GET DAILY SIGNALSThe New York Times (NYT) Delivers 10% Revenue Growth in Q3
Key Takeaways
- Total revenue climbed 10% year over year to $768.5 million, and diluted earnings per share reached $0.60, compared with $0.50 in the same quarter last year.
- Adjusted diluted EPS came in at $0.68, up from $0.59 previously, supported by stronger operating profit.
- The company added about 420,000 net digital-only subscribers, bringing the total to roughly 13.8 million and keeping it on pace for the 15 million target.
- Digital subscription revenue rose 14.6% to $421 million, while digital advertising revenue increased 12% to $110 million, just below guidance.
- Net income grew 19.2% to $97.4 million, and adjusted operating profit advanced 13.9% to $149.6 million.
Why These Results Matter
The New York Times Company’s third-quarter performance offers a useful test of whether its subscription-focused approach can continue expanding revenue even as compensation, marketing, and technology expenses rise. Over several years the publisher has moved away from heavy reliance on print advertising toward a mix that includes digital news, Games, Cooking, The Athletic, and Wirecutter. This quarter’s results showed revenue growth outpacing cost increases on a percentage basis, which helped margins improve despite higher spending. For investors, the report provides insight into the company’s ability to sustain subscriber momentum, hold pricing power, and turn its audience into steady cash flow in a competitive media environment. I also checked this using Tickeron’s AI Screener to see how the stock compares to others in the industry.
Breaking Down the Numbers
For the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, The New York Times Company reported total revenue of $768.5 million, up 10% from $700.8 million a year earlier. Diluted EPS was $0.60 versus $0.50 in the prior-year period, while adjusted diluted EPS, which excludes items such as generative AI litigation costs, rose to $0.68 from $0.59.
Total subscription revenue increased 10.7% to $547.5 million, led by a 14.6% rise in digital-only subscription revenue to $421 million. Digital-only ARPU edged up 1.4% to $9.93. Total advertising revenue grew 7.8% to $142.6 million, with digital advertising advancing 12% to $110 million, though it fell slightly short of the company’s guidance range. Affiliate, licensing, and other revenue increased 6% to $78.4 million.
On the profit side, operating profit rose 16.4% to $121.9 million, and adjusted operating profit grew 13.9% to $149.6 million. Net income climbed 19.2% to $97.4 million. The company finished the quarter with approximately $1.26 billion in cash and marketable securities and no outstanding debt.
How the Market Is Responding
Investor attention before and after the report focused on the staying power of digital subscription growth and the modest shortfall in digital advertising versus guidance. Management noted that advertising results can be hard to predict quarter to quarter, yet total advertising revenue still landed within the overall guidance band. The quarter also pointed to a shift in growth sources: subscriber additions were driven by engagement and retention, while ARPU growth stayed modest at 1.4%. Together with ongoing cost control, these elements supported margin expansion, which investors have often seen as an important indicator of the company’s capacity to convert audience growth into lasting profitability.
What to Watch Going Forward
Looking ahead, the company outlined fourth-quarter guidance that will be closely followed. Digital-only subscription revenue is projected to rise 12% to 15%, and total subscription revenue is expected to increase 9% to 11%. Digital advertising revenue is guided to grow in the high single digits to low double digits, while total advertising revenue should advance in the mid single digits. Adjusted operating costs are expected to increase 6% to 8%.
Several factors may influence upcoming quarters. The fourth quarter faces tougher advertising comparisons after 25% growth in the prior-year period, when structural supply increases helped results. Management also highlighted an ongoing industry challenge: actions by large technology platforms continue to reduce traffic to publishers, which can affect both audience reach and licensing revenue.
On costs, compensation and benefits can fluctuate with financial performance, especially in the fourth quarter. Investors will monitor progress toward the 15 million subscriber goal, ongoing investment in video, and the path of ARPU as more subscribers move from promotional pricing to higher plans. The expiration of a temporary cash tax benefit under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is another point to watch, as management does not expect most of that cash flow benefit to repeat beyond fiscal 2026.
Using AI Tools in My Research
In my own analysis I frequently turn to Tickeron’s AI Screener to quickly filter media stocks and spot patterns in subscriber trends or advertising metrics. The tool lets me scan for technical signals, fundamentals, and AI-driven ideas across the sector in a fraction of the time it would take manually. It has become a regular part of how I cross-check earnings data and compare companies like NYT with peers before forming a fuller view.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
Contributor
Sergey Savastiouk, Ph.D. has a degree in Applied Mathematics from Moscow University and has extensive experience as an entrepreneur, investor, manager, and mathematician. His professional expertise is in applied mathematics, mathematical modeling, system and pattern analysis, and software and hardware system integration. He has served as the CEO of several hi-tech start-up companies and nonprofit organizations, which has given him proven capabilities in business strategy for high-tech start-up companies, market assessment, company formation, team building, product development, marketing, and sales. He has published numerous articles in journals and magazines on related fields. As a retail investor, he spent 15 years developing his proprietary trading and quantitative algorithms (now Tickeron’s A.I.), which brought him significant returns in trading the stock market. His current work and goal in founding Tickeron is to bring professional, sophisticated stock market analysis capabilities to retail investors via an easy-to-use interface.
NYT sees MACD Histogram crosses below signal line
NYT saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on November 03, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 32 of the 49 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 65%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 03, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NYT as a result. In 53 of 84 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
NYT moved below its 50-day moving average on November 03, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NYT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 59%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
The 10-day moving average for NYT crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
Following a +1.43% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NYT advanced for three days, in 215 of 333 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
NYT may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 154 of 241 cases where NYT Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 64%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NYT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 80, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 71 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.238) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.659). P/E Ratio (27.479) is within average values for comparable stocks, (11.717). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.840) is also within normal values, averaging (5.351). Dividend Yield (0.014) settles around the average of (0.207) among similar stocks. NYT's P/S Ratio (3.994) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (1.204).
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Fundamental Analysis Ratings
The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows
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General Information
a global, multimedia news and information company, which engages in publishing newspapers, digital businesses, investments in paper mills and other investments
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