenuto una solida liquidità con 757 milioni di dollari in contanti e equivalenti.

Le iniziative strategiche prevedono l'aggiunta di oltre 100 ore di nuovi programmi locali giornalieri in più di 50 mercati e il rinnovo degli accordi di affiliazione con FOX in sei mercati. Per il terzo trimestre 2025, TEGNA prevede un calo dei ricavi del 18-20% su base annua, rispecchiando i normali confronti tra cicli elettorali degli anni pari e dispari.

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) informó los resultados financieros del segundo trimestre de 2025, con ingresos totales que disminuyeron un 5% hasta 675 millones de dólares. Los ingresos por distribución se mantuvieron estables en 370 millones de dólares, mientras que los ingresos por publicidad y servicios de marketing (AMS) bajaron un 4% hasta 288 millones de dólares.

Las principales métricas financieras incluyen un ingreso neto GAAP de 68 millones de dólares y ganancias por acción diluida de 0,42 dólares. El EBITDA ajustado de la compañía disminuyó un 14% hasta 151 millones de dólares, principalmente debido a menores ingresos por publicidad política y AMS. TEGNA mantuvo una sólida liquidez con 757 millones de dólares en efectivo y equivalentes.

Las iniciativas estratégicas incluyen añadir más de 100 horas diarias de nueva programación local en más de 50 mercados y renovar los acuerdos de afiliación con estaciones FOX en seis mercados. Para el tercer trimestre de 2025, TEGNA espera que los ingresos disminuyan entre un 18-20% interanual, reflejando las comparaciones típicas del ciclo electoral de años pares a impares.

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA)는 2025년 2분기 재무실적을 발표했으며, 총 매출은 5% 감소한 6억 7,500만 달러를 기록했습니다. 유통 매출은 3억 7,000만 달러로 변동이 없었고, 광고 및 마케팅 서비스(AMS) 매출은 4% 감소한 2억 8,800만 달러였습니다.

주요 재무 지표로는 GAAP 순이익 6,800만 달러와 희석 주당순이익 0.42달러가 포함됩니다. 회사의 조정 EBITDA는 정치 광고 및 AMS 매출 감소로 인해 14% 감소한 1억 5,100만 달러를 기록했습니다. TEGNA는 7억 5,700만 달러의 현금 및 현금성 자산으로 강력한 유동성을 유지하고 있습니다.

전략적 이니셔티브로는 50개 이상의 시장에서 매일 100시간 이상의 신규 지역 프로그램을 추가하고, 6개 시장에서 FOX 방송국 제휴 계약을 갱신하는 것이 포함됩니다. 2025년 3분기에는 전년 동기 대비 18-20% 매출 감소를 예상하며, 이는 일반적인 짝수년과 홀수년 선거 주기 비교에 따른 결과입니다.

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) a publié ses résultats financiers du deuxième trimestre 2025, avec un chiffre d'affaires total en baisse de 5 % à 675 millions de dollars. Les revenus de distribution sont restés stables à 370 millions de dollars, tandis que les revenus publicitaires et les services marketing (AMS) ont diminué de 4 % pour atteindre 288 millions de dollars.

Les principaux indicateurs financiers comprennent un résultat net GAAP de 68 millions de dollars et un bénéfice par action dilué de 0,42 dollar. L'EBITDA ajusté de la société a diminué de 14 % pour s'établir à 151 millions de dollars, principalement en raison d'une baisse des revenus publicitaires politiques et AMS. TEGNA a maintenu une forte liquidité avec 757 millions de dollars en liquidités et équivalents.

Les initiatives stratégiques incluent l'ajout de plus de 100 heures de nouvelles programmations locales quotidiennes dans plus de 50 marchés et le renouvellement des accords d'affiliation avec les stations FOX dans six marchés. Pour le troisième trimestre 2025, TEGNA prévoit une baisse du chiffre d'affaires de 18 à 20 % en glissement annuel, reflétant les comparaisons typiques des cycles électoraux entre années paires et impaires.

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) meldete die Finanzergebnisse für das zweite Quartal 2025 mit einem Gesamtumsatzrückgang von 5 % auf 675 Millionen US-Dollar. Die Vertriebserlöse blieben mit 370 Millionen US-Dollar stabil, während die Erlöse aus Werbung und Marketingdienstleistungen (AMS) um 4 % auf 288 Millionen US-Dollar sanken.

Wichtige Finanzkennzahlen umfassen einen GAAP-Nettogewinn von 68 Millionen US-Dollar und einen Gewinn je verwässerter Aktie von 0,42 US-Dollar. Das bereinigte EBITDA des Unternehmens sank um 14 % auf 151 Millionen US-Dollar, hauptsächlich aufgrund geringerer politischer Werbeeinnahmen und AMS-Umsätze. TEGNA behielt eine starke Liquidität mit 757 Millionen US-Dollar in bar und liquiden Mitteln bei.

Strategische Initiativen umfassen die Hinzufügung von über 100 Stunden neuer lokaler Programme täglich in mehr als 50 Märkten sowie die Erneuerung der FOX-Senderpartnerschaften in sechs Märkten. Für das dritte Quartal 2025 erwartet TEGNA einen Umsatzrückgang von 18-20 % im Jahresvergleich, was die typischen Vergleiche zwischen Wahlzyklen in geraden und ungeraden Jahren widerspiegelt.

Positive
  • Added over 100 hours of new daily local programming across 50+ markets
  • Maintained strong cash position with $757 million in cash and cash equivalents
  • Successfully renewed FOX affiliation agreements in six markets
  • Achieved cost reductions through operational initiatives
  • Redeemed $250 million of senior notes due 2026
Negative
  • Total revenue declined 5% to $675 million
  • Advertising and Marketing Services revenue decreased 4% to $288 million
  • Adjusted EBITDA fell 14% to $151 million
  • Expects significant revenue decline of 18-20% in Q3 2025
  • Net leverage ratio at 2.8x

Insights

TEGNA delivered on guidance but faces revenue decline amid cyclical political ad drops and ongoing macroeconomic challenges.

TEGNA's Q2 results show a company executing on operational promises while navigating expected revenue challenges. Total revenue declined 5% to $675 million, primarily driven by two factors: a 74% drop in political advertising (expected in non-election years) and a 4% decline in advertising and marketing services revenue due to macroeconomic headwinds.

Distribution revenue, comprising over half of total revenue at $370 million, remained flat year-over-year as subscriber declines were offset by contractual rate increases. This stability in distribution revenue provides a crucial buffer against advertising volatility.

The company is proactively managing expenses, with both GAAP and non-GAAP operating expenses down 3%, driven by cost-cutting initiatives particularly in compensation and outside services. This cost discipline partially mitigated the revenue decline, though Adjusted EBITDA still fell 14% to $151 million.

TEGNA maintains a strong balance sheet with $757 million in cash and cash equivalents, and recently redeemed $250 million of senior notes due in 2026. The net leverage ratio stands at 2.8x, providing flexibility for the strategic initiatives outlined by CEO Mike Steib.

Looking ahead, TEGNA reaffirmed its two-year (2024-2025) Adjusted Free Cash Flow guidance of $900 million to $1.1 billion, signaling confidence in its long-term financial trajectory despite near-term challenges. However, investors should note the projected 18-20% revenue decline for Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024, reflecting the cyclical comparison to an election year that included the Summer Olympics.

The company's strategic focus on expanding local news coverage by 100 hours daily across 50+ markets represents a significant content investment aimed at strengthening its core product offering and digital transformation. This expansion, combined with renewed FOX affiliation agreements in six markets, positions TEGNA to better monetize its content across traditional and digital channels.

Achieves Key Guidance Metrics
Reaffirms 2024/2025 Two-Year Adjusted Free Cash Flow guidance

TYSONS, Va., Aug. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025.

“We delivered on our financial commitments this quarter while making important progress on the strategic initiatives that will shape TEGNA’s future, including accelerating our technology roadmap and expanding our local news coverage by 100 hours a day,” said Mike Steib, CEO. “Our focus remains on reinventing how we operate and how we serve our audiences – by investing in local journalism, compelling content, and digital experiences.”

“As we announced last year, our Chief Operating Officer, Lynn Beall is retiring on August 31, and I extend my sincere gratitude for her extraordinary leadership and decades of service to local communities across America,” Steib added. “She’s been a force for good in our industry and an indispensable partner to me in my first year at TEGNA. We are grateful for all Lynn has done for TEGNA and we are going to miss her.”

SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:
All Year-Over-Year Comparisons Unless Otherwise Noted:

  • Total company revenue decreased 5% to $675 million in line with our guidance. The primary drivers of the decline were lower political advertising revenue, consistent with cyclical even-to-odd year comparisons, and lower advertising and marketing services (AMS) revenue.
  • Distribution revenue was flat at $370 million due to subscriber declines, offset by contractual rate increases.
  • AMS revenue decreased 4% to $288 million, driven primarily by ongoing macroeconomic challenges, partially offset by growth from local sports rights.
  • GAAP operating expenses decreased 3% to $553 million and non-GAAP operating expenses1 decreased 3% to $549 million due to our core operational cost cutting initiatives primarily seen in compensation and outside services expense reductions.
  • GAAP and non-GAAP operating income1 totaled $122 million and $126 million, respectively.
  • GAAP net income attributable to TEGNA Inc. was $68 million and non-GAAP net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.1 was $71 million.
  • GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share1 were $0.42 and $0.44, respectively.
  • Total company Adjusted EBITDA2 decreased 14% to $151 million primarily due to lower political advertising revenue and AMS revenue, partially offset by continued cost benefits from core operational cost-cutting initiatives.
  • Net cash flow from operations was $100 million and Adjusted Free Cash Flow3 was $96 million. TEGNA returned $20 million to shareholders through dividends during the second quarter.
  • Interest expense was flat at $42 million.
  • Cash and cash equivalents totaled $757 million at the end of the second quarter. Net leverage finished the second quarter at 2.8x4.
  • Redeemed $250 million par value of 4.75% senior notes due March 15, 2026, on July 2, 2025.

  
1 See Table 3 for details
2 See Table 4 for details
3 See Table 5 for details
4 See Table 6 for details
  

KEY BUSINESS UPDATES:

  • Announced the addition of more than 100 hours of new daily local programming across 50+ markets as part of our strategy to increase content and fuel distribution channels. This strategic addition will enable two dedicated hours of original news content during peak morning hours and is the first step towards TEGNA becoming a 24/7 digital news organization.
  • Appointed vice presidents of content focused on enhancing localized storytelling while aligning priorities such as investigative journalism, weather, key events, and cross-platform news delivery.
  • During the quarter, TEGNA and FOX Corporation reached a comprehensive multi-year deal that renews station affiliation agreements for six TEGNA markets. These FOX markets cover approximately seven percent of TEGNA households.
  • COO Lynn Beall was selected as the recipient of the 2025 Radio + Television Business Report Lifetime Leadership Award, capping off more than 35 years of outstanding leadership and service in the industry.
  • 23 TEGNA stations were honored with a total of 59 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. KING in Seattle received a total of 11 awards in the large market television category, including overall excellence. KARE in Minneapolis took home eight awards, including excellence in innovation.

FULL-YEAR AND THIRD QUARTER 2025 OUTLOOK:

Full-Year 2025 Key Guidance Metrics

2024/2025 Two-Year Adjusted FCF $900 million – 1.1 billion
   
Corporate Expenses $40 – 45 million
Depreciation $60 – 65 million
Amortization $33 – 37 million
Interest Expense $160 – 165 million
Capital Expenditures $50 – 60 million
Effective Tax Rate 22.0 – 23.0%
 

Third Quarter 2025 Key Guidance Metrics

Reflects expectations relative to third quarter 2024 results

Total Company GAAP Revenue Down -18% to -20% as expected with even-to-
odd year comparisons of an election year and
the Summer Olympics
Total Non-GAAP Operating Expenses Down -2% to -3%
 

CONFERENCE CALL

TEGNA will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, August 7, 2025, to discuss the Company’s financial results and other business matters. The teleconference will begin at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time and will be hosted by Mike Steib, chief executive officer, and Julie Heskett, chief financial officer.

The conference call will be webcast on the company’s website, and is open to investors, the financial community, the media and other members of the public. To access the meeting by phone, please visit investors.TEGNA.com at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to access the links and register before the conference call begins. Once registered, phone participants will receive dial-in numbers and a unique PIN to access the call.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this 8-K earnings release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the “safe harbor” provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words “targets,” “plans,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “likely,” “may,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “might,” “expect,” “positioned,” “strategy,” “future,” “potential,” “forecast,” “outlook,” or words, phrases or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, statements regarding TEGNA’s future financial and operating results (including growth and earnings), capital allocation framework, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment and current views, projections, estimates, expectations, plans, assumptions and beliefs about future events (in each case subject to change) of TEGNA’s senior management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which may be beyond our control that could cause actual results to differ materially from those views, projections, estimates, expectations, plans, assumptions and beliefs expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to:

  • Changes in the market price of TEGNA’s shares, general market conditions, constraints, volatility, or disruptions in the capital markets;
  • The possibility that TEGNA’s capital allocation plan, including dividends, share repurchases and/or strategic acquisitions, investments and partnerships may not enhance long-term stockholder value;
  • Legal proceedings, judgments or settlements;
  • TEGNA’s ability to re-price or renew subscribers;
  • Changes in, or failure or inability to comply with, government regulations including, without limitation, regulations of the FCC, and adverse outcomes from regulatory proceedings;
  • The effects of extreme weather and climate events on our operations as well as our counterparties, customers, employees, third-party vendors and suppliers;
  • Changes in technology, including changes in the distribution and viewing of television programming;
  • The reaction by advertisers, programming providers, strategic partners, FCC or other government regulators to businesses that we may seek to acquire;
  • The risk that we may become responsible for certain liabilities of the businesses that we may acquire;
  • Future financial performance, including our ability to obtain additional financing in the future on favorable terms;
  • The failure of our business to produce projected revenues or cash flows;
  • Continued consolidation in the industry, including MVPDs, vMVPDs, advertising agencies and other important third parties;
  • The loss of key personnel and/or talent or expenditure of a greater amount of resources attracting, retaining and motivating key personnel than in the past;
  • Strikes or other union job actions that affect our operations, including, without limitation, failure to renew our collective bargaining agreements on mutually favorable terms;
  • Uncertainties inherent in the development of new business lines and business strategies;
  • Changes in laws or regulations under which we operate;
  • Competitor responses to our products and services;
  • Changes in consumer behaviors and impacts on and modifications to TEGNA’s operations and business relating thereto;
  • The potential effects of tariffs on the demand for our advertising services; and
  • Other economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors and risks that may affect TEGNA’s operations or financial results, which are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any forward-looking statements in this 8-K earnings release should be evaluated in light of these important factors.

The list of factors above is illustrative, but by no means exhaustive. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the matters addressed in this 8-K earnings release and attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are qualified by these cautionary statements.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, these expectations may not be achieved. We may change our intentions, beliefs or expectations at any time and without notice, based upon any change in our assumptions or otherwise. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA reaches more than 100 million people monthly across the web, mobile apps, connected TVs, and linear television. Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news. For more information, visit TEGNA.com.

For media inquiries, contact: For investor inquiries, contact:
Molly McMahon Julie Heskett
Senior Director, Corporate Communications Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
703-873-6422 703-873-6747
mmcmahon@TEGNA.com investorrelations@TEGNA.com
 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
TEGNA Inc.
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars (except per share amounts)

Table No. 1

 Quarter ended June 30,
 
 2025
 2024
 Change
 
             
Revenues$675,045  $710,363   (5%) 
             
Operating expenses:            
Cost of revenues 422,896   432,044   (2%) 
Business units - Selling, general and administrative expenses 94,998   94,938   0% 
Corporate - General and administrative expenses 10,109   12,685   (20%) 
Depreciation 15,796   15,173   4% 
Amortization of intangible assets 8,832   13,663   (35%) 
Total 552,631   568,503   (3%) 
Operating income 122,414   141,860   (14%) 
             
Non-operating (expense) income:            
Interest expense (41,789)  (41,748)  0% 
Interest income 8,168   5,873   39% 
Other non-operating items, net (627)  (2,749)  (77%) 
Total (34,248)  (38,624)  (11%) 
             
Income before income taxes 88,166   103,236   (15%) 
Provision for income taxes 20,264   21,207   (4%) 
Net income 67,902   82,029   (17%) 
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest 20   115   (83%) 
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.$67,922  $82,144   (17%) 
             
Earnings per share:            
Basic$0.42  $0.48   (13%) 
Diluted$0.42  $0.48   (13%) 
             
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:            
Basic shares 161,472   169,512   (5%) 
Diluted shares 162,667   169,880   (4%) 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
TEGNA Inc.
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars (except per share amounts)

Table No. 1 (continued)

 Six months ended June 30,
 
 2025
 2024
 Change
 
             
Revenues$1,355,094  $1,424,615   (5%) 
             
Operating expenses:            
Cost of revenues 863,887   862,611   0% 
Business units - Selling, general and administrative expenses 190,545   197,198   (3%) 
Corporate - General and administrative expenses 20,265   27,483   (26%) 
Depreciation 31,275   29,483   6% 
Amortization of intangible assets 17,685   27,323   (35%) 
Asset impairment and other    1,097   ***   
Total 1,123,657   1,145,195   (2%) 
Operating income 231,437   279,420   (17%) 
             
Non-operating (expense) income:            
Interest expense (83,600)  (84,116)  (1%) 
Interest income 16,241   11,446   42% 
Other non-operating items, net (2,444)  147,009   ***   
Total (69,803)  74,339   ***   
             
Income before income taxes 161,634   353,759   (54%) 
Provision for income taxes 35,425   82,468   (57%) 
Net income 126,209   271,291   (53%) 
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest 384   413   (7%) 
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.$126,593  $271,704   (53%) 
             
Earnings per share:            
Basic$0.78  $1.56   (50%) 
Diluted$0.77  $1.55   (50%) 
             
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:            
Basic shares 161,162   173,668   (7%) 
Diluted shares 162,294   174,158   (7%) 
 
*** Not meaningful
 

REVENUE CATEGORIES
TEGNA Inc.
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars

Table No. 2

Below is a detail of our primary sources of revenue:

 Quarter ended June 30,
 
 2025 2024
 Change
 
         
Distribution$369,577 $371,204 (0%) 
Advertising & Marketing Services 287,856  298,529 (4%) 
Political 8,192  31,643 (74%) 
Other 9,420  8,987 5% 
Total revenues$675,045 $710,363 (5%) 
 


 Six months ended June 30,
 
 2025 2024 Change
 
         
Distribution$749,133 $751,707 (0%) 
Advertising & Marketing Services 574,253  594,638 (3%) 
Political 11,808  59,471 (80%) 
Other 19,900  18,799 6% 
Total revenues$1,355,094 $1,424,615 (5%) 
 


USE OF NON-GAAP INFORMATION
 

The company uses non-GAAP financial performance and liquidity measures to supplement the financial information presented on a GAAP basis. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the related GAAP measures, nor should they be considered superior to the related GAAP measures and should be read together with financial information presented on a GAAP basis. Also, our non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. 

Management and the company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) regularly use Employee compensation, Corporate–General and administrative expenses, Operating expenses, Operating income, Income before income taxes, Provision for income taxes, Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc., and Diluted earnings per share, each presented on a non-GAAP basis, for purposes of evaluating company performance. Management and the Board also use Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted free cash flow to evaluate company performance and liquidity, respectively. The Leadership Development and Compensation Committee of our Board uses non-GAAP measures such as Adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP EPS, and Adjusted free cash flow to evaluate and compensate senior management. The Board uses Adjusted free cash flow in its periodic assessments of, among other things, repurchases of the company’s common stock, the company’s dividends, strategic opportunities and long-term debt retirement. The company, therefore, believes that each of the non-GAAP measures presented provides useful information to investors and other stakeholders by allowing them to view our business through the eyes of management and our Board, facilitating comparisons of results across historical periods and focus on the underlying ongoing operating performance of our business. The company also believes these non-GAAP measures are frequently used by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in their evaluation of our business and other companies in the broadcast industry.

The company discusses in this release non-GAAP financial performance and liquidity measures that exclude from its reported GAAP results the impact of “special items” consisting of asset impairment and other, merger and acquisition (M&A)-related costs, retention costs, earnout adjustments, workforce restructuring, and a gain related to the sale of the company’s investment in Broadcast Music Inc. (“BMI”). The company believes that such expenses and gains are not indicative of normal, ongoing operations. While these items should not be disregarded in evaluating our earnings or liquidity performance, it is useful to exclude such items when analyzing current results and trends compared to other periods as these items can vary significantly from period to period depending on specific underlying transactions or events that may occur. Therefore, while we may incur or recognize these types of expenses, charges and gains, in the future, the company believes that removing these items for purposes of calculating the non-GAAP financial measures provides investors with a more focused presentation of our ongoing operating performance.

The company also discusses Adjusted EBITDA (with and without stock-based compensation expense), a non-GAAP financial performance measure that it believes offers a useful view of the overall operation of its businesses. The company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to TEGNA before (1) net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest, (2) income taxes, (3) interest expense, (4) interest income, (5) other non-operating items, net, (6) earnout adjustments, (7) employee retention costs, (8) M&A-related costs, (9) asset impairment and other, (10) workforce restructuring costs, (11) depreciation and (12) amortization of intangible assets. The company believes these adjustments facilitate company-to-company operating performance comparisons by removing potential differences caused by variations unrelated to operating performance, such as capital structures (interest expense), income taxes, and the age and book appreciation of property and equipment (and related depreciation expense). The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to Adjusted EBITDA is Net income attributable to TEGNA. Users should consider the limitations of using Adjusted EBITDA, including the fact that this measure does not provide a complete measure of our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to purport to be an alternate to net income as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. In particular, Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of cash flow available for management’s discretionary expenditures, as this measure does not consider certain cash requirements, such as working capital needs, capital expenditures, contractual commitments, interest payments, tax payments and other debt service requirements. 

This earnings release also discusses Adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP liquidity measure. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to Adjusted free cash flow is Net cash flow from operating activities. Adjusted free cash flow is defined as Net cash flow from operating activities less payments for purchases of property and equipment plus or minus special items. The company removes special items affecting cash flow from operating activities because we do not consider these items to be indicative of its underlying cash flow generation for the reporting period. Adjusted free cash flow is not intended to be a measure of residual cash available for management’s discretionary use since it omits significant sources and uses of cash flow including mandatory debt repayments. The company’s 2024/2025 Two-Year Adjusted free cash flow guidance of $900 million to $1.1 billion remains the same.

This earnings release also presents our net leverage ratio which includes Adjusted EBITDA (without stock-based compensation) as a component of the computation. Our net leverage ratio is a financial measure that is used by management to assess the borrowing capacity of the company and management believes it is useful to investors for the same reason. The company defines its net leverage ratio as (a) net debt (total debt less cash and cash equivalents) as of the balance sheet date divided by (b) Average Annual Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing two-year period.

The company is furnishing forward-looking guidance with respect to Adjusted free cash flow for the combined 2024-25 years, corporate expenses for fiscal year 2025 and non-GAAP operating expenses for the third quarter of 2025. Our future GAAP financial results will include the impact of special items such as retention costs. The company believes that such expenses are not indicative of normal, ongoing operations. While these items should not be disregarded in evaluation of our earnings performance, it is useful to exclude such items when analyzing current results and trends compared to other periods. Therefore, while we may incur or recognize these types of expenses in the future, the company believes that removing these items for purposes of calculating the non-GAAP basis financial measures provides investors with a more focused presentation of our ongoing operating performance.

The company is not able to reconcile these amounts to their comparable GAAP financial measures without unreasonable efforts because certain information necessary to calculate such measures on a GAAP basis is unavailable, dependent on future events outside of our control and cannot be predicted. An example of such information is share-based compensation, which is impacted by future share price movement in the company’s stock price and also dependent on future hiring and attrition. In addition, the company believes such reconciliations could imply a degree of precision that might be confusing or misleading to investors. The actual effect of the reconciling items that the company may exclude from these non-GAAP expense numbers, when determined, may be significant to the calculation of the comparable GAAP measures.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TEGNA Inc.
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars (except per share amounts)

Table No. 3

Reconciliations of certain line items impacted by special items to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP on the company’s Consolidated Statements of Income follow:

    Special Items
   
Quarter ended June 30, 2025 GAAP
measure
 Retention costs -
SBC

 Retention costs -
Cash

 Workforce
restructuring

 Non-GAAP
measure

 
                    
Employee compensation $170,410 $(808) $(337) $(2,775) $166,490 
Corporate - General and administrative expenses  10,109  (226)  (138)  (134)  9,611 
Operating expenses  552,631  (808)  (337)  (2,775)  548,711 
Operating income  122,414  808   337   2,775   126,334 
Income before income taxes  88,166  808   337   2,775   92,086 
Provision for income taxes  20,264  151   63   701   21,179 
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.  67,922  657   274   2,074   70,927 
Earnings per share - diluted (a) $0.42 $  $  $0.01  $0.44 
 
(a) Per share amounts do not sum due to rounding.
 


    Special Items
   
Quarter ended June 30, 2024 GAAP
measure
 Retention costs -
SBC

 Retention costs -
Cash

 Workforce
restructuring

 Non-GAAP
measure
 
                    
Employee compensation $183,967 $(2,198) $(1,003) $(1,830) $178,936 
Corporate - General and administrative expenses  12,685  (571)  (654)  (492)  10,968 
Operating expenses  568,503  (2,198)  (1,003)  (1,830)  563,472 
Operating income  141,860  2,198   1,003   1,830   146,891 
Income before income taxes  103,236  2,198   1,003   1,830   108,267 
Provision for income taxes  21,207  362   171   445   22,185 
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.  82,144  1,836   832   1,385   86,197 
Earnings per share - diluted $0.48 $0.01  $  $0.01  $0.50 
 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TEGNA Inc.
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars (except per share amounts)

Table No. 3 (continued)

    Special Items    
Six months ended June 30, 2025 GAAP
measure
 Earnout
adjustment

 Retention costs -
SBC

 Retention costs -
Cash

 Workforce
restructuring

 Non-GAAP
measure
 
                        
Employee compensation $343,590 $  $(1,634) $(707) $(2,775) $338,474 
Corporate - General and administrative expenses  20,265     (457)  (309)  (134)  19,365 
Operating expenses  1,123,657  (1,697)  (1,634)  (707)  (2,775)  1,116,844 
Operating income  231,437  1,697   1,634   707   2,775   238,250 
Income before income taxes  161,634  1,697   1,634   707   2,775   168,447 
Provision for income taxes  35,425  435   300   132   701   36,993 
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.  126,593  1,262   1,334   575   2,074   131,838 
Earnings per share - diluted (a) $0.77 $0.01  $0.01  $  $0.01  $0.81 
 
(a) Per share amounts do not sum due to rounding.
 


    Special Items
   
Six months ended June 30, 2024 GAAP
measure
 M&A-
related
costs

 Retention costs
- SBC

 Retention costs
- Cash

 Workforce
restructuring
 
 Asset impairment
and other

 BMI
sale gain

 Non-GAAP
measure
 
                                
Employee compensation $372,528 $  $(5,091) $(1,573) $(3,637) $  $  $362,227 
Corporate - General and
administrative expenses
  27,483  (2,290)  (1,323)  (875)  (603)        22,392 
Operating expenses  1,145,195  (2,290)  (5,091)  (1,573)  (3,637)  (1,097)     1,131,507 
Operating income  279,420  2,290   5,091   1,573   3,637   1,097      293,108 
Income before income
taxes
  353,759  2,290   5,091   1,573   3,637   1,097   (152,867)  214,580 
Provision for income
taxes
  82,468  593   793   248   890   284   (36,621)  48,655 
Net income attributable
to TEGNA Inc.
  271,704  1,697   4,298   1,325   2,747   813   (116,246)  166,338 
Earnings per share -
diluted (a)
 $1.55 $0.01  $0.03  $0.01  $0.02  $0.01  $(0.67) $0.95 
 
(a) Per share amounts do not sum due to rounding.
 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TEGNA Inc.
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars

Table No. 4

Reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA to net income presented in accordance with GAAP on the company’s Consolidated Statements of Income are presented below:

 Quarter ended June 30,
 
 2025
 2024
 
         
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc. (GAAP basis)$67,922  $82,144  
Less: Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest (20)  (115) 
Plus: Provision for income taxes 20,264   21,207  
Plus: Interest expense 41,789   41,748  
Less: Interest income (8,168)  (5,873) 
Plus: Other non-operating items, net 627   2,749  
Operating income (GAAP basis) 122,414   141,860  
Plus: Retention costs - employee awards stock-based compensation 808   2,198  
Plus: Retention costs - cash 337   1,003  
Plus: Workforce restructuring 2,775   1,830  
Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP basis) 126,334   146,891  
Plus: Depreciation 15,796   15,173  
Plus: Amortization of intangible assets 8,832   13,663  
Adjusted EBITDA$150,962  $175,727  
Stock-based compensation expenses:        
Employee awards 5,172   6,740  
Company stock 401(k) match contributions 3,980   4,787  
Adjusted EBITDA before stock-based compensation costs$160,114  $187,254  
 


 Six months ended June 30,
 
 2025
 2024
 
         
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc. (GAAP basis)$126,593  $271,704  
Less: Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest (384)  (413) 
Plus: Provision for income taxes 35,425   82,468  
Plus: Interest expense 83,600   84,116  
Less: Interest income (16,241)  (11,446) 
Plus (Less): Other non-operating items, net 2,444   (147,009) 
Operating income (GAAP basis) 231,437   279,420  
Plus: Octillion earnout adjustment 1,697     
Plus: M&A-related costs    2,290  
Plus: Asset impairment and other    1,097  
Plus: Workforce restructuring 2,775   3,637  
Plus: Retention costs - employee stock-based compensation expenses 1,634   5,091  
Plus: Retention costs - cash 707   1,573  
Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP basis) 238,250   293,108  
Plus: Depreciation 31,275   29,483  
Plus: Amortization of intangible assets 17,685   27,323  
Adjusted EBITDA$287,210  $349,914  
Stock-based compensation expenses:        
Employee awards 11,441   14,980  
Company stock 401(k) match contributions 8,649   10,216  
Adjusted EBITDA before stock-based compensation costs$307,300  $375,110  
 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TEGNA Inc.
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars

Table No. 5

Reconciliation of Adjusted free cash flow to Net cash flow from operating activities presented in accordance with GAAP on the company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is presented below:

 June 30, 2025
 
 Quarter
 Year-to-date
 
         
Net cash flow from operating activities (GAAP basis)$99,862  $159,491  
         
Less: Purchases of property and equipment (7,105)  (12,051) 
         
Special items:        
Workforce restructuring 2,732   9,898  
Retention costs - cash 605   734  
Total Adjustments 3,337   10,632  
         
Adjusted free cash flow (non-GAAP basis)$96,094  $158,072  
 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TEGNA Inc.
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars

Table No. 6

The following table reconciles our total outstanding debt.

 June 30, 2025
 
Total outstanding principal$3,090,000  
Less: Cash and cash equivalents (756,540) 
Net debt (numerator)$2,333,460  
 

The following table shows the calculation of the average annual Adjusted EBITDA before stock-based compensation over the trailing two-year period (“T2Y”).

Adjusted EBITDA before stock-based compensation:  
Six months June 30, 20251$307,300  
Plus: Year ended December 31, 20242 978,753  
Plus: Year ended December 31, 20232 781,562  
Less: Six months ended June 30, 20233 (418,346) 
Combined T2Y$1,649,269  
Divided by 2  
T2Y Adjusted EBITDA (denominator)$824,635  
 

The following table shows the calculation of the net leverage ratio.

 June 30, 2025
 
Net debt (numerator)$2,333,460  
T2Y Adjusted EBITDA (denominator)$824,635  
Net Leverage Ratio 2.8x 
 


1 A non-GAAP measure detailed in Table 4.
2 Refer to page 34 of the 2024 Form 10-K for reconciliations of 2024 and 2023 Adjusted EBITDA before stock-based compensation costs to net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.
3 Refer to page 24 in our Q2 2024 Form 10-Q for reconciliations of our Q2 2023 Adjusted EBITDA before stock-based compensation costs to net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.

FAQ

What were TEGNA's (TGNA) key financial results for Q2 2025?

TEGNA reported Q2 2025 revenue of $675 million (down 5%), GAAP net income of $68 million, and earnings per diluted share of $0.42.

How much did TEGNA's (TGNA) advertising revenue decline in Q2 2025?

TEGNA's advertising and marketing services (AMS) revenue decreased 4% to $288 million, primarily due to macroeconomic challenges.

What is TEGNA's (TGNA) revenue guidance for Q3 2025?

TEGNA expects Q3 2025 revenue to decline 18-20% compared to Q3 2024, due to even-to-odd year comparisons in an election year.

How much cash does TEGNA (TGNA) have on its balance sheet?

TEGNA reported $757 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q2 2025.

What strategic initiatives did TEGNA (TGNA) announce in Q2 2025?

TEGNA announced adding over 100 hours of new daily local programming across 50+ markets and renewed FOX station affiliation agreements in six markets.
Tegna Inc

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