Revenue during the quarter grew 17.27 percent to $866.99 million from $739.34 million in the previous year period. Gross margin for the quarter expanded 83 basis points over the previous year period to 36.99 percent. Total expenses were 95.83 percent of quarterly revenues, up from 94.79 percent for the same period last year. That has resulted in a contraction of 104 basis points in operating margin to 4.17 percent.

Operating income for the quarter was $36.19 million, compared with $38.51 million in the previous year period.

However, the adjusted EBITDA for the quarter stood at $127.02 million compared with $126.35 million in the prior year period. At the same time, adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 244 basis points in the quarter to 14.65 percent from 17.09 percent in the last year period.

Robert J. Dickey, president and chief executive officer, said "We are pleased to end the year on a high note with both revenues and adjusted EBITDA meaningfully improved from the third quarter and exceeding the company's expectations as a result of accelerating digital revenue trends and excellent operational management. 2016 was an important year for Gannett. We acquired and integrated businesses with annual revenues of approximately $800 million, advanced our efforts to drive the company towards a more digital future, and invested in new and promising technologies for advertisers and consumers in key areas such as VR, mobile and video."