Scoop: The Guardian U.S. posts record revenue of $81M

The Guardian U.S. relies primarily on digital reader donations, which make up 70.7% of annual revenue, while advertising contributes around a quarter. Most reader donations are recurring, functioning like subscriptions or memberships. Revenue has grown 25% annually over the past two fiscal years, with profits rising 56% in 2025 and 41% in 2026. The outlet recorded its most profitable fiscal year ever, ending March 31, and exceeded $34 million in contributions, a profit measure. The U.S. division benefits from support from its U.K. parent for central costs such as product and engineering. Since around 2022, it invested in the U.S., hiring a new leadership team, expanding staff, and growing editorial and commercial operations. While other U.K. publications pursue U.S. subscription and advertising markets, The Guardian emphasizes reader donations as its growth niche.

"Digital reader donations make up most (70.7%) of the annual revenues for The Guardian U.S., according to the presentation. Advertising makes up around a quarter. The vast majority of reader donations are recurring, Bateson said, which means they function much like subscriptions or memberships."

"The Guardian's revenue has increased 25% annually for the past two fiscal years, according to the presentation. Profits increased 56% (2025) and 41% (2026). In addition to growing its top line, The Guardian U.S. also saw its most profitable fiscal year ever, which ended on March 31."

"The outlet exceeded $34 million in "contributions" to the company, which is its measure of profit. (The Guardian's U.S. division relies on its U.K. parent to cover some central costs, such as product and engineering, which helps support its margins.)"

"Beginning around 2022, the company made a strategic decision to invest in the U.S. market, hiring a new U.S.-based leadership team to oversee its expansion editorially and commercially. It has since hired more than 100 people, expanding its newsroom from 75 to 150 and its business team from 25 to more than 50."

Read at Axios