Operating profit measured as earnings before interests, tax, depreciation and amortization, was €334m in 2009, according to Axel Springer's annual report.
The publisher's national newspaper division posted a drop in overall revenue of 8% in 2009 to €1.2bn from €1.3bn.
National newspaper advertising revenue was down more than 12%. National newspaper circulation revenue rose 1% in 2009 to €632m, but this was due largely to copy price rises.
Advertising revenue for its national magazines division, which includes Bild am Sonntag, Auto Bild, Computer Bild, Sport Bild and Bild der Frau, also posted double-digit drops, down 20%, while circulation revenue fell 4%.
Losses were partially offset by its digital media division, which saw revenue rise 34% to €470m.
The group, which houses more than 150 newspapers and magazines in over 30 countries, forecast a mixed outlook for 2010 with probable further falls in circulation of newspapers and magazines, but the publisher said advertising could stabilise.
Axel Springer also forecast operating profit could rise 10% this year through cost discipline and restructuring measures.
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