, 

 

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 DecemberJune 26, 20212022

 

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 JanuaryJuly 31, 2022, 5,956,9905,977,315 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 - DecemberJune 26, 2021,2022, and September 26, 2021

 2
     
  

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - 13 weeks-Three and nine months ended DecemberJune 26, 20212022 and DecemberJune 27, 20202021

 4
     
  

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity (Deficit) - 13 weeksThree and nine months ended DecemberJune 26, 2021,2022, and DecemberJune 27, 20202021

 5
     
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - 13 weeksNine months ended DecemberJune 26, 2021,2022, and DecemberJune 27, 20202021

 6
     
  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 7
     
 

Item 2.

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

 12
     
 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 1618
     
 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 1619
     

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 1719
     
 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 1719
     
 Item 1.A.Risk Factors 1719
     
 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 1719
     

SIGNATURES

 1820

 

 

 

References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout this document refer to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (the “Company”). References to “2022”, “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 or Buffalo News for unknown legal and other matters that may arise;
 Our ability to manage declining print revenue and circulation subscribers;

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)   
 December 26, September 26,  June 26, September 26, 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2021

  

2022

 

2021

 
          

ASSETS

          
          

Current assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

 18,585 26,112  15,661 26,112 

Accounts receivable and contract assets, net

 73,193 65,070  74,911 65,070 

Inventories

 6,340 6,297  8,661 6,297 

Prepaid and other current assets

 10,193 11,320  13,482 11,320 

Total current assets

 108,311  108,799  112,715  108,799 

Investments:

          

Associated companies

 27,306 26,682  27,052 26,682 

Other

 6,281 6,065  6,075 6,065 

Total investments

 33,587  32,747  33,127  32,747 

Property and equipment:

          

Land and improvements

 14,562 16,576  14,505 16,576 

Buildings and improvements

 92,986 106,890  93,888 106,890 

Equipment

 210,636 228,817  212,908 228,817 

Construction in process

 4,450 2,813  3,998 2,813 
 322,634  355,096  325,299  355,096 

Less accumulated depreciation

 243,542 271,830  249,519 271,830 

Property and equipment, net

 79,092  83,266  75,780  83,266 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 62,632 65,682  58,193 65,682 

Goodwill

 330,204 330,204  329,504 330,204 

Other intangible assets, net

 150,901 156,671  140,231 156,671 

Pension plan assets, net

 36,121 35,855  16,571 35,855 

Medical plan assets, net

 17,883 16,695  18,200 16,695 

Other

 13,118 13,632  10,515 13,632 

Total assets

 831,849  843,551  794,836  843,551 

 

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

 

 

2

 

 

 (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)   
 December 26, September 26,  June 26, September 26, 

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

 

2021

 

2021

  

2022

 

2021

 
          

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

          
          

Current liabilities:

          

Current portion of lease liabilities

 8,671 8,612  7,811 8,612 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 0 6,112  0 6,112 

Accounts payable

 28,012 20,420  34,656 20,420 

Compensation and other accrued liabilities

 43,648 45,076  43,316 45,076 

Unearned revenue

 61,281 61,404  56,749 61,404 

Total current liabilities

 141,612  141,624  142,532  141,624 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 462,554 476,504  462,554 476,504 

Operating lease liabilities

 54,563 57,683  49,918 57,683 

Pension obligations

 25,727 22,444  928 22,444 

Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations

 11,564 11,008  11,404 11,008 

Deferred income taxes

 38,957 40,295  37,295 40,295 

Income taxes payable

 8,840 9,174  9,543 9,174 

Other

 24,927 28,121  26,047 28,121 

Total liabilities

 768,744  786,853  740,221  786,853 

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:

 60 59  60 59 

December 26, 2021; 5,957 shares; $0.01 par value

     

June 26, 2022; 5,977 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

 257,863 258,063  259,221 258,063 

Accumulated deficit

 (233,086) (245,744) (240,631) (245,744)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 36,075 42,187  33,741 42,187 

Total stockholders' equity

 60,912  54,565  52,391  54,565 

Non-controlling interests

 2,193 2,133  2,224 2,133 

Total equity

 63,105  56,698  54,615  56,698 

Total liabilities and equity

 831,849  843,551  794,836  843,551 

 

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)

  Three months ended Nine months ended 
 

December 26,

 

December 27,

  

June 26,

 

June 27,

 

June 26,

 

June 27,

 

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Common Share Data)

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 

2022

 

2021

 
  

Operating revenue:

  

Advertising and marketing services

 98,754  102,629  91,001  91,122  277,388  279,326 

Subscription

 87,519  91,309  89,048  88,792  263,915  269,905 

Other

 16,009  17,879  14,988  16,576  46,030  51,505 

Total operating revenue

 202,282  211,817  195,037  196,490  587,333  600,736 

Operating expenses:

  

Compensation

 84,694  84,163  78,126  82,731  246,333  250,048 

Newsprint and ink

 7,644  7,992  7,542  7,051  22,254  22,222 

Other operating expenses

 85,982  81,767  88,004  82,117  258,665  243,749 

Depreciation and amortization

 9,676  10,441  8,818  10,836  27,445  33,794 

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

 (12,274) 5,222 

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

 1,086  242  (11,340) 6,938 

Restructuring costs and other

 3,200  3,167  6,072  1,419  19,862  5,880 

Total operating expenses

 178,922  192,752  189,648  184,396  563,219  562,631 

Equity in earnings of associated companies

 1,754  1,743  1,050  1,689  4,211  4,902 

Operating income

 25,114  20,808  6,439  13,783  28,325  43,007 

Non-operating income (expense):

 

Non-operating (expense) income:

 

Interest expense

 (10,663) (11,882) (10,292) (11,010) (31,478) (34,129)

Curtailment gain

 1,027  23,830  0  0  1,027  23,830 

Pension withdrawal cost

 0  (12,310) 0  0  (2,335) (12,310)

Other, net

 3,072  2,268  4,205  2,330  13,525  6,240 

Total non-operating (expense) income, net

 (6,564) 1,906  (6,087) (8,680) (19,261) (16,369)

Income before income taxes

 18,550  22,714  352  5,103  9,064  26,638 

Income tax expense

 5,351  6,311  156  1,366  2,363  7,106 

Net income

 13,199  16,403  196  3,737  6,701  19,532 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

 (541) (501) (465) (510) (1,588) (1,537)

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 12,658  15,902 

(Loss) Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 (269) 3,227  5,113  17,995 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes

 (6,112) 1,142  (1,167) 477  (8,446) 2,097 

Comprehensive income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 6,546  17,044 

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 (1,436) 3,704  (3,333) 20,092 

Earnings per common share:

  

Basic:

 2.21  2.79  (0.05) 0.56  0.89  3.15 

Diluted:

 2.17  2.77  (0.05) 0.55  0.87  3.10 

 

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 Income

 

Total

  

Accumulated Deficit

 

Common Stock

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

Total

 
  

September 27, 2021

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

Shares issued (redeemed)

 0  1�� (386) 0  (385) 0  1 (386) 0  (385)

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 12,658  0 0  0  12,658  12,658  0 0  0  12,658 

Stock compensation

 0  0 186    186  0  0 186    186 

Other comprehensive (loss) income

 0  0 0  (8,174) (8,174)

Other comprehensive loss

 0  0 0  (8,174) (8,174)

Deferred income taxes, net

 0  0 0  2,062  2,062  0  0 0  2,062  2,062 

December 26, 2021

 (233,086) 60  257,863  36,075  60,912  (233,086) 60  257,863  36,075  60,912 
 

Shares issued (redeemed)

 0  0 (3) 0  (3)

Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 (7,276) 0 0  0  (7,276)

Stock compensation

 0  0 663  0  663 

Other comprehensive loss

 0  0 0  (1,667) (1,667)

Deferred income taxes, net

 0  0 0  500  500 

March 27, 2022

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

Shares issued (redeemed)

 0  0 371  0  371 

Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 (269) 0 0  0  (269)

Stock compensation

 0  0 327  0  327 

Other comprehensive loss

 0  0 0  (1,667) (1,667)

Deferred income taxes, net

 0  0 0  500  500 

June 26, 2022

 (240,631) 60 259,221  33,741  52,391 

 

 

(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 28, 2020

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

Shares issued (redeemed)

 0  1  (55) 0  (54) 0  1  (55) 0  (54)

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 15,902  0  0  0  15,902  15,902  0  0  0  15,902 

Stock compensation

 0  0  220    220  0  0  220  0  220 

Other comprehensive income

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

Deferred income taxes, net

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

December 27, 2020

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

Shares issued (redeemed)

 0 0 (8) 0 (8)

Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 (1,134) 0 0 0 (1,134)

Stock compensation

 0 0 214 0 214 

Other comprehensive income

 0 0 0 682 682 

Deferred income taxes, net

 0 0 0 (204) (204)

March 28, 2021

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

Shares issued (redeemed)

 0 0 318 0 318 

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 3,227 0 0 0 3,227 

Stock compensation

 0 0 205 0 205 

Other comprehensive income

 0 0 0 682 682 

Deferred income taxes, net

 0 0 0 (205) (205)

June 27, 2021

 (250,534) 59 257,851 (17,953) (10,577)

 

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

 

 

5

 

LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

  Nine months ended 
 

December 26,

 

December 27,

  

June 26,

 

June 27,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 
  

Cash provided by operating activities:

          

Net income

 13,199  16,403  6,701  19,532 

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

          

Depreciation and amortization

 9,676 10,441  27,445 33,794 

Curtailment gain

 (1,027) (23,830) (1,027) (23,830)

Pension withdrawal cost

 0 12,310  2,335 12,310 

Stock compensation expense

 186 220  1,026 639 

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

 (12,274) 5,222  (11,340) 6,938 

Deferred income taxes

 62 (398)

Pension contributions

 0 (965)

Return of (Payments to collateralize) letters of credit

 2,451 1,686 

Other, net

 383 (951) (1,492) (147)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

          

(Increase) decrease in receivables and contract assets

 (8,519) (14,662) (8,004) (8,720)

Decrease in inventories and other

 1,085 602 

(Increase) decrease in inventories and other

 (2,369) 1,080 

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

 3,369 7,205  1,775 2,494 

Decrease in pension and other postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations

 (4,826) (1,523) (13,910) (4,807)

Change in income taxes payable

 2,427 6,643  (2,986) 2,459 

Other, including warrants

 (3,109) 836 

Other

 49 706 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 570  18,916  716  42,771 

Cash provided by (required for) investing activities:

     

Cash provided by investing activities:

     

Purchases of property and equipment

 (1,777) (1,738) (5,738) (5,350)

Proceeds from sales of assets

 14,406 2,236  14,824 3,095 

Distributions greater (less) than earnings of TNI and MNI

 (595) (687)

Distributions (less) greater than earnings of TNI and MNI

 (276) 159 

Other, net

 (80) (430) (295) (369)

Net cash provided by (required for) investing activities

 11,954  (619) 8,515  (2,465)

Cash provided by (required for) financing activities:

     

Cash required for financing activities:

     

Payments on long-term debt

 (20,062) (14,734) (20,062) (53,128)

Common stock transactions, net

 11 (154) 380 159 

Net cash required for financing activities

 (20,051) (14,888) (19,682) (52,969)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 (7,527) 3,409  (10,451) (12,663)

Cash and cash equivalents:

          

Beginning of period

 26,112  33,733  26,112  33,733 

End of period

 18,585  37,142  15,661  21,070 

 

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 DecemberJune 26, 20212022, 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 2021 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 weeksand nine months ended DecemberJune 26, 2022, 2021,are 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” 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, as well as our 82.5% interest in INN Partners, L.C. (“TownNews.com”TownNews”), our.

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.

 

On March 16, 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of BH Media Group, Inc. and The Buffalo News, Inc. for a combined purchase price of $140,000,000 (collectively, the "Transactions").

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 on the Company’s business and operating results in the near term. While vaccines have become widely available in the United States, the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains uncertain and unpredictable as it will depend on the pace of vaccine distribution, government responses to future outbreaks, the spread of variants, 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.

 

2

REVENUE

 

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by source:

         
  

December 26,

  

December 27,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

  

2020

 
         

Operating revenue:

        

Print

  55,970   66,614 

Digital

  42,784   36,015 

Advertising and marketing services revenue

  98,754   102,629 

Print

  79,628   85,033 

Digital

  7,891   6,276 

Subscription revenue

  87,519   91,309 

Print

  11,385   13,064 

Digital

  4,624   4,815 

Other revenue

  16,009   17,879 

Total operating revenue

  202,282   211,817 

  Three months Ended  Nine months Ended 
  

June 26,

  

June 27,

  

June 26,

  

June 27,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 
                 

Operating revenue:

                

Print

  44,814   54,632   145,032   174,933 

Digital

  46,187   36,490   132,356   104,393 

Advertising and marketing services revenue

  91,001   91,122   277,388   279,326 

Print

  78,079   81,483   234,962   249,332 

Digital

  10,969   7,309   28,953   20,573 

Subscription revenue

  89,048   88,792   263,915   269,905 

Print

  10,671   11,880   32,430   37,177 

Digital

  4,317   4,696   13,600   14,328 

Other revenue

  14,988   16,576   46,030   51,505 

Total operating revenue

  195,037   196,490   587,333   600,736 

 

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)including revenue from our wholly owned digital marketing agency Amplified Digital TM("Amplified"), digital-only subscription revenue and digital services revenue. Previously other digital subscription revenue was included. All periods have been restated for the reclassification.

 

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. Revenue recognized in the quarternine months ended December June 26, 2021 2022,that was included in the contract liability as of September 26, 2021,was $36,347,000.$52,718,000.

 

7

Accounts receivable, excluding allowance for credit losses was $80,375,000$82,369,000 and $71,644,000 as of DecemberJune 26, 20212022, and September 26, 2021,, respectively. Allowance for credit losses was $7,182,000$7,458,000 and $6,574,000 as of DecemberJune 26, 20212022, and September 26, 2021,, respectively.

 

Sales commissions are expensed as incurred as the associated contractual periods are one year or less. These costs are recorded within compensation. The vast majorityMost 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.

 

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:

         
  

December 26,

  

December 27,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

  

2020

 
  ��      

Operating revenue

  8,981   9,400 

Operating expenses

  6,465   7,005 

Operating income

  2,516   2,395 

Company's 50% share of operating income

  1,258   1,198 

Less amortization of intangible assets

  0   0 

Equity in earnings of TNI

  1,258   1,198 

  Three months ended  Nine months ended 
  

June 26,

  

June 27,

  

June 26,

  

June 27,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 
                 

Operating revenue

  8,229   8,389   25,805   26,548 

Operating expenses

  6,492   6,077   19,365   19,506 

Operating income

  1,737   2,312   6,440   7,042 

Company's 50% share of operating income

  869   1,156   3,220   3,521 

Equity in earnings of TNI

  869   1,156   3,220   3,521 

 

TNI makes periodic distributions of its earnings and for the quarterthree months ended December June 26, 2021 2022,and December June 27, 2020 2021,we received $859,000$676,000 and $1,056,000$544,000 in distributions, respectively. In the nine months ended June 26,2022, and June 27,2021, we received $2,935,000 and $3,161,000 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:

         
  

December 26,

  

December 27,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

  

2020

 
         

Operating revenue

  12,195   11,922 

Operating expenses, excluding restructuring costs, depreciation and amortization

  10,834   10,430 

Restructuring costs

  0   106 

Depreciation and amortization

  170   110 

Operating income

  1,191   1,276 

Net income

  991   1,089 

Equity in earnings of MNI

  496   545 

  Three months ended  Nine months ended 
  

June 26,

  

June 27,

  

June 26,

  

June 27,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 
                 

Operating revenue

  11,921   11,479   35,677   34,425 

Operating expenses, excluding restructuring costs, depreciation and amortization

  9,682   8,657   28,402   29,324 

Restructuring costs

  122   0   122   106 

Depreciation and amortization

  167   188   507   480 

Operating income

  1,950   2,634   6,646   4,515 

Net income

  362   1,066   1,982   2,762 

Equity in earnings of MNI

  181   533   991   1,381 

 

MNI makes periodic distributions of its earnings and in the quarterthree months ended DecemberJune 26,2022 and June 27,2021, we received $200,000 and $750,000, respectively. In the nine months ended June 26, 2022, and June 27,2021,we received dividends of $300,000. NaN dividends were received in the quarter ended December 27, 2020.$1,000,000 and $1,900,000, respectively.

 

 

8

 
 

4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

IdentifiedGoodwill and identified intangible assets consist of the following:

  

December 26,

  

September 26,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

  

2021

 
         
Goodwill, end of period  330,204   330,204 

Non-amortized intangible assets:

        

Mastheads

  39,849   39,672 

Amortizable intangible assets:

        

Customer and newspaper subscriber lists

  574,349   774,242 

Less accumulated amortization

  (463,297)  (657,243)
   111,052   116,999 

Total intangibles, net

  481,105   486,875 

  

June 26,

  

September 26,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2022

  

2021

 
         

Goodwill, beginning of period

  330,204   330,204 
Impairment  (700)  0 
Goodwill, end of period  329,504   330,204 

Non-amortized intangible assets:

        

Mastheads

  39,849   39,672 

Amortizable intangible assets:

        

Customer and newspaper subscriber lists

  574,558   774,242 

Less accumulated amortization

  (474,176)  (657,243)
   100,382   116,999 

Total intangibles, net

  469,735   486,875 

 

The weighted average amortization period for amortizable assets is 13.212.7 years.

 
5

DEBT

 

The Company has debt consisting of a single 25-year term loan with BH Finance LLC, (“BH Finance”), inwith an aggregate principal balance of $462,554,000 at a 9% annual rate and maturesmaturing on March 16, 2045 (referred to herein as “Credit Agreement” and “Term Loan”). OnAt December June 26, 2021, 2022,based on market quotations, the fair value approximates carrying value. This represents a level 2 fair value measurement.

 

During the quarterthree months ended DecemberJune 26, 2021,2022, we made 0 principal debt payments. During the nine months ended June 26, 2022, we made principal debt payments of $20,062,000. For$20,062,000.For the quarter,nine months ended, payments consisted of $10,450,000 from the sale of non-core assets, $6,112,000 from September 26, 2021 excess cash flow, and $3,500,000 in voluntary prepayments. All payments were made at par. Future payments are contingent on the Company's ability to generate future excess cash flow, as defined in the Credit Agreement. As of December June 26, 2021 2022,there was no excess cash flow payment due (as such term is defined in the Term Loan).due.

 

Warrants

 

We entered into a Warrant Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Warrant Agreement”). Under the Warrant Agreement, certain warrant holders received 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 can be exercised at a price of $41.90 per share and expire inexpired on March 31, 2022.

 

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 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The change in fair value of $1,929,000 $71,000 for the nine months ended June 26, 2022 is reported as expenseincome in other, net non-operating income (expense).

 

The Warrants expired on March 31, 2022. As of September 26, 2021, the fair value of Warrants at December 26, 2021,  andSeptember 26, 2021, were $2,000,000  and $71,000 , respectively.the warrants was $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 defined benefit pension plans that together cover selectedcertain employees, including plans established under collective bargaining agreements. At the endAs of September 26, 2021 two of seven plans had future 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 DecemberJune 26, 2021,2022, our liability and related expense for benefits under the plans are recorded over the service period of employees based upon annual actuarial calculations.

 

During the quarter ended December 26, 2021, we notified certain participants infour of 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.

 

9

During the quarter ended December 27, 2020, we notified certain participants in one 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 by $23,830,000. This is recorded within Curtailment gain and Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations. 

 

9

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

 

PENSION PLANS

    Three months ended Nine months ended 
 

December 26,

 

December 27,

  

June 26,

 

June 27,

 

June 26,

 

June 27,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 

2022

 

2021

 
  

Service cost for benefits earned during the period

 456  633  287 633 1,030 1,899 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

 1,936  1,787  2,001  1,787  5,939  5,361 

Expected return on plan assets

 (4,536) (4,672) (4,535) (4,672) (13,606) (14,016)

Amortization of net (gain) loss

 (1,259) 1,004 

Amortization of net loss

 (687) 1,004  (2,633) 3,013 

Amortization of prior service benefit

 212  0  424  (1)

Curtailment gain

 (1,027) 0  0  0  (1,027) 0 

Pension benefit

 (4,430) (1,248) (2,722) (1,248) (9,873) (3,744)

 

POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS

    Three months ended Nine months ended 
 

December 26,

 

December 27,

  

June 26,

 

June 27,

 

June 26,

 

June 27,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 

2022

 

2021

 
  

Service cost for benefits earned during the period

 27  210  27  240  81  690 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

 85  123  85  239  255  601 

Expected return on plan assets

 (263) (252) (263) (252) (789) (756)

Amortization of net gain

 (249) (172) (249) (172) (747) (516)

Amortization of prior service benefit

 (162) (161) (162) (162) (486) (485)

Curtailment gain

 0  (23,830) 0  0  0  (23,830)

Postretirement medical benefit

 (562) (24,082) (562) (107) (1,686) (24,296)

 

In the quarternine months ended DecemberJune 26, 20212022, we had 0 required contributions to our pension plans. In the quarternine months ended December June 27, 2020 2021,we contributed $400,000$965,000 to our pension plans. We have no required contributions to our pension plans for 2022 and therefore do not expect to make contributions to our pension trust during the remainder of fiscal 2022. 

 

Multiemployer Pension Plans

 

DuringIn prior periods, the quarter endedCompany effectuated withdrawals from several multiemployer plans. We recorded estimates of withdrawal liabilities as of the time the contracts agreeing to withdraw from those plans are ratified. As of December 27, 2020,June 26,2022, and September 26, 2021, we withdrew from a multiemployer pension planhad $24,337,020 and recorded a $12,310,000 charge. The$23,471,000 withdrawal liability isliabilities recorded in Warrants and other and will be paidOther Liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The liabilities reflect the estimated value of payments to the fund, payable over 20 years. The first payment was made March 1, 2021.20-years.

 

7

INCOME TAXES

 

We recorded an income tax expense of $5,351,000$156,000 related to income before taxes of $18,550,000$352,000 for the Quarterthree months ended December June 26, 2021. For the Quarter ended December 27, 2020, 2022,we recorded $6,311,000 in and income tax expense of $2,363,000 related to income before taxes of $22,714,000.$9,064,000 for the nine months ended June 26,2022. We recorded an income tax expense of $1,366,000 related to income before taxes of $5,103,000 for the three months ended June 27,2021, and income tax expense of $7,106,000 related to income before taxes of $26,638,000 for the nine months ended June 27,2021. The effective income tax rates for the Quarterthree and nine months ended DecemberJune 26, 20212022, was 28.9%.were 44.3% and 26.1%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the Quarterthree and nine months ended DecemberJune 27, 20202021, was 27.8%.were 26.8% and 26.7%, respectively.

 

The primary differences between these rates and the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% are due to the effectbecause 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 2014. 

 

10

 

8

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

         
  

December 26,

  

December 27,

 

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

 

2021

  

2020

 
         

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:

  12,658   15,902 

Weighted average common shares

  5,885   5,845 

Less weighted average restricted Common Stock

  (159)  (155)

Basic average common shares

  5,726   5,690 

Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock

  118   42 

Diluted average common shares

  5,844   5,732 

Earnings per common share:

        

Basic

  2.21   2.79 

Diluted

  2.17   2.77 

  Three months ended  Nine months ended 
  

June 26,

  

June 27,

  

June 26,

  

June 27,

 

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

 

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 
                 

(Loss) income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:

  (269)  3,227   5,113   17,995 

Weighted average common shares

  5,965   5,881   5,935   5,867 

Less weighted average restricted Common Stock

  (170)  (156)  (168)  (155)

Basic average common shares

  5,795   5,725   5,767   5,712 

Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock

  0   123   93   102 

Diluted average common shares

  5,795   5,848   5,860   5,814 

Earnings per common share:

                

Basic

  (0.05)  0.56   0.89   3.15 

Diluted

  (0.05)  0.55   0.87   3.10 

 

For the quarterthree months ended DecemberJune 26, 20212022 andno shares were considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the Company recorded net losses. For the December 27, 2020nine, 600,000 and 641,300 months endedJune 26,2022, 74,804 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. For the three and nine months ended June 27, 2021, 600,000 anti-dilutive shares were excluded.

 

Rights Agreement

 

On November 24, 2021, our Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights plan (the “Rights Agreement”). Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, on November 24, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of one1 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 Company 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 will generally become exercisable only if any person or group, other than certain exempt persons, acquires beneficial ownership of 10% (or 20% in the case of certain passive investors) or more of our Common Stock outstanding. In the event 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. The 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 no voting or dividend privileges, and, unless and until 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 intended to deter offers or preclude our Board of Directors from considering acquisition proposals that are fair and otherwise in the best interest of our stockholders. However, the overall effect of the Rights Agreement may render it more difficult or discourage a merger, tender offer, or other business combination involving us that is not supported by our Board of Directors.

 

9

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

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.

 

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 13 weeksthree and nine months ended DecemberJune 26, 2021.2022. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto, included herein, and our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

12

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

 

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

 

We 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 47almost 43 million monthly unique visitors in the first quarter of December 20212022 with 376349 million page views and 9580 million visits.

 

 

We have approximately one million paid subscribers to our print and digital products, with estimated readership totaling three million. Digital onlyproducts. Digital-only subscribers totaled approximately 450,000,501,000, a 57%48.6% 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 Amplified Digital, a full service digital marketing agency offering omnichannel marketing solutions, audience targeted display, social audience targeting, social media management, email marketing, banners, video streaming and much more. Amplified Digital serves more than 4,500 customers in 49 states.

We also operate TownNews through our 82.5% owned subsidiary INN Partners, L.C. TownNewswhich 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 focuseddigitally-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 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:

 

 

Grow digital audiences by transforming the way we present local news and information

 

 

Expand our digital subscription base and revenue through audience growth and continued conversion of our 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 our vast data-rich digital audiences and reach consumers in new ways.

 

1312

 

QUARTERTHREE MONTHS ENDED DecemberJune 26, 20212022

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


 December 26, December 27, Percent  June 26, June 27, Percent 

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

 2021 2020 Change  2022 2021 Change 
              

Operating revenue:

              

Print

 55,970 66,614 (16.0) 44,814 54,632 (18.0)

Digital

 42,784 36,015 18.8  46,187 36,490 26.6 

Advertising and marketing services revenue

 98,754  102,629  (3.8) 91,001  91,122  (0.1)

Print

 79,628 85,033 (6.4) 78,079 81,483 (4.2)

Digital

 7,891 6,276 25.7  10,969 7,309 50.1 

Subscription revenue

 87,519 91,309 (4.2) 89,048 88,792 0.3 

Print

 11,385 13,064 (12.9) 10,671 11,880 (10.2)

Digital

 4,624 4,815 (4.0) 4,317 4,696 (8.1)

Other revenue

 16,009  17,879  (10.5) 14,988  16,576  (9.6)

Total operating revenue

 202,282  211,817  (4.5) 195,037  196,490  (0.7)

Operating expenses:

              

Compensation

 84,694  84,163  0.6  78,126  82,731  (5.6)

Newsprint and ink

 7,644  7,992  (4.4) 7,542  7,051  7.0 

Other operating expenses

 85,982  81,767  5.2  88,004  82,117  7.2 

Depreciation and amortization

 9,676  10,441  (7.3) 8,818  10,836  (18.6)

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

 (12,274) 5,222 NM 

Assets loss on sales, impairments and other, net

 1,086  242 NM 

Restructuring costs and other

 3,200 3,167 1.0  6,072  1,419 NM 

Operating expenses

 178,922  192,752  (7.2) 189,648  184,396  2.8 

Equity in earnings of associated companies

 1,754  1,743  0.6  1,050  1,689  (37.8)

Operating income

 25,114  20,808  20.7  6,439 13,783 (53.3)

Non-operating income (expense):

              

Interest expense

 (10,663) (11,882) (10.3) (10,292) (11,010) (6.5)

Curtailment Gain

 1,027 23,830 (95.7)

Pension withdrawal cost

   (12,310) NM 

Other, net

 3,072 2,268 35.4  4,205 2,330 80.5 

Non-operating expenses, net

 (6,564) 1,906 NM  (6,087) (8,680) (29.9)

Income before income taxes

 18,550 22,714 (18.3) 352 5,103 (93.1)

Income tax expense

 5,351 6,311 (15.2) 156 1,366 (88.6)

Net income

 13,199 16,403 (19.5) 196 3,737 (94.8)

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

 (541) (501) 8.0 

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 12,658 15,902 (20.4)

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes

 (6,112) 1,142 NM 

Comprehensive income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

 6,546 17,044 (61.6)
       

Earnings per common share:

              

Basic

 2.21 2.79 (20.9) (0.05) 0.56 NM 

Diluted

 2.17 2.77 (21.9) (0.05) 0.55 NM 

 

References to the “2022 Quarter” refer to the 13 weeksthree months ended DecemberJune 26, 2021.2022. Similarly, references to the “2021 Quarter” refer to the 13 weeksthree months ended DecemberJune 27, 2020.2021. 

 

Operating Revenue

 

Total operating revenue was $202,282,000$195,037,000 in the 2022 Quarter, down $9,535,000,$1,453,000, or 4.5%0.7%, compared to the prior year.

 

Advertising and marketing services revenue totaled $98,754,000$91,001,000 in the 2022 Quarter, down 3.8%0.1% compared to the prior year.2021 Quarter. Print advertising revenues were $55,970,000$44,814,000 in the 2022 Quarter, down 16.0%18% compared to the prior year2021 Quarter due to continued secular declines in demand for print advertising. Digital advertising and marketing services totaled $42,784,000$46,187,000 in the 2022 Quarter, up 18.8%26.6% compared to the prior year.2021 Quarter. These gains resulted from in an increase in Amplified Digital revenue and an increase in digital advertising on our owned and operated sites. Digital advertising and marketing services represented 43.3%50.8% of the 2022 Quarter total advertising and marketing services revenue, compared to 35%40.1% in the same period last year.

 

Subscription revenue totaled $87,519,000$89,048,000 in the 2022 Quarter, down 4.2%up 0.3% compared to the 2021 Quarter. The growth in digital only subscribers and selective priceSelective increases on our full access subscriptions, growth in digital-only subscribers and price increases on digital subscriptions, were partially offset by a decline in full access volume, consistent with historical and industry trends. Digital onlyDigital-only subscribers grew 57%48.6% since the 2021 Quarter and now total 450,000.501,000.

 

Other revenue, which primarily consists of commercial printing revenue and digital services from TownNews, decreased $1,870,000,$1,588,000, or 10.5%9.6%, in the 2022 Quarter compared to the 2021 Quarter. Digital services revenue totaled $4,624,000$4,317,000 in the 2022 Quarter, a 4.0%an 8.1% decrease compared to the 2021 Quarter. Commercial printing revenue totaled $5,723,000$5,341,000 in the 2022 Quarter, a 15.2%15.7% decrease compared to the 2021 Quarter, primarily driven by the continued downward trendreduction in traditional print product demand.volumes from our partners.

14

 

Total digital revenue including digital advertising revenue, digital subscription revenue and digital services revenue totaled $55,299,000$61,473,000 in the 2022 Quarter, an increase of 17.4%26.8% over the 2021 Quarter, and represented 27.3%31.5% of our total operating revenue in the 2022 Quarter.

 

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI increased $11,000decreased $639,000 in the 2022 Quarter.

13

 

Operating Expenses

 

Total operating expenses were $178,922,000$189,648,000 in the 2022 Quarter, a 7.2% decrease2.8% increase compared to the 2021 Quarter. Operating expenses include compensation expense, newsprint and ink, other operating expenses, depreciation, amortization, restructuring and other expenses, assets gain (loss) on sales, and impairments. Cash Costs a non-GAAP financial measure used to summarize certain operating expense (see reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures below) were $178,320,000, a 2.5% increase compared toup 1.0% in the 20212022 Quarter.

 

Compensation expense increased $531,000decreased $4,605,000 in the 2022 Quarter, or 0.6%5.6%, compared to the 2021 Quarter due to investments in digital talent and increasing average compensation levels partially offset byfrom reductions in FTE'sfull time employees ("FTEs") due to continued business transformation efforts.efforts, partially offset by investments in digital talent.

 

Newsprint and ink costs decreased $348,000increased $491,000 in the 2022 Quarter, or 4.4%7.0%, compared to the 2021 Quarter. The decreaseincrease is attributable to higher newsprint prices offset by declines in newsprint volumes offset by higher newsprint prices.volumes. See Item 3, “Commodities”, included herein, for further discussion and analysis of the impact of newsprint on our business.

 

Other operating expenses increased $4,215,000$5,887,000 in the 2022 Quarter, or 5.2%7.2%, compared to the 2021 Quarter. Other operating expenses include all operating costs not considered to be compensation, newsprint, depreciation and amortization, or restructuring costs and other.assets loss on sales, impairments, and other, net. 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 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 $3,200,000$6,072,000 and $3,167,000$1,419,000 in the 2022 Quarter and 2021 Quarter, respectively. TheseRestructuring costs relate toand other include severance costs, litigation expenses, restructuring expenses, and advisor expenses in the 2022 quarter associated with the hostile takeover attemptunsolicited offer in November 2021 in the 2022 Quarter.2021. Restructuring costs in the 2021 Quarter are predominately severance related to our ongoing business transformation.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $765,000,$2,018,000, or 7.3%18.6%, in the 2022 Quarter. The decrease in both is attributable to assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized.

 

Assets (gain) loss on sales, impairments and other, was a net gainloss of $12,274,000$1,086,000 in the 2022 Quarter compared to a net loss of $5,222,000$242,000 in the 2021 Quarter. The gains and losses and impairments in the 2022 Quarter and in the 2021 Quarter were the result of the disposition of non-core assets, including real estate.

 

The factors noted above resulted in an operating income of $25,114,000$6,439,000 in the 2022 Quarter compared to $20,808,000operating income of $13,783,000 in the 2021 Quarter.

 

Non-operating Income and Expense

 

Interest expense decreased $1,219,000,$718,000, or 10.3%6.5%, to $10,663,000$10,292,000 in the 2022 Quarter, compared to the same period last year. The decrease was due to a lower outstanding balance on our Term Loan. Debt has been reduced by $113,400,000 million since our refinancing in March 2020. Our weighted average cost of debt was 9.0% at the end of the 2022 Quarter and 2021 Quarter.

 

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 $4,448,000$3,598,000 periodic pension and other postretirement benefits in the 2022 Quarter compared to $2,343,000$2,228,000 in the 2021 Quarter. We recorded non-operating expenseincome of $1,929,000$0 in the 2022 Quarter and non-operating incomeexpense of $116,000$237,000 in the 2021 Quarter, related to the changes in the value of the Warrants.

Income Tax Expense

We recorded an income tax expense of $156,000, or 44.3% of pretax income in the 2022 Quarter. In the 2021 Quarter, we recognized an income tax expense of $1,366,000, or 26.8% of pretax loss.

Net Income and Earnings (losses) Per Share

Net income was $196,000 and diluted losses per share were $0.05 for the 2022 Quarter compared to net income of $3,737,000 and diluted earnings per share of $0.55 for the 2021 Quarter. The change reflects the various items discussed above.

14

NINE MONTHS ENDEDJune 26, 2022

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


  

June 26,

  

June 27,

  

Percent

 

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

 

2022

  

2021

  

Change

 
             

Operating revenue:

            

Print

  145,032   174,933   (17.1)

Digital

  132,356   104,393   26.8 

Advertising and marketing services revenue

  277,388   279,326   (0.7)

Print

  234,962   249,332   (5.8)

Digital

  28,953   20,573   40.7 

Subscription revenue

  263,915   269,905   (2.2)

Print

  32,430   37,177   (12.8)

Digital

  13,600   14,328   (5.1)

Other revenue

  46,030   51,505   (10.6)

Total operating revenue

  587,333   600,736   (2.2)

Operating expenses:

            

Compensation

  246,333   250,048   (1.5)

Newsprint and ink

  22,254   22,222   0.1 

Other operating expenses

  258,665   243,749   6.1 

Depreciation and amortization

  27,445   33,794   (18.8)

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

  (11,340)  6,938   NM 

Restructuring costs and other

  19,862   5,880   NM 

Operating expenses

  563,219   562,631   0.1 

Equity in earnings of associated companies

  4,211   4,902   (14.1)

Operating income

  28,325   43,007   (34.1)

Non-operating income (expense):

            

Interest expense

  (31,478)  (34,129)  (7.8)

Curtailment gain

  1,027   23,830   (95.7)

Pension withdrawal cost

  (2,335)  (12,310)  (81.0)

Other, net

  13,525   6,240   NM 

Non-operating expenses, net

  (19,261)  (16,369)  17.6 

Income before income taxes

  9,064   26,638   (66.0)

Income tax expense

  2,363   7,106   (66.7)

Net income

  6,701   19,532   (65.7)
             

Earnings per common share:

            

Basic

  0.89   3.15   (71.8)

Diluted

  0.87   3.10   (71.8)

References to the “2022 Period” refer to the nine months ended June 26, 2022. Similarly, references to the “2021 Period” refer to the nine months ended June 27, 2021. 

Operating Revenue

Total operating revenue was $587,333,000 in the 2022 Period, down $13,403,000, or 2.2%, compared to the 2021 Period.

Advertising and marketing services revenue totaled $277,388,000 in the 2022 Period, down 0.7% compared to the prior year. Print advertising revenues were $145,032,000 in the 2022 Period, down 17.1% compared to the prior year due to continued secular declines in demand for print advertising. Digital advertising and marketing services totaled $132,356,000 in the 2022 Period, up 26.8% compared to the prior year. These gains resulted from an 83.1% increase in Amplified Digital revenue and an increase in advertising on our owned and operated sites. Digital advertising and marketing services represented 47.7% of the 2022 Period total advertising and marketing services revenue, compared to 37.4% in the same period last year.

Subscription revenue totaled $263,915,000 in the 2022 Period, down 2.2% compared to the 2021 Period. The decline in full access volume, consistent with historical and industry trends were partially offset by growth in digital only subscribers and selective price increases on our full access subscriptions. Digital only subscribers grew 48.6% since the 2021 Period and now total 501,000.

Other revenue, which primarily consists of commercial printing revenue and digital services from TownNews, decreased $5,475,000, or 10.6%, in the 2022 Period compared to the 2021 Period. Digital services revenue totaled $13,600,000 in the 2022 Period, a 5.3% decrease compared to the 2021 Period. Commercial printing revenue totaled $16,195,000 in the 2022 Period, a 9.3% decrease compared to the 2021 Period primarily driven by reduction in print volumes from our partners.

Total digital revenue including digital advertising revenue, digital subscription revenue and digital services revenue totaled $174,909,000 in the 2022 Period, an increase of 25.5% over the 2021 Period, and represented 29.8% of our total operating revenue in the 2022 Period.

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI decreased $691,000 in the 2022 Period.

15

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses were $563,219,000 in the 2022 Period, a 0.1% increase compared to the 2021 Period. Cash Costs, a Non-GAAP financial measure (see reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures below), were $527,252,000, a 2.2% increase compared to the 2021 Period.

Compensation expense decreased $3,715,000 in the 2022 Period, or 1.5%, compared to the 2021 Period due to reductions in FTE's due to continued business transformation efforts partially offset by investments in digital talent and increasing average compensation levels due to investments in digital talent.

Newsprint and ink costs increased $32,000 in the 2022 Period, or 0.1%, compared to the 2021 Period. The increase is attributable to higher newsprint prices offset by declines in newsprint volumes. See Item 3, “Commodities”, included herein, for further discussion and analysis of the impact of newsprint on our business.

Other operating expenses increased $14,916,000 in the 2022 Period, or 6.1%, compared to the 2021 Period. Other operating expenses include all operating costs not considered to be compensation, newsprint, depreciation and amortization, or restructuring costs and asset loss on sales, impairments and other, net. 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 increases in digital costs of goods sold from Amplified Digital growth, higher input costs due to inflation and 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 $19,862,000 and $5,880,000 in the 2022 Period and 2021 Period, respectively. Restructuring costs and other include severance costs, litigation costs, restructuring expenses, and advisor expenses in the 2022 Period associated with an unsolicited takeover offer received in November 2021. Restructuring costs in the 2021 Period are predominately severance related to our ongoing business transformation.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $6,349,000, or 18.8%, in the 2022 Period. The decrease in both is attributable to assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized.

Assets (gain) loss on sales, impairments and other, was a net gain of $11,340,000 in the 2022 Period compared to a net loss of $6,938,000 in the 2021 Period. The gains and losses in the 2022 Period and 2021 Period were the result of the disposition of non-core assets, including real estate.

The factors noted above resulted in operating income of $28,325,000 in the 2022 Period compared to $43,007,000 in the 2021 Period.

Non-operating Income and Expense

Interest expense decreased $2,651,000, or 7.8%, to $31,478,000 in the 2022 Period, compared to the same period last year. The decrease was due to a lower outstanding balance on our Term Loan. Our weighted average cost of debt was 9.0% at the end of the 2022 Period and 2021 Period.

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 $11,643,000 periodic pension and other postretirement benefits in the 2022 Period compared to $6,799,000 in the 2021 Period. We recorded non-operating income of $71,000 in the 2022 Period and non-operating expense of $954,000 in the 2021 Period, related to changes in the value of the Warrants.

 

We recognized a non-cash curtailment gain of $1,027,000 in the 2022 QuarterPeriod 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 QuarterPeriod by eliminating post-retirement medical coverage for certain employees.

 

We recognized pension withdrawal costs in the 2022 and 2021 QuarterPeriod 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

 

We recorded an income tax expense of $5,351,000,$2,363,000, or 28.8%26.1% of pretax income, in the 2022 Quarter.Period. In the 2021 Quarter,Period, we recognized an income tax expense of $6,311,000,$7,106,000 or 27.8%26.7% of pretax income.

 

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

 

Net income was $13,199,000$6,701,000 and diluted earnings per share were $2.17$0.87 for the 2022 QuarterPeriod, compared to net income of $16,403,000$19,532,000 and diluted earnings per share of $2.77$3.10 for the 2021 Quarter.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 timeone-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,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 Nine months ended 
 

December 26,

 

December 27,

  

June 26,

 

June 27,

 

June 26,

 

June 27,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

  

2022

 

2021

 

2022

 

2021

 
  

Net income

 13,199  16,403  196  3,737  6,701  19,532 

Adjusted to exclude

  

Income tax expense

 5,351  6,311  156  1,366  2,363  7,106 

Non-operating expenses, net

 6,564  (1,906) 6,087  8,680  19,261  16,369 

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI

 (1,754) (1,743) (1,050) (1,689) (4,211) (4,902)

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

 (12,274) 5,222 

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

 1,086�� 242  (11,340) 6,938 

Depreciation and amortization

 9,676  10,441  8,818  10,836  27,445  33,794 

Restructuring costs and other

 3,200  3,167  6,072  1,419  19,862  5,880 

Stock compensation

 186  220  327  205  1,026  639 

Add:

  

Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%)

 1,939  1,890  1,268  1,923  4,864  5,421 

Adjusted EBITDA

 26,087  40,005  22,960  26,719  65,971  90,777 

 

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 Nine Months ended 
 December 26, December 27,  June 26, June 27, June 26, June 27, 
(Thousands of Dollars) 2021 2020  2022 2021 2022 2021 
              
Operating expenses 178,922 192,752  189,648 184,396 563,219 562,631 
Adjusted to exclude     
Adjustments         
Depreciation and amortization 9,676 10,441  8,818 10,836 27,445 33,794 
Assets (gain) loss on sales, impairments and other, net (12,274) 5,222 
Assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net 1,086 242 (11,340) 6,938 
Restructuring costs and other 3,200 3,167  6,072 1,419 19,862 5,880 
Cash Costs 178,320 173,922  173,672 171,899 527,252 516,019 

 

 

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 provided by operating activities totaled $570,000$716,000 in 20212022 compared to $18,916,000cash provided by operating activities of $42,771,000 in 2020,2021, a decrease of $18,346,000.$42,055,000.  The decrease was driven by a decrease in operating results of $9,670,000$23,400,000 (defined as net income (loss) adjusted for non-working capital items) and a decreasean increase in cash from working capital of $8,677,000,$18,654,000, primarily related to unfavorable changes in accounts payable,inventory, postretirement liabilities, income taxes payable and warrants, partially offset by favorable changes inand accounts receivable.

15

 

Investing Activities

 

Cash provided by investing activities totaled $11,954,000$8,515,000 in the 2022 Period compared to cash required for investing activities of $619,000$2,465,000 in the 2021 Period. 2022 included $14,406,000$14,824,000 in proceeds from the sale of assets as the Company divested non-core real estate.

 

We anticipate that funds necessary for capital expenditures, which are expected to be $12,000,000total up to $10,000,000 in 2022, and other requirements, will be available from internally generated funds.

 

Financing Activities

 

Cash required for financing activities totaled $20,051,000$19,682,000 in the 2022 Period compared to $14,888,000$52,969,000 in the 2021 Period. Debt reduction accounted for nearly all of the usage of funds in the 2022 and 2021 Periods.

 

Additional Information on Liquidity

 

Our liquidity, consisting of cash on the balance sheet, totals $18,585,000 at Decembertotaled $15,661,000 on June 26, 2021.2022. This liquidity amount excludes any future cash flows from operations. We expect all interest and principal payments due in the next twelve months will be satisfied by existing cash and our cash flows, which will allow us to maintain an adequate level of liquidity.

The Warrants, as defined in Note 5, if and when exercised, would provide additional liquidity in an amount up to $25,140,000.

 

In February 2020, our filing of a replacement Form S-3 registration statement ("Shelf") 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. SEC issuer eligibility rules require us to have a public float of at least $75,000,000 in order to use the 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 ofare paid more than 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.

 

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 implemented an October 2021 price increase of $25 per tonne, the seventh increase in 2021. Additionala January and March2022 price increases of $25 per tonne, have been announced.$25 per tonne in March 2022 and another price increase in May of $50 per tonne. The newsprint supply chain 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 recovering 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 boarder.border.

 

Our long-term supply strategy continues 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 on 27.7 pound27.7-pound newsprint would result in an annualized reduction in income before taxes of approximately $470,000$340,000 based on current and anticipated consumption trends in 2022, excluding consumption of TNI and MNI and the impact of LIFO accounting.

 

SENSITIVITY TO CHANGES IN VALUE

 

Our fixed rate debt consists of $462,554,000 principal amount of the Term Loan recorded at carrying value. At December 26, 2021, based on market price quotations, the fair value approximates carrying value.

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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

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 13 weeksthree and nine months ended DecemberJune 26, 20212022, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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 2021 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

 

 

 

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

 

FebruaryAugust 4, 2022

Timothy R. Millage

  

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

  

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  

 

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