Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2017March 31, 2021

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file no.1-33741

Picture 1

Design Cover

A. H. Belo Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas

38-3765318

Delaware

38-3765318

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

P. O. Box 224866, Dallas, Texas 75222-4866

(214) 977-8222977-7342

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.

None

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Series A Common Stock, $0.01 par value

AHC

New York Stock Exchange

None

Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes þ     No ☐ ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes þ     No ☐ ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer:  ☐

Accelerated filer:  ☑

Non-accelerated filer:  ☐

Smaller reporting company:  ☐

Large Accelerated Filer:  ¨

Accelerated Filer:  ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Emerging growth company  ☐Non-Accelerated Filer:  þ

Smaller Reporting Company:  þ

Emerging Growth Company  ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).      Yes ¨     No þ

Indicate the numberShares of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest possible date.

Outstanding at

Class

October 26, 2017

Common Stock, $.01 par value

21,753,166

Total Common Stock consistsoutstanding at April 22, 2021: 21,410,423 shares (consisting of 19,281,01118,941,420 shares of Series A Common Stock and 2,472,1552,469,003 shares of Series B Common Stock. Stock).


A. H. BELO CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q


PART I

Item 1. Financial Information

A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31,

In thousands, except share and per share amounts (unaudited)

2021

2020

Net Operating Revenue:

Advertising and marketing services

$

16,769

$

19,327

Circulation

16,022

16,414

Printing, distribution and other

4,024

4,602

Total net operating revenue

36,815

40,343

Operating Costs and Expense:

Employee compensation and benefits

17,947

19,016

Other production, distribution and operating costs

19,090

20,992

Newsprint, ink and other supplies

2,341

3,271

Depreciation

1,074

1,765

Amortization

64

64

Gain on sale/disposal of assets, net

(1)

(5)

Total operating costs and expense

40,515

45,103

Operating loss

(3,700)

(4,760)

Other income, net

1,254

1,352

Loss Before Income Taxes

(2,446)

(3,408)

Income tax provision (benefit)

319

(1,787)

Net Loss

$

(2,765)

$

(1,621)

Per Share Basis

Net loss

Basic and diluted

$

(0.13)

$

(0.08)

Number of common shares used in the per share calculation:

Basic and diluted

21,410,423

21,410,423



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

In thousands, except share and per share amounts (unaudited)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Net Operating Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertising and marketing services

 

$

34,875 

 

$

38,304 

 

$

106,101 

 

$

111,581 

Circulation

 

 

18,845 

 

 

19,633 

 

 

57,099 

 

 

59,806 

Printing, distribution and other

 

 

6,839 

 

 

6,843 

 

 

21,349 

 

 

22,502 

Total net operating revenue

 

 

60,559 

 

 

64,780 

 

 

184,549 

 

 

193,889 

Operating Costs and Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits

 

 

29,693 

 

 

25,626 

 

 

82,421 

 

 

77,417 

Other production, distribution and operating costs

 

 

27,460 

 

 

30,615 

 

 

85,522 

 

 

88,844 

Newsprint, ink and other supplies

 

 

5,648 

 

 

6,315 

 

 

17,542 

 

 

18,834 

Depreciation

 

 

2,607 

 

 

2,488 

 

 

7,840 

 

 

7,725 

Amortization

 

 

200 

 

 

225 

 

 

599 

 

 

680 

Goodwill impairment

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

228 

 

 

 —

Total operating costs and expense

 

 

65,608 

 

 

65,269 

 

 

194,152 

 

 

193,500 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

(5,049)

 

 

(489)

 

 

(9,603)

 

 

389 

Other income, net

 

 

7,639 

 

 

114 

 

 

7,209 

 

 

601 

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

 

 

2,590 

 

 

(375)

 

 

(2,394)

 

 

990 

Income tax provision

 

 

10 

 

 

77 

 

 

261 

 

 

1,361 

Net Income (Loss)

 

 

2,580 

 

 

(452)

 

 

(2,655)

 

 

(371)

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 —

 

 

45 

 

 

 —

 

 

65 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation

 

$

2,580 

 

$

(497)

 

$

(2,655)

 

$

(436)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per Share Basis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

$

0.12 

 

$

(0.02)

 

$

(0.13)

 

$

(0.02)

Number of common shares used in the per share calculation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

21,753,166 

 

 

21,676,260 

 

 

21,729,212 

 

 

21,601,828 

Diluted

 

 

21,754,627 

 

 

21,676,260 

 

 

21,729,212 

 

 

21,601,828 

See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 3


A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three Months Ended March 31,

In thousands (unaudited)

2021

2020

Net Loss

$

(2,765)

$

(1,621)

Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:

Amortization of actuarial losses

360

219

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax

360

219

Total Comprehensive Loss

$

(2,405)

$

(1,402)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

In thousands (unaudited)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

2,580 

 

$

(452)

 

$

(2,655)

 

$

(371)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial gains

 

 

3,648 

 

 

 —

 

 

3,648 

 

 

 —

Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses

 

 

5,967 

 

 

(17)

 

 

6,080 

 

 

(49)

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

9,615 

 

 

(17)

 

 

9,728 

 

 

(49)

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

12,195 

 

 

(469)

 

 

7,073 

 

 

(420)

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 —

 

 

45 

 

 

 —

 

 

65 

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation

 

$

12,195 

 

$

(514)

 

$

7,073 

 

$

(485)

See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 4


A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

March 31,

December 31,

In thousands, except share amounts (unaudited)

 

2017

 

2016

2021

2020

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

49,955 

 

$

80,071 

$

38,132

$

42,015

Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $937 and $1,115 at September 30, 2017

and December 31, 2016, respectively)

 

 

25,914 

 

29,114 

Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $863 and $712 at March 31, 2021

and December 31, 2020, respectively)

15,503

16,562

Notes receivable

22,775

22,775

Inventories

 

 

3,417 

 

3,386 

2,366

1,974

Prepaids and other current assets

 

 

10,185 

 

9,553 

6,312

4,780

Assets held for sale

 

 

5,510 

 

 

 —

Total current assets

 

 

94,981 

 

 

122,124 

85,088

88,106

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

 

 

440,432 

 

 

445,874 

312,578

312,532

Less accumulated depreciation

 

 

(406,841)

 

 

(402,115)

(301,646)

(300,573)

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

33,591 

 

 

43,759 

10,932

11,959

Operating lease right-of-use assets

19,764

20,406

Intangible assets, net

 

 

4,273 

 

4,872 

64

Goodwill

 

 

13,973 

 

14,201 

Deferred income taxes, net

91

76

Other assets

 

 

6,975 

 

 

7,775 

2,213

2,604

Total assets

 

$

153,793 

 

$

192,731 

$

118,088

$

123,215

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

9,121 

 

$

9,036 

$

7,381

$

7,759

Accrued compensation and benefits

 

 

7,641 

 

8,657 

5,557

5,754

Other accrued expense

 

 

5,395 

 

6,318 

4,967

5,075

Advance subscription payments

 

 

12,179 

 

 

13,243 

Contract liabilities

13,760

12,896

Total current liabilities

 

 

34,336 

 

 

37,254 

31,665

31,484

Long-term pension liabilities

 

 

28,413 

 

 

54,843 

17,119

18,520

Long-term operating lease liabilities

21,216

21,890

Other post-employment benefits

 

 

2,189 

 

2,329 

1,360

1,372

Other liabilities

 

 

3,919 

 

 

6,483 

3,581

3,541

Total liabilities

 

 

68,857 

 

 

100,909 

74,941

76,807

Noncontrolling interest - redeemable

 

 

 —

 

2,670 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued

 

 

 —

 

 —

Common stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 125,000,000 shares

 

 

 

 

 

Series A: issued 20,697,892 and 20,620,461 shares at September 30, 2017

and December 31, 2016, respectively

 

 

208 

 

207 

Series B: issued 2,472,155 and 2,472,680 shares at September 30, 2017

and December 31, 2016, respectively

 

24 

 

24 

Treasury stock, Series A, at cost; 1,416,881 shares held at September 30, 2017
and December 31, 2016

 

 

(11,233)

 

(11,233)

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized 2,000,000 shares; NaN issued

Common stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized 125,000,000 shares

Series A: issued 20,855,280 and 20,855,200 shares at March 31, 2021

and December 31, 2020, respectively

209

209

Series B: issued 2,469,003 and 2,469,083 shares at March 31, 2021

and December 31, 2020, respectively

24

24

Treasury stock, Series A, at cost; 1,913,860 shares held at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020

(13,443)

(13,443)

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

494,820 

 

499,552 

494,389

494,389

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(29,580)

 

(39,308)

(32,108)

(32,468)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(369,303)

 

 

(361,324)

(405,924)

(402,303)

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation

 

 

84,936 

 

 

87,918 

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

 —

 

 

1,234 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

84,936 

 

 

89,152 

43,147

46,408

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

153,793 

 

$

192,731 

$

118,088

$

123,215

See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 5


Table of Contents

A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

Common Stock

Treasury Stock

In thousands, except share amounts (unaudited)

Shares
Series A

Shares
Series B

Amount

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Shares
Series A

Amount

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

Accumulated
Deficit

Total

Balance at December 31, 2019

20,854,975 

2,469,308 

$

233 

$

494,389 

(1,913,860)

$

(13,443)

$

(32,294)

$

(391,148)

$

57,737 

Net loss

(1,621)

(1,621)

Other comprehensive income

219 

219 

Conversion of Series B to Series A

225 

(225)

Dividends declared ($0.08 per share)

(1,713)

(1,713)

Balance at March 31, 2020

20,855,200 

2,469,083 

$

233 

$

494,389 

(1,913,860)

$

(13,443)

$

(32,075)

$

(394,482)

$

54,622 

Balance at December 31, 2020

20,855,200 

2,469,083 

233 

494,389 

(1,913,860)

(13,443)

(32,468)

(402,303)

46,408 

Net loss

(2,765)

(2,765)

Other comprehensive income

360 

360 

Conversion of Series B to Series A

80 

(80)

Dividends declared ($0.04 per share)

(856)

(856)

Balance at March 31, 2021

20,855,280 

2,469,003 

$

233 

$

494,389 

(1,913,860)

$

(13,443)

$

(32,108)

$

(405,924)

$

43,147 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Common Stock

 

 

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In thousands, except share amounts  (unaudited)

Shares   
Series A

Shares
Series B

Amount

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

Shares
Series A

Amount

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

Accumulated
Deficit

Noncontrolling
Interests

Total

Balance at December 31, 2015

20,522,503 

2,387,509 

$

229 

$

500,449 

 

(1,416,881)

$

(11,233)

$

(38,442)

$

(333,222)

$

1,069 

$

118,850 

Net income (loss)

 —

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(436)

 

52

 

(384)

Other comprehensive loss

 —

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(49)

 

 —

 

 —

 

(49)

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 —

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(236)

 

(236)

Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests

 —

 —

 

 —

 

(396)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

396 

 

 —

Issuance of shares for restricted stock units

97,203 

 —

 

 

(1)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

Issuance of shares for stock option exercises

 —

85,926 

 

 

155 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

156 

Share-based compensation

 —

 —

 

 —

 

534

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

534

Conversion of Series B to Series A

739

(739)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

Dividends

 —

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(7,028)

 

 —

 

(7,028)

Balance at September 30, 2016

20,620,445

2,472,696

$

231 

$

500,741

 

(1,416,881)

$

(11,233)

$

(38,491)

$

(340,686)

$

1,281

$

111,843

Balance at December 31, 2016

20,620,461 

2,472,680 

$

231 

$

499,552 

 

(1,416,881)

$

(11,233)

$

(39,308)

$

(361,324)

$

1,234 

$

89,152 

Net loss

 —

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(2,655)

 

 —

 

(2,655)

Other comprehensive income

 —

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

9,728

 

 —

 

 —

 

9,728

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 —

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 

 —

 

(118)

 

(118)

Issuance of shares for restricted stock units

76,906 

 —

 

 

(1)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

Share-based compensation

 —

 —

 

 —

 

775

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

775

Purchases of noncontrolling interests

 —

 —

 

 —

 

(5,506)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(1,116)

 

(6,622)

Conversion of Series B to Series A

525

(525)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

Dividends

 —

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(5,324)

 

 —

 

(5,324)

Balance at September 30, 2017

20,697,892

2,472,155

$

232 

$

494,820

 

(1,416,881)

$

(11,233)

$

(29,580)

$

(369,303)

$

 —

$

84,936

See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 6


Table of Contents

A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Three Months Ended March 31,

In thousands (unaudited)

2021

2020

Operating Activities

Net loss

$

(2,765)

$

(1,621)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used for operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

1,138

1,829

Net periodic pension and other post-employment benefit

(1,035)

(1,154)

Bad debt expense

211

296

Deferred income taxes

(15)

14

Gain on sale/disposal of assets, net

(1)

(5)

Loss on investment related activity

18

Changes in working capital and other operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

848

3,199

Inventories, prepaids and other current assets

(1,924)

(4,189)

Other assets

391

(1)

Accounts payable

(378)

(1,114)

Compensation and benefit obligations

(197)

(2,112)

Other accrued expenses

16

78

Contract liabilities

864

2,185

Other post-employment benefits

(18)

(17)

Net cash used for operating activities

(2,865)

(2,594)

Investing Activities

Purchases of assets

(163)

(390)

Sales of assets

1

5

Net cash used for investing activities

(162)

(385)

Financing Activities

Dividends paid

(856)

(1,713)

Net cash used for financing activities

(856)

(1,713)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(3,883)

(4,692)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

42,015

48,626

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

38,132

$

43,934

Supplemental Disclosures

Income tax paid, net

$

8

$

5

Noncash investing and financing activities:

Dividends payable

856

1,713



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

In thousands (unaudited)

 

2017

 

2016

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(2,655)

 

$

(371)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

8,439 

 

 

8,405 

Net periodic benefit and contributions related to employee benefit plans

 

 

(16,667)

 

 

(2,626)

Share-based compensation

 

 

775 

 

 

534 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 —

 

 

13 

Loss on investment related activity

 

 

250 

 

 

200 

Gain on disposal of fixed assets

 

 

(7,118)

 

 

(328)

Goodwill impairment

 

 

228 

 

 

 —

Changes in working capital and other operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

3,200 

 

 

4,752 

Inventories, prepaids and other current assets

 

 

(663)

 

 

76 

Other assets

 

 

568 

 

 

(582)

Accounts payable

 

 

85 

 

 

(1,898)

Compensation and benefit obligations

 

 

(932)

 

 

1,740 

Other accrued expenses

 

 

(62)

 

 

(1,926)

Advance subscription payments

 

 

(1,064)

 

 

(1,213)

Other post-employment benefits

 

 

(174)

 

 

(97)

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

 

 

(15,790)

 

 

6,679 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of assets

 

 

(7,837)

 

 

(4,168)

Sales of assets

 

 

8,252 

 

 

328 

Purchases of investments

 

 

(18)

 

 

 —

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

 

 

397 

 

 

(3,840)

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of noncontrolling interests

 

 

(9,231)

 

 

 —

Dividends paid

 

 

(5,313)

 

 

(5,265)

Proceeds from other financing activities

 

 

 —

 

 

2,566 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

 

(179)

 

 

(335)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

 —

 

 

156 

Net cash used for financing activities

 

 

(14,723)

 

 

(2,878)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(30,116)

 

 

(39)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

 

80,071 

 

 

78,380 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

49,955 

 

$

78,341 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax paid, net of refunds

 

$

1,200 

 

$

1,623 

Noncash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in property, plant and equipment payable

 

 

228 

 

 

603 

Dividends payable

 

 

1,775 

 

 

1,763 

See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 7


Table of Contents

A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1: Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Description of Business.    A. H. Belo Corporation and subsidiaries are referred to collectively herein as “A. H. Belo” or the “Company.” The Company, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is athe leading local news and information publishing company within Texas. The Company has a growing presence in emerging media and digital marketing, and maintains capabilities related to commercial printing, distribution and direct mail capabilities, as well as expertise in emerging media and digital marketing. With a continued focus on extending the Company’s media platform,mail. A. H. Belo delivers news and information in innovative ways to a broad spectrumrange of audiences with diverse interests and lifestyles.

The Company publishes The Dallas Morning News (www.dallasnews.com), Texas’ leading newspaper and winner of nine Pulitzer Prizes; the Denton Record-Chronicle (www.dentonrc.com), a daily newspaper operating in Denton, Texas,Prizes, and various niche publications targeting specific audiences. A. H. BeloIts newspaper operations also offersprovide commercial printing and distribution services to several large national newspapers. In addition, the Company has the capabilities of a full-service strategy, creative and media agency that focuses on strategic and digital marketing, solutions through DMV Digital Holdingsand data intelligence that provide a measurable return on investment to its clients.

COVID-19 Pandemic.    Currently, the rapid spread of coronavirus (COVID-19 pandemic) globally has resulted in increased travel restrictions, and disruption and shutdown of businesses. The outbreak and any preventative or protective actions that the Company (“DMV Holdings”)has taken and Your Speakeasy, LLC (“Speakeasy”),may continue to take, or may be imposed on the Company by governmental intervention, in respect of the pandemic may result in a period of disruption to the Company’s financial reporting capabilities, its printing operations, and provides event activation, promotionits operations generally. COVID-19 is impacting, and marketing services through DMN CrowdSource LLC (“CrowdSource”).may continue to impact, the Company’s customers, distribution partners, advertisers, production facilities, and third parties, and could result in additional loss of advertising revenue or supply chain disruption. The Company has been following the recommendations of local government and health authorities to minimize exposure risk for employees, including the temporary closure of some of the Company’s offices and having employees work remotely. Employees, including financial reporting staff, have been working remotely since on or about March 10, 2020, even as the stay-at-home orders were lifted in Texas. If the pandemic were to affect a significant number of the workforce employed in printing operations, the Company may experience delays or be unable to produce, print and deliver its publications and other third-party print publications on a timely basis. The extent to which the coronavirus impacts the Company’s results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and include the actions taken by governments and private businesses to contain the coronavirus. The coronavirus is likely to continue to have an adverse impact on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition at least for the near term.

Media was designated an essential business, therefore the Company’s operations have continued throughout the pandemic. The Company is experiencing an increase in digital subscriptions, which currently does not offset the loss of advertising revenue. On April 6, 2020, the Company announced that it was taking several actions in response to the financial impact of COVID-19. The Company reduced operating and capital expenditures, and lowered the quarterly dividend rate to $0.04 per share for dividends declared. Beginning with the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, the board of directors’ compensation was reduced and the board was reduced in size by 2. In addition, employees’ base compensation was reduced Company-wide, and the annual bonus tied to financial metrics for eligible employees was not achieved. In August 2020, the Company began to restore base salaries and by October, the Company restored base salaries prospectively for all employees, with the exception of the executive officers that report to the Chief Executive Officer. The executive officers’ base salaries were restored effective January 1, 2021. The Company continues to evaluate the future material impacts on its consolidated financial statements that may result from the actions taken by the Company and its customers in respect of the pandemic.

Basis of Presentation.    The interim consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited; however, they include adjustments of a normal recurring nature which, in the Company’s opinion, are necessary to present fairly the interim consolidated financial information as of and for the periods indicated.indicated in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company consolidates its majority owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2020. All dollar amounts presented herein, except share and per share amounts, are in thousands, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Use of Estimates.The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”)GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and (iii) the reported amount of net operating revenues and expenses recognized during the periods presented. Adjustments made with respect to the use of estimates often relate to improved information

A. H. Belo Corporation First Quarter 2021 on Form 10-Q 8


Table of Contents

not previously available. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements; accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 – Intangibles – GoodwillThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased uncertainty in management’s estimates and Other (Topic 350):Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This update simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, includingassumptions affecting these interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. In the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company early adopted this standard. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Areas where significant estimates are used include pension and other post-employment benefit obligation assumptions, income taxes, leases, self-insured liabilities, and long-lived assets impairment review.

Segment Presentation.Based on the Company’s structure and organizational chart, the Company’s chief operating decision-maker (the “CODM”) is its Chief Executive Officer, Robert W. Decherd. Based on how the Company’s CODM makes decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance, the Company determined it has one reportable segment.

New Accounting Pronouncements. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued the following accounting pronouncements and guidance, which may be applicable to the Company but have not yet become effective.

In May 2014,June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 2016-13Revenue from Contracts with CustomersFinancial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 606).326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This guidance prescribes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in the accounting of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The core principle contemplated by this new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount reflecting the consideration the entity expectsupdate requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. New disclosurespresented at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the nature, amount, timing and uncertaintycollectibility of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers are also required.the reported amount. Since May 2014,June 2016, the FASB issued clarifying updates to the new standard specifically to address certain core principles including changing the identification of performance obligations, licensing guidance, the assessment of the collectability criterion, the presentation of taxes collected from customers, noncash considerations, contract modifications, and completed contracts at transition. The new guidance will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance under GAAP and is effective date for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017. There are two transition options available to entities, the full retrospective approach, in which the Company would restate prior periods, or the modified retrospective approach. The Company currently anticipates adopting ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective approach as of January 1, 2018. This approach consists of recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to opening retained earnings.

The Company coordinated a team of key stakeholders to develop a bottom-up approach to analyze the impact of the new standard on its portfolio of contracts. Based upon the Company’s initial evaluation, some of the issues currently being reviewed include the impact of gross versus net, level of disaggregation of revenue disclosed in the Company’s financial statements and evaluating the standalone selling price related to certain performance obligations. The Company is currently quantifying the impact that the updated guidance will have on the Company’s financial statements and related disclosures.

A. H. Belo Corporation Third Quarter 2017 on Form 10-Q     8


Table of Contents

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 – Leases (Topic 842). This update requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of its leases. The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will generally be based on the liability. For income statement purposes operating leases will result in straight-line expense and finance leases will result in expenses similar to current capital leases. The guidance also requires additional disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.smaller reporting companies. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years2022, and will be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of this update and has not yet determined its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-06 – Plan Accounting – Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Topic 960), Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962) and Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965):  Employee Benefit Plan Master Trust Reporting. This update clarifies the presentation requirements for a plan’s interest in a master trust and requires more detailed disclosures of the plan’s interest in the master trust. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of this update and has not yet determined its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017,

Note 2: Revenue

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the FASB issued ASU 2017-07 – Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentationterms of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.a contract with our customer are satisfied. This update clarifies the presentation and classificationoccurs when control of the componentspromised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services, typically at contract price or determined by stand-alone selling price. The Company has an estimated allowance for credits, refunds and similar obligations. Sales tax collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue.

Accounts receivable are reported net of a valuation reserve that represents an estimate of amounts considered uncollectible. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical write-off experience and the Company’s knowledge of the customers’ ability to pay amounts due. Accounts are written-off after all collection efforts fail; generally, after one year has expired. Expense for such uncollectible amounts is included in other production, distribution and operating costs. Credit terms are customary.

The table below sets forth revenue disaggregated by revenue source.

Three Months Ended March 31,

2021

2020

Advertising and Marketing Services

Print advertising

$

11,226

$

12,799

Digital advertising and marketing services

5,543

6,528

Total

$

16,769

$

19,327

Circulation

Print circulation

$

13,976

$

15,017

Digital circulation

2,046

1,397

Total

$

16,022

$

16,414

Printing, Distribution and Other

$

4,024

$

4,602

Total Revenue

$

36,815

$

40,343

A. H. Belo Corporation First Quarter 2021 on Form 10-Q 9


Advertising and Marketing Services

Print advertising revenue represents sales of advertising space within the Company’s core and niche newspapers, as well as preprinted advertisements inserted into the Company’s core newspapers and niche publications or distributed to non-subscribers through the mail.

Digital advertising and marketing services revenue consists of strategic marketing management, consulting, creative services, targeted and multi-channel (programmatic) advertising placed on third-party websites, digital sales of banner, classified and native advertisements on the Company’s news and entertainment-related websites and mobile apps, social media management, search optimization, direct mail and the sale of promotional materials.

Advertising and marketing services revenue is primarily recognized at a point in time when the ad or service is complete and delivered, based on the customers’ contract price. Barter advertising transactions are recognized at estimated fair value based on the negotiated contract price and the range of prices for similar advertising from customers unrelated to the barter transaction. The Company expenses barter costs as incurred, which is independent from the timing of revenue recognition. In addition, certain digital advertising revenue related to website access is recognized over time, based on the customers’ monthly rate. The Company typically extends credit to advertising and marketing services customers, although for certain advertising campaigns the customer may pay in advance.

For ads placed on certain third-party websites, the Company must evaluate whether it is acting as the principal, where revenue is reported on a gross basis, or acting as the agent, where revenue is reported on a net periodic benefit costbasis. Generally, the Company reports advertising revenue for ads placed on third-party websites on a net basis, meaning the amount recorded to revenue is the amount billed to the customer net of amounts paid to the publisher of the third-party website. The Company is acting as the agent because the publisher controls the advertising inventory.

Circulation

Print circulation revenue is generated primarily by selling home delivery subscriptions, including premium publications, and from single copy sales to non-subscribers. Home delivery revenue is recognized over the subscription period based on the days of actual delivery over the total subscription days and single copy revenue is recognized at a point in time when the paper is purchased. Revenue is directly reduced for any non-payment for the grace period of home delivery subscriptions where the Company recorded revenue for newspapers delivered after a subscription expired.

Digital circulation revenue is generated by digital-only subscriptions and is recognized over the subscription period based on daily or monthly access to the content in the subscription period.

Payment of circulation fees is typically received in advance and deferred over the subscription period.

Printing, Distribution and Other

Printing, distribution and other revenue is primarily generated from printing and distribution of other newspapers, as well as production of preprinted advertisements for other newspapers. Printing, distribution and other revenue is recognized at a point in time when the product or service is delivered. The Company typically extends credit to printing and distribution customers.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue is recorded when cash payments are received in advance of the Company’s performance, including amounts which are refundable. The Company’s primary sources of deferred revenue are from circulation subscriptions and advertising paid in advance of the service provided. These up-front payments are recorded upon receipt as contract liabilities in the Consolidated StatementBalance Sheets and the revenue is recognized when the Company’s obligations under the terms of Operations. Specifically, this standard requires the service cost componentcontract are satisfied. In the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recognized $7,199 of net periodic benefit cost to be recordedrevenue that was included in the same income statement linecontract liabilities balance as otherof December 31, 2020. The Company typically recognizes deferred revenue within 1 to 12 months.

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

The Company generally expenses sales commissions and circulation acquisition costs when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within employee compensation and benefits expense and other production, distribution and operating costs and all other components of net periodic benefit cost must be presented as non-operating items. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. expense, respectively.

The Company currently anticipates adopting this standard retrospectively asdoes not disclose the value of January 1, 2018.unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and contracts for which revenue is recognized at the amount invoiced for services performed.

A. H. Belo Corporation First Quarter 2021 on Form 10-Q 10


Note 3: Leases

Lease Accounting

The Company has various operating leases primarily for office space and other distribution centers, some of which include escalating lease payments and options to extend or terminate the lease. The Company’s defined benefit plansleases have been frozen, soremaining terms of less than 1 year to 13 years. The Company determines if a contract is a lease at the inception of the arrangement.

Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date of lease agreements greater than one year based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In determining the present value of lease payments, the implicit rate was not readily determinable in the Company’s lease agreements. Therefore, the Company used an estimated secured incremental borrowing rate, based on the Company’s credit rating, adjusted for the weighted average term of each lease. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and variable lease costs are expensed as incurred. For leases with terms of 12 months or less, no longer incurring service costs relatedasset or liability is recorded and lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The exercise of lease renewal options are at the Company’s sole discretion and options are recognized when it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise the option. The recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as calculated do not assume renewal options. The Company does not have lease agreements with residual value guarantees, sale leaseback terms or material restrictive covenants. Additionally, the Company does not separately identify lease and nonlease components, such as maintenance costs.

The Company subleases office space to the plans. Therefore, after adoption,Denton Publishing Company and, beginning in the entire net periodic benefit cost will be presentedfourth quarter of 2020, office space in Dallas, Texas both with a remaining lease term of approximately three years. Additionally, the Company has various subleases with distributors, for distribution center space, with varying remaining lease terms of less than one year to two years and are cancellable with notice by either party. Sublease income is included in printing, distribution and other revenue in the Consolidated Statements of OperationsOperations. As of March 31, 2021, sublease income is expected to approximate $570 for the remainder of 2021, $550 in non-operating income (expense).   2022, and $320 in 2023.

Note 2:  Segment Reporting

In the first quarter As of 2017, in conjunction with the promotion of Grant Moise from Senior Vice President Business Development / Niche Products to General Manager of The Dallas Morning News and Executive Vice President of A. H. Belo,March 31, 2021, the Company reorganized its two reportable segments based on changes in reporting structure and the go-to-marketdid 0t have any significant operating leases that have not yet commenced.

The table below sets forth supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet information for the Company’s service and product offerings. The two reportable segments are Publishing and Marketing Services.leases.

Classification

March 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

Assets

Operating

Operating lease right-of-use assets

$

19,764

$

20,406

Liabilities

Operating

Current

Other accrued expense

$

2,330

$

2,306

Noncurrent

Long-term operating lease liabilities

21,216

21,890

Total lease liabilities

$

23,546

$

24,196

Lease Term and Discount Rate

Operating leases

Weighted average remaining lease term (years)

10.5

10.6

Weighted average discount rate (%)

7.4

7.4

The Publishing segment includes the Company’s core print and digital operations associated with its newspapers, niche publications and related websites. These operations generate revenue from sales of advertising within its newspaper and digital platforms, subscription and retail sales of its newspapers, sponsorship advertising for events, commercial printing and distribution services, primarily related to national and regional newspapers, and preprint advertisers. Businesses within the  Publishing segment leverage the production facilities, subscriber and advertiser base, and digital news platforms to provide additional contribution margin. The Company evaluates Publishing operations based on operating profit and cash flows from operating activities.

The Marketing Services segment includes the operations of DMV Holdings, Speakeasy and digital advertising through Connect (programmatic advertising). The Company operates the portfolio of assets within its Marketing Services segment as separate businesses that sell digital marketing and advertising through different channels, including programmatic advertising and content marketing within the social media environment.

Based on the organization of the Company’s structure and organizational chart, we believe the Company’s chief operating decision makers (the “CODMs”) are its Chief Executive Officer, Jim Moroney, and Grant Moise, the General Manager of The Dallas Morning News and Executive Vice President of A. H. Belo Corporation. The CODMs allocate resources and capital to the Publishing and Marketing Services segments at the segment level.

A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 911


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The following tables show summarized financialtable below sets forth components of lease cost and supplemental cash flow information for the Company’s reportable segments. Due toleases.

Three Months Ended March 31,

2021

2020

Lease Cost

Operating lease cost

$

1,075

$

1,046

Short-term lease cost

4

4

Variable lease cost

179

138

Sublease income

(237)

(195)

Total lease cost

$

1,021

$

993

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Cash paid for operating leases included in operating activities

$

1,075

$

1,017

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities

1,540

The table below sets forth the first quarter 2017 reorganizationremaining maturities of the Company’s two reportable segments, the prior year periods financial information by segment were recast for comparative purposes.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,



 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016



 

 

 

 

(Recast)

 

 

 

 

(Recast)

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publishing

 

$

52,603 

 

$

55,825 

 

$

160,916 

 

$

172,905 

Marketing Services

 

 

7,956 

 

 

8,955 

 

 

23,633 

 

 

20,984 

Total

 

$

60,559 

 

$

64,780 

 

$

184,549 

 

$

193,889 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publishing

 

$

(5,885)

 

$

(1,654)

 

$

(11,818)

 

$

(2,456)

Marketing Services

 

 

836 

 

 

1,165 

 

 

2,215 

 

 

2,845 

Total

 

$

(5,049)

 

$

(489)

 

$

(9,603)

 

$

389 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncash Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

$

2,565 

 

$

2,471 

 

$

7,762 

 

$

7,669 

Amortization

 

 

 —

 

 

27 

 

 

 —

 

 

79 

Goodwill impairment

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

228 

 

 

 —

Total

 

$

2,565 

 

$

2,498 

 

$

7,990 

 

$

7,748 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

$

42 

 

$

17 

 

$

78 

 

$

56 

Amortization

 

 

200 

 

 

198 

 

 

599 

 

 

601 

Total

 

$

242 

 

$

215 

 

$

677 

 

$

657 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

September 30,

 

December 31,



 

2017

 

2016



 

 

 

 

(Recast)

Total Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publishing

 

$

129,933 

 

$

170,820 

Marketing Services

 

 

23,860 

 

 

21,911 

Total

 

$

153,793 

 

$

192,731 

Note 3: Acquisitions

On February 16, 2017, the Company acquired the remaining 30 percent voting interest in Speakeasy for a cash purchase price of $2,111, and on March 2, 2017, the Company acquired the remaining 20 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings for a cash purchase price of $7,120.

The initial purchase of 80 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings occurred in January 2015 for a cash purchase price of $14,110. DMV Digital Holdings Company holds all outstanding ownership interests of three Dallas-based businesses, Distribion, Inc., Vertical Nerve, Inc. and CDFX, LLC. These businesses specialize in local marketing automation, search engine marketing, and direct mail and promotional products, respectively.

These acquisitions complement the product and service offerings currently available to A. H. Belo clients, thereby strengthening the Company’s diversified product portfolio and allowing for greater penetration in a competitive advertising market.

Pro-rata distributions.    In connection with the 2015 acquisition of 80 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings, the shareholder agreement provided for a pro-rata distribution of 50 percent and 100 percent of DMV Holdings’ free cash flow for fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively. Free cash flow is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization less capital expenditures, debt amortization and interest expense, as applicable. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded pro-rata distributions to noncontrolling interests of $163 and $264, respectively, in connection with this agreement based on 2016 and 2015 free cash flow as defined, respectively.

A. H. Belo Corporation Third Quarter 2017 on Form 10-Q     10


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Redeemable noncontrolling interest.    Also, in connection with the 2015 acquisition of 80 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings, the Company entered into a shareholder agreement which provided for a put option to a noncontrolling shareholder. The put option provided the shareholder with the right to require the Company to purchase up to 25 percent of the noncontrolling ownership interest in DMV Holdings between the second and third anniversaries of the agreement and up to 50 percent of the noncontrolling ownership interest in DMV Holdings between the fourth and fifth anniversaries of the agreement.

Redeemable noncontrolling interest was recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and the carrying value was adjusted each period for its share of the earnings related to DMV Holdings and for any distributions.  The carrying value was also adjusted for the change in fair value, which was based on the estimated redemption value as of December 31, 2016. Adjustments were recorded to retained earnings or additional paid in capital, as applicable, and have no effect to earnings of the Company. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, redeemable noncontrolling interest was decreased by $61 and $99, respectively, for distributions related to the 2016 and 2015 free cash flow, respectively, as required under the shareholder agreement.

The exercisability of the noncontrolling interest put option was outside the control of the Company. As such, the redeemable noncontrolling interest of $2,670 was reported in the mezzanine equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016. As a result of the purchase of the remaining 20 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings, the shareholder agreement was terminated and the redeemable noncontrolling interest was eliminatedlease liabilities as of March 31, 2017.2021.

Years Ending December 31,

Operating Leases

2021

$

2,901

2022

4,232

2023

3,325

2024

2,467

2025

2,430

Thereafter

19,691

Total lease payments

35,046

Less: imputed interest

11,500

Total lease liabilities

$

23,546

Note 4: Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The following table shows goodwill and otherbelow sets forth intangible assets by reportable segment as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2016. Due to the first quarter 2017 reorganization of the Company’s two reportable segments, the prior year period financial information by segment was recast for comparative purposes.2020.

March 31,

December 31,

2020

2020

Intangible Assets

Cost

$

2,030

$

2,030

Accumulated Amortization

(2,030)

(1,966)

Net Carrying Value

$

$

64



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 



September 30,

 

December 31,



2017

 

2016



 

 

 

(Recast)

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

Publishing

$

 —

 

$

228 

Marketing Services

 

13,973 

 

 

13,973 

Total

$

13,973 

 

$

14,201 



 

 

 

 

 

Intangible Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Publishing

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

$

 —

 

$

240 

Accumulated Amortization

 

 —

 

 

(240)

Net Carrying Value

$

 —

 

$

 —

Marketing Services

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

$

6,470 

 

$

6,470 

Accumulated Amortization

 

(2,197)

 

 

(1,598)

Net Carrying Value

$

4,273 

 

$

4,872 

In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Publishing segment’s fully amortizedThe intangible assets of $240 of customer relationships were written-off and had no remaining useful life.  Intangible assets consist of $4,950 of customer relationships with estimated useful lives of 10 years andinclude $1,520 of developed technology with an estimated useful life of five years. Aggregate amortization expense was $200years, fully amortized in 2019, and $599 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,  respectively, and $225 and $680 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.

Certain goodwill and intangible assets previously reported in the Marketing Services segment were moved to the Publishing segment as a result$510 of the first quarter 2017 segment reorganization.  The Publishing reporting unit’s goodwill was determined to becustomer relationships with estimated useful lives of two years, fully impaired as of December 31, 2016. Therefore, the Company recorded a  noncash goodwill impairment charge of $228amortized in the first quarter of 2017.2021. Aggregate amortization expense was $64 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

As of March 31, 2021, the Company performed a review of potential impairment indicators for its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, and right-of-use assets. The Company tested goodwill for impairmentdetermined there was no significant decrease in the market value of the long-lived assets or significant change in the extent or manner in which the asset group is being used or in its physical condition as of DecemberMarch 31, 2016 at2021, and there was no significant adverse change in legal factors or in the reporting unit level using a discounted cash flow methodology with a peer-based, risk-adjusted weighted average costbusiness climate during the period that could affect the value of capital, combined with a market approach using peer-based earnings multiples. Thethe asset group. Based upon the review of indicators, the Company believes its long-lived assets continue to be recoverable based upon the use of a discounted cash flow approach, combined with the market approach, is the most reliable indicatorestimate of the estimated fair valuesexpected undiscounted cash flows, including the cash flows from ultimate disposition of the businesses.assets of the asset group.


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 1112


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BecauseNote 5: Income Taxes

The Company calculated the Company’s annual test indicated that the Publishing reporting unit’s carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value, a second phase of the goodwill impairment test (“Step 2”) was performed specific to the Publishing reporting unit. Under Step 2, the fair value of the Publishing reporting unit’s assets and liabilities were estimated, including intangible assets,income tax provision (benefit) for the purpose of deriving2021 and 2020 interim periods using an estimate of the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill was then compared to the recorded goodwill to determine the amount of the impairment.

Upon completion of the annual test, the Publishing reporting unit’s goodwill was determined to be impaired, and the Company recorded a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $22,682 in the fourth quarter of 2016, fully impairing the Publishing reporting unit’s goodwill.

Note 5:  Long-term Incentive Plan

A. H. Belo sponsors a long-term incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B common stock are authorized for equity-based awards. Awards may be granted to A. H. Belo employees and outside directors in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted share awards,  restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance shares, performance units or stock appreciation rights. In addition, stock options may be accompanied by full and limited stock appreciation rights. Rights and limited stock appreciation rights may also be issued without accompanying stock options. Awards under the Plan were also granted to holders of stock options issued by A. H. Belo’s former parent company in connection with the Company’s separation from its former parent in 2008. Due to the expiration of the Plan on February 8, 2018, A. H. Belo implemented, and shareholders approved, a new long-term incentive plan (the “2017 Plan”) under which an additional 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B common stock are authorized for equity-based awards. Like its predecessor plan, awards under the 2017 Plan may be granted to A. H. Belo employees and outside directors in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted share awards, RSUs, performance shares, performance units or stock appreciation rights. No grants have yet been made under the 2017 Plan.

Stock Options.    Stock options granted under the Plan are fully vested and exercisable. No options have been granted since 2009, and all compensation expense associated with stock options has been fully recognized as of September 30, 2017.

The table below sets forth a summary of stock option activity under the Plan.



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



Number of
Options

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding at December 31, 2016

114,979 

 

$

8.21 

Canceled

(14,635)

 

 

20.16 

Outstanding at September 30, 2017

100,344 

 

 

6.46 

As of September 30, 2017, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options was $8 and the weighted average remaining contractual life of the Company’s stock options was approximately 1 year.  No options were exercised in the three months ended September 30, 2016. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised in the nine months ended September 30, 2016,  was $300.

Restricted Stock Units.    The Company’s RSUs have service and/or performance conditions and, subject to retirement eligibility, vest over a period of up to three years. Vested RSUs are redeemed 60 percent in A. H. Belo Series A common stock and 40 percent in cash over a period of up to three years. As of September 30, 2017, the liability for the portion of the awards to be redeemed in cash was $853.  

The table below sets forth a summary of RSU activity under the Plan.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Total
RSUs

 

Issuance of
Common
Stock

 

RSUs
Redeemed in
Cash

 

Cash
Payments at
Closing Price
of Stock

 

Weighted
Average Price
on Date of
Grant

Non-vested at December 31, 2016

121,131 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

5.65 

Granted

284,868 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.11 

Vested and outstanding

(159,212)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.71 

Vested and issued

(22,734)

 

13,634 

 

9,100 

 

$

57 

 

 

6.90 

Non-vested at September 30, 2017

224,053 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.07 

A. H. Belo Corporation Third Quarter 2017 on Form 10-Q     12


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In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company issued 63,272 shares of Series A common stock and 42,189 shares were redeemed in cash for RSUs that were previously vested as of December 31, 2016. In addition, there were 290,825 and 237,074 RSUs that were vested and outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

The fair value of RSU grants is determined using the closing trading price of the Company’s Series A common stock on the grant date. As of September 30, 2017, unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested RSUs totaled $1,160, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

Compensation Expense.    A. H. Belo recognizes compensation expense for awards granted under the Plan over the vesting period of the award. Compensation expense related to RSUs granted under the Plan is set forth in the table below.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



RSUs

Redeemable

in Stock

 

RSUs
 Redeemable
 in Cash

 

Total
RSU Awards
 Expense

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

$

149 

 

$

82 

 

$

231 

2016

 

86 

 

 

303 

 

 

389 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

$

775 

 

$

399 

 

$

1,174 

2016

 

534 

 

 

604 

 

 

1,138 

Note 6:  Income Taxes

The interim provision for income taxes reflects the Company’s estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applied for the full fiscal year, adjusted for any discrete transactions which are reported in the period in which they occur. The estimated annual effective tax rate is reviewed each quarter based on the Company’s estimatedits expected annual loss before income tax expensetaxes, adjusted for the year. Under certain circumstances, the Company may be precluded from estimating an annual effective tax rate. Such circumstances may include periods inpermanent differences, which tax rates vary significantly due to earnings trends, in additionit applied to the existence of significant permanent or temporary differences. Under such circumstances, a discrete tax rate is calculated for the period.year-to-date loss before income taxes and specific events that are discretely recognized as they occur.

The Company recognized income tax provision from continuing operations(benefit) of $10$319 and $77$(1,787) for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016, respectively, and $261 and $1,361 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016,2020, respectively. Effective income tax rates from continuing operations were (10.9)(13.0) percent and 137.552.4 percent for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016,2020, respectively. The effective income tax rateprovision for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2021, was due to the federal tax benefit fully reserved with a valuation allowance and the effect of the Texas margin tax. The 2017 effectiveCompany expects it is reasonably possible to recognize a tax benefit of approximately $2,575 within the next six months from the release of a federal uncertain tax reserve, due to the statute lapsing in August 2021.

The income tax rate benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2020, was lower when compareddue to the recognition of the 2018 net operating loss carryback permitted by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), partially offset by the effect of the Texas margin tax.

In response to COVID-19, the CARES Act was signed into law in March 2020. The CARES Act provides numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including temporary changes regarding the prior and future utilization of net operating losses, temporary changes to the prior year period due to taxable income generatedand future limitations on interest deductions, temporary suspension of certain payment requirements for the employer portion of Social Security taxes, technical corrections from operationsprior tax legislation for tax depreciation of certain qualified improvement property, and the dispositioncreation of certain fixedrefundable employee retention credits. The Company has benefited from the temporary five year net operating loss carryback provision and the technical correction for qualified leasehold improvements, which changes 39-year property to 15-year property, eligible for 100 percent tax bonus depreciation. Applying the technical correction to 2018 resulted in reporting additional tax depreciation of $1,017 and increased the 2018 net operating loss to approximately $6,829. The loss was carried back against 2014 taxes paid at the federal statutory rate of 35 percent that was previously in effect, resulting in a cash refund of $2,425, including interest, received in October 2020. The Company also applied the technical correction for qualified leasehold improvements to the 2019 and 2020 tax years, the results of which were reflected in the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which includes the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020 and the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, was passed and signed into law the last week of 2020. Among others, the provisions in 2016.this act included items such as guidance on expenses associated with forgiven Paycheck Protection Program loans, business meals deductions, individual tax rebates and unemployment benefits. In addition, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, designed to speed up the United States’ economic recovery, was passed and signed into law on March 11, 2021. The Company did not avail itself of any of the items contained in these recent acts.

Note 7:  6: Pension and Other Retirement Plans

Defined Benefit Plans. The Company sponsors the A. H. Belo Pension Plans (the “Pension Plans”), which provide benefits to approximately 1,5001,400 current and former employees of the Company. A. H. Belo Pension Plan I provides benefits to certain current and former employees primarily employed with The Dallas Morning News or the A. H. Belo corporate offices. A. H. Belo Pension Plan II provides benefits to certain former employees of The Providence Journal Company. This obligation was retained by the Company upon the sale of the newspaper operations of The Providence Journal. NoNaN additional benefits are accruing under the A. H. Belo Pension Plans, as future benefits were frozen.

No contributions are required to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans in 20172021 under the applicable tax and labor laws governing pension plan funding. In the third quarter, the Company made a voluntary contribution of $20,000 to the Pension Plans and using the contribution, in addition to liquidating $23,455 of plan assets, transferred $43,455 of pension liabilities to an insurance company. As a result of this de-risking action,  the Company reduced the number of participants in our Pension Plans by 796, or 36 percent.  In the three months ended September 30, 2017, a charge to pension expense for $5,911 was recorded to reflect the amortization of losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with this transaction. In addition, the projected benefit obligation was remeasured as of September 30, 2017, which resulted in an actuarial gain of $3,648 that was recorded to other comprehensive income (loss) in the three months ended September 30, 2017; see Note 8 – Shareholders’ Equity.  This transaction occurred on September 20, 2017, but the Company elected to use the measurement date practical expedient, allowing the Company to use September 30, 2017 as the alternative measurement date. No material transactions or changes in market conditions occurred between the transaction date and the alternative measurement date.

A. H. Belo Corporation Third Quarter 2017 on Form 10-Q     13


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Net Periodic Pension Expense (Benefit)Benefit

The Company’s estimates of net periodic pension expense or benefit are based on the expected return on plan assets, interest on the projected benefit obligations and the amortization of actuarial gains and losses that are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Participation in and accrual of new benefits to participants has been frozen since 2007 and, accordingly, on-going service costs are not a component of net periodic pension expense (benefit).


A. H. Belo Corporation First Quarter 2021 on Form 10-Q 13


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The table below sets forth components of net periodic pension expense (benefit).benefit, which are included in other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Three Months Ended March 31,

2021

2020

Interest cost

$

1,174

$

1,559

Expected return on plans' assets

(2,574)

(2,941)

Amortization of actuarial loss

361

220

Net periodic pension benefit

$

(1,039)

$

(1,162)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,



 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Interest cost

 

$

2,386 

 

$

2,525 

 

$

7,158 

 

$

7,574 

Expected return on plans' assets

 

 

(3,313)

 

 

(3,396)

 

 

(9,940)

 

 

(10,189)

Amortization of actuarial loss

 

 

75 

 

 

11 

 

 

224 

 

 

42 

Recognized settlement loss

 

 

5,911 

 

 

 —

 

 

5,911 

 

 

 —

Net periodic pension expense (benefit)

 

$

5,059 

 

$

(860)

 

$

3,353 

 

$

(2,573)

Defined Contribution Plans. The A. H. Belo Savings Plan (the “Savings Plan”), a defined contribution 401(k) plan, covers substantially all employees of A. H. Belo. Participants may elect to contribute a portion of their pretax compensation as provided by the Savings Plan and the Internal Revenue Code. Employees can contribute up to 100 percent of their annual eligible compensation less required withholdings and deductions up to statutory limits. The Company provides an ongoing dollar-for-dollar match of eligible employee contributions, up to 1.5 percent of the employees’ compensation on a per-pay-period basis. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recordedcompensation. Aggregate expense of $175 and $248, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded expense of $670 and $749, respectively, for matching contributions to the Savings Plan.Plan was $220 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

Note 8:7: Shareholders’ Equity

Dividends.On September 6, 2017,March 4, 2021, the Company’s board of directors declared an $0.08a $0.04 per share dividend to shareholders of record and holders of RSUs as of the close of business on November 9, 2017,May 14, 2021, which is payable on June 4, 2021.

Outstanding Shares. The Company had Series A and Series B common stock outstanding of 18,941,420 and 2,469,003, respectively, net of treasury shares at March 31, 2021. At December 1, 2017. During the three months ended September 30, 2017,31, 2020, the Company recorded $1,775 to accrue for dividends declared but not yet paid.had Series A and Series B common stock outstanding of 18,941,340 and 2,469,083, respectively, net of treasury shares.

On October 27, 2017, the Company’s board of directors declared a special, one-time cash dividend of $0.14 per share to shareholders of record and holders of RSUs as of the close of business on November 9, 2017, which is payable on December 1, 2017.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss.    Other Comprehensive Loss. Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of actuarial gains and losses attributable to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans, gains and losses resulting from Pension Plans’ amendments and other actuarial experience attributable to other post-employment benefit (“OPEB”) plans. The Company records amortization of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss in employee compensation and benefitsother income, net in its Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains and losses associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Plans are amortized over the weighted average remaining life expectancy of the OPEB plans and Pension Plans’ participants. Gains and losses associated with the Company’s OPEB plans are amortized over the average remaining service period of active OPEB plans’ participants. Net deferred tax assets associated with the accumulated other comprehensive loss are fully reserved.

A. H. Belo Corporation Third Quarter 2017 on Form 10-Q     14


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The table below sets forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, as presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2017

 

2016

2021

2020

 

Total

 

Defined
benefit pension
plans

 

Other post-
employment
benefit plans

 

Total

 

Defined
benefit pension
plans

 

Other post-
employment
benefit plans

Total

Defined
benefit pension
plans

Other post-
employment
benefit plans

Total

Defined
benefit pension
plans

Other post-
employment
benefit plans

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

(39,195)

 

$

(39,588)

 

$

393 

 

$

(38,474)

 

$

(38,867)

 

$

393 

$

(32,468)

$

(32,571)

$

103

$

(32,294)

$

(32,443)

$

149

Actuarial gains

 

3,648 

 

3,648 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

Amortization

 

 

5,967 

 

 

5,986 

 

 

(19)

 

 

(17)

 

 

11 

 

 

(28)

360

361

(1)

219

220

(1)

Balance, end of period

 

$

(29,580)

 

$

(29,954)

 

$

374 

 

$

(38,491)

 

$

(38,856)

 

$

365 

$

(32,108)

$

(32,210)

$

102

$

(32,075)

$

(32,223)

$

148


A. H. Belo Corporation First Quarter 2021 on Form 10-Q 14


Table of Contents



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Nine Months Ended September 30,



 

2017

 

2016



 

Total

 

Defined
benefit pension
plans

 

Other post-
employment
benefit plans

 

Total

 

Defined
benefit pension
plans

 

Other post-
employment
benefit plans

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

(39,308)

 

$

(39,737)

 

$

429 

 

$

(38,442)

 

$

(38,898)

 

$

456 

Actuarial gains

 

 

3,648 

 

 

3,648 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Amortization

 

 

6,080 

 

 

6,135 

 

 

(55)

 

 

(49)

 

 

42 

 

 

(91)

Balance, end of period

 

$

(29,580)

 

$

(29,954)

 

$

374 

 

$

(38,491)

 

$

(38,856)

 

$

365 

Note 9:8: Earnings Per Share

The table below sets forth the reconciliations for net income (loss)loss available to common shareholders and weighted average shares used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). The Company’s Series A and Series B common stock equally share in the distributed and undistributed earnings.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,



 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Earnings (Numerator)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation

 

$

2,580 

 

$

(497)

 

$

(2,655)

 

$

(436)

Less: Dividends to participating securities

 

 

35 

 

 

29 

 

 

117 

 

 

83 

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations

 

$

2,545 

 

$

(526)

 

$

(2,772)

 

$

(519)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares (Denominator)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic)

 

 

21,753,166 

 

 

21,676,260 

 

 

21,729,212 

 

 

21,601,828 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

 

1,461 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)

 

 

21,754,627 

 

 

21,676,260 

 

 

21,729,212 

 

 

21,601,828 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

$

0.12 

 

$

(0.02)

 

$

(0.13)

 

$

(0.02)

Three Months Ended March 31,

2021

2020

Earnings (Numerator)

Net loss available to common shareholders

$

(2,765)

$

(1,621)

Shares (Denominator)

Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted)

21,410,423

21,410,423

Loss Per Share

Basic and diluted

$

(0.13)

$

(0.08)

HoldersThere were 0 options or RSUs outstanding as of service-based RSUs participateMarch 31, 2021 and 2020, that would result in A. H. Belo dividends on a one-for-one share basis. Distributed and undistributed income associated with participating securities is included indilution of shares or the calculation of EPS under the two-class method as prescribed under ASC 260 – Earnings Per Share.

The Company considers outstanding stock options and RSUs in the calculation of earnings per share. A  total of 615,222 and 504,648 options and RSUs outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were excluded from the calculation because the effect was anti-dilutive. Note 9: Contingencies

A. H. Belo Corporation Third Quarter 2017 on Form 10-Q     15


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Note 10:  Contingencies

Legal proceedings. From time to time, the Company is involved in a variety of claims, lawsuits and other disputes arising in the ordinary course of business. Management routinely assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes in these matters, as well as the ranges of probable losses to the extent losses are reasonably estimable. Accruals for contingencies are recorded when, in the judgment of management, adverse judgments or outcomes are probable and the financial impact, should an adverse outcome occur, is reasonably estimable. The determination of likely outcomes of litigation matters relates to factors that include, but are not limited to, past experience and other evidence, interpretation of relevant laws or regulations and the specifics and status of each matter. Predicting the outcome of claims and litigation and estimating related costs and financial exposure involves substantial uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from estimates and accruals. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from other currently existing claims against the Company would not have a material adverse effect on A. H. Belo’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.

Note 11:  Sales10: Disposal of Assets

Assets held for sale include long-lived assets being actively marketed for which a sale is considered probable within the next 12 months. These assets are recorded at the lower of their fair value less costs to sell or their carrying value at the time they are classified as assets held for sale. In the second quarter of 2017,May 2019, the Company announced that three parcelsfinalized a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Charter DMN Holdings, LP (the “Purchaser”) for the sale of land locatedthe real estate assets in downtown Dallas, Texas, were availablepreviously used as the Company’s headquarters for sale. On September 22, 2017,a sale price of $28,000 and a pretax gain of $25,908. The sale price consisted of $4,597 cash received, after selling costs of approximately $1,000, and a two year seller-financed promissory note of $22,400 (the “Promissory Note”), included in current notes receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The sale provided the Company completedan additional $1,000 contingency payment if certain conditions were met. The contingency expired as of June 30, 2020, with no payment made by the Purchaser related to the contingency.

The Promissory Note is secured by a first lien deed of trust covering the property and bears interest payable in quarterly installments that began on July 1, 2019, continuing through its maturity on June 30, 2021, and includes a pre-payment feature. Interest will be accrued at 3.5 percent during the first year and at 4.5 percent during the second year. In the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded $249 and $195, respectively, of interest income related to the Promissory Note, included in other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As a direct result of COVID-19 uncertainties, on April 3, 2020, the Company and the Purchaser entered into an amendment to the Promissory Note deferring the Purchaser’s interest payment of $195 that was due April 1, 2020, and adding it to a second promissory note (the “Second Promissory Note”). In addition, the Second Promissory Note includes a 2019 real property tax reconciliation payment due from the Purchaser under the Purchase and Sale Agreement in the amount of $180. The Second Promissory Note, in the principal amount of $375, included in current notes receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, is secured by a second lien deed of trust covering the property and due June 30, 2021. The Company evaluated the collectability of the notes as a result of the Purchaser’s request to defer the first quarter 2020 interest payment and the continuation of the pandemic. Management believes as of March 31, 2021, the promissory notes are recoverable since the Purchaser is in compliance with the terms, is publicly indicating its intent to develop the property, and management believes that the value of the collateral has not materially changed from the sale of one parcel of land and received net cash proceeds of $8,252, generating a gain of approximately $5,000. The remaining two parcels of land, with a total carrying value of $5,510, are reported as assets held for sale as of September 30, 2017. date.

On October 19, 2017, the Company completed the sale of the remaining two parcels of land and received net cash proceeds of $13,048, generating a gain of approximately $7,500.

A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 1615


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The timing in general of commercial development may have been impacted by the pandemic, and thus capital constraints in commercial real estate markets may exist. Management continues to closely monitor the collectability of the notes and the value of the underlying collateral. Continued economic and other effects of the pandemic could impact the timing of payment or realization of the notes.

Notes receivable are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance, included in accounts receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company puts notes receivable on non-accrual status and provides an allowance against accrued interest if it is determined the likelihood of collecting substantially all of the note and accrued interest is not probable. Notes are written-off against the allowance when all possible means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there was 0 allowance recorded for the notes receivable or accrued interest receivable.

Note 11: Subsequent Events

The Company evaluates subsequent events at the date of the consolidated balance sheet as well as conditions that arise after the balance sheet date but before the consolidated financial statements are issued. To the extent any events and conditions exist, disclosures are made regarding the nature of events and the estimated financial effects, if known, for those events and conditions.

On April 1, 2021, the Purchaser of the Company’s previous headquarters paid the first quarter 2021 interest payment of $249.

On April 22, 2021, the Company signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to extend the due date of the Promissory Note of $22,400 due from the Purchaser (the “Note Extension”), subject to the execution and delivery of a definitive extension agreement. The MOU provides for a one-year extension of the maturity date to June 30, 2022. In connection with the extension, the Purchaser must pay the Promissory Note’s second quarter 2021 interest of approximately $250 and the Second Promissory Note of $375, plus accrued interest, upon execution of the Note Extension. The Promissory Note will continue to be secured by a first lien deed of trust covering the property and will bear interest payable in quarterly installments at 4.5 percent through its maturity on June 30, 2022. Although the Company expects that a definitive extension agreement will be executed, there are no assurances that it will be, or when such extension would be completed.  


A. H. Belo Corporation First Quarter 2021 on Form 10-Q 16


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

A. H. Belo Corporation (“A. H. Belo” or the “Company”) intends for the discussion of its financial condition and results of operations that follows to provide information that will assist in understanding its financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those statements from period to period, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how certain accounting principles, policies and estimates affect its financial statements. The following information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes filed as part of this report. Unless otherwise noted, amounts in Management’s Discussion and Analysis reflect continuing operations of the Company, and allAll dollar amounts are presented in thousands,herein, except share and per share amounts.amounts, are in thousands, unless the context indicates otherwise. 

OVERVIEWThis section and other parts of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those statements. See Forward-Looking Statements of this Quarterly Report for further discussion.

OVERVIEW

A. H. Belo, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is athe leading local news and information publishing company within Texas. The Company has a growing presence in emerging media and digital marketing, and maintains capabilities related to commercial printing, distribution and direct mail capabilities, as well as expertise in emerging media and digital marketing. With a continued focus on extending the Company’s media platform,mail. A. H. Belo delivers news and information in innovative ways to a broad spectrumrange of audiences with diverse interests and lifestyles.

In the first quarter of 2017, in conjunction with the promotion of Grant Moise from Senior Vice President Business Development / Niche Products to General Manager of The Company publishes The Dallas Morning News and Executive Vice President of A. H. Belo, the Company reorganized its two reportable segments based on changes in reporting structure and the go-to-market for the Company’s service and product offerings. The two reportable segments are Publishing and Marketing Services.

The Company’s Publishing segment includes the operations of The Dallas Morning News (www.dallasnews.com), Texas’ leading newspaper and winner of nine Pulitzer Prizes; the Denton Record-Chronicle (www.dentonrc.com), a daily newspaper operating in Denton, Texas,Prizes, and various niche publications targeting specific audiences. TheseIts newspaper operations generate revenue from sales of advertising within its newspaper and digital platforms, subscription and retail sales of its newspapers, sponsorship advertising for events,also provide commercial printing and distribution services primarily related to several large national newspapers. In addition, the Company has the capabilities of a full-service strategy, creative and regional newspapers,media agency that focuses on strategic and preprint advertisers. Businesses within the Publishing segment leverage the production facilities, subscriber and advertiser base, and digital news platforms to provide additional contribution margin.

The Marketing Services segment includes marketing services generated by DMV Digital Holdings Company (“DMV Holdings”) and its subsidiaries Distribion, Inc., Vertical Nerve, Inc. and CDFX, LLC (“MarketingFX”). The Marketing Services segment also includes Your Speakeasy, LLC (“Speakeasy”) and digital advertising through Connect (programmatic advertising). The Company operates the portfolio of assets within its Marketing Services segment as separate businesses that sell digital marketing, and advertising through different channels, including programmatic advertisingdata intelligence that provide a measurable return on investment to its clients.

Currently, the rapid spread of coronavirus (COVID-19 pandemic) globally has resulted in increased travel restrictions, and content marketing within the social media environment.

On February 16, 2017,disruption and shutdown of businesses. The outbreak and any preventative or protective actions that the Company acquired the remaining 30 percent voting interest in Speakeasy for a cash purchase price of $2,111,has taken and may continue to take, or may be imposed on March 2, 2017, the Company acquiredby governmental intervention, in respect of the remaining 20 percent voting interestpandemic may result in DMV Holdings for a cash purchase priceperiod of $7,120.

The initial purchase of 80 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings occurred in January 2015 for a cash purchase price of $14,110. DMV Holdings holds all outstanding ownership interests of three Dallas-based companies, Distribion, Inc., Vertical Nerve, Inc. and MarketingFX. These businesses specialize in local marketing automation, search engine marketing, and direct mail and promotional products, respectively.

These acquisitions complement the product and service offerings currently availabledisruption to A. H. Belo clients, thereby strengthening the Company’s diversified product portfoliofinancial reporting capabilities, its printing operations, and allowingits operations generally. COVID-19 is impacting, and may continue to impact, the Company’s customers, distribution partners, advertisers, production facilities, and third parties, and could result in additional loss of advertising revenue or supply chain disruption. Media was designated an essential business, therefore the Company’s operations have continued throughout the pandemic. While digital subscriptions continue to grow, the Company experienced decreased demand for greater penetrationits print and digital advertising. As a result, beginning in 2020, the Company implemented measures to reduce costs and preserve cash flow. These measures included reduction in the quarterly dividend rate, temporary decreases in employee compensation, as well as reductions in discretionary spending. In addition, the Company benefited from tax provisions permitted under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). However, these measures do not fully offset the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business and, as such, the coronavirus is likely to continue to have an adverse impact on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition at least for the near term.

As of March 31, 2021, the Company performed a competitive advertising market.review of potential impairment indicators for its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, and right-of-use assets. The Company determined there was no significant decrease in the market value of the long-lived assets or significant change in the extent or manner in which the asset group is being used or in its physical condition as of March 31, 2021, and there was no significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate during the period that could affect the value of the asset group. Based upon the review of indicators, the Company believes its long-lived assets continue to be recoverable based upon the estimate of the expected undiscounted cash flows, including the cash flows from ultimate disposition of the assets of the asset group.


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 17


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RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Consolidated Results of Continuing Operations (unaudited)

This section contains discussion and analysis of net operating revenue, operating costs and expense and other information relevant to an understanding of results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016. Due to the first quarter 2017 reorganization of2020. Based on how the Company’s twochief operating decision-maker makes decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance, the Company determined it has one reportable segments, the prior year periods financial information by segment were recast for comparative purposes.segment.

The table below sets forth the components of A. H. Belo’s operating income (loss) by segment.loss.

Three Months Ended March 31,

2021

Percentage
Change

2020

Advertising and marketing services

$

16,769

(13.2)

%

$

19,327

Circulation

16,022

(2.4)

%

16,414

Printing, distribution and other

4,024

(12.6)

%

4,602

Total Net Operating Revenue

36,815

(8.7)

%

40,343

Total Operating Costs and Expense

40,515

(10.2)

%

45,103

Operating Loss

$

(3,700)

22.3

%

$

(4,760)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,



 

2017

 

Percentage
Change

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

Percentage
Change

 

2016



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Recast)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Recast)

Publishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertising and marketing services

 

$

26,919 

 

(8.3)

%

 

$

29,349 

 

$

82,468 

 

(9.0)

%

 

$

90,597 

Circulation

 

 

18,845 

 

(4.0)

%

 

 

19,633 

 

 

57,099 

 

(4.5)

%

 

 

59,806 

Printing, distribution and other

 

 

6,839 

 

(0.1)

%

 

 

6,843 

 

 

21,349 

 

(5.1)

%

 

 

22,502 

Total Net Operating Revenue

 

 

52,603 

 

(5.8)

%

 

 

55,825 

 

 

160,916 

 

(6.9)

%

 

 

172,905 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Operating Costs and Expense

 

 

58,488 

 

1.8 

%

 

 

57,479 

 

 

172,734 

 

(1.5)

%

 

 

175,361 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Loss

 

$

(5,885)

 

(255.8)

%

 

$

(1,654)

 

$

(11,818)

 

(381.2)

%

 

$

(2,456)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertising and marketing services

 

$

7,956 

 

(11.2)

%

 

$

8,955 

 

$

23,633 

 

12.6 

%

 

$

20,984 

Total Net Operating Revenue

 

 

7,956 

 

(11.2)

%

 

 

8,955 

 

 

23,633 

 

12.6 

%

 

 

20,984 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Operating Costs and Expense

 

 

7,120 

 

(8.6)

%

 

 

7,790 

 

 

21,418 

 

18.1 

%

 

 

18,139 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

$

836 

 

(28.2)

%

 

$

1,165 

 

$

2,215 

 

(22.1)

%

 

$

2,845 

Traditionally, the Company’s primary revenues are generated from advertising within its core newspapers, niche publications and related websites and from subscription and single copy sales of its printed newspapers. As a result of competitive and economic conditions, the newspaper industry has faced a significant revenue decline over the past decade. Therefore, the Company has sought to diversify its revenues through development and investment in new product offerings, increased circulation rates and leveraging of its existing assets to offer cost efficient commercial printing and distribution services to its local markets. The Company continually evaluates the overall performance of its core products to ensure existing assets are deployed adequately to maximize return.

The Company’s advertising revenue from its core newspapers continues to be adversely affected by the shift of advertiser spending to other forms of media and the increased accessibility of free online news content, as well as news content from other sources, which resulted in declines in advertising and paid print circulation volumes and revenue. The most significant decline in advertising revenue has been attributable to print display and classified categories. These categories, which represented 26.6 percent of consolidated revenue in 2014, have declined to 19.0 percent of consolidated revenue thus far in 2017, and further declines are likely in future periods. Decreases in print display and classified categories are indicative of continuing trends by advertisers towards digital platforms, which are widely available from many sources. In the current environment, companies are allocating more of their advertising spending towards programmatic channels that provide digital advertising on multiple platforms with enhanced technology for targeted delivery and measurement. As a result ofIn addition, the continuedCompany did experience declines resulting from the Publishing segment experienced, and expects to continue to experience, in advertising and print circulation revenues, the Publishing reporting unit’s goodwill was determined to be fully impaired as of December 31, 2016.  Certain goodwill and intangible assets previously reportedCOVID-19 pandemic beginning late in the Marketing Services segment were moved to the Publishing segment as a result of the first quarter 2017 segment reorganization. The Publishing reporting unit’s goodwill was fully impaired. Therefore, the Company recorded a  noncash goodwill impairment charge of $228 in the first quarter of 2017.2020 and continuing into 2021.

In response to the decline in print revenue, the Company has developed agency and digital advertising capabilities through multiple media channels. The Company leverages its news content to improve engagement on the Company’s digital platforms that results in increased digital subscriptions and associated revenue. The Company also continues to diversify its revenue base by leveraging the available capacity of its existing assets to provide print and distribution services for newspapers and other customers requiring these services, by introducing new advertising and marketing services products, and by increasing circulation prices.

Because of declining print circulation, the Company has developed broad digital strategies designed to provide readers with multiple platforms for obtaining online access to local news. The Company redesigned and expanded its website platforms and mobile applications in 2019 to provide a better customer experience with its digital news and information content.  The Company continues to obtain additional key demographic data from readers, which allows the Company to provide content desired by readers and to modify marketing and distribution strategies to target and reach audiences valued by advertisers. The Company has respondedaccess to these challenges by expandinga programmatic channels through which it works to meet customer demand for digital advertisement opportunities in display, mobile, videoadvertising platform that provides digital ad placement and social media categories. By utilizing advertising exchanges to apply marketing insight,targeting efficiencies and increases utilization of digital inventory within the Company believes it offers greater value to clients through focused targeting of advertising to potential customers.Company’s websites and external websites.


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 18


Table of Contents

The Company’s expanded digital and marketing services product offerings leverage the Company’s existing resources and relationships to offer additional value to existing and new advertising clients. Solutions provided by DMV Holdings include development of mobile websites, search engine marketing and optimization, video, mobile advertising, email marketing, advertising analytics and online reputation management services. Through Speakeasy, the Company is able to target middle-market business customers and provide turnkey social media account management and content development services.

Advertising and marketing services revenue

Advertising and marketing services revenue was 57.645.5 percent and 57.547.9 percent of total revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,  respectively,March 31, 2021 and 59.1 percent2020, respectively.

Three Months Ended March 31,

2021

Percentage
Change

2020

Print advertising

$

11,226

(12.3)

%

$

12,799

Digital advertising and marketing services

5,543

(15.1)

%

6,528

Advertising and Marketing Services

$

16,769

(13.2)

%

$

19,327

Print advertising

Print advertising is comprised of display, classified and 57.5 percent for the threepreprint advertising revenue.

Display and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,



 

2017

 

Percentage
Change

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

Percentage
Change

 

2016



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Recast)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Recast)

Publishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Display advertising

 

$

6,750 

 

(14.9)

%

 

$

7,933 

 

$

21,487 

 

(13.7)

%

 

$

24,910 

Classified advertising

 

 

4,432 

 

(11.1)

%

 

 

4,984 

 

 

13,534 

 

(9.1)

%

 

 

14,882 

Preprint advertising

 

 

9,971 

 

(12.3)

%

 

 

11,365 

 

 

30,503 

 

(10.7)

%

 

 

34,140 

Digital advertising

 

 

5,766 

 

13.8 

%

 

 

5,067 

 

 

16,944 

 

1.7 

%

 

 

16,665 

Marketing Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Digital services

 

 

6,194 

 

(21.4)

%

 

 

7,880 

 

 

19,902 

 

8.7 

%

 

 

18,301 

Other services

 

 

1,762 

 

63.9 

%

 

 

1,075 

 

 

3,731 

 

39.1 

%

 

 

2,683 

Advertising and Marketing Services

$

34,875 

 

(9.0)

%

 

$

38,304 

 

$

106,101 

 

(4.9)

%

 

$

111,581 

Publishing

Display – Displayclassified print revenue primarily represents sales of non-classified advertising space within the Company’s core and niche newspapers. As advertisers continue to diversify marketing budgets to incorporate more and varied avenues of reaching consumers, traditional display and classified advertising continues to decline. RevenueDisplay and classified print revenue decreased due to lower retail advertising in substantially all categories in both periods, except the financial category$842 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. The department store, entertainment, food and beverage, medical, furniture and other retail categories experienced the greatest declines with a combined revenue decrease of approximately $1,178 and $3,086,  for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The revenue decrease was driven heavily by a retail volume decline of 10.4 percent and 10.1 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

Classified – ClassifiedMarch 31, 2021, primarily represents sales of classified advertising space within the Company’s core and niche newspapers. Growth in classified advertising revenue continues to be challenging as alternative digital outlets continue to emerge. Rate improvement trends in certain display advertising categories partially offset the volume decline. Overall classified revenue declined for the three and nine months ended September 30,  2017, due to lower volumesa revenue decline in substantially all categories except employment.retail advertising. In addition to the general trends adversely impacting the publishing industry, the Company experienced unfavorable impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, which started in the latter part of the first quarter of 2020.

Preprint – Preprint revenue primarily reflects preprinted advertisements inserted into the Company’s core newspapers and niche publications, or distributed to non-subscribers through the mail. Revenue decreased $731 in the three months ended March 31, 2021, due to a ratevolume decline in home delivery mail advertising and preprint newspaper inserts as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Digital advertising and home delivery mail advertising.marketing services

DigitalDigital publishing is primarily comprisedadvertising and marketing services revenue consists of banner and real estate classified advertising on The Dallas Morning News’ website dallasnews.com,  sales of online automotive classifieds on the cars.com platform, as well as online employment and obituary classified advertising on third-party websites sold under a print/digital bundle package. Revenue increased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, due to a higher volume of online automotive classifieds on the cars.com platform.

Marketing Services

Digitalstrategic marketing management, consulting, creative services,Digital marketing includes targeted and multi-channel (programmatic) advertising placed on third-party websites, content development,digital sales of banner, classified and native advertisements on the Company’s news and entertainment-related websites and mobile apps, social media management, search optimization, direct mail and other consulting. DMV Holdings provided a significant portion of the growth in digital marketing revenue. DMV Holdings revenue increased $992 and $4,868 in the three and nine months ended

A. H. Belo Corporation Third Quarter 2017 on Form 10-Q     19


Table of Contents

September 30, 2017, respectively. The digital services revenue increase offset 36.5 percent of the core print advertising revenue decline in the nine months ended September  30, 2017.

Other services –  Other services revenue increased $687 and $1,048 in the three and nine months ended September 30,  2017,  respectively, due to the sale of promotional merchandise by MarketingFX.materials. Revenue decreased $985 in the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily due to COVID-19 related declines in sales of promotional materials and programmatic advertising placed on third-party websites.

Circulation revenue

Circulation revenue was 31.143.5 percent and 30.940.7 percent of total revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2021 and 30.3 percent and 30.8 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2020, respectively.

Three Months Ended March 31,

2021

Percentage
Change

2020

Print circulation

$

13,976

(6.9)

%

$

15,017

Digital circulation

2,046

46.5

%

1,397

Circulation

$

16,022

(2.4)

%

$

16,414

Print circulation



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,



 

2017

 

Percentage
Change

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

Percentage
Change

 

2016

Publishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Circulation

 

$

18,845 

 

(4.0)

%

 

$

19,633 

 

$

57,099 

 

(4.5)

%

 

$

59,806 

Revenue decreased primarily due to a declinedriven by volume declines, partially offset by rate increases. Home delivery revenue decreased $578 or 4.3 percent in home delivery volume of 7.1 percent and 8.3 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.March 31, 2021. Single copy revenue also decreased $462 or 27.1 percent compared to prior year, driven bydue to the significant reduction in the number of locations selling newspapers as a declineresult of the pandemic.


A. H. Belo Corporation First Quarter 2021 on Form 10-Q 19


Table of Contents

Digital circulation

Revenue increased in single copy paid print circulation volume of 21.4 percent and 19.3 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30,  2017,  respectively. The single copy volume decline was partially offset byMarch 31, 2021, due to an increase in digital-only subscriptions of 29.2 percent when compared to March 31, 2020, primarily resulting from a broad interest in news topics including the daily single copy rate, which we put in place in November 2016.COVID-19 pandemic.

Volume declines in circulation revenue have been more pronounced with single copy sales as it competes for retail space. Price increases and supplemental editions are critical to maintaining the revenue base to support this product. During the three and nine months ended September 30,  2017, the Company generated $109 and $400, respectively, of incremental circulation revenue through the distribution of specialty magazines to its core subscribers.

Printing, distribution and other revenue

Printing, distribution and other revenue was 11.311.0 percent and 11.611.4 percent of total revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2021 and 10.6 percent and 11.7 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2020, respectively.

Three Months Ended March 31,

2021

Percentage
Change

2020

Printing, Distribution and Other

$

4,024

(12.6)

%

$

4,602



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,



 

2017

 

Percentage
Change

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

Percentage
Change

 

2016



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Recast)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Recast)

Publishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Printing, Distribution and Other

 

$

6,839 

 

(0.1)

%

 

$

6,843 

 

$

21,349 

 

(5.1)

%

 

$

22,502 

The Company aggressively markets the capacity of its printing and distribution assets to other newspapers that would benefit from cost sharing arrangements. Additionally, the Company’s event activation, promotion and marketing services provider,  CrowdSource, works closely with cities and other corporate sponsors to bring large entertainment events to local communities. Revenue remained flatdecreased in the three months ended September 30, 2017, and decreased in the nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2021, primarily due to a declinedeclines in revenue related to events the Company did not host in 2017.commercial printing and distribution revenue.


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 20


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Operating Costs and Expense

The table below sets forth the components of the Company’s operating costs and expense.

Three Months Ended March 31,

2021

Percentage
Change

2020

Employee compensation and benefits

$

17,947

(5.6)

%

$

19,016

Other production, distribution and operating costs

19,090

(9.1)

%

20,992

Newsprint, ink and other supplies

2,341

(28.4)

%

3,271

Depreciation

1,074

(39.2)

%

1,765

Amortization

64

-

%

64

Gain on sale/disposal of assets, net

(1)

80.0

%

(5)

Total Operating Costs and Expense

$

40,515

(10.2)

%

$

45,103



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,



 

2017

 

Percentage
Change

 

2016

 

2017

 

Percentage
Change

 

2016



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Recast)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Recast)

Publishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits

 

$

26,384 

 

16.0 

%

 

$

22,753 

 

$

72,426 

 

4.5 

%

 

$

69,280 

Other production, distribution and operating costs

 

 

24,192 

 

(7.8)

%

 

 

26,225 

 

 

75,637 

 

(5.6)

%

 

 

80,138 

Newsprint, ink and other supplies

 

 

5,347 

 

(10.9)

%

 

 

6,003 

 

 

16,681 

 

(8.3)

%

 

 

18,195 

Depreciation

 

 

2,565 

 

3.8 

%

 

 

2,471 

 

 

7,762 

 

1.2 

%

 

 

7,669 

Amortization

 

 

 —

 

(100.0)

%

 

 

27 

 

 

 —

 

(100.0)

%

 

 

79 

Goodwill impairment

 

 

 —

 

         N/A

 

 

 

 —

 

 

228 

 

         N/A

 

 

 

 —

Marketing Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits

 

 

3,309 

 

15.2 

%

 

 

2,873 

 

 

9,995 

 

22.8 

%

 

 

8,137 

Other production, distribution and operating costs

 

 

3,268 

 

(25.6)

%

 

 

4,390 

 

 

9,885 

 

13.5 

%

 

 

8,706 

Newsprint, ink and other supplies

 

 

301 

 

(3.5)

%

 

 

312 

 

 

861 

 

34.7 

%

 

 

639 

Depreciation

 

 

42 

 

147.1 

%

 

 

17 

 

 

78 

 

39.3 

%

 

 

56 

Amortization

 

 

200 

 

1.0 

%

 

 

198 

 

 

599 

 

(0.3)

%

 

 

601 

Total Operating Costs and Expense

 

$

65,608 

 

0.5 

%

 

$

65,269 

 

$

194,152 

 

0.3 

%

 

$

193,500 

Publishing

Employee compensation and benefits TheThe Company continues to implement measures to optimize its workforce and evaluate strategies to reduce risk associated with future obligations towardsfor employee benefit plans. Employee compensation and benefits increased $3,631 and $3,146decreased $1,069 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2021, primarily due to a noncash pension settlement chargeheadcount reductions of $5,911 recorded in three months ended September 30, 2017.75 since March 31, 2020.

Other production, distribution and operating costs – Expense decreased $1,902 in the Company’s Publishing segment three months ended March 31, 2021, reflecting savings as the Company continuescontinued to manage discretionary spending. Savings were generated byspending and implemented measures to reduce costs in response to the unfavorable financial impact of the pandemic, including expense reductions in temporaryoutside services, and travel and entertainment. Additionally, distribution expense decreased related to delivery of the Company’s various publications and products.

Newsprint, ink and other supplies – Expense decreased $930 in the three months ended March 31, 2021, due to competitive pricing available under its paper supply agreement, reduced newsprint costs associated with lower circulation volumes from the Company and certain third-party newspapers and the discontinuation of unprofitable product lines.decline in commercial printing. Newsprint consumption for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016,2020, approximated 5,7212,059 and 6,6272,571 metric tons, respectively, at an average cost per metric ton of $560 and $542, respectively. Newsprint consumption for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, approximated 17,475 and 20,022 metric tons, respectively, at an average cost per metric ton of $561 and $523, respectively. The average purchase price for newsprint was $558 and $561 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $561 and $532 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Depreciation – Expense increased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, due to capital purchases to support the Company’s financial and human resource software application.

Amortization – All definite-lived intangible assets are fully amortized.

Goodwill impairment – In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, operating costs and expense for the Publishing segment reflect a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $228.

Marketing Services

Employee compensation and benefits –  Expense increased in the three and nine months ended September 30,  2017, primarily related to the growth associated with DMV Holdings of $335 and $1,682, respectively. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, DMV Holdings employed 81 and 76 personnel, respectively.

A. H. Belo Corporation Third Quarter 2017 on Form 10-Q     21


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Other production, distribution and operating costs – Expense decreased $1,122due to a lower depreciable asset base as a higher level of in-service assets are now fully depreciated and the Company has reduced capital spending.

Amortization Expense remained flat and all intangible assets were fully amortized in the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2021.

Gain on sale/disposal of assets, netFrom time to time, the Company will sell disposed assets, primarily production related to expense reductions at Speakeasy. Expense increased $1,179assets that are no longer in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, in connection with growth in DMV Holdings.use.


A. H. Belo Corporation First Quarter 2021 on Form 10-Q 21


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Newsprint, ink and other supplies – Expense decreased $11 in the three months ended September 30,  2017. Expense increased $222 in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to an increase in promotional material printing costs associated with MarketingFX.

Other

Depreciation – Marketing and event services’ cost structure is primarily labor driven. Capital purchases are required to support technology investments, the Company’s websites and customer engaging applications. Capital assets are primarily depreciated over a life of three years.

Amortization –  Expense is primarily related to customer lists associated with DMV Holdings.

Other

The table below sets forth the other components of the Company’s results of operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2017

 

Percentage
Change

 

2016

 

2017

 

Percentage

Change

 

2016

2021

Percentage
Change

2020

Other income, net

 

$

7,639 

 

N/M

 

 

$

114 

 

$

7,209 

 

N/M

 

 

$

601 

$

1,254

(7.2)

%

$

1,352

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision

 

$

10 

 

(87.0)

%

 

$

77 

 

$

261 

 

(80.8)

%

 

$

1,361 

Income tax provision (benefit)

$

319

117.9

%

$

(1,787)

“N/M” – not meaningful

Other income, (expense)net – Other income, (expense)net is primarily comprised of investment activitynet periodic pension and gainother post-employment benefit of $1,035 and $1,154 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, resulting from a favorable return on pension assets, partially offset by a decrease in the discount rate. Gain (loss) on disposalfrom investments and interest income (expense) are also included in other income, net. In the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded $249 and $195, respectively, of fixed assets.interest income related to the promissory note from the sale of the Company’s former headquarters.

TaxIncome tax provision (benefit) – The Company recognized income tax provision from continuing operations(benefit) of $10$319 and $77$(1,787) for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016, respectively, and $261 and $1,361 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016,2020, respectively. Effective income tax rates from continuing operations were (10.9)(13.0) percent and 137.552.4 percent for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016,2020, respectively. The effective income tax rateprovision for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2021, was due to the federal tax benefit fully reserved with a valuation allowance and the effect of the Texas margin tax. The 2017 effective incomeCompany expects it is reasonably possible to recognize a tax rate was lower when compared to the prior year period due to taxable income generated from operations and the dispositionbenefit of certain fixed assets in 2016.

Sales of assets – Assets held for sale include long-lived assets being actively marketed for which a sale is considered probableapproximately $2,575 within the next 12 months. These assets are recorded atsix months from the lowerrelease of their fair value less costsa federal uncertain tax reserve, due to sell or their carrying value at the time they are classified as assets heldstatute lapsing in August 2021.

The income tax benefit for sale. In the second quarter of 2017,three months ended March 31, 2020, was due to the Company announced that three parcels of land located in downtown Dallas, Texas were available for sale. On September 22, 2017, the Company completed the sale of one parcel of land and received net cash proceeds of $8,252, generating a gain of approximately $5,000. The remaining two parcels of land, with a total carrying value of $5,510, are reported as assets held for sale as of September 30, 2017.

On October 19, 2017, the Company completed the salerecognition of the remaining two parcels2018 net operating loss carryback permitted by the CARES Act, partially offset by the effect of land and received net cash proceeds of $13,048, generating a gain of approximately $7,500.the Texas margin tax.

Legal proceedings – From time to time, the Company is involved in a variety of claims, lawsuits and other disputes arising in the ordinary course of business. Management routinely assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes in these matters, as well as the ranges of probable losses to the extent losses are reasonably estimable. Accruals for contingencies are recorded when, in the judgment of management, adverse judgments or outcomes are probable and the financial impact, should an adverse outcome occur, is reasonably estimable. The determination of likely outcomes of litigation matters relates to factors that include, but are not limited to, past experience and other evidence, interpretation of relevant laws or regulations and the specifics and status of each matter. Predicting the outcome of claims and litigation and estimating related costs and financial exposure involves substantial uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from estimates and accruals. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from other currently existing claims against the Company would not have a material adverse effect on A. H. Belo’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 22


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Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s cash balances as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2016,2020, were $49,955$38,132 and $80,071,$42,015, respectively.

The Company intends to hold the majority of existing cash for purposes of future investment opportunities, potential return of capital to shareholders and for contingency purposes. Although revenue from Publishing operations is expected to continue to decline in future periods, operating contributions expected from the Company’s Marketing Services businessescash flows and other cost cutting measures are expected to be sufficient to fund operating activities and capital spending of approximately $5,000less than $1,000 over the remainder of the year.

The future paymentapproval of dividends is dependent upon available cash after considering future operating and investing requirements and cannot be guaranteed. The Company planscontinues to resume open market stock repurchases in the fourth quarter of 2017 under its priorhave a board-authorized repurchase authority. Current holdingsHowever, the agreement to repurchase the Company’s stock expired and was not renewed.

As a result of treasury stockthe recent COVID-19 outbreak that began in January 2020, the Company is experiencing an increase in digital subscriptions, which currently does not offset the loss of advertising revenue. On April 6, 2020, the Company announced that it was taking several actions to reduce cash outflow in response to the financial impact of COVID-19. The Company reduced operating expenses, reduced capital expenditures to less than $1,000 in 2020, and lowered the quarterly dividend rate to $0.04 per share for dividends declared. Beginning with the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, the board of directors’ compensation was reduced and the board was reduced in size by two. In addition, employees’ base compensation was reduced Company-wide, and the annual bonus tied to financial metrics for eligible employees was not achieved. In August 2020, the Company began to restore base salaries and by October, the Company restored base salaries prospectively for all employees, with the exception of the executive officers that report to the Chief Executive Officer. The executive officers’ base salaries were restored effective January 1, 2021.

In response to COVID-19, the CARES Act was signed into law in March 2020. The CARES Act provides numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures. The Company has benefited from the temporary five-year net operating loss carryback provision and the technical correction for qualified leasehold improvements, which changes 39-year property to 15-year property, eligible for 100 percent tax bonus depreciation. Applying the technical correction to 2018 has resulted in reporting additional tax depreciation of $1,017 and increased the 2018 net operating loss to approximately $6,829. The loss was carried back against 2014 taxes paid at the federal statutory rate of 35 percent that was previously in effect, resulting in a cash refund of $2,425, including interest, received in October 2020.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which includes the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020 and the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, was passed and signed into law the last week of 2020. Among others, the provisions in this act included items such as guidance on expenses associated with forgiven Paycheck Protection Program loans, business meals deductions, individual tax rebates and unemployment benefits. In addition, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, designed to speed up the United States’ economic recovery, was passed and signed into law on March 11, 2021. The Company did not avail itself of any of the items contained in these recent acts.

As a direct result of COVID-19 uncertainties, on April 3, 2020, the Company and Charter DMN Holdings, LP (the “Purchaser”) entered into an amendment to the two-year seller-financed promissory note of $22,400 (the “Promissory Note”), for the sale of the real estate assets previously used as the Company’s headquarters. The amendment (the “Second Promissory Note”), in the principal amount of $375, includes a deferred interest payment of $195 that was due April 1, 2020, and a 2019 real property tax reconciliation payment due from the Purchaser. The Company evaluated the collectability of the notes as a result of the Purchaser’s request to defer the first quarter 2020 interest payment and the continuation of the pandemic. Management believes as of March 31, 2021, the promissory notes are recoverable since the Purchaser is in compliance with the terms, is publicly indicating its intent to develop the property, and management believes that the value of the collateral has not materially changed from the sale date. In addition, on April 1, 2021, the Purchaser paid the first quarter 2021 interest payment of $249.

On April 22, 2021, the Company signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to extend the due date of the Promissory Note of $22,400 due from the Purchaser (the “Note Extension”), subject to the execution and delivery of a definitive extension agreement. The MOU provides for a one-year extension of the maturity date to June 30, 2022. In connection with the extension, the Purchaser must pay the Promissory Note’s second quarter 2021 interest of approximately $250 and the Second Promissory Note of $375, plus accrued interest, upon execution of the Note Extension. The Promissory Note will continue to be secured by a first lien deed of trust covering the property and will bear interest payable in quarterly installments at 4.5 percent through its maturity on June 30, 2022. Although the Company expects that a definitive extension agreement will be executed, there are no assurances that it will be, or when such extension would be completed.  


A. H. Belo Corporation First Quarter 2021 on Form 10-Q 23


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The timing in general of commercial development may have been impacted by the pandemic, and thus capital constraints in commercial real estate markets may exist. Management continues to closely monitor the collectability of the notes and the value of the underlying collateral. Continued economic and other effects of the pandemic could be usedimpact the timing of payment or realization of the notes.

The Company continues to satisfyevaluate the future material impacts on its obligations related to share-based awards issued to employeesconsolidated financial statements that may result from the actions taken by the Company and directors, or can be sold onits customers in respect of the open market.pandemic.

The following discusses the changes in cash flows by operating, investing and financing activities.

Operating Cash Flows

Net cash provided by (used for)used for operating activities for the ninethree months ended months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016,2020, was $(15,790)$2,865 and $6,679,$2,594, respectively. Cash flows fromused for operating activities decreasedincreased by $22,469$271 during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2021, when compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the voluntary contributiona net loss of $20,000 to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans.$2,765 in 2021.

Investing Cash Flows

Net cash provided by (used for)used for investing activities was $397$162 and $(3,840)$385 for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016, respectively. Cash flow for investing activities include $7,837 and $4,168 of2020, respectively, primarily related to capital spending, which continues to be reduced in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cash proceeds of $8,252 were received during 2017 relatedresponse to the salefinancial impact of a parcel of land in downtown Dallas, Texas.the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financing Cash Flows

Net cash used for financing activities was $14,723$856 and $2,878$1,713 for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2021 and 2016, respectively. Cash flows used2020, respectively, all of which is attributable to dividend payments.

Financing Arrangements

None.

Contractual Obligations

The Company has contractual obligations for financing activities increased in 2017 compared to 2016, due to the first quarter 2017 acquisitionsoperating leases, primarily for office space and other distribution centers, some of the remaining interests in DMV Holdings and Speakeasy which include escalating lease payments. See Note 3 – Leasesfor a purchase price of $7,120 and $2,111, respectively. Cash used for financing activities also included dividendfuture lease payments of $5,313 and $5,265 in 2017 and 2016, respectively. by year.

Financing Arrangements

None.

Contractual Obligations

Under the applicable tax and labor laws governing pension plan funding, no contributions to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans are required in 2017.2021.

On September 6, 2017,March 4, 2021, the Company’s board of directors declared an $0.08a $0.04 per share dividend to shareholders of record and holders of RSUs as of the close of business on November 9, 2017,May 14, 2021, which is payable on December  1, 2017. On October 27, 2017, the Company’s board of directors declared a special, one-time cash dividend of $0.14 per share to shareholders of record and holders of RSUs as of the close of business on November 9, 2017, which is payable on December 1, 2017.June 4, 2021.

Additional information related to the Company’s contractual obligations is available in Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2020, filed on March 10, 2017,11, 2021, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 2324


Table of Contents

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

No material changes were made to the Company’s critical accounting policies as set forth in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2016.2020.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this communication concerning A. H. Belo Corporation’s business outlook or future economic performance, anticipated profitability, revenues, expenses, dividends, capital expenditures, investments, dispositions, impairments, business initiatives, acquisitions, pension plan contributions and obligations, real estate sales, working capital, future financings and other financial and non-financial items that are not historical facts, including statements of the Company’s expectations relating to its plans to regain NYSE compliance, are “forward-looking statements” as the term is defined under applicable federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties are, in most instances, beyond the Company’s control, and include the current and future impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s financial reporting capabilities and its operations generally and the potential impact of the pandemic on the Company’s customers, distribution partners, advertisers, production facilities, and third parties, as well as changes in advertising demand and other economic conditions; consumers’ tastes; newsprint prices; program costs; labor relations; cybersecurity incidents; technology obsolescence; as well as other risks described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company’s other public disclosures and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among other risks, there can be no guarantee that the board of directors will approve a quarterly dividend in future quarters. Forward-looking statements, which are as of the date of this filing, are not updated to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There were no material changes in A. H. Belo Corporation’s exposure to market risk from the disclosure included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controlsDisclosure Controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosureProcedures

Disclosure controls and procedures, (asas defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) required by Securities under the Exchange Act, Rules 13a-15(b)are controls that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed or 15d-15(b),submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s ChiefPrincipal Financial Officer, have concludedas appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing disclosure controls and procedures, management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures is also based, in part, upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

The Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report,report. Based on that evaluation, as of March 31, 2021, management concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b) Changes in internal controls. As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d), the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and ChiefInternal Control Over Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the last fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, thereReporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the lastfirst fiscal quarter of the period covered by this reportended March 31, 2021, that hashave materially affected, or isare reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


A. H. Belo Corporation First Quarter 2021 on Form 10-Q 25


Table of Contents

PART II

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

A number of legal proceedings are pending against A. H. Belo. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from these legal proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on A. H. Belo’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There were no material changes from the risk factors disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no unregistered sales of the Company’s equity securities during the period covered by this report.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.The Company continues to have a board-authorized repurchase authority. However, the agreement to repurchase the Company’s stock expired and was not renewed.

A. H. Belo Corporation Third Quarter 2017 on Form 10-Q     24


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Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 2526


Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) are incorporated by reference to documents previously filed by the Company with the SEC, as indicated. In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information marked with a double asterisk (**) in Exhibit No. 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is deemed filed. All other documents are filed with this report. Exhibits marked with a tilde (~) are management contracts, compensatory plan contracts or arrangements filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K.

Exhibit Number

Description

3.12.1

*

AmendedAgreement and Restated CertificatePlan of Incorporation of the CompanyMerger dated April 23, 2018 by and between A. H. Belo Corporation and A. H. Belo Texas, Inc. (Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 32.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 10 dated January 18, 20088-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2018 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001‑33741)001-33741) (the “Third Amendment to“April 23, 2018 Form 10”8-K”))

3.23.1

*

Certificate of DesignationsFormation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred StockA. H. Belo Corporation (successor to A. H. Belo Texas, Inc.)(Exhibit 3.1 to the April 23, 2018 Form 8-K)

3.2

*

Certificate of Merger (Delaware) of A. H. Belo Corporation with and into A. H. Belo Texas, Inc. (Exhibit 3.3 to the Company dated January 11, 2008 (Exhibit 3.2 to Post‑Effective Amendment No. 1 toCompany’s Current Report on Form 108-K filed January 31, 2008with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 2, 2018 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001‑33741)001-33741) (the “July 2, 2018 Form 8-K”))

3.3

*

Certificate of Merger (Texas) of A. H. Belo Corporation with and into A. H. Belo Texas, Inc. (Exhibit 3.4 to the July 2, 2018 Form 8-K)

3.4

*

Bylaws of A. H. Belo Corporation (successor to A. H. Belo Texas, Inc.) (Exhibit 3.2 to the April 23, 2018 Form 8-K)

(1)

*

Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of A. H. Belo Corporation (Exhibit 3.1 to the Company, effective December 11, 2014Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 6, 2020 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “April 6, 2020 Form 8-K”))

(2)

*

Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of A. H. Belo Corporation (Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 12, 20144, 2020 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

4.14.1(a)

*

Certain rights of the holders of the Company’s Common Stock set forth in Exhibits 3.1‑3.33.1-3.4 above

4.24.1(b)

*

Description of Capital Stock (Exhibit 4.1 to the July 2, 2018 Form 8-K)

4.2

*

Specimen Form of Certificate representing shares of the Company’s Series A Common Stock (Exhibit 4.2 to the Third Amendment toJuly 2, 2018 Form 10)8-K)

4.3

*

Specimen Form of Certificate representing shares of the Company’s Series B Common Stock (Exhibit 4.3 to the Third Amendment toJuly 2, 2018 Form 10)8-K)

4.410.1

*

Rights Agreement dated as of January 11, 2008 between the Company and Mellon Investor Services LLC (Exhibit 4.4 to the Third Amendment to Form 10)Material Contracts

10.1

*

Material Contracts

(1)

(1)

*

Asset Purchase Agreement by and between the Press-Enterprise Company, AHC California Properties LLC, A. H. Belo Management Services, Inc. and Freedom Communications Holdings, Inc. dated October 9, 2013 (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 11, 2013 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “October 11, 2013 Form 8-K”))

(2)

*

Form of Limited Guaranty by and between A. H. Belo Corporation and Freedom Communications Holdings, Inc (Exhibit 10.2 to the October 11, 2013 Form 8-K)

(3)

*

Amendment No. 1 to Asset Purchase Agreement dated October 31, 2013, between the Press-Enterprise Company, AHC California Properties LLC, A. H. Belo Management Services, Inc. and Freedom Communications Holdings Inc. (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 4, 2013 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

(4)

*

Amendment No. 2 to Asset Purchase Agreement dated November 21, 2013, between the Press-Enterprise Company, AHC California Properties LLC, A. H. Belo Management Services, Inc. and Freedom Communications Holdings Inc. (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 25, 2013 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

A. H. Belo Corporation Third Quarter 2017 on Form 10-Q     26


Table of Contents

Exhibit Number

Description

 (5)

*

Asset Purchase Agreement among The Providence Journal Company and LMG Rhode Island Holdings, Inc. dated as of July 22, 2014 (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 25, 2014 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

 (6)

*

Unit Purchase Agreement dated August 5, 2014 by and among Gannett Company, Inc., Classified Ventures, LLC, and Unitholders of Classified Ventures, LLC (Exhibit 2.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2014 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

 (7)

*

Sublease Agreement for Old Dallas Library Building dated December 30, 2016 (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 3, 2017 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001‑001-33741) (the “January 3, 2017 Form 8-K”))

 (8)(2)

*

Guaranty of Lease dated December 30, 2016 (Exhibit 10.2 to the January 3, 2017 Form 8-K)

10.2

*

(3)

*

Paper Supply Agreement effective as of August 5, 2019, by and between The Dallas Morning News, Inc. and Gannett Supply Corporation (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 6, 2019 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

(4)

*

Purchase and Sale Agreement effective as of May 17, 2019, by and between The Dallas Morning News, Inc. and Charter DMN Holdings, LP, together with related Promissory Note dated May 17, 2019, in the original principal amount of $22.4 million made by Charter DMN Holdings, LP, payable to The Dallas Morning News, Inc. (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 2019 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

*

(a)

Modification Agreement effective April 1, 2020 to Promissory Note dated May 17, 2020 (Exhibit 10.1 to the April 6, 2020 Form 8-K)

*

(b)

Promissory Note (Interest and Property Tax Reconciliation) effective April 1, 2020 (Exhibit 10.2 to the April 6, 2020 Form 8-K)


A. H. Belo Corporation First Quarter 2021 on Form 10-Q 27


Table of Contents

Exhibit Number

Description

10.2

*

Compensatory plans and arrangements:

~(1)

*

A. H. Belo Savings Plan as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2015 (Exhibit 10.2(1) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2015 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

*

(a)

First Amendment to the A. H. Belo Savings Plan effective January 1, 2016 (Exhibit 10.2(1)(a) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10‑10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 1, 2016 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

*

(b)

Second Amendment to the A. H. Belo Savings Plan effective September 8, 2016 (Exhibit 10.2(1)(b) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10‑10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 1, 2016 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

*

(c)

Third Amendment to the A. H. Belo Savings Plan dated September 7, 2017 (Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2017 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)(the “September 8, 2017 Form 8-K”))

~(2)

*

(d)

Fourth Amendment to the A. H. Belo Corporation 2008 Incentive CompensationSavings Plan (Exhibit 10.510.2 to the July 2, 2018 Form 8-K)

*

(e)

Fifth Amendment to the A. H. Belo Savings Plan dated November 27, 2018 (Exhibit 10.2(1)(E) to the Company’s CurrentQuarterly Report on Form 8-K10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2008) (the “February 12, 2008April 29, 2019 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)(the “1st Quarter 2019 Form 8‑K”10-Q”))

*

(a)(f)

FirstSixth Amendment to the A. H. Belo 2008 Incentive CompensationSavings Plan effective July 23, 2008dated April 1, 2019 (Exhibit 10.2(2)(a)10.2(1)(F) to the 1st Quarter 2019 Form 10-Q)

*

(g)

Seventh Amendment to the A. H. Belo Savings Plan dated December 1, 2019 (Exhibit 10.2(1)(G) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on AugustApril 14, 20082020 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001‑33741)001-33741))

*

(b)(h)

Form ofEighth Amendment to the A. H. Belo 2008 Incentive CompensationSavings Plan Evidence of Grant (for Non‑Employee Director Awards)dated July 23, 2020 (Exhibit 10.2(2)(b)10.2(1)(H) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2010July 28, 2020 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001‑33741) (the “1st Quarter 2010 Form 10‑Q”001-33741)))

~(2)

*

(c)

Form of A. H. Belo 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan Evidence of Grant (for Employee Awards) (Exhibit 10.2(2)(c) to the 1st Quarter 2010 Form 10‑Q)

*

(d)

Form of A. H. Belo 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan Evidence of Grant (for Employee Awards) (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8‑K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2012 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001‑33741) (the “March 12, 2012 Form 8-K”))

*

(e)

Form of A. H. Belo Cash Long‑Term Incentive Evidence of Grant (for Employee Awards) (Exhibit 10.2 to the March 12, 2012 Form 8-K)

~(3)

*

A. H. Belo 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan (Exhibit I to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2017)

*

(a)

Form of A. H. Belo 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan Evidence of Grant (for Non-Employee Directors) (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2017 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “May 12, 2017 Form 8-K”))

*

(b)

Form of A. H. Belo 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan Evidence of Grant (for Employee Awards) (Exhibit 10.2 to the May 12, 2017 Form 8-K)

~(4)

*

(c)

First Amendment to the A. H. Belo 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan (Exhibit 10.1 to the July 2, 2018 Form 8-K)

*

(d)

Second Amendment to the A. H. Belo 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan (Exhibit 10.3 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 11, 2018 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

~(3)

*

Form of A. H. Belo Cash Long-Term Incentive Compensation Evidence of Grant (for Employee Awards) (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2019 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

~(4)

*

A. H. Belo Corporation Change In Control Severance Plan (Exhibit 10.7 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8‑8-K)

*

(a)

Amendment to the A. H. Belo Change in Control Severance Plan dated March 31, 2009 (Exhibit 10.3 to the April 2, 2009 Form 8‑8-K)


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 2728


Table of Contents

Exhibit Number

Description

~(5)

*

Robert W. Decherd Compensation Arrangements dated June 19, 2013 (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 19, 2013)

10.3

*

~(6)

*

Timothy M. Storer Employment Agreement dated March 2, 2017 (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2017 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “March 6, 2017 Form 8-K”))

*

(a)

Timothy M. Storer PBRSU Award Notice dated March 2, 2017 (Exhibit 10.2 to the March 6, 2017 Form 8-K)

~(7)

*

First Amendment to Timothy M. Storer Employment Agreement dated September 6, 2017 (Exhibit 10.1 to the September 8, 2017 Form 8-K)

*

(a)

Timothy M. Storer Amended PBRSU Award Notice dated September 6, 2017 (Exhibit 10.2 to the September 8, 2017 Form 8-K)

10.3

*

Agreements relating to the separation of A. H. Belo from its former parent company:

(1)

*

Pension Plan Transfer Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of October 6, 2010 (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current Report on Form 8‑8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 8, 2010 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

(2)

*

Agreement among the Company, Belo Corp., and The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, effective March 9, 2011 (Exhibit 10.3(6) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2011 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001‑001-33741))

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes‑Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes‑Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes‑Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS

**

Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

101.SCH

**

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension SchemeSchema Document

101.CAL

**

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

**

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

**

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

**

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

**

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 2829


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

A. H. BELOCORPORATION

By:

/s/

Katy Murray

Katy Murray

SeniorExecutive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Dated:

October 31, 2017April 26, 2021


A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 2930


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number

Description

Exhibit Number31.1

Description

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes‑Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes‑Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes‑Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS

**

Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

101.SCH

**

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

**

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

**

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

**

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

**

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

**

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information marked with a double asterisk (**) in Exhibit No. 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is deemed filed.

A. H. Belo Corporation ThirdFirst Quarter 20172021 on Form 10-Q 3031