UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
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þ | | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2011
OR
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o | | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File No. 1-33741
A. H. Belo Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware | | 38-3765318 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. employer identification no.) |
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P. O. Box 224866 | | |
Dallas, Texas | | 75222-4866 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(214) 977-8200
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.
None
Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yesþ Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yesþ Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filero | | Accelerated filerþ | | Non-accelerated filero | | Smaller reporting companyo |
| | | | (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | | |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yeso Noþ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
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Class | | Outstanding at July 26, 2011 |
Common Stock, $.01 par value | | 21,539,753 |
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* | | Consisting of 19,148,250 shares of Series A Common Stock and 2,391,503 shares of Series B Common Stock. |
A. H. BELO CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
In thousands, except per share amounts (unaudited) | | 2011 | | | 2010 | | | 2011 | | | 2010 | |
| | |
Net Operating Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advertising | | $ | 69,869 | | | $ | 77,004 | | | $ | 137,805 | | | $ | 149,190 | |
Circulation | | | 34,899 | | | | 35,456 | | | | 69,950 | | | | 71,042 | |
Printing and distribution | | | 9,718 | | | | 9,110 | | | | 18,906 | | | | 17,097 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total net operating revenues | | | 114,486 | | | | 121,570 | | | | 226,661 | | | | 237,329 | |
Operating Costs and Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Salaries, wages and employee benefits | | | 48,099 | | | | 56,817 | | | | 98,594 | | | | 113,071 | |
Other production, distribution and operating costs | | | 43,228 | | | | 47,034 | | | | 88,879 | | | | 93,066 | |
Newsprint, ink and other supplies | | | 15,071 | | | | 12,492 | | | | 29,573 | | | | 23,713 | |
Depreciation | | | 8,256 | | | | 8,441 | | | | 15,839 | | | | 17,605 | |
Amortization | | | 1,310 | | | | 1,310 | | | | 2,620 | | | | 2,620 | |
Pension plan withdrawal | | | 1,988 | | | | — | | | | 1,988 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating costs and expenses | | | 117,952 | | | | 126,094 | | | | 237,493 | | | | 250,075 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss from operations | | | (3,466 | ) | | | (4,524 | ) | | | (10,832 | ) | | | (12,746 | ) |
Other Income (Expense), Net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (172 | ) | | | (203 | ) | | | (378 | ) | | | (406 | ) |
Other income, net | | | 446 | | | | 5,967 | | | | 1,711 | | | | 5,992 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other income (expense), net | | | 274 | | | | 5,764 | | | | 1,333 | | | | 5,586 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income/(loss) before income taxes | | | (3,192 | ) | | | 1,240 | | | | (9,499 | ) | | | (7,160 | ) |
Income tax expense | | | 3,630 | | | | 1,411 | | | | 4,049 | | | | 2,139 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (6,822 | ) | | $ | (171 | ) | | $ | (13,548 | ) | | $ | (9,299 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted | | $ | (0.32 | ) | | $ | (0.01 | ) | | $ | (0.63 | ) | | $ | (0.45 | ) |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted | | | 21,512 | | | | 20,950 | | | | 21,448 | | | | 20,860 | |
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries
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In thousands, except share amounts (unaudited) | | June 30, 2011 | | | December 31, 2010 | |
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Assets | | | | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 50,057 | | | $ | 86,291 | |
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $3,335 and $3,853 at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively) | | | 40,796 | | | | 56,793 | |
Funds held by Belo Corp. for future pension payments | | | — | | | | 3,410 | |
Inventories | | | 12,349 | | | | 12,646 | |
Deferred income taxes, net | | | 1,393 | | | | 1,394 | |
Assets held for sale | | | 7,964 | | | | 5,268 | |
Prepaids and other current assets | | | 8,870 | | | | 7,157 | |
| | | | | | |
Total current assets | | | 121,429 | | | | 172,959 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment at cost: | | | | | | | | |
Land | | | 26,789 | | | | 26,789 | |
Buildings and improvements | | | 206,969 | | | | 207,486 | |
Publishing equipment | | | 277,815 | | | | 281,254 | |
Other | | | 139,602 | | | | 139,580 | |
Construction in process | | | 6,294 | | | | 5,520 | |
| | | | | | |
Total property, plant and equipment | | | 657,469 | | | | 660,629 | |
Less accumulated depreciation | | | 494,009 | | | | 483,953 | |
| | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | | | 163,460 | | | | 176,676 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Intangible assets, net | | | 19,569 | | | | 22,189 | |
Goodwill | | | 24,582 | | | | 24,582 | |
Investments | | | 17,716 | | | | 16,661 | |
Deferred income taxes, net | | | 1,816 | | | | 2,127 | |
Other assets | | | 4,278 | | | | 4,855 | |
| | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 352,850 | | | $ | 420,049 | |
| | | | | | |
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries
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In thousands, except share amounts (unaudited) | | June 30, 2011 | | | December 31, 2010 | |
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Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 13,815 | | | $ | 29,159 | |
Accrued compensation and benefits | | | 18,893 | | | | 17,139 | |
Pension liabilities | | | — | | | | 54,833 | |
Other accrued expenses | | | 13,032 | | | | 10,309 | |
Advance subscription payments | | | 22,805 | | | | 23,057 | |
| | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | | 68,545 | | | | 134,497 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Long-term pension liabilities | | | 90,704 | | | | 77,513 | |
Other post-employment benefits | | | 3,340 | | | | 3,492 | |
Other liabilities | | | 4,045 | | | | 4,674 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingent liabilities | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Shareholders’ equity: | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued. | | | — | | | | — | |
Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 125,000,000 shares | | | | | | | | |
Series A: issued 19,124,108 and 18,896,876 shares at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively | | | 191 | | | | 188 | |
Series B: issued 2,391,503 and 2,392,074 shares at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively | | | 24 | | | | 24 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 493,088 | | | | 491,542 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 2,262 | | | | 2,569 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (309,349 | ) | | | (294,450 | ) |
| | | | | | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 186,216 | | | | 199,873 | |
| | | | | | |
|
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | $ | 352,850 | | | $ | 420,049 | |
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See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Accumulated | | | | | | | |
| | Common Stock | | | Additional | | | Other | | | | | | | |
| | Series A | | | Series B | | | | | | | Paid-in | | | Comprehensive | | | Accumulated | | | | |
In thousands, except share amounts (unaudited) | | Shares | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Capital | | | Income/(Loss) | | | Deficit | | | Total | |
|
Balance at December 31, 2009 | | | 18,248,970 | | | | 2,507,590 | | | $ | 207 | | | $ | 488,241 | | | $ | 3,364 | | | $ | (170,215 | ) | | $ | 321,597 | |
Net loss | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (9,299 | ) | | | (9,299 | ) |
Other comprehensive loss: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other post-employment benefits, net of tax | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (365 | ) | | | — | | | | (365 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive loss | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (9,664 | ) |
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units | | | 62,119 | | | | — | | | | 1 | | | | 18 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 19 | |
Issuance of shares from stock option exercises | | | 208,773 | | | | 44,290 | | | | 2 | | | | 879 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 881 | |
Income tax on options | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (32 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (32 | ) |
Conversion of Series B to Series A | | | 2,164 | | | | (2,164 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Share-based compensation | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,288 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,288 | |
| | |
Balance at June 30, 2010 | | | 18,522,026 | | | | 2,549,716 | | | $ | 210 | | | $ | 490,394 | | | $ | 2,999 | | | $ | (179,514 | ) | | $ | 314,089 | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2010 | | | 18,896,876 | | | | 2,392,074 | | | $ | 212 | | | $ | 491,542 | | | $ | 2,569 | | | $ | (294,450 | ) | | $ | 199,873 | |
Net loss | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (13,548 | ) | | | (13,548 | ) |
Other comprehensive loss: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other post-employment benefits, net of tax | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (307 | ) | | | — | | | | (307 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive loss | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (13,855 | ) |
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units | | | 220,661 | | | | — | | | | 3 | | | | (3 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Issuance of shares from stock option exercises | | | 6,000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 12 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 12 | |
Income tax on options | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (24 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (24 | ) |
Conversion of Series B to Series A | | | 571 | | | | (571 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Share-based compensation | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,561 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,561 | |
Dividends | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (1,351 | ) | | | (1,351 | ) |
| | |
Balance at June 30, 2011 | | | 19,124,108 | | | | 2,391,503 | | | $ | 215 | | | $ | 493,088 | | | $ | 2,262 | | | $ | (309,349 | ) | | $ | 186,216 | |
| | |
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
In thousands (unaudited) | | 2011 | | | 2010 | |
|
Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (13,548 | ) | | $ | (9,299 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operations: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 18,459 | | | | 20,225 | |
(Gain)/loss on disposal of fixed assets | | | 406 | | | | (5,373 | ) |
Gain on recovery of investment | | | (729 | ) | | | — | |
Earnings on equity method investments | | | (1,037 | ) | | | — | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 279 | | | | 1,143 | |
Pension plan withdrawal | | | 1,988 | | | | — | |
Employee retirement benefit amortization | | | (307 | ) | | | 26 | |
Share-based compensation | | | 1,561 | | | | 1,631 | |
Other non-cash items | | | 322 | | | | (948 | ) |
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable, net | | | 15,997 | | | | 17,289 | |
Funds held by Belo for future pension contributions | | | 3,410 | | | | 8,272 | |
Inventories | | | (16 | ) | | | 1,428 | |
Assets held for sale | | | (2,696 | ) | | | — | |
Prepaids and other current assets | | | (1,713 | ) | | | (619 | ) |
Other, net | | | 577 | | | | 616 | |
Accounts payable | | | (15,344 | ) | | | (2,796 | ) |
Accrued compensation, benefits and other | | | 1,125 | | | | 8,757 | |
Pension liabilities | | | (43,630 | ) | | | — | |
Other accrued expenses | | | 2,723 | | | | (777 | ) |
Advance subscription payments | | | (252 | ) | | | (2,502 | ) |
Other post employment benefits | | | (152 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Net cash (used in) provided by operations | | | (32,577 | ) | | | 37,073 | |
Investments | | | | | | | | |
Capital expenditures | | | (3,083 | ) | | | (1,946 | ) |
Proceeds on the recovery of an impaired investment | | | 729 | | | | — | |
Other, net | | | 36 | | | | 376 | |
| | | | | | |
Net cash used for investments | | | (2,318 | ) | | | (1,570 | ) |
Financing | | | | | | | | |
Dividends and distributions | | | (1,351 | ) | | | — | |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | | | 12 | | | | 3 | |
| | | | | | |
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | (1,339 | ) | | | 3 | |
| | | | | | |
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | (36,234 | ) | | | 35,506 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | 86,291 | | | | 24,503 | |
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 50,057 | | | $ | 60,009 | |
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Supplemental Disclosures | | | | | | | | |
Interest paid | | $ | 137 | | | $ | — | |
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Income taxes paid, net of refunds | | $ | 1,019 | | | $ | 2,319 | |
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See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unless otherwise stated, dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business.A. H. Belo Corporation (“A. H. Belo” or the “Company”), headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a distinguished newspaper publishing and local news and information company that owns and operates four daily newspapers and several associated Web sites. A. H. Belo publishesThe Dallas Morning News (www. dallasnews.com), Texas’ leading newspaper and winner of nine Pulitzer Prizes;The Providence Journal(www. projo.com), the oldest continuously-published daily newspaper in the U.S. and winner of four Pulitzer Prizes;The Press-Enterprise (www.pe.com)(Riverside, CA), serving the Inland Southern California region and winner of one Pulitzer Prize; and theDenton Record-Chronicle (www.dentonrc.com).The Company publishes various specialty publications targeting niche audiences, and its partnerships and/or investments include the Yahoo! Newspaper Consortium and Classified Ventures, LLC, owner ofwww.cars.com.
A. H. Belo also owns and operates commercial printing, distribution and direct mail businesses.
A. H. Belo Corporation was incorporated under Delaware law on October 1, 2007, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Belo Corp. (“Belo”), to serve as a holding company in connection with Belo’s spin-off of its newspaper business and related assets and liabilities. The Company spun off from Belo effective February 8, 2008 through a pro-rata stock dividend to Belo shareholders (the “Distribution”). As a result, A. H. Belo became a separate public company on that date. Following the Distribution, Belo does not have any ownership interest in A. H. Belo, but continues to conduct limited business with A. H. Belo pursuant to various agreements. A. H. Belo and Belo also co-own certain downtown Dallas real estate and several investments associated with their respective businesses.
Basis of Presentation.The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of A. H. Belo and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Transactions between the companies comprising A. H. Belo have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011. The Company’s operating segments are defined as its newspapers within a given market. The Company has determined that according to the applicable accounting guidance all of its operating segments meet the criteria to be aggregated into one reporting segment.
In the second quarter of 2011, balances previously referred to as Advanced Payments on Property Plant and Equipment are now referred to as Construction in Process.
Pension Plans. Through December 31, 2010, certain employees and retirees of the Company participated in The G. B. Dealey Retirement Pension Plan (“GBD Pension Plan”), sponsored by Belo. The Company accounted for its pension obligations pursuant to accounting guidance for multiemployer pension plans. Accordingly, the Company recognized as net pension cost the required contribution for each period and recognized as a liability any reimbursement obligation due and unpaid. On October 6, 2010, the Company and Belo entered into a Pension Plan Transfer Agreement (the “Transfer Agreement”), agreeing to split the GBD Pension Plan. Under the Transfer Agreement, the GBD Pension Plan assets and liabilities related to current and former Company employees were transferred into two newly established pension plans, sponsored solely by the Company, effective January 1, 2011, having similar terms to the GBD Pension Plan. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company recognized a loss for the unfunded projected benefit obligation transferred to the new pension plans, as the liability was probable and could be estimated. In 2011, the Company follows accounting guidance for single employer defined benefit plans. Plan assets and the projected benefit obligation are measured each December 31, and the Company records as an asset or liability the net funded position of the plans. Certain changes in actuarial valuations related to returns on plan assets and projected benefit obligations are recorded to other comprehensive income and recognized into earnings over future periods. Net periodic pension expense is recognized each period by accruing interest expense and the return on assets associated with the projected benefit obligation and the plan assets, respectively. As of the effective date of the new pension plans, benefits to participants remained frozen and accordingly, the Company does not recognize on-going service costs as a component of its net periodic pension expense, Additionally, the unfunded projected benefit obligation was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2010 and other comprehensive loss does not include any prior service costs.
8
New Accounting Standards.In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04—Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820); Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). ASU No. 2011-04 provides clarity to the fair value definition in order to achieve greater consistency in fair value measurements and disclosures between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Additional disclosures are required regarding transfers of assets between Level 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy and regarding sensitivity of fair values for Level 3 assets. The effective date of this amendment is for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this amendment is not anticipated to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or its liquidity.
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05—Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, to increase the prominence of other comprehensive income in financial statements. ASU No. 2011-05 gives businesses two options for presenting other comprehensive income. A statement of other comprehensive income can be included with the statement of operations, which together will make a statement of total comprehensive income. Alternatively, businesses can present a statement of comprehensive income separate from a statement of operations, but the two statements will be required to appear consecutively within a financial report. The effective date of this amendment is for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2011.The Company is currently evaluating its presentation options. The adoption of this amendment will not impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or its liquidity.
Note 2: Changes in Accounting Estimates
In the second quarter of 2011, the Company fully depreciated certain property, plant and equipment that was determined to no longer have a remaining useful life. Accordingly, the Company recorded additional depreciation expense of $1,017 in the three months ended June 30, 2011. The Company also revised its estimate of the unfunded projected benefit obligation it has assumed in connection to the withdrawal from the GBD Pension Plan. See Note 5 — Pension and Other Retirement Plans for the changes in this estimate.
Note 3: Exit and Disposal Liabilities
In the second quarter of 2011, as part of cost containment measures, the Company began staffing reductions at its operations in Providence, Rhode Island and Riverside, California and at The Dallas Morning News North Plant, which are scheduled to occur through the fourth quarter of 2011, resulting in the elimination of approximately 120 positions. The Company estimates severance and employee-related costs associated with these staffing reductions will be approximately $1,221, of which $862 was recorded as a charge to salaries, wages and employee benefits in the second quarter of 2011. Additional severance will be recorded to salaries, wages and employee benefits in future periods, as the liability is incurred. Second quarter payments against this liability totaled $300, resulting in recorded liability of $562 as of June 30, 2011.
Note 4: Long-term Incentive Plans
On February 8, 2008, A. H. Belo established a long-term incentive plan under which awards were issued to holders of Belo stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) in connection with the Distribution. Subsequent awards may be granted to A. H. Belo employees and outside directors in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted shares, RSUs, performance shares, performance units or stock appreciation rights. As of June 30, 2011, shares of Series A and B common stock authorized under A. H. Belo’s equity compensation plans were 6,936,384, of which 3,764,357 shares remain available for future awards. The Company considers these awards in the calculation of its basic and diluted earnings per share. Anti-dilutive stock-based awards excluded from the calculation of earnings per share included 3,172,027 options and RSUs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 3,727,794 options and RSUs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010.
9
A. H. Belo Stock Option Activity
The following table summarizes the stock option activity under A. H. Belo’s long-term incentive plan for the six months ended June 30, 2011:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Number | | | Weighted- | |
| | of | | | Average | |
| | Options | | | Exercise Price | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2010 | | | 2,191,736 | | | $ | 16.77 | |
Granted | | | — | | | | — | |
Exercised | | | (6,000 | ) | | $ | 2.05 | |
Canceled | | | (66,008 | ) | | $ | 19.32 | |
| | | | | | | |
Outstanding at June 30, 2011 | | | 2,119,728 | | | $ | 16.74 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Vested and exercisable at June 30, 2011 | | | 1,847,976 | | | $ | 18.72 | |
| | | | | | | |
A. H. Belo RSU Activity
Under A. H. Belo’s long-term incentive plan, the Board of Directors has awarded RSUs that vest over a period of one to three years. Upon vesting, the RSUs will be redeemed 60 percent in A. H. Belo Series A common stock and 40 percent in cash. A liability is recorded for the portion of the RSUs to be redeemed in cash and as of June 30, 2011, the liability for the cash portion of the redemption was $2,187. During the vesting period, holders of service-based RSUs participate in A. H. Belo dividends declared by receiving payments for dividend equivalents. The RSUs do not have voting rights. The following table summarizes the RSU activity under A. H. Belo’s long-term incentive plan for the six months ended June 30, 2011:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Cash | | | | |
| | | | | | Issuance | | | | | | | Payments at | | | Weighted- | |
| | | | | | of | | | RSUs | | | Closing Price | | | Average | |
| | Total | | | Common | | | Redeemed | | | of Stock | | | Price on Date | |
| | RSUs | | | Stock | | | in Cash | | | ($000) | | | of Grant | |
Non-vested at December 31, 2010 | | | 1,018,452 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 6.36 | |
Granted | | | 409,726 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 7.69 | |
Vested | | | (367,801 | ) | | | 220,661 | | | | 147,140 | | | $ | 1,129 | | | $ | 8.68 | |
Canceled | | | (8,078 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 6.19 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-vested at June 30, 2011 | | | 1,052,299 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 6.07 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term incentive plan expense (benefit) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 consists of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | A. H. Belo | | | | | | | |
| | Equity Awards | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Belo | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Cash | | | Corp. | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Awards for | | | Equity | | | Incentive | |
| | Options | | | RSUs | | | Total | | | RSUs | | | Awards | | | Awards | |
Three months ended June 30, | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | $ | 55 | | | $ | 450 | | | $ | 504 | | | $ | 34 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 538 | |
2010 | | $ | 77 | | | $ | (95 | ) | | $ | (18 | ) | | $ | (128 | ) | | $ | (425 | ) | | $ | (571 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six months ended June 30, | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2011 | | $ | 113 | | | $ | 1,448 | | | $ | 1,561 | | | $ | 670 | | | $ | 131 | | | $ | 2,362 | |
2010 | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,288 | | | $ | 1,288 | | | $ | 1,242 | | | $ | (69 | ) | | $ | 2,461 | |
10
In the first quarter of 2011, all pre-Distribution options and RSUs issued by Belo Corp. to Company employees were fully vested and the Company no longer recognizes expense for these awards.
Note 5: Pension and Other Retirement Plans
On October 6, 2010, the Company and Belo Corp. entered into the Transfer Agreement whereby the Company and Belo agreed to split the assets and liabilities of the GBD Pension Plan, allowing the Company to establish separate pension plans and serve as sponsor of these plans. On January 1, 2011, the Company established the A. H. Belo Pension Plans I and II (collectively the “A. H. Belo Pension Plans”) which account for the transferred assets and obligations associated with current and former employees of the Company that participated in the GBD Pension Plan. A. H. Belo Pension Plan I provides benefits to certain employees primarily employed withThe Dallas Morning Newsor the
A. H. Belo corporate offices. A. H. Belo Pension Plan II provides benefits to certain employees atThe Providence Journal.In the second quarter of 2011, the Company and Belo completed the allocation of the GBD Pension Plan assets and liabilities outstanding as of December 31, 2010. The A. H. Belo Pension Plans were allocated $238,327 of plan assets and $363,928 of projected benefit obligations. The net unfunded obligation, in addition to $8,733 of contributions the Company was required to make to the GBD Pension Plan as a result of the Transfer Agreement, resulted in a loss on withdrawal from the GBD Pension Plan of $134,334. The Company recognized $132,346 of this loss in the fourth quarter of 2010 based on preliminary actuarial estimates, and the remaining $1,988 loss was recognized in the second quarter of 2011. No additional benefits are accruing under the A. H. Belo Pension Plans, as future benefits were frozen prior to the plans’ effective date. In January 2011, the A. H. Belo Pension Plans received $215,235 of the estimated assets to be transferred from the GBD Pension Plan and the remaining $23,092 was received in the second quarter of 2011.
During January 2011, the Company contributed $8,733 to the GBD Pension Plan to settle required contributions associated with the Transfer Agreement, of which $3,410 of this payment came from A. H. Belo funds held by Belo for future pension contributions. In the first quarter of 2011, the Company made a discretionary contribution of $30,000 to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans, directly reducing the unfunded projected pension obligation of the A. H. Belo Pension Plans. A required contribution of $5,896 was made in the second quarter of 2011. The minimum required contributions for the remainder of 2011 are estimated to be $10,409, which were made on July 15, 2011.
The Company has estimated net periodic pension expense for 2011 based on the plan assets and estimated projected pension obligations assumed by the A. H. Belo Pension Plans. The Company assumes a 6.5 percent long-term return on the plans’ assets. Investment strategies for plans’ assets are based upon factors such as the remaining useful life expectancy of participants and market risks. In 2011, the Company expects between 60 to 70 percent of the plans’ assets to be invested in equity securities and the remaining 30 to 40 percent to be invested in fixed income securities. Projected benefit obligations for the plans are estimated based on the Citigroup Pension Yield Curve, which produced a composite discount rate of 5.3 percent. Components of net periodic pension expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months | | | Six Months | |
| | Ended | | | Ended | |
| | June 30, 2011 | | | June 30, 2011 | |
Interest costs | | $ | 4,675 | | | $ | 9,350 | |
Return on plan assets (estimated) | | | (4,175 | ) | | | (8,350 | ) |
| | | | | | |
Net expense | | $ | 500 | | | $ | 1,000 | |
| | | | | | |
In 2010, Company employees participated in the GBD Pension Plan, and the Company accounted for its pension obligations under the accounting guidance established for multiemployer plans. Pension expense recorded for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was $4,200 and $8,272, respectively.
Other Defined Contribution Plans.In the second quarter of 2011, the Company announced that it would provide a match of employee
401(k) contributions up to 1.5 percent of base salary occurring in the first two quarters of 2011. No match was provided in 2010. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recorded $435 and $856, respectively, of expense associated with its 401(k) plan.
Expense associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Transition Supplement Plan and the A. H. Belo Pension Transition Supplement Restoration Plan (collectively the “Pension Transition Plans”), was $1,141 and $1,278 for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively and $2,327 and $2,557 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
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Note 6: Investments
The Company owns various non-controlling interests in third party entities and records these interests under the equity or cost method of accounting. Under the equity method, the Company records its share of the investee’s earnings/(losses) each period. Under the cost method, the Company records earnings or losses when the amounts are realized. The following represents the non-controlling interests held by the Company:
| | | | | | | | |
| | June 30, 2011 | | | December 31, 2010 | |
Equity method investments | | $ | 16,936 | | | $ | 15,899 | |
Cost method investments | | | 780 | | | | 762 | |
| | | | | | |
Total investments | | $ | 17,716 | | | $ | 16,661 | |
| | | | | | |
Investments accounted for under the equity method include the following:
| • | | Belo Investment, LLC (“Belo Investment”) — A. H. Belo and Belo each own a 50 percent interest in Belo Investment. In connection with the February 2008 Distribution, Belo Investment was formed to hold certain real properties including The Belo Building, related parking sites, and other downtown Dallas real estate. A third party real estate services firm, engaged by Belo Investment, manages The Belo Building and its other real estate holdings, and the Company and Belo equally share the operating costs associated with these properties. |
|
| • | | Classified Ventures, LLC (“Classified Ventures”) — A. H. Belo and Belo, through subsidiaries, jointly own 6.6 percent of Classified Ventures, a joint venture in which the other owners are Gannett Co., Inc., The McClatchy Company, Tribune Company, and The Washington Post Company. The two principal online businesses Classified Ventures operates arewww.cars.comandwww.apartments.com. |
Note 7: Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Company has recorded intangible assets consisting of goodwill and subscriber lists from its previous acquisitions. The carrying value of goodwill was $24,582, net of cumulative impairment losses of $439,509, as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The remaining goodwill is recorded atThe Dallas Morning Newsreporting unit. The recorded value of subscriber lists, which are amortized over an 18 year period, are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Total | | | The Dallas | | | The Providence | | | The Press- | |
| | Subscriber Lists | | | Morning News | | | Journal | | | Enterprise | |
Gross balance at December 31, 2010 | | $ | 114,824 | | | $ | 22,896 | | | $ | 78,698 | | | $ | 13,230 | |
Accumulated amortization | | | (92,635 | ) | | | (22,896 | ) | | | (60,480 | ) | | | (9,259 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net balance at December 31, 2010 | | $ | 22,189 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 18,218 | | | $ | 3,971 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross balance at June 30, 2011 | | $ | 114,824 | | | $ | 22,896 | | | $ | 78,698 | | | $ | 13,230 | |
Accumulated amortization | | | (95,255 | ) | | | (22,896 | ) | | | (62,667 | ) | | | (9,692 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net balance at June 30, 2011 | | $ | 19,569 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16,031 | | | $ | 3,538 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note 8: Long-term Debt
The Company operates with a Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) that has a total commitment of $25,000. The Credit Agreement is subject to a borrowing base comprised of eligible accounts receivable and inventory, which determines the available borrowing capacity. On May 2, 2011, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment to its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Capital One, N.A. (“Fifth Amendment”). Among other matters, the Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement extends the maturity date of the credit facility from September 30, 2012 to September 30, 2014, allows the Company to pay annual cash dividends (subject to the fixed charge coverage ratio and $12,500 of borrowing availability if borrowings are outstanding), and removes the restrictions on capital expenditures. In addition, under this Fifth Amendment, if borrowing availability falls below $7,500, a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant of 1:1 will apply. As long as no borrowings are outstanding under the revolving credit facility, the Fifth Amendment permits the Company to make voluntary pension contributions, declare dividends, and repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The Fifth Amendment also makes other amendments to the Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of January 30, 2009 relating to cash management procedures for the Company’s deposit accounts.
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At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had eligible collateral to secure borrowings under the Credit Agreement of $30,593 and $40,471, respectively, resulting in a borrowing base of $25,000 for both periods. When letters of credit and other required reserves are deducted from the borrowing base, the Company had $20,021 and $19,976 of borrowing capacity available under the Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The Company had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility during 2010 or 2011.
Note 9: Contingencies
On October 24, 2006, 18 former employees ofThe Dallas Morning Newsfiled a lawsuit against various A. H. Belo-related parties in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The plaintiffs’ lawsuit mainly consists of claims of unlawful discrimination and ERISA violations. On March 28, 2011, the Court granted defendants summary judgment and dismissed all claims. Plaintiffs moved for reconsideration, which motion was denied by the United States Magistrate. On July 15, 2011, the plaintiffs appealed the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The Company believes the lawsuit is without merit and is vigorously defending against it.
In addition to the proceeding described above, a number of other legal proceedings are pending against A. H. Belo, including several actions for alleged libel and/or defamation. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from these other legal proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on A. H. Belo’s results of operations, liquidity, or financial condition.
Note 10: Dividends
On June 3, 2011, the Company paid a dividend of $0.06 per share on outstanding Series A and Series B common stock and to holders of outstanding RSU awards, which are considered participating securities, as of May 16, 2011.
On July 26, 2011, the Company declared a dividend of $0.06 per share on outstanding Series A and Series B common stock and to holders of outstanding RSU awards, to be paid on September 2, 2011 to shareholders of record on August 12, 2011.
Note 11: Fair Value Measurements
On March 3, 2011, the Company completed the purchase of the personal residence of a Company officer pursuant to a retention and relocation arrangement. The residence was recorded at an estimated fair value of $2,696, based on a purchase price of $3,096 and net of anticipated holding and selling costs of $400. The estimated holding and selling costs were included in earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2011.
The following presents the assets and liabilities by major category that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the period, as required by Accounting Standards Codification No. 820, Fair Value Measurements.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Fair Value Measurements Using | |
| | | | | | Quoted Price | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | in Active | | | Significant | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months | | | Markets for | | | Other | | | Significant | | | | |
| | Ended | | | Indentical | | | Observable | | | Unobservable | | | | |
| | June 30, | | | Assets | | | Inputs | | | Inputs | | | Total Gains | |
(in thousands) | | 2011 | | | (Level I) | | | (Level II) | | | (Level III) | | | (Losses) | |
Assets held for sale | | $ | 2,696 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,696 | | | $ | (400 | ) |
13
Fair value measurements are based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques for recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
| | Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets accessible at the reporting date for identical assets and liabilities |
|
| | Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. Quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not considered active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly |
|
| | Level 3 — Prices or valuations that require inputs that are significant to the valuation and are unobservable |
Note 12: Income Taxes
Income taxes are recorded using the liability method in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The provision for income taxes reflects the Company’s estimate of the effective rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year, adjusted by any discrete events, which are reported in the period in which they occur. This estimate is re-evaluated each quarter based on the Company’s estimated tax expense for the year.
The Company recognized income tax expense of approximately $3,630 and $4,049 for the three months and six ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and $1,411 and $2,139 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, representing effective income tax rates of (42.6) percent and (29.9) percent, for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 is primarily attributable to the Texas margin tax, changes in the valuation allowance, and a one-time charge of $2,961 related to a pre-Distribution Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit adjustment. This one time charge was incurred pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement with Belo. The Company anticipates making this payment to Belo in the third quarter of 2011 upon closing of all pre-Distribution federal income tax years.
The Company currently projects taxable losses for the year 2011 for federal income tax purposes and in certain state income tax jurisdictions. Net operating losses can be carried forward to offset future taxable income. The Company’s net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in the year 2029 if not utilized.
The applicable accounting guidance places a threshold for recognition of deferred tax assets including net operating loss carryforwards. Based on such criteria, the Company established a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions, as it was more likely than not the benefit resulting from these deferred tax assets would not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets include reversal of future deferred tax liabilities, available tax planning strategies, and future taxable income. Any reversal relating to the valuation allowance will be recorded as a reduction of income tax expense. The change in deferred tax assets for the six months ended June 30, 2011, is partially offset by a corresponding increase in the valuation allowance of approximately $2,209.
The Company records a tax benefit from uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not the positions will be sustained by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of those positions. As of June 30, 2011, the Company recorded $360 in reserves for uncertain tax positions. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to these reserves in interest expense.
On December 31, 2010, the Company recorded a receivable from Belo of $3,549 related to a carryback of the Company’s taxable net operating losses on Belo’s federal income tax return filed in the fourth quarter of 2010. During March 2011, Belo received the refund and the receivable from Belo has been collected.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
| | (Unless the context requires otherwise, all dollar amounts in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are in thousands, except per share amounts.) |
The following information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes filed as part of this report.
Overview
A. H. Belo Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a distinguished newspaper publishing and local news and information company that owns and operates four daily newspapers and several associated Web sites. A. H. Belo publishesThe Dallas Morning News (www.dallasnews.com), Texas’ leading newspaper and winner of nine Pulitzer Prizes;The Providence Journal (www.projo.com), the oldest continuously-published daily newspaper in the U.S. and winner of four Pulitzer Prizes;The Press-Enterprise (www.pe.com)(Riverside, CA), serving the Inland Southern California region and winner of one Pulitzer Prize; and theDenton Record-Chronicle (www.dentonrc.com).The Company publishes various specialty publications targeting niche audiences, and its partnerships and/or investments include the Yahoo! Newspaper Consortium and Classified Ventures, LLC, owner ofwww.cars.com. A. H. Belo also owns and operates commercial printing, distribution and direct mail businesses.
The Company was spun off from Belo Corp. effective February 8, 2008 through a pro-rata stock dividend to Belo shareholders. As a consequence, A. H. Belo became a separate public company on that date. Following the Distribution, Belo has no further ownership interest in A. H. Belo or in any newspaper or related businesses, and A. H. Belo has no ownership interest in Belo or in any television station or related businesses, but continues to conduct limited business with Belo. A. H. Belo’s relationship with Belo is now governed by a separation and distribution agreement and several ancillary agreements. A. H. Belo and Belo also co-own certain downtown Dallas real estate and several investments associated with their respective businesses.
A. H. Belo intends for the discussion of its financial condition and results of operations that follows to provide information that will assist in understanding its financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those statements from period to period, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how certain accounting principles, policies, and estimates affect its financial statements.
Overview of Significant Activity in the Second Quarter of 2011
| • | | The Company’s advertising revenues related to its core newspapers continue to decline due to the prolonged weak economy, resulting in a 9.3 percent decrease for the three months ended June 30, 2011 when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2010. In response, the Company has continued its focus on expanding its advertising in niche publications and digital platforms and increasing commercial printing revenues. Additionally, the Company continues to lower its costs by reducing staff and implementing general cost-control measures. |
|
| • | | Average newsprint purchase prices increased 11.3 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2011 when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2010, but have increased only 2.6 percent when compared to the three months ended December 31, 2010. These price changes were expected by the Company and are subject to market conditions. The Company participates in a purchasing consortium to obtain favorable pricing on its newsprint purchases. |
|
| • | | During June 2011,The Dallas Morning Newsreleased applications that run on the Android operating system. This is a continuation of the subscriber content initiatives introduced in the first quarter of 2011 to strengthenThe Dallas Morning Newsability to engage readers on digital platforms. |
|
| • | | Pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement with Belo, the Company recorded a charge to tax expense of $2,961 as a result of a pre-Distribution IRS audit adjustment. |
|
| • | | The Company and Belo finalized the distribution of the assets and liabilities of the GBD Pension Plan, resulting in an adjustment increasing the loss on the withdrawal from the plan by $1,988. |
|
| • | | On June 3, 2011, the Company paid a dividend of $0.06 per share, or $1,351, to its shareholders of record on May 16, 2011. |
15
Results of Operations
Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations
The table below presents the Company’s components of consolidated loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | | | | | Percentage | | | | | | | | | | | Percentage | | | | |
| | 2011 | | | Change | | | 2010 | | | 2011 | | | Change | | | 2010 | |
Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advertising | | $ | 69,869 | | | | (9.3) | % | | $ | 77,004 | | | $ | 137,805 | | | | (7.6) | % | | $ | 149,190 | |
Circulation | | | 34,899 | | | | (1.6) | % | | | 35,456 | | | | 69,950 | | | | (1.5) | % | | | 71,042 | |
Printing and distribution | | | 9,718 | | | | 6.7 | % | | | 9,110 | | | | 18,906 | | | | 10.6 | % | | | 17,097 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenue | | | 114,486 | | | | (5.8) | % | | | 121,570 | | | | 226,661 | | | | (4.5) | % | | | 237,329 | |
Operating costs and expenses | | | 117,952 | | | | (6.5) | % | | | 126,094 | | | | 237,493 | | | | (5.0) | % | | | 250,075 | |
Other income (expense), net | | | 274 | | | | (95.2) | % | | | 5,764 | | | | 1,333 | | | | (76.1) | % | | | 5,586 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income/(loss) before income taxes | | | (3,192 | ) | | | (357.4) | % | | | 1,240 | | | | (9,499 | ) | | | 32.7 | % | | | (7,160 | ) |
Income tax expense | | | 3,630 | | | | 157.3 | % | | | 1,411 | | | | 4,049 | | | | 89.3 | % | | | 2,139 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (6,822 | ) | | | 3,889.5 | % | | $ | (171 | ) | | $ | (13,548 | ) | | | 45.7 | % | | $ | (9,299 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Newspaper Revenues
The Dallas Morning News
The table below presents the components ofThe Dallas Morning Newsnet operating revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | | | | | Percent | | | | | | | | | | | Percent | | | | | | | Percent | | | | | | | | | | | Percent | |
| | | | | | of Total | | | Percentage | | | | | | | of Total | | | | | | | of Total | | | Percentage | | | | | | | of Total | |
| | 2011 | | | Revenues | | | Change | | | 2010 | | | Revenues | | | 2011 | | | Revenues | | | Change | | | 2010 | | | Revenues | |
Advertising | | $ | 45,010 | | | | 60.8 | % | | | -8.4 | % | | $ | 49,141 | | | | 62.9 | % | | $ | 89,683 | | | | 60.7 | % | | | -5.0 | % | | $ | 94,452 | | | | 62.1 | % |
Display | | | 18,709 | | | | | | | | -11.0 | % | | | 21,012 | | | | | | | | 36,571 | | | | | | | | -10.2 | % | | | 40,707 | | | | | |
Classified | | | 7,451 | | | | | | | | -8.8 | % | | | 8,173 | | | | | | | | 14,870 | | | | | | | | -3.3 | % | | | 15,384 | | | | | |
Preprints | | | 13,458 | | | | | | | | -6.5 | % | | | 14,391 | | | | | | | | 27,176 | | | | | | | | -2.5 | % | | | 27,860 | | | | | |
Digital | | | 5,392 | | | | | | | | -3.1 | % | | | 5,565 | | | | | | | | 11,066 | | | | | | | | 5.4 | % | | | 10,501 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Circulation | | | 23,265 | | | | 31.4 | % | | | 0.4 | % | | | 23,172 | | | | 29.7 | % | | | 46,766 | | | | 31.6 | % | | | 0.3 | % | | | 46,608 | | | | 30.6 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Printing and distribution | | | 5,745 | | | | 7.8 | % | | | -0.4 | % | | | 5,767 | | | | 7.4 | % | | | 11,387 | | | | 7.7 | % | | | 2.2 | % | | | 11,147 | | | | 7.3 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 74,020 | | | | 100.0 | % | | | -5.2 | % | | $ | 78,080 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 147,836 | | | | 100.0 | % | | | -2.9 | % | | $ | 152,207 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advertising revenues decreased $4,131, or 8.4 percent, and $4,769, or 5.0 percent in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, due to declines in display, classified, and preprint advertising revenues. Display advertising decreased by $2,303 or 11.0 percent and $4,136 or 10.2 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively as a result of declines in retail and general advertising.
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Classified advertising revenues decreased $722, or 8.8 percent and $514, or 3.3 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. This decrease is due to declines in auto and real estate categories, partially offset by an increase in employment.
Preprint advertising revenues decreased by $933, or 6.5 percent and $684, or 2.5 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. Preprint advertising revenues are comprised of preprinted newspaper inserts and preprinted mail advertisements.
Digital advertising revenues are primarily comprised of Internet advertising, employment advertising and automotive classified advertising onThe Dallas Morning News’Web sites, including its affiliation withwww.cars.com. Revenues decreased $173 or 3.1 percent, in the three months ended June 30, 2011 due to declines in local and national Internet non-classified revenue. Revenues increased $565, or 5.4 percent, in the six months ended June 30, 2011, due to growth in local Internet and Internet auto classified revenue.
Advertising revenue fromThe Dallas Morning Newsniche publicationsBriefing,Al-DiaandQuick, was $5,749 and $11,070, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and $5,580 and $10,103 for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2010, respectively. Advertising revenue for niche publications increased $169, or 3.0 percent and $967 or 9.6 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. These revenues are a component of total display, classified, preprint and digital revenues ofThe Dallas Morning Newsdiscussed above.
Circulation revenues and Printing and distribution revenues were relatively flat for the periods presented.
The Providence Journal
The table below presents the components ofThe Providence Journalnet operating revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | | | | | Percent | | | | | | | | | | | Percent | | | | | | | Percent | | | | | | | | | | | Percent | |
| | | | | | of Total | | | Percentage | | | | | | | of Total | | | | | | | of Total | | | Percentage | | | | | | | of Total | |
| | 2011 | | | Revenues | | | Change | | | 2010 | | | Revenues | | | 2011 | | | Revenues | | | Change | | | 2010 | | | Revenues | |
| | |
Advertising | | $ | 13,772 | | | | 57.3 | % | | | -7.6 | % | | $ | 14,906 | | | | 59.7 | % | | $ | 26,185 | | | | 56.9 | % | | | -11.2 | % | | $ | 29,501 | | | | 60.1 | % |
Display | | | 4,768 | | | | | | | | -7.2 | % | | | 5,137 | | | | | | | | 9,056 | | | | | | | | -11.1 | % | | | 10,186 | | | | | |
Classified | | | 3,613 | | | | | | | | -5.0 | % | | | 3,804 | | | | | | | | 7,036 | | | | | | | | -12.8 | % | | | 8,071 | | | | | |
Preprints | | | 3,599 | | | | | | | | -10.8 | % | | | 4,037 | | | | | | | | 6,676 | | | | | | | | -9.8 | % | | | 7,401 | | | | | |
Digital | | | 1,792 | | | | | | | | -7.1 | % | | | 1,928 | | | | | | | | 3,417 | | | | | | | | -11.1 | % | | | 3,843 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Circulation | | | 8,277 | | | | 34.4 | % | | | -6.2 | % | | | 8,827 | | | | 35.4 | % | | | 16,413 | | | | 35.6 | % | | | -5.6 | % | | | 17,391 | | | | 35.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Printing and distribution | | | 1,985 | | | | 8.3 | % | | | 62.3 | % | | | 1,223 | | | | 4.9 | % | | | 3,460 | | | | 7.5 | % | | | 60.6 | % | | | 2,154 | | | | 4.4 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 24,034 | | | | 100.0 | % | | | -3.7 | % | | $ | 24,956 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 46,058 | | | | 100.0 | % | | | -6.1 | % | | $ | 49,046 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advertising revenues decreased by $1,134, or 7.6 percent and $3,316, or 11.2 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively due to declines in substantially all categories. Display advertising decreased by $369, or 7.2 percent and $1,130 or 11.1 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, as a result of a decline in retail advertising, partially offset by an increase in general advertising.
Classified advertising revenues decreased $191, or 5.0 percent and $1,035, or 12.8 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, due to declines in the other, real estate and employment categories, partially offset by increases in automotive.
Preprint advertising revenues decreased by $438, or 10.8 percent and $725, or 9.8 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. The decline in revenue in for both periods is attributable to a decline in preprinted insert volumes, partially offset by an increase in preprinted home delivery revenue.
17
Digital advertising revenue decreased $136, or 7.1 percent and $426, or 11.1 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and primarily consists of retail display advertising and online classified advertising, including auto, real estate, employment, legal and obituaries as major categories.
Circulation revenues decreased $550, or 6.2 percent and $978, or 5.6 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. The decrease reflects lower home delivery and lower single-copy revenue.
Printing and distribution revenue increased by $762, or 62.3 percent and $1,306, or 60.6 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, due toThe Providence Journal’scontinued expansion of single copy distribution services for large national and local newspapers.The Providence Journalhas also increased its commercial printing services to include two major metro newspapers, which also contributed to the growth.
The Press-Enterprise
The table below presents the components ofThe Press-Enterprisenet operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | | | | | Percent | | | | | | | | | | | Percent | | | | | | | Percent | | | | | | | | | | | Percent | |
| | | | | | of Total | | | Percentage | | | | | | | of Total | | | | | | | of Total | | | Percentage | | | | | | | of Total | |
| | 2011 | | | Revenues | | | Change | | | 2010 | | | Revenues | | | 2011 | | | Revenues | | | Change | | | 2010 | | | Revenues | |
| | |
Advertising | | $ | 11,087 | | | | 67.5 | % | | | -14.4 | % | | $ | 12,957 | | | | 69.9 | % | | $ | 21,937 | | | | 66.9 | % | | | -13.1 | % | | $ | 25,237 | | | | 70.0 | % |
Display | | | 2,957 | | | | | | | | -16.5 | % | | | 3,541 | | | | | | | | 5,740 | | | | | | | | -16.0 | % | | | 6,837 | | | | | |
Classified | | | 3,199 | | | | | | | | -27.1 | % | | | 4,389 | | | | | | | | 6,473 | | | | | | | | -25.5 | % | | | 8,683 | | | | | |
Preprints | | | 3,413 | | | | | | | | 2.2 | % | | | 3,339 | | | | | | | | 6,706 | | | | | | | | 2.6 | % | | | 6,534 | | | | | |
Digital | | | 1,518 | | | | | | | | -10.1 | % | | | 1,688 | | | | | | | | 3,018 | | | | | | | | -5.2 | % | | | 3,183 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Circulation | | | 3,357 | | | | 20.4 | % | | | -2.9 | % | | | 3,457 | | | | 18.7 | % | | | 6,771 | | | | 20.7 | % | | | -3.9 | % | | | 7,043 | | | | 19.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Printing and distribution | | | 1,988 | | | | 12.1 | % | | | -6.2 | % | | | 2,120 | | | | 11.4 | % | | | 4,059 | | | | 12.4 | % | | | 6.9 | % | | | 3,796 | | | | 10.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 16,432 | | | | 100.0 | % | | | -11.3 | % | | $ | 18,534 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 32,767 | | | | 100.0 | % | | | -9.2 | % | | $ | 36,076 | | | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advertising revenues decreased by $1,870, or 14.4 percent and $3,300, or 13.1 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, due to declines in display and classified advertising. Display advertising decreased $584, or 16.5 percent and $1,097, or 16.0 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, as a result of declines in retail and general advertising, due to reduced volumes in national accounts.
Classified advertising revenues decreased $1,190, or 27.1 percent and $2,210 or 25.5 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, due to declining volumes, primarily in legal advertisements.
Preprint advertising revenues increased $74, or 2.2 percent and $172, or 2.6 percent, respectively, due to new initiatives and new and expanded products.
Digital advertising revenue decreased $170, or 10.1 percent and $165, or 5.2 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and primarily consists of retail display advertising and online classified advertising, including auto, real estate, employment and legal as major categories.
Circulation revenues and Printing and distribution revenues were relatively flat for the periods presented.
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Operating Costs and Expenses
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | | | | | Percentage | | | | | | | | | | | Percentage | | | | |
| | 2011 | | | Change | | | 2010 | | | 2011 | | | Change | | | 2010 | |
| | |
Salaries, wages and employee benefits | | $ | 48,099 | | | | (15.3) | % | | $ | 56,817 | | | $ | 98,594 | | | | (12.8) | % | | $ | 113,071 | |
Other production, distribution and operating costs | | | 43,228 | | | | (8.1) | % | | | 47,034 | | | | 88,879 | | | | (4.5) | % | | | 93,066 | |
Newsprint, ink and other supplies | | | 15,071 | | | | 20.6 | % | | | 12,492 | | | | 29,573 | | | | 24.7 | % | | | 23,713 | |
Depreciation | | | 8,256 | | | | (2.2) | % | | | 8,441 | | | | 15,839 | | | | (10.0) | % | | | 17,605 | |
Amortization | | | 1,310 | | | | — | % | | | 1,310 | | | | 2,620 | | | | — | % | | | 2,620 | |
Pension plan withdrawal | | | 1,988 | | | | — | % | | | — | | | | 1,988 | | | | — | % | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating costs and expenses | | $ | 117,952 | | | | (6.5) | % | | $ | 126,094 | | | $ | 237,493 | | | | (5.0) | % | | $ | 250,075 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Salaries, wages and employee benefits decreased $8,718, or 15.3 percent and $14,477, or 12.8 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, due to lower salaries, lower share-based compensation and lower pension expense. This decrease in salaries, wages and employee benefits was partially offset by $862 of severance and employee-related costs associated with cost containment measures in the second quarter of 2011. Pension expense decreased $1,848 and $5,513 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, as the Company no longer follows multi-employer pension accounting related to its participation in the GBD Pension Plan and is now following single employer account related to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans.
Other production, distribution and operating costs decreased $3,806, or 8.1 percent and $4,187, or 4.5 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. These decreases reflect lower consulting expense during 2011 and a non-recurring legal settlement of $2,500 recorded during the second quarter of 2010.
Newsprint, ink and other supplies increased $2,579, or 20.6 percent and $5,860, or 24.7 percent, in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. These increases are related to higher newsprint consumption and newsprint cost per metric ton. For the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company’s publishing operations used approximately 16,928 metric tons at an average cost of $646 per metric ton compared to approximately 16,699 metric tons, at average cost of $552 per metric ton for the same period in 2010. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company’s publishing operations used approximately 33,731 metric tons at an average cost of $644 per metric ton compared to approximately 32,735 metric tons, at average cost of $540 per metric ton for the same period in 2010. The increase in newsprint consumption for the three months ended June 30, 2011, is related to increased commercial printing contracts and increased consumption in printing of niche publications.
Depreciation decreased $185, or 2.2 percent and $1,766, or 10.0 percent, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. Depreciation expense decreased due to lower levels of depreciable assets. This decrease was partially offset by a revision, made in the second quarter of 2011, in the estimated useful lives for certain property, plant and equipment that was determined to no longer have a remaining useful life. This revision resulted in additional depreciation expense of $1,017 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.
Pension plan withdrawal loss was $1,988 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. This loss is related to the finalization of the allocation of the assets and liabilities from the GBD Pension Plan in the second quarter of 2011.
Interest Expense
The Company had no borrowings outstanding during the periods presented. Interest expense arises from amortization of the fees under the Credit Agreement, letter of credit fees and interest expense on reserves recorded for uncertain tax positions. Interest expense was relatively flat for all periods presented.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net decreased $5,521 and $4,281 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010. This decrease reflects the non-operating gain recorded in June 2010 of approximately $5,373 related to the sale of a parking garage in Providence, Rhode Island. The decrease is partially offset by increases in income from equity method investments of $376 and $732, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and a gain of $729 in the six months ended June 30, 2011, related to the sale of an investment that had been previously written off.
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Income Taxes
Income tax expense increased approximately $2,219 and $1,910 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010. The tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, is primarily attributable to the Texas margin tax, changes in the valuation allowance and a one-time charge related to an IRS audit adjustment. Pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement with Belo, the Company recorded tax expense of $2,961 in the second quarter of 2011 relating to a pre-Distribution IRS audit adjustment. The Company anticipates making the payment to Belo in the third quarter of 2011 upon closing of all pre-Distribution federal income tax years. The Company currently projects taxable losses for federal income tax purposes and in certain state income tax jurisdictions for the year 2011. The quarter’s change in deferred tax assets is partially offset by a corresponding increase in the valuation allowance of approximately $119 and $2,209 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively.
Net operating losses can be carried forward to offset future taxable income. The Company’s net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2029 if not used. The applicable accounting guidance places a threshold for recognition of deferred tax assets including net operating loss carryforwards. Based on such criteria, the Company records a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions, as it is more likely than not that the benefit resulting from these deferred tax assets would not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets include reversal of future deferred tax liabilities, available tax planning strategies, and future taxable income. Any reversal relating to the valuation allowance will be recorded as a reduction of income tax expense. The Company continues to evaluate the more likely than not threshold for recognition of its deferred tax assets and records adjustments as necessary.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company has sufficient access to liquidity from several sources, such as operations, existing liquid assets and from unused borrowing capacity under its Credit Agreement, to meet its foreseeable liquidity needs.
The table below reflects the Company’s sources of liquidity:
| | | | |
Sources of Liquidity | | June 30, 2011 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 50,057 | |
Accounts receivable, net | | | 40,796 | |
| | | |
| | $ | 90,853 | |
| | | |
| | | | |
Unused borrowing capacity | | $ | 20,021 | |
| | | |
The Company operates with a Credit Agreement that has a total commitment of $25,000. The Credit Agreement is subject to a borrowing base comprised of eligible accounts receivable and inventory, which determines the available borrowing capacity. On May 2, 2011, A. H. Belo Corporation entered into the Fifth Amendment. Among other matters, the Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement extends the maturity date of the credit facility from September 30, 2012 to September 30, 2014, allows the Company to pay annual cash dividends (subject to the fixed charge coverage ratio and $12,500 of borrowing availability if borrowings are outstanding), and removes the restrictions on capital expenditures. In addition, under this Fifth Amendment, if borrowing availability falls below $7,500, a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant of 1:1 will apply. As long as no borrowings are outstanding under the revolving credit facility, the Fifth Amendment permits the Company to make voluntary pension contributions, declare dividends, and repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The Fifth Amendment also makes other amendments to the Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of January 30, 2009 relating to cash management procedures for the Company’s deposit accounts.
At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had eligible collateral to secure borrowings under the Credit Agreement of $30,593 and $40,471, respectively, resulting in a borrowing base of $25,000 for both periods. When letters of credit and other required reserves are deducted from the borrowing base, the Company had $20,021 and $19,976 of borrowing capacity available under the Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The Company had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility during 2010 or 2011.
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On June 3, 2011, the Company paid a dividend of $0.06 per share on outstanding Series A and Series B common stock and to holders of outstanding RSU awards, which are considered participating securities, as of May 16, 2011.
On July 26, 2011, the Company declared a dividend of $0.06 per share on outstanding Series A and Series B common stock and to holders of outstanding RSU awards, to be paid on September 2, 2011 to shareholders of record on August 12, 2011.
Operating Cash Flows
Net cash used in operations was $32,577, compared to net cash provided by operations of $37,073 for the six month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in cash flows from operations includes a discretionary contribution of $30,000 and a required contribution of $5,986 to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans. The Company also made a payment of $8,733 to the GBD Pension Plan to settle required contributions associated with the Transfer Agreement, of which $3,410 came from A. H. Belo funds held by Belo for future pension payments. Other changes in net cash used in operations include a payment made for funding of the Pension Transition Plans of $5,318, the purchase of a personal residence of a Company officer pursuant to a retention and relocation arrangement, with a carrying value of $2,696 and the final funding of a legal settlement, net of insurance proceeds, of $532. The Company received $3,549 of proceeds from Belo for the carryback of the Company’s taxable net operating loss against Belo’s taxable income from prior years and a net sales tax refund of $591.
Management believes that current working capital, cash flow provided by operations and the ability to borrow under the Company’s Credit Agreement is adequate to fund its current obligations.
Investing Cash Flows
Net cash flows used for investing activities were $2,318 and $1,570 for the six month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Cash flows used in investing activities are primarily attributable to capital expenditures of $3,083 in 2011 and $1,946 in 2010. In 2011, the Company received proceeds of $729 from the recovery of a previous impaired investment.
In 2011, the Company expects to incur total capital expenditures of $9,000 to $11,000.
Financing Cash Flows
Cash flows used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2011 were $1,339. This use of cash was related to the payment of a dividend of $1,351.
Contractual Obligations
During the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company made a contribution to the GBD Pension Plan of $8,733, of which $3,410 came from A. H. Belo funds held on deposit by Belo for pension contributions, to settle required contributions associated with the Transfer Agreement. The Company also made a discretionary contribution of $30,000 and required contributions of $5,896 to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans. On July 15 2011, the Company made a pension contribution of $10,409, representing required contributions through December 31, 2011. Excluding the contribution made on July 15, 2011, the Company expects to make additional required contributions of $8,900 during the first six months of 2012.
Additional information related to the Company’s contractual obligations is available in Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed on March 11, 2011, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Critical Accounting and Policies and Estimates
Through December 31, 2010, certain employees and retirees of the Company participated in GBD Pension Plan, sponsored by Belo. The Company accounted for its pension obligations pursuant to accounting guidance for multiemployer pension plans. Accordingly, the Company recognized as pension expense the required contribution for each period and recognized as a liability any reimbursement obligation due and unpaid. On October 6, 2010, the Company and Belo entered into the Transfer Agreement, agreeing to split the GBD Pension Plan. Under the Transfer Agreement, the GBD Pension Plan assets and liabilities related to current and former Company employees were transferred
21
into two newly established pension plans, sponsored solely by the Company, effective January 1, 2011, having similar terms to the GBD Pension Plan. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company recognized a loss for the unfunded projected benefit obligation transferred to the new pension plans, as the liability was probable and could be estimated. In 2011, the Company follows accounting guidance for single employer defined benefit plans. Plan assets and the projected benefit obligation are measured each December 31, and the Company records as an asset or liability the funded position of the plans. Certain changes in actuarial valuations related to returns on plan assets and projected benefit obligations are recorded to other comprehensive income and recognized into earnings over future periods. Net periodic pension expense is recognized each period by accruing interest expense and the return on assets associated with the projected benefit obligation and the plan assets, respectively. As of the effective date of the new pension plans, benefits to participants remained frozen and accordingly, the Company does not recognize on-going service costs as a component of its net periodic pension expense, Additionally, the unfunded projected benefit obligation was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2010 and other comprehensive loss does not include any prior service costs.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this communication concerning A. H. Belo Corporation’s business outlook or future economic performance, anticipated financial performance, revenues, expenses, dividends, capital expenditures, investments, impairments, pension plan contributions, future financings, and other financial and non-financial items that are not historical facts, are “forward-looking statements” as the term is defined under applicable federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those statements.
Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to, changes in capital market conditions and prospects, and other factors such as changes in advertising demand, interest rates and newsprint prices; newspaper circulation trends and other circulation matters, including changes in readership patterns and demography, and audits and related actions by the Audit Bureau of Circulations; challenges in achieving expense reduction goals in a timely manner, and the resulting potential effect on operations; technological changes; development of Internet commerce; industry cycles; changes in pricing or other actions by competitors and suppliers; consumer acceptance of new products and business initiatives; regulatory, tax and legal changes; adoption of new accounting standards or changes in existing accounting standards by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting standard-setting bodies or authorities; the effects of Company acquisitions, dispositions and co-owned ventures and investments; returns on pension plan assets; general economic conditions; significant armed conflict; and other factors beyond our control, as well as other risks described elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and in the Company’s other public disclosures and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Other than as disclosed, there have been no material changes in A. H. Belo’s exposure to market risk from the disclosure included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) required by Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b), the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
(b) Changes in internal controls. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
22
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On October 24, 2006, 18 former employees ofThe Dallas Morning Newsfiled a lawsuit against various A. H. Belo-related parties in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The plaintiffs’ lawsuit mainly consists of claims of unlawful discrimination and ERISA violations. On March 28, 2011, the Court granted defendants summary judgment and dismissed all claims. Plaintiffs moved for reconsideration, which motion was denied by the United States Magistrate. On July 15, 2011, the plaintiffs appealed the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The Company believes the lawsuit is without merit and is vigorously defending against it.
In addition to the foregoing, a number of other legal proceedings are pending against the Company, including several actions for alleged libel and/or defamation. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from these other legal proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated results of operations, liquidity or financial position of the Company.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
There have been no unregistered sales of the Company’s equity securities during the period covered by this report. In addition, there have been no Company purchases of securities during the period covered by this report.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Removed and Reserved
Item 5. Other Information
None.
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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) are incorporated by reference to documents previously filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as indicated. All other documents are filed with this report. Exhibits marked with a tilde (~) are management contracts, compensatory plan contracts or arrangements filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K.
| | |
Exhibit Number | | Description |
2.1 | | * Separation and Distribution Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of February 8, 2008 (Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2008 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “February 12, 2008 Form 8-K”)) |
| | |
3.1 | | * Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Form 10 dated January 18, 2008 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “Third Amendment to Form 10”)) |
| | |
3.2 | | * Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Company dated January 11, 2008 (Exhibit 3.2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form 10 dated January 31, 2008 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
| | |
3.3 | | * Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, effective January 11, 2008 (Exhibit 3.3 to the Third Amendment to Form 10) |
| | |
4.1 | | * Certain rights of the holders of the Company’s Common Stock are set forth in Exhibits 3.1-3.3 above |
| | |
4.2 | | * Specimen Form of Certificate representing shares of the Company’s Series A Common Stock (Exhibit 4.2 to the Third Amendment to Form 10) |
| | |
4.3 | | * Specimen Form of Certificate representing shares of the Company’s Series B Common Stock (Exhibit 4.3 to the Third Amendment to Form 10) |
| | |
4.4 | | * Rights Agreement dated as of January 11, 2008 between the Company and Mellon Investor Services LLC (Exhibit 4.4 to the Third Amendment to Form 10) |
| | |
10.1 | | Financing agreements: |
| | |
| | (1)* Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 30, 2009, (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2, 2009 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “February 2, 2009 Form 8-K”)) |
| | |
| | (2)* Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of January 30, 2009 (Exhibit 10.2 to the February 2, 2009 From 8-K) |
| | |
| | (a)* First Amendment to Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated as of May 2, 2011 (See Exhibit 10.1(9) below) (Exhibit 10.1(4) (a) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2011 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
| | |
| | (3)* First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 18, 2009 (Exhibit 10.1(5) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q file with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2009 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
| | |
| | (4)* Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 3, 2009, 2009 (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2009 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
| | |
| | (7)* Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 18, 2010 (Exhibit 10.1(7) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 3, 2010 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
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| | | |
Exhibit Number | | Description |
| | (5)* Fourth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2011, (Exhibit 10.1(8) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2011 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
| | | |
| | (6)* Fifth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and First Amendment to Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated as of May 2, 2011 (Exhibit 10.1(9) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2011 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
| | | |
10.2 | | Compensatory plans and Arrangements: |
| | | |
| | ~(1)* | A. H. Belo Corporation Savings Plan (Exhibit 10.4 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K) |
| | | |
| | *(a) | First Amendment to the A. H. Belo Savings Plan dated September 23, 2008 (Exhibit 10.2(1)(A) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2008 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
| | | |
| | ~(2)* | A. H. Belo Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (Exhibit 10.5 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K) |
| | | |
| | *(a) | First Amendment to A. H. Belo 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan effective July 23, 2008 (Exhibit 10.2(2)(A) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2008 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
| | | |
| | *(b) | Form of A. H. Belo 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan Non-Employee Director Evidence of Grant (for Non-Employee Director Awards) (Exhibit 10.2.2(b) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2010 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “1st Quarter 2010 Form 10-Q”)) |
| | | |
| | *(c) | Form of A. H. Belo 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan Evidence of Grant (for Employee Awards) (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2011, (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
| | | |
| | ~(3)* | A. H. Belo Pension Transition Supplement Restoration Plan effective January 1, 2008 (Exhibit 10.6 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K) |
| | | |
| | *(a) | First Amendment to the A. H. Belo Pension Transition Supplement Restoration Plan dated March 31, 2009 (Exhibit 10.4 to the April 2, 2009 From 8-K) |
| | | |
| | ~(4)* | A. H. Belo Corporation Change In Control Severance Plan (Exhibit 10.7 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K) |
| | | |
| | *(a) | Amendment to the A. H. Belo Change in Control Severance Plan dated March 31, 2009 (Exhibit 10.3 to the April 2, 2009 Form 8-K) |
| | | |
| | ~(5)* | John C. McKeon Retention and Relocation Agreement effective September 22, 2010 (Exhibit 10.2(5) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2011 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
| | | |
10.3 | | Agreements relating to the Distribution of A. H. Belo: |
| | | |
| | (1)* | Tax Matters Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of February 8, 2008 (Exhibit 10.1 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K) |
| | | |
| | *(a) | First Amendment to Tax Matters Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated September 14, 2009 (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 15, 2009 (Securities and Exchange Commission file No. 00-00371)) |
| | | |
| | (2)* | Employee Matters Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of February 8, 2008 (Exhibit 10.2 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K) |
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| | | |
Exhibit Number | | Description |
| | | * (a) Amendment to Employee Matters Agreement as set forth in the Pension Plan Transfer Agreement dated as of October 6, 2010 (Exhibit 10.1 to the October 8, 2010 Form 8-K) |
| | | |
| | (3)* | Services Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of February 8, 2008 (Exhibit 10.3 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K) |
| | | |
| | (4)* | Separation and Distribution Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of February 8, 2008 (See Exhibit 2.1 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K) |
| | | |
| | (5)* | Pension Plan Transfer Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of October 6, 2010 (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 8, 2010 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “October 8, 2010 Form 8-K”)) |
| | | |
| | (6)* | Agreement among the Company, Belo Corp., and The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, effective March 9, 2011, (Exhibit 10.3(6) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2011 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
| | | |
31.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | | |
31.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | | |
32 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | | |
101.INS** | | XBRL Instance Document |
| | | |
101.SCH** | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
| | | |
101.CAL** | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
| | | |
101.LAB** | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
| | | |
101.PRE** | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
| | | |
101.DEF** | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
|
** | | In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit No. 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall be deemed “furnished” and not “filed.” |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | |
| A. H. BELO CORPORATION | |
July 28, 2011 | By: | /s/ Alison K. Engel | |
| | Alison K. Engel | |
| | Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) | |
|
| | |
July 28, 2011 | By: | /s/ Michael N. Lavey | |
| | Michael N. Lavey | |
| | Vice President/Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) | |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
| | |
Exhibit Number | | Description |
31.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | |
31.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | |
32 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | | |
101.INS** | | XBRL Instance Document |
| | | |
101.SCH** | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
| | | |
101.CAL** | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
| | | |
101.LAB** | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
| | | |
101.PRE** | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
| | | |
101.DEF** | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
|
** | | In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit No. 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall be deemed “furnished” and not “filed.” |
28