DC Thomson, publisher of the P&J, The Sunday Post and The Courier, posted flat news stand and subscription sales as it was impacted by higher inflation and low consumer confidence in the year to March 2025.
Subscriptions to its regional news titles surpassed 50,000, though it has been noted that it had set a target of 75,000 by 2025.
New insurance services and a 13.6% uptick in advertising helped total group revenue rise 19.8% to £184m, from £154m in the previous year.
Pre-tax profit came in at £31m against £94m previously which included valuation gains on financial assets.
DC Thomson’s other titles include city evening papers, People’s Friend, Scots Magazine, The Beano, Puzzler and Stylist. It operates the Original 106 radio stations, and cloud services company Brightsolid whose revenue rose 12%.
The total group assets from the investment portfolio were slightly down at £1.14bn.
Print circulations continue to decline, with the P&J and The Courier respectively selling 19,525 and 14,836 in the first half of 2025, both down by about 10% year on year.
Chairman Christopher Thomson said: “These results demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of our business in a rapidly changing market.
“We are investing in data, technology and talent to ensure our purpose driven brands remain trusted and relevant for generations to come.
“Our strategy is clear: build sustainable growth by diversifying revenues, protecting profitability and creating new opportunities in digital and B2B markets.
“At the same time, we continue to deliver efficiency in print and maintain the quality our audiences expect.
“With strong foundations and a commitment to transformation, DC Thomson is well-positioned to thrive despite the market conditions.”
A final dividend of £20.4m (2024: £19.9m) made a total of £26.4m (£25.7m). Dividends paid to directors totalled £547,000, down slightly from £551,000.
The highest-paid member of “key management” received £408,000, from £407,000 a year earlier.
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