1 ================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999 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 MediaNews Group, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 76-0425553 (State or other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Incorporation or organization) Identification Number) 1560 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80202 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (303) 837-0886 (MEDIANEWS GROUP IS THE SUCCESSOR ISSUER TO GARDEN STATE NEWSPAPERS, INC., PURSUANT TO RULE 15d-5 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933) (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.) Indicate by check mark whether a registrant (1) has filed all reports to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and 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 --- --- ================================================================================ 2 INDEX TO MEDIANEWS GROUP, INC. REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 Item No. Page - ------------ ---------- PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 1 Financial Statements 3 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 3 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 1 Legal Proceedings 3 2 Changes in Securities 3 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities 3 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 3 5 Other Information 4 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 4 2 3 PART I - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page 5 of this Form 10-Q. ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The information required by this item is filed as part of this Form 10-Q. See Index to Financial Information at page 5 of this Form 10-Q. PART II - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company is involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which is expected to result in material loss. ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES There were no changes in the rights of security holders during the quarter for which this report is filed. ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES There were no defaults upon senior securities during the quarter for which this report is filed. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter for which this report is filed. 3 4 ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION None. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K Exhibits 27 - Financial Data Schedule. Reports on Form 8-K No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended September 30, 1999. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. GARDEN STATE NEWSPAPERS, INC. Dated: November 12, 1999 By: /s/ Joseph J. Lodovic, IV ---------------------- ------------------------------------- Joseph J. Lodovic, IV Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer of Registrant 4 5 MEDIANEWS GROUP, INC. Index to Financial Information ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: PAGE ---- Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.................................................... 6 Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations................................ 8 Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows................................ 9 Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements........................... 10 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.................................................... 13 5 6 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) MediaNews Group, Garden State Inc. and Newspapers, Inc. Subsidiaries and Subsidiaries ASSETS September 30, 1999 June 30, 1999 ------------------ ---------------- (in thousands) CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents ........................................... $ 19,377 $ 2,882 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,379 and $8,163 at September 30, 1999 and June 30, 1999, respectively .................................. 110,943 72,776 Inventories of newsprint and supplies ............................... 19,251 9,278 Prepaid expenses and other assets ................................... 7,288 4,574 Income tax receivable ............................................... 4,380 3,016 ---------- ---------- TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS ............................................. 161,239 92,526 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Land ................................................................ 31,268 25,151 Buildings and improvements .......................................... 116,616 84,437 Machinery and equipment ............................................. 357,444 242,077 ---------- ---------- TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT .............................. 505,328 351,665 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization ...................... 146,098 76,236 ---------- ---------- NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ................................ 359,230 275,429 OTHER ASSETS Investment in newspaper partnerships ................................ 18,209 18,378 Subscriber accounts, less accumulated amortization of $71,054 and $68,084 at September 30, 1999 and June 30, 1999, respectively ............................................... 125,106 127,075 Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired, less Accumulated amortization of $29,478 and $26,319 at September 30, 1999 and June 30, 1999, respectively ............ 326,083 286,022 Covenants not to compete and other identifiable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $26,202 and $23,704 at September 30, 1999 and June 30, 1999, respectively .... 14,158 16,175 Other ............................................................... 42,847 13,973 ---------- ---------- TOTAL OTHER ASSETS ............................................... 526,403 461,623 ---------- ---------- TOTAL ASSETS ..................................................... $1,046,872 $ 829,578 ========== ========== See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements 6 7 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) MediaNews Group, Garden State Inc. and Newspapers, Inc. Subsidiaries and Subsidiaries LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT September 30, 1999 June 30, 1999 ------------------ ---------------- (in thousands, except share data) CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade accounts payable.................................................. $ 22,455 $ 7,831 Accrued liabilities..................................................... 63,389 46,862 Unearned income......................................................... 25,751 18,140 Current portion of long-term debt and obligations under capital leases.. 9,638 7,830 ------------------ ---------------- TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES............................................. 121,233 80,663 OBLIGATIONS UNDER LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES........................ 856,773 750,107 OTHER LIABILITIES.......................................................... 15,211 7,543 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES...................................................... 39,765 18,370 MINORITY INTEREST.......................................................... 137,834 123,796 SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT Common stock, par value $0.01 and $1.00 per share; at September 30, 1999 and June 30, 1999, respectively; 2,314,346 and 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at September 30, 1999 and June 30, 1999, respectively.................................. 23 1 Additional paid-in capital.............................................. 3,610 -- Deficit................................................................. (127,577) (150,902) ------------------ ---------------- TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT........................................... (123,944) (150,901) ------------------ ---------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT....................... $ 1,046,872 $ 829,578 ================== ================ See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements 7 8 UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended September 30, ------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 -------------------- ------------------- MediaNews Group, Garden State Inc. and Newspapers, Inc. Subsidiaries and Subsidiaries -------------------- ------------------- (in thousands, except share data) REVENUES Advertising............................................. $ 184,278 $ 98,064 Circulation............................................. 38,366 26,301 Other................................................... 6,176 3,790 -------------------- ------------------- TOTAL REVENUES........................................ 228,820 128,155 COSTS AND EXPENSES Cost of sales........................................... 81,311 43,033 Selling, general and administrative..................... 104,047 58,256 Depreciation and amortization........................... 15,568 10,290 Interest expense........................................ 18,750 13,032 Other (net)............................................. 892 795 -------------------- ------------------- TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES.............................. 220,568 125,406 GAIN ON SALE OF NEWSPAPER PROPERTY......................... 3,323 -- MINORITY INTEREST.......................................... (7,747) -- -------------------- ------------------- INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY LOSS.......... 3,828 2,749 INCOME TAX EXPENSE......................................... (330) (858) -------------------- ------------------- INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY LOSS........................... 3,498 1,891 EXTRAORDINARY LOSS (NET OF TAXES OF $1,134)................ -- (2,499) -------------------- ------------------- NET INCOME (LOSS).......................................... $ 3,498 $ (608) ==================== =================== NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE: Pro Forma Net income before extraordinary loss .................. $ 1.51 $ 1.18 Extraordinary loss .................................... -- (1.56) -------------------- ------------------- Net income (loss) per common share .................... $ 1.51 $ (.38) ==================== =================== Weighted average number of shares outstanding ......... 2,314,346 1,596,022 ==================== =================== See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements 8 9 UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Three Months Ended September 30, ------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 -------------------- ------------------- MediaNews Group, Garden State Inc. and Newspapers, Inc. Subsidiaries And Subsidiaries -------------------- ------------------- (in thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) ........................................................ $ 3,498 $ (608) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization .......................................... 15,202 10,135 Provision for losses on accounts receivable ............................ 2,953 1,591 Amortization of debt discount .......................................... 1,031 773 Net gain on sale of assets ............................................. (3,298) -- Debt repurchase premium ................................................ -- 3,633 Distributions in excess of earnings from Joint Operating Agreements .... 169 235 Change in defined benefit plan assets .................................. (585) -- Deferred income tax benefit ............................................ (253) (42) Minority Interest ...................................................... 7,747 -- Change in operating assets and liabilities ............................. (9,238) (1,318) -------------------- ------------------- NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES ............................ 17,226 14,399 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Sale of newspaper properties ........................................... 8,000 -- Acquisition of newspaper property ...................................... -- (48,201) Cash acquired in acquisition ........................................... 856 -- Purchase of machinery and equipment (net) .............................. (4,403) (1,597) -------------------- ------------------- NET CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES ............................ 4,453 (49,798) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Reduction of long-term debt ............................................ (9,667) (39,727) Reduction of non-operating liabilities ................................. (3,204) (168) Debt repurchase premium ................................................ -- (3,633) Issuance of long-term debt ............................................. 10,365 83,200 Distributions paid to minority interest ................................ (2,678) -- -------------------- ------------------- NET CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES ............................ (5,184) 39,672 -------------------- ------------------- CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ......................................... 16,495 4,273 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD ............................ 2,882 999 -------------------- ------------------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD .................................. $ 19,377 $ 5,272 ==================== =================== SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES: Interest paid .......................................................... $ 10,106 $ 8,289 ==================== =================== Income taxes paid ...................................................... $ 41 $ 3 ==================== =================== See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements 9 10 MEDIANEWS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1: REORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION As a result of a corporate reorganization, as is more fully described below, MediaNews Group, Inc. (the "Company" or "MediaNews") has become the successor issuer to Garden State Newspapers, Inc., pursuant to Rule 15d-5, under the Securities Act of 1933. Reorganization o In June 1999, Affiliated Newspapers Investments, Inc., parent of Garden State Newspapers, Inc., changed its name to MediaNews Group, Inc. o On June 30, 1999, MediaNews purchased an additional 20% interest in The Denver Post Corporation ("Denver Post"), bringing its total ownership interest in the Denver Post to 80%. In addition, the Denver Post Shareholder Agreement was modified, giving MediaNews control of the Denver Post board of directors. Accordingly, the Denver Post became a consolidated subsidiary of MediaNews. o On September 1, 1999, Garden State Newspapers, Inc. was merged into MediaNews, with MediaNews as the surviving corporation. Basis of Presentation As a result of the reorganization described above, the condensed consolidated financial statements for September 30, 1999, included the consolidated results of operations of MediaNews and its subsidiaries, which includes the Denver Post and the subsidiaries formerly known as Garden State Newspapers, Inc. and subsidiaries ("Garden State"). The financial statement data for June 30, 1999 and the three month period ended September 30, 1998, included in this 10Q, only includes Garden State. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. NOTE 2: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER MATTERS Basis of Quarterly Financial Statements The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulations S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Garden State Newspapers, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1999. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three month period ended September 30, 1999, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended June 30, 2000. Income Taxes The effective income tax rate varies from the federal statutory rate primarily because of the nondeductibility of certain expenses and the utilization of net operating losses that were previously subject to valuation allowances. Seasonality Newspaper companies tend to follow a distinct and recurring seasonal pattern, with higher advertising revenues in months containing significant events or holidays. Accordingly, the fourth calendar quarter, or the Company's second fiscal quarter, is the Company's strongest revenue quarter of the year. Due to generally poor weather and lack of holidays, the first calendar quarter, or the Company's third fiscal quarter, is the Company's weakest revenue quarter of the year. 10 11 MEDIANEWS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) NOTE 2: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER MATTERS (CONTINUED) Earnings Per Share Earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 1998, have been restated to give effect to the merger of Garden State, into MediaNews as if the merger occurred effective July 1, 1998. The pro forma weighted average outstanding shares at September 30, 1998 is based on the historical number of shares of tracking stock issued by MediaNews, which are attributable to Garden State and its subsidiaries. Disposition Effective July 31, 1999, the California Newspapers Partnership sold the assets of The Hemet News and Moreno Valley Times for a pre-tax gain of approximately $3.3 million. Proceeds from the sale will be used to purchase assets that cluster with newspapers owned by the California Newspapers Partnership. NOTE 3: LONG TERM DEBT In conjunction with the previously described reorganization, MediaNews borrowed $100.4 million under a new credit facility. Proceeds from this borrowing were used to acquire an additional 20% interest in the Denver Post, repay the Denver Post's bank debt, redeem the Denver Post's preferred stock plus accrued dividends and pay fees and expenses on the related borrowings. In conjunction with this transaction, MediaNews and the Denver Post also entered into a Master Intercompany Note, representing the amount of borrowings under the Company's new credit facility, which are directly attributable to the operations of the Denver Post. Amounts borrowed under the Master Intercompany note are guaranteed by the Denver Post. The Denver Post's debt guarantee is limited to the Permitted Debt of the Denver Post as defined in the Denver Post Shareholder Agreement between MediaNews and Media General. The following table sets forth the approximate expected scheduled maturities of long-term debt, excluding capital leases, of the Company for the fiscal years indicated, (in thousands): 2000............................. $ 5,755 2001............................. 8,589 2002............................. 8,240 2003............................. 5,694 2004............................. 69,723 Thereafter....................... 757,507 ----------- $ 855,508 =========== NOTE 4: COMMITMENTS MediaNews has entered into newsprint swap agreements covering 75,000 metric tons of newsprint, which expire over the next six to nine years. MediaNews uses the agreements to minimize in part, the Company's exposure to the uncertainty of future newsprint price fluctuations. Settlements are made on a monthly or quarterly basis, and vary based on the difference between the fixed contract price and the price as published in the Paper Trader (also known as the RISI index). The weighted average fixed price of newsprint under the agreements is $592 per metric ton. MediaNews accounts for amounts received or paid under these agreements as an adjustment to newsprint expense. MediaNews also participates in fixed price contracts, which currently allow the Company to purchase 30 pound newsprint at a weighted average price of approximately $538 per metric ton. The Denver Post Shareholder Agreement provides Media General and MediaNews with a put and a call option, respectively, on Media General's remaining 20% interest in the Denver Post. The put can be exercised by Media General beginning June 30, 2001 11 12 MEDIANEWS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) NOTE 4: COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED) and expires June 30, 2004. The call option can be exercised beginning July 1, 2004 and expires June 30, 2005. The price of the put and call are the same and is based on the appraised fair market value of the Denver Post, less Permitted Debt of the Denver Post. MediaNews has one year to close on the purchase from the date of the put notice. NOTE 5: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Business Acquisition Effective October 31, 1999, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets used in the publication of the Deming Headlight, a morning newspaper published in Deming, New Mexico, for approximately $2.0 million cash. The newspaper has daily paid circulation of approximately 3,850. The acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase; accordingly, the Consolidated Financial Statements will include the operations of the acquired newspaper from the date of acquisition. 12 13 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OPERATING RESULTS Three Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 Revenues Revenues increased $100.7 million or 78.5% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2000 as compared to the same quarter of fiscal year 1999. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to the consolidation of the Denver Post; the formation of the California Newspapers Partnership ("CNP"), the August 21, 1998 acquisition of the 50% interest in the Charleston Newspaper joint venture, and the October 1, 1998 acquisition of the Daily Times. Excluding newspaper acquisitions, consolidation of the Denver Post and the CNP partnership, the Company's remaining newspaper operations ("existing newspapers") had a 4.8% increase in operating revenues for the first quarter of fiscal year 2000. Advertising revenues at these newspapers increased by approximately 6.2%, driven by continued growth in all advertising categories. Cost of Sales Cost of sales increased $38.3 million or 89.0% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2000 compared to the same quarter of fiscal year 1999. The aforementioned acquisitions, consolidation of the Denver Post and CNP partnership caused the majority of the cost of sales increase for the quarter ended September 30, 1999. Excluding newspaper acquisitions, consolidation of the Denver Post and the CNP partnership, cost of sales decreased slightly, primarily driven by decreased newsprint prices and production expenses, which was offset by increases in editorial spending. Selling, General and Administrative Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased $45.5 million or 77.8% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2000 as compared to the same quarter of fiscal year 1999. The aforementioned acquisitions, consolidation of the Denver Post and the CNP partnership caused almost all of the SG&A expense increase in the first quarter of fiscal year 2000. Excluding newspaper acquisitions, consolidation of the Denver Post and the CNP partnership, SG&A expense increased approximately 8.4%. The increase in SG&A is associated with increases in advertising and circulation expenditures, which were primarily related to ongoing efforts to increase advertising lineage and total paid circulation. The substantial increase in the size of the Company also caused corporate overhead to increase. EBITDA EBITDA adjusted for minority interest increased $8.1 million or 30.4%. The majority of the increase was due to the consolidation of the Denver Post, formation of CNP partnership and prior year acquisitions; however, the Company's existing newspapers realized a 6.9% increase in EBITDA. EBITDA represents total revenues less cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense. Although EBITDA is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, the Company believes that EBITDA is an indicator and measurement of its leverage capacity and debt service ability. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization increased $5.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2000 as compared to the same period of fiscal year 1999. The aforementioned consolidation of the Denver Post, formation of the CNP partnership and acquisitions caused the majority of the increase in depreciation and amortization expense. Interest Expense Interest expense increased $5.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2000 as compared to the same period in fiscal year 1999. Interest expense increased as a result of a $329.3 million increase in average debt outstanding, primarily associated with acquisitions, debt repurchases and the inclusion of debt related to the Denver Post and MediaNews, which was not previously part of 13 14 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Garden State's consolidated debt. This increase was partially offset by a 84 basis point decrease in the average interest rate, associated with repurchasing the Company's 12% Senior Subordinated Secured Notes, which was funded with lower cost bank debt. Extraordinary Loss In the first quarter of fiscal year 1999, Garden State repurchased $36.0 million of its 12% Senior Subordinated Secured Notes at a premium of approximately $3.6 million. The premium, net of income taxes, was recorded as an extraordinary loss. Based on the Company's current interest rates, the repurchase has significantly reduced the Company's total interest expense. Net Income MediaNews Group recorded adjusted net income of approximately $1.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2000 after excluding the Company's share of the gain on sale of a CNP newspaper property of approximately $2.0 million; compared to and adjusted net income of $1.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 1999 after excluding the extraordinary loss of $2.5 million. The decrease in adjusted net income is primarily attributable to a $11.6 million increase in operating profit as a result of acquisitions, consolidation of the Denver Post and the California Newspapers Partnership and a $0.5 million reduction in income tax expense resulting from the use of net operating loss carryforwards. These increases in net income were offset by a $5.7 million increase in interest expense, and a $7.7 million increase in allocations to minority interests. FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY Net cash flows from operating activities were approximately $17.2 million and $14.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The $2.8 million increase in cash flow from operating activities was primarily the result of the $8.1 million increase in EBITDA, adjusted for minority interests, for the three months ended September 30, 1999, compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase in EBITDA was offset by a $5.7 million change in operating assets and liabilities strictly due to timing differences. Net cash flows from investing activities were $4.5 million and ($49.8) million for the three months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The $54.3 million increase was primarily the result of the Company spending $48.2 million on acquisitions in fiscal year 1999 compared to receiving $8.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2000 from the sale of newspaper properties. Net cash flows from financing activities were ($5.2) million and $39.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The change of approximately $44.9 million was primarily attributable to the Company paying down a net $2.5 million of long-term debt in the first three months of fiscal 2000, compared to a net borrowing of $39.9 million in fiscal 1999. The majority of the 1999 borrowings were made in conjunction with the previously discussed acquisition. The $3.6 million of debt repurchase premiums in fiscal year 1999 also contributed to the change. Liquidity Based upon current and expected future operating results, management believes that the Company will have sufficient cash flows from operations to fund scheduled payments of principal and interest and to meet anticipated capital expenditure and working capital requirements for at least the next twelve months. MediaNews has $76.7 million available for future borrowings under its bank credit agreement, net of approximately $4.8 million in outstanding letters of credit, which should be more than sufficient to fund unanticipated capital needs or other cash requirements should they arise. 14 15 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS NEAR TERM OUTLOOK Newsprint Prices Effective October 1, 1999, North American newsprint suppliers increased the price of 30 pound newsprint by $50 per metric ton. Currently, North American 30 pound newsprint is averaging $515 per metric ton for large newsprint buyers. However, we continued to purchase newsprint from Europe and Asia at prices below $515 per metric ton after the October 1, 1999 price increase. To minimize the influence of newsprint price fluctuations, MediaNews has entered into fixed price newsprint contracts and newsprint swap agreements, which expire over the next three months to nine years. The weighted average price for newsprint under both the fixed price newsprint contracts and the newsprint swap, for fiscal 2000, is $580 per metric ton. Approximately 40% of our fiscal year 2000 consumption is expected to be purchased under these price contracts. In addition, we have a contract that allows us to purchase 36,000 metric tons per year at a price equal to the lowest price at which newsprint is sold to large North America newsprint purchasers, subject to quarterly adjustment. IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 The year 2000 issue results from computer programs that have time-sensitive software, which may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system failure, disruption of operations, and/or a temporary inability to conduct normal business activities. Based on a recent assessment, we currently believe that with modifications to existing software and conversions to new software, which has already or is scheduled to occur, the year 2000 issue will not pose any significant operational problems. If such modifications and conversions are not made, or are not completed in a timely manner, the year 2000 issue could have a material impact on operations. Our newspapers have completed the process of identifying computer systems that require modification or replacement and we have substantially completed the systematic replacement or modification of all our computer systems, which are not year 2000 compliant. In addition, we have communicated with our significant suppliers to determine the extent to which our interface systems are vulnerable to those third parties' failure to resolve their own year 2000 issues. We believe the necessary modifications and replacement of computer systems will be completed by November 30, 1999, and thus no contingency plan has been developed. 15 16 INDEX TO EXHIBITS EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION - ------- ----------- 27 Financial Data Schedule