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LEE ENTERPRISES, Inc - Quarter Report: 2014 March (Form 10-Q)


 
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 March 30, 2014
 
OR
  
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File Number 1-6227
LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
   
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
 
 
Delaware
42-0823980
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
  
201 N. Harrison Street, Suite 600, Davenport, Iowa 52801
(Address of principal executive offices)
(563) 383-2100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
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 [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X]     No [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
[  ]
Accelerated filer
[X]
 
Non-accelerated filer
[ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
[  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [  ]     No [X]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.  Yes [X]     No [  ]
                                                                                                              
As of April 30, 2014, 53,596,041 shares of Common Stock of the Registrant were outstanding.
 




Table Of Contents
 
PAGE
 
 
 
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
 
 
 
 
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 30, 2014 and September 29, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
 







References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout this document refer to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (the "Company"). References to "2014", "2013" and the like refer to the fiscal years ended the last Sunday in September.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This report contains information that may be deemed forward-looking that is based largely on our current expectations, and is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Among such risks, trends and other uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond our control, are our ability to generate cash flows and maintain liquidity sufficient to service our debt, comply with or obtain amendments or waivers of the financial covenants contained in our credit facilities, if necessary, to refinance our debt as it comes due, or that the warrants issued in our refinancing will not be exercised.

Other risks and uncertainties include the impact and duration of continuing adverse conditions in certain aspects of the economy affecting our business, changes in advertising demand, potential changes in newsprint and other commodity prices, energy costs, interest rates, labor costs, legislative and regulatory rulings, difficulties in achieving planned expense reductions, maintaining employee and customer relationships, increased capital costs, maintaining our listing status on the NYSE, competition and other risks detailed from time to time in our publicly filed documents.

Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “project”, “estimate”, “consider” and similar expressions) generally should be considered forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this report. We do not undertake to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements.




1


PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.       Financial Statements

LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

September 29
2013

 
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
14,878

17,562

Accounts receivable, net
61,319

63,215

Income taxes receivable

6,634

Inventories
7,428

6,409

Deferred income taxes
2,017

2,017

Other
7,898

8,488

Total current assets
93,540

104,325

Investments:
 
 
Associated companies
38,692

39,489

Other
10,978

10,558

Total investments
49,670

50,047

Property and equipment:
 
 
Land and improvements
23,568

23,626

Buildings and improvements
184,843

184,838

Equipment
296,344

299,828

Construction in process
3,618

2,868

 
508,373

511,160

Less accumulated depreciation
345,164

342,247

Property and equipment, net
163,209

168,913

Goodwill
243,729

243,729

Other intangible assets, net
228,375

242,184

Postretirement assets, net
15,403

14,956

Other
3,356

3,551

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
797,282

827,705


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













2









 
(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)
March 30
2014

September 29
2013

 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
11,112

14,371

Accounts payable
20,599

22,448

Compensation and other accrued liabilities
24,373

28,493

Accrued interest
1,773

9,074

Income taxes payable
1,607


Unearned revenue
33,268

32,605

Total current liabilities
92,732

106,991

Long-term debt, net of current maturities
791,339

820,187

Pension obligations
29,025

30,583

Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations
7,549

7,253

Deferred income taxes
20,672

21,224

Income taxes payable
5,727

5,257

Other
5,818

5,900

Total liabilities
952,862

997,395

Equity (deficit):
 
 
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
 
 
Serial convertible preferred stock, no par value; authorized 500 shares; none issued


Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 120,000 shares; issued and outstanding:
536

524

March 30, 2014; 53,596 shares;
 
 
September 29, 2013; 52,434 shares
 
 
Class B Common Stock, $2 par value; authorized 30,000 shares; none issued


Additional paid-in capital
244,083

242,537

Accumulated deficit
(407,699
)
(421,077
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
6,783

7,666

Total stockholders' deficit
(156,297
)
(170,350
)
Non-controlling interests
717

660

Total deficit
(155,580
)
(169,690
)
Total liabilities and deficit
797,282

827,705


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


3


LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Common Share Data)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue:
 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services
102,719

107,382

225,110

236,281

Subscription
42,098

43,970

87,648

90,026

Other
9,276

9,251

18,720

18,951

Total operating revenue
154,093

160,603

331,478

345,258

Operating expenses:





Compensation
59,071

64,209

121,212

130,165

Newsprint and ink
9,334

10,712

19,895

22,886

Other operating expenses
52,712

53,259

107,870

107,470

Depreciation
5,135

5,294

10,411

10,796

Amortization of intangible assets
6,916

9,539

13,809

19,093

Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
(1,501
)
150

(1,635
)
135

Workforce adjustments
299

512

506

1,315

Total operating expenses
131,966

143,675

272,068

291,860

Equity in earnings of associated companies
1,593

1,733

4,512

4,778

Operating income
23,720

18,661

63,922

58,176

Non-operating income (expense):
 
 
 
 
Financial income
101

5

221

85

Interest expense
(20,552
)
(22,933
)
(41,379
)
(46,399
)
Debt financing costs
(99
)
(42
)
(203
)
(89
)
Other, net
27

(61
)
121

6,946

Total non-operating expense, net
(20,523
)
(23,031
)
(41,240
)
(39,457
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
3,197

(4,370
)
22,682

18,719

Income tax expense (benefit)
1,492

(808
)
8,875

8,640

Income (loss) from continuing operations
1,705

(3,562
)
13,807

10,079

Discontinued operations, net of income taxes

(2,293
)

(1,247
)
Net income (loss)
1,705

(5,855
)
13,807

8,832

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
(219
)
(140
)
(429
)
(257
)
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
1,486

(5,995
)
13,378

8,575

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(442
)
(93
)
(883
)
(187
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
1,044

(6,088
)
12,495

8,388

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
1,486

(3,702
)
13,378

9,822

Earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
0.03

(0.07
)
0.26

0.19

Discontinued operations

(0.04
)

(0.02
)
 
0.03

(0.12
)
0.26

0.17

Diluted:
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
0.03

(0.07
)
0.25

0.19

Discontinued operations

(0.04
)

(0.02
)
 
0.03

(0.12
)
0.25

0.17

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

4


LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
 
 
Cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
Net income
13,807

8,832

Results of discontinued operations

(1,247
)
Income from continuing operations
13,807

10,079

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
24,220

29,889

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
(1,635
)
135

Amortization of debt present value adjustment
2,394

2,715

Stock compensation expense
684

732

Distributions greater than earnings of MNI
1,309

369

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
62

(3,515
)
Debt financing costs
175

73

Gain on sale of investments

(7,093
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
Decrease in receivables
1,896

6,180

Decrease (increase) in inventories and other
(559
)
1,523

Decrease in accounts payable, compensation and other accrued liabilities and unearned revenue
(12,607
)
(4,752
)
Decrease in pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations
(3,205
)
(1,632
)
Change in income taxes receivable or payable
8,711

11,822

Other, net
(507
)
(1,237
)
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations
34,745

45,288

Cash provided by (required for) investing activities of continuing operations:
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
(4,895
)
(4,699
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
2,170

7,231

Distributions less than earnings of TNI
(511
)
(362
)
Other, net

(125
)
Net cash provided by (required for) investing activities of continuing operations
(3,236
)
2,045

Cash provided by (required for) financing activities of continuing operations:
 
 
Payments on long-term debt
(34,500
)
(52,850
)
Debt financing costs paid
(268
)
(100
)
Common stock transactions, net
575

6

Net cash required for financing activities of continuing operations
(34,193
)
(52,944
)
Net cash provided by (required for) discontinued operations:
 
 
Operating activities

(552
)
Investing activities

14,689

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(2,684
)
8,526

Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
Beginning of period
17,562

13,920

End of period
14,878

22,446


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

5


LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The Consolidated Financial Statements included herein are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 30, 2014 and their results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company's 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Certain amounts as previously reported have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. See Note 2.

References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the Company. References to “2014”, “2013” and the like refer to the fiscal years ended the last Sunday in September.

The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, except for our 50% interest in TNI Partners (“TNI”), 50% interest in Madison Newspapers, Inc. (“MNI”), and 82.5% interest in INN Partners, L.C.

On December 12, 2011, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary, prepackaged petitions in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the "Bankruptcy Court") for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (the "U.S. Bankruptcy Code") (collectively, the "Chapter 11 Proceedings"). Our interests in TNI and MNI were not included in the filings. During the Chapter 11 Proceedings, we, and certain of our subsidiaries, continued to operate as "debtors in possession" under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In general, as debtors-in-possession, we were authorized under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to continue to operate as an ongoing business, but were not to engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the prior approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

On January 23, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court approved our Second Amended Joint Prepackaged Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and on January 30, 2012 (the "Effective Date") the Company emerged from the Chapter 11 Proceedings. On the Effective Date, the Plan became effective and the transactions contemplated by the Plan were consummated. Implementation of the Plan resulted primarily in a comprehensive refinancing of our debt. The Chapter 11 Proceedings did not adversely affect employees, vendors, contractors, customers or any aspect of Company operations. Stockholders retained their interest in the Company, subject to modest dilution. As a result, “fresh start” accounting was not utilized.

In May 2013, we refinanced a portion of our debt, extending the maturity to April 2017. On March 31, 2014, we refinanced all of our remaining debt, extending the related maturity dates to March 2019, March 2022 or December 2022. See Notes 5 and 12.

2DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In March 2013, we sold The Garden Island newspaper and digital operations in Lihue, HI for $2,000,000 in cash, plus an adjustment for working capital. The transaction resulted in a loss of $2,170,000, after income taxes, and was recorded in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the 13 weeks ended March 31, 2013. Operating results of The Garden Island have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.


6


Assets and liabilities of the The Garden Island at February 28, 2013 are summarized as follows:
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
February 28
2013

 
 
 
 
Current assets
433

 
Property and equipment, net
770

 
Goodwill
500

 
Other intangible assets, net
4,025

 
Current liabilities
(271
)
 
Assets, net
5,457


In October 2012, we sold the North County Times in Escondido, CA for $11,950,000 in cash, plus an adjustment for working capital. The transaction resulted in a gain of $1,167,000, after income taxes, and was recorded in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2012. Operating results of the North County Times have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Assets and liabilities of the North County Times at September 30, 2012 are summarized as follows:
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
September 30
2012

 
 
 
 
Current assets
2,093

 
Property and equipment, net
5,158

 
Goodwill
3,042

 
Other intangible assets, net
1,920

 
Current liabilities
(1,714
)
 
Assets, net
10,499


Results of discontinued operations consist of the following:
 
 
13 Weeks Ended

26 Weeks Ended

 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 31
2013

March 31
2013

 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
517

1,321

 
Costs and expenses
(698
)
(1,697
)
 
Gain on sale of the North County Times

1,800

 
Loss on sale of The Garden Island
(3,340
)
(3,340
)
 
Gain from discontinued operations, before income taxes
(3,521
)
(1,916
)
 
Income tax expense
(1,228
)
(669
)
 
Net loss
(2,293
)
(1,247
)

3INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES

TNI Partners
 
In Tucson, Arizona, TNI, acting as agent for our subsidiary, Star Publishing Company (“Star Publishing”), and Citizen Publishing Company (“Citizen”), a subsidiary of Gannett Co. Inc., is responsible for printing, delivery, advertising, and subscription activities of the Arizona Daily Star as well as the related digital platforms and specialty publications. TNI collects all receipts and income and pays substantially all operating expenses incident to the partnership's operations and publication of the newspapers and other media.
 
Income or loss of TNI (before income taxes) is allocated equally to Star Publishing and Citizen.

7


Summarized results of TNI are as follows:
 
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
26 Weeks Ended

27 Weeks Ended

 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
15,065

15,922

31,137

33,466

 
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization
12,297

13,114

24,667

26,751

 
Workforce adjustments


(87
)

 
Operating income
2,768

2,808

6,557

6,715

 
Company's 50% share of operating income
1,384

1,404

3,279

3,358

 
Less amortization of intangible assets
104

181

209

361

 
Equity in earnings of TNI
1,280

1,223

3,070

2,997


Star Publishing's 50% share of TNI depreciation and certain general and administrative expenses (income) associated with its share of the operation and administration of TNI are reported as operating expenses (benefit) in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). These amounts totaled $(41,000) and $(108,000) in the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively, $(34,000) in the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014, and $(276,000) in the 27 weeks ended March 31, 2013.

Annual amortization of intangible assets is estimated to be $418,000 in each of the 52 week periods ending March 2015, March 2016, March 2017, the 53 week period ending March 2018 and in the 52 week period ending March 2019.

Madison Newspapers, Inc.

We have a 50% ownership interest in MNI, which publishes daily and Sunday newspapers, and other publications in Madison, Wisconsin, and other Wisconsin locations, and operates their related digital platforms. Net income or loss of MNI (after income taxes) is allocated equally to us and The Capital Times Company (“TCT”). MNI conducts its business under the trade name Capital Newspapers.

Summarized results of MNI are as follows:
 
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
16,119

15,474

33,432

34,038

 
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization
14,597

13,628

27,856

27,677

 
Workforce adjustments
229

(11
)
229

(11
)
 
Depreciation and amortization
398

381

794

764

 
Operating income
895

1,476

4,553

5,608

 
Net income
625

952

2,885

3,495

 
Equity in earnings of MNI
313

510

1,442

1,781



8


4
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
 
 
26 Weeks Ended

 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

 
 
 
 
Goodwill, gross amount
1,532,458

 
Accumulated impairment losses
(1,288,729
)
 
Goodwill, beginning of period
243,729

 
Goodwill, end of period
243,729


Identified intangible assets consist of the following:
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

September 29
2013

 
 
 
 
 
Nonamortized intangible assets:
 
 
 
Mastheads
27,038

27,038

 
Amortizable intangible assets:
 
 
 
Customer and newspaper subscriber lists
686,732

686,732

 
Less accumulated amortization
485,397

471,589

 
 
201,335

215,143

 
Noncompete and consulting agreements
28,524

28,524

 
Less accumulated amortization
28,522

28,521

 
 
2

3

 
 
228,375

242,184


Annual amortization of intangible assets for the 52 week periods ending March 2015, March 2016, March 2017, the 53 week period ending March 2018 and the 52 week period ending March 2019, is estimated to be $27,543,000, $26,625,000, $25,428,000, $20,788,000 and $16,546,000, respectively.

5
DEBT

As discussed more fully below (and certain capitalized terms used below defined), in January 2012, in conjunction with the effectiveness of the Plan, we refinanced all of our debt. The Plan refinanced our then-existing credit agreement and extended the April 2012 maturity in a structure of first and second lien debt with the existing lenders ("Lenders"). We also amended the Pulitzer Notes, and extended the April 2012 maturity with the existing Noteholders. In May 2013, we again refinanced the remaining balance of the Pulitzer Notes. On March 31, 2014, subsequent to the end of the quarter, we refinanced all of our other debt. The following description of the 1st Lien Agreement and the 2nd Lien Agreement is related to such debt as it existed at the end of the quarter, prior to the refinancing.
    
1st Lien Agreement

In January 2012, we entered into a credit agreement (the “1st Lien Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders (the “1st Lien Lenders”). The 1st Lien Agreement consists of a term loan of $689,510,000, and a new $40,000,000 revolving credit facility under which we have not drawn. The revolving credit facility also supports issuance of letters of credit.

Interest Payments

Debt under the 1st Lien Agreement bears interest, at our option, at either a base rate or an adjusted Eurodollar rate (“LIBOR”), plus an applicable margin. The base rate for the facility is the greater of (a) the prime lending rate of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas at such time; (b) 0.5% in excess of the overnight federal funds rate at such time; or (c) 30 day LIBOR plus 1.0%. LIBOR loans are subject to a minimum rate of 1.25%. The

9


applicable margin for term loan base rate loans is 5.25%, and 6.25% for LIBOR loans. The applicable margin for revolving credit facility base rate loans is 4.5%, and is 5.5% for LIBOR loans. At March 30, 2014, all borrowing under the 1st Lien Agreement is based on LIBOR at a total rate of 7.5%.

Principal Payments

At March 30, 2014, the balance outstanding under the term loan is $593,000,000. We may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding or reduce commitments under the 1st Lien Agreement at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, upon proper notice and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments.

We are required to repay principal amounts, on a quarterly basis until maturity, under the 1st Lien Agreement. Principal payments are required quarterly beginning in June 2012, and total $12,750,000 in 2014, $13,500,000 in 2015 and $3,375,000 in 2016, prior to the final maturity.

In addition to the scheduled payments, we are required to make mandatory prepayments under the 1st Lien Agreement under certain other conditions, such as from the net proceeds from asset sales. The 1st Lien Agreement also requires us to accelerate future payments in the amount of our quarterly excess cash flow, as defined. The acceleration of such payments due to future asset sales or excess cash flow does not change the due dates of other 1st Lien Agreement payments prior to the December 2015 maturity.

2014 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the 1st Lien Agreement, are summarized as follows:
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
13 Weeks Ending
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
December 29
2013

March 30
2014

June 29
2014

September 28
2014

 
 
 
 
 
Mandatory
3,000

3,000

3,375

3,375

Voluntary
3,350

5,500



Asset sales
150




Excess cash flow

1,500



 
6,500

10,000

3,375

3,375


2013 payments made under the 1st Lien Agreement are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
13 Weeks Ended

(Thousands of Dollars)
December 30
2012

March 31
2013

June 30
2013

September 29
2013

 
 
 
 
 
Mandatory
2,500

2,500

3,000

3,000

Voluntary
9,750

15,350

2,260

6,000

Asset sales
7,750


240


Excess cash flow




 
20,000

17,850

5,500

9,000


Security

The 1st Lien Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by all of our existing and future, direct and indirect subsidiaries in which we hold a direct or indirect interest of more than 50% (the “Credit Parties”); provided however, that our wholly-owned subsidiary Pulitzer Inc. (“Pulitzer”) and its subsidiaries are not Credit Parties. The 1st Lien Agreement is secured by first priority security interests in the stock and other equity interests owned by the Credit Parties in their respective subsidiaries.

The Credit Parties have also granted a first priority security interest on substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets, and granted mortgages covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the 1st Lien Agreement. Assets of Pulitzer and its subsidiaries, TNI and our ownership interest in, and assets of, MNI are excluded.

10


The revolving credit facility has a super-priority security interest over all of the collateral securing the term loan under the 1st Lien Agreement, superior to that of the term loan lenders.

Covenants and Other Matters

The 1st Lien Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for financing of its type. Due to the refinancing on March 31, 2014, compliance with such covenants was not required for the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2014.

2nd Lien Agreement

In January 2012, we entered into a second lien term loan (the “2nd Lien Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders (the “2nd Lien Lenders”). The 2nd Lien Agreement consists of a term loan of $175,000,000.

The 2nd Lien Agreement bears interest at 15.0% per annum, payable quarterly.

Principal Payments and Redemption

The 2nd Lien Agreement requires no principal amortization, except in March 2017 if required for income tax purposes.

From January 30, 2013 until January 30, 2014, the 2nd Lien Agreement could have been redeemed at 102% of the principal amount, at 101% thereafter until January 30, 2015 and at 100% thereafter until the April 2017 final maturity. Terms of the 1st Lien Agreement also restrict principal payments under the 2nd Lien Agreement.

Security

The 2nd Lien Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Credit Parties and by Pulitzer and its subsidiaries, other than TNI (collectively, the "2nd Lien Credit Parties"). The 2nd Lien Agreement is secured by second priority security interests in the stock and other equity interests owned by the 2nd Lien Credit Parties.

The 2nd Lien Credit Parties have also granted a second priority security interest on substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets, and granted second lien mortgages or deeds of trust covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the 2nd Lien Agreement. Assets of TNI and our ownership interest in, and assets of, MNI are excluded. However, assets of Pulitzer and its subsidiaries, excluding TNI, become subject to a first priority security interest of the 2nd Lien Lenders upon repayment in full of the Pulitzer Notes and any successor debt.

The 2nd Lien Lenders were granted a second priority security interest in our ownership interest in TNI under the New Pulitzer Notes, as discussed more fully below.
 
Covenants and Other Matters

The 2nd Lien Agreement has no affirmative financial covenants. Restrictions on capital expenditures, permitted investments, indebtedness and other provisions are similar to, but generally less restrictive than, those provisions under the 1st Lien Agreement.

2nd Lien Lenders shared in the issuance of 6,743,640 shares of our Common Stock valued at $9,576,000 based on the closing stock price of $1.42 on the date of issuance, an amount equal to 13% of outstanding shares on a pro forma basis as of January 30, 2012. 2nd Lien Lenders also received $8,750,000 in the form of non-cash fees, which were added to and included in the principal amount of the second lien term loan.

Debt Refinancing as of March 31, 2014 - Subsequent Event

On March 31, 2014, we completed a comprehensive refinancing of our debt, which includes the following:

$400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “Notes”), pursuant to an Indenture dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Indenture”) among the Company, certain subsidiaries party thereto from time to time (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”), U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Collateral Agent;

11


 
$250,000,000 first lien term loan and $40,000,000 revolving facility under a First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “New 1st Lien Credit Facility”) among the Company, the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “New 1st Lien Lenders”), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent; and

$150,000,000 second lien term loan under a Second Lien Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “New 2nd Lien Term Loan”) among the Company, the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “New 2nd Lien Lenders”), and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.

The Notes, New 1st Lien Credit Facility and New 2nd Lien Term Loan enabled us to repay in full all amounts outstanding under, including accrued interest, and terminate, on March 31, 2014: (i) the remaining principal balance of $593,000,000 under the 1st Lien Agreement, and related subsidiary guaranty, security and pledge agreements, intercompany subordination and intercreditor agreements; and (ii) the remaining principal balance of $175,000,000 under the 2nd Lien Agreement, and related subsidiary guaranty, security and pledge agreements and intercreditor agreement. We also used the proceeds of the refinancing to pay fees and expenses related to the refinancing.

Notes

The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company and mature on March 15, 2022. The Notes require payment of interest semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, at an annual rate of 9.5%. Interest on the Notes accrues from March 31, 2014 and the first interest payment date is due September 15, 2014. The Notes were sold pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
We may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time on or after March 15, 2018 at the redemption prices described in the Indenture. We may also redeem up to 35% of the Notes prior to March 15, 2017 using the proceeds of certain future equity offerings. The Notes have customary call protection provisions, as set forth in the Indenture. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, we must, subject to certain exceptions, offer to purchase the Notes.

The Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by each of our material domestic subsidiaries in which the Company holds a direct or indirect interest of more than 50% and which guaranty indebtedness for borrowed money, including the New 1st Lien Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2014, material domestic subsidiaries of the Company that are excluded from such subsidiary guarantee obligations under the Notes are (a)  MNI, (b) except as noted below, Pulitzer and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Pulitzer Subsidiaries”), and (c) TNI.

At such time as the New Pulitzer Notes, as discussed more fully below, are satisfied, including any successor debt (the “Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date”), the Notes will also be guaranteed by Pulitzer and each Pulitzer Subsidiary that guarantees the indebtedness under the New 1st Lien Credit Facility or other borrowings incurred by the Company or any subsidiary guarantor.

The Notes and the subsidiary guarantees are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities and limitations in the various agreements, by a lien on all property and assets of the Company and each subsidiary guarantor, other than any property and assets of MNI, Pulitzer, each Pulitzer Subsidiary and TNI (the “Lee Legacy Collateral”), on a first-priority basis, equally and ratably with all of the Company’s and the subsidiary guarantors’ existing and future obligations under the New 1st Lien Credit Facility, pursuant to a Security Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Notes Security Agreement”) among the Company and the subsidiary guarantors (collectively, the “Notes Assignors”) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas.
 
Certain of the Notes Assignors, separately, will grant first lien mortgages or deeds of trust, covering their material real estate and improvements for the benefit of the holders of the Notes.

Also, the Notes are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities and limitations in the various agreements, by first priority security interests in the stock and other equity interests owned by the Notes Assignors pursuant to the Notes Security Agreement.


12


Prior to the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date, none of the property and assets of Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Pulitzer Collateral”) will be pledged to secure the Notes or the subsidiary guarantees. After the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date, the Notes and the subsidiary guarantees will be secured, subject to permitted liens, by a lien on the Pulitzer Collateral owned by each of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries that become subsidiary guarantors on a second-priority basis, equally and ratably with all of the Company’s and the subsidiary guarantors’ existing and future obligations under the New 1st Lien Credit Facility and certain other indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by the Company or any subsidiary guarantor.

The Indenture contains certain of the restrictive covenants in the New 1st Lien Credit Facility described below and limitations on our use of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries’ cash flows. However, many of these covenants will cease to apply if the Notes are rated investment grade from either Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group and there is no default or event of default under the Indenture.

The rights of the Notes Assignors with respect to the Lee Legacy Collateral are subject to:

A Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement”) among the Company, the other Grantors party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., U.S. Bank National Association and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas; and

A Junior Intercreditor Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Junior Intercreditor Agreement”) among the Company, the other Grantors party hereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., U.S. Bank National Association, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and Wilmington Trust, National Association.

New 1st Lien Credit Facility

The New 1st Lien Credit Facility consists of a $250,000,000 term loan facility (the “Term Loan”) and a $40,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”). The New 1st Lien Credit Facility documents the primary terms of both the Revolving Facility and the Term Loan. The Revolving Facility, which was not drawn on the Closing Date, may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes (including letters of credit).

The Term Loan has an original issue discount of 2.0%. Interest on the Term Loan accrues at either (at our option) LIBOR plus 6.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%) or at a base rate equal to highest of (i) the prime rate at the time, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, and (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus 5.25% (with a base rate floor of 2.0%), and is payable quarterly, beginning in June 2014. Quarterly principal payments of $6,250,000 are required, with other payments made either voluntarily, based on excess cash flow or proceeds from asset sales. The Term Loan matures in March 2019. Concurrently with the issuance of the Term Loan, we also entered into the Revolving Facility that matures in December 2018. Interest on the Revolving Facility, when used, accrues at either (at our option) LIBOR plus 5.5%, or at a base rate equal to highest of (i) the prime rate at the time, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, and (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus 4.5%. The Company may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding or reduce commitments under the New 1st Lien Credit Facility at any time without premium or penalty, upon proper notice and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments.

The New 1st Lien Credit Facility requires that we comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for financing of this nature, including maintenance of a maximum total leverage ratio, which only applies to the Revolving Facility. The New 1st Lien Credit Facility restricts us from paying dividends on our Common Stock, and generally restricts us from repurchasing Common Stock, unless in each case no default shall have occurred and we have satisfied certain financial measurements. Further, the New 1st Lien Credit Facility restricts or limits, among other things, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to: (i) incur indebtedness, (ii) enter into mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (iii) incur or create liens and (iv) enter into transactions with certain affiliates. The New 1st Lien Credit Facility contains various representations and warranties and may be terminated upon occurrence of certain events of default. The New 1st Lien Credit Facility also contains cross-default provisions tied to the terms of each of the Indenture, New 2nd Lien Term Loan and New Pulitzer Notes.
The New 1st Lien Credit Facility is secured, subject to certain priorities and limitations in the various agreements, by perfected security interests in substantially all the assets of the Company and guaranteed by the Subsidiary Guarantors (together with the Company, the “1st Lien Assignors”), pursuant to a First Lien Guarantee and

13


Collateral Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “1st Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement”) among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., on a first-priority basis, equally and ratably with all of the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ existing and future obligations under the Notes. The 1st Lien Assignors’ pledged assets include, among other things, equipment, inventory, accounts receivables, depository accounts, intellectual property and certain of their other tangible and intangible assets (excluding the assets of Pulitzer, the Pulitzer Subsidiaries, TNI and MNI).

Under the New 1st Lien Credit Facility, certain of the 1st Lien Assignors, separately, will grant first lien mortgages or deeds of trust, covering certain real estate and improvements, to the 1st Lien Lenders (excluding the real estate of Pulitzer, Pulitzer Subsidiaries, TNI and MNI).

Also, the New 1st Lien Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of interests in all of the stock and other equity interests owned by the 1st Lien Assignors (excluding the capital stock and equity interests of or held by Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries, as well as the capital stock and equity interest of MNI and TNI, respectively).
 
The rights of the 1st Lien Assignors with respect to the Lee Legacy Collateral are subject to:

The Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement;

The Junior Intercreditor Agreement; and

An Intercompany Subordination Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “1st Lien Intercompany Subordination Agreement”) among the Company, Subsidiary Guarantors, Pulitzer, Pulitzer Subsidiaries and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 

New 2nd Lien Term Loan

The $150,000,000 New 2nd Lien Term Loan, bears interest at 12.0%, payable quarterly, and matures on December 15, 2022. There are no scheduled mandatory amortization payments required.

Under the New 2nd Lien Term Loan, cash flows of Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries must be used, (i) first, to reduce the outstanding amount of the New Pulitzer Notes to zero and (ii) second, (a) at any time after the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date but prior to March 31, 2017, to make an offer to the New 2nd Lien Lenders (which offer the New 2nd Lien Lenders may accept or reject), to pay amounts under the New 2nd Lien Term Loan at par and (b) at any time after the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date and on or after March 31, 2017, to pay amounts under the New 2nd Lien Term Loan at par. After the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date, subject to certain conditions in the New 2nd Lien Term Loan, the balance of the New 2nd Lien Term Loan can, or will be, reduced at par from proceeds from asset sales by Pulitzer or the Pulitzer Subsidiaries. Voluntary payments under the New 2nd Lien Term Loan otherwise will be subject to call premiums that step down to zero over a five-year period.

The New 2nd Lien Term Loan is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Company, Subsidiary Guarantors, Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries (collectively, the “2nd Lien Assignors”), other than MNI and TNI, pursuant to a Second Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “2nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement”) among the 2nd Lien Assignors and Wilmington Trust, National Association.

Under the 2nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, the 2nd Lien Assignors have granted (i) second priority security interests, subject to certain priorities and limitations in the various agreements, on substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets, including the stock and other equity interests owned by the 2nd Lien Assignors, and (ii) will grant second lien mortgages or deeds of trust covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the New 2nd Lien Term Loan. Assets of, or used in the operations or business of, TNI and our ownership interest in, and assets of, MNI are excluded.

Assets of Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries, excluding assets of or assets used in the operations or business of, TNI, will become subject to (i) a first priority security interest in favor of the New 2nd Lien Lenders; and (ii) a second priority security interest in favor of the secured parties under the New 1st Lien Credit Facility, as applicable, upon the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date.
 

14


The New 2nd Lien Term Loan requires that we comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for financing of this nature, including the negative covenants under the New 1st Lien Credit Facility described above. The New 2nd Lien Term Loan contains various representations and warranties and may be terminated upon occurrence of certain events of default. The New 2nd Lien Term Loan also contains cross-default provisions tied to the terms of the Indenture, New 1st Lien Loan Credit Facility and the New Pulitzer Notes.

The 2nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement is subject to:

The Junior Intercreditor Agreement;

An Intercreditor Agreement dated as of January 30, 2012 among The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Wilmington Trust, National Association, Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries, as amended by the First Amendment to Intercreditor Agreement dated May 1, 2013, and as further amended by the Second Amendment to Intercreditor Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Second Amendment to Pulitzer Intercreditor Agreement”); and

An Intercompany Subordination Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Pulitzer Intercompany Subordination Agreement”) among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, Pulitzer, Pulitzer Subsidiaries and Wilmington Trust, National Association.

In connection with the New 2nd Lien Term Loan, we entered into a Warrant Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Warrant Agreement”) between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. Under the Warrant Agreement, certain affiliates or designees of the New 2nd Lien Lenders received on March 31, 2014 their pro rata share of warrants to purchase, in cash, an initial aggregate of 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment pursuant to anti-dilution provisions (the “Warrants”). The Warrants represent, when fully exercised, approximately 10.1% of shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 30, 2014 on a fully diluted basis. The exercise price of the Warrants is $4.19 per share.

In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The Registration Rights Agreement requires, among other matters, that we use our commercially reasonable efforts to file and maintain the effectiveness for certain specified periods of a shelf registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrants.
We incurred approximately $32,000,000 of fees and expenses related to the refinancing, including a $1,750,000 premium (1% of the principal amount) related to the redemption of the 2nd Lien Agreement and $5,000,000 original issue discount on the New 1st Lien Credit Facility. In addition, at March 30, 2014 we have $10,549,000 of unamortized present value adjustments related to the 1st Lien Agreement and 2nd Lien Agreement. Certain of the unamortized present value adjustments, the new fees and expenses and a portion of the value of the Warrants will be charged to expense in the 13 weeks ending June 29, 2014 while the remainder of such costs will be capitalized and amortized into interest expense over the lives of the respective agreements.

New Pulitzer Notes

In conjunction with its formation in 2000, St. Louis Post-Dispatch LLC ("PD LLC") borrowed $306,000,000 (the “Pulitzer Notes”) from a group of institutional lenders (the “Noteholders”). The Pulitzer Notes were guaranteed by Pulitzer pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement with the Noteholders. The aggregate principal amount of the Pulitzer Notes was payable in April 2009.

In February 2009, the Pulitzer Notes and the Guaranty Agreement were amended (the “Notes Amendment”). Under the Notes Amendment, PD LLC repaid $120,000,000 of the principal amount of the debt obligation. The remaining debt balance of $186,000,000 was refinanced by the Noteholders until April 2012.

In January 2012, in connection with the Plan, we entered into an amended Note Agreement and Guaranty Agreement, which amended the Pulitzer Notes and extended the maturity with the Noteholders. After consideration of unscheduled principal payments totaling $15,145,000 ($10,145,000 in December 2011 and $5,000,000 in January 2012), offset by $3,500,000 of non-cash fees paid to the Noteholders in the form of additional Pulitzer Notes debt, the amended Pulitzer Notes had a balance of $126,355,000 in January 2012.

15



The Pulitzer Notes carried an interest rate at 10.55%, which increased 0.75% to 11.3% in January 2013 and was to increase in January of each year thereafter. Due to the increasing interest rate, interest on the Pulitzer Notes was charged to expense using a calculated effective interest rate during the period.

In May 2013, we refinanced the $94,000,000 remaining balance of the Pulitzer Notes (the New Pulitzer Notes) with BH Finance LLC ("Berkshire") a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. The New Pulitzer Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 9.0%, payable quarterly. Pulitzer is a co-borrower under the the New Pulitzer Notes, which eliminates the former Guaranty Agreement made by Pulitzer under the Pulitzer Notes.

Principal Payments

At March 30, 2014, the balance of the New Pulitzer Notes is $45,000,000. We may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding under the New Pulitzer Notes at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (except as noted below), upon proper notice, and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments. The New Pulitzer Notes provide for mandatory scheduled prepayments totaling $6,400,000 annually, beginning in 2014.

In addition to the scheduled payments, we are required to make mandatory prepayments under the New Pulitzer Notes under certain other conditions, such as from the net proceeds from asset sales. The New Pulitzer Notes also require us to accelerate future payments in the amount of our quarterly excess cash flow, as defined. The acceleration of such payments due to future asset sales or excess cash flow does not change the due dates of other New Pulitzer Notes payments prior to the final maturity in April 2017.

The New Pulitzer Notes are subject to a 5% redemption premium if 100% of the remaining balance of the New Pulitzer Notes is again refinanced by lenders, the majority of which are not holders of the New Pulitzer Notes at the time of such refinancing. This redemption premium is not otherwise applicable to any of the types of payments noted above.

2014 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the New Pulitzer Notes are summarized below.
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
13 Weeks Ending
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
December 29
2013

March 30
2014

June 29
2014

September 28
2014

 
 
 
 
 
Mandatory
6,400




Voluntary
1,600

10,000



Asset sales




Excess cash flow




 
8,000

10,000




2013 payments made under the New Pulitzer Notes or Pulitzer Notes are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
13 Weeks Ended

(Thousands of Dollars)
December 30
2012

March 31
2013

June 30
2013

September 29
2013

 
 
 
 
 
Mandatory
3,800

2,600



Voluntary

1,500

14,000

17,000

Asset sales
5,200

1,900



Excess cash flow




 
9,000

6,000

14,000

17,000


Security

Obligations under the New Pulitzer Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by Pulitzer's existing and future subsidiaries other than PD LLC and TNI. The New Pulitzer Notes are also

16


secured by first priority security interests in the stock and other equity interests owned by Pulitzer's subsidiaries including the 50% ownership interest in TNI. Also, Pulitzer, certain of its subsidiaries and PD LLC granted a first priority security interest on substantially all of its tangible and intangible assets, excluding the assets of Star Publishing leased to, or used in the operations or business of, TNI and granted deeds of trust covering certain real estate in the St. Louis area, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the New Pulitzer Notes.

Covenants and Other Matters

The New Pulitzer Notes contain certain covenants and conditions including the maintenance, by Pulitzer, of minimum trailing 12 month EBITDA (minimum of $24,700,000 beginning March 30, 2014), as defined in the New Pulitzer Notes agreement, and limitations on capital expenditures and the incurrence of other debt. Our actual trailing 12 month EBITDA at March 30, 2014 is $45,250,000. The determination of this amount is not the same as the comparable amount under the 1st Lien Agreement.

Further, the New Pulitzer Notes have limitations or restrictions on distributions, loans, advances, investments, acquisitions, dispositions and mergers. Such covenants require that substantially all future cash flows of Pulitzer are required to be directed first toward repayment of the New Pulitzer Notes, interest due under the 2nd Lien Agreement, or accumulation of cash collateral and that cash flows of Pulitzer are largely segregated from those of the Credit Parties.

Intercreditor Agreements

The 1st Lien Agreement, 2nd Lien Agreement and New Pulitzer Notes contain cross-default provisions tied to each of the various agreements. Intercreditor agreements and an intercompany subordination agreement are also in effect.


17


Other

Cash payments to the Lenders, Noteholders and legal and professional fees related to the Plan totaled $38,628,000, of which $6,273,000 was paid in 2011, and the remainder of which was paid in 2012. $720,000 of such costs were charged to expense in 2011. In addition, previously capitalized financing costs of $4,514,000 at September 25, 2011 were charged to expense in 2012 as debt financing costs prior to consummation of the Plan, with the remainder classified as reorganization costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) upon consummation of the Plan. 

Debt under the Plan was considered compromised. As a result, the 1st Lien Agreement, 2nd Lien Agreement and Pulitzer Notes were recorded at their respective present values, which resulted in a discount to the stated principal amount totaling $23,709,000. We used the effective rates of the respective debt agreements to discount the debt to its present value. In determining the effective rates, we considered all cash outflows of the respective debt agreements including: mandatory principal payments, interest payments, fees paid to lenders in connection with the refinancing as well as, in the case of the 2nd Lien Agreement, Common Stock issued. The present value is being amortized as a non-cash component of interest expense over the terms of the related debt.

The refinancing of the Pulitzer Notes with the New Pulitzer Notes resulted in the acceleration of $1,565,000 of the present value adjustment discussed above, which was partially offset by eliminating deferred interest expense of $1,189,000, and the net amount of which was recognized in the 13 weeks ended June 30, 2013. Expenses related to the issuance of the New Pulitzer Notes are capitalized as debt issuance costs and will be amortized until April 2017.

Amortization of the present value adjustment and other costs totaled $6,681,000 in 2013. Amortization of such costs is estimated to total $4,779,000 in 2014, $4,742,000 in 2015, $2,297,000 in 2016 and $1,125,000 in 2017 before accounting for the New 2nd Lien Agreement.

As a result of the Plan, we recognized $37,765,000 of reorganization costs in the 2012 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The components of reorganization costs are summarized as follows:
(Thousands of Dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
Fees paid in cash to lenders, attorneys and others
 
38,628

Unamortized loan fees from previous debt agreements
 
1,740

Fair value of stock granted to 2nd Lien Lenders
 
9,576

Noncash fees paid in the form of additional debt
 
12,250

Present value adjustment
 
(23,709
)
 
 
38,485

Charged to expense in 2012
 
37,765

Charged to expense in 2011 as other non-operating expense
 
720



18


Debt is summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Interest Rates (%)
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

September 29
2013

March 30
2014
 
 
 
 
Revolving credit facility


6.75
1st Lien Agreement
593,000

609,500

7.50
2nd Lien Agreement
175,000

175,000

15.00
New Pulitzer Notes
45,000

63,000

9.00
Pulitzer Notes


 
Unamortized present value adjustment
(10,549
)
(12,942
)
 
 
802,451

834,558

 
Less current maturities of long-term debt
15,900

19,150

 
Current amount of present value adjustment
(4,788
)
(4,779
)
 
Total long-term debt
791,339

820,187

 
 
Liquidity
 
At March 30, 2014, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $29,942,000 available for future use under our revolving credit facility. Including cash, our liquidity at March 30, 2014 totals $44,821,000. This liquidity amount excludes any future cash flows. We expect all interest and principal payments due in the next twelve months will be satisfied by our cash flows, which will allow us to maintain an adequate level of liquidity. The Warrants, if and when exercised, would provide additional liquidity in an amount up to $25,140,000.

At March 31, 2014, subsequent to the refinancing, the principal amount of our outstanding debt totals $845,000,000.

The comprehensive refinancing of our debt on March 31, 2014 significantly enhances our debt maturity profile. Final maturities of our debt have been extended to dates extending from March 2019 through December 2022. As a result, refinancing risk has been substantially reduced for the next several years.

There are numerous potential consequences under the Notes, New 1st Lien Credit Facility, New 2nd Lien Term Loan, and the New Pulitzer Notes, if an event of default, as defined, occurs and is not remedied. Many of those consequences are beyond our control. The occurrence of one or more events of default would give rise to the right of the applicable lender(s) to exercise their remedies under the Notes, New 1st Lien Credit Facility, New 2nd Lien Term Loan, and the New Pulitzer Notes, respectively, including, without limitation, the right to accelerate all outstanding debt and take actions authorized in such circumstances under applicable collateral security documents.
 
Our ability to operate as a going concern is dependent on our ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants and to refinance or amend our debt agreements as they become due, or earlier if available liquidity is consumed. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at March 30, 2014. The Notes, New 1st Lien Credit Facility and New 2nd Lien Term Loan have only limited affirmative covenants with which we are required to maintain compliance.

6
PENSION, POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS

We have several noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that together cover selected employees. Benefits under the plans were generally based on salary and years of service. All benefits are frozen and no additional benefits are being accrued. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the plans are recorded over the service period of active employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. Plan funding strategies are influenced by government regulations and income tax laws. Plan assets consist primarily of domestic and foreign corporate equity securities, government and corporate bonds, hedge fund investments and cash.
 

19


In addition, we provide retiree medical and life insurance benefits under postretirement plans at several of our operating locations. The level and adjustment of participant contributions vary depending on the specific plan. In addition, PD LLC provides postemployment disability benefits to certain employee groups prior to retirement. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the postretirement plans are recorded over the service period of active employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. We accrue postemployment disability benefits when it becomes probable that such benefits will be paid and when sufficient information exists to make reasonable estimates of the amounts to be paid. Plan assets may also be used to fund medical costs of certain active employees.
 
We use a fiscal year end measurement date for all of our pension and postretirement medical plan obligations.
 
The net periodic cost (benefit) components of our pension and postretirement medical plans are as follows:
 
PENSION PLANS
13 Weeks Ended
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost for benefits earned during the period
39

54

78

108

 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
1,999

1,882

3,998

3,764

 
Expected return on plan assets
(2,483
)
(2,459
)
(4,966
)
(4,918
)
 
Amortization of net loss
106

572

212

1,144

 
Amortization of prior service benefit
(34
)
(34
)
(68
)
(68
)
 
 
(373
)
15

(746
)
30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS
13 Weeks Ended
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost for benefits earned during the period
149

182

298

364

 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
228

281

456

562

 
Expected return on plan assets
(371
)
(368
)
(742
)
(736
)
 
Amortization of net gain
(455
)
(331
)
(910
)
(662
)
 
Amortization of prior service benefit
(365
)
(365
)
(730
)
(730
)
 
 
(814
)
(601
)
(1,628
)
(1,202
)

Amortization of net gains (losses) and prior service benefits are recorded as Compensation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Based on our forecast at March 30, 2014, we expect to contribute $700,000 to our pension plans for the remainder of 2014. Based on our forecast at March 30, 2014, we do not expect to contribute to our postretirement plans for the remainder of 2014.

7
INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes includes deferred taxes and is based upon estimated annual effective tax rates in the tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Such annualization of effective tax rates can cause distortion in quarterly tax rates.

Income tax expense related to continuing operations differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to income before income taxes. The reasons for these differences are as follows:

20


 
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Percent of Income Before Income Taxes)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Computed “expected” income tax expense
35.0

(35.0
)
35.0

35.0

 
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect
3.4

(3.4
)
3.4

3.4

 
Dividends received deductions and credits
(6.8
)
5.0

(3.2
)
(5.2
)
 
Valuation allowance
(70.2
)

(5.6
)
5.9

 
Domestic production reduction

14.5


3.4

 
Resolution of tax matters
11.7

1.9

3.3

2.0

 
Deferred income tax rate adjustments
71.0


4.9


 
Other
2.6

(1.5
)
1.3

1.7

 
 
46.7

(18.5
)
39.1

46.2

 
In connection with the refinancing of debt under the Chapter 11 Proceedings, we realized substantial cancellation of debt income (“CODI”) for income tax purposes. However, this income was not immediately taxable for U.S. income tax purposes because the CODI resulted from our reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. For U.S. income tax reporting purposes, we are required to reduce certain tax attributes, including any net operating loss carryforwards, capital losses, tax credit carryforwards, and the tax basis in other assets in a total amount equal to the tax gain on the extinguishment of debt.  As a result, in February 2012 we began recognizing additional interest expense deductions for income tax purposes.  The reduction in the basis of certain assets also resulted in reduced depreciation and amortization expense for income tax purposes, beginning in 2013. 


21


8
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
1,486

(3,702
)
13,378

9,822

 
Discontinued operations

(2,293
)

(1,247
)
 
 
1,486

(5,995
)
13,378

8,575

 
Weighted average common shares
53,519

52,296

53,199

52,295

 
Less weighted average restricted Common Stock
1,296

500

1,048

500

 
Basic average common shares
52,223

51,796

52,151

51,795

 
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock
1,575


1,390

71

 
Diluted average common shares
53,798

51,796

53,541

51,866

 
Earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
0.03

(0.07
)
0.26

0.19

 
Discontinued operations

(0.04
)

(0.02
)
 
 
0.03

(0.12
)
0.26

0.17

 
Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
0.03

(0.07
)
0.25

0.19

 
Discontinued operations

(0.04
)

(0.02
)
 
 
0.03

(0.12
)
0.25

0.17


For the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014, we had 98,000 and 100,000 weighted average shares, respectively, not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the stock option exercise price was in excess of the fair market value of our Common Stock. No stock options were considered in the computation of loss per common share in the 13 weeks ended March 31, 2013. For the 26 weeks ended March 31, 2013, we had 2,985,000 weighted average shares not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the stock option exercise price was in excess of the fair market value of our Common Stock.

9
STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS

A summary of stock option activity during the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014 follows:
 
(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)
Shares

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, September 29, 2013
2,769

2.94

 
 
 
Granted
15

2.99

 
 
 
Exercised
(273
)
2.11

 
 
 
Cancelled
(73
)
10.46

 
 
 
Outstanding, March 30, 2014
2,438

2.81

7.1
6,434

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable, March 30, 2014
1,496

3.82

6.4
3,351


22


Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested stock options as of March 30, 2014 is $559,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.

Restricted Common Stock

The table summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014.
 
(Thousands of Shares, Except Per Share Data)
Shares

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, September 29, 2013
500

1.31

 
Granted
801

3.61

 
Cancelled
(11
)
3.61

 
Outstanding, March 30, 2014
1,290

2.72

Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted Common Stock at March 30, 2014 is $2,805,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.
10
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification ("FASB ASC") Topic 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy of fair value measurements based on whether the inputs to those measurements are observable or unobservable which consists of the following levels:
 
Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets; and

Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.
 
The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate value. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. Investments totaling $8,774,000, including our 17% ownership of the nonvoting common stock of TCT, are carried at cost. The fair value of floating rate debt, which consists of our 1st Lien Agreement, is $593,000,000, the amount at which it was redeemed when refinanced on March 31, 2014. Our fixed rate debt at March 30, 2014 consists of the $175,000,000 principal amount under the 2nd Lien Agreement and $45,000,000 principal amount of New Pulitzer Notes, as discussed more fully in Note 5, which are not traded on an active market and are held by a small group of investors and Berkshire, respectively. At March 30, 2014, we estimate the fair value of debt under the 2nd Lien Agreement to be approximately $176,750,000, the amount at which it was redeemed when refinanced on March 31, 2014. We are unable, as of March 30, 2014, to determine the fair value of the New Pulitzer Notes. The value, if determined, may be more or less than the carrying amount.

11
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Redemption of PD LLC Minority Interest

In February 2009, in conjunction with the Notes Amendment, PD LLC redeemed the 5% interest in PD LLC and STL Distribution Services LLC ("DS LLC") owned by The Herald Publishing Company, LLC ("Herald") pursuant to a Redemption Agreement and adopted conforming amendments to the Operating Agreement. As a result, the value of Herald's former interest (the “Herald Value”) was to be settled, based on a calculation of 10% of the fair market value of PD LLC and DS LLC at the time of settlement, less the balance, as adjusted, of the Pulitzer Notes or the equivalent successor debt, if any. We recorded a liability of $2,300,000 in 2009 as an estimate of the amount of the Herald Value to be disbursed. In 2011, we reduced the liability related to the Herald Value to $300,000 based on the current estimate of fair value.

23



In October 2013, we issued 100,000 shares of Common Stock in full satisfaction of the Herald Value. Such shares had a fair value of $298,000 on the date of issuance.

The redemption of Herald's interest in PD LLC and DS LLC may generate significant tax benefits to us as a consequence of the resulting increase in the tax basis of the assets owned by PD LLC and DS LLC and the related depreciation and amortization deductions. The increase in basis to be amortized for income tax purposes over a 15 year period beginning in February 2009 is approximately $258,000,000.

Income Taxes

We file income tax returns with the IRS and various state tax jurisdictions. From time to time, we are subject to routine audits by those agencies and those audits may result in proposed adjustments. We have considered the alternative interpretations that may be assumed by the various taxing agencies, believe our positions taken regarding our filings are valid, and that adequate tax liabilities have been recorded to resolve such matters. However, the actual outcome cannot be determined with certainty and the difference could be material, either positively or negatively, to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the periods in which such matters are ultimately determined. We do not believe the final resolution of such matters will be material to our consolidated financial position or cash flows.

We have various income tax examinations ongoing which are at different stages of completion, but generally our income tax returns have been audited or closed to audit through 2009.

Legal Proceedings

In 2008, a group of newspaper carriers filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, claiming to be our employees and not independent contractors. The plaintiffs seek relief related to alleged violations of various employment-based statutes, and request punitive damages and attorneys' fees. In 2010, the trial court granted the plaintiffs' petition for class certification. We filed an interlocutory appeal which was denied. After concluding discovery, a motion to decertify the class was filed, which was granted as to plaintiffs' minimum wage, overtime, unreimbursed meal, and unreimbursed rest period claims. The Company denies the allegations of employee status, consistent with our past practices and industry standards, and will continue to vigorously contest the remaining claims in the action, which are not covered by insurance. At this time we are unable to predict whether the ultimate economic outcome, if any, could have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.

We are involved in a variety of other legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these other matters. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these other legal actions, it is our opinion that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.

12
COMMON STOCK

Under the Plan, the par value of our Common Stock was changed from $2.00 per share to $0.01 per share effective January 30, 2012. 2nd Lien Lenders shared in the issuance of 6,743,640 shares of our Common Stock, an amount equal to 13% of outstanding shares on a pro forma basis as of January 30, 2012.

In connection with the New 2nd Lien Term Loan, we entered into the Warrant Agreement. Under the Warrant Agreement, certain affiliates or designees of the New 2nd Lien Lenders received on March 31, 2014 their pro rata share of Warrants to purchase, in cash, an initial aggregate of 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment pursuant to anti-dilution provisions. The Warrants represent, when fully exercised, approximately 10.1% of shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 30, 2014 on a fully diluted basis. The exercise price of the Warrants is $4.19 per share.
In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, we entered into the Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement requires, among other matters, that we use our commercially reasonable efforts to file and maintain the effectiveness for certain specified periods of a shelf registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrants.

24


13    IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an amendment to an existing accounting standard, which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. This guidance does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements and is effective beginning in 2014. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 2.       Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion includes comments and analysis relating to our results of operations and financial condition as of and for the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto, included herein, and our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


25


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

No non-GAAP financial measure should be considered as a substitute for any related GAAP financial measure. However, we believe the use of non-GAAP financial measures provides meaningful supplemental information with which to evaluate our financial performance, or assist in forecasting and analyzing future periods. We also believe such non-GAAP financial measures are alternative indicators of performance used by investors, lenders, rating agencies and financial analysts to estimate the value of a publishing business and its ability to meet debt service requirements.
 
The non-GAAP financial measures utilized by us are defined as follows:

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income (loss), plus depreciation, amortization, impairment charges, stock compensation and 50% of EBITDA from TNI and MNI, minus equity in earnings of associated companies and curtailment gains.

Adjusted Income (Loss) and Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share are defined as income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and earnings (loss) per common share adjusted to exclude both unusual matters and those of a substantially non-recurring nature.

Cash Costs are defined as compensation, newsprint and ink, other operating expenses and certain unusual matters, such as workforce adjustment costs. Depreciation, amortization, impairment charges, other non-cash operating expenses and other unusual matters are excluded.

Operating Cash Flow is defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation, amortization and impairment charges, minus equity in earnings of TNI and MNI. Operating Cash Flow Margin is defined as operating cash flow divided by operating revenue.

Unlevered Free Cash Flow is defined as operating income (loss), plus depreciation, amortization, impairment charges, stock compensation, distributions from TNI and MNI and cash income tax refunds, minus equity in earnings of TNI and MNI, curtailment gains, cash income taxes, pension contributions and capital expenditures. Changes in working capital, asset sales, minority interest and discontinued operations are excluded. Free Cash Flow also includes financial income, interest expense and debt financing and reorganization costs.

Tables reconciling operating cash flow, adjusted EBITDA, unlevered free cash flow and free cash flow to operating income (loss), the most directly comparable measure under GAAP, are set forth in Item 2, included herein, under the caption "Selected Consolidated Financial Information".

Reconciliations of adjusted income (loss) and adjusted earnings (loss) per common share to income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and earnings (loss) per common share, respectively, the most directly comparable measures under GAAP, are set forth in Item 2, included herein, under the caption “Overall Results”.

We also present selected information for Lee Legacy and Pulitzer. Lee Legacy constitutes the business of the Company excluding Pulitzer. See “Selected Lee Legacy Financial Information” and “Selected Pulitzer Financial Information” in Item 2, included herein.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Our critical accounting policies include the following:
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets;

26

Table of Contents

Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit plans;
Income taxes;
Revenue recognition; and
Uninsured risks.

Additional information regarding these critical accounting policies can be found under the caption “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein.

IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In 2013, the FASB issued an amendment to an existing accounting standard, which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. This guidance does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements and is effective beginning in 2014. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

We are a leading provider of local news and information, and a major platform for advertising, in the markets we serve, which are located primarily in the Midwest, Mountain West and West regions of the United States. With the exception of St. Louis, Missouri, our 50 daily newspaper markets, across 22 states, are principally midsize or small. Through our print and digital platforms, we reach an overwhelming majority of adults in our markets.

Our platforms include:

50 daily and 38 Sunday newspapers with subscribers totaling 1.1 million and 1.5 million, respectively, for the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2014, read by nearly four million people in print;
Websites, mobile and tablet products in all of our markets that complement our newspapers and attracted 30.3 million unique visitors in March 30, 2014, with 235.9 million page views; and
Nearly 300 weekly newspapers and classified and niche publications.

Our markets have established retail bases, and most are regional shopping hubs. We are located in four state capitals. Six of our top ten markets by revenue include major universities, and seven are home to major corporate headquarters. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor of Statistics as of March 2014, the unemployment rate in five of our top ten markets by revenue was lower than the national average. We believe that all of these factors have had a positive impact on advertising revenue.

We do not face significant competition from other local daily newspapers in most of our markets, although there is significant competition for audience in those markets from other media. In our top ten markets by revenue, only two have significant local daily print competition.

Our primary source of revenue is advertising and marketing services, followed by subscription revenue. Over the last several years, the advertising industry has experienced a shift toward digital advertising and away from print and other traditional media. This trend away from traditional advertising was compounded by the effects of the last recession, which had a significant impact on our advertising and marketing services revenue. In addition, our daily newspaper paid subscription and single copy unit sales have declined. We have attempted to offset our declines in advertising and marketing services revenue and print subscription revenue with our efforts to expand our digital advertising revenue and increase the numbers of our digital subscribers.

In April 2014, we began to implement a full access subscription model, which will provide subscribers with complete digital access, including desktop, mobile, tablet and replica editions. These will be offered as packages with print home delivery or as digital-only subscriptions, with subscription rates reflective of the expanded access. The full impact of this initiative on our revenue and subscriber base will not be realized until 2016.

27



During, and since, the last economic downturn, we have also transformed our business model and carefully managed our costs to maintain our margins and cash flows. Since 2007 and through 2013, we reduced annual cash costs of our continuing operations by $290 million, or 36%, net of costs incurred to achieve these savings and also net of cost increases that primarily support our revenue initiatives. We are continuing to pursue operating efficiencies in 2014.

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the United States economy was in a recession from December 2007 until June 2009. It is widely believed that certain elements of the economy, such as housing, auto sales and employment, were in decline before December 2007, and some elements have still not recovered to pre-recession levels in either nominal or real (inflation adjusted) terms. Our revenue, operating results and cash flows were significantly impacted by the recession and its aftermath. The duration and depth of an economic recession, and pace of economic recovery, in markets in which we operate may influence our future results.

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS

Due primarily to our stockholders' deficit in 2013 and to the difference between our stock price and the per share carrying value of our net assets in 2011, we analyzed the carrying value of our net assets in 2013 and 2011. Continued deterioration in our revenue and the weak economic environment were also factors in the timing of the analyses.

In 2013, we concluded the fair value of our business was in excess of the carrying value of our net assets. As a result no goodwill impairment was recorded. However, we determined that the cash flows from nonamortized and amortizable intangible assets were not sufficient to recover their carrying values. As a result, we recorded non-cash charges to reduce the carrying values of such assets.
 
In 2011, we concluded the fair value of our business did not exceed the carrying value of our net assets. As a result, we recorded pretax, non-cash charges to reduce the carrying values of goodwill, nonamortized and amortizable intangible assets. Additional pretax, non-cash charges were recorded to reduce the carrying value of TNI.

We also recorded pretax, non-cash charges to reduce the carrying value of property and equipment in 2013, 2012 and 2011. We recorded deferred income tax benefits related to these charges.


28


DEBT AND LIQUIDITY

We have a substantial amount of debt, as discussed more fully (and certain capitalized terms used below defined) in Note 1 and Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein. In February 2009, we completed a comprehensive restructuring of our then-existing credit agreement and a refinancing of our Pulitzer Notes debt, substantially enhancing our liquidity and operating flexibility. Since February 2009, we have satisfied all interest payments and substantially all principal payments due under our debt facilities with our cash flows.
 
Substantially all of our debt was scheduled to mature in April 2012. We used a voluntary, prepackaged petition under the U. S. Bankruptcy Code to accomplish a comprehensive refinancing that extended the maturity to December 2015 for most of our debt, with the remainder maturing in April 2017. Interest expense has increased as a result of the refinancing and mandatory principal payments were reduced. In May 2013, we again refinanced the remaining balance of the Pulitzer Notes. On March 31, 2014, we refinanced all of our other debt. Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate future cash flows. This ability, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

At March 30, 2014, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $29,942,000 available for future use under our revolving credit facility. Including cash, our liquidity at March 30, 2014 totals $44,821,000. This liquidity amount excludes any future cash flows. We expect all interest and principal payments due in the next twelve months will be satisfied by our cash flows, which will allow us to maintain an adequate level of liquidity. The Warrants, if and when exercised, would provide additional liquidity in an amount up to $25,140,000.

At March 31, 2014, subsequent to the refinancing, the principal amount of our outstanding debt totals $845,000,000. For the last twelve months ending March 30, 2014, the principal amount of our debt, net of cash and on a pro forma basis for the refinancing, is 4.8 times our adjusted EBITDA, compared to a ratio of 5.1 at March 31, 2013.

There are numerous potential consequences under the Notes, New 1st Lien Credit Facility, New 2nd Lien Term Loan, and the New Pulitzer Notes, if an event of default, as defined, occurs and is not remedied. Many of those consequences are beyond our control. The occurrence of one or more events of default would give rise to the right of the applicable lender(s) to exercise their remedies under the Notes, New 1st Lien Credit Facility, New 2nd Lien Term Loan, and the New Pulitzer Notes, respectively, including, without limitation, the right to accelerate all outstanding debt and take actions authorized in such circumstances under applicable collateral security documents.

Our ability to operate as a going concern is dependent on our ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants and to refinance or amend our debt agreements as they become due, or earlier if available liquidity is consumed. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at March 30, 2014. The Notes, New 1st Lien Credit Facility and New 2nd Lien Term Loan have only limited affirmative covenants with which we are required to maintain compliance.


29


13 WEEKS ENDED MARCH 30, 2014

Operating results, as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements, are summarized below. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

Percent
Change

 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services revenue:
 
 
 
Retail
64,821

66,387

(2.4
)
Classified:
 
 
 
Employment
8,060

8,657

(6.9
)
Automotive
6,889

8,304

(17.0
)
Real estate
4,125

4,425

(6.8
)
All other
10,303

11,512

(10.5
)
Total classified
29,377

32,898

(10.7
)
National
6,094

5,544

9.9

Niche publications and other
2,427

2,553

(5.0
)
Total advertising and marketing services revenue
102,719

107,382

(4.3
)
Subscription
42,098

43,970

(4.3
)
Commercial printing
2,992

3,121

(4.1
)
Digital services and other
6,284

6,130

2.5

Total operating revenue
154,093

160,603

(4.1
)
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Compensation
59,071

64,209

(8.0
)
Newsprint and ink
9,334

10,712

(12.9
)
Other operating expenses
52,712

53,259

(1.0
)
Workforce adjustments
299

512

(41.6
)
 
121,416

128,692

(5.7
)
Operating cash flow
32,677

31,911

2.4

Depreciation and amortization
12,051

14,833

(18.8
)
Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
(1,501
)
150

NM

Equity in earnings of associated companies
1,593

1,733

(8.1
)
Operating income
23,720

18,661

27.1

Non-operating expense, net
(20,523
)
(23,031
)
(10.9
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
3,197

(4,370
)
NM

Income tax expense (benefit)
1,492

(808
)
NM

Income (loss) from continuing operations
1,705

(3,562
)
NM

Discontinued operations, net of income taxes

(2,293
)
NM

Net income (loss)
1,705

(5,855
)
NM

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
(219
)
(140
)
56.4

Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
1,486

(5,995
)
NM

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(442
)
(93
)
NM

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
1,044

(6,088
)
NM

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
1,486

(3,702
)
NM

Earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
0.03

(0.12
)
NM

Diluted
0.03

(0.12
)
NM


References to the "2014 Quarter" refer to the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2014. Similarly, references to the "2013 Quarter" refer to the 13 weeks ended March 31, 2013.

Total operating revenue decreased $6,510,000, or 4.1%, in the 2014 Quarter, compared to the 2013 Quarter.

30


Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue

In the 2014 Quarter, advertising and marketing services revenue decreased $4,663,000, or 4.3%, compared to the 2013 Quarter. Retail advertising decreased 2.4%. Retail preprint insertion revenue decreased 1.3%. Digital retail advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 9.9%, partially offsetting print declines.

Classified revenue decreased 10.7% in the 2014 Quarter. Employment revenue decreased 6.9% while automotive advertising decreased 17.0%, real estate decreased 6.8% and other classified decreased 10.5%. Digital classified revenue on a stand-alone basis increased 1.0%, partially offsetting print declines.

National advertising increased $550,000, or 9.9%. Digital national advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 86.2% due to improved management of national advertising exchanges. Advertising in niche publications and other decreased 5.0%.

On a stand-alone basis, digital advertising and marketing services revenue increased 10.2% in the 2014 Quarter, representing 16.9% of total advertising and marketing services revenue. Total digital revenue for the 2014 Quarter, including advertising, subscriptions and all other digital business, totaled $20,469,000, an increase of 13.1% from a year ago. Print advertising and marketing services revenue on a stand-alone basis decreased 6.8%.

Subscription and Other Revenue

Subscription revenue decreased $1,872,000, or 4.3%, in the 2014 Quarter due to decreases in print subscribers, which were partially offset by price increases and increases in digital subscribers.

Our unaudited, average daily circulation, including TNI, MNI and digital subscribers, decreased 5.0% and Sunday circulation increased 9.9% in the 2014 Quarter compared to the 2013 Quarter. The increase in Sunday units is due to increases in branded editions.

Our mobile, tablet, desktop and app sites, including TNI and MNI, attracted 30.3 million unique visitors in the month of March 2014, an increase of 30.8% from a year ago, with 235.9 million page views. Research in our larger markets indicates we are maintaining our share of audience through the combination of digital audience growth and strong newspaper readership.
 
Commercial printing revenue decreased $129,000, or 4.1%, in the 2014 Quarter. Digital services and other revenue increased $154,000, or 2.5%, in the 2014 Quarter.

Operating Expenses

Cash costs decreased $7,276,000, or 5.7%, in the 2014 Quarter.

Compensation expense decreased $5,138,000, or 8.0%, in the 2014 Quarter, driven by a decline in average full-time equivalent employees of 6.0%.

Newsprint and ink costs decreased $1,378,000, or 12.9%, in the 2014 Quarter, primarily as a result of a reduction in newsprint volume of 13.5%. See Item 3, “Commodities”, included herein, for further discussion and analysis of the impact of newsprint on our business.

Other operating expenses, which are comprised of all operating costs not considered to be compensation, newsprint, depreciation, amortization, or unusual matters, decreased $547,000, or 1.0%, in the 2014 Quarter.

Reductions in staffing resulted in workforce adjustment costs totaling $299,000 and $512,000 in the 2014 Quarter and 2013 Quarter, respectively.

For the full year, 2014 cash costs are expected to decrease 3.0-3.5% (an improvement from previous guidance), excluding the impact of subscription-related expense reclassification as a result of moving to fee-for-service delivery contracts at several of our newspapers. The reclassification will increase both revenue and operating expenses, with no impact on operating cash flow or operating income.


31


Certain results, excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, are as follows:
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

Percent Change

 
 
 
 
Subscription revenue, as reported
42,098

43,970

(4.3
)
Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(400
)

NM

Subscription revenue, as adjusted
41,698

43,970

(5.2
)
 
 
 
 
Total operating revenue, as reported
154,093

160,603

(4.1
)
Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(400
)

NM

Total operating revenue, as adjusted
153,693

160,603

(4.3
)
 
 
 
 
Total cash costs, as reported
121,416

128,692

(5.7
)
Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(400
)

NM

Total cash costs, as adjusted
121,016

128,692

(6.0
)

Operating Cash Flow and Results of Operations

As a result of the factors noted above, operating cash flow increased 2.4%, to $32,677,000, in the 2014 Quarter compared to $31,911,000 in the 2013 Quarter. Operating cash flow margin increased to 21.2% from 19.9% a year ago, reflecting a larger percentage decrease in operating expenses than the decrease in operating revenue.

Depreciation expense decreased $159,000, or 3.0%, in the 2014 Quarter. Amortization expense decreased $2,623,000, or 27.5%, in the 2014 Quarter due to impairment charges recorded in 2013. Sales of operating assets resulted in a net gain of $1,501,000 in the 2014 Quarter compared to a net loss of $150,000 in the 2013 Quarter.

Equity in earnings in associated companies decreased $140,000 in the 2014 Quarter.

The factors noted above resulted in operating income of $23,720,000 in the 2014 Quarter compared to $18,661,000 in the 2013 Quarter. Operating income margin increased to 15.4% from 11.6% a year ago.

Nonoperating Income and Expense

Interest expense decreased $2,381,000, or 10.4%, to $20,552,000 in the 2014 Quarter due to lower debt balances and refinancing of the Pulitzer Notes in May 2013. Our weighted average cost of debt was 9.2% at the end of the 2014 Quarter compared to 9.4% at the end of the 2013 Quarter. Interest expense in the 2014 Quarter includes $1,196,000 of non-cash amortization of a present value adjustment of debt compared to $1,358,000 in the 2013 Quarter.

Absent a significant increase in LIBOR, and as a result of the refinancing of our debt as of March 31, 2014, we expect our annual interest payments to initially increase by approximately $3,400,000, due primarily to a $32,000,000 increase in the principal amount of our debt to fund fees and expenses related to the transaction. This amount is subject to the timing and amount of future payments. The pro forma weighted average cost of cash interest on our debt after the refinancing was 9.25%.

Overall Results

We recognized income tax expense of 46.7% of income from continuing operations before income taxes in the 2014 Quarter and a tax benefit of 18.5% of loss from continuing operations before income taxes in the 2013 Quarter. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein, for a reconciliation of the expected federal income tax rate to the actual tax rates.


32


As a result of the factors noted above, income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (which includes discontinued operations) totaled $1,486,000 in the 2014 Quarter compared to a loss of $5,995,000 in the 2013 Quarter. We recorded earnings per diluted common share of $0.03 in the 2014 Quarter and a loss per diluted common share of $0.12 in the 2013 Quarter. Excluding unusual matters, as detailed in the table below, diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted, were $0.05 in the 2014 Quarter, compared to a loss per common share, as adjusted, of $0.05 in the 2013 Quarter. Per share amounts may not add due to rounding.
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
 
March 30
2014
 
March 31
2013
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
Amount

Per Share

Amount

Per Share

 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as reported
1,486

0.03

(5,995
)
(0.12
)
Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
Debt financing and reorganization costs
99

 
42

 
Amortization of debt present value adjustment
1,196

 
1,358

 
Other, net
414

 
560

 
 
1,709

 
1,960

 
Income tax effect of adjustments, net
(567
)
 
(689
)
 
 
1,142

0.02

1,271

0.02

Unusual matters related to discontinued operations


2,181

0.04

Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as adjusted
2,628

0.05

(2,543
)
(0.05
)

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In March 2013, we sold The Garden Island newspaper and digital operations in Lihue, HI for $2,000,000 in cash, plus an adjustment for working capital. The transaction resulted in a loss of $2,170,000, after income taxes, and was recorded in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the 13 weeks ended March 31, 2013. Operating results of The Garden Island have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.


33


26 WEEKS ENDED MARCH 30, 2014

Operating results, as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements, are summarized below. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

Percent
Change

 
 
 
 
Operating revenue:
 
 
 
Retail
147,111

151,719

(3.0
)
Classified:
 
 
 
Employment
15,269

16,341

(6.6
)
Automotive
15,017

17,622

(14.8
)
Real estate
8,544

9,077

(5.9
)
All other
20,756

23,142

(10.3
)
Total classified
59,586

66,182

(10.0
)
National
13,611

13,339

2.0

Niche publications and other
4,802

5,041

(4.7
)
Total advertising and marketing services revenue
225,110

236,281

(4.7
)
Subscription
87,648

90,026

(2.6
)
Commercial printing
6,023

6,423

(6.2
)
Digital services and other
12,697

12,528

1.3

Total operating revenue
331,478

345,258

(4.0
)
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Compensation
121,212

130,165

(6.9
)
Newsprint and ink
19,895

22,886

(13.1
)
Other operating expenses
107,870

107,470

0.4

Workforce adjustments
506

1,315

(61.5
)
 
249,483

261,836

(4.7
)
Operating cash flow
81,995

83,422

(1.7
)
Depreciation and amortization
24,220

29,889

(19.0
)
Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
(1,635
)
135

NM

Equity in earnings of associated companies
4,512

4,778

(5.6
)
Operating income
63,922

58,176

9.9

Non-operating expense, net
(41,240
)
(39,457
)
4.5

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
22,682

18,719

21.2

Income tax expense
8,875

8,640

2.7

Income from continuing operations
13,807

10,079

37.0

Discontinued operations, net of income taxes

(1,247
)
NM

Net income
13,807

8,832

56.3

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
(429
)
(257
)
66.9

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
13,378

8,575

56.0

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(883
)
(187
)
NM

Comprehensive income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
12,495

8,388

NM

 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
13,378

9,822

36.2

 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
0.26

0.17

52.9

Diluted
0.25

0.17

47.1


References to the "2014 Period" refer to the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014. Similarly, references to the "2013 Period" refer to the 26 weeks ended March 31, 2013.

Total operating revenue decreased $13,780,000, or 4.0%, in the 2014 Period, compared to the 2013 Period.


34


Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue

In the 2014 Period, advertising and marketing services revenue decreased $11,171,000, or 4.7%, compared to the 2013 Period. Retail advertising decreased 3.0%. Retail preprint insertion revenue decreased 0.4%. Digital retail advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 7.0%, partially offsetting print declines.

Classified revenue decreased 10.0% in the 2014 Period. Employment revenue decreased 6.6% while automotive advertising decreased 14.8%, real estate decreased 5.9% and other classified decreased 10.3%. Digital classified revenue on a stand-alone basis increased 1.7%, partially offsetting print declines.

National advertising increased $272,000, or 2.0%. Digital national advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 128.1% due to improved management of national advertising exchanges. Advertising in niche publications and other decreased 4.7%.

On a stand-alone basis, digital advertising and marketing services revenue increased 10.0% in the 2014 Period, representing 16.0% of total advertising and marketing services revenue. Total digital revenue for the 2014 Period, including advertising, subscriptions and all other digital business, totaled $42,087,000, an increase of 12.9% from a year ago. Print advertising and marketing services revenue on a stand-alone basis decreased 7.1%.

Subscription and Other Revenue

Subscription revenue decreased $2,378,000, or 2.6%, in the 2014 Period due to decreases in print subscribers, which were partially offset by price increases and increases in digital subscribers.

Our average daily circulation, including TNI, MNI and digital subscribers, as measured by the Alliance for Audited Media, decreased 3.1% and Sunday circulation increased 9.4% in the 2014 Period compared to the 2013 Period. The increase in Sunday units is due to increases in branded editions.

Our mobile, tablet, desktop and app sites, including TNI and MNI, attracted 30.3 million unique visitors in the month of March 2014, an increase of 30.8% from a year ago, with 235.9 million page views.
 
Commercial printing revenue decreased $400,000, or 6.2%, in the 2014 Period. Digital services and other revenue increased $169,000, or 1.3%, in the 2014 Period.

Operating Expenses

Cash costs decreased $12,353,000, or 4.7%, in the 2014 Period.

Compensation expense decreased $8,953,000, or 6.9%, in the 2014 Period, driven by a decline in average full time equivalent employees of 5.9%.

Newsprint and ink costs decreased $2,991,000, or 13.1%, in the 2014 Period, primarily as a result of a reduction in newsprint volume of 11.7%. See Item 3, “Commodities”, included herein, for further discussion and analysis of the impact of newsprint on our business.

Other operating expenses, which are comprised of all operating costs not considered to be compensation, newsprint, depreciation, amortization, or unusual matters, increased $400,000, or 0.4%, in the 2014 Period.

Reductions in staffing resulted in workforce adjustment costs totaling $506,000 and $1,315,000 in the 2014 Period and 2013 Period, respectively.


35


Certain results, excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, are as follows:
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

Percent Change

 
 
 
 
Subscription revenue, as reported
87,648

90,026

(2.6
)
Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(400
)

NM

Subscription revenue, as adjusted
87,248

90,026

(3.1
)
 
 
 
 
Total operating revenue, as reported
331,478

345,258

(4.0
)
Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(400
)

NM

Total operating revenue, as adjusted
331,078

345,258

(4.1
)
 
 
 
 
Total cash costs, as reported
249,483

261,836

(4.7
)
Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(400
)

NM

Total cash costs, as adjusted
249,083

261,836

(4.9
)

Operating Cash Flow and Results of Operations

As a result of the factors noted above, operating cash flow decreased 1.7%, to $81,995,000, in the 2014 Period compared to $83,422,000 in the 2013 Period. Operating cash flow margin increased to 24.7% from 24.2% a year ago reflecting a larger percentage decrease in operating expenses than the decrease in operating revenue.

Depreciation expense decreased $385,000, or 3.6%, in the 2014 Period, due primarily to lower levels of capital spending over the last several years. Amortization expense decreased $5,284,000, or 27.7%, in the 2014 Period due to impairment charges recorded in 2013. Sales of operating assets resulted in a net gain of $1,635,000 in the 2014 Period compared to a net loss of $135,000 in the 2013 Period.

Equity in earnings in associated companies decreased $266,000 in the 2014 Period.

The factors noted above resulted in operating income of $63,922,000 in the 2014 Period compared to $58,176,000 in the 2013 Period. Operating income margin increased to 19.3% from 16.9% a year ago.

Nonoperating Income and Expense

Interest expense decreased $5,020,000, or 10.8%, to $41,379,000 in the 2014 Period due primarily to lower debt balances and the refinancing of the Pulitzer Notes in May 2013. Our weighted average cost of debt was 9.2% at March 30, 2014 compared to 9.4% at March 31, 2013. Interest expense in the 2014 Period also includes $2,394,000 of non-cash amortization of a present value adjustment of debt compared to $2,716,000 in the 2013 Period.

In December 2012, we recognized a gain of $7,093,000 from a distribution related to the partial sale of assets in a private equity investment. This gain is classified as other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Overall Results

We recognized income tax expense of 39.1% of income from continuing operations before income taxes in the 2014 Period and 46.2% in the 2013 Period. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein, for a reconciliation of the expected federal income tax rate to the actual tax rates.


36


As a result of the factors noted above, income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (which includes discontinued operations) totaled $13,378,000 in the 2014 Period compared to $8,575,000 in the 2013 Period. We recorded earnings per diluted common share of $0.25 in the 2014 Period and $0.17 in the 2013 Period. Excluding unusual matters, as detailed in the table below, diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted, were $0.29 in the 2014 Period, compared to $0.15 in the 2013 Period. Per share amounts may not add due to rounding.
 
 
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
March 30
2014
 
March 31
2013
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
Amount

Per Share

Amount

Per Share

 
 
 
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as reported
13,378

0.25

8,575

0.17

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
Gain on sale of investment, net

 
(6,909
)
 
Debt financing and reorganization costs
203

 
89

 
Amortization of debt present value adjustment
2,394

 
2,716

 
Other, net
577

 
1,626

 
 
3,174

 
(2,478
)
 
Income tax effect of adjustments, net
(1,079
)
 
865

 
 
2,095

0.04

(1,613
)
(0.03
)
Unusual matters related to discontinued operations


1,014

0.02

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as adjusted
15,473

0.29

7,976

0.15


DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In March 2013, we sold The Garden Island newspaper and digital operations in Lihue, HI for $2,000,000 in cash, plus an adjustment for working capital. The transaction resulted in a loss of $2,170,000, after income taxes, and was recorded in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the 13 weeks ended March 31, 2013. Operating results of The Garden Island have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

In October 2012, we sold the North County Times in Escondido, CA for $11,950,000 in cash, plus an adjustment for working capital. The transaction resulted in a gain of $1,167,000, after income taxes, and was recorded in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2012. Operating results of the North County Times have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $34,745,000 in the 2014 Period and $45,288,000 in the 2013 Period. We recorded net income of $13,807,000 in the 2014 Period and $8,832,000 in the 2013 Period. Changes in non-cash items, including depreciation, amortization and deferred income taxes, as well as changes in operating assets and liabilities, more than offset the increase in net income in the 2014 Period, resulting in a decrease in cash provided by operating activities.

Investing Activities

Cash required for investing activities of continuing operations totaled $3,236,000 in the 2014 Period compared to cash provided by investing activities of $2,045,000 in the 2013 Period. Capital spending totaled $4,895,000 in the 2014 Period and $4,699,000 in the 2013 Period. We received $2,170,000 from sales of assets in the 2014 Period compared to $7,231,000 in the 2013 Period, which includes a $7,093,000 distribution related to the partial sale of assets in a private equity investment.

37


We anticipate that funds necessary for capital expenditures, which are expected to total up to $12,000,000 in 2014, and other requirements, will be available from internally generated funds or availability under our revolving credit facility.

Financing Activities

Cash required for financing activities of continuing operations totaled $34,193,000 in the 2014 Period and $52,944,000 in the 2013 Period. Debt reduction accounted for the majority of the usage of funds in both the 2014 Period and 2013 Period.

As discussed more fully in Note 1 and Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein, in January 2012, in conjunction with the effectiveness of the Plan, we refinanced all of our debt. The Plan refinanced our then-existing credit agreement and extended the April 2012 maturity in a structure of first and second lien debt with the existing lenders. We also amended the Pulitzer Notes, and extended the April 2012 maturity with the existing Noteholders. In May 2013, we again refinanced the remaining balance of the Pulitzer Notes and on March 31, 2014 we refinanced all of our other debt.
    
Liquidity
 
At March 30, 2014, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $29,942,000 available for future use under our revolving credit facility. Including cash, our liquidity at March 30, 2014 totals $44,821,000. This liquidity amount excludes any future cash flows. We expect all interest and principal payments due in the next twelve months will be satisfied by our cash flows, which will allow us to maintain an adequate level of liquidity. The Warrants, if and when exercised, would provide additional liquidity in an amount up to $25,140,000.

At March 31, 2014, subsequent to the refinancing, the principal amount of our outstanding debt totals $845,000,000. For the last twelve months ending March 30, 2014 , the principal amount of our debt, net of cash, is 4.8 times our adjusted EBITDA, compared to a ratio of 5.1 at March 31, 2013.

The comprehensive refinancing of our debt on March 31, 2014 significantly enhances our debt maturity profile. Final maturities of our debt have been extended to dates extending from March 2019 through December 2022. As a result, refinancing risk has been substantially reduced for the next several years.

There are numerous potential consequences under the Notes, New 1st Lien Credit Facility, New 2nd Lien Term Loan and the New Pulitzer Notes, if an event of default, as defined, occurs and is not remedied. Many of those consequences are beyond our control. The occurrence of one or more events of default would give rise to the right of the applicable lender(s) to exercise their remedies under the Notes, New 1st Lien Credit Facility, New 2nd Lien Term Loan and the New Pulitzer Notes, respectively, including, without limitation, the right to accelerate all outstanding debt and take actions authorized in such circumstances under applicable collateral security documents.

Our ability to operate as a going concern is dependent on our ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants and to refinance or amend our debt agreements as they become due, or earlier if available liquidity is consumed. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at March 30, 2014. The Notes, New 1st Lien Credit Facility and New 2nd Lien Term Loan have only limited affirmative covenants with which we are required to maintain compliance.

In 2014, we filed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement ("Shelf") with the SEC, which has been declared effective. The Shelf will give us the flexibility to issue and publicly distribute various types of securities, including preferred stock, common stock, warrants, secured or unsecured debt securities, purchase contracts and units consisting of any combination of such securities, from time to time, in one or more offerings, up to an aggregate amount of $750,000,000. In July 2011, the SEC announced changes to the issuer eligibility rules which will require us to have a public float of at least $75,000,000 in order to use the Shelf. Subject to maintenance of the minimum level of equity market float and the conditions of our existing debt agreements, the Shelf may enable us to sell securities quickly and efficiently when market conditions are favorable or financing needs arise. Under our existing debt agreements, net proceeds from the sale of any securities must be used generally to reduce debt.


38


CHANGES IN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Energy Costs

Energy costs have become more volatile, and may increase in the future as a result of carbon emissions and other regulations being considered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Health Care

The Affordable Care Act was enacted into law in 2010. As a result, in 2010 we wrote off $2,012,000 of deferred income tax assets due to the loss of future tax deductions for providing retiree prescription drug benefits.
 
We expect the Affordable Care Act will be supported by a substantial number of underlying regulations, some of which have not been issued. Recently, certain provisions applicable to employers were delayed. Accordingly, a complete determination of the impact of the Affordable Care Act cannot be made at this time. However, we expect our future health care costs to increase more rapidly based on analysis published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, input from independent advisors and our understanding of various provisions of the Affordable Care Act that differ from our previous medical plans, such as:
 
Certain preventive services provided without charge to employees;
Automatic enrollment of new employees;
Higher maximum age for dependent coverage;
Elimination of lifetime benefit caps; and
Free choice vouchers for certain lower income employees.
 
Administrative costs are also likely to increase as a result of new compliance reporting and mandatory fees per participant. New costs being imposed on other medical care businesses, such as health insurers, pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers, may be passed on to us in the form of higher costs. We may be able to mitigate certain of these future cost increases through changes in plan design.

We do not expect the Affordable Care Act will have a significant impact on our postretirement medical benefit obligation liability.

Pension Plans

In July 2012, the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012 (“STEA”) was signed into law. STEA provides for changes in the determination of discount rates that result in a near-term reduction in minimum funding requirements for our defined benefit pension plans. STEA will also result in an increase in future premiums to be paid to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation.

Pension liabilities, net of plan assets, totaled $30.6 million as of September 29, 2013, a $38.1 million improvement from September 30, 2012, due to strong asset returns and an increase in discount rates used to measure the liabilities. Contributions to pension plans are expected to total $1.4 million in 2014, a 77% reduction from 2013.

Income Taxes

Certain states in which we operate are considering changes to their corporate income tax rates. Until such changes are enacted, the impact of such changes cannot be determined.

Minimum Wage Laws

The United States and various state governments are considering increasing their respective minimum wage rates. Most of our employees earn an amount in excess of the current United States or state minimum wage rates. However, until changes to such rates are enacted, the impact of the changes cannot be determined.


39


INFLATION

General inflation in the United States economy has not been significant for the last several years. Price increases (or decreases) for our products are implemented when deemed appropriate by us. We continuously evaluate price increases, productivity improvements, sourcing efficiencies and other cost reductions to mitigate the impact of inflation.


40


SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(UNAUDITED)
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
52 Weeks Ended

(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
March 30
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services
102,719

107,382

 
225,110

236,281

 
449,369

Subscription
42,098

43,970

 
87,648

90,026

 
174,733

Other
9,276

9,251

 
18,720

18,951

 
36,859

Total operating revenue
154,093

160,603

 
331,478

345,258

 
660,961

Compensation
59,071

64,209

 
121,212

130,165

 
245,880

Newsprint and ink
9,334

10,712

 
19,895

22,886

 
40,490

Other operating expenses
52,712

53,259

 
107,870

107,470

 
213,421

Depreciation and amortization
12,051

14,833

 
24,220

29,889

 
49,880

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
(1,501
)
150

 
(1,635
)
135

 
(1,683
)
Impairment of goodwill and other assets


 


 
171,094

Workforce adjustments
299

512

 
506

1,315

 
1,870

Total operating expenses
131,966

143,675

 
272,068

291,860

 
720,952

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI
1,593

1,733

 
4,512

4,778

 
8,420

Operating income
23,720

18,661

 
63,922

58,176

 
(51,571
)
Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
12,051

14,833

 
24,220

29,889

 
49,880

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
(1,501
)
150

 
(1,635
)
135

 
(1,683
)
Impairment of intangible and other assets


 


 
171,094

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI
(1,593
)
(1,733
)
 
(4,512
)
(4,778
)
 
(8,420
)
Operating cash flow
32,677

31,911

 
81,995

83,422

 
159,300

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%)
2,031

2,332

 
5,952

6,541

 
11,189

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock compensation
420

364

 
684

732

 
1,213

Adjusted EBITDA
35,128

34,607

 
88,631

90,695

 
171,702

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%)
(2,031
)
(2,332
)
 
(5,952
)
(6,541
)
 
(11,189
)
Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions from TNI and MNI
2,494

2,715

 
5,309

4,785

 
11,922

Capital expenditures
(2,600
)
(2,626
)
 
(4,895
)
(4,699
)
 
(9,936
)
Pension contributions
(705
)
(275
)
 
(705
)
(275
)
 
(6,446
)
Cash income tax refunds (payments)
(103
)
(93
)
 
(117
)
(333
)
 
9,342

Unlevered free cash flow
32,183

31,996

 
82,271

83,632

 
165,395

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial income
101

5

 
221

85

 
436

Interest expense settled in cash
(19,356
)
(21,521
)
 
(38,984
)
(43,367
)
 
(79,629
)
Debt financing costs paid
(266
)
(100
)
 
(268
)
(100
)
 
(1,239
)
Free cash flow
12,662

10,380

 
43,240

40,250

 
84,963




41


SELECTED LEE LEGACY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(UNAUDITED)
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
52 Weeks Ended

(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
March 30
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services
72,055

74,625

 
155,263

161,976

 
310,448

Subscription
26,873

27,309

 
55,720

55,936

 
110,174

Other
8,266

7,734

 
16,386

15,673

 
31,738

Total operating revenue
107,194

109,668

 
227,369

233,585

 
452,360

Compensation
44,123

46,440

 
89,948

93,956

 
181,464

Newsprint and ink
6,733

7,364

 
14,070

15,768

 
28,497

Other operating expenses
28,633

28,453

 
57,754

57,864

 
112,658

Depreciation and amortization
8,103

6,770

 
16,311

13,732

 
29,892

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
(1,512
)
156

 
(1,652
)
150

 
(1,691
)
Impairment of goodwill and other assets


 


 
523

Workforce adjustments
122

331

 
171

613

 
1,103

Total operating expenses
86,202

89,514

 
176,602

182,083

 
352,446

Equity in earnings of MNI
313

510

 
1,443

1,782

 
3,171

Operating income
21,305

20,664

 
52,210

53,284

 
103,085

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
8,103

6,770

 
16,311

13,732

 
29,892

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
(1,512
)
156

 
(1,652
)
150

 
(1,691
)
Impairment of intangible and other assets


 


 
523

Equity in earnings of MNI
(313
)
(510
)
 
(1,443
)
(1,782
)
 
(3,171
)
Operating cash flow
27,583

27,080

 
65,426

65,384

 
128,638

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of MNI EBITDA (50%)
646

928

 
2,673

3,183

 
5,471

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock compensation
420

364

 
684

732

 
1,213

Adjusted EBITDA
28,649

28,372

 
68,783

69,299

 
135,322

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of MNI EBITDA (50%)
(646
)
(928
)
 
(2,673
)
(3,183
)
 
(5,471
)
Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions from MNI
1,250

900

 
2,750

2,150

 
5,850

Capital expenditures
(2,082
)
(2,116
)
 
(4,245
)
(3,442
)
 
(8,516
)
Cash income tax refunds (payments)
(103
)
(93
)
 
(117
)
(333
)
 
(149
)
Intercompany charges not settled in cash
(2,099
)
(2,146
)
 
(4,198
)
(4,292
)
 
(8,302
)
Other

(2,000
)
 

(2,000
)
 

Unlevered free cash flow
24,969

21,989

 
60,300

58,199

 
118,734

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial income
101

5

 
221

85

 
436

Interest expense settled in cash
(18,206
)
(18,797
)
 
(36,561
)
(37,837
)
 
(73,365
)
Debt financing costs paid
(266
)
(100
)
 
(268
)
(100
)
 
(308
)
Free cash flow
6,598

3,097

 
23,692

20,347

 
45,497








42


SELECTED PULITZER ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(UNAUDITED)
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
52 Weeks Ended

(Thousands of Dollars)
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
March 30
2014

March 31
2013

 
March 30
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services
30,664

32,757

 
69,847

74,305

 
138,921

Subscription
15,225

16,661

 
31,928

34,090

 
64,559

Other
1,010

1,517

 
2,334

3,278

 
5,121

Total operating revenue
46,899

50,935

 
104,109

111,673

 
208,601

Compensation
14,948

17,769

 
31,264

36,209

 
64,416

Newsprint and ink
2,601

3,348

 
5,825

7,118

 
11,993

Other operating expenses
24,079

24,806

 
50,116

49,606

 
100,763

Depreciation and amortization
3,948

8,063

 
7,909

16,157

 
19,988

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
11

(6
)
 
17

(15
)
 
8

Impairment of goodwill and other assets


 


 
170,571

Workforce adjustments
177

181

 
335

702

 
767

Total operating expenses
45,764

54,161

 
95,466

109,777

 
368,506

Equity in earnings of TNI
1,280

1,223

 
3,069

2,996

 
5,249

Operating income
2,415

(2,003
)
 
11,712

4,892

 
(154,656
)
Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
3,948

8,063

 
7,909

16,157

 
19,988

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
11

(6
)
 
17

(15
)
 
8

Impairment of intangible and other assets


 


 
170,571

Equity in earnings of TNI
(1,280
)
(1,223
)
 
(3,069
)
(2,996
)
 
(5,249
)
Operating cash flow
5,094

4,831

 
16,569

18,038

 
30,662

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of TNI EBITDA (50%)
1,385

1,404

 
3,279

3,358

 
5,718

Adjusted EBITDA
6,479

6,235

 
19,848

21,396

 
36,380

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of TNI EBITDA (50%)
(1,385
)
(1,404
)
 
(3,279
)
(3,358
)
 
(5,718
)
Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions from TNI
1,244

1,815

 
2,559

2,635

 
6,072

Capital expenditures
(518
)
(510
)
 
(650
)
(1,257
)
 
(1,420
)
Pension contributions
(705
)
(275
)
 
(705
)
(275
)
 
(6,446
)
Cash income tax refunds (payments)


 


 
9,491

Intercompany charges not settled in cash
2,099

2,146

 
4,198

4,292

 
8,302

Other

2,000

 

2,000

 

Unlevered free cash flow
7,214

10,007

 
21,971

25,433

 
46,661

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense settled in cash
(1,150
)
(2,724
)
 
(2,423
)
(5,530
)
 
(6,264
)
Debt financing costs paid


 


 
(931
)
Free cash flow
6,064

7,283

 
19,548

19,903

 
39,466



43


Item 3.       Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk stemming from changes in interest rates and commodity prices. Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in earnings and cash flows. In the normal course of business, exposure to certain of these market risks is managed as described below.

INTEREST RATES ON DEBT

Our debt structure and interest rate risk are managed through the use of fixed and floating rate debt. Our primary exposure is to LIBOR. A 100 basis point increase or decrease to LIBOR would, if in excess of LIBOR minimums discussed more fully below, decrease or increase, respectively, income before income taxes on an annualized basis by approximately $2,500,000, based on $250,000,000 of floating rate debt outstanding at March 31, 2014, subsequent to our refinancing.

Our debt under the new 1st Lien Credit Facility is subject to minimum interest rate levels of 1.0%. Based on the difference between interest rates in March 2014 and our 1.0% minimum rate, LIBOR would need to increase approximately 92 basis points for six month borrowing up to approximately 110 basis points for one month borrowing before our borrowing cost would begin to be impacted by an increase in interest rates.

At March 31, 2014, subsequent to our refinancing, approximately 29.6% of the principal amount of our debt is subject to floating interest rates. We regularly evaluate alternatives to hedge the related interest rate risk, but have no hedging instruments in place. Our debt structure, which is predominantly fixed rate, significantly reduces the potential impact of an increase in interest rates.

COMMODITIES

Certain materials used by us are exposed to commodity price changes. We manage this risk through instruments such as purchase orders and non-cancelable supply contracts. We participate in a buying cooperative with other publishing companies, primarily for the acquisition of newsprint. We are also involved in continuing programs to mitigate the impact of cost increases through identification of sourcing and operating efficiencies. Primary commodity price exposures are newsprint and, to a lesser extent, ink and energy costs.

During the March 2014, Quarter Eastern U.S. newsprint prices remained stable while Western U.S. prices declined slightly from their September 2013 increase. Production capacity reductions by North American newsprint producers have partially offset demand and shipment declines to domestic customers. Export shipments, which have provided some relief to declining domestic demand, have recently softened.

A weakened Canadian dollar has provided increased competitiveness to Canadian producers helping offset input cost pressures and dampening price increase opportunities. An announced capacity reduction in the southern U.S. for September 2014 may have a pricing impact for customers in that region and the Southwest.

Future price changes, if any, will be influenced primarily by the balance between supply capacity and demand, domestic and export, in addition to the producers' ability to mitigate input cost pressures and the U.S. to Canadian exchange rate. The final extent of future price change announcements, if any, is subject to negotiations with each newsprint producer.

A $10 per tonne price increase for 30 pound newsprint would result in an annualized reduction in income before income taxes of approximately $667,000 based on anticipated consumption in 2014, excluding consumption of TNI and MNI and the impact of LIFO accounting. Such prices may also decrease. We manage significant newsprint inventories, which may help to mitigate the impact of future price increases

SENSITIVITY TO CHANGES IN VALUE

As of March 31, 2014, subsequent to the refinancing, our fixed rate debt consists of the Notes, New 2nd Lien Term Loan, and the New Pulitzer Notes, none of which are traded on an active market and all of which are held by small groups of investors or Berkshire. Based on market price quotations available to us, which may not be representative of actual transaction prices, we estimate the fair value of the Notes, New 1st Lien Term Loan and new 2nd Lien Term Loan to be in a range of 100-108% of the principal amount as of May 9, 2014. We are unable to measure the maximum

44


potential impact on fair value of the New Pulitzer Notes from adverse changes in market interest rates under normal market conditions. The change in value, if determined, could be significant.


45


Item 4.       Controls and Procedures

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Under the supervision and with the participation of our senior management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded as of the Evaluation Date that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information relating to the Company, including our consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in our SEC reports (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.        Legal Proceedings

In 2008, a group of newspaper carriers filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, claiming to be our employees and not independent contractors. The plaintiffs seek relief related to alleged violations of various employment-based statutes, and request punitive damages and attorneys' fees. In 2010, the trial court granted the plaintiffs' petition for class certification. We filed an interlocutory appeal which was denied. After concluding discovery, a motion to decertify the class was filed, which was granted as to plaintiffs' minimum wage, overtime, unreimbursed meal, and unreimbursed rest period claims. The Company denies the allegations of employee status, consistent with our past practices and industry standards, and will continue to vigorously contest the remaining claims in the action, which are not covered by insurance. At this time we are unable to predict whether the ultimate economic outcome, if any, could have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.

We are involved in a variety of other legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these other matters. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these other legal actions, it is our opinion that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.

Item 6.        Exhibits
Number
 
Description 
 
 
 
10.1
 
Amended and Restated Lee Enterprises, Incorporated 1996 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (effective February 19, 2014)
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification
32
 
Section 1350 certification


46


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Carl G. Schmidt
 
May 9, 2014
Carl G. Schmidt
 
 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 

47