Photo: RNZ/ Brad White
Media company NZME is back in the black with increased earnings, as it put the asset writedowns and tougher economy of a year ago behind it.
The owner of the OneRoof property platform, New Zealand Herald, and Newstalk ZB radio network said it was cautiously optimistic heading into 2026.
Key numbers for the year ended 31 December 2025 compared with a year ago:
- Profit $13.1m vs $16.0m loss
- Revenue $345.1m vs $350.2m
- Operating earnings $62.3m vs $54.2m
- Expenses $289.3m vs $300.5m
- Full year dividend unchanged 9 cents per share
Chief executive Michael Boggs said the performance reflected “a huge amount of hard work” across the company, supported by easing inflation and improving business and consumer confidence.
“We’ve remained focused on our digital-first strategy, continuing to innovate and adapt to changing audience and client needs, we’ve reduced our costs, and we’ve simplified our structure to allow us to operate at pace, placing specialist support services under each of our three main business divisions.”
Revenue dipped slightly after the company closed 14 community newspapers at the end of 2024.
OneRoof delivered a strong year, with listings revenue rising 18 percent, lifting its operating profits by a third.
Its audio division – which includes Newstalk ZB – saw operating profits rise by 23 percent, and NZME said it was seeing positive momentum heading into 2026.
The publishing division, led by the NZ Herald, reported total subscriptions rising from 236,000 to 243,000, with digital-only subscriptions up 10 percent.
The company did not offer any earnings guidance for 2026, but chairperson Steven Joyce struck an upbeat tone.
“We have entered 2026 with a strong balance sheet, diversified revenue streams and strong market positions across audio, publishing and OneRoof, providing a solid foundation for future growth,” he said.
“The renewed momentum and focus we have built through 2025 positions us strongly for 2026 and beyond.”
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
