“October trading performance was strong with like-for-like revenue growth in the mid-single digits,” chief executive David Kirk told shareholders at the media group’s annual general meeting.

However, Australia's federal election did cause distraction, causing the company to be unable to give guidance for first-half revenue, Kirk said.

“With the usual disruption of advertising markets caused by the federal election and the subsequent period of adjustment, we are not able to accurately predict the first-half revenue outlook,” he said, according to the Australian.

Kirk also said the acquisition of Rural Press earlier this year has led to integration that is “performing in accordance with our expectations.”