HispanicBusiness

Gannett Co., Inc., today reported strong third quarter financial results. Earnings per diluted share, on a GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) basis were $0.56 for the third quarter of 2012 compared to $0.41 for the third quarter last year. Excluding special items in 2012 and 2011, third quarter earnings per diluted share were $0.56 this year compared to $0.44 for the third quarter of 2011.

Gracia Martore, president and chief executive officer, said, "We are extremely pleased to report strong results and a return to revenue growth. We achieved record third quarter results in our Broadcasting segment. Our TV stations leveraged top 10 ratings positions and a more locally focused sales effort to generate substantially higher Olympic spending. Through strong ratings and a great footprint, they also maximized the opportunity to attract political spending. The early success of our new, all access content subscription model resulted in significant growth in company-wide circulation revenue, the first increase since early 2007. CareerBuilder once again delivered outstanding results that in turn enhanced Digital segment performance. Our digital strategies are working and company-wide digital revenue now represents more than 25 percent of total revenues. Finally, our continuing focus on creating efficiencies played an important role in delivering higher profitability and operating cash flow this quarter."

Martore went on to say, "Our results this quarter demonstrate that the growth strategy we announced in February is gaining traction. Our all access content subscription model has been rolled out in 71 markets and is delivering the circulation revenue gains we anticipated. Our digital marketing services business is operational in all markets and we are excited by its long term prospects. In September, we re-launched our flagship USA TODAY brand, which has been re-imagined and redesigned for today's consumers and advertisers. We are seeing early successes and making great progress in positioning Gannett for growth in the digital era."

Results for the third quarter of 2012 include $14.7 million of special charges affecting operating income in addition to $10 million of strategic investments. Non-cash facility consolidation charges totaled $4.2 million ($2.4 million after tax or $0.01 per share) reflecting primarily accelerated depreciation costs primarily associated with the transfer of production activities. Workforce restructuring charges in our Publishing segment of $7.9 million ($4.9 million after tax or $0.02 per share) reflect principally the impact of employee acceptances of an early retirement plan during the third quarter. Results for the third quarter of 2012 also include a pension settlement termination charge totaling $2.5 million ($1.5 million after tax or $0.01 per share). Non-operating items included $3.2 million ($2.0 million after tax or $0.01 per share) of non-cash charges for a newspaper partnership investment. Offsetting these was a tax benefit of $13.1 million ($0.06 per share) related primarily to a tax settlement covering multiple years.

Results for the third quarter of 2011 included special charges affecting operating income related to workforce restructuring which totaled $8.7 million ($5.3 million after-tax or $0.02 per share). A non-cash impairment for an investment in an online business of $1.9 million ($1.1 million after-tax) was also recorded in that quarter which affected non-operating items.