Guardian Media Ltd (GML) yesterday reported an after-tax profit of $2.25 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, a 66 per cent decline compared to the $6.74 million the media company earned for the same quarter in 2024.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2025, the company recorded profit before taxation of $3.5 million, down $4 million or 53 per cent from the corresponding period in 2024.
For the 12-month period, GML reported a loss before taxation of $10.6 million, widening from a loss of $2.8 million in the prior year.
The decline was driven by a 14 per cent fall in revenue to $83.8 million, reflecting reduced commercial activity across the industry.
GML chairman Peter Clarke pointed to several external factors affecting performance, including industry-wide cuts in advertising budgets, a government post-election advertising freeze from mid-May to the end of the year, and broader macroeconomic uncertainty.
These conditions suppressed advertising demand to below expected levels and weighed revenue generation throughout the year.
Despite the downturn, the company indicated that it is maintaining focus on operational discipline and long-term recovery strategies. Efforts are being directed toward strengthening the operating model, advancing digital transformation, and improving capital allocation.
Based on the results, the Board has not recommended an ordinary dividend for 2025. However, preference shareholders will receive a final dividend, with 6 per cent preference shareholders to be paid 3 per cent. The Directors have set May 18, 2026, as the record date for that payment, with the register of members to be closed on May 21 and May 22, 2026.
Clarke acknowledged the impact of the challenging environment on the company’s performance and recognised the contribution of staff and management during the period.
He also noted that the company remains focused on repositioning itself to take advantage of opportunities within a changing media landscape, as it works toward restoring profitability.
