UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For The Quarterly Period Ended March 28, 202127, 2022

 

OR

 

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission File Number 1-6227

LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

 

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware

42-0823980

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

 

 4600 E. 53rd Street, Davenport, Iowa 52807

(Address of principal executive offices)

  

(563) 383-2100

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

LEE

The Nasdaq Global Select Market

Preferred Share Purchase RightsLEEThe Nasdaq Global Select Market

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the 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 ☒     No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 ☒     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.

 

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

 

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

   

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 Exchange Act).

Yes ☐     No ☒

 

As of April 30, 2021,2022, 5,876,8355,957,536 shares of Common Stock of the Registrant were outstanding. 

 

 

 

 

 

Table Of Contents

 

PAGE

   

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 1
    

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 2
     
 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 2
     
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 28, 202127, 2022, and September 27,26, 202021

 2
     
  

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - 13-Three and 26 weeks endedsix months March 27, 2022 and March 28, 2021 and March 29, 2020

 4
     
  

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity (Deficit) - 13Three and 26 weeks endedsix months March 27, 2022, and March 28, 2021 and March 29, 2020

 5
     
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - 26 weeks ended March 28, 202127, 2022, and March 29, 202028, 2021

 6
     
  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 7
     
 

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 1612
     
 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 2418
     
 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 2418
     

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 2519
     
 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 2519
     
 Item 1.A.Risk Factors 2519
     
 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 2519
     

SIGNATURES

 2620

 

 

 

References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout this document refer to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (the “Company”). References to “2021”“2022”, “2020”“2021" and the like refer to the fiscal years ended the last Sunday in September.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This report contains information that may be deemed forward-looking that is based largely on our current expectations, and is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Among such risks, trends and other uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond our control, are:

 

 Revenues may continue to diminish or declines in revenue could accelerate as a result ofThe overall impact the COVID-19 pandemic;
Revenues may continue to be diminished longer than anticipated as a result ofpandemic has on the COVID-19 pandemic; Company's revenues and costs;
 The long-term or permanent changes the COVID-19 pandemic may result in material long-term changes tohave on the publishing industry, which may result in permanent revenue reductions for the Company and other risks and uncertainties;

We may experience increased costs, inefficiencies and other disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;
 

We may be required to indemnify the previous owners of the BH Media Newspaper Business or the Buffalo News for unknown legal and other matters that may arise;
 Our ability to manage declining print revenue and circulation subscribers;

That the warrants issued in our 2014 refinancing will not be exercised;

 

The impact and duration of adverse conditions in certain aspects of the economy affecting our business;

 

Changes in advertising and subscription demand;

 

Changes in technology that impact our ability to deliver digital advertising;

 

Potential changes in newsprint, other commodities and energy costs;

 

Interest rates;

 

Labor costs;

 

Significant cyber security breaches or failure of our information technology systems;

 

Our ability to achieve planned expense reductions and realize the expected benefit of our acquisitions;
 

Our ability to maintain employee and customer relationships;

 

Our ability to manage increased capital costs;

 

Our ability to maintain our listing status on NASDAQ;

 

Competition; and

 

Other risks detailed from time to time in our publicly filed documents.

 

Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “considers” and similar expressions) generally should be considered forward-looking statements. Statements regarding our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations regarding our business and industry, including statements regarding the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic and our responses thereto may have on our future operations, are forward-looking statements. They reflect our expectations, are not guarantees of performance and speak only as of the date the statement is made. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this report. We do not undertake to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

 

 

1

 

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.       Financial Statements

 

LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)   
 March 28, September 27,  March 27, September 26, 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 
          

ASSETS

          
          

Current assets:

          
Cash and cash equivalents 33,753 33,733  15,335 26,112 
Accounts receivable and contract assets, net 60,151 52,598  67,734 65,070 
Inventories 6,777 7,534  7,509 6,297 
Prepaids and other 11,495 14,888 

Prepaid and other current assets

 12,984 11,320 

Total current assets

 112,176  108,753  103,562  108,799 

Investments:

          
Associated companies 26,838 27,624  26,855 26,682 
Other 6,178 6,255  6,217 6,065 

Total investments

 33,016  33,879  33,072  32,747 

Property and equipment:

          
Land and improvements 17,128 18,711  14,505 16,576 
Buildings and improvements 110,486 128,475  93,010 106,890 
Equipment 232,574 245,117  210,523 228,817 
Construction in process 3,625 2,323  6,401 2,813 
 363,813  394,626  324,439  355,096 
Less accumulated depreciation 274,449 289,017  246,257 271,830 

Property and equipment, net

 89,364  105,609  78,182  83,266 
Operating lease right-of-use assets 68,742 70,933  59,721 65,682 
Goodwill 330,204 328,445  330,204 330,204 
Other intangible assets, net 168,997 182,680  145,568 156,671 
Pension plan assets, net 5,936 4,147  13,971 35,855 
Medical plan assets, net 15,898 15,912  18,004 16,695 
Other 10,758 13,699  13,117 13,632 

Total assets

 835,091  864,057  795,401  843,551 

 

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2

 

 

 (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)   
 March 28, September 27,  March 27, September 26, 

(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 
          

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

          
          

Current liabilities:

          
Current portion of lease liabilities 8,262 8,577  8,765 8,612 
Current maturities of long-term debt 13,753 13,733  0 6,112 
Accounts payable 17,483 17,163  27,391 20,420 
Compensation and other accrued liabilities 47,767 44,278  41,551 45,076 
Income taxes payable 521 0 
Unearned revenue 63,870 60,271  62,085 61,404 

Total current liabilities

 151,656  144,022  139,792  141,624 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities 485,162 524,557  462,554 476,504 
Operating lease liabilities 60,987 62,374  51,558 57,683 
Pension obligations 71,969 75,656  951 22,444 
Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations 14,726 39,543  11,472 11,008 
Deferred income taxes 14,499 15,208  38,397 40,295 
Income taxes payable 18,767 18,048  8,821 9,174 
Warrants and other 30,089 14,282 

Other

 26,487 28,121 

Total liabilities

 847,855  893,690  740,032  786,853 

Equity (deficit):

     

Stockholders' equity (deficit):

     

Equity:

     

Stockholders' equity:

     

Serial convertible preferred stock, no par value; authorized 500 shares; none issued

 0  0  0  0 
Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 12,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 59 58 

March 28, 2021; 5,877 shares; $0.01 par value

     

September 27, 2020; 5,835 shares; $0.01 par value

     

Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 12,000 shares; issued and outstanding:

 60 59 

March 27, 2022; 5,957 shares; $0.01 par value

     

September 26, 2021; 5,889 shares; $0.01 par value

     
Class B Common Stock, $2 par value; authorized 3,000 shares; none issued 0 0  0 0 
Additional paid-in capital 257,328 256,957  258,523 258,063 
Accumulated deficit (253,761) (268,529) (240,362) (245,744)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (18,430) (20,050)

Total stockholders' deficit

 (14,804) (31,564)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 34,908 42,187 

Total stockholders' equity

 53,129  54,565 
Non-controlling interests 2,040 1,931  2,240 2,133 

Total deficit

 (12,764) (29,633)

Total liabilities and deficit

 835,091  864,057 

Total equity

 55,369  56,698 

Total liabilities and equity

 795,401  843,551 

Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-ten reverse stock split in March 2021. See Note 1 for details.

 

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3

 

LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

26 Weeks Ended

  Three months ended Six months ended 
 

March 28,

 

March 29,

 

March 28,

 

March 29,

  

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Common Share Data)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 

2022

 

2021

 
  

Operating revenue:

  

Advertising and marketing services

 85,575  60,945  188,204  126,672  87,633  85,575  186,387  188,204 

Subscription

 89,777  46,943  181,080  89,113  87,348  89,777  174,867  181,080 

Other

 17,078  13,479  34,964  27,925  15,033  17,078  31,042  34,964 

Total operating revenue

 192,430  121,367  404,248  243,710  190,014  192,430  392,296  404,248 

Operating expenses:

  

Compensation

 83,154  48,691  167,317  91,934  83,513  83,154  168,207  167,317 

Newsprint and ink

 7,179  4,321  15,171  9,057  7,068  7,179  14,712  15,171 

Other operating expenses

 79,865  52,842  161,632  101,304  84,679  79,865  170,661  161,632 

Depreciation and amortization

 12,517  7,276  22,958  13,995  8,951  12,517  18,627  22,958 

Assets Loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net

 1,474  (6,113) 6,696  (5,299)

Assets (gain) loss on sales, impairments and other, net

 (152) 1,474  (12,426) 6,696 

Restructuring costs and other

 1,294  1,925  4,461  3,557  10,590  1,294  13,790  4,461 

Total operating expenses

 185,483  108,942  378,235  214,548  194,649  185,483  373,571  378,235 

Equity in earnings of associated companies

 1,471  1,362  3,213  2,931  1,407  1,471  3,161  3,213 

Operating income

 8,418  13,787  29,226  32,093 

Non-operating income (expense):

 

Operating (expense) income

 (3,228) 8,418  21,886  29,226 

Non-operating (expense) income:

 

Interest expense

 (11,237) (11,127) (23,119) (22,242) (10,523) (11,237) (21,186) (23,119)

Debt financing and administrative costs

 0  (10,670) 0  (11,866)

Curtailment gain

 0  0  23,830  0  0  0  1,027  23,830 

Pension withdrawal cost

 0  0  (12,310) 0  (2,335) 0  (2,335) (12,310)

Other, net

 1,640  689  3,908  2,283  6,248  1,640  9,320  3,908 

Total non-operating income (expense), net

 (9,597) (21,108) (7,691) (31,825)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 (1,179) (7,321) 21,535  268 

Total non-operating (expense) income, net

 (6,610) (9,597) (13,174) (7,691)

(Loss) Income before income taxes

 (9,838) (1,179) 8,712  21,535 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 (571) (2,331) 5,740  (460) (3,144) (571) 2,207  5,740 

Net income (loss)

 (608) (4,990) 15,795  728 

Net (loss) income

 (6,694) (608) 6,505  15,795 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

 (526) (377) (1,027) (774) (582) (526) (1,123) (1,027)

(Loss) Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 (1,134) (5,367) 14,768  (46) (7,276) (1,134) 5,382  14,768 

Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes

 478  316  1,620  633 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes

 (1,167) 478  (7,279) 1,620 

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 (656) (5,051) 16,388  587  (8,443) (656) (1,897) 16,388 

Earnings per common share:

  
Basic: (0.20) (0.95) 2.59 (0.01) (1.26) (0.20) 0.94  2.59 
Diluted: (0.19) (0.94) 2.55 (0.01) (1.26) (0.20) 0.92  2.55 

Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-ten reverse stock split in March 2021. See Note 1 for details.

 

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(Unaudited)

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

Common Stock

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

Total

  

Accumulated Deficit

 

Common Stock

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

Total

 
  

September 28, 2020

 (268,529) 58  256,957  (20,050) (31,564)

September 27, 2021

 (245,744) 59  258,063  42,187  54,565 

Shares issued (redeemed)

 0  1  (55) 0  (54) 0  1 (386) 0  (385)

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 15,902  0  0  0  15,902  12,658  0 0  0  12,658 

Stock compensation

 0  0  220  0  220  0  0 186    186 
Other comprehensive income 0  0 0  1,347  1,347 

Other comprehensive loss

 0  0 0  (8,174) (8,174)
Deferred income taxes, net 0  0 0  (205) (205) 0  0 0  2,062  2,062 

December 27, 2020

 (252,627) 59  257,122  (18,908) (14,354)

December 26, 2021

 (233,086) 60  257,863  36,075  60,912 
  
Shares issued (redeemed) 0  0 (8) 0  (8) 0  0 (3) 0  (3)
Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (1,134) 0 0  0  (1,134) (7,276) 0 0  0  (7,276)
Stock compensation 0  0 214  0  214  0  0 663  0  663 
Other comprehensive loss 0  0 0  682  682  0  0 0  (1,667) (1,667)
Deferred income taxes, net 0  0 0  (204) (204) 0  0 0  500  500 
March 28, 2021 (253,761) 59 257,328  (18,430) (14,804)

March 27, 2022

 (240,362) 60 258,523  34,908  53,129 

 

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

Common Stock

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

Total

  

Accumulated Deficit

 

Common Stock

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

Total

 
  

September 30, 2019

 (265,423) 57  255,996  (29,114) (38,484)

September 28, 2020

 (268,529) 58  256,957  (20,050) (31,564)

Shares issued (redeemed)

 0  1  (376) 0  (375) 0  1  (55) 0  (54)

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 5,320  0  0  0  5,320  15,902  0  0  0  15,902 

Stock compensation

 0  0  545  0  545  0  0  220    220 

Other comprehensive income

 0  0  0  452  452  0  0  0  1,347  1,347 

Deferred income taxes, net

 0  0  0  (135) (135) 0  0  0  (205) (205)

December 29, 2019

 (260,103) 58  256,165  (28,797) (32,677)

December 27, 2020

 (252,627) 59  257,122  (18,908) (14,354)
  
Shares issued (redeemed) 0 0 (199) 0 (199) 0 0 (8) 0 (8)
Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (5,367) 0 0 0 (5,367) (1,134) 0 0 0 (1,134)
Stock compensation 0 0 269 0 269  0 0 214 0 214 
Other comprehensive loss 0 0 0 451 451  0 0 0 682 682 
Deferred income taxes, net 0 0 0 (135) (135) 0 0 0 (204) (204)
March 29, 2020 (265,470) 58 256,235 (28,481) (37,658)

March 28, 2021

 (253,761) 59 257,328 (18,430) (14,804)

Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-ten reverse stock split in March 2021. See Note 1 for details.

 

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5

 

LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

26 Weeks Ended

  Six months ended 
 

March 28,

 

March 29,

  

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 
  

Cash provided by operating activities:

          

Net income

 15,795  728  6,505  15,795 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

          

Depreciation and amortization

 22,958  13,995  18,627 22,958 
Curtailment gain (23,830) 0  (1,027) (23,830)
Pension withdrawal cost 12,310 0  2,335 12,310 
Stock compensation expense 434 571  699 434 
Assets Loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net 6,696 (5,299)

Assets (gain) loss on sales, impairments and other, net

 (12,426) 6,696 
Deferred income taxes (319) (8,427) 664 (319)
Debt financing and administrative costs 0 11,866 
Pension contributions (965) 0  0 (965)
Return of collateral on (Payments to collateralize) letters of credit 1,686 (5,476)

Return of (Payments to collateralize) letters of credit

 151 1,686 
Other, net 62 (388) (1,011) 62 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

          
(Increase) decrease in receivables and contract assets (6,786) 6,043  (3,060) (6,786)
Decrease in inventories and other 782 1,610 

(Increase) decrease in inventories and other

 (1,033) 782 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities 3,944 (8,134) 5,694 3,944 
Decrease in pension and other postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations (3,291) (1,237) (9,388) (3,291)
Change in income taxes payable 4,214 6,918  (3,686) 4,214 
Other, including warrants 5,563 (2,072)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 39,253  10,698 

Cash required for investing activities:

     

Other

 (3,650) 5,563 

Net cash (required for) provided by operating activities

 (606) 39,253 

Cash provided by (required for) investing activities:

     
Purchases of property and equipment (2,927) (5,809) (4,570) (2,927)
Proceeds from sales of assets 2,751 17,637  14,744 2,751 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired 0 (130,985)
Distributions greater (less) than earnings of TNI and MNI 555 (325) (102) 555 
Other, net (78) (229) (192) (78)

Net cash provided by (required for) investing activities

 301  (119,711)

Net cash provided by investing activities

 9,880  301 

Cash provided by (required for) financing activities:

          
Proceeds from long term debt 0 576,000 
Payments on long-term debt (39,375) (443,627) (20,062) (39,375)
Debt financing and administrative costs paid 0 (609)
Common stock transactions, net (159) (572) 11 (159)

Net cash provided by (required for) financing activities

 (39,534) 131,192 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 20  22,179 

Net cash required for financing activities

 (20,051) (39,534)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 (10,777) 20 

Cash and cash equivalents:

          

Beginning of period

 33,733  8,645  26,112  33,733 

End of period

 33,753  30,824  15,335  33,753 

 

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6

 

LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited, interim, Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for quarterly reports. In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 27, 202228,2021, and our results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company's 20202021 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in September. Fiscal year 2022 ends on September 25, 2022 and fiscal year 2021 ended September 26, 2021. Fiscal year 2022 and 2021 are 52-week years with 13 weeks in each quarter. Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the 13three and 26six weeksmonths ended March 27, 2022, 28,2021are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the Company. References to 2022”,2021“2021””, “2020 and the like refer to the fiscal years ended the last Sunday in September.

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our wholly owned subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, except foras well as our 82.5% interest in INN Partners, L.C. (“TownNews.com”),.

Our 50% interest in TNI Partners (“TNI”("TNI") and our 50% interest in Madison Newspapers, Inc. (“MNI”("MNI").

Investments in TNI and MNI are accounted for using the equity method and are reported at cost, plus our share of undistributed earnings since acquisition less, for TNI, amortization of intangible assets.

 

Certain amounts in prior period Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to On March 16, 2020, the current year presentation. Pursuant to ourCompany completed the acquisition of BHMGBH Media Group, Inc. and theThe Buffalo News, we realignedInc. for a combined purchase price of $140,000,000 (collectively, the presentation of certain home delivery print revenue and certain other Subscription revenue from Other revenue to Subscription revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income (loss) and Comprehensive Income (loss). As a result of this updated presentation, Subscription revenue increased and Other revenue decreased for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2020 by $500,000, the 26 weeks ended March 29, 2020 by $975,000 and the 13 weeks ended December 27,2020 by $794,000. Operating revenues, net income (loss), accumulated deficit, and earnings per share remained unchanged. 

On February 25, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a one-for-10 split of the Company's common stock effected (the "Reverse Stock Split""Transactions"). Effective March 15, 2021 the Company's shares began trading on a post reverse split basis. Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-ten reverse stock split in March 2021. The split did not change the Company's Common Stock Par value but changed opening Common Stock and Additional Paid in Capital balances by offsetting amounts. Additionally, in March 29, 2020, we had outstanding shares of 58,135,910 which were adjusted to 5,813,591 to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis.

We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Business Combinations

The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 805 “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”), which provides guidance for recognition and measurement of identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at fair value. In a business combination, the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interest in the acquiree are recorded as of the date of acquisition at their respective fair values with limited exceptions. Any excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair values of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of the acquisition.

COVID-19 Pandemic

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related measures to contain its spread have resulted in significant volatility and economic uncertainty, which is expected to continue in the near term. The COVID-19 pandemic has had and the Company currently expects that it will continue to have a significant negative impact, in the near term, on the Company’s business and operating results. The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will depend on the length, severity and recurrence of the pandemic, the availability of antiviral medications and vaccinations, the duration and extent of government actions designed to combat the pandemic, as well as changes in consumer behavior, all of which are highly uncertain. Despite the significant negative impacts on our operating results, we have operated uninterrupted in providing local news, information and advertising in our print and digital editions.

7

Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Standards Adopted in 2021

In June 2016, the FASB issued a new standard to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a wider array of reasonable and supportable information to inform and develop credit loss estimates ("ASC 326"). We are required to use a forward-looking expected credit loss model for both accounts receivables and other financial instruments. The new standard was adopted on September 28, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach. This standard did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance that changes disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements as part of the disclosure framework project. The disclosure framework project aims to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements by focusing on requirements that clearly communicate the most important information to users of the financial statements ("ASU 2018-14"). The new guidance was adopted on September 28, 2020 and did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued new guidance that simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740 related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition for deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The standard also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. This new guidance was adopted September 28, 2020 and did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Standards Not Yet Adopted

In August 2018, FASB issued a new standard to amend disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans ("ASU 2018-13"). The new standard will be adopted beginning September 27, 2021 using a retrospective approach. The Company is still evaluating the impacts to our financial statement disclosures.

In October 2020, FASB issued new guidance containing amendments that improve consistency of the Codification. Many of the amendments arose because the FASB provided an option to give certain information either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes to financial statements. The Company is still evaluating the impacts to our financial statement disclosures.

 

2

REVENUE

 

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by source:

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

26 Weeks Ended

  Three months ended Six months ended 
 

March 28,

 

March 29,

 

March 28,

 

March 29,

  

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 

2022

 

2021

 
  

Operating revenue:

           

Print

 44,248 53,685 100,218 120,291 

Digital

 43,385 31,890 86,169 67,913 

Advertising and marketing services revenue

 85,575  60,945  188,204  126,672  87,633  85,575  186,387  188,204 

Print

 77,255  82,801  156,883  167,816 

Digital

 10,093 6,976 17,984 13,264 

Subscription revenue

 89,777  46,943  181,080  89,113  87,348 89,777 174,867 181,080 
TownNews and other digital services revenue 4,820 4,905 9,966 9,889 

Print

 10,374 12,240 21,759 25,301 

Digital

 4,659 4,838 9,283 9,663 

Other revenue

 12,258  8,574  24,998  18,036  15,033  17,078  31,042  34,964 

Total operating revenue

 192,430  121,367  404,248  243,710  190,014  192,430  392,296  404,248 

 

Recognition principles: Revenue is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by the transfer of control of the contracted goods or services to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services.

Total Digital Revenue in the prior year was reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Total Digital Revenue is defined as digital advertising and marketing services revenue (including Amplified), digital-only subscription revenue and digital services revenue.

 

Arrangements with multiple performance obligations: We have various advertising and subscription agreements which include both print and digital performance obligations. Revenue from sales agreements that contain multiple performance obligations are allocated to each obligation based on the relative standalone selling price. We determine standalone selling prices based on observable prices charged to customers.

 

7

Contract Assets and Liabilities: The Company’s primary source of contract liabilities is unearned revenue from subscriptions paid in advance of the service provided. The Company expects to recognize the revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations over the next twelve months in accordance with the terms of the subscriptions and other contracts with customers. The unearned revenue balances described herein are the Company's only contract liability. Unearned revenue was $63,870,000 as of March 28,2021 and $60,271,000 as of September 27, 2020. Revenue recognized in the 13six and 26 weeksmonths ended March 28, 202127, 2022 that was included in the contract liability as of September 27, 202026, 2021 was $12,548,000 and $48,562,000, respectively.$47,340,000.

 

Accounts receivable, excluding allowance for credit losses was $69,289,000$74,422,000 and $66,029,000$71,644,000 as of March 28,202127, 2022 and September 27, 202026, 2021, , respectively. Allowance for credit losses was $9,138,000$6,688,000 and $13,431,000$6,574,000 as of March 28,202127, 2022 and September 27, 202026, 2021, , respectively.

 

Practical expedients:Sales commissions are expensed as incurred as the associated contractual periods are one year or less. These costs are recorded within compensation. The vast majority of our contracts have original expected lengths of one year or less and revenue is earned at a rate and amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer.

8

 

3

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES

 

TNI Partners

 

In Tucson, Arizona, TNI, acting as agent for our subsidiary, Star Publishing Company (“Star Publishing”), and Gannets Co. Inc.'s subsidiary Citizen Publishing Company (“Citizen”), a subsidiary of Gannett Co. Inc., is responsible for printing, delivery, advertising, and subscription activities of the Arizona Daily Star as well as the related digital platforms and specialty publications. TNI collects all receipts and income and pays substantially all operating expenses incident to the partnership's operations and publication of the newspaper and other media.

 

Income or loss of TNI (before income taxes) is allocated equally to Star Publishing and Citizen.

 

Summarized results of TNI are as follows:

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

26 Weeks Ended

  Three months ended Six months ended 
 

March 28,

 

March 29,

 

March 28,

 

March 29,

  

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 

2022

 

2021

 
  
Operating revenue 8,759 10,185 18,159 20,381  8,594 8,759 17,575 18,159 
Operating expenses 6,424 7,766 13,429 15,931  6,409 6,424 12,873 13,429 

Operating income

 2,335  2,419  4,730  4,450  2,185  2,335  4,702  4,730 

Company's 50% share of operating income

 1,168  1,210  2,365  2,225 

Less amortization of intangible assets

 0  105  0  210 

Company's 50% share of operating income

 1,093  1,168  2,351  2,365 

Equity in earnings of TNI

 1,168  1,105  2,365  2,015  1,093  1,168  2,351  2,365 

 

TNI makes weeklyperiodic distributions of its earnings and for the 13three weeksmonths endedMarch 27, 2022 and March 28, 2021, and March 29, 2020 we received $1,561,000$1,401,000 and $953,000$1,561,000 in distributions, respectively. In the 26six weeksmonths endedMarch 27, 2022 and March 28, 2021, and March 29, 2020, we received $2,617,000$2,259,000 and $1,691,000$2,617,000 in distributions, respectively.

 

Madison Newspapers, Inc.

 

We have a 50% ownership interest in MNI, which publishes daily and Sunday newspapers, and other publications in Madison, Wisconsin, and other Wisconsin locations, and operates their related digital platforms. Net income or loss of MNI (after income taxes) is allocated equally to us and The Capital Times Company (“TCT”). MNI conducts its business under the trade name Capital Newspapers.

 

Summarized results of MNI are as follows:

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

26 Weeks Ended

  Three months ended Six months ended 
 

March 28,

 

March 29,

 

March 28,

 

March 29,

  

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 

2022

 

2021

 
  
Operating revenue 11,024 12,325 22,946 26,250  11,561  11,024  23,756  22,946 
Operating expenses, excluding restructuring costs, depreciation and amortization 10,237 11,561 20,667 23,681  10,462  10,237  21,296  20,667 
Restructuring costs 0 0 106 0  0  0  0  106 
Depreciation and amortization 182 197 292 341  170  182  340  292 

Operating income

 605  567  1,881  2,228  929  605  2,120  1,881 
Net income 605 514 1,694 1,830  627  605  1,620  1,694 

Equity in earnings of MNI

 303  257  847  915  314  303  810  847 

 

MNI makes quarterlyperiodic distributions of its earnings and in the 13three weeksmonths endedMarch 27, 2022 and March 28, 2021, we received $500,000 and $1,150,000, respectively. In the six months ended March 27, 2022 and March 29, 2020,28, 2021, we received dividends of $1,150,000$800,000 and $1,000,000, respectively. In the 26 weeks ended March 28, 2021 and March 29, 2020, we received dividends of $1,150,000, and $1,000,000 respectively.

 

8

 

4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

26 Weeks Ended
March 28,

(Thousands of Dollars)

2021

Goodwill, gross amount

1,617,174

Accumulated impairment losses

(1,288,729)
Goodwill, as of September 27, 2020328,445
Measurement period adjustments1,759

Goodwill, end of period

330,204

9

Identified intangible assets consist of the following:

 

 

March 28,

 

September 27,

  

March 27,

 

September 26,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 
  

Goodwill, end of period

 330,204 330,204 

Non-amortized intangible assets:

          
Mastheads 40,459 40,459  39,849 39,672 

Amortizable intangible assets:

          
Customer and newspaper subscriber lists 774,155 774,604  574,451 774,242 
Less accumulated amortization 645,653 632,457  (468,732) (657,243)
 128,502  142,147  105,719  116,999 
Non-compete and consulting agreements 28,656 28,656 
Less accumulated amortization 28,620 28,582 
 36  74 

Other intangible assets, net

 168,997  182,680 

Total intangibles, net

 475,772  486,875 

 

The Company recognized $27,620,000 of advertiser relationships, $27,850,000 of subscriber relationships, $19,560,000 of commercial print relationships and $20,390,000 of indefinite-lived masthead assets as part of the Transactions as defined in Note 7.

Annual amortization of intangible assets for the five years ending December 2022 to December 2026 is estimated to be $22,250,000, $20,427,000, $18,738,000, $14,745,000, and $7,651,000, respectively. The weighted average amortization period for those amortizable assets acquired as part of the Transactions is 14.013 years.

The Company recognized $79,896,000 of Goodwill as part of the Transactions as defined in Note 7. The value of the acquired Goodwill is primarily related to an assembled workforce and expected synergies from combining operations. For tax purposes, the amount of Goodwill that is expected to be deductible is $42,442,000. Refer to Note 7 for more information regarding final purchase accounting for the Transactions.

 
5

DEBT

 

On March 16, 2020 in connection with the closingThe Company has debt consisting of the Transactions as defined in Note 7, the Company completed a comprehensive refinancing of its debt (the “2020 Refinancing”). The 2020 Refinancing consists of asingle 25-year term loan with BH Finance LLC, (“BH Finance”), an affiliate of Berkshire, in an aggregate principal amountbalance of $576,000,000$462,554,000 at a 9% annual rate (referredand matures on March 16, 2045 (referred to herein as “Credit Agreement” and “Term Loan”). The proceeds ofAt March 27, 2022, based on market quotations, the Term Loan were used, along with cash on hand, to repay the Company's $431,502,000 in existing debt as well as to fund the acquisition of the BH Media Newspaper Business assets and the stock of the Buffalo News for $140,000,000 in cash. With the closing of this refinancing, BH Finance became Lee's sole lender. The Credit Agreement documents the primary terms of the Term Loan. The Term Loan matures onfair value approximates carrying value. This represents a level March 16, 2045.2 fair value measurement.

 

As of March 28,2021, the Company had $498,915,000 in aggregate principal outstanding under the Term Loan. The weighted average cost of debt at March 28,2021 is 9.0%. During the 13three weeksmonths ended March 28, 202127, 2022 the Companywe made a voluntary prepayment on the Term Loan of $7,500,000.

For0 principal debt payments. During the 13six-weeks months ended March 27, 2022, 28,2021 excess cash flow (as such term is defined in the Term Loan) totaled $13,753,000 and was used to paywe made principal debt in April 2021. This balance was recognized in current maturitiespayments of long-term debt as of March 28,2021 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.$20,062,000.  Future payments are contingent on the Company's ability to generate future excess cash flow, as defined in the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties, certain affirmative and negative covenants and certain conditions, including restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, creating certain liens, making certain investments or acquisitions, issuing dividends, repurchasing shares As of stock of the Company and certain other capital transactions. Certain existing and future direct and indirect material domestic subsidiaries of the Company are guarantors of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement restricts us from paying dividends on our Common Stock. This restriction does notMarch 27, 2022  apply to dividends issued with the Company’s Equity Interests or from the proceeds of a sale of the Company’s Equity Interests. Further, the Credit Agreement restricts or limits, among other things, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to: (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) make certain investments, (iii) enter into mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (iv) incur or create liens and (v) enter into transactions with certain affiliates. The Credit Agreement contains various representations and warranties by the Company and may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain events of default, including non-payment. The Credit Agreement also contains cross-default provisions tied to other agreements with BH Finance entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with the 2020 Refinancing.

10

Principal Payments

Voluntary payments under the Credit Agreement are not subject to call premiums and are payable at par.

There arethere was no scheduled mandatory principal payments required under the Credit Agreement. The Companyexcess cash flow payment due (as such term is required to make mandatory pre-payments ofdefined in the Term Loan as follows:

The Company must prepay the Term Loan in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of any Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company or any subsidiary from a sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition of any property of the Company or any subsidiary in excess of $500,000 in any ninety (90) day period.

Beginning on June 28, 2020, the Company is required to prepay the Term Loan with excess cash flow, defined as cash on the balance sheet in excess of $20,000,000 (“Excess Cash Flow”)Loan). Excess Cash Flow is used to prepay the Term Loan, at par, and is due within 50-days of quarter end. 
If there is a Change of Control (as defined in the Credit Agreement), BH Finance has the option to require the Company to prepay the Term Loan in cash equal to 105% of the unpaid principal balance, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The Company may, upon notice to BH Finance, at any time or from time to time, voluntarily prepay the Term Loan in whole or in part, at par, provided that any voluntary prepayments of the Term Loan shall be accompanied by payment of all accrued interest on the amount of principal prepaid to the date of prepayment.

 

Warrants

 

In connection with the 2nd Lien Term Loan, weWe entered into a Warrant Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Warrant Agreement”). Under the Warrant Agreement, certain affiliates or designees of the 2nd Lien Lenderswarrant holders received on March 31, 2014 their pro rata share of warrants to purchase, in cash, an initial aggregate of 600,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment pursuant to anti-dilution provisions and at an exercise price of $41.90 per share (the “Warrants”). The Warrants represent, when fully exercised, approximately 10.4% of shares of Common Stock outstanding atexpired on March 30, 2014 on a fully diluted basis. The exercise price of the Warrants is $41.90 per share. The Warrants are set to expire in March31, 2022.Shares and exercise price have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split as defined in Note 1.

 

The Warrant Agreement contains provisions requiringrequired the Warrants to be measured at fair value and included in warrants and other liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The initial fair value of the Warrants was $16,930,000. We re-measure the fair value of the liability each reporting period with changesusing the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The change in value of $71,000 is reported as income in other, net non-operating income (expense). The initial

As of March 27, 2022, the warrants had 0 fair value. As of September 26, 2021, the fair value of the Warrantswarrants was $16,930,000. See Note 11.

$71,000.

In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The Registration Rights Agreement requires,required, among other matters, that we use our commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness for certain specified periods of a shelf registration statement related to the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of the Warrants.

 

 

6

PENSION, POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS

 

We have several noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that together cover selectedcertain employees, including plans established under collective bargaining agreements. OurAt the end of September 2021 two of seven plans had benefits under the plan frozen and no new participants are permitted. Additionally, we provide retiree medical and life insurance benefits under postretirement plans at several of our operating locations. Through March 27, 2022, our liability and related expense for benefits under the plans are recorded over the service period of employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. Plan funding strategies are influenced by government regulations. Plan assets consist primarily of domestic and foreign corporate equity securities, government and corporate bonds, hedge fund investments and cash.

We provide retiree medical and life insurance benefits under postretirement plans at several of our operating locations. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the postretirement plans are recorded over the service period of active employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. We accrue postemployment disability benefits when it becomes probable that such benefits will be paid and when sufficient information exists to make reasonable estimates of the amounts to be paid.

With the exception of defined benefit plans acquired in the Transactions as defined in Note 7, effective in 2012, substantially all benefits are frozen. Our liability and related expenses for benefits under the plans are recorded over the service period of employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. Plan funding strategies are influenced by government regulations. Plan assets consist primarily of domestic and foreign corporate equity securities, government and corporate bonds, hedge fund investments and cash.

 

During the quarter ended 13December 26, 2021, we notified participants in four weeksof our defined benefit plans of changes to be made to the plans. The Company froze future benefits for an additional four of the defined benefit plans. The freeze of future benefits resulted in a non-cash curtailment gain of $1,027,000 related to the four plans. In connection with the freeze the Company provided certain plan enhancements that resulted in an increase to our net pension liability and a decrease to Accumulated Other Comprehensive income of $6,507,000. Additionally, the Company merged the six frozen plans into one defined benefit plan effective in the second quarter of fiscal 2022.

During the quarter ended December 27, 2020 we notified certain participants inone of our post-employment benefit plans of changes to be made to the plans, including elimination of coverage for certain participants. The changes resulted in a non-cash curtailment gain of $23,830,000 and a reduction in our benefit obligation liability by $23,830,000. This is recorded within Curtailment gain and Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations.

 

119

 

We use a fiscal year end measurement date for all of our Pension and postretirement medical plan obligations.

The net periodic pension and postretirement cost (benefit) components for our plans are as follows:

 

PENSION PLANS

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

26 Weeks Ended

  Three months ended Six months ended 
 

March 28,

 

March 29,

 

March 28,

 

March 29,

  

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 

2022

 

2021

 
  

Service cost for benefits earned during the period

 633  103  1,266  111  287 633 743 1,266 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

 1,787  1,420  3,574  2,651  2,001  1,787  3,938  3,574 

Expected return on plan assets

 (4,672) (2,321) (9,344) (4,272) (4,535) (4,672) (9,071) (9,344)

Amortization of net loss

 1,005  792  2,009  1,584  (687) 1,005  (1,946) 2,009 

Amortization of prior service benefit

 (1) (2) (1) (4) 212  (1) 212  (1)

Curtailment gain

 0  0  (1,027) 0 

Pension benefit

 (1,248) (8) (2,496) 70  (2,722) (1,248) (7,151) (2,496)

 

POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

26 Weeks Ended

  Three months ended Six months ended 
 

March 28,

 

March 29,

 

March 28,

 

March 29,

  

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 

2022

 

2021

 
  

Service cost for benefits earned during the period

 240  36  450  36  27  240  54  450 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

 239  110  362  177  85  239  170  362 

Expected return on plan assets

 (252) (265) (504) (530) (263) (252) (526) (504)

Amortization of net gain

 (172) (186) (344) (372) (249) (172) (498) (344)

Amortization of prior service benefit

 (162) (161) (323) (322) (162) (162) (324) (323)

Curtailment gain

 0  0  (23,830) 0  0  0  0  (23,830)

Postretirement medical benefit

 (107) (466) (24,189) (1,011) (562) (107) (1,124) (24,189)

 

In the 26six weeksmonths ended March 27, 2022, we had 0 required contributions to our pension plans. In the 28,six months ended March 28, 2021we contributed $965,000 to our pension plans. InWe have no required contributions to our pension plans for March 2021, 2022The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law. Among other things, the law changed how companies compute minimum required pension contributions. As a result we and therefore do not expect to make 0 additional contributions to our pension trust during the remainder of fiscal 2021.2022.

 

Multiemployer Pension Plans

 

During the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2020, we withdrewThe Company has effecuated withdrawals from aseveral multiemployer pension plan and recorded a $12,310,000 liability reflecting an estimateplans. We record estimates of withdrawal liabilities as of the time the contracts agreeing to withdraw from those plans are ratified. As of March 27, 2022 and September 26, 2021, we had $25,253,000 and $23,471,000 withdrawal from the fund. The withdrawal liability isliabilities recorded in Warrants and other andOther Liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The liabilities reflect the expense is included within Pension withdrawal cost. The liability will be paid over 20 years.

7ACQUISITIONS

On March 16, 2020, the Company completed the Asset and Stock Purchase Agreement dated asestimated value of January 29, 2020 with Berkshire Hathaway Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Berkshire”) and BH Media Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“BHMG”) (“Purchase Agreement”). As part of the Purchase Agreement, the Company purchased certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of BHMG’s newspapers and related community publications business (“BH Media Newspaper Business”), excluding real estate and fixtures such as production equipment, and all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of The Buffalo News, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Buffalo News”) for a combined purchase price of $140,000,000 (collectively, the “Transactions”). BHMG includes 30 daily newspapers and digital operations, in addition to 49 paid weekly newspapers with websites and 32 other print products. Buffalo News is a provider of local print and digital newspayments to the Buffalo, NY area. The rationale for the acquisition was primarily the attractive nature of the various publications, businesses, and digital platforms as well as the revenue growth and operating expense synergy opportunities.


The allocation of the purchase price is final. As part of the Transactions, the Company also entered into the Credit Agreement and the BH Lease, as described below. The Company concluded that these agreements were
not separate from the Transactions and evaluated these agreements for off-market terms and no such terms were identified. As such, the consideration for the acquisitions was limited to cash consideration, as shown below. The accounting for the Credit Agreement is described in Note 5 and the BH Lease in the following paragraph:

In connection with the Transactions, the Company entered into a lease agreement between BHMG, as Landlord, and the Company, as Tenant, providing for the leasing of 68 properties and related fixtures (including production equipment) used in the BH Media Newspaper Business (the “BH Lease”). The BH Lease was signed and commenced on March 16, 2020. The BH Lease requires the Company to pay annual rent of $8,000,000,fund, payable in equal monthly payments, as well as all operating costs relating to the properties (including maintenance, repairs, property taxes and insurance). Rent payments will be subject to a Rent Credit (as defined in the BH Lease) equal to 8.00% of the net consideration for any leased real estate sold by BH Media during the term of the BH Lease.

12

The following table summarizes the final determination of fair values of the assets and liabilities for the Transactions.

(in Thousands)  Estimated fair value as previously reported (a)   Measurement period adjustments   Fair value as adjusted 
Cash and Cash equivalents  22,293      22,293 
Current assets  52,559   (855)  51,704 
Other assets   12,167   4,343   16,510 
Property and equipment  42,952   33   42,985 
Operating lease assets  7,445   101   7,546 
Advertiser relationships  38,780   (11,160)  27,620 
Subscriber relationships  36,060   (8,210)  27,850 
Commercial print relationships  17,130   2,430   19,560 
Mastheads  21,680   (1,290)  20,390 
Goodwill  63,559   16,337   79,896 
Total assets  314,625   1,729   316,354 
Current liabilities assumed  (73,451)  1,074   (72,377)
Operating lease liabilities  (6,625)  (921)  (7,546)
Other liabilities assumed  (2,246)  (1,882)   (4,128)
Pension obligations  (43,503)     (43,503)
Postemployment benefit obligations  (36,800)     (36,800)
Total liabilities  (162,625)  (1,729)   (164,354)
Net assets   152,000      152,000 
Less: acquired cash  (22,293)     (22,293)
Total consideration less acquired cash  129,707      129,707 

(a) As previously reported in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 29,2020.

The Company recorded several adjustments in the 13-week period ended March 28, 2021 related to IRS penalties of $634,000, FIN 48 of $138,000, and decreasing customer relationships for $710,000 resulting from changes in the valuation. 

For the 13 weeks ended March 28,2021, the revenue and net loss included in the Consolidated Income Statement related to the acquirees was $97,770,000 and $7,181,000, respectively. For the 26 weeks ended March 28, 2021, the revenue and net income in the Consolidated Income Statement related to the acquirees was $206,831,000 and $15,951,000, respectively.

Pro Forma Information

The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations assuming the Transactions, along with the credit arrangements necessary to finance the Transactions, occurred on September 30, 2019, the first day of fiscal year 2020.

  

Unaudited

         
  

13 Weeks Ended

  

26 Weeks Ended

 
  

March 29,

     

March 29,

 

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

 

2020

     

2020

 

Total revenues

  207,329       442,025 

Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

  4,053       20,608 

Earnings per share - diluted

  0.70       3.60 

Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-10 reverse stock split in March 2021. See Note 1 for details.

This pro forma financial information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of the purchase price and other acquisition accounting adjustments. This pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what our results would have been had we operated the businesses since the beginning of the periods presented. The pro forma adjustments reflect the income statement effects of depreciation expense and amortization of intangibles related to the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired, acquisition-related costs, incremental interest expense related to the financing of the Transactions and 2020 Refinancing, the BH Lease entered into as part of the Transactions, the elimination of certain intercompany activity and the related tax effects of the adjustments.

The only material, nonrecurring adjustment made relates to the write-off of previously unamortized debt-issuance costs as of October 1, 2019 which resulted in an $8,002,000 increase to net income for the 13 weeks ended March 29,2020 and a $8,900,000 increase to net income for the 26 weeks ended March 29, 2020.

over 20-years.

 

87

INCOME TAXES

 

We recorded an income tax benefit of $3,144,000 related to a loss before taxes of $9,838,000 for the three months ended March 27, 2022, and income tax expense of $2,207,000 related to income before taxes of $8,712,000 for the six months ended March 27, 2022. We recorded an income tax benefit of $571,000 related to a loss before taxes of $1,179,000 for the 13three weeksmonths ended March 28, 2021, and income tax expense of $5,740,000 related to income before taxes of $21,535,000 for the 26six weeksmonths ended March 28, 2021.We recorded an income tax benefit of $2,331,000 related to a loss before taxes of $7,321,000 for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2020, and income tax benefit of $460,000 related to income before taxes of $268,000 for the 26 weeks ended March 29, 2020. The effective income tax rates for the 13three weeks and 26six weeksmonths ended March 27, 2022 was negative 32% and 25.3%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended March 28, 2021 was 48.4% and 26.7%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 29th, 2020 was 31.8% and negative 171.6%.

 

13

The primary differences between these rates and the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% are due to the effect of state taxes, non-deductible expenses, adjustments to reserves for uncertain tax positions, including any related interest, and mark-to-market adjustments to value stock warrants.

 

We file a consolidated federal tax return, as well as combined and separate tax returns in approximately 27 state and local jurisdictions.  We do not currently have any federal or material state income tax examinations in progress. Our income tax returns have generally been audited or closed to audit through 2013.2014.

 

At

September 27, 2020, 10we had approximately $46,066,000

 

98

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share as adjusted to give effect to the reverse stock split:share:

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

26 Weeks Ended

  Three months ended Six months ended 
 

March 28,

 

March 29,

 

March 28,

 

March 29,

  

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 

2022

 

2021

 
  

Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:

 (1,134) (5,367) 14,768  (46)

(Loss) income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:

 (7,276) (1,134) 5,382  14,768 
Weighted average common shares 5,877 5,814 5,861 5,793  5,955  5,877  5,919  5,861 
Less weighted average restricted Common Stock (156) (157) (155) (152) (178) (156) (167) (155)

Basic average common shares

 5,721  5,657  5,706  5,641  5,777  5,721  5,752  5,706 
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock 98 38 75 59  0  0  107  75 

Diluted average common shares

 5,819  5,695  5,781  5,700  5,777  5,721  5,859  5,781 

Earnings per common share:

  
Basic (0.20) (0.95) 2.59 (0.01) (1.26) (0.20) 0.94  2.59 
Diluted (0.19) (0.94) 2.55 (0.01) (1.26) (0.20) 0.92  2.55 

 

For the 13three and 26six weeksmonths ended March 27, 2022 and March 28,2021, 600,000 shares were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because their inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts.

Rights Agreement

On November 24, 2021, our Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights plan (the “Rights Agreement”). Pursuant to the exercise pricesRights Agreement, on November 24, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of 1 preferred share purchase right (a “Right”), payable on December 6, 2021, for each share of our Common Stock outstanding to the stockholders of record on that date. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one-thousandth of a share of Series B Participating Convertible Preferred Stock, without par value (the “Preferred Shares”), of the related stock optionsCompany at a price of $120.00 per one one-thousandth of a Preferred Share represented by a Right, subject to adjustment.

The Rights will initially trade with our Common Stock and Warrants werewill generally become exercisable only if any person or group, other than certain exempt persons, acquires beneficial ownership of 10% (or 20% in excessthe case of certain passive investors) or more of our Common Stock outstanding. In the fair market valueevent the Rights become exercisable, each holder of a Right, other than the triggering person(s), will be entitled to purchase additional shares of our Common Stock at a 50% discount or the Company may exchange each Right held by such holders for one share of our Common Stock. ForThe Rights Agreement will continue in effect until November 23, 2022, or unless earlier redeemed or terminated by the Company, as provided in the Rights Agreement. The Rights have 13no voting or dividend privileges, and, 26 weeks ended March 29, 2020, 695,430unless and 639,397 shares, respectively, wereuntil they become exercisable, have 0 dilutive effect on the earnings of the Company.

The Rights Agreement applies equally to all current and future stockholders and is not consideredintended to deter offers or preclude our Board of Directors from considering acquisition proposals that are fair and otherwise in the computationbest interest of diluted earnings per common share becauseour stockholders. However, the Company recorded net losses.

Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-ten reverse stock split in March 2021. See Note 1 for details.

10

STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS

A summary of stock option activity during the 26 weeks ended March 28,2021 follows, as adjusted to giveoverall effect to the reverse stock split:

(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)

 

Shares

  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)  Aggregate Intrinsic Value 
                 

Outstanding, September 27, 2020

  41   11.40         

Exercised

  0   0         

Cancelled

  0   0         
Outstanding, March 28, 2021 41  11.40  1.18  590 
Exercisable, March 28, 2021 41  11.40  1.18  590 

Restricted Common Stock

The table below summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 26 weeks ended March 28,2021, as adjusted to give effect to the reverse stock split:

(Thousands of Shares, Except Per Share Data)

 

Shares

  Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 
         

Outstanding, September 27, 2020

  155   21.50 
Vested  (45)  27.70 
Granted  46   11.20 
Cancelled  0   0 
Outstanding, March 28, 2021  156   16.70 

Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted Common Stock at March28,2021 is $1,320,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

14

11

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

We utilize FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to measure and report fair value. FASB ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy of fair value measurements based on whether the inputs to those measurements are observable or unobservable, which consists of the following levels:

LevelRights Agreement 1may - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identicalrender it more difficult or similar instruments in marketsdiscourage a merger, tender offer, or other business combination involving us that areis not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.

Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.

The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair valuesupported by our Board of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate value.

The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. Investments totaling $4,226,000, including our 17% ownership of the non-voting common stock of TCT, are carried at cost. Fair value of the remaining investments are carried at cost.

Our fixed rate debt consists of $498,915,000 principal amount of the Term Loan recorded at carrying value. At March 28, 2021, based on market quotations, the fair value approximates carrying value. This represents a level 2 fair value measurement.

As discussed more fully in Note 5, we recorded a liability for the Warrants issued in connection with the Warrant Agreement. The liability was initially measured at its fair value and we measure the liability to fair value each reporting period, with changes reported in other non-operating income (expense). The initial fair value of the Warrants was $16,930,000. The fair value of Warrants at March28,2021 andSeptember 27, 2020 are $1,080,000 and $363,000, respectively. Fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. These represent level 2 fair value measurements.

Directors.

��

129

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

Income Taxes

Commitments exclude unrecognized tax benefits to be recorded in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740,Income Taxes. We are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities for such matters. See Note 8.

We file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and various state tax jurisdictions. From time to time, we are subject to routine audits by those agencies and those audits may result in proposed adjustments. We have considered the alternative interpretations that may be assumed by the various taxing agencies, believe our positions taken regarding our filings are valid, and that adequate tax liabilities have been recorded to resolve such matters. However, the actual outcome cannot be determined with certainty and the difference could be material, either positively or negatively, to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income in the periods in which such matters are ultimately determined. We do not believe the final resolution of such matters will be material to our consolidated financial position or cash flows.

We have various income tax examinations ongoing and at various stages of completion, but generally our income tax returns have been audited or closed to audit through 2013.

Legal Proceedings

 

We are involved in a variety of legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these matters. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these legal actions, it is our opinion that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.

 

Restructuring Costs and Other

We have recognized $1,294,000 and $4,461,000 of expense related to restructuring costs and other for the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 28, 2021. The amounts consist of $671,000 and $3,167,000 of severance expense. We did not have a significant restructuring liability as of March 28,2021.Subsequent Events

 

Subsequent events

We have evaluated subsequent events through May 7,2021.No events have occurred subsequent to March 28, 202127, 2022, that require disclosure or recognitionwe developed, committed to, and began reductions in staffing in our operations. The Company expects to record pretax charges related to these financial statements.reductions totaling approximately $4,700,000.

 

15
11

 

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

 

The following discussion includes comments and analysis relating to our results of operations and financial condition as of and for the 13three and 26 weekssix months ended March 28, 2021.27, 2022. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto, included herein, and our 20202021 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

We use non-GAAP financial performance measures to supplement the financial information presented on a GAAP basis. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the relevant GAAP measures and should be read in conjunction with information presented on a GAAP basis.

In this report, we present Adjusted EBITDA, cash costs, and total operating revenue less cash costs which are non-GAAP financial performance measures that exclude from our reported GAAP results the impact of certain items consisting primarily of restructuring charges and non-cash charges. We believe such expenses, charges and gains are not indicative of normal, ongoing operations, and their inclusion in results makes for more difficult comparisons between years and with peer group companies. In the future, however, we are likely to incur expenses, charges and gains similar to the items for which the applicable GAAP financial measures have been adjusted and to report non-GAAP financial measures excluding such items. Accordingly, exclusion of those or similar items in our non-GAAP presentations should not be interpreted as implying the items are non-recurring, infrequent, or unusual.

We define our non-GAAP measures, which may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies, as follows:

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that enhances financial statement users' overall understanding of the operating performance of the Company. The measure isolates unusual, infrequent or non-cash transactions from the operating performance of the business. This allows users to easily compare operating performance among various fiscal periods and how management measures the performance of the business. This measure also provides users with a benchmark that can be used when forecasting future operating performance of the Company that excludes unusual, nonrecurring or one time transactions. Adjusted EBITDA is also a component of the calculation used by stockholders and analysts to determine the value of our business when using the market approach, which applies a market multiple to financial metrics. It is also a measure used to calculate the leverage ratio of the Company, which is a key financial ratio monitored and used by the Company and its investors. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus non-operating expenses, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, restructuring costs and other, stock compensation and our 50% share of EBITDA from TNI and MNI, minus equity in earnings of TNI and MNI.

Cash Costs represent a non-GAAP financial performance measure of operating expenses which are measured on an accrual basis and settled in cash. This measure is useful to investors in understanding the components of the Company’s cash-settled operating costs. Generally, the Company provides forward-looking guidance of Cash Costs, which can be used by financial statement users to assess the Company's ability to manage and control its operating cost structure. Cash Costs are defined as compensation, newsprint and ink and other operating expenses. Depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, other non-cash operating expenses and other expenses are excluded. Cash Costs also exclude restructuring costs and other, which are typically settled in cash.

Total Operating Revenue Less Cash Costs, or “margin”, represents a non-GAAP financial performance measure of revenue less total cash costs, also a non-GAAP financial measure. This measure is useful to investors in understanding the profitability of the Company after direct cash costs related to the production and delivery of products are paid. Margin is also useful in developing opinions and expectations about the Company’s ability to manage and control its operating cost structure in relation to its peers.

The subtotals of operating expenses representing cash costs and total operating revenue less cash costs can be found in tables included herein, under the caption “Continuing Operations”. Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to net income, below, its closest comparable number under GAAP.

16

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(UNAUDITED)

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial performance measure of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure:

  

13 Weeks Ended

  

26 Weeks Ended

 
  

March 28,

  

March 29,

  

March 28,

  

March 29,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 
                 

Net income (loss)

  (608)  (4,990)  15,795   728 

Adjusted to exclude

                

Income tax expense (benefit)

  (571)  (2,331)  5,740   (460)

Non-operating expenses, net

  9,597   21,108   7,691   31,825 

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI

  (1,471)  (1,362)  (3,213)  (2,931)

Loss (gain) on sale of assets and other, net

  1,474   (6,113)  6,696   (5,299)

Depreciation and amortization

  12,517   7,276   22,958   13,995 

Restructuring costs and other

  1,294   1,925   4,461   3,557 
Stock compensation  214   269   434   571 

Add:

                
Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%)  1,608   1,591   3,498   3,509 

Adjusted EBITDA

  24,054   17,373   64,060   45,495 

 

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

 

Lee Enterprises, Incorporated is a major subscription and advertising platform and a leading provider of high quality, trusted, local news and information in the markets we serve.serve with rapidly growing digital subscription and advertising platforms.

 

Including the recently completed acquisition of BHMG and Buffalo News, weWe operate 77 principally mid-sized local media operations.

 

We reach nearly 70% of all adults in our larger markets through a combination of our print and digital content offerings.

 

 

Our web and mobile sites are the number one digital source of local news in most of our markets, reaching more than 54almost 42 million monthly unique visitors, in the month of March 20212022 with 448376 million page views and 11489 million visits.

 

 

We have approximately one million paid subscribers to our print and digital products, with estimated readership totaling three million.products. Digital only subscribers totaled approximately 309,000,492,000, a 57.6%59.2% increase over the prior year.

 

Our products include daily newspapers, websites and mobile applications, mobile news and advertising, video products, a digital marketing agency, digital services including web hosting and content management, niche publications and community newspapers. Our local media operations range from large daily newspapers and their associated digital products, such as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Buffalo News, to non-daily newspapers with news websites and digital platforms serving smaller communities.

 

We also operate TownNews, through our 82.5% owned subsidiary INN Partners, L.C. (“TownNews”). TownNews provides state-of-the-art web hosting, content management services and video management services to nearly 2,200 other media organizations including broadcast.   

 

STRATEGY

 

We are a major subscription and advertising platform, a trusted local news provider and innovative, digitally focused marketing solutions company. Our focus is on the local market - including local news and information, local advertising and marketing services to top local accounts, and SMBs, and digital services to local content curators. To align with the core strength of our Company, our post-pandemic operating strategy is locally focused around three pillars:

 

 Transform

Grow digital audiences by transforming the presentation ofway we present local news and information by providing best-in-class reader and user experiences with digital presentations that emphasize video and other multimedia formats and rich, high-value content.

 Accelerate overall

Expand our digital subscription base and revenue through audience growth by converting moreand continued conversion of our vast addressable market to subscribers leveraging cutting-edge data and technology and expanded offerings for paid, niche, content on topics where Lee has expertise and unique selling positions.massive digital audiences.

 Diversify and expand offerings for advertisers by launching a portfolio of video advertising initiatives and e-commerce sales strategies through Lee's in-house Amplified Digital Agency that will enable advertisers to leverage Lee'sour vast data-rich digital audiences and reach consumers in new ways.

 

17

Purchase Agreement with Berkshire Hathaway

On March 16, 2020, the Company completed the Asset and Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 29, 2020 with Berkshire Hathaway Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Berkshire”) and BH Media Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“BHMG”) (the “Purchase Agreement”). As part of the Purchase Agreement, the Company purchased certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of BHMG’s newspapers and related community publications business (“BH Media Newspaper Business”), excluding real estate and fixtures such as production equipment, and all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of The Buffalo News, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Buffalo News”), for a combined purchase price of $140,000,000 (collectively, the “Transactions”). The Transactions were financed pursuant to a credit agreement dated as of January 29, 2020 between the Company and BH Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company affiliated with Berkshire (the “Credit Agreement”).

BHMG includes 30 daily newspapers and digital operations, in addition to 49 paid weekly newspapers with websites and 32 other print products. Buffalo News is a provider of local print and digital news to the Buffalo, NY area. Between July 2, 2018 and March 16, 2020, the Company managed the BH Media Newspaper Business pursuant to a Management Agreement between BHMG and the Company dated June 26, 2018 (the “Management Agreement”).

In connection with the Transactions, the Management Agreement terminated on March 16, 2020. As part of the settlement of the preexisting relationship, the Company received $5,425,000 at closing. This amount represented $1,245,000 in fixed fees pro-rated under the contract and $4,180,000 in variable fees based upon the pro-rated annual target. The Company did not recognize a gain or loss as a result of the settlement of this preexisting relationship.

In connection with the Transactions, the Company entered into a lease agreement between BHMG, as Landlord, and the Company, as Tenant, providing for the leasing of 68 properties and related fixtures (including production equipment) used in the BH Media Newspaper Business (the “BH Lease”). The BH Lease was signed and commenced on March 16, 2020. The BH Lease requires the Company to pay annual rent of $8,000,000, payable in equal monthly payments, as well as all operating costs relating to the properties (including maintenance, repairs, property taxes and insurance). Rent payments will be subject to a Rent Credit (as defined in the BH Lease) equal to 8.00% of the net consideration for any leased real estate sold by BH Media during the term of the BH Lease.

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS

We have significant amounts of goodwill and identified intangible assets. Since 2007 we have recorded impairment charges totaling almost $1.3 billion to reduce the value of certain of these assets. Future decreases in our market value, or significant differences in revenue, expenses or cash flows from estimates used to determine fair value, could result in additional impairment charges in the future.

CERTAIN MATTERS AFFECTING CURRENT AND FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS

The following items affect period-over-period comparisons from 2021 to 2020 and will continue to affect period-over-period comparisons for future results:

Acquisitions and Divestitures

In March 2020, we completed the acquisition of BHMG and The Buffalo News for a purchase price of $140,000,000. The acquisition was funded by the Term Loan, as part of a broader comprehensive refinancing of all of our then outstanding debt, as well as cash on our balance sheet.
 
In the 13 weeks ended March 2020, we disposed of substantially all of the assets of certain of our smaller properties, including four daily newspapers and related print and digital publications, for an aggregate sales price of $3,950,000. 

Impacts of COVID-19

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related measures to contain its spread have resulted in significant volatility and economic uncertainty, which is expected to continue in the near term. The COVID-19 pandemic has had and the Company currently expects that it will continue to have a significant negative impact, in the near term, on the Company’s business and operating results. The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will depend on the length, severity and recurrence of the pandemic, the availability of antiviral medications and vaccinations, the duration and extent of government actions designed to combat the pandemic, as well as changes in consumer behavior, all of which are highly uncertain. Despite the significant negative impacts on our operating results, we have operated uninterrupted in providing local news, information and advertising in our print and digital editions.

In combination with our acquisition integration, ongoing business transformation and addressing the continued effects of COVID-19 on our operating results, we continued to implement measures to solidify our relationship with our local advertisers, reduce our cost structure and preserve liquidity, and as a result we achieved $100 million in cost reductions from December 2019 through December 2020 on a proforma basis. These reductions were achieved by centralizing certain business functions and systems and reducing duplicate cost structures across the combined organization. The Company believes these initiatives will allow us to meet our commitments; however, they may not be sufficient to fully offset the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business and results of operations.

We have evaluated the current economic environment as of March 28, 2021 and have concluded that there is no event or circumstance that has occurred to trigger an impairment assessment of our long-lived or indefinite-lived assets. We will continue to monitor the environment to determine whether the impacts to the Company represent an event or change in circumstances that may trigger a need to reassess for useful life revision or impairment.

1812

 

13 WEEKSTHREE MONTHS ENDEDMarch 28, 202127, 2022

 

Operating results, as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements, are summarized below.


 March 28, March 29, Percent  March 27, March 28, Percent 

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

 2021 2020 Change  2022 2021 Change 

Advertising and marketing services

 85,575  60,945  40.4 
Subscription 89,777 46,943 91.2 

Other

 17,078  13,479  26.7 
       

Operating revenue:

       

Print

 44,248 53,685 (17.6)

Digital

 43,385 31,890 36.0 

Advertising and marketing services revenue

 87,633  85,575  2.4 

Print

 77,255 82,801 (6.7)

Digital

 10,093 6,976 44.7 

Subscription revenue

 87,348 89,777 (2.7)

Print

 10,374 12,240 (15.2)

Digital

 4,659 4,838 (3.7)

Other revenue

 15,033  17,078  (12.0)

Total operating revenue

 192,430  121,367  58.6  190,014  192,430  (1.3)

Operating expenses:

              

Compensation

 83,154  48,691  70.8  83,513  83,154  0.4 

Newsprint and ink

 7,179  4,321  66.1  7,068  7,179  (1.5)

Other operating expenses

 79,865  52,842  51.1  84,679  79,865  6.0 

Cash costs

 170,198  105,854  60.8 

Total operating revenue less cash costs

 22,232  15,513  43.3 

Depreciation and amortization

 12,517  7,276  72.0  8,951  12,517  (28.5)

Assets Loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net

 1,474  (6,113) NM 

Assets (gain) loss on sales, impairments and other, net

 (152) 1,474 NM 
Restructuring costs and other 1,294 1,925 (32.8) 10,590  1,294 NM 

Operating expenses

 185,483  108,942  70.3  194,649  185,483  4.9 

Equity in earnings of associated companies

 1,471  1,362  8.0  1,407  1,471  (4.4)

Operating income

 8,418  13,787  (38.9)

Operating (expense) income

 (3,228) 8,418 NM 

Non-operating income (expense):

              

Interest expense

 (11,237) (11,127) 1.0  (10,523) (11,237) (6.4)
Debt financing and administrative cost   (10,670) NM 

Pension withdrawal cost

 (2,335)  NM 
Other, net 1,640  689 NM  6,248  1,640 NM 
Non-operating expenses, net (9,597) (21,108) 54.5  (6,610) (9,597) (31.1)
Income (loss) before income taxes (1,179) (7,321) 83.9 
Income tax expense (benefit) (571) (2,331) 75.5 

Income before income taxes

 (9,838) (1,179) NM 

Income tax expense

 (3,144) (571) NM 
Net loss (608) (4,990) 87.8  (6,694) (608) NM 

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

 (526) (377) 39.5 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

 (582) (526) 10.6 
Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (1,134) (5,367) 78.9  (7,276) (1,134) NM 
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes 478 316 51.3 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes

 (1,167) 478 NM 
Comprehensive loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (656) (5,051) 87.0  (8,443) (656) NM 

Earnings per common share:

              
Basic (0.20) (0.95) 79.1  (1.26) (0.20) NM 
Diluted (0.19) (0.94) 79.3  (1.26) (0.20) NM 

 

References to the “2022 Quarter” refer to the three months ended March 27, 2022. Similarly, references to the “2021 Quarter” refer to the 13 weeksthree months ended March 28, 2021. Similarly, references to the “2020 Quarter” refer to the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2020. Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-ten reverse stock split in March 2021. See Note 1 for details.

 

Operating Revenue

 

Total operating revenue was $192,430,000$190,014,000 in the 20212022 Quarter, up $71,063,000,down $2,416,000, or 58.6%1.3%, which included $97,676,000 in revenue from the acquisitions. Total operating revenue on a proforma basis was down 8.1% compared to the 2020 Quarter.prior year.

 

Advertising and marketing services revenue totaled $85,575,000$87,633,000 in the 20212022 Quarter, up 40.4%2.4% compared to the prior year with $39,424,000 attributable to acquisitions.2021 Quarter. Print advertising revenues were $54,169,000$44,248,000 in the 2022 Quarter, down 17.6% compared to the 2021 Quarter up 49.4% compareddue to the prior year, with $30,533,000 attributable to acquiredcontinued secular declines in demand for print advertising revenue.advertising. Digital advertising and marketing services totaled $31,406,000$43,385,000 in the 20212022 Quarter, up 27.2%36% compared to the prior year, with $8,873,000 attributable to acquired2021 Quarter. These gains resulted from an increase in Amplified revenue and an increase in digital advertising on our owned and marketing services revenue.operated sites. Digital advertising and marketing services represented 36.7%49.5% of the 20212022 Quarter total advertising and marketing services revenue. The impact of acquisitions and growth in digital marketing services revenue, at Amplified were partially offset by the continued downward trend in print advertising demandcompared to 37.3% in the 2021 Quarter.same period last year.

 

Subscription revenue totaled $89,777,000$87,348,000 in the 20212022 Quarter, up 91.2%down 2.7% compared to the 2020 Quarter, including $50,998,000 of acquired subscription revenue. The acquired subscription revenue, growth in digital only subscribers and revenue and selective2021 Quarter. Selective price increases on our full access subscriptions and growth in digital only subscribers, were partially offset by a decline in full access volume, consistent with historical and industry trends. Digital only subscribers grew 59.2% since the 2021 Quarter and now total 492,000.

 

Other revenue, which primarily consists of digital services revenue from TownNews and commercial printing revenue increased $3,599,000,and digital services from TownNews, decreased $2,045,000, or 26.7%12.0%, in the 20212022 Quarter compared to the 20202021 Quarter.  Other revenue in the 2021 Quarter included $8,458,000 of acquired other revenue, primarily from commercial printing. Digital services revenue totaled $4,820,000$4,659,000 in the 20212022 Quarter, a 1.7%3.3% decrease compared to the 20202021 Quarter. Digital only subscribers grew 57.6% in the 2021 Quarter and now total 309,000 due to continued growth at TownNews. Commercial printing revenue totaled $6,504,000$5,172,000 in the 2022 Quarter, a 17.3% decrease compared to the 2021 Quarter a 63% increase compared to the 2020 Quarter, due to $4,967,000 of acquired commercial printing revenue. Prior to the termination of the Management Agreementprimarily driven by reduction in connection with the Transactions in March 2020, we earned $1,836,000 in management agreement revenue.print volumes from our partners.

 

Total digital revenue including digital advertising revenue, digital subscription revenue and digital services revenue totaled $59,516,000$58,137,000 in the 20212022 Quarter, an increase of 62.0%33.0% over the 20202021 Quarter, and represented 30.9%30.6% of our total operating revenue in the 2021 Quarter. On a pro forma basis, total digital revenue increased 29.7% in the 20212022 Quarter.

 

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI increased $109,000decreased $64,000 in the 20212022 Quarter.

 

1913

 

Operating Expenses

 

Total operating expenses were $185,483,000,$194,649,000 in the 2022 Quarter, a 70.3%4.9% increase compared to the 2020 Quarter, which included $86,648,000 in acquired operating expenses.2021 Quarter. Operating expenses include compensation expense, newsprint and ink, other operating expenses, depreciation, amortization, restructuring and other expenses, assets loss (gain)gain (loss) on sales, and impairments. Cash costs were $170,198,000, an 60.8% increase compared to the 2020 Quarter, which included $79,938,000 of acquired Cash Costs. Cash costs on a proforma basis were down 9.1% compared to the 2020 Quarter.

 

Compensation expense increased $34,463,000$359,000 in the 20212022 Quarter, or 70.8%0.4%, compared to the 2020 Quarter. This increase was attributable2021 Quarter due to $43,666,000 of acquiredincreasing average compensation expense,levels from investments in digital talent partially offset by a 14.7% reductionreductions in full time employees on a proforma basis.FTE's due to continued business transformation efforts.

 

Newsprint and ink costs increased $2,858,000decreased $111,000 in the 20212022 Quarter, or 66.1%1.5%, compared to the 20202021 Quarter. The increasedecrease is attributable to acquired newsprint and ink expenses of $4,947,000 offset by declines in newsprint volumes.volumes offset by higher newsprint prices. See Item 3, “Commodities”, included herein, for further discussion and analysis of the impact of newsprint on our business.

 

Other operating expenses increased $27,023,000$4,814,000 in the 20212022 Quarter, or 51.1%6.0%, compared to the 20202021 Quarter. Other operating expenses include all operating costs not considered to be compensation, newsprint, depreciation and amortization, or restructuring costs and other. The largest components are costs associated with printing and distribution of our printed products, digital cost of goods sold and facility expenses. The increase is attributable to $41,518,000 of acquired other operating expenses and increases in investments to fund our digital growth strategy partially offset by lower delivery and other print-related costs due to lower volumes of our print editions.

 

Restructuring costs and other totaled $1,294,000$10,590,000 and $1,925,000$1,294,000 in the 2022 Quarter and 2021 Quarter, respectively. Restructuring costs and 2020 Quarter, respectively.other include severance costs, litigation expenses, restructuring expenses, and advisor costs associated with the unsolicited offer in November 2021 in the 2022 Quarter. Restructuring costs in the 2021 and 2020 QuartersQuarter are predominately severance.severance related to our ongoing business transformation.

 

Depreciation expense increased $2,494,000, or 48%, and amortization expense increased $2,747,000,decreased $3,566,000, or 37.5%28.5%, in the 20212022 Quarter. IncreasesThe decrease in both are dueis attributable to the acquired assets from BHMG and Buffalo News.becoming fully depreciated or amortized.

 

Assets (gain) loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, was a net gain of $152,000 in the 2022 Quarter compared to a net loss of $1,474,000 in the 2021 Quarter compared to a net gain of $6,113,000Quarter. The gains and losses in the 2020 Quarter. The loss2022 Quarter and in the 2021 Quarter and the gains in the 2020 Quarter were the result of the disposition of non-core assets, including real estate.

 

The factors noted above resulted in an operating loss of $3,228,000 in the 2022 Quarter compared to operating income of $8,418,000 in the 2021 Quarter compared to $13,787,000 in the 2020 Quarter.

 

Non-operating Income and Expense

 

Interest expense increased $110,000,decreased $714,000, or 1.0%6.4%, to $11,237,000$10,523,000 in the 20212022 Quarter, compared to the same period last yearyear. The decrease was due to a lower outstanding balance on our Term Loan. Debt has been reduced by $36,361,000 since the increase in debt from the acquisitions, partially offset by lower interest rates throughoutend of the 2021 Quarter compared to interest rates in effect throughout the 2020 Quarter. Our weighted average cost of debt excluding amortization of debt financing costs, was 9.0% at the end of the 2022 Quarter and 2021 Quarter.

We recognized no debt financing and administrative expense in the 2021 Quarter compared to $10,670,000 in the 2020 Quarter. The expense in the 2020 Quarter is primarily driven by expensing previously unamortized financing costs of $9,583,000 as a result of the 2020 Refinancing.

 

Other non-operating income and expense consists of benefits associated with our pension and other postretirement plans and the fair value adjustment of our Warrants. We recorded $2,228,000$3,598,000 periodic pension and other postretirement benefits in the 20212022 Quarter and $613,000compared to $2,228,000 in the 20202021 Quarter. We recorded non-operating income of $2,000,000 in the 2022 Quarter and non-operating expense of $833,000 in the 2021 Quarter and non-operating income of $20,000 in the 2020 Quarter, related to the changes in the value of the Warrants.

 

We recognized pension withdrawal costs in the 2022 and 2021 Quarter of $2,335,000 and $12,310,000, respectively, in connection with the withdrawal from a pension plan that covered certain employees. This withdrawal liability will be paid in equal quarterly installments over the next 20 years.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense (Benefit)

 

We recorded an income tax benefit of $3,144,000, or 32% of pretax loss in the 2022 Quarter. In the 2021 Quarter, we recognized an income tax benefit of $571,000, or 48.4% of pretax income in the 2021 Quarter. In the 2020 Quarter, we recognized an income tax benefit of $2,331,000, or 31.8% of pretax income.loss.

 

Net (Loss)(loss) Income and Earnings (Losses)(losses) Per Share

 

Net loss was $6,694,000 and diluted losses per share were $1.26 for the 2022 Quarter compared to net loss of $608,000 and diluted losses per share was $0.19of $0.20 for the 2021 Quarter compared to net loss of $4,990,000 and diluted losses per share of $0.94 for the 2020 Quarter as adjusted for the reverse stock split, see Note 1.Quarter. The change reflects the various items discussed above.

 

2014

 

26 WEEKSSIX MONTHS ENDEDMarch 28, 202127, 2022

 

Operating results, as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements, are summarized below.


 

March 28,

 

March 29,

 

Percent

  

March 27,

 

March 28,

 

Percent

 

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

 

2021

 

2020

 

Change

  

2022

 

2021

 

Change

 

Advertising and marketing services

 188,204  126,672  48.6 
Subscription 181,080 89,113 NM 

Other

 34,964  27,925  25.2 
         

Operating revenue:

 

Print

 100,218 120,291 (16.7)

Digital

 86,169 67,913 26.9 

Advertising and marketing services revenue

 186,387  188,204  (1.0)

Print

 156,883 167,816 (6.5)

Digital

 17,984 13,264 35.6 

Subscription revenue

 174,867  181,080  (3.4)

Print

 21,759 25,301 (14.0)

Digital

 9,283 9,663 (3.9)

Other revenue

 31,042  34,964  (11.2)

Total operating revenue

 404,248  243,710  65.9  392,296  404,248  (3.0)

Operating expenses:

  

Compensation

 167,317  91,934  82.0  168,207  167,317  0.5 

Newsprint and ink

 15,171  9,057  67.5  14,712  15,171  (3.0)

Other operating expenses

 161,632  101,304  59.6  170,661  161,632  5.6 

Cash costs

 344,120  202,295  70.1 

Total operating revenue less cash costs

 60,128  41,415  45.2 

Depreciation and amortization

 22,958  13,995  64.0  18,627  22,958  (18.9)

Assets Loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net

 6,696  (5,299) NM 

Assets (gain) loss on sales, impairments and other, net

 (12,426) 6,696  NM 

Restructuring costs and other

 4,461  3,557  25.4  13,790  4,461  NM 

Operating expenses

 378,235  214,548  76.3  373,571  378,235  (1.2)

Equity in earnings of associated companies

 3,213  2,931  9.6  3,161  3,213  (1.6)

Operating income

 29,226  32,093  (8.9) 21,886  29,226  (25.1)

Non-operating income (expense):

  

Interest expense

 (23,119) (22,242) 3.9  (21,186) (23,119) (8.4)
Debt financing and administrative cost  (11,865) NM 

Curtailment Gain

 23,830    NM 

Curtailment gain

 1,027  23,830  (95.7)
Pension withdrawal cost (12,310)  NM  (2,335) (12,310) (81.0)

Other, net

 3,908  2,282  71.3  9,320  3,908  NM 

Non-operating expenses, net

 (7,691) (31,825) 75.8  (13,174) (7,691) 71.3 

Income before income taxes

 21,535  268  NM  8,712 21,535 (59.5)

Income tax expense (benefit)

 5,740  (460) NM 

Income tax expense

 2,207 5,740 (61.6)
Net income 15,795 728 NM  6,505  15,795  (58.8)

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

 (1,027) (774) 32.7  (1,123) (1,027) 9.3 

Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 14,768  (46) NM 

Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes

 1,620  633  NM 

Comprehensive income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 16,388  587  NM 

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 5,382  14,768  (63.6)

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes

 (7,279) 1,620  NM 

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 (1,897) 16,388  NM 

Earnings per common share:

  
Basic 2.59 (0.01) NM  0.94 2.59 (63.8)
Diluted 2.55 (0.01) NM  0.92 2.55 (64.0)

 

References to the “2022 Period” refer to the six months ended March 27, 2022. Similarly, references to the “2021 Period” refer to the 26 weekssix months ended March 28, 2021. Similarly, references to the “2020 Period” refer to the 26 weeks ended March 29, 2020. Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-ten reverse stock split in March 2021. See Note 1 for details.

 

Operating Revenue

 

Total operating revenue was $404,248,000$392,296,000 in the 20212022 Period, up $160,538,000,down $11,952,000, or 65.9%3.0%, which included $207,936,000 in revenue from the acquisitions. Total operating revenue on a proforma basis was down 9.6% compared to the 2020 period.2021 Period.

 

Advertising and marketing services revenue totaled $188,204,000$186,387,000 in the 20212022 Period, up 48.6%down 1.0% compared to the prior year. Print advertising revenues were $100,218,000 in the Period Quarter, down 16.7% compared to the prior year with $87,274,000 attributabledue to acquisitions. Print advertising revenues were $121,785,000continued secular declines in the 2021 Period, up 60.2% compared to the prior year, with $65,402,000 attributable to acquireddemand for print advertising revenue.advertising. Digital advertising and marketing services totaled $66,419,000$86,169,000 in the 20212022 Period, up 31.2%26.9% compared to the prior year, with $21,854,000 attributable to acquired digitalyear. These gains resulted from in an increase in Amplified revenue and an increase in advertising on our owned and marketing services revenue.operated sites. Digital advertising and marketing services represented 35.3%46.2% of the 20212022 Period total advertising and marketing services revenue. The impact of acquisitions and growth in digital marketing services revenue, at Amplified were partially offset by the continued downward trend in print advertising demandcompared to 36.1% in the 2021 Quarter.same period last year.

 

Subscription revenue totaled $181,080,000$174,867,000 in the 20212022 Period, up 103.2%down 3.4% compared to the 2020 Period, including $102,601,000 of acquired subscription revenue.2021 Period. The acquired subscription revenue, growth in digital only subscribers and revenue and selective price increases on our full access subscriptions, were partially offset by a decline in full access volume, consistent with historical and industry trends.trends were partially offset by growth in digital only subscribers and selective price increases on our full access subscriptions. Digital only subscribers grew 59.2% since the 2021 Period and now total 492,000.

 

Other revenue, which primarily consists of digital services revenue from TownNews and commercial printing revenue increased $7,039,000,and digital services from TownNews, decreased $3,922,000, or 25.2%11.2%, in the 20212022 Period compared to the 20202021 Period.  Other revenue in the 2021 Period included $18,061,000 of acquired other revenue, primarily from commercial printing. Digital services revenue totaled $9,966,000$9,283,000 in the 20212022 Period, a 0.8% increase3.6% decrease compared to the 20202021 Period. Commercial printing revenue totaled $13,253,000$10,895,000 in the 2022 Period, a 16.2% decrease compared to the 2021 Period a 232.1% increase compared to the 2020 Period, due to $11,060,000 of acquired commercial printing revenue. Prior to the termination of the Management Agreementprimarily driven by reduction in connection with the Transactions in March 2020, we earned $5,814,000 in management agreement revenue. print volumes from our partners.

 

Total digital revenue including digital advertising revenue, digital subscription revenue and digital services revenue totaled $122,050,000$113,436,000 in the 20212022 Period, an increase of 65.1%24.9% over the 20202021 Period, and represented 30.2%28.9% of our total operating revenue in the 2021 Period. On a proforma basis, total digital revenue increased 28.1% in the 20212022 Period.

 

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI increased $282,000decreased $52,000 in the 20212022 Period.

 

2115

 

Operating Expenses

 

Total operating expenses were $378,235,000,$373,571,000 in the 2022 Period, a 76.3% increase1.2% decrease compared to the 2020 Period, which included $185,729,000 in acquired operating expenses.2021 Period. Operating expenses include compensation expense, newsprint and ink, other operating expenses, depreciation, amortization, restructuring and other expenses, assets loss (gain)gain (loss) on sales, and impairments. Cash costsCosts were $344,120,000,$353,580,000, a 70.1%2.7% increase compared to the 2020 Period, which included $172,657,000 of acquired Cash Costs. Cash costs on a proforma basis were down 9.6% compared to the 2020 period.2021 Period.

 

Compensation expense increased $75,383,000$890,000 in the 20212022 Period, or 82.0%0.5%, compared to the 2020 Period. This increase was attributable2021 Period due to $87,934,000 of acquiredinvestments in digital talent and increasing average compensation expense,levels partially offset by a reductionreductions in FTEs on a proforma basis.FTE's due to continued business transformation efforts.

 

Newsprint and ink costs increased $6,114,000decreased $459,000 in the 20212022 Period, or 67.5%3.0%, compared to the 20202021 Period. The increasedecrease is attributable to acquired newsprint and ink expenses of $10,103,000 offset by declines in newsprint volumes andoffset by higher newsprint prices. See Item 3, “Commodities”, included herein, for further discussion and analysis of the impact of newsprint on our business.

 

Other operating expenses increased $60,328,000$9,029,000 in the 20212022 Period, or 59.6%5.6%, compared to the 20202021 Period. Other operating expenses include all operating costs not considered to be compensation, newsprint, depreciation and amortization, or restructuring costs and other. The largest components are costs associated with printing and distribution of our printed products, digital cost of goods sold and facility expenses. The increase is attributable to $84,812,000 of acquired other operating expenses and increases in investments to fund our digital growth strategy partially offset by lower delivery and other print-related costs due to lower volumes of our print editions.

 

Restructuring costs and other totaled $4,461,000$13,790,000 and $3,557,000$4,461,000 in the 2022 Period and 2021 Period, respectively. Restructuring costs and 2020 Period, respectively.other include severance costs, litigation costs, restructuring expenses, and advisor costs associated with the unsolicited offer in November 2021 in the 2022 Period. Restructuring costs in the 2021 Period are predominately severance related to our ongoing business transformation.

Subsequent to March 27, 2022, we developed, committed to, and 2020 Periods is predominately severance.began reductions in staffing in our operations. The Company expects to record pretax charges related to these reductions totaling approximately $4,700,000 and resulting in an annualized reduction in operating expenses totaling $45,000,000.

 

Depreciation expense increased $4,425,000, or 45.5%, and amortization expense increased $4,538,000,decreased $4,331,000, or 34.3%18.9%, in the 20212022 Period. IncreasesThe decrease in both are dueis attributable to the acquired assets from BHMG and Buffalo News.becoming fully depreciated or amortized.

 

Assets (gain) loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, was a net gain of $12,426,000 in the 2022 Period compared to a net loss of $6,696,000 in the 2021 Period compared to a net gain of $5,299,000Period. The gains and losses in the 2020 Period. The loss2022 Period and in the 2021 Period and the gains in the 2020 Period were the result of the disposition of non-core assets, including real estate.

 

The factors noted above resulted in operating income of $21,886,000 in the 2022 Period compared to $29,226,000 in the 2021 Period compared to $32,093,000 in the 2020 Period.

 

Non-operating Income and Expense

 

Interest expense increased $877,000,decreased $1,933,000, or 3.9%8.4%, to $23,119,000$21,186,000 in the 20212022 Period, compared to the same period last yearyear. The decrease was due to a lower outstanding balance on our Term Loan. Debt has been reduced by $36,361,000 since the increase in debt fromend of the acquisitions, partially offset by lower interest rates throughout the 2021 Period compared to interest rates in effect throughout the 2020 Period.March 2021. Our weighted average cost of debt excluding amortization of debt financing costs, was 9.0% at the end of the 2022 Period and 2021 Period.

We recognized no debt financing and administrative expense in the 2021 Period compared to $11,865,000 in the 2020 Period. Expenses in the prior year are due to writing off unamortized financing costs paid in conjunction with a prior refinancing.

 

Other non-operating income and expense consists of benefits associated with our pension and other postretirement plans and the fair value adjustment of our Warrants. We recorded $4,571,000$8,045,000 periodic pension and other postretirement benefits in the 20212022 Period and $1,088,000compared to $4,571,000 in the 20202021 Period. We recorded non-operating income of $71,000 in the 2022 Period and non-operating expense of $717,000 in the 2021 Period and non-operating income of $1,037,000 in the 2020 Period, related to the changes in the value of the Warrants.

 

We recognized a non-cash curtailment gain of $1,027,000 in the 2022 Period as a result of freezing certain pension plans. We recognized a non-cash curtailment gain of $23,830,000 and a reduction in our benefit obligation in the 2021 Period by eliminating post-retirement medical coverage for certain employees.

 

We recognized pension withdrawal costs in the 2022 and 2021 Period of $2,335,000 and $12,310,000, respectively in connection with the withdrawal from a pension plan that covered certain employees. ThisThese withdrawal liabilityliabilities will be paid in equal quarterly installments over the next 20 years.

 

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

 

We recorded an income tax expense of $2,207,000, or 25.3% of pretax income in the 2022 Period. In the 2021 Period, we recognized an income tax expense of $5,740,000 or 26.7% of pretax income in the 2021 Period. In the 2020 Period, we recognized an income tax benefit of $460,000, or 171.6% of pretax income.

 

Net Income and Earnings (Losses) Per Share

 

Net income was $6,505,000 and diluted earnings per share were $0.92 for the 2022 Period compared to net income of $15,795,000 and diluted earnings per share wasof $2.55 for the 2021 Period compared to net income of $728,000 and diluted losses per share of $0.01 for 2020 Period as adjusted for the reverse stock split, see Note 1.Period. The change reflects the various items discussed above.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

We use non-GAAP financial performance measures to supplement the financial information presented on a GAAP basis. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the relevant GAAP measures and should be read in conjunction with information presented on a GAAP basis.
In this report, we present Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Costs which are non-GAAP financial performance measures that exclude from our reported GAAP results the impact of certain items consisting primarily of restructuring charges and non-cash charges. We believe such expenses, charges and gains are not indicative of normal, ongoing operations, and their inclusion in results makes for more difficult comparisons between years and with peer group companies. In the future, however, we are likely to incur expenses, charges and gains similar to the items for which the applicable GAAP financial measures have been adjusted and to report non-GAAP financial measures excluding such items. Accordingly, exclusion of those or similar items in our non-GAAP presentations should not be interpreted as implying the items are non-recurring, infrequent, or unusual.
We define our non-GAAP measures, which may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies, as follows:
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that enhances financial statement users' overall understanding of the operating performance of the Company. The measure isolates unusual, infrequent or non-cash transactions from the operating performance of the business. This allows users to easily compare operating performance among various fiscal periods and how management measures the performance of the business. This measure also provides users with a benchmark that can be used when forecasting future operating performance of the Company that excludes unusual, nonrecurring or one time transactions. Adjusted EBITDA is also a component of the calculation used by stockholders and analysts to determine the value of our business when using the market approach, which applies a market multiple to financial metrics. It is also a measure used to calculate the leverage ratio of the Company, which is a key financial ratio monitored and used by the Company and its investors. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus non-operating expenses, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, restructuring costs and other, stock compensation and our 50% share of EBITDA from TNI and MNI, minus equity in earnings of TNI and MNI.
Cash Costs represent a non-GAAP financial performance measure of operating expenses which are measured on an accrual basis and settled in cash. This measure is useful to investors in understanding the components of the Company’s cash-settled operating costs. Generally, the Company provides forward-looking guidance of Cash Costs, which can be used by financial statement users to assess the Company's ability to manage and control its operating cost structure. Cash Costs are defined as compensation, newsprint and ink and other operating expenses. Depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, other non-cash operating expenses and other expenses are excluded. Cash Costs also exclude restructuring costs and other, which are typically settled in cash.
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Costs are reconciled to net income (loss) and operating expenses, below, the closest comparable numbers under GAAP.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(UNAUDITED)

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial performance measure of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure:

  Three months ended  Six months ended 
  

March 27,

  

March 28,

  

March 27,

  

March 28,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 
                 

Net (loss) income

  (6,694)  (608)  6,505   15,795 

Adjusted to exclude

                

Income tax expense (benefit)

  (3,144)  (571)  2,207   5,740 

Non-operating expenses, net

  6,610   9,597   13,174   7,691 

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI

  (1,407)  (1,471)  (3,161)  (3,213)

(Gain) loss on sale of assets and other, net

  (152)  1,474   (12,426)  6,696 

Depreciation and amortization

  8,951   12,517   18,627   22,958 

Restructuring costs and other

  10,590   1,294   13,790   4,461 

Stock compensation

  512   214   699   434 

Add:

                

Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%)

  1,657   1,608   3,596   3,498 

Adjusted EBITDA

  16,923   24,054   43,011   64,060 

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial performance measure of Cash Costs to Operating expenses, the most directly comparable GAAP measure:

   Three months ended   Six Months ended 
   March 27,   March 28,   March 27,   March 28, 
(Thousands of Dollars)  2022   2021   2022   2021 
                 
Operating expenses  194,649   185,483   373,571   378,235 
Adjustments                
Depreciation and amortization  8,951   12,517   18,627   22,958 
Assets (gain) loss on sales, impairments and other, net  (152)  1,474   (12,426)  6,696 
Restructuring costs and other  10,590   1,294   13,790   4,461 
Cash Costs  175,260   170,198   353,580   344,120 

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

 

Our operations have historically generated strong positive cash flow and are expected to provide sufficient liquidity, together with cash on hand, to meet our requirements, primarily operating expenses, interest expense and capital expenditures. A summary of our cash flows is included in the narrative below.

 

Operating Activities

 

Cash providedrequired by operating activities was $39,253,000totaled $606,000 in the 2021 Period2022 compared to $10,698,000 in the 2020 Period. Net income for the 2021 Period totaled $15,795,000 compared to $728,000 in the 2020 Period. The increase in cash provided by operating activities of $39,253,000 in the 2021, Period is mainly attributeda decrease of $39,859,000.  The decrease was driven by a decrease in operating results of $20,312,000 (defined as net income (loss) adjusted for non-working capital items) and a decrease in cash from working capital of $19,548,000, primarily related to the acquired operations of BH Mediaunfavorable changes in inventory, postretirement liabilities, income taxes payable and Buffalo.warrants, partially offset by favorable changes in accounts receivable.

22

 

Investing Activities

 

Cash provided by investing activities totaled $9,880,000 in the 2022 Period compared to $301,000 in the 2021 Period compared to cash required by investing activities of $119,711,000Period. 2022 included $14,744,000 in the 2020 Period. Capital spending totaled $2,927,000 in the 2021 Period compared to $5,809,000 in the 2020 Period. Cash proceeds from asset sales, mainlythe sale of assets as the Company divested non-core real estate, totaled $2,751,000estate.

We anticipate that funds necessary for capital expenditures, which are expected to be $12,000,000 in the 2021 Period compared to $17,637,000 in the 2020 Period. In the 2020 Period we spent $130,985,000 on acquisitions.2022, and other requirements, will be available from internally generated funds.

 

Financing Activities

 

Cash required for financing activities totaled $20,051,000 in the 2022 Period compared to $39,534,000 in the 2021 period compared to cash provided by financing activities of $131,192,000 in the 2020 Period. Debt reduction accounted for nearly all of the usage of funds in the 2022 and 2021 PeriodPeriods.

Additional Information on Liquidity

Our liquidity, consisting of cash on the balance sheet, totals $15,335,000 at March 27, 2022. This liquidity amount excludes any future cash flows from operations. We expect all interest and the 2020 Refinancing provided the majority of fundsprincipal payments due in the 2020 Period.

Term Loan

In March 2020, in connection with the Transactions, the Company completed a comprehensive refinancingnext twelve months will be satisfied by existing cash and our cash flows, which will allow us to maintain an adequate level of its debt, which consists of a 25-year term loan with BH Finance in an aggregate principal amount of $576,000,000. The Term Loan, which matures March 16, 2045, bears interest at an annual rate of 9.0%.

Debt is summarized as follows:

  

March 28,

  

September 27,

  

Interest

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

  

2020

  

Rates (%)

 
          

Term Loan

 498,915  538,290  9.0 

Less current maturities of long-term debt

 13,753  13,733    

Total long-term debt

 485,162  524,557    

Excluding payments required from the Company’s future excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the only required principal payments include payments from net cash proceeds from asset sales (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and payments upon certain instances of change in control. There are no other scheduled mandatory principal payments required under the Credit Agreement.

Excess cash flow for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021 totaled $13,753,000, which was used to repay debt in April 2021. In addition, during the quarter the Company made an additional voluntary payment of $7,500,000 as provided for in the agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties, certain affirmative and negative covenants and certain conditions, including restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, creating certain liens, making certain investments or acquisitions, issuing dividends, repurchasing shares of stock of the Company and certain other capital transactions. Certain existing and future direct and indirect material domestic subsidiaries of the Company are guarantors of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement. There are no financial performance covenants under our Credit Agreement.

In connection with closing of the transactions, we no longer have access to a Revolving Facility.liquidity.

 

In February 2020, we filedour filing of a replacement Form S-3 registration statement ("Shelf"), that gave with the SEC was declared effective and expires February 2023. The Shelf registration gives us the flexibility to issue and publicly distribute various types of securities, including preferred stock, common stock, warrants, secured or unsecured debt securities, purchase contracts and units consisting of any combination of such securities, from time to time, in one or more offerings, up to an aggregate amount of $750,000,000. Upon the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, however, as a result of SEC issuer eligibility rules we were not eligiblerequire us to utilize an S-3 registration statement or the Shelf. We expect to be eligiblehave a public float of at least $75,000,000 in order to use the Shelf on and after June 1, 2021.

Additional Information on Liquidity

We continue to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations and cash flows. To combat the negative impacts, we have taken significant and immediate action to manage cash flow by implementing various initiatives including reductions in force, compensation reductions, furloughs, and reductions in capital investments. We are also working with our large vendors to evaluate the amount and timing of significant expenses.

While we currently forecast sufficient near-term liquidity, the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could have a material impact on the Company's liquidity and its ability to meet its ongoing obligations.Shelf.

 

CHANGES IN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

 

Wage Laws

 

The United States and various state and local governments are considering increasing their respective minimum wage rates. Most of our employees earn an amount in excess of the current United States or state minimum wage rates. However, until changes to such rates are enacted, the impact of the changes cannot be determined. Among other provisions, the CARES Act allows the Company to defer payments of the employer’s share of social security taxes which shall be paid between December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2022. The CARES Act also provides for an Employee Retention Credit which can be applied to the employer’s share of payroll taxes. The Company has elected to defer the employer’s share of social security tax payments and is currently determining the applicability of the Employee Retention Credit.

 

INFLATION

Price increases (or decreases) for our products or services are implemented when deemed appropriate by us. We continuously evaluate price increases, productivity improvements, sourcing efficiencies and other cost reductions to mitigate the impact of inflation.

23

Item 3.       Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to market risk stemming from changes in interest rates and commodity prices. Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in earnings and cash flows. In the normal course of business, exposure to certain of these market risks is managed as described below.

 

INTEREST RATES ON DEBT

 

Our debt structure, which is entirely fixed rate, eliminates the potential impact of an increase in interest rates. We have no interest rate hedging in place.

 

COMMODITIES

 

All North American newsprint producers announcedimplemented a January 2022 price increases for implementation in January 2021increase of $25 per tonne and February 2021 withanother $25 per tonne March 2022. An additional price increase announcements for March 2021 and April 2021 asMay 2022 of $50 per tonne has been announced. The newsprint supply capacity utilization improvedchain is challenged due to significant capacity reductions taken in the last two years including paper machine permanent shutdowns, conversion to paper grades other than newsprint, and improving exportrecovering demand, domestically and exports, for newsprint. Like other industries, the supply chain is further challenged by shipping delays due to restrictions of personnel crossing the US/Canada border.

 

Our long-term supply strategy iscontinues to align the Company with those cost-effective suppliers most likely to continue producing and supplying newsprint to the North American market and geographically aligned with our print locations. Where possible the Company will align supply with the lowest cost material, but may be restricted due to shipping expenses and paper production availability.

 

A $10 per tonne price increase foron 27.7 pound newsprint would result in an annualized reduction in income before taxes of approximately $487,000 annualized$340,000 based on current and anticipated consumption trends in 2021,2022, excluding consumption of TNI and MNI and the impact of LIFO accounting.

 

18

SENSITIVITY TO CHANGES IN VALUE

 

Our fixed rate debt consists of $498,915,000$462,554,000 principal amount of the Term Loan recorded at carrying value. At March 28, 2021, based on market price quotations, the fair value approximates carrying value.

 

Item 4.       Controls and Procedures

 

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

On March 16, 2020, we concluded the Transactions. The internal controls related to the acquired businesses have not been considered in our assessment over internal control over financial reporting during the 12 month measurement adjustment period as allotted for in ASC 805. Other than the Transactions, thereThere have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 26 weeksthree and six months ended March 28, 202127, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

24

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION 

 

Item 1.       Legal Proceedings

 

We are involved in a variety of legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these matters. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these legal actions, it is our opinion that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.

 

Item 1.A         Risk Factors 

 

Except as otherwise described herein, there have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our 20202021 Form 10-K.

 

In addition, the Company may, from time to time, evaluate and pursue other opportunities for growth, including through strategic investments, joint ventures, and other acquisitions. These strategic initiatives involve various inherent risks, including, without limitation, general business risk, integration and synergy risk, market acceptance risk and risks associated with the potential distraction of management. Such transactions and initiatives may not ultimately create value for us or our stockholders and may harm our reputation and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Item 6.       Exhibits

 

Exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) are incorporated by reference to documents previously filed by us with the SEC, as indicated. Exhibits marked with a plus (+) are management contracts or compensatory plan contracts or arrangements filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. All other documents listed are filed with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Number

 

Description

 
    
31.1 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Attached
31.2 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer

Attached
32.1 

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Attached
32.2 Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial OfficerAttached
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)Attached
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema DocumentAttached
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase DocumentAttached
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase DocumentAttached
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase DocumentAttached
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase DocumentAttached
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and embedded within the Inline XBRL document)Attached

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

  
   

/s/ Timothy R. Millage

 

May 7, 20216, 2022

Timothy R. Millage

  

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

  

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  

 

 

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