By Sabela Ojea
WW International named Tara Comonte its chief executive after holding the top job on an interim basis for less than six months.
The weight management services company, which lost Oprah Winfrey as a board member last year, disclosed the move as it reported a swing to a profit in the fourth quarter.
The company posted a fourth-quarter net profit of $25.1 million, or 31 cents a share, compared with a loss of $88.1 million, or $1.11 a share, for the same period a year earlier. Analysts polled by FactSet had forecast earnings of 1 cent per share.
Stripping out one-time items, the company's earnings came in at 32 cents.
Revenue fell 10% to $184.4 million after losing around 400,000 subscribers to 3.3 million in the period. Wall Street has expected lower revenue of $173.2 million.
WW said it sees an opportunity in its clinical subscription business, where revenue surged 58% to $20.5 million in the period.
"As more people seek sustainable approaches--including those using or transitioning off medication--our unique combination of science-backed behavioral support, clinical care, and engaged global community allows us to deliver the right solutions at the right time," Comonte said.
When it came to its outlook, WW International said it wouldn't disclose its outlook for the year at this time.
"WeightWatchers is in a period of significant transition as we navigate industry shifts and reposition our business for long-term growth," Comonte said.
Shares rose 6.4% to 85 cents in after-hours trading following results. The stock is plunged 75% in the past year.
Write to Sabela Ojea at sabela.ojea@wsj.com; @sabelaojeaguix
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 27, 2025 17:20 ET (22:20 GMT)
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