SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) X Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended September 24, 2000 or _ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from _______ to _________ Commission file number 1-6961 GANNETT CO., INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 16-0442930 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22234 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (703) 284-6000 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No __ The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's Common Stock, Par Value $1.00, as of September 24, 2000 was 263,692,168. PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS ACQUISITIONS AND EXCHANGES On July 21, 2000, the company concluded the acquisition of 19 daily newspapers as well as numerous weekly and niche publications from Thomson Newspapers, Inc., for an aggregate purchase price of $1.036 billion. The company acquired eight daily newspapers in Wisconsin, eight daily newspapers in Central Ohio, and single daily newspapers in Lafayette, LA; Salisbury, MD; and St. George, UT (collectively, "Thomson"). The company completed its acquisition of Central Newspapers, Inc. ("Central") on August 1, 2000, for an approximate cash purchase price of $2.6 billion. The company also retired Central's existing debt of approximately $206 million. Central's properties include The Arizona Republic; The Indianapolis Star; three other dailies in Indiana and one daily in Louisiana; a direct marketing business; CNI Ventures, an internet and technology investment management group; and other related media and information businesses. Both acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Early in the fourth quarter of 2000, the company contributed the assets of its newspapers, the Marin Independent Journal and the Classified Gazette, to the California Newspapers Partnership in exchange for an increased ownership interest in the partnership. The company has had an ownership interest in the partnership since March of 1999. EARNINGS SUMMARY Quarter Operating income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2000 rose $67.6 million or 19%. Newspaper publishing earnings were up $56.4 million or 19% for the quarter, reflecting solid national and classified advertising demand and the positive impact of the Central and Thomson acquisitions, along with Newsquest plc ("Newsquest") and News Communications & Media PLC ("Newscom"), U.K. based newspaper companies acquired in July 1999 and June 2000, respectively. Television earnings were up $10.3 million or 16% for the quarter, largely due to increased political and Summer Olympics-related advertising demand. Income from continuing operations was up $10.5 million or 5% for the quarter, and earnings per share from continuing operations (diluted) rose to $0.79 from $0.70, a 13% increase. Income from continuing operations was tempered by interest expense on funds borrowed to acquire the new properties. Year-to-date Operating income from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2000 rose $180.1 million or 17%. Newspaper publishing earnings were up $164.9 million or 19%, and television earnings were up $13.5 million or 6%. Results in the second quarter of 1999 included a $55 million net pre-tax gain from the exchange of KVUE-TV in Austin, Texas, for KXTV-TV in Sacramento, California, plus other consideration. Absent this non-operating gain in 1999, income from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2000 rose $74.5 million or 12%, and earnings per share (diluted) rose to $2.51 from $2.14, a 17% increase. After-tax income from the operation of the cable division, which was sold on January 31, 2000, was $2.4 million, and the after-tax gain from the sale of the cable division was $744.7 million. In total, discontinued operations contributed $2.78 per share (diluted). Net income for the year-to-date was $5.29 per share (diluted). A presentation of year-to-date earnings excluding the net non-operating gain from the television exchange and excluding discontinued operations follows: Earnings Summary Excluding 1999 Net Non-operating Gain and Discontinued Operations Thirty-nine weeks ended % Inc Sept. 24, 2000 Sept. 26, 1999 (Dec) Operating income $ 1,233,184 $1,053,069 17.1 Non-operating income (expense): Interest expense (118,803) (56,918) 108.7 Other 6,361 4,731 34.5 ------------- ------------- ---- Total (112,442) (52,187) 115.5 ------------- ------------- ---- Income before income taxes 1,120,742 1,000,882 12.0 Provision for income taxes 443,700 398,300 11.4 ------------- ------------- ---- Income from continuing operations $ 677,042 $ 602,582 12.4 ============ ============ ==== Earnings from continuing operations per share basic $2.53 $2.16 17.1 ===== ===== ==== Earnings from continuing operations per share diluted $2.51 $2.14 17.3 ===== ===== ==== NEWSPAPERS The company completed the Central and Thomson acquisitions in the third quarter of 2000, and the Newsquest and Newscom acquisitions in July 1999 and June 2000, respectively. These acquisitions had a significant impact on operating results comparisons for the first nine months of 2000 versus the first nine months of 1999. Reported newspaper publishing revenues rose $289.1 million or 26% in the third quarter and $661.7 million or 20% for the year-to-date, reflecting the impact of revenues at the recently acquired properties and strong advertising demand. Newspaper advertising revenues increased $227.4 million or 28% for the third quarter and $549.2 million or 24% for the year-to-date. The tables below provide, on a pro forma basis, details of newspaper ad revenue, including the newly acquired Central, Thomson, Newsquest and Newscom properties, for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2000 and 1999. Advertising linage and preprint distribution details are also provided below; however, linage and preprint distribution for Newsquest and Newscom publications are not included. Advertising revenue, in thousands of dollars (pro forma) Third quarter: 2000 1999 % Change - --------------- -------- -------- -------- Local $300,477 $304,329 (1) National 172,131 157,413 9 Classified 473,664 462,815 2 -------- -------- ---- Total Run-of-Press 946,272 924,557 2 Preprint and other advertising 161,895 149,764 8 -------- -------- ---- Total ad revenue $1,108,167 $1,074,321 3 ======== ======== ==== Advertising linage, in thousands of inches, and preprint distribution, in millions (pro forma) Third quarter: 2000 1999 % Change - --------------- -------- -------- -------- Local 9,787 10,105 (3) National 1,049 974 8 Classified 14,527 13,880 5 -------- -------- ---- Total Run-of-Press linage 25,363 24,959 2 ======== ======== ==== Preprint distribution 2,427 2,357 3 ======== ======== ==== Advertising revenue, in thousands of dollars (pro forma) Year-to-date: 2000 1999 % Change - ------------- -------- -------- -------- Local $928,351 $928,361 0 National 557,362 500,018 11 Classified 1,422,418 1,361,090 5 --------- --------- ---- Total Run-of-Press 2,908,131 2,789,469 4 Preprint and other advertising 485,832 443,498 10 --------- --------- ---- Total ad revenue $3,393,963 $3,232,967 5 ========= ========= ==== Advertising linage, in thousands of inches, and preprint distribution, in millions (pro forma) Year-to-date: 2000 1999 % Change - ------------- -------- -------- -------- Local 30,008 30,467 (2) National 3,321 2,923 14 Classified 42,682 40,274 6 -------- -------- ---- Total Run-of-Press linage 76,011 73,664 3 ======== ======== ==== Preprint distribution 7,254 6,932 5 ======== ======== ==== Pro forma newspaper advertising revenues rose 3% for the quarter and 5% for the year-to-date. Local ad revenues decreased 1% on a volume decrease of 3% for the quarter. Local ad revenues remained level for the year-to-date on a volume decrease of 2%. National ad revenues rose 9% on a volume increase of 8% for the quarter and rose 11% on a volume increase of 14% for the year-to-date. Classified ad revenues increased 2% on a volume increase of 5% for the quarter and rose 5% on a volume increase of 6% for the year-to-date. Most of the company's newspapers, including USA TODAY, recorded solid gains in advertising revenue. During the quarter, reported revenues from the company's United Kingdom operations were unfavorably impacted by the decline in the exchange rate for British pounds. If the exchange rate had remained constant year-over-year, pro forma advertising revenues would have increased 4% for the quarter and 6% for the year-to-date. Reported newspaper circulation revenues increased by $43.5 million or 17% for the third quarter and $72.6 million or 10% for the year-to-date, reflecting the impact of the Central, Thomson, Newsquest and Newscom acquisitions. Pro forma net paid daily circulation for the company's local newspapers remained level for the quarter and for the year-to-date. Sunday circulation was lower by 2% for the quarter and by 1% for the year-to-date. USA TODAY reported an average daily paid circulation of 2,257,774 in the ABC Publisher's statement for the 26 weeks ended September 24, 2000, a 1% increase over the comparable period a year ago. Operating costs for the newspaper segment increased $232.8 million or 28% for the third quarter and $496.8 million or 21% for the year-to-date, largely due to the added costs from the new properties. In total, newsprint expense increased by 30% for the quarter and 11% for the year-to-date due to a 19% increase in consumption for the quarter and a 16% increase in consumption for the year-to-date, resulting primarily from usage related to the company's acquisitions. Newsprint prices were higher than in 1999 for the quarter but lower for the year- to-date. The company expects higher newsprint costs in the fourth quarter of 2000 over the prior year, reflecting the impact of added consumption from acquisitions and higher newsprint prices. Newspaper operating income increased $56.4 million or 19% for the quarter and $164.9 million or 19% for the year-to-date, reflecting strong advertising gains throughout the group, particularly in national advertising, and the positive impact of the recently acquired properties. TELEVISION Reported television revenues increased $16.6 million or 10% for the third quarter, buoyed by political and Summer Olympic-related advertising demand. Operating costs for the quarter increased $6.3 million or 6%. Television revenues increased $33.1 million or 6% for the year-to-date, and operating costs increased $19.6 million or 7%. Reported results include the March 2000 acquisition of WJXX-TV, the ABC affiliate in Jacksonville, Florida. On a pro forma basis, television station revenues also increased 10% for the quarter and 6% for the year-to-date. Pro forma local revenues increased 2% for the quarter and remained level for the year-to-date, while national revenues increased 24% for the quarter and 15% for the year-to-date. Reported television operating income increased $10.3 million or 16% for the quarter and $13.5 million or 6% for the year-to-date. Gannett Television consists of 22 television stations reaching 17.5 percent of the U.S. television market. NON-OPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSE/PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES Interest expense increased to $76.0 million from $26.5 million in the third quarter and increased to $118.8 million from $56.9 million for the year-to-date, reflecting increased commercial paper borrowings due to the 1999 Newsquest acquisition, the Newscom acquisition in the second quarter of 2000, the Central and Thomson acquisitions in the third quarter of 2000, and share repurchases. The increase, however, was tempered by the pay-down of commercial paper borrowings from the net proceeds on the sale of the cable business in the first quarter of 2000 and from operating cash flows. Other non-operating income in the first nine months of 1999 reflects the $55 million net pre-tax gain resulting from the exchange of television stations discussed above. The company's effective income tax rate was 39.6% for the third quarter and year-to-date, versus 39.8% for the same periods last year, reflecting lower state taxes and lower taxes on foreign operations. INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS/NET INCOME Income from continuing operations increased $10.5 million or 5% for the quarter. Income from continuing operations for the year-to-date, excluding the second quarter 1999 gain from the exchange of television stations discussed above, increased $74.5 million or 12%. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations rose to $0.79 from $0.70 for the third quarter, a 13% increase. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the year-to- date, excluding the 1999 gain, rose to $2.51 from $2.14, a 17% increase. Net income totaled $208.3 million for the third quarter and $1,424.2 million for the year-to-date. Net income per share (diluted), including discontinued operations, was $0.79 for the quarter compared to $0.74 in 1999 and $5.29 for the year-to-date compared to $2.35 in 1999. The weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding in the third quarter totaled 265,232,000, compared to 282,200,000 for the third quarter of 1999. The weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding for the first nine months of 2000 totaled 269,234,000, compared to 282,035,000 for the first nine months of 1999. On February 1, 2000, the company announced that its Board approved a new $500 million share repurchase authorization. On February 23, 2000, having used a substantial portion of that authorization, the Board approved an additional $500 million for share repurchases. During the first six months of 2000, the company repurchased approximately 14.7 million shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $967.2 million. There were no stock repurchases in the third quarter. The stock repurchases in 2000 were partially offset by shares issued upon the exercise of stock options and settlement of stock incentive rights. Exhibit 11 of this Form 10-Q presents the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares outstanding and the earnings per share for each period. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The company's consolidated operating cash flow (defined as operating income plus depreciation and amortization of intangible assets), as reported in the accompanying Business Segment Information, totaled $524.6 million for the third quarter of 2000, compared with $428.2 million for the same period of 1999, a 23% increase, and $1,499.6 million for the first nine months of 2000, compared with $1,258.8 million for the first nine months of 1999, a 19% increase, reflecting strong overall operating results and the acquisitions of Central, Thomson, Newsquest and Newscom. Capital expenditures totaled $91.1 million for the third quarter and $213.3 million for the year-to-date, compared to $62.4 million for the third quarter of 1999 and $166.1 million for the first nine months of 1999. The company's debt increased by $2,963.2 million during the first nine months of 2000, reflecting borrowings for the Newscom, Central and Thomson acquisitions and for significant share repurchases, net of operating cash flows and net proceeds from the sale of the cable business. The company's debt increased significantly early in the third quarter of 2000 as a result of the Central and Thomson acquisitions, which were funded with commercial paper, backed up by a $3.06 billion Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement. The cable business sale and the Central, Thomson and Newscom acquisitions resulted in significant changes in the company's excess of acquisition cost over the value of assets acquired and its property, plant and equipment, investments and other assets. The company's foreign currency translation adjustment, included in accumulated other comprehensive income and reported as part of shareholders' equity, totaled ($96.3 million) at the end of the third quarter versus $14.3 million at the end of 1999, reflecting a weakening of the British pound against the U.S. dollar since the end of the year. Newsquest and Newscom assets and liabilities at September 24, 2000, were translated from British pounds to U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of $1.46. Newsquest and Newscom operating results were translated at an average rate of $1.47 for the third quarter and $1.52 for the year-to-date. The company's regular quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share was declared in the third quarter of 2000. Dividends declared totaled $58.0 million for the third quarter and $170.2 million for the year-to-date. CERTAIN FACTORS AFFECTING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in the company's 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, its first and second quarter Reports on Form 10-Q, and in this Quarterly Report contain forward-looking information. The words expect, intend, believe, anticipate, likely, will and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties which could adversely affect the company's ability to obtain these results include, without limitation, the following factors: (a) increased consolidation among major retailers or other events which may adversely affect business operations of major customers and depress the level of local and national advertising; (b) an economic downturn in some or all of the company's principal newspaper or television markets leading to decreased circulation or local, national or classified advertising; (c) a decline in general newspaper readership patterns as a result of competitive alternative media or other factors; (d) an increase in newsprint or syndication programming costs over the levels anticipated; (e) labor disputes which may cause revenue declines or increased labor costs; (f) acquisitions of new businesses or dispositions of existing businesses; (g) a decline in viewership of major networks and local news programming; (h) rapid technological changes and frequent new product introductions prevalent in electronic publishing; and (i) a weakening in the British pound to U.S. dollar exchange rate. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited, in thousands of dollars Sept. 24, 2000 Dec. 26, 1999 ---------------- --------------- ASSETS Cash $ 62,863 $ 46,148 Marketable securities 108,650 12 Trade receivables, less allowance (2000 - $39,044; 1999 - $30,694) 851,016 800,682 Inventories 123,385 95,014 Prepaid expenses and other receivables 111,584 133,366 ---------------- --------------- Total current assets 1,257,498 1,075,222 ---------------- --------------- Property, plant and equipment Cost 4,074,626 3,883,912 Less accumulated depreciation (1,696,341) (1,660,060) ---------------- --------------- Net property, plant and equipment 2,378,285 2,223,852 ---------------- --------------- Intangible and other assets Excess of acquisition cost over the value of assets acquired, less amortization 8,735,167 5,398,227 Investments and other assets 394,165 309,145 ---------------- --------------- Total intangible and other assets 9,129,332 5,707,372 ---------------- --------------- Total assets $ 12,765,115 $ 9,006,446 ================ =============== LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Accounts payable and current portion of film contracts payable $ 461,750 $ 348,589 Compensation, interest and other accruals 313,145 271,495 Dividend payable 58,219 58,297 Income taxes 142,519 77,553 Deferred income 149,346 127,844 ---------------- --------------- Total current liabilities 1,124,979 883,778 ---------------- --------------- Deferred income taxes 222,343 479,547 Long-term debt, less current portion 5,911,927 2,463,250 Postretirement medical and life insurance liabilities 402,952 304,400 Other long-term liabilities 291,643 245,825 ---------------- --------------- Total liabilities 7,953,844 4,376,800 ---------------- --------------- Shareholders' Equity Preferred stock of $1 par value per share. Authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued - none. Common stock of $1 par value per share. Authorized 400,000,000; issued, 324,420,732 shares. 324,421 324,421 Additional paid-in capital 156,245 153,267 Retained earnings 6,758,801 5,504,810 Accumulated other comprehensive income (95,618) 25,377 ---------------- --------------- Total 7,143,849 6,007,875 ---------------- --------------- Less treasury stock - 60,728,564 shares and 46,494,301 shares respectively, at cost (2,317,512) (1,359,263) Deferred compensation related to ESOP (15,066) (18,966) ---------------- --------------- Total shareholders' equity 4,811,271 4,629,646 ---------------- --------------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 12,765,115 $ 9,006,446 ================ =============== CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited, in thousands of dollars (except per share amounts) Thirteen weeks ended % Inc Sept. 24, 2000 Sept. 26, 1999 (Dec) Net Operating Revenues: Newspaper advertising $ 1,045,203 $ 817,844 27.8 Newspaper circulation 299,292 255,754 17.0 Television 183,352 166,770 9.9 Other 71,442 53,193 34.3 ------------- ------------- ---- Total 1,599,289 1,293,561 23.6 Operating Expenses: Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation (1) 820,171 653,754 25.5 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation (1) 254,542 211,616 20.3 Depreciation 51,509 44,325 16.2 Amortization of intangible assets 52,082 30,500 70.8 ------------- ------------- ---- Total 1,178,304 940,195 25.3 ------------- ------------- ---- Operating income 420,985 353,366 19.1 ------------- ------------- ---- Non-operating income (expense): Interest expense (75,962) (26,474) 186.9 Other (260) 1,588 --- ------------- ------------- ---- Total (76,222) (24,886) --- ------------- ------------- ---- Income before income taxes 344,763 328,480 5.0 Provision for income taxes 136,500 130,700 4.4 ------------- ------------- ---- Income from continuing operations 208,263 197,780 5.3 Discontinued Operations: Income from the operation of discontinued operations, net of tax 9,699 --- ------------- ------------- ---- Net income $ 208,263 $ 207,479 0.4 ============= ============= ==== Earnings from continuing operations per share-basic $0.79 $0.70 12.9 Earnings from discontinued operations: Discontinued operations per share-basic $0.04 --- ----- ----- ---- Net income per share-basic $0.79 $0.74 6.8 ===== ===== ==== Earnings from continuing operations per share-diluted $0.79 $0.70 12.9 Earnings from discontinued operations: Discontinued operations per share-diluted $0.04 --- ----- ----- ---- Net income per share-diluted $0.79 $0.74 6.8 ===== ===== ==== Dividends per share $0.22 $0.21 4.8 ===== ===== ==== (1) Certain 1999 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited, in thousands of dollars (except per share amounts) Thirty-nine weeks ended % Inc Sept. 24, 2000 Sept. 26, 1999 (Dec) Net Operating Revenues: Newspaper advertising $ 2,875,887 $ 2,326,669 23.6 Newspaper circulation 830,519 757,923 9.6 Television 555,554 522,444 6.3 Other 191,972 152,082 26.2 -------------- -------------- ---- Total 4,453,932 3,759,118 18.5 Operating Expenses: Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation (1) 2,236,522 1,898,718 17.8 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation (1) 717,812 601,577 19.3 Depreciation 145,187 129,170 12.4 Amortization of intangible assets 121,227 76,584 58.3 -------------- -------------- ---- Total 3,220,748 2,706,049 19.0 -------------- -------------- ---- Operating income 1,233,184 1,053,069 17.1 Non-operating income (expense): Interest expense (118,803) (56,918) 108.7 Other (2) 6,361 59,261 --- -------------- -------------- ---- Total (112,442) 2,343 --- -------------- -------------- ---- Income before income taxes 1,120,742 1,055,412 6.2 Provision for income taxes 443,700 420,050 5.6 -------------- -------------- ---- Income from continuing operations 677,042 635,362 6.6 Discontinued Operations: Income from the operation of discontinued operations, net of tax 2,437 27,980 (91.3) Gain on sale of cable business, net of tax 744,700 --- -------------- -------------- ---- Net income $ 1,424,179 $ 663,342 114.7 ============== ============== ===== Earnings from continuing operations per share-basic $2.53 $2.27 11.5 Earnings from discontinued operations: Discontinued operations per share-basic $0.01 $0.10 (90.0) Gain on sale of cable business per share-basic $2.79 --- ----- ----- ---- Net income per share-basic $5.33 $2.37 --- ===== ===== ==== Earnings from continuing operations per share-diluted $2.51 $2.25 11.6 Earnings from discontinued Discontinued operations per share-diluted $0.01 $0.10 (90.0) Gain on sale of cable business per share-diluted $2.77 --- ----- ----- ---- Net income per share-diluted $5.29 $2.35 --- ===== ===== ==== Dividends per share $0.64 $0.61 4.9 ===== ===== ==== (1) Certain 1999 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. (2) 1999 results include a net non-operating gain principally from the exchange of KVUE-TV in Austin, Texas for KXTV-TV in Sacramento, California. See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations for earnings summary excluding net non-operating gain. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited, in thousands of dollars Thirty-nine weeks ended Sept. 24, 2000 Sept. 26, 1999 -------------- -------------- Cash flows from operating activities Net income $ 1,424,179 $ 663,342 Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flows: Discontinued operations (747,137) (27,980) Income taxes on sale of cable division (889,301) Depreciation 145,187 129,170 Amortization of intangibles 121,227 76,584 Deferred income taxes (187,426) 26,042 Other, net 217,408 35,976 --------- --------- Net cash flow provided by operating activities 84,137 903,134 --------- --------- Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of property, plant and equipment (213,298) (166,126) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (4,237,148) (1,665,182) Change in other investments (62,013) (18,626) Proceeds from sale of certain assets 2,714,362 38,450 Collection of long-term receivables 1,900 8,178 --------- --------- Net cash used for investing activities (1,796,197) (1,803,306) --------- --------- Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from long-term debt 2,963,232 1,130,394 Dividends paid (170,265) (167,620) Cost of common shares repurchased (967,242) (91,259) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 10,321 16,644 --------- --------- Net cash provided by financing activities 1,836,046 888,159 --------- --------- Effect of currency exchange rate change 1,367 202 --------- --------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 125,353 (11,811) Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 46,160 66,187 --------- --------- Balance of cash and cash equivalents at end of third quarter $ 171,513 $ 54,376 ========= ========= BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited, in thousands of dollars Thirteen weeks ended % Inc Sept. 24, 2000 Sept. 26, 1999 (Dec) Operating Revenues: Newspaper publishing $1,415,937 $1,126,791 25.7 Television 183,352 166,770 9.9 ---------- ---------- ---- Total $1,599,289 $1,293,561 23.6 ========== ========== ==== Operating Income (net of depreciation and amortization): Newspaper publishing $361,068 $304,676 18.5 Television 76,047 65,773 15.6 Corporate (16,130) (17,083) 5.6 ---------- ---------- ---- Total $420,985 $353,366 19.1 ========== ========== ==== Depreciation and Amortization: Newspaper publishing $85,405 $56,789 50.4 Television 16,248 15,522 4.7 Corporate 1,938 2,514 (22.9) ---------- ---------- ---- Total $103,591 $74,825 38.4 ========== ========== ==== Operating Cash Flow: Newspaper publishing $446,473 $361,465 23.5 Television 92,295 81,295 13.5 Corporate (14,192) (14,569) 2.6 ---------- ---------- ---- Total $524,576 $428,191 22.5 ========== ========== ==== NOTE: Operating Cash Flow represents operating income for each of the company's business segments plus related depreciation and amortization expense. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited, in thousands of dollars Thirty-nine weeks ended % Inc Sept. 24, 2000 Sept. 26, 1999 (Dec) Operating Revenues: Newspaper publishing $3,898,378 $3,236,674 20.4 Television 555,554 522,444 6.3 ---------- ---------- ---- Total $4,453,932 $3,759,118 18.5 ========== ========== ==== Operating Income (net of depreciation and amortization): Newspaper publishing $1,037,734 $872,853 18.9 Television 244,044 230,524 5.9 Corporate (48,594) (50,308) 3.4 ---------- ---------- ---- Total $1,233,184 $1,053,069 17.1 ========== ========== ==== Depreciation and Amortization: Newspaper publishing $210,937 $151,168 39.5 Television 49,283 47,298 4.2 Corporate 6,194 7,288 (15.0) ---------- ---------- ---- Total $266,414 $205,754 29.5 ========== ========== ==== Operating Cash Flow: Newspaper publishing $1,248,671 $1,024,021 21.9 Television 293,327 277,822 5.6 Corporate (42,400) (43,020) 1.4 ---------- ---------- ---- Total $1,499,598 $1,258,823 19.1 ========== ========== ==== NOTE: Operating Cash Flow represents operating income for each of the company's business segments plus related depreciation and amortization expense. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Sept. 24, 2000 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes which are normally included in the Form 10-K and annual report to shareholders. The financial statements covering the 13 and 39-week periods ended Sept. 24, 2000, and the comparative periods of 1999, reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of the company, are necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods. 2. Accounting Standards In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" was issued. It was amended in June 1999 by SFAS No. 137, which provides that the standard is effective for all fiscal quarters of all fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. The adoption of this standard, as further amended by SFAS No. 138, is not expected to have a material effect on the company's results of operations or financial position. In May 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on EITF 00-1, "Balance Sheet and Income Statement Display under the Equity Method for Investors in Certain Partnerships and Other Unincorporated Joint Ventures", prohibiting the use of pro-rata consolidation except in the extractive and construction industries. The company currently uses pro-rata consolidation in reporting the results of certain of its newspaper subsidiaries which are participants in joint operating agencies. EITF 00-1 is effective for fiscal years ending after June 15, 2000 and also requires reclassification of prior year financial statements. The company will implement EITF 00-1 in the fourth quarter of 2000 which will require certain reclassifications but will not have any impact on overall reported results of operations. 3. Comprehensive Income SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" established standards for reporting comprehensive income. Comprehensive income for the company includes net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, as defined under SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". Comprehensive income totaled $166.8 million for the third quarter and $1,303.2 million for the year-to-date. Other comprehensive income relates to foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax. The accumulated other comprehensive income was net of a deferred income tax asset of $26.5 million for the third quarter and $77.4 million for the year-to-date. 4. Acquisitions and Dispositions The company completed its acquisition of Central Newspapers, Inc. ("Central") on August 1, 2000, for an approximate cash purchase price of $2.6 billion. The company also retired Central's existing debt of approximately $206 million. Central's properties include The Arizona Republic; The Indianapolis Star; three other dailies in Indiana and one daily in Louisiana; a direct marketing business; CNI Ventures, an internet and technology investment management group; and other related media and information businesses. On July 21, 2000, the company concluded the acquisition of 19 daily newspapers as well as numerous weekly and niche publications from Thomson Newspapers, Inc. for an aggregate purchase price of $1.036 billion. The company acquired eight daily newspapers in Wisconsin, eight daily newspapers in Central Ohio, and single daily newspapers in Lafayette, LA; Salisbury, MD; and St. George, UT (collectively "Thomson"). On May 5, 2000, Gannett U.K. Limited ("Gannett U.K."), a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, made a cash offer to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of News Communications & Media PLC ("Newscom"). Pursuant to the Offer, Newscom shareholders elected to receive 1800 pence (US $28.44) per share in cash or Loan Notes, valuing the entire issued share capital of Newscom at approximately 444 million British pounds (US $702 million). Gannett U.K. also financed the repayment of Newscom's existing debt. On June 5, 2000, pursuant to the Offer Document, Gannett U.K. declared the Offer unconditional in all respects, and shortly thereafter, Gannett U.K. effectively owned 100% of Newscom shares. The Central, Thomson and Newscom acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and the purchase price allocations are preliminary. The excess of acquisition cost over the value of assets acquired recorded through the third quarter relating to these acquisitions totals $4,247.1 million. The final allocations will be based on a complete evaluation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. On March 17, 2000, the company completed the acquisition of WJXX-TV, the ABC affiliate in Jacksonville, Florida, which was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Gannett continues to own and operate WLTV-TV, the NBC affiliate in Jacksonville. The sale of the assets of the company's cable business for $2.7 billion was completed on January 31, 2000. Upon closing, an after-tax gain of approximately $745 million or $2.77 per diluted share was recognized which, along with the cable segment operating results, are reported as discontinued operations in the company's financial statements. The company's operating revenues for the cable segment (now included in discontinued operations) were $22.1 million for the first quarter of 2000 (sold on January 31, 2000), $64.7 million for the first quarter of 1999, and $190.5 million for the first nine months of 1999. The following table summarizes, on an unaudited, pro forma basis, the estimated combined results of operations of the company and its subsidiaries as though the 2000 acquisitions (Newscom, Thomson and Central) and disposition (cable business) and the 1999 acquisitions (Newsquest, KXTV-Sacramento) and disposition (KVUE-Austin) were all made at the beginning of 1999. However, this pro forma combined statement does not necessarily reflect the results of operations as they would have been if the combined companies had constituted a single entity during those years. In millions, except per share amounts (pro forma and unaudited) Year-to-date - ------------ 2000 1999 -------- -------- Operating revenues $ 5,133 $ 4,948 Income before income taxes $ 1,070 $ 1,037 Income from continuing operations $ 633 $ 615 Income per share from continuing operations - diluted $ 2.35 $ 2.18 The following table summarizes, on an unaudited, pro forma basis, the estimated combined results of operations of the company and its subsidiaries as though the acquisitions and dispositions noted above were made at the beginning of 1999. However, this pro forma combined statement does not necessarily reflect the results of operations as they would have been if the combined companies had constituted a single entity during those years. It also excludes the 1999 net non-operating gain discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations. In millions, except per share amounts (pro forma and unaudited) Year-to-date - ------------ 2000 1999 -------- -------- Operating revenues $ 5,133 $ 4,948 Income before income taxes $ 1,070 $ 982 Income from continuing operations $ 633 $ 583 Income per share from continuing operations - diluted $ 2.35 $ 2.07 5. Outstanding Shares The weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) in the third quarter totaled 263,665,000, compared to 279,581,000 for the third quarter of 1999. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) for the first nine months of 2000 totaled 267,344,000, compared to 279,505,000 for the first nine months of 1999. The weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding in the third quarter totaled 265,232,000, compared to 282,200,000 for the third quarter of 1999. The weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding for the first nine months of 2000 totaled 269,234,000, compared to 282,035,000 for the first nine months of 1999. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK The company is not subject to market risk associated with derivative commodity instruments, as the company is not a party to any such instruments. The company believes that its market risk from financial instruments, such as accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt, is not material. The company is exposed to foreign exchange rate risk primarily due to its operations in the United Kingdom, which use British pounds as their functional currency, which is then translated into U.S. dollars. PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits. See Exhibit Index for list of exhibits filed with this report. (b) (i) Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 15, 2000, in connection with the company's sale of its cable business. (ii) Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 2, 2000, in connection with the company's amendment of its Rights Plan Agreement. (iii) Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 3, 2000, in connection with the company's acquisition of Central Newspapers, Inc. (iv) Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 2000, in connection with the company's acquisition of Central Newspapers, Inc. (v) Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed October 16, 2000, in connection with the company's acquisition of Central Newspapers, Inc. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. GANNETT CO., INC. Dated: November 8, 2000 By: /s/ George R. Gavagan ------------------------------ George R. Gavagan Vice President and Controller Dated: November 8, 2000 By: /s/ Thomas L. Chapple ------------------------------ Thomas L. Chapple Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Exhibit Location 3-1 Second Restated Certificate Incorporated by reference to Exhibit of Incorporation of Gannett Co., 3-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-K Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1993 ("1993 Form 10-K"). Amendment incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3-1 to the 1993 Form 10-K. Amendment dated May 2, 2000, incorporated by reference to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 26, 2000. 3-2 By-laws of Gannett Co., Inc. Attached (reflects all amendments through October 17, 2000) 4-1 $1,000,000,000 Revolving Incorporated by reference to Exhibit Credit Agreement among 4-1 to the 1993 Form 10-K. Gannett Co., Inc. and the Banks named therein. 4-2 Amendment Number One Incorporated by reference to Exhibit to $1,000,000,000 Revolving 4-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-Q Credit Agreement among for the fiscal quarter ended June 26, Gannett Co., Inc. and the 1994. Banks named therein. 4-3 Amendment Number Two to Incorporated by reference to Exhibit $1,500,000,000 Revolving 4-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-K Credit Agreement among for the fiscal year ended Gannett Co., Inc. and the December 31, 1995. Banks named therein. 4-4 Amendment Number Three to Incorporated by reference to Exhibit $3,000,000,000 Revolving 4-4 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-Q Credit Agreement among for the fiscal quarter ended Gannett Co., Inc. and the Banks September 29, 1996. named therein. 4-5 Indenture dated as of March 1, Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1983 between Gannett Co., Inc. 4-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-K and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee. for the fiscal year ended December 29, 1985. 4-6 First Supplemental Indenture Incorporated by reference to Exhibit dated as of November 5, 1986 4 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 8-K among Gannett Co., Inc., filed on November 9, 1986. Citibank, N.A., as Trustee, and Sovran Bank, N.A., as Successor Trustee. 4-7 Second Supplemental Indenture Incorporated by reference to dated as of June 1, 1995, Exhibit 4 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s among Gannett Co., Inc., Form 8-K filed on June 15, 1995. NationsBank, N.A., as Trustee, and Crestar Bank, as Trustee. 4-8 Rights Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on May 23, 1990. Amendment incorporated by reference to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2000. 4-9 Amendment Number Four to Incorporated by reference to $3,000,000,000 Revolving Exhibit 4-9 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Credit Agreement among Form 10-Q filed on August 12, 1998. Gannett Co., Inc. and the Banks named therein. 4-10 $3,000,000,000 Competitive Incorporated by reference to Exhibit Advance and Revolving Credit 4-10 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-Q Agreement among Gannett Co., filed on August 9, 2000. Inc. and the Banks named therein. 10-1 Employment Agreement dated Incorporated by reference to Gannett December 7, 1992 between Co., Inc.'s Form 10-K for the fiscal Gannett Co., Inc. and John J. year ended December 27, 1992 ("1992 Curley.* Form 10-K"). 10-2 Employment Agreement dated Incorporated by reference to the 1992 December 7, 1992 between Form 10-K. Gannett Co., Inc. and Douglas H. McCorkindale.* 10-3 Gannett Co., Inc. 1978 Incorporated by reference to Exhibit Executive Long-Term Incentive 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-K Plan* for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1980. Amendment No. 1 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 20-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 1981. Amendment No. 2 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 1983. Amendments Nos. 3 and 4 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-6 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 33-28413 filed on May 1, 1989. Amendments Nos. 5 and 6 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-8 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1989. Amendment No. 7 incorporated by reference to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-04459 filed on May 24, 1996. Amendment No. 8 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 1997. Amendment dated December 9, 1997, incorporated by reference to Gannett Co., Inc.'s 1997 Form 10-K. Amendment No. 9 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 27, 1999. Amendment No. 10 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 25, 2000. 10-4 Description of supplemental Incorporated by reference to Exhibit insurance benefits.* 10-4 to the 1993 Form 10-K. 10-5 Gannett Co., Inc. Supplemental Incorporated by reference to Exhibit Retirement Plan, as amended.* 10-5 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1999. 10-6 Gannett Co., Inc. Retirement Incorporated by reference to Exhibit Plan for Directors.* 10-10 to the 1986 Form 10-K. 1991 Amendment incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 1991. Amendment to Gannett Co., Inc. Retirement Plan for Directors dated October 31, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-6 to the 1996 Form 10K. 10-7 Amended and Restated Incorporated by reference to Exhibit Gannett Co., Inc. 1987 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-Q Deferred Compensation Plan.* for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 1996. Amendment No. 5 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 1997. Amendment No. 2 to January 1, 1997 Restatement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-7 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 27, 1999. 10-8 Gannett Co., Inc. Transitional Incorporated by reference to Exhibit Compensation Plan.* 10-13 to Gannett Co., Inc.'s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 1990. 11 Statement re computation of Attached. earnings per share. 27 Financial Data Schedules. Attached. 99-1 Agreement of Plan and Merger Incorporated by reference to Exhibit dated as of June 28, 2000, 2.1 to Central Newspaper, Inc.'s among Central Newspapers, Form 8-K dated June 29, 2000. Inc., Gannett Co., Inc., and Pacific and Southern Indiana Corp. The company agrees to furnish to the Commission, upon request, a copy of each agreement with respect to long-term debt not filed herewith in reliance upon the exemption from filing applicable to any series of debt which does not exceed 10% of the total consolidated assets of the company. * Asterisks identify management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements.