UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2024
OR
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file no. 1-33741
DallasNews CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Texas | | 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 | | (214) 977-8869 |
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) | | (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report. |
None |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class |
| Trading Symbol |
| Name of each exchange on which registered |
Series A Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| DALN |
| The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
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Large Accelerated Filer: ¨ |
| Accelerated Filer: ¨ |
| Non-Accelerated Filer: þ |
| Smaller Reporting Company: þ |
| Emerging Growth Company ¨ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No þ
Shares of Common Stock outstanding at July 25, 2024: 5,352,490 shares (consisting of 4,738,102 shares of Series A Common Stock and 614,388 shares of Series B Common Stock).
DALLASNEWS CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1. Financial Information
DallasNews Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
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| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
In thousands, except share and per share amounts (unaudited) |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
Net Operating Revenue: |
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Advertising and marketing services |
| $ | 12,784 |
| $ | 16,223 |
| $ | 24,430 |
| $ | 31,532 |
Circulation |
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| 16,181 |
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| 15,996 |
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| 32,481 |
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| 32,007 |
Printing, distribution and other |
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| 3,096 |
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| 3,793 |
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| 6,252 |
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| 7,675 |
Total net operating revenue |
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| 32,061 |
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| 36,012 |
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| 63,163 |
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| 71,214 |
Operating Costs and Expense: |
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Employee compensation and benefits |
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| 14,738 |
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| 17,236 |
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| 30,855 |
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| 34,609 |
Other production, distribution and operating costs |
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| 15,046 |
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| 17,293 |
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| 30,105 |
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| 35,321 |
Newsprint, ink and other supplies |
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| 1,302 |
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| 2,346 |
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| 2,586 |
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| 4,530 |
Depreciation |
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| 407 |
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| 357 |
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| 805 |
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| 730 |
Total operating costs and expense |
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| 31,493 |
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| 37,232 |
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| 64,351 |
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| 75,190 |
Operating income (loss) |
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| 568 |
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| (1,220) |
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| (1,188) |
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| (3,976) |
Other income, net |
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| 641 |
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| 378 |
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| 1,252 |
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| 740 |
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes |
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| 1,209 |
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| (842) |
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| 64 |
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| (3,236) |
Income tax provision (benefit) |
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| (241) |
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| 26 |
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| (23) |
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| 258 |
Net Income (Loss) |
| $ | 1,450 |
| $ | (868) |
| $ | 87 |
| $ | (3,494) |
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Per Share Basis |
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Net income (loss) |
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Basic |
| $ | 0.27 |
| $ | (0.16) |
| $ | 0.02 |
| $ | (0.65) |
Diluted |
| $ | 0.27 |
| $ | (0.16) |
| $ | 0.02 |
| $ | (0.65) |
Number of common shares used in the per share calculation: |
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Basic |
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| 5,352,490 |
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| 5,352,490 |
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| 5,352,490 |
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| 5,352,490 |
Diluted |
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| 5,352,490 |
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| 5,352,490 |
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| 5,352,490 |
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| 5,352,490 |
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
DallasNews Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
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| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
In thousands (unaudited) |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
Net Income (Loss) |
| $ | 1,450 |
| $ | (868) |
| $ | 87 |
| $ | (3,494) |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: |
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Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses |
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| 102 |
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| (10) |
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| 204 |
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| (20) |
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |
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| 102 |
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| (10) |
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| 204 |
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| (20) |
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
| $ | 1,552 |
| $ | (878) |
| $ | 291 |
| $ | (3,514) |
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
DallasNews Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
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| June 30, |
| December 31, |
In thousands, except share amounts (unaudited) |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
Assets |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
| $ | 16,601 |
| $ | 11,697 |
Short-term investments |
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| 500 |
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| 10,781 |
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $163 and $207 at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively) |
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| 9,120 |
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| 9,923 |
Inventories |
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| 1,266 |
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| 1,930 |
Prepaids and other current assets |
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| 3,796 |
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| 2,602 |
Total current assets |
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| 31,283 |
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| 36,933 |
Property, plant and equipment, at cost |
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| 310,422 |
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| 307,436 |
Less accumulated depreciation |
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| (301,142) |
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| (300,337) |
Property, plant and equipment, net |
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| 9,280 |
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| 7,099 |
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
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| 18,690 |
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| 16,141 |
Deferred income taxes, net |
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| 273 |
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| 271 |
Other assets |
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| 1,779 |
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| 1,790 |
Total assets |
| $ | 61,305 |
| $ | 62,234 |
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable |
| $ | 5,111 |
| $ | 3,963 |
Accrued compensation and benefits |
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| 3,686 |
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| 3,901 |
Other accrued expense |
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| 3,240 |
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| 6,548 |
Contract liabilities |
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| 9,969 |
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| 9,511 |
Total current liabilities |
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| 22,006 |
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| 23,923 |
Long-term pension liabilities |
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| 16,180 |
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| 17,353 |
Long-term operating lease liabilities |
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| 18,848 |
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| 16,924 |
Other post-employment benefits |
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| 986 |
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| 996 |
Other liabilities |
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| 36 |
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| 80 |
Total liabilities |
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| 58,056 |
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| 59,276 |
Contingent liabilities (see Note 9) |
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Shareholders’ equity: |
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Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued |
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Common stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized 31,250,000 shares |
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Series A: issued 5,216,567 and 5,216,317 at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively |
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| 52 |
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| 52 |
Series B: issued 614,388 and 614,638 at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively |
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| 6 |
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Treasury stock, Series A, at cost; 478,465 shares held at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 |
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| (13,443) |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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| 494,563 |
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| 494,563 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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| (40,043) |
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| (40,247) |
Accumulated deficit |
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| (437,886) |
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| (437,973) |
Total shareholders’ equity |
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| 3,249 |
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| 2,958 |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
| $ | 61,305 |
| $ | 62,234 |
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
DallasNews Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
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| Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 |
| Common Stock |
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| Treasury Stock |
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In thousands, except share and per share amounts (unaudited) | Shares Series A | Shares Series B | Amount | Additional Paid-in Capital |
| Shares Series A | Amount | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Accumulated Deficit | Total |
Balance at December 31, 2022 | 5,216,237 | 614,718 | $ | 58 | $ | 494,563 |
| (478,465) | $ | (13,443) | $ | (41,380) | $ | (427,435) | $ | 12,363 |
Net loss | — | — |
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| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (3,494) |
| (3,494) |
Other comprehensive loss | — | — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (20) |
| — |
| (20) |
Conversion of Series B to Series A | 20 | (20) |
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| — |
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| — |
| — |
Dividends declared ($0.32 per share) | — | — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (1,713) |
| (1,713) |
Balance at June 30, 2023 | 5,216,257 | 614,698 | $ | 58 | $ | 494,563 |
| (478,465) | $ | (13,443) | $ | (41,400) | $ | (432,642) | $ | 7,136 |
Balance at December 31, 2023 | 5,216,317 | 614,638 | $ | 58 | $ | 494,563 |
| (478,465) | $ | (13,443) | $ | (40,247) | $ | (437,973) | $ | 2,958 |
Net income | — | — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 87 |
| 87 |
Other comprehensive income | — | — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 204 |
| — |
| 204 |
Conversion of Series B to Series A | 250 | (250) |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
Balance at June 30, 2024 | 5,216,567 | 614,388 | $ | 58 | $ | 494,563 |
| (478,465) | $ | (13,443) | $ | (40,043) | $ | (437,886) | $ | 3,249 |
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| Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 |
| Common Stock |
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| Treasury Stock |
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In thousands, except share and per share amounts (unaudited) | Shares Series A | Shares Series B | Amount | Additional Paid-in Capital |
| Shares Series A | Amount | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Accumulated Deficit | Total |
Balance at March 31, 2023 | 5,216,237 | 614,718 | $ | 58 | $ | 494,563 |
| (478,465) | $ | (13,443) | $ | (41,390) | $ | (430,917) | $ | 8,871 |
Net loss | — | — |
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| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (868) |
| (868) |
Other comprehensive loss | — | — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (10) |
| — |
| (10) |
Conversion of Series B to Series A | 20 | (20) |
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| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
Dividends declared ($0.16 per share) | — | — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (857) |
| (857) |
Balance at June 30, 2023 | 5,216,257 | 614,698 | $ | 58 | $ | 494,563 |
| (478,465) | $ | (13,443) | $ | (41,400) | $ | (432,642) | $ | 7,136 |
Balance at March 31, 2024 | 5,216,317 | 614,638 | $ | 58 | $ | 494,563 |
| (478,465) | $ | (13,443) | $ | (40,145) | $ | (439,336) | $ | 1,697 |
Net income | — | — |
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| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 1,450 |
| 1,450 |
Other comprehensive income | — | — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 102 |
| — |
| 102 |
Conversion of Series B to Series A | 250 | (250) |
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| — |
| — |
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Balance at June 30, 2024 | 5,216,567 | 614,388 | $ | 58 | $ | 494,563 |
| (478,465) | $ | (13,443) | $ | (40,043) | $ | (437,886) | $ | 3,249 |
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
DallasNews Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
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| Six Months Ended June 30, |
In thousands (unaudited) |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
Operating Activities |
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Net income (loss) |
| $ | 87 |
| $ | (3,494) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used for operating activities: |
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Depreciation |
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| 805 |
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| 730 |
Net periodic pension and other post-employment benefit |
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| (948) |
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| (449) |
Bad debt expense (benefit) |
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| 43 |
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| (64) |
Deferred income taxes |
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| (2) |
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| (16) |
Gain on short-term investments |
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| (159) |
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| (169) |
Provision, interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions |
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| — |
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| (102) |
Changes in working capital and other operating assets and liabilities: |
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Accounts receivable |
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| 760 |
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| 2,353 |
Inventories, prepaids and other current assets |
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| (530) |
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| (844) |
Other assets |
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| 11 |
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| 10 |
Accounts payable |
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| 1,148 |
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| (911) |
Compensation and benefit obligations |
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| (215) |
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| 79 |
Other accrued expenses |
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| (3,087) |
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| (1,118) |
Contract liabilities |
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| 458 |
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| 1,190 |
Other post-employment benefits |
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| (31) |
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| (31) |
Net cash used for operating activities |
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| (1,660) |
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| (2,836) |
Investing Activities |
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Purchases of assets |
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| (3,020) |
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| (848) |
Purchases of short-term investments |
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| (9,909) |
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| (10,500) |
Maturities/disposals of short-term investments |
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| 20,349 |
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| — |
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities |
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| 7,420 |
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| (11,348) |
Financing Activities |
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Dividends paid |
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| (856) |
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| (1,713) |
Net cash used for financing activities |
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| (856) |
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| (1,713) |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
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| 4,904 |
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| (15,897) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
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| 11,697 |
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| 27,825 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
| $ | 16,601 |
| $ | 11,928 |
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Supplemental Disclosures |
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Income tax paid, net |
| $ | 552 |
| $ | 619 |
Noncash investing and financing activities: |
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Investments in property, plant and equipment payable |
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| — |
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| 27 |
Dividends payable |
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| — |
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| 857 |
See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
DallasNews Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1: Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Description of Business. DallasNews Corporation and its subsidiaries are referred to collectively herein as “DallasNews” or the “Company.” DallasNews was formed in February 2008 through a spin-off from its former parent company and is registered on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq trading symbol: DALN). DallasNews is the Dallas-based holding company of The Dallas Morning News and Medium Giant.
The Company operates The Dallas Morning News (“TDMN”) (dallasnews.com), Texas’ leading newspaper and winner of nine Pulitzer Prizes. These operations generate revenue from sales of advertising within the Company’s newspaper and digital platforms, subscriptions and retail sales of its newspaper, commercial printing and distribution services primarily related to national newspapers.
In addition, the Company has a full-service agency, Medium Giant, with capabilities including strategy, creative and media management with a focus on strategic and digital marketing, and data intelligence that provide a measurable return on investment to its clients.
As of June 30, 2024, the Company had 533 employees, a headcount decrease of 111 or 17.2 percent when compared to June 30, 2023, primarily resulting from the 2023 Voluntary Severance Program. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company paid $153 and $2,607, respectively, of related severance that was included in other accrued expense in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023.
Basis of Presentation. The interim consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited; however, they include adjustments of a normal recurring nature which, in the Company’s opinion, are necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial information as of and for the periods indicated in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company consolidates its majority owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. All dollar amounts presented herein, except share and per share amounts, are in thousands, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and (iii) the reported amount of net operating revenues and expenses recognized during the periods presented. Adjustments made with respect to the use of estimates often relate to improved information not previously available. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements; accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates.
Areas where estimates are used include valuation allowances for credit losses, fair value measurements, pension plan assets, pension and other post-employment benefit obligation assumptions, income taxes, leases, self-insured liabilities, and assumptions related to long-lived assets impairment review. Estimates are based on past experience and other considerations reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Segment Presentation. In the second quarter of 2024, based on changes made in the reporting package used by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance, the Company determined it has two reportable segments. The two reportable segments are TDMN and Agency. The Company also has a Corporate and Other category that includes expenses not directly attributable to a specific reportable segment. See Note 10 - Segment Reporting for additional information.
New Accounting Pronouncements. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued the following accounting pronouncements and guidance, which may be applicable to the Company but have not yet become effective.
In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07– Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This update requires an entity to disclose, on an annual and interim basis, significant segment expenses. Public entities with a single reportable segment are required to apply the disclosure requirements in ASU 2023-07, as well as all existing segment disclosures in ASC 280. The guidance is effective retrospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption on its financial statement disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 – Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This update requires an entity to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. Additionally, the guidance requires an entity to disclose annual income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by federal (national), state and foreign taxes and disaggregate the information by jurisdiction based on a quantitative threshold. The guidance also requires an entity to disclose income tax expense (benefit) disaggregated by federal (national), state and foreign. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis although retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption on its financial statement disclosures.
Note 2: Revenue
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with the Company’s customer are satisfied. This occurs when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to its customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services, typically at contract price or determined by stand-alone selling price. The Company has an estimated allowance for credits, refunds and similar obligations. Sales tax collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue.
The table below sets forth revenue disaggregated by reportable segment and revenue source. Prior period was recast as a result of the Company’s change in segment reporting; see Note 10 – Segment Reporting for additional information.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 (Recast) |
| 2024 |
| 2023 (Recast) |
TDMN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print advertising |
| $ | 6,558 |
| $ | 10,294 |
| $ | 12,197 |
| $ | 19,590 |
Digital advertising |
|
| 2,274 |
|
| 2,255 |
|
| 4,232 |
|
| 4,332 |
Agency |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketing and media services |
|
| 3,952 |
|
| 3,674 |
|
| 8,001 |
|
| 7,610 |
Advertising and Marketing Services | $ | 12,784 |
| $ | 16,223 |
| $ | 24,430 |
| $ | 31,532 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TDMN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print circulation |
| $ | 11,603 |
| $ | 12,144 |
| $ | 23,359 |
| $ | 24,525 |
Digital circulation |
|
| 4,578 |
|
| 3,852 |
|
| 9,122 |
|
| 7,482 |
Circulation | $ | 16,181 |
| $ | 15,996 |
| $ | 32,481 |
| $ | 32,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TDMN |
| $ | 3,096 |
| $ | 3,634 |
| $ | 6,252 |
| $ | 7,357 |
Agency |
|
| — |
|
| 159 |
|
| — |
|
| 318 |
Printing, Distribution and Other | $ | 3,096 |
| $ | 3,793 |
| $ | 6,252 |
| $ | 7,675 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Revenue |
| $ | 32,061 |
| $ | 36,012 |
| $ | 63,163 |
| $ | 71,214 |
Advertising and Marketing Services
Advertising and marketing services revenue is recognized when an ad or service is complete and delivered based on the contract price. Payment is typically received within 30 to 60 days after the customer is billed. Longer-term contracts often include multiple performance obligations, digital and other forms of advertising, and a single performance obligation containing a bundle of services that are not distinct but provided to maximize a customer’s marketing plan. When the Company has a longer-term contract, revenue is recognized over time as the ads or services are delivered. For contracts with over-time revenue recognition the company is providing a series of services and recognizes revenue by 1) using a time-based method of measuring progress of delivery over time, or 2) as each distinct performance obligation (typically ads or impressions) are delivered on a monthly basis. In addition, certain digital advertising revenue related to website access is recognized over time, based on the customers’ monthly rate. The Company typically extends credit to advertising and marketing services customers, although for certain advertising campaigns the customer may pay in advance.
Print advertising revenue is primarily comprised of display and classified advertising space within the Company’s newspaper. Display revenue results from sales of advertising space within the Company’s newspaper to local, regional or national businesses with local operations, affiliates or resellers. Classified revenue, which includes automotive, real estate, employment, obituaries, immigration, and other, results from sales of advertising space in the classified and other sections of the Company’s newspaper. At the end of August 2023, the Company exited its shared mail program to deliver weekly preprints and discontinued print-only editions of its niche publications.
Digital advertising revenue is generated by digital sales of banner, classified and native advertisements on the Company’s news websites, social media platforms and mobile apps. Prior to the segment reporting change, digital advertising, and marketing and media services revenues were reported in aggregate.
Marketing and media services revenue is primarily comprised of strategic and creative services, website management and content services, media services consisting of paid search, social and targeted digital advertising on third-party platforms (programmatic), as well as traditional media including direct mail, promotional products, out of market print inserts, and over-the-top advertising on streaming platforms. The revenue also includes subscriptions to the Company’s multi-channel marketing solutions cloud-based software and services.
For ads placed on certain third-party platforms, the Company must evaluate and use judgment to determine whether it is acting as the principal, where revenue is reported on a gross basis, or acting as the agent, where revenue is reported on a net basis. Generally, the Company reports advertising revenue for ads placed on third-party platforms on a net basis, meaning the amount recorded to revenue is the amount billed to the customer net of amounts paid to the publisher of the third-party platforms. The Company is acting as the agent because the publisher controls the advertising inventory. The Company will record certain arrangements gross when it controls the inventory or it has latitude in establishing price or it determines that advertising campaign management, targeting or other actions provide significant value added service to the customer.
Barter advertising transactions are recognized at estimated fair value based on the negotiated contract price and the range of prices for similar advertising from customers unrelated to the barter transaction. The Company expenses barter costs as incurred, which is independent from the timing of revenue recognition.
Circulation
Print circulation revenue is generated primarily by selling home delivery subscriptions, including premium publications, and from single copy sales to non-subscribers. Home delivery revenue is recognized over the subscription period based on the days of actual delivery over the total subscription days and single copy revenue is recognized at a point in time when the paper is purchased. Revenue is directly reduced for any non-payment for the grace period of home delivery subscriptions where the Company recorded revenue for newspapers delivered after a subscription expired.
Digital circulation revenue is generated by digital-only subscriptions and is recognized over the subscription period based on daily or monthly access to the content in the subscription period.
Payment of circulation fees is typically received in advance and deferred over the subscription period. There is little judgment required for valuation or timing of circulation revenue recognition.
Printing, Distribution and Other
Printing, distribution and other revenue is primarily generated from printing and distribution of other newspapers, as well as mailed advertisements for business customers. Printing, distribution and other revenue is recognized at a point in time when the product or service is delivered, which requires little judgment to determine. The Company typically extends credit to printing and distribution customers.
Contract Liabilities
Deferred revenue is recorded when cash payments are received in advance of the Company’s performance, including amounts which are refundable. The Company’s primary sources of deferred revenue are from circulation subscriptions and advertising paid in advance of the service provided. These up-front payments are recorded upon receipt as contract liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the revenue is recognized when the Company’s obligations under the terms of the contract are satisfied. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company recognized $2,173 and $8,317, respectively, of revenue that was included in the contract liabilities balance as of December 31, 2023. The Company typically recognizes deferred revenue within 1 to 12 months.
Practical Expedients and Exemptions
The Company generally expenses sales commissions and circulation acquisition costs when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within employee compensation and benefits expense and other production, distribution and operating costs expense, respectively.
The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and contracts for which revenue is recognized at the amount invoiced for services performed.
Note 3: Financial Instruments and Accounts Receivable, Net
Short-Term Investments. The Company’s short-term investments consist of Certificates of Deposit (“CD’s”) with original maturities of more than 90 days but one year or less. In May 2024, the Company terminated, without penalty, its short-term investments of $9,909 in CD’s that were purchased in the first quarter of 2024. As of June 30, 2024, the Company had $500 remaining in short-term investments for a CD that was purchased in 2023. The short-term investment is classified as held-to-maturity, valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value, and is considered a Level 2 investment. In the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded $48 and $169, respectively, and $159 and $169 in the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, of interest income from the Company’s investment in CD’s, included in other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Accounts Receivable, Net. Accounts receivable are reported net of the allowance for credit losses calculated based on customer category. For example, trade receivables for advertising customers are evaluated separately from trade receivables from single copy sales. For all trade receivables, the reserve percentage considers the Company’s historical loss experience and is applied to each customer category based on aging. In addition, each category has specific reserves for at risk accounts that vary based on the nature of the underlying trade receivables. The calculation of the allowance considers current economic, industry and customer-specific conditions such as high-risk accounts, bankruptcies and other aging specific reserves. The collectability of the Company’s trade receivables depends on a variety of factors, including trends in local, regional or national economic conditions that affect its customers’ ability to pay. Accounts are written-off after all collection efforts fail; generally, after one year has expired. Expense for such uncollectible amounts is included in other production, distribution and operating costs. Credit terms are customary. The table below sets forth changes in the allowance for credit losses.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
Beginning balance |
| $ | 207 |
| $ | 490 |
Current period provision |
|
| 43 |
|
| (64) |
Write-offs and reclassifications |
|
| (126) |
|
| (156) |
Recoveries of amounts previously written-off |
|
| 39 |
|
| 3 |
Ending balance |
| $ | 163 |
| $ | 273 |
For the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded $(31) and $(72), respectively, and $43 and $(64) for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, of bad debt expense (benefit) which is included in other production, distribution and operating costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The reduction in required reserves was primarily due to lower accounts receivable in the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the corresponding prior year period.
Note 4: Leases
Lease Accounting
The Company has various operating leases primarily for office space and other distribution centers, some of which include escalating lease payments and options to extend or terminate the lease. The Company’s leases have remaining terms of less than 1 year to 10 years. The Company determines if a contract is a lease at the inception of the arrangement.
Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date of lease agreements greater than one year based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In determining the present value of lease payments, the implicit rate was not readily determinable in the Company’s lease agreements. Therefore, the Company used an estimated secured incremental borrowing rate, based on the Company’s credit rating, adjusted for the weighted average term of each lease. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and variable lease costs are expensed as incurred. For leases with terms of 12 months or less, no asset or liability is recorded and lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The exercise of lease renewal options are at the Company’s sole discretion and options are recognized when it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise the option. The recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as calculated do not assume renewal options. The Company does not have lease agreements with residual value guarantees, sale leaseback terms or material restrictive covenants. Additionally, the Company does not separately identify lease and nonlease components, such as maintenance costs. As of June 30, 2024, the Company did not have any significant operating leases that have not yet commenced.
On May 14, 2024, the Company announced it will streamline its printing operations, currently located in Plano, Texas, into a smaller, leased facility, and expects to make capital investments of approximately $8,000 in a more efficient press and related equipment. The Company entered into a five-year lease that commenced on June 28, 2024, for a 67,600 square-foot facility located in Carrollton, Texas. This operating lease resulted in a right-of-use asset and lease liability of $3,537 in aggregate upon commencement. This transition will allow the Company to keep its operations in North Texas and continue to produce a seven-day print edition for the foreseeable future. The new facility is expected to be operational in early 2025, and until then, all operations will remain in the current facility.
The Company has various subleases with distributors, for distribution center space, with varying remaining lease terms usually around one year and are cancellable with notice by either party. Sublease income is included in printing, distribution and other revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of June 30, 2024, sublease income is expected to approximate $155 for the remainder of 2024 and $60 in 2025.
The table below sets forth supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet information for the Company’s leases.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Classification |
|
| June 30, 2024 |
|
| December 31, 2023 |
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating |
|
| Operating lease right-of-use assets |
| $ | 18,690 |
| $ | 16,141 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
| Other accrued expense |
| $ | 2,334 |
| $ | 1,809 |
Noncurrent |
|
| Long-term operating lease liabilities |
|
| 18,848 |
|
| 16,924 |
Total lease liabilities |
|
|
|
| $ | 21,182 |
| $ | 18,733 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease Term and Discount Rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average remaining lease term (years) |
|
|
|
|
| 7.9 |
|
| 8.7 |
Weighted average discount rate (%) |
|
|
|
|
| 7.6 |
|
| 7.7 |
The table below sets forth components of lease cost and supplemental cash flow information for the Company’s leases. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, operating lease cost reflects a non-recurring lease cost benefit of $556, reflected in other production, distribution and operating costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
Lease Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease cost |
| $ | 847 |
| $ | 521 |
| $ | 1,694 |
| $ | 1,506 |
Short-term lease cost |
|
| 27 |
|
| 18 |
|
| 37 |
|
| 24 |
Variable lease cost |
|
| 135 |
|
| 243 |
|
| 278 |
|
| 432 |
Sublease income |
|
| (72) |
|
| (255) |
|
| (155) |
|
| (512) |
Total lease cost |
| $ | 937 |
| $ | 527 |
| $ | 1,854 |
| $ | 1,450 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for operating leases included in operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | 1,708 |
| $ | 2,109 |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3,537 |
|
| 2,908 |
The table below sets forth the remaining maturities of the Company’s lease liabilities as of June 30, 2024.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ending December 31, |
| Operating Leases |
2024 |
| $ | 1,706 |
2025 |
|
| 4,282 |
2026 |
|
| 3,545 |
2027 |
|
| 3,226 |
2028 |
|
| 3,235 |
Thereafter |
|
| 12,526 |
Total lease payments |
|
| 28,520 |
Less: imputed interest |
|
| 7,338 |
Total lease liabilities |
| $ | 21,182 |
Note 5: Income Taxes
The Company calculated the income tax provision (benefit) for the 2024 and 2023 interim periods using an estimated annual effective tax rate based on its expected annual loss before income taxes, adjusted for permanent differences, which it applied to the year-to-date income (loss) before income taxes and specific events that are discretely recognized as they occur.
The Company recognized an income tax provision (benefit) of $(241) and $26 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $(23) and $258 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, due to the effect of the Texas franchise tax. Effective income tax rates were (35.9) percent and (8.0) percent for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Company expects income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2024. The income tax benefit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, is due to the negative annual effective tax rate estimated for the 2024 year, applied to the June 30, 2024 year-to-date income before taxes.
The 2023 income tax expense was reduced by the release of a $66 federal uncertain tax reserve, included in other liabilities, as a result of the statute of limitations lapsing in June 2023. In connection with the release of a federal uncertain tax reserve, the Company released a reserve for interest and penalties included in other liabilities and recognized $36 in other income, net for the six months ended June 30, 2023.
Note 6: Pension and Other Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans. The Company sponsors the DallasNews Pension Plans (the “Pension Plans”), which provide benefits to approximately 1,300 current and former employees of the Company. DallasNews Pension Plan I provides benefits to certain current and former employees primarily employed with The Dallas Morning News or the DallasNews corporate offices. DallasNews Pension Plan II provides benefits to certain former employees of The Providence Journal Company. This obligation was retained by the Company upon the sale of the newspaper operations of The Providence Journal. No additional benefits are accruing under the DallasNews Pension Plans, as future benefits were frozen.
No contributions are required to the DallasNews Pension Plans in 2024 under the applicable tax and labor laws governing pension plan funding; however, certain events or circumstances that in most instances are beyond the Company’s control could result in future mandatory contributions. The Company continues to evaluate the feasibility of de-risking strategies based on the economic benefits to the Company.
Net Periodic Pension Benefit
The Company’s estimates of net periodic pension expense or benefit are based on the expected return on plan assets, interest on the projected benefit obligations and the amortization of actuarial gains and losses that are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Participation in and accrual of new benefits to participants has been frozen since 2007 and, accordingly, on-going service costs are not a component of net periodic pension benefit. For 2023, there were no unrecognized gains (losses) to amortize due to the total unrecognized gain (loss) falling below the amortization threshold.
The table below sets forth components of net periodic pension benefit, which is included in other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
Interest cost |
| $ | 1,882 |
| $ | 1,993 |
| $ | 3,764 |
| $ | 3,986 |
Expected return on plans' assets |
|
| (2,469) |
|
| (2,218) |
|
| (4,937) |
|
| (4,437) |
Amortization of actuarial loss |
|
| 109 |
|
| — |
|
| 218 |
|
| — |
Net periodic pension benefit |
| $ | (478) |
| $ | (225) |
| $ | (955) |
| $ | (451) |
Defined Contribution Plans. The DallasNews Savings Plan (the “Savings Plan”), a defined contribution 401(k) plan, covers substantially all employees of DallasNews. Participants may elect to contribute a portion of their pretax compensation as provided by the Savings Plan and the Internal Revenue Code. Employees can contribute up to 100 percent of their annual eligible compensation less required withholdings and deductions up to statutory limits. The Company provides an ongoing dollar-for-dollar match of eligible employee contributions, up to 1.5 percent of the employees’ compensation. Aggregate expense for matching contributions to the Savings Plan was $168 and $180 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $337 and $381 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Note 7: Shareholders’ Equity
Dividends. On December 7, 2023, the Company’s board of directors declared a $0.16 per share dividend to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 9, 2024, paid on March 1, 2024. As previously announced on May 14, 2024, the Company’s board of directors decided to suspend the declaration and payment of dividends until further notice.
Outstanding Shares. The Company had Series A and Series B common stock outstanding of 4,738,102 and 614,388, respectively, net of treasury shares at June 30, 2024. At December 31, 2023, the Company had Series A and Series B common stock outstanding of 4,737,852 and 614,638, respectively, net of treasury shares.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of actuarial gains and losses attributable to the DallasNews Pension Plans, gains and losses resulting from Pension Plans’ amendments and other actuarial experience attributable to other post-employment benefit (“OPEB”) plans. The Company records amortization of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss in other income, net in its Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains and losses are amortized over the weighted average remaining life expectancy of the OPEB plans and Pension Plans’ participants.
The tables below set forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, as presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
|
| Total |
| Defined benefit pension plans |
| Other post- employment benefit plans |
| Total |
| Defined benefit pension plans |
| Other post- employment benefit plans |
Balance, beginning of period |
| $ | (40,145) |
| $ | (40,469) |
| $ | 324 |
| $ | (41,390) |
| $ | (41,777) |
| $ | 387 |
Amortization |
|
| 102 |
|
| 109 |
|
| (7) |
|
| (10) |
|
| — |
|
| (10) |
Balance, end of period |
| $ | (40,043) |
| $ | (40,360) |
| $ | 317 |
| $ | (41,400) |
| $ | (41,777) |
| $ | 377 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
|
| Total |
| Defined benefit pension plans |
| Other post- employment benefit plans |
| Total |
| Defined benefit pension plans |
| Other post- employment benefit plans |
Balance, beginning of period |
| $ | (40,247) |
| $ | (40,578) |
| $ | 331 |
| $ | (41,380) |
| $ | (41,777) |
| $ | 397 |
Amortization |
|
| 204 |
|
| 218 |
|
| (14) |
|
| (20) |
|
| — |
|
| (20) |
Balance, end of period |
| $ | (40,043) |
| $ | (40,360) |
| $ | 317 |
| $ | (41,400) |
| $ | (41,777) |
| $ | 377 |
Note 8: Earnings Per Share
The table below sets forth the net income (loss) available to common shareholders and weighted average shares used for calculating earnings per share (“EPS”). The Company’s Series A and Series B common stock equally share in the distributed and undistributed earnings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
Earnings (Numerator) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders |
| $ | 1,450 |
| $ | (868) |
| $ | 87 |
| $ | (3,494) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares (Denominator) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding (1) |
|
| 5,352,490 |
|
| 5,352,490 |
|
| 5,352,490 |
|
| 5,352,490 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings Per Share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
| $ | 0.27 |
| $ | (0.16) |
| $ | 0.02 |
| $ | (0.65) |
Diluted |
| $ | 0.27 |
| $ | (0.16) |
| $ | 0.02 |
| $ | (0.65) |
(1)There were no options or RSUs outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, that would result in dilution of shares or the calculation of EPS under the two-class method as prescribed under ASC 260 – Earnings Per Share.
Note 9: Contingencies
Legal proceedings. From time to time, the Company is involved in a variety of claims, lawsuits and other disputes arising in the ordinary course of business. Management routinely assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes in these matters, as well as the ranges of probable losses to the extent losses are reasonably estimable. Accruals for contingencies are recorded when, in the judgment of management, adverse judgments or outcomes are probable and the financial impact, should an adverse outcome occur, is reasonably estimable. The determination of likely outcomes of litigation matters relates to factors that include, but are not limited to, past experience and other evidence, interpretation of relevant laws or regulations and the specifics and status of each matter. Predicting the outcome of claims and litigation and estimating related costs and financial exposure involves substantial uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from estimates and accruals. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from other currently existing claims against the Company would not have a material adverse effect on DallasNews’ results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
Note 10: Segment Reporting
The Company’s CODM, who is the Chief Executive Officer, wanted to analyze the agency services business and its overall profitability separate from the traditional TDMN print business. In the second quarter of 2024, the process to transition to reporting the businesses separately was completed. Based on the changes made in the reporting package used by the CODM for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance, the Company determined it has two reportable segments. The two reportable segments are the following:
TDMN is comprised of the Company’s traditional print business that includes operating The Dallas Morning News. These operations generate revenue from subscriptions and retail sales of the Company’s newspaper, sales of display and classified advertising within its newspaper and on related digital platforms to local, regional or national businesses with local operations, affiliates or resellers, as well as commercial printing and distribution services primarily related to national newspapers.
Agency is comprised of the Company’s full-service agency, Medium Giant. These operations generate revenue from strategic and creative services, website management and content services, media services consisting of paid search, social and targeted digital advertising on third-party platforms (programmatic), as well as traditional media including direct mail, promotional products, out of market print inserts, and over-the-top advertising on streaming platforms. The revenue also includes subscriptions to the Company’s multi-channel marketing solutions cloud-based software and services.
In addition to the reportable segments above, the Company has a Corporate and Other category that includes expenses not directly attributable to a specific reportable segment. These unallocated expenses primarily consist of broad corporate functions, including executive management, legal, human resources, corporate accounting and finance, and technology.
The CODM uses adjusted operating income (loss) for the purposes of evaluating performance and allocating resources. Adjusted operating income (loss) does not include depreciation or severance expense. Adjusted operating income (loss) is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Management believes that the non-GAAP measure presented is an important metric that provides a focus on the underlying ongoing operating performance of its businesses on a consistent basis across reporting periods. Adjusted operating income (loss) should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other comparable measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, this non-GAAP measure may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies.
Asset information by segment is not a key measure of performance used by the CODM function. Accordingly, asset information by segment is not disclosed.
The table below sets forth summarized financial information for the Company’s reportable segments, and corporate and other.
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| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
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| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
Revenue |
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|
TDMN (1) |
| $ | 28,109 |
| $ | 32,179 |
| $ | 55,162 |
| $ | 63,286 |
Agency |
|
| 3,952 |
|
| 3,833 |
|
| 8,001 |
|
| 7,928 |
Total |
| $ | 32,061 |
| $ | 36,012 |
| $ | 63,163 |
| $ | 71,214 |
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Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) Attributable to Reportable Segments |
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TDMN (1) |
| $ | 6,315 |
| $ | 5,028 |
| $ | 11,565 |
| $ | 8,189 |
Agency |
|
| 31 |
|
| (505) |
|
| (371) |
|
| (944) |
Total |
| $ | 6,346 |
| $ | 4,523 |
| $ | 11,194 |
| $ | 7,245 |
Corporate and other |
|
| (5,173) |
|
| (4,778) |
|
| (10,801) |
|
| (9,666) |
Total Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) |
| $ | 1,173 |
| $ | (255) |
| $ | 393 |
| $ | (2,421) |
Excluded expenses: |
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Depreciation |
|
| 407 |
|
| 357 |
|
| 805 |
|
| 730 |
Severance expense |
|
| 198 |
|
| 608 |
|
| 776 |
|
| 825 |
Operating Income (Loss) |
| $ | 568 |
| $ | (1,220) |
| $ | (1,188) |
| $ | (3,976) |
Other income, net |
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| 641 |
|
| 378 |
|
| 1,252 |
|
| 740 |
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes |
| $ | 1,209 |
| $ | (842) |
| $ | 64 |
| $ | (3,236) |
(1)Includes $3,870 and $7,649 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, of revenue generated from the Company’s shared mail program to deliver weekly preprints, as well as advertising in the print-only editions of its niche publications. At the end of August 2023, the Company made the strategic decisions to exit its shared mail program and discontinue print-only editions of its niche publications.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
DallasNews Corporation (“DallasNews” or the “Company”) intends for the discussion of its financial condition and results of operations that follows to provide information that will assist in understanding its financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those statements from period to period, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how certain accounting principles, policies and estimates affect its financial statements. The following information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes filed as part of this report. All dollar amounts presented herein, except share and per share amounts, are in thousands, unless the context indicates otherwise.
This section and other parts of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those statements. See Forward-Looking Statements of this Quarterly Report for further discussion.
OVERVIEW
DallasNews Corporation and its subsidiaries are referred to collectively herein as “DallasNews” or the “Company.” DallasNews was formed in February 2008 through a spin-off from its former parent company and is registered on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq trading symbol: DALN). DallasNews is the Dallas-based holding company of The Dallas Morning News and Medium Giant.
The Company operates The Dallas Morning News (“TDMN”) (dallasnews.com), Texas’ leading newspaper and winner of nine Pulitzer Prizes. These operations generate revenue from sales of advertising within the Company’s newspaper and digital platforms, subscriptions and retail sales of its newspaper, commercial printing and distribution services primarily related to national newspapers.
In addition, the Company has a full-service agency, Medium Giant, with capabilities including strategy, creative and media management with a focus on strategic and digital marketing, and data intelligence that provide a measurable return on investment to its clients.
Reportable Segments
In the second quarter of 2024, based on changes made in the reporting package used by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance, the Company determined it has two reportable segments. The two reportable segments are TDMN and Agency:
TDMN is comprised of the Company’s traditional print business that includes operating The Dallas Morning News. These operations generate revenue from subscriptions and retail sales of the Company’s newspaper, sales of display and classified advertising within its newspaper and on related digital platforms to local, regional or national businesses with local operations, affiliates or resellers, as well as commercial printing and distribution services primarily related to national newspapers.
Agency is comprised of the Company’s full-service agency, Medium Giant. These operations generate revenue from strategic and creative services, website management and content services, media services consisting of paid search, social and targeted digital advertising on third-party platforms (programmatic), as well as traditional media including direct mail, promotional products, out of market print inserts, and over-the-top advertising on streaming platforms. The revenue also includes subscriptions to the Company’s multi-channel marketing solutions cloud-based software and services.
The Company also has a Corporate and Other category that includes expenses not directly attributable to a specific reportable segment. The prior period information has been recast by segment to reflect current period presentation for comparative purposes. See Note 10 - Segment Reporting.
Business Trends
Several industry trends have been considered when assessing the Company’s business strategy:
Traditionally, the Company’s primary revenues are generated from advertising within its newspaper and related digital platforms, and from subscription and single copy sales of its printed newspaper. As a result of competitive and economic conditions, the newspaper industry has faced a significant revenue decline over the past decade. Therefore, the Company has sought to diversify its revenues through development and investment in new product offerings, increased circulation rates and leveraging of its existing assets to offer cost efficient commercial printing and distribution services. The Company continually evaluates the overall performance of its core products to ensure existing assets are deployed adequately to maximize return.
The Company’s advertising revenue from its newspaper continues to be adversely affected by the shift of advertiser spending to other forms of media and the increased accessibility of free online news content, as well as news content from other sources, which also adversely affects paid print circulation volumes and revenue. In addition, preprint advertising continues to experience a secular decline across the industry and may eventually become obsolete. In the third quarter of 2023, the Company made the strategic decision to exit its shared mail program to deliver weekly preprints, as discussed below.
In response to print revenue challenges, the Company built agency capabilities, including strategy, creative and media management with a focus on strategic and digital marketing, and data intelligence that provide a measurable return on investment to its clients. The Company leverages its news content to improve engagement on the Company’s digital platforms that results in increased digital subscriptions and associated revenue. The Company also continues to diversify its revenue base by leveraging the available capacity of its existing assets to provide print and distribution services for newspapers and other customers requiring these services, by introducing new advertising and marketing services products, and by increasing circulation prices.
Because of declining print circulation, the Company has developed broad digital strategies designed to provide readers with multiple platforms for obtaining online access to local news. The Company continues to obtain additional key demographic data from readers, which allows the Company to provide content desired by readers and to modify marketing and distribution strategies to target and reach audiences valued by advertisers. The Company has access to programmatic digital advertising platforms that provide digital ad placement and targeting efficiencies and increases utilization of digital inventory within the Company’s platforms. Additionally, in order to optimize owned and operated digital advertising revenue, the Company has adopted a holistic yield management approach powered by real-time bidding technologies and data analysis to ensure the optimal mix of direct sales and programmatic ad sales is achieved.
Macroeconomic Environment
The Company and its business partners are subject to risks and uncertainties caused by factors beyond its control, including macroeconomic factors such as inflation. If inflation were to increase, for an extended period, certain operating costs could increase or advertiser spending could be impacted. If a pandemic were to affect a significant number of the workforce employed in printing operations, the Company may experience delays or be unable to produce, print and deliver its publications and other third-party print publications on a timely basis. The Company continues to evaluate for any future material impacts on its consolidated financial statements.
Overview of Significant Transactions
On May 14, 2024, the Company announced it will streamline its printing operations, currently located in Plano, Texas, into a smaller, leased facility, and expects to make capital investments of approximately $8,000 in a more efficient press and related equipment. The Company entered into a five-year lease that commenced on June 28, 2024, for a 67,600 square-foot facility located in Carrollton, Texas. This transition will allow the Company to keep its operations in North Texas and continue to produce a seven-day print edition for the foreseeable future. The new facility is expected to be operational in early 2025, and until then, all operations will remain in the current facility. Once the transition is completed, the Company expects to benefit from annual expense savings of approximately $5,000.
In May 2024, the Company terminated, without penalty, its short-term investments of $9,909 in Certificates of Deposit (“CD’s”) that were purchased in the first quarter of 2024. As of June 30, 2024, the Company had $500 remaining in short-term investments for a CD that was purchased in 2023; see Note 3 – Financial Instruments and Accounts Receivable, Net for additional information.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Results of Operations (unaudited)
This section contains discussion and analysis of net operating revenue, operating costs and expense and other information relevant to an understanding of results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.
The table below sets forth the components of the Company’s operating income (loss).
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| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
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| 2024 |
| Percentage Change |
| 2023 |
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| 2024 |
| Percentage Change |
| 2023 |
Advertising and marketing services |
| $ | 12,784 |
| (21.2) | % |
| $ | 16,223 |
| $ | 24,430 |
| (22.5) | % |
| $ | 31,532 |
Circulation |
|
| 16,181 |
| 1.2 | % |
|
| 15,996 |
|
| 32,481 |
| 1.5 | % |
|
| 32,007 |
Printing, distribution and other |
|
| 3,096 |
| (18.4) | % |
|
| 3,793 |
|
| 6,252 |
| (18.5) | % |
|
| 7,675 |
Total Net Operating Revenue |
| $ | 32,061 |
| (11.0) | % |
| $ | 36,012 |
| $ | 63,163 |
| (11.3) | % |
| $ | 71,214 |
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Employee compensation and benefits |
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| 14,738 |
| (14.5) | % |
|
| 17,236 |
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| 30,855 |
| (10.8) | % |
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| 34,609 |
Other production, distribution and operating costs |
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| 15,046 |
| (13.0) | % |
|
| 17,293 |
|
| 30,105 |
| (14.8) | % |
|
| 35,321 |
Newsprint, ink and other supplies |
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| 1,302 |
| (44.5) | % |
|
| 2,346 |
|
| 2,586 |
| (42.9) | % |
|
| 4,530 |
Depreciation |
|
| 407 |
| 14.0 | % |
|
| 357 |
|
| 805 |
| 10.3 | % |
|
| 730 |
Total Operating Costs and Expense |
| $ | 31,493 |
| (15.4) | % |
| $ | 37,232 |
| $ | 64,351 |
| (14.4) | % |
| $ | 75,190 |
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Operating Income (Loss) |
| $ | 568 |
| 146.6 | % |
| $ | (1,220) |
| $ | (1,188) |
| 70.1 | % |
| $ | (3,976) |
Revenues
Advertising and marketing services
Advertising and marketing services revenue, including print, digital, and marketing and media services revenues, was 39.9 percent and 38.7 percent of total revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and 45.1 percent and 44.3 percent of total revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively.
Print advertising – Revenue is primarily comprised of display and classified advertising space within the Company’s newspaper. Display revenue results from sales of advertising space within the Company’s newspaper to local, regional or national businesses with local operations, affiliates or resellers. Classified revenue, which includes automotive, real estate, employment, obituaries, immigration, and other, results from sales of advertising space in the classified and other sections of the Company’s newspaper. At the end of August 2023, the Company exited its shared mail program to deliver weekly preprints and discontinued print-only editions of its niche publications.
Digital advertising – Revenue is generated by digital sales of banner, classified and native advertisements on the Company’s news websites, social media platforms and mobile apps. Prior to the segment reporting change, digital advertising, and marketing and media services revenues were reported in aggregate. Prior period was recast in the revenue table below.
Marketing and media services – Revenue is primarily comprised of strategic and creative services, website management and content services, media services consisting of paid search, social and targeted digital advertising on third-party platforms (programmatic), as well as traditional media including direct mail, promotional products, out of market print inserts, and over-the-top advertising on streaming platforms. The revenue also includes subscriptions to the Company’s multi-channel marketing solutions cloud-based software and services.
Circulation
Circulation revenue, including print and digital revenues, was 50.4 percent and 51.4 percent of total revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and 44.4 percent and 44.9 percent of total revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively.
Print circulation – Revenue is generated primarily by selling home delivery subscriptions, including premium publications, and from single copy sales to non-subscribers. Home delivery revenue is recognized over the subscription period based on the days of actual delivery over the total subscription days and single copy revenue is recognized at a point in time when the paper is purchased. Revenue is directly reduced for any non-payment for the grace period of home delivery subscriptions where the Company recorded revenue for newspapers delivered after a subscription expired.
Digital circulation – Revenue is generated by digital-only subscriptions and is recognized over the subscription period based on daily or monthly access to the content in the subscription period.
Printing, distribution and other
Printing, distribution and other revenue was 9.7 percent and 9.9 percent of total revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and 10.5 percent and 10.8 percent of total revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively.
Revenue is primarily generated from printing and distribution of other newspapers, mailed advertisements for business customers, and sublease income.
Operating Expenses
Employee compensation and benefits – Includes labor and employee benefits costs, as well as severance expense that is not allocated to the two segments since management believes this expense is not indicative of each segment’s core operations.
Other production, distribution and operating costs – Includes distribution and outside services expenses, as well as other miscellaneous expenses such as travel and entertainment, advertising and promotion, and lease cost.
Newsprint, ink and other supplies – Includes expenses for all printing supplies used for the TDMN segment, which includes operating The Dallas Morning News, as well as commercial printing primarily related to national newspapers. In addition, beginning in the latter half of 2023, the Agency segment began incurring costs associated with printing out of market inserts for media services clients.
Depreciation – This is not allocated to the two segments since management believes this expense is not indicative of each segment’s core operations.
Other Non-Operating Components
The table below sets forth the other components of the Company’s results of operations.
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| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
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| 2024 |
| Percentage Change |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| Percentage Change |
| 2023 |
Other income, net |
| $ | 641 |
| 69.6 | % |
| $ | 378 |
| $ | 1,252 |
| 69.2 | % |
| $ | 740 |
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Income tax provision (benefit) |
| $ | (241) |
| N/M |
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| $ | 26 |
| $ | (23) |
| (108.9) | % |
| $ | 258 |
N/M-not meaningful
Other income, net – Other income, net primarily includes net periodic pension and other post-employment benefit, and interest income.
Net periodic pension and other post-employment benefit was $474 and $224 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $948 and $449 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
In the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded $48 and $169, respectively, and $159 and $169 in the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, of interest income from the Company’s investment in CD’s.
Income tax provision (benefit) – The Company calculated the income tax provision (benefit) for the 2024 and 2023 interim periods using an estimated annual effective tax rate based on its expected annual loss before income taxes. The Company recognized an income tax provision (benefit) of $(241) and $26 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $(23) and $258 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, due to the effect of the Texas franchise tax. Effective income tax rates were (35.9) percent and (8.0) percent for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Company expects income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2024. The income tax benefit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, is due to the negative annual effective tax rate estimated for the 2024 year, applied to the June 30, 2024 year-to-date income before taxes.
The 2023 income tax expense was reduced by the release of a $66 federal uncertain tax reserve, included in other liabilities, as a result of the statute of limitations lapsing in June 2023. In connection with the release of a federal uncertain tax reserve, the Company released a reserve for interest and penalties included in other liabilities and recognized $36 in other income, net for the six months ended June 30, 2023.
Legal proceedings – From time to time, the Company is involved in a variety of claims, lawsuits and other disputes arising in the ordinary course of business. Management routinely assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes in these matters, as well as the ranges of probable losses to the extent losses are reasonably estimable. Accruals for contingencies are recorded when, in the judgment of management, adverse judgments or outcomes are probable and the financial impact, should an adverse outcome occur, is reasonably estimable. The determination of likely outcomes of litigation matters relates to factors that include, but are not limited to, past experience and other evidence, interpretation of relevant laws or regulations and the specifics and status of each matter. Predicting the outcome of claims and litigation and estimating related costs and financial exposure involves substantial uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from estimates and accruals. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from other currently existing claims against the Company would not have a material adverse effect on DallasNews’ results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
Results of Operations by Reportable Segment (unaudited)
Advertising and marketing services revenue
The table below sets forth advertising and marketing services revenue by reportable segment. Prior period was recast as a result of the Company’s change in segment reporting.
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| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
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| 2024 |
| Percentage Change |
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| 2023 (Recast) |
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| 2024 |
| Percentage Change |
| 2023 (Recast) |
TDMN |
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Print advertising |
| $ | 6,558 |
| (36.3) | % |
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| $ | 10,294 |
| $ | 12,197 |
| (37.7) | % |
| $ | 19,590 |
Digital advertising |
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| 2,274 |
| 0.8 | % |
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| 2,255 |
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| 4,232 |
| (2.3) | % |
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| 4,332 |
Agency |
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Marketing and media services |
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| 3,952 |
| 7.6 | % |
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| 3,674 |
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| 8,001 |
| 5.1 | % |
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| 7,610 |
Advertising and Marketing Services | $ | 12,784 |
| (21.2) | % |
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| $ | 16,223 |
| $ | 24,430 |
| (22.5) | % |
| $ | 31,532 |
TDMN
Print advertising revenue decreased $3,870 and $7,649 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, resulting from the Company’s strategic decisions to exit its shared mail program and discontinue print-only editions of its niche publications at the end of August 2023. All remaining print advertising revenue improved $134 and $256 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, primarily due to an increase in classified advertisements.
Digital advertising revenue remained flat in the three months ended June 30, 2024, and decreased $100 in the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to a decline in digital advertisements on dallasnews.com.
Agency
Marketing and media services revenue improved $278 and $391 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, primarily due to an increase in out of market print inserts for media services clients that began in the third quarter of 2023.
Circulation revenue
The table below sets forth circulation revenue all included in the TDMN segment.
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| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
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| 2024 |
| Percentage Change |
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| 2023 |
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| 2024 |
| Percentage Change |
| 2023 |
TDMN |
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Print circulation |
| $ | 11,603 |
| (4.5) | % |
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| $ | 12,144 |
| $ | 23,359 |
| (4.8) | % |
| $ | 24,525 |
Digital circulation |
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| 4,578 |
| 18.8 | % |
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| 3,852 |
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| 9,122 |
| 21.9 | % |
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| 7,482 |
Circulation |
| $ | 16,181 |
| 1.2 | % |
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| $ | 15,996 |
| $ | 32,481 |
| 1.5 | % |
| $ | 32,007 |
Print circulation revenue decreased $541 and $1,166 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, primarily driven by a decline in print subscriptions of 8,327 or 11.3 percent when compared to June 30, 2023, partially offset by rates increasing approximately 7.5 percent.
Digital circulation revenue increased $726 and $1,640 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. Digital-only subscriptions decreased 7,704 or 11.2 percent when compared to June 30, 2023, primarily due to a change in strategy from volume to pricing. This change is improving the revenue trajectory from digital subscriptions but negatively impacts volume in the short term.
Printing, distribution and other revenue
The table below sets forth printing, distribution and other revenue by reportable segment.
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| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
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| 2024 |
| Percentage Change |
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| 2023 |
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| 2024 |
| Percentage Change |
| 2023 |
TDMN |
| $ | 3,096 |
| (14.8) | % |
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| $ | 3,634 |
| $ | 6,252 |
| (15.0) | % |
| $ | 7,357 |
Agency |
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| — |
| (100.0) | % |
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|
| 159 |
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| — |
| (100.0) | % |
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| 318 |
Printing, Distribution and Other |
| $ | 3,096 |
| (18.4) | % |
|
| $ | 3,793 |
| $ | 6,252 |
| (18.5) | % |
| $ | 7,675 |
TDMN
The TDMN segment’s printing, distribution and other revenue decreased $538 and $1,105 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, primarily due to declines in revenue from commercial printing and distribution, and mailed advertisements for business customers.
Agency
The Agency segment’s printing, distribution and other revenue consisted only of sublease income from Medium Giant’s former sales office that was partially subleased. The lease and sublease both ended in the third quarter of 2023.
Operating Costs and Expense
The table below sets forth the components of the Company’s operating costs and expense by reportable segment, and corporate and other.
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| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
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| 2024 |
| Percentage Change |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| Percentage Change |
| 2023 |
TDMN |
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Employee compensation and benefits |
| $ | 10,190 |
| (13.2) | % |
| $ | 11,736 |
| $ | 20,783 |
| (12.7) | % |
| $ | 23,813 |
Other production, distribution and operating costs |
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| 10,442 |
| (20.1) | % |
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| 13,069 |
|
| 20,574 |
| (23.1) | % |
|
| 26,754 |
Newsprint, ink and other supplies |
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| 1,162 |
| (50.5) | % |
|
| 2,346 |
|
| 2,240 |
| (50.6) | % |
|
| 4,530 |
Agency |
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Employee compensation and benefits |
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| 2,108 |
| (16.2) | % |
|
| 2,515 |
|
| 4,534 |
| (10.9) | % |
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| 5,087 |
Other production, distribution and operating costs |
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| 1,673 |
| (8.2) | % |
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| 1,823 |
|
| 3,492 |
| (7.7) | % |
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| 3,785 |
Newsprint, ink and other supplies |
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| 140 |
| N/A |
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| — |
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| 346 |
| N/A |
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| — |
Corporate and Other |
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Employee compensation and benefits (including severance) |
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| 2,440 |
| (18.3) | % |
|
| 2,985 |
|
| 5,538 |
| (3.0) | % |
|
| 5,709 |
Other production, distribution and operating costs |
|
| 2,931 |
| 22.1 | % |
|
| 2,401 |
|
| 6,039 |
| 26.3 | % |
|
| 4,782 |
Depreciation |
|
| 407 |
| 14.0 | % |
|
| 357 |
|
| 805 |
| 10.3 | % |
|
| 730 |
Total Operating Costs and Expense |
| $ | 31,493 |
| (15.4) | % |
| $ | 37,232 |
| $ | 64,351 |
| (14.4) | % |
| $ | 75,190 |
Employee compensation and benefits – TDMN expense decreased $1,546 and $3,030 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, due to headcount reductions resulting from the 2023 Voluntary Severance Program (the “VSO”). Agency expense declined $407 and $553 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, as a result of first quarter headcount reductions at Medium Giant. Total Company employee headcount is 533, a decrease of 111 or 17.2 percent when compared to June 30, 2023, primarily resulting from the VSO, which also resulted in reduced Corporate and Other expense.
Other production, distribution and operating costs – TDMN expense decreased $2,627 and $6,180 in the three and six months ended June 30 2024, respectively, primarily due to reduced distribution expense associated with lower circulation, including discontinuing print-only editions of the Company’s niche publications and ending its shared mail program to distribute preprinted advertisements. Agency expense decreased $150 and $293 in the three and six months ended June 30 2024, respectively, primarily due to lease cost for Medium Giant’s former sales office lease that ended in the third quarter of 2023. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, Corporate and Other expense includes a non-recurring lease cost benefit of $556.
Newsprint, ink and other supplies – TDMN expense decreased $1,184 and $2,290 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, due to reduced newsprint pricing and lower circulation. Beginning in the third quarter of 2023, the Agency segment began incurring costs associated with printing out of market inserts for media services clients. Newsprint consumption for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, approximated 1,187 and 1,781 metric tons, respectively, at an average cost per metric ton of $649 and $807, respectively. Newsprint consumption for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, approximated 2,377 and 3,555 metric tons, respectively, at an average cost per metric ton of $661 and $816, respectively.
Depreciation – Expense increased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to print production related assets that were put in-service, causing a higher depreciable asset base.
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) by Reportable Segment (unaudited)
The CODM uses adjusted operating income (loss) for the purposes of evaluating performance and allocating resources. Adjusted operating income (loss) does not include depreciation or severance expense. Adjusted operating income (loss) is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Management believes that the non-GAAP measure presented is an important metric that provides a focus on the underlying ongoing operating performance of its businesses on a consistent basis across reporting periods. Adjusted operating income (loss) should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other comparable measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, this non-GAAP measure may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies.
The table below sets forth adjusted operating income (loss) by reportable segment, and corporate and other.
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| Three Months Ended June 30, |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
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| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
TDMN |
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Total net operating revenue |
| $ | 28,109 |
| $ | 32,179 |
| $ | 55,162 |
| $ | 63,286 |
Adjusted operating expense |
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| 21,794 |
|
| 27,151 |
|
| 43,597 |
|
| 55,097 |
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) |
| $ | 6,315 |
| $ | 5,028 |
| $ | 11,565 |
| $ | 8,189 |
Agency |
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Total net operating revenue |
| $ | 3,952 |
| $ | 3,833 |
| $ | 8,001 |
| $ | 7,928 |
Adjusted operating expense |
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| 3,921 |
|
| 4,338 |
|
| 8,372 |
|
| 8,872 |
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) |
| $ | 31 |
| $ | (505) |
| $ | (371) |
| $ | (944) |
Corporate and Other |
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Total net operating revenue |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
Adjusted operating expense |
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| 5,173 |
|
| 4,778 |
|
| 10,801 |
|
| 9,666 |
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) |
| $ | (5,173) |
| $ | (4,778) |
| $ | (10,801) |
| $ | (9,666) |
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Total Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) |
| $ | 1,173 |
| $ | (255) |
| $ | 393 |
| $ | (2,421) |
Excluded expenses: |
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Depreciation |
|
| 407 |
|
| 357 |
|
| 805 |
|
| 730 |
Severance expense |
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| 198 |
|
| 608 |
|
| 776 |
|
| 825 |
Operating Income (Loss) |
| $ | 568 |
| $ | (1,220) |
| $ | (1,188) |
| $ | (3,976) |
Other income, net |
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| 641 |
|
| 378 |
|
| 1,252 |
|
| 740 |
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes |
| $ | 1,209 |
| $ | (842) |
| $ | 64 |
| $ | (3,236) |
TDMN
Adjusted operating income (loss) improved $1,287 and $3,376 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, primarily due to expense savings from the Company ending its shared mail program and print-only niche publications, as well as headcount reductions resulting from the VSO.
Print advertising revenue increased 3.5 percent and 2.3 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, excluding the preprint business and niche publications.
Circulation revenue improved 1.2 percent and 1.5 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, driven by the Company’s pricing strategy. The Company continues to focus on finding a sustainable strategy that balances price with the ability to continue to grow its digital subscriber base.
Agency
Adjusted operating income (loss) improved $536 and $573 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, primarily due to expense savings related to the reorganization of Medium Giant resulting in first quarter headcount reductions.
Marketing and media services revenue grew 7.6 percent and 5.1 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, reflecting Medium Giant’s focus on more relevant solutions for media services clients.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, were $16,601 and $11,697, respectively. As of June 30, 2024, the Company had $500 remaining in short-term investments for a CD that was purchased in 2023, as discussed below.
The Company intends to hold the majority of existing cash for purposes of future investment opportunities and for contingency purposes. While the Company expects to have cash flow and expense reduction measures in place to help offset future revenue declines, the Company does expect to use cash to fund operating activities and capital spending.
On May 14, 2024, the Company announced it will streamline its printing operations, currently located in Plano, Texas, into a smaller, leased facility, and expects to make capital investments of approximately $8,000 in a more efficient press and related equipment. The Company entered into a five-year lease that commenced on June 28, 2024, for a 67,600 square-foot facility located in Carrollton, Texas. This operating lease resulted in a right-of-use asset and lease liability of $3,537 in aggregate upon commencement. This transition will allow the Company to keep its operations in North Texas and continue to produce a seven-day print edition for the foreseeable future. The new facility is expected to be operational in early 2025, and until then, all operations will remain in the current facility. Once the transition is completed, the Company expects to benefit from annual expense savings of approximately $5,000.
As previously announced on May 14, 2024, based on the required capital investments to support the transition of the print operations, the Company’s board of directors decided to suspend the declaration and payment of dividends until further notice. The Company continues to have a board-authorized repurchase authority. However, the agreement to repurchase the Company’s stock expired and was not renewed.
The following discusses the changes in cash flows by operating, investing and financing activities.
Operating Cash Flows
Net cash used for operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, was $1,660 and $2,836, respectively. Cash flows used for operating activities decreased by $1,176 during the six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the prior year period, primarily due to improved operating income, partially offset by severance payments to the VSO participants that left the Company in the first quarter.
Investing Cash Flows
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities was $7,420 and $(11,348) for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In 2023, the Company invested $10,500 in CD’s. In 2024, $10,000 matured and the Company reinvested $9,909 in CD’s, which the Company terminated, without penalty, in the second quarter of 2024. The Company received cash proceeds of $440 from the return on the Company’s investment in CD’s. Cash flows used for investing activities also included $3,020 and $848 of capital spending in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Financing Cash Flows
Net cash used for financing activities was $856 and $1,713 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, all attributable to dividend payments.
Financing Arrangements
None.
Contractual Obligations
The Company has contractual obligations for operating leases, primarily for office space and other distribution centers, some of which include escalating lease payments. See Note 4 – Leases for future lease payments by year.
Under the applicable tax and labor laws governing pension plan funding, no contributions to the DallasNews Pension Plans are required in 2024.
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, 2023, filed on March 6, 2024, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
No material changes were made to the Company’s critical accounting policies as set forth in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q concerning DallasNews Corporation’s planned transition of print operations, expected capital investments and expense savings related to the transition, the Company’s business outlook or future economic performance, revenues, expenses, cash balance, capital expenditures, investments, impairments, business initiatives, pension plan contributions and obligations, working capital, dividends, 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. Words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “may,” “project,” “plan,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and their opposites and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties are, in most instances, beyond the Company’s control, and include changes in advertising demand and other economic conditions; volatility in the North Texas real estate market; the timeline for transitioning print operations; consumers’ tastes; newsprint and distribution prices; program costs; the Company’s ability to successfully execute the Return to Growth Plan; the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market; the success of the Company’s digital strategy; labor relations; cybersecurity incidents; and technological obsolescence. Among other risks, there can be no guarantee that the board of directors will approve dividends in the future or that the Company’s financial projections are accurate, as well as other risks described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company’s other public disclosures and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements, which are as of the date of this filing, are not updated to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, are controls that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing disclosure controls and procedures, management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures is also based, in part, upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.
The Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, as of June 30, 2024, management concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2024, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
A number of legal proceedings are pending against DallasNews. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from these legal proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on DallasNews’ results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. See Note 9 – Contingencies for additional information.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
There were no unregistered sales of the Company’s equity securities during the period covered by this report.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company continues to have a board-authorized repurchase authority. However, the agreement to repurchase the Company’s stock expired and was not renewed.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) are incorporated by reference to documents previously filed by the Company with the SEC, as indicated. In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information marked with a double asterisk (**) in Exhibit No. 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is deemed filed. Exhibits marked with three asterisks (***) are furnished with this report. 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.
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Exhibit Number | Description |
3.1 * | Certificate of Formation of A. H. Belo Corporation (successor to A. H. Belo Texas, Inc.) (Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2018) |
3.2 * | Certificate of Merger (Delaware) of A. H. Belo Corporation with and into A. H. Belo Texas, Inc. (Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 2, 2018 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “July 2, 2018 Form 8-K”)) |
3.3 * | Certificate of Merger (Texas) of A. H. Belo Corporation with and into A. H. Belo Texas, Inc. (Exhibit 3.4 to the July 2, 2018 Form 8-K) |
3.4 * | Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Formation effective June 8, 2021 (Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 8, 2021 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741)) |
3.5 * | Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Formation (changing Company name to DallasNews Corporation) effective June 29, 2021 (Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report of Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2021 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “June 30, 2021 Form 8-K”)) |
3.6 * | Certificate of Correction to Certificate of Amendment (Exhibit 3.2 to the June 30, 2021 Form 8-K) |
3.7 * | Amended and Restated Bylaws of DallasNews Corporation (Exhibit 3.3 to the June 30, 2021 Form 8-K) |
10.1 * | Material Contracts |
| (1) * | Lease Agreement for Carrollton Printing Facility dated June 24, 2024 (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2024 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) ( the “July 1, 2024 Form 8-K”)) |
| (2) * | Guaranty of Lease dated June 24, 2024 (Exhibit 10.2 to the July 1, 2024 Form 8-K) |
31.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
31.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
32 *** | Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal 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 ** | Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |
101.SCH ** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
101.CAL** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
101.LAB** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
101.PRE** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
104 ** | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
7/30/2024 |
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| DALLASNEWS CORPORATION |
| | |
| By: | /s/ | Catherine G. Collins |
| | | Catherine G. Collins |
| | | Chief Financial Officer |
| | | (Principal Financial Officer) |
| |
| Dated: | July 30, 2024 |
| | |