Metro International's quarterly operating earnings fell 83 percent, due to poor sales and advertising, the free newspaper group reported Monday, Reuters reported.

The company's second quarter operating profit fell to €600,000, compared to €3.6 million last year at the same time.

Overall results were largely affected by losses in the United States, Spain, Canada and Denmark, Metro reported, according to Reuters.

Sales in the second quarter were at €77.3 million, down 4.1 percent from the previous quarter. Analysts had predicted sales would be at €85 million, Reuters reported.

“Markets for advertising in paid-for titles have been hit badly in some countries - particularly U.S., UK and Southern Europe - and less so in other markets in Northern Europe,” Metro said in a statement. “With this mixed outlook Metro is obviously most vulnerable in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Hence, the defined strategy to grow in Asia, South America and Russia becomes even more relevant.”