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LEE ENTERPRISES, Inc - Quarter Report: 2015 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 29, 2015
 
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 definitions of “ large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and small reporting company” 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, 2015, 54,535,122 shares of Common Stock of the Registrant were outstanding.
 

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Table Of Contents
 
PAGE
 
 
 
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
 
 
 
 
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 29, 2015 and September 28, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income - 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - 26 weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
 
 





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Table of Contents

References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout this document refer to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (the "Company"). References to "2015", "2014" 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;
Our ability to comply with the financial covenants in our credit facilities;
Our ability to refinance our debt as it comes due;
That the warrants issued in our refinancing will not be exercised;
The impact and duration of adverse conditions in certain aspects of the economy affecting our business;
Changes in advertising demand;
Potential changes in newsprint, other commodities and energy costs;
Interest rates;
Labor costs;
Legislative and regulatory rulings;
Our ability to achieve planned expense reductions;
Our ability to maintain employee and customer relationships;
Our ability to manage increased capital costs;
Our ability to maintain 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”, “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “considers” 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, except as required by law.


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Table of Contents

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.       Financial Statements

LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

(Thousands of Dollars)
March 29
2015

September 28
2014

 
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
11,350

16,704

Accounts receivable, net
59,551

62,343

Income taxes receivable
146

620

Inventories
5,438

6,655

Deferred income taxes
1,228

1,228

Other
8,064

8,585

Total current assets
85,777

96,135

Investments:
 
 
Associated companies
36,128

37,790

Other
10,174

10,661

Total investments
46,302

48,451

Property and equipment:
 
 
Land and improvements
23,551

23,645

Buildings and improvements
183,128

180,570

Equipment
289,436

292,209

Construction in process
3,326

4,548

 
499,441

500,972

Less accumulated depreciation
346,016

343,601

Property and equipment, net
153,425

157,371

Goodwill
243,729

243,729

Other intangible assets, net
199,077

212,657

Postretirement assets, net
14,860

14,136

Other
36,467

38,796

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
779,637

811,275


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












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(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)
March 29
2015

September 28
2014

 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
27,400

31,400

Accounts payable
18,787

27,245

Compensation and other accrued liabilities
24,397

24,348

Accrued interest
4,677

4,812

Unearned revenue
30,699

30,903

Total current liabilities
105,960

118,708

Long-term debt, net of current maturities
736,850

773,350

Pension obligations
49,021

50,170

Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations
10,519

10,359

Deferred income taxes
20,909

14,766

Income taxes payable
5,492

5,097

Other
16,031

16,369

Total liabilities
944,782

988,819

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:
545

537

March 29, 2015; 54,528 shares;
 
 
September 28, 2014; 53,747 shares
 
 
Class B Common Stock, $2 par value; authorized 30,000 shares; none issued


Additional paid-in capital
246,488

245,323

Accumulated deficit
(402,729
)
(414,282
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(10,215
)
(9,831
)
Total stockholders' deficit
(165,911
)
(178,253
)
Non-controlling interests
766

709

Total deficit
(165,145
)
(177,544
)
Total liabilities and deficit
779,637

811,275


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


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LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Common Share Data)
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue:
 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services
97,665

102,720

213,142

225,110

Subscription
48,111

41,952

98,509

87,405

Other
9,753

9,421

20,032

18,963

Total operating revenue
155,529

154,093

331,683

331,478

Operating expenses:





Compensation
61,236

59,071

123,173

121,212

Newsprint and ink
7,661

9,334

16,507

19,895

Other operating expenses
55,839

52,712

115,021

107,870

Depreciation
4,686

5,275

9,301

10,407

Amortization of intangible assets
6,880

6,916

13,760

13,809

Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
5

(1,641
)
(252
)
(1,631
)
Workforce adjustments
640

299

851

506

Total operating expenses
136,947

131,966

278,361

272,068

Equity in earnings of associated companies
1,653

1,593

4,410

4,512

Operating income
20,235

23,720

57,732

63,922

Non-operating income (expense):
 
 
 
 
Financial income
102

101

180

221

Interest expense
(18,403
)
(20,552
)
(37,193
)
(41,379
)
Debt financing costs
(1,493
)
(99
)
(2,595
)
(203
)
Other, net
2,318

27

1,140

121

Total non-operating expense, net
(17,476
)
(20,523
)
(38,468
)
(41,240
)
Income before income taxes
2,759

3,197

19,264

22,682

Income tax expense
717

1,492

7,215

8,875

Net income
2,042

1,705

12,049

13,807

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
(242
)
(219
)
(496
)
(429
)
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
1,800

1,486

11,553

13,378

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(192
)
(442
)
(384
)
(883
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
1,608

1,044

11,169

12,495

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
Basic:
0.03

0.03

0.22

0.26

Diluted:
0.03

0.03

0.21

0.25


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

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Table of Contents

LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
 
 
Cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
Net income
12,049

13,807

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
23,061

24,216

Gain on sales of assets, net
(252
)
(1,631
)
Amortization of debt present value adjustment

2,394

Stock compensation expense
1,083

684

Distributions greater than earnings of MNI
1,444

1,309

Deferred income tax expense
6,411

62

Debt financing costs
2,595

175

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
Decrease in receivables
2,792

1,896

Decrease (increase) in inventories and other
1,716

(559
)
Decrease in accounts payable, compensation and other accrued liabilities and unearned revenue
(8,748
)
(12,607
)
Decrease in pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations
(2,365
)
(3,205
)
Change in income taxes receivable or payable
869

8,711

Other, net
(1,190
)
(507
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
39,465

34,745

Cash provided by (required for) investing activities:
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
(5,675
)
(4,895
)
Decrease in restricted cash
441


Proceeds from sales of assets
868

2,170

Distributions greater (less) than earnings of TNI
218

(511
)
Other, net
(180
)

Net cash required for investing activities
(4,328
)
(3,236
)
Cash provided by (required for) financing activities:
 
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
5,000


Payments on long-term debt
(45,500
)
(34,500
)
Debt financing costs paid
(82
)
(268
)
Common stock transactions, net
91

575

Net cash required for financing activities
(40,491
)
(34,193
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(5,354
)
(2,684
)
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
Beginning of period
16,704

17,562

End of period
11,350

14,878


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

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

1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited, interim, Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for quarterly reports. 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 29, 2015 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 2014 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 29, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the Company. References to “2015”, “2014” 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.

2INVESTMENTS 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.

Summarized results of TNI are as follows:
 
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
14,373

15,065

29,973

31,137

 
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization
11,745

12,297

23,847

24,667

 
Workforce adjustments



(87
)
 
Operating income
2,628

2,768

6,126

6,557

 
Company's 50% share of operating income
1,314

1,384

3,063

3,279

 
Less amortization of intangible assets
105

104

209

209

 
Equity in earnings of TNI
1,209

1,280

2,854

3,070


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. These amounts totaled $(130,000) and $(41,000) in the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively, and totaled $(198,000) and $(34,000) in the 26 weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively.


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Annual amortization of intangible assets is estimated to be $418,000 in each of the 52 week periods ending March 2016, March 2017, March 2018, the 53 week period ending March 2019 and in the 52 week period ending March 2020.

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 29
2015

March 30
2014

March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
16,022

16,119

34,678

33,432

 
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization
14,178

14,597

28,810

27,856

 
Workforce adjustments
47

229

57

229

 
Depreciation and amortization
463

398

927

794

 
Operating income
1,334

895

4,884

4,553

 
Net income
888

625

3,112

2,885

 
Equity in earnings of MNI
444

313

1,556

1,442


3
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

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

 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 29
2015

 
 
 
 
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 29
2015

September 28
2014

 
 
 
 
 
Nonamortized intangible assets:
 
 
 
Mastheads
25,102

25,102

 
Amortizable intangible assets:
 
 
 
Customer and newspaper subscriber lists
686,912

686,732

 
Less accumulated amortization
512,937

499,178

 
 
173,975

187,554

 
Noncompete and consulting agreements
28,524

28,524

 
Less accumulated amortization
28,524

28,523

 
 

1

 
 
199,077

212,657



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Annual amortization of intangible assets for the 52 week periods ending March 2016, March 2017, March 2018, the 53 week period ending March 2019 and the 52 week period ending March 2020, is estimated to be $26,625,000, $25,428,000, $20,788,000, $16,546,000 and $15,382,000, respectively.

4
DEBT

In January 2012, in conjunction with the effectiveness of our plan of reorganization (the "Plan") under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, 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, as discussed more fully below (and certain capitalized terms used below defined), and extended the April 2012 maturity with the existing Noteholders.

In May 2013, we again refinanced the $94,000,000 remaining balance of the Pulitzer Notes (the “New Pulitzer Notes”).

On March 31, 2014, we completed a comprehensive refinancing of our remaining debt, exclusive of the New Pulitzer Notes (the “2014 Refinancing”), which includes the following:

$400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.5% Senior Secured Notes (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 (the "Notes Trustee"), and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Collateral Agent;
 
$250,000,000 first lien term loan (the "1st Lien Term Loan") and $40,000,000 revolving facility (the "Revolving Facility") under a First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (together the “1st Lien Credit Facility”) among the Company, the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “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 “2nd Lien Term Loan”) among the Company, the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “2nd Lien Lenders”), and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.

The Notes, 1st Lien Credit Facility and 2nd Lien Term Loan enabled us to repay in full, including accrued interest, and terminate, on March 31, 2014: (i) the remaining principal balance of $593,000,000 under our previous 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 our previous 2nd lien agreement, and related subsidiary guaranty, security and pledge agreements, intercompany subordination and intercreditor agreements. We also used the proceeds of the refinancing to pay fees and expenses totaling $30,931,000 related to the 2014 Refinancing.

Notes

The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company and mature on March 15, 2022. The Notes were sold pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Interest

The Notes require payment of interest semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, at a fixed annual rate of 9.5%. Interest on the Notes accrues from March 31, 2014.
 

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Redemption

We may redeem some, or all, of the principal amount of the Notes at any time on or after March 15, 2018 as follows:
Period Beginning
Percentage of Principal Amount
 
 
March 15, 2018
104.75
March 15, 2019
102.375
March 15, 2020
100

We may also redeem up to 35% of the Notes prior to March 15, 2017 at 109.5% of the principal amount using the proceeds of certain future equity offerings.

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. Any redemption of the Notes must also satisfy any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

Security

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 1st Lien Credit Facility. Material domestic subsidiaries of the Company that are currently excluded from such subsidiary guarantee obligations under the Notes are MNI, except as noted below, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Pulitzer Inc. ("Pulitzer"), and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Pulitzer Subsidiaries”) and 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, on a second-priority basis, by Pulitzer and each Pulitzer Subsidiary that guarantees the indebtedness under the 2nd Lien Term Loan 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 the capital stock of MNI and 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 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, have granted 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 capital stock of, and other equity interests owned by the Notes Assignors pursuant to the Notes Security Agreement.

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. The Pulitzer Collateral includes the 50% interest in TNI owned by Star Publishing, but excludes any tangible and intangible assets owned by Star Publishing that are used by TNI in the conduct of its business. 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 1st Lien Credit Facility and certain other indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by the Company or any subsidiary guarantor.


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The rights of the Notes Trustee and the 1st Lien Lenders 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.

Covenants and Other Matters

The Indenture contains certain of the restrictive covenants in the 1st Lien Credit Facility, as discussed more fully 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 by either Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group and there is no default or event of default under the Indenture.

1st Lien Credit Facility

The 1st Lien Credit Facility consists of the $250,000,000 1st Lien Term Loan that matures in March 2019 and the $40,000,000 Revolving Facility that matures in December 2018. The 1st Lien Credit Facility documents the primary terms of the 1st Lien Term Loan and the Revolving Facility. The Revolving Facility may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes (including letters of credit). At March 29, 2015, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $32,605,000 available for future use under the Revolving Facility.

Interest

Interest on the 1st Lien Term Loan, which has a principal balance of $205,250,000 at March 29, 2015, 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%, or (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus 5.25% (with a base rate floor of 2.0%), and is payable quarterly.

The 1st Lien Term Loan was funded with original issue discount of 2.0%, or $5,000,000, which will be amortized as interest expense over the life of the 1st Lien Term Loan.

Interest on the Revolving Facility, which has a principal balance of zero at March 29, 2015, 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%, or (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus 4.5%.

Principal Payments

Quarterly principal payments of $6,250,000 are required under the 1st Lien Term Loan, with other payments made either voluntarily, based on 90% of excess cash flow, as defined, or from proceeds of asset sales, as defined. We may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding or reduce commitments under the 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.


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2015 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the 1st Lien Term Loan are summarized as follows:
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
13 Weeks Ending
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
December 28
2014

March 29
2015

June 28
2015

September 27
2015

 
 
 
 
 
Mandatory
6,250

6,250

6,250

6,250

Voluntary
5,000

4,000



Asset sales




Excess cash flow




 
11,250

10,250

6,250

6,250


2014 payments made under the 1st Lien Term Loan or previous 1st lien agreement are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
13 Weeks Ended

(Thousands of Dollars)
December 29
2013

March 30
2014

June 29
2014

September 28
2014

 
 
 
 
 
Mandatory
3,000

3,000

6,250

6,250

Voluntary
3,350

5,500

10,750


Asset sales
150

1,500



Excess cash flow




 
6,500

10,000

17,000

6,250


Security

The 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 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. (the "1st Lien Collateral Agent"), 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, and TNI and the capital stock or assets of MNI).

Under the 1st Lien Credit Facility, certain of the 1st Lien Assignors, separately, have granted first lien mortgages or deeds of trust, subject to all relevant terms and conditions of the applicable intercreditor agreements, covering certain real estate and improvements, to the 1st Lien Lenders (excluding the real estate of Pulitzer, the Pulitzer Subsidiaries, TNI and MNI).

The 1st Lien Credit Facility is also secured by a pledge of interests in all of the capital stock of and other equity interests owned by the 1st Lien Assignors (excluding the capital stock and equity interests 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 Collateral Agent 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.



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Covenants and Other Matters

The 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 is only applicable to the Revolving Facility. 

The 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 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 1st Lien Credit Facility contains various representations and warranties and may be terminated upon occurrence of certain events of default. The 1st Lien Credit Facility also contains cross-default provisions tied to the terms of each of the Indenture, 2nd Lien Term Loan and New Pulitzer Notes.

2nd Lien Term Loan

The 2nd Lien Term Loan, which has a balance of $150,000,000 at March 29, 2015, bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 12.0%, payable quarterly, and matures in December 2022.

Principal Payments

There are no scheduled mandatory payments required under the 2nd Lien Term Loan.

Under the 2nd Lien Term Loan, excess cash flows of Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries, as defined and subject to certain other conditions, must be used, (i) first, to repay the outstanding amount of the New Pulitzer Notes 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 2nd Lien Lenders (which offer the 2nd Lien Lenders may accept or reject), to pay amounts under the 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 such amounts under the 2nd Lien Term Loan at par.

The definition of excess cash flows of Pulitzer includes a deduction for interest costs incurred under the 2nd Lien Term Loan after the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date. In addition, other changes to settlement of certain intercompany costs between the Company and Pulitzer will also be effected after the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date, with the net result being a reduction in the excess cash flows of Pulitzer from historical levels.

After the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date, subject to certain other conditions in the 2nd Lien Term Loan the balance of the 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 2nd Lien Term Loan are otherwise subject to call premiums as follows:
Period Beginning
Percentage of Principal Amount
 
 
March 31, 2014
112
March 31, 2017
106
March 31, 2018
103
March 31, 2019
100

Security

The 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.


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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) have 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 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 2nd Lien Lenders; and (ii) a second priority security interest in favor of the secured parties under the 1st Lien Credit Facility, as applicable, upon the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date.
 
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.

Covenants and Other Matters

The 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 1st Lien Credit Facility discussed above. The 2nd Lien Term Loan contains various representations and warranties and may be terminated upon occurrence of certain events of default. The 2nd Lien Term Loan also contains cross-default provisions tied to the terms of the Indenture, 1st Lien Credit Facility and the New Pulitzer Notes.

In connection with the 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 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.

The Warrant Agreement contains a cash settlement provision in the event of a change of control prior to March 31, 2018 as well as other provisions requiring the Warrants be measured at fair value and included in other liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We remeasure the liability to fair value each reporting period, with changes reported in other non-operating income (expense). The initial fair value of the Warrants was $16,930,000. At September 28, 2014, the fair value of the Warrants was $10,808,000. At March 29, 2015, the fair value of the Warrants is $10,029,000.

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 maintain the effectiveness for certain specified periods of a shelf registration statement related to the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of the Warrants.

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

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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.

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 New Pulitzer Notes, which eliminated the former Guaranty Agreement made by Pulitzer under the Pulitzer Notes.

Principal Payments

At March 29, 2015, the balance of the New Pulitzer Notes is $9,000,000. 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.

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.

2015 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 28
2014

March 29
2015

June 28
2015

September 27
2015

 
 
 
 
 
Mandatory
4,000

2,400



Voluntary

7,520



Asset sales

80



Excess cash flow




 
4,000

10,000





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2014 payments made under the New Pulitzer Notes are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
13 Weeks Ended

(Thousands of Dollars)
December 29
2013

March 30
2014

June 29
2014

September 28
2014

 
 
 
 
 
Mandatory
6,400




Voluntary
1,600

10,000

13,000

9,000

Asset sales




Excess cash flow




 
8,000

10,000

13,000

9,000


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 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 $24,200,000 beginning March 29, 2015), 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 29, 2015 is $41,505,000.

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 and that cash flows of Pulitzer are largely segregated from those of the Company, exclusive of Pulitzer.

Other

The refinancing of the Pulitzer Notes with the New Pulitzer Notes resulted in the acceleration of $1,565,000 of a present value adjustment, which was partially offset by eliminating deferred interest expense of $1,189,000, and the net amount of which was recognized in 2013. Expenses related to the issuance of the New Pulitzer Notes are capitalized as debt issuance costs and will be amortized until the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date.

We incurred $30,931,000 of fees and expenses related to the 2014 Refinancing, including a $1,750,000 premium (1% of the principal amount) related to the redemption of the previous 2nd lien agreement and $5,000,000 original issue discount on the 1st Lien Term Loan. In addition, at the date of the 2014 Refinancing we had $10,549,000 of unamortized present value adjustments related to the previous 1st lien agreement and previous 2nd lien agreement. We also recognized original issue discount of $16,930,000 on the 2nd Lien Term Loan related to the Warrants. Certain of the unamortized present value adjustments, the new fees and expenses and a portion of the value of the Warrants were charged to expense upon completion of the 2014 Refinancing while the remainder of such costs have been capitalized and are being amortized over the lives of the respective debt agreements.


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Debt financing costs are summarized as follows:
(Thousands of Dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
Prepayment premium - previous 2nd lien agreement
 
1,750

Unamortized loan fees from previous credit agreements
 
10,549

Fees paid in cash to arrangers, lenders, attorneys and others
 
24,181

Original issue discount - 1st Lien Term Loan
 
5,000

Fair value of Warrants granted to 2nd Lien Lenders
 
16,930

 
 
58,410

Charged to expense as a result of debt extinguishment
 
20,591

Capitalized debt financing costs
 
37,819


Amortization of debt financing costs totaled $1,307,000 and $2,336,000 in the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 29, 2015, respectively. Amortization of such costs is estimated to total $3,999,000 in 2015, $4,208,000 in 2016, $4,397,000 in 2017, $4,525,000 in 2018 and $4,281,000 in 2019. At March 29, 2015 we have $34,147,000 of unamortized debt financing costs included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Debt is summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Interest Rates (%)
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 29
2015

September 28
2014

March 29
2015
 
 
 
 
Revolving Facility

5,000

5.65
1st Lien Term Loan
205,250

226,750

7.25
Notes
400,000

400,000

9.50
2nd Lien Term Loan
150,000

150,000

12.00
New Pulitzer Notes
9,000

23,000

9.00
 
764,250

804,750

 
Less current maturities of long-term debt
27,400

31,400

 
Total long-term debt
736,850

773,350

 
 
At March 29, 2015, our weighted average cost of debt, excluding amortization of debt financing costs, is 9.4%.

Aggregate maturities of debt total $12,500,000 for the remainder of 2015, $31,400,000 in 2016, $27,600,000 in 2017, $25,000,000 in 2018, $117,750,000 in 2019 and $550,000,000 thereafter.

Liquidity
 
At March 29, 2015, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $32,605,000 available for future use under our Revolving Facility. Including cash, our liquidity at March 29, 2015 totals $43,955,000. 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.

The 2014 Refinancing significantly enhances our debt maturity profile. Final maturities of our debt have been extended to dates from April 2017 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, 1st Lien Credit Facility, 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, 1st Lien Credit Facility, 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.

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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. The Notes, 1st Lien Credit Facility and 2nd Lien Term Loan have only limited affirmative covenants with which we are required to maintain compliance. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at March 29, 2015.

5
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.
 
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. PD LLC also 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 29
2015

March 30
2014

March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost for benefits earned during the period
226

39

452

78

 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
1,859

1,999

3,718

3,998

 
Expected return on plan assets
(2,466
)
(2,483
)
(4,932
)
(4,966
)
 
Amortization of net loss
420

106

840

212

 
Amortization of prior service benefit
(34
)
(34
)
(68
)
(68
)
 
 
5

(373
)
10

(746
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS
13 Weeks Ended
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost for benefits earned during the period
39

149

78

298

 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
211

228

422

456

 
Expected return on plan assets
(361
)
(371
)
(722
)
(742
)
 
Amortization of net gain
(347
)
(455
)
(694
)
(910
)
 
Amortization of prior service benefit
(365
)
(365
)
(730
)
(730
)
 
 
(823
)
(814
)
(1,646
)
(1,628
)

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


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Based on our forecast at March 29, 2015, we expect to contribute $3,365,000 to our pension plans for the remainder of 2015. Based on our forecast at March 29, 2015, we do not expect to contribute to our postretirement plans for the remainder of 2015.

6
INCOME TAXES

The effective income tax rates for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 were 26.0% and 46.7%, respectively. The effective income tax rates for the 26 weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 were 37.5% and 39.1%, respectively. The primary differences between these rates and the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% are due to the effect of state taxes, non-deductible expenses, adjustments to reserves for uncertain tax positions, including any related interest, and mark-to-market adjustments to value the Warrants issued in connection with our 2014 Refinancing. The decrease in the effective income tax rate for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2015 is primarily due to a mark-to-market adjustment to value the Warrants.

We file a consolidated federal tax return, as well as combined and separate tax returns in approximately 27 state and local jurisdictions. 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. See Note 10 for a discussion of our tax audits.

State cash tax payments of $168,000 were made during the 26 weeks ended March 29, 2015, of which $164,000 were made during the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2015. State cash tax refunds of $236,000 relating to carrybacks of prior year losses were received during the 26 weeks ended March 29, 2015, all of which were received during the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2015. Due to our federal and state net operating loss carryforwards and based on historical levels of performance, we do not expect any significant income tax payments in 2015, 2016 or 2017.

7
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
 
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:
1,800

1,486

11,553

13,378

 
Weighted average common shares
54,506

53,519

54,206

53,199

 
Less weighted average restricted Common Stock
(2,012
)
(1,296
)
(1,724
)
(1,048
)
 
Basic average common shares
52,494

52,223

52,482

52,151

 
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock
1,381

1,575

1,434

1,390

 
Diluted average common shares
53,875

53,798

53,916

53,541

 
Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
0.03

0.03

0.22

0.26

 
Diluted
0.03

0.03

0.21

0.25


For the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 29, 2015, 6,816,000 and 6,533,000 weighted average shares, respectively, were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the exercise prices of the related stock options and Warrants were in excess of the fair market value of our Common Stock. For the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014, we had 98,000 and 100,000 weighted average shares, respectively, were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the related stock option exercise prices were in excess of the fair market value of our Common Stock.


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8
STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS

A summary of stock option activity during the 26 weeks ended March 29, 2015 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 28, 2014
2,333

2.70

 
 
 
Exercised
(60
)
1.53

 
 
 
Cancelled
(79
)
8.18

 
 
 
Outstanding, March 29, 2015
2,194

2.54

6.1
3,033

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable, March 29, 2015
1,700

2.92

5.8
2,065


Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested stock options as of March 29, 2015 is $71,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.2 years.

Restricted Common Stock

The table below summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 26 weeks ended March 29, 2015.
 
(Thousands of Shares, Except Per Share Data)
Shares

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, September 28, 2014
1,291

2.72

 
Granted
735

3.64

 
Cancelled
(13
)
3.61

 
Outstanding, March 29, 2015
2,013

3.05

Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted Common Stock at March 29, 2015 is $4,048,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.
9
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 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 $7,359,000, including our 17% ownership of the nonvoting common stock of TCT, are carried at cost.


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The fair value of floating rate debt, which consists of our 1st Lien Term Loan, is $206,661,000, based on an average of private market price quotations. Our fixed rate debt consists of $400,000,000 principal amount of the Notes, $150,000,000 principal amount under the 2nd Lien Term Loan and $9,000,000 principal amount of New Pulitzer Notes. At March 29, 2015, based on private market price quotations the fair values were $412,250,000 and $160,500,000 for the Notes and 2nd Lien Term Loan, respectively. These represent level 2 fair value measurements. The New Pulitzer Notes are held by a single investor, Berkshire. We are unable, as of March 29, 2015, to determine the fair value of the New Pulitzer Notes. The value, if determined, may be more or less than the carrying amount.

As discussed more fully in Note 4, we recorded a liability for the Warrants issued in connection with the Warrant Agreement. The liability was initially measured at its fair value. We remeasure the liability to fair value each reporting period, with changes reported in other non-operating income (expense). The initial fair value of the Warrants was $16,930,000. At September 28, 2014, the fair value of the Warrants was $10,808,000. At December 28, 2014, the fair value of the Warrants was $12,110,000. At March 29, 2015, the fair value of the Warrants is $10,029,000. Fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. These represent level 2 fair value measurements.

10
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.

In 2014, 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

Commitments exclude unrecognized tax benefits to be recorded in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. We are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities for such matters. See Note 6.

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.

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 sought relief related to alleged violations of various employment-based statutes, and requested punitive damages and

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attorneys' fees. In 2014 we reached a settlement with the plaintiffs and recorded a liability of $2,300,000. The court approved the settlement and we paid $2,176,000 in full satisfaction of the claim in April 2015.

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.

Multiemployer Pension Plans

In 2015, we were notified that a bargaining unit at one of our enterprises was no longer being represented.  As a result, we may be subject to a future claim for withdrawal liability.  The amount of such liability, if any, will be dependent on actions taken, or not taken, by the Company and the pension fund, as well as the future performance of the pension fund.

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 29, 2015. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto, included herein, and our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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 and curtailment gains. Operating Cash Flow Margin is defined as operating cash flow divided by operating revenue. The terms operating cash flow and EBITDA are used interchangeably.

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".


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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”.

The subtotals of operating expenses representing cash costs can be found in tables in Item 2, included herein, under the captions “13 Weeks Ended March 29, 2015" and "26 Weeks Ended March 29, 2015”.

We also present selected information for Lee Legacy and Pulitzer. Lee Legacy constitutes the business of the Company, including MNI, but excluding Pulitzer, the Pulitzer Subsidiaries and TNI. 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 Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("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;
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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new accounting requirements for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The new requirements also include additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The adoption of these requirements is required in 2018, but may be deferred one year. We have not yet determined the potential impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued a new going concern standard. The new standard changes the period that companies use to evaluate their ability to meet obligations to a look-forward period of one year from the financial statement issuance date, from one year from the balance sheet date. The new standard also changes disclosure requirements. The adoption of the new standard is required in 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.

In April 2015, the FASB issued a new standard for the presentation debt issuance costs. The new standard will streamline the balance sheet presentation of debt related valuations. Debt issuance costs are currently recognized as deferred charges and presented as an asset while debt discounts and premiums are treated as adjustments to the related debt. Under the new standard, debt issuance costs will be recognized as reductions to the related debt. The adoption of the new standard is required in 2017. The adoption of this standard will serve to reclassify certain amounts within our Consolidated Balance Sheets.


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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 products include:

50 daily and 38 Sunday newspapers with subscribers totaling 1.0 million and 1.5 million, respectively, read by over three million people in print; 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 February 2015, the unemployment rate in six 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. Community newspapers remain a valuable source of local news and information to readers and an effective means for local advertisers to reach their customers. We believe our audiences across these communities tend to be loyal readers that actively seek our content and serve as an attractive target for our advertisers.

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 provides subscribers with complete digital access, including desktop, mobile, tablet and replica editions. These are offered as packages with print home delivery or as digital-only subscriptions, with subscription rates reflective of the expanded access. Due to the timing of the rollout and staggered subscriber renewal dates, the bulk of the positive revenue from this initiative should be realized in 2015.

During, and since, the last economic downturn, we have also transformed our business model and carefully managed our costs to maintain high margins and cash flows. Since 2007 and through 2014, we reduced annual cash costs of our continuing operations by $297 million, or 37%, net of costs incurred to achieve these savings and also net of cost increases that primarily support our revenue and content initiatives. We are continuing to pursue operating efficiencies in 2015.

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 recovered slowly 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.


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IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS

We have significant amounts of goodwill and identified intangible assets. Since 2007 we have recorded impairment charges totaling almost $1.3 billion to reduce the value of certain of these assets. Should general economic, market or business conditions decline, and have a negative impact on our stock price or projected future cash flows, we may be required to record additional impairment charges in the future. Such charges would not impact our cash flows or debt covenant compliance.

DEBT AND LIQUIDITY

We have a substantial amount of debt, as discussed more fully (and certain capitalized terms used below defined) in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein.
 
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 refinancing that extended the maturity to December 2015 for most of our debt, with the remainder maturing in April 2017. In May 2013, we again refinanced the remaining balance of the Pulitzer Notes. On March 31, 2014, we refinanced all of our other debt in the 2014 Refinancing. 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 29, 2015, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $32,605,000 available for future use under our Revolving Facility. Including cash, our liquidity at March 29, 2015 totals $43,955,000. 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 29, 2015, the principal amount of our outstanding debt totaled $764,250,000. For the last twelve months ended March 29, 2015, the principal amount of our debt, net of cash, is 4.6 times our adjusted EBITDA, compared to a ratio of 4.8 on a pro forma basis for the 2014 Refinancing at March 30, 2014.

The 2014 Refinancing significantly enhances our debt maturity profile. Final maturities of our debt have been extended to dates from April 2017 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, 1st Lien Credit Facility, 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, 1st Lien Credit Facility, 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. The Notes, 1st Lien Credit Facility and 2nd Lien Term Loan have only limited affirmative covenants with which we are required to maintain compliance. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at March 29, 2015.


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13 WEEKS ENDED MARCH 29, 2015

Operating results, as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements, are summarized below.
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

Percent
Change

 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services revenue:
 
 
 
Retail
61,520

64,806

(5.1
)
Classified:
 
 
 
Employment
7,646

8,060

(5.1
)
Automotive
6,242

6,904

(9.6
)
Real estate
3,708

4,125

(10.1
)
All other
10,377

10,304

0.7

Total classified
27,973

29,393

(4.8
)
National
5,375

6,094

(11.8
)
Niche publications and other
2,797

2,427

15.2

Total advertising and marketing services revenue
97,665

102,720

(4.9
)
Subscription
48,111

41,952

14.7

Commercial printing
2,774

2,992

(7.3
)
Digital services and other
6,979

6,429

8.6

Total operating revenue
155,529

154,093

0.9

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Compensation
61,236

59,071

3.7

Newsprint and ink
7,661

9,334

(17.9
)
Other operating expenses
55,839

52,712

5.9

Workforce adjustments
640

299

NM

Cash costs
125,376

121,416

3.3

Operating cash flow
30,153

32,677

(7.7
)
Depreciation and amortization
11,566

12,191

(5.1
)
Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
5

(1,641
)
NM

Equity in earnings of associated companies
1,653

1,593

3.8

Operating income
20,235

23,720

(14.7
)
Non-operating expense, net
(17,476
)
(20,523
)
(14.8
)
Income before income taxes
2,759

3,197

(13.7
)
Income tax expense
717

1,492

(51.9
)
Net income
2,042

1,705

19.8

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
(242
)
(219
)
10.5

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
1,800

1,486

21.1

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(192
)
(442
)
(56.6
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
1,608

1,044

54.0

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
0.03

0.03


Diluted
0.03

0.03



References to the "2015 Quarter" refer to the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2015. Similarly, references to the "2014 Quarter" refer to the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2014.

Total operating revenue increased $1,436,000, or 0.9%, in the 2015 Quarter, compared to the 2014 Quarter. Excluding the impact of a subscription-related expense reclassification as a result of moving to fee-for-service delivery contracts at several of our newspapers, operating revenue decreased 1.8%.This reclassification increases both print subscription revenue and operating expenses, with no impact on operating cash flow or operating income. Certain delivery expenses were previously reported as a reduction of revenue. A table below details the impact of the reclassification on revenue and cash costs. Unless otherwise noted, the comparisons below are presented on a reported basis.

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Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue

In the 2015 Quarter, advertising and marketing services revenue decreased $5,055,000, or 4.9%, compared to the 2014 Quarter. Retail advertising decreased 5.1%. Retail preprint insertion revenue decreased 5.6%. Digital retail advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 6.1%, partially offsetting print declines.

Classified revenue decreased 4.8% in the 2015 Quarter. Employment revenue decreased 5.1% while automotive advertising decreased 9.6%, real estate decreased 10.1% and other classified increased 0.7%. Digital classified revenue on a stand-alone basis increased 8.7%, partially offsetting print declines.

National advertising decreased $719,000, or 11.8%. Digital national advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 26.0% due to improved management of national advertising exchanges. Advertising in niche publications and other increased 15.2%.

On a stand-alone basis, digital advertising and marketing services revenue increased 8.3% to $18,827,000 in the 2015 Quarter, representing 19.3% of total advertising and marketing services revenue. Total digital revenue for the 2015 Quarter, including advertising and marketing services, subscriptions and all other digital business, totaled $27,413,000, an increase of 33.9% from a year ago, representing 17.6% of total operating revenue. Print advertising and marketing services revenue on a stand-alone basis decreased 7.6%.

Subscription and Other Revenue

Subscription revenue increased $6,159,000, or 14.7%, in the 2015 Quarter. Excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, subscription revenue increased 4.7%. The increase in subscription revenue in the current year quarter is due to the effect of our full access subscription model, partially offset by a decline in print units. We expect 2015 subscription revenue, excluding the impact of subscription-related expense reclassification, to increase 2.5%-3.0%.

Our average daily newspaper circulation, including TNI, MNI and digital subscribers, totaled 1.0 million in the 2015 Quarter. Sunday circulation totaled 1.4 million. Amounts are not comparable to the 2014 Quarter due to changes in measurements by the Alliance for Audited Media ("AAM"). 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 $218,000, or 7.3%, in the 2015 Quarter. Digital services and other revenue increased $550,000, or 8.6%, in the 2015 Quarter.

Operating Expenses

Cash costs increased $3,960,000, or 3.3%, in the 2015 Quarter. Excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, cash costs decreased 0.2%.

Compensation expense increased $2,165,000, or 3.7%, in the 2015 Quarter, driven by increases in employee medical and pension costs, as well as compensation increases, which were partially offset by a decline in average full-time equivalent employees of 3.9%.

Newsprint and ink costs decreased $1,673,000, or 17.9%, in the 2015 Quarter, primarily as a result of lower newsprint prices and a reduction in newsprint volume of 10.9%. 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 $3,127,000, or 5.9%, in the 2015 Quarter, due primarily to the subscription-related expense reclassification.

For the full year, 2015 cash costs, excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, are expected to decrease 2.25%-2.75%. To achieve this cost reduction, cash costs for the remainder of the fiscal year will need to decreased by 3.3%-4.3%, which significantly exceeds the decrease of 1.2% for the 26 weeks ended March 29, 2015. This acceleration of cost reduction in the latter half of 2015 may also have a favorable impact on 2016 cash costs.


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Certain results, excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, are as follows:
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

Percent
Change

 
 
 
 
Subscription revenue, as reported
48,111

41,952

14.7

Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(4,605
)
(400
)
NM

Subscription revenue, as adjusted
43,506

41,552

4.7

 
 
 
 
Total operating revenue, as reported
155,529

154,093

0.9

Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(4,605
)
(400
)
NM

Total operating revenue, as adjusted
150,924

153,693

(1.8
)
 
 
 
 
Other cash costs, as reported
55,839

52,712

5.9

Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(4,605
)
(400
)
NM

Other cash costs, as adjusted
51,234

52,312

(2.1
)
 
 
 
 
Total cash costs, as reported
125,376

121,416

3.3

Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(4,605
)
(400
)
NM

Total cash costs, as adjusted
120,771

121,016

(0.2
)

Approximately $4,272,000, or 92.8%, of the reclassification impacts revenue and cash costs of our Lee Legacy operations, and approximately $333,000, or 7.2%, impacts Pulitzer. The subscription-related expense reclassification described above also increased revenue and cash costs of MNI by $1,457,000 in the 2015 Quarter. Such amounts for MNI are not included in the table above.

Operating Cash Flow and Results of Operations

As a result of the factors noted above, operating cash flow decreased 7.7%, to $30,153,000, in the 2015 Quarter compared to $32,677,000 in the 2014 Quarter. Operating cash flow margin decreased to 19.4% from 21.2% a year ago, reflecting a smaller percentage increase in operating revenue than the increase in operating expenses and the subscription-related expense reclassification.  The reduction of operating cash flow margin related to the subscription-related expense reclassification was 0.6% in the 2015 Quarter.

Depreciation expense decreased $589,000, or 11.2%, in the 2015 Quarter. Amortization expense decreased $36,000, or 0.5%, in the 2015 Quarter. Sales of operating assets resulted in a net loss of $5,000 in the 2015 Quarter compared to a net gain of $1,641,000 in the 2014 Quarter.

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI increased $60,000 in the 2015 Quarter.

The factors noted above resulted in operating income of $20,235,000 in the 2015 Quarter compared to $23,720,000 in the 2014 Quarter. Operating income margin decreased to 13.0% from 15.4% a year ago. The reduction of operating income margin related to the subscription-related expense reclassification was 0.4% in the 2015 Quarter.

Nonoperating Income and Expense

Interest expense decreased $2,149,000, or 10.5%, to $18,403,000 in the 2015 Quarter due to lower debt balances and $1,196,000 of non-cash interest expense in the 2014 Quarter. As a result of the 2014 Refinancing, our weighted average cost of debt, excluding amortization of debt financing costs, increased to 9.4% at the end of the 2015 Quarter compared to 9.2% at the end of the 2014 Quarter.

Amortization of debt financing costs was $1,493,000 in the 2015 Quarter compared to $99,000 in the 2014 Quarter. We also recognized $2,081,000 of non-operating income in the 2015 Quarter due to the change in fair value of Warrants issued in connection with our 2014 Refinancing.


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Overall Results

We recognized income tax expense of 26.0% of income before income taxes in the 2015 Quarter and 46.7% in the 2014 Quarter. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the difference between the expected federal income tax rate and the actual tax rates.

As a result of the factors noted above, income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated totaled $1,800,000 in the 2015 Quarter compared to income of $1,486,000 in the 2014 Quarter. We recorded earnings per diluted common share of $0.03 in the 2015 Quarter and $0.03 in the 2014 Quarter. Excluding unusual matters, as detailed in the table below, diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted, were $0.02 in the 2015 Quarter, compared to $0.05 in the 2014 Quarter. Per share amounts may not add due to rounding.
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
 
March 29
2015
 
March 30
2014
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
Amount

Per Share

Amount

Per Share

 
 
 
 
 
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as reported
1,800

0.03

1,486

0.03

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
Debt financing costs
1,493

 
99

 
Amortization of debt present value adjustment

 
1,196

 
Warrants fair value adjustment
(2,081
)
 

 
Other, net
436

 
414

 
 
(152
)
 
1,709

 
Income tax effect of adjustments, net
(666
)
 
(567
)
 
 
(818
)
(0.02
)
1,142

0.02

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as adjusted
982

0.02

2,628

0.05




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26 WEEKS ENDED MARCH 29, 2015

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 29
2015

March 30
2014

Percent
Change

 
 
 
 
Operating revenue:
 
 
 
Retail
138,332

147,084

(6.0
)
Classified:
 
 
 
Employment
15,070

15,269

(1.3
)
Automotive
13,580

15,043

(9.7
)
Real estate
7,782

8,544

(8.9
)
All other
20,739

20,757

(0.1
)
Total classified
57,171

59,613

(4.1
)
National
12,526

13,611

(8.0
)
Niche publications and other
5,113

4,802

6.5

Total advertising and marketing services revenue
213,142

225,110

(5.3
)
Subscription
98,509

87,405

12.7

Commercial printing
5,591

6,023

(7.2
)
Digital services and other
14,441

12,940

11.6

Total operating revenue
331,683

331,478

0.1

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Compensation
123,173

121,212

1.6

Newsprint and ink
16,507

19,895

(17.0
)
Other operating expenses
115,021

107,870

6.6

Workforce adjustments
851

506

68.2

Cash costs
255,552

249,483

2.4

Operating cash flow
76,131

81,995

(7.2
)
Depreciation and amortization
23,061

24,216

(4.8
)
Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
(252
)
(1,631
)
(84.5
)
Equity in earnings of associated companies
4,410

4,512

(2.3
)
Operating income
57,732

63,922

(9.7
)
Non-operating expense, net
(38,468
)
(41,240
)
(6.7
)
Income before income taxes
19,264

22,682

(15.1
)
Income tax expense
7,215

8,875

(18.7
)
Net income
12,049

13,807

(12.7
)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
(496
)
(429
)
15.6

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
11,553

13,378

(13.6
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(384
)
(883
)
NM

Comprehensive income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
11,169

12,495

(10.6
)
Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
0.22

0.26

(15.4
)
Diluted
0.21

0.25

(16.0
)

References to the "2015 Period" refer to the 26 weeks ended March 29, 2015. Similarly, references to the "2014 Period" refer to the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014.

Total operating revenue increased $205,000, or 0.1%, in the 2015 Period, compared to the 2014 Period. Excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, operating revenue for the 2015 Period decreased 2.7%. A table below details the impact of the reclassification on revenue and cash costs. Unless otherwise noted, the comparisons below are presented on a reported basis.


29

Table of Contents

Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue

In the 2015 Period, advertising and marketing services revenue decreased $11,968,000, or 5.3%, compared to the 2014 Period. Retail advertising decreased 6.0%. Retail preprint insertion revenue decreased 7.1%. Digital retail advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 4.3%, partially offsetting print declines.

Classified revenue decreased 4.1% in the 2015 Period. Employment revenue decreased 1.3% while automotive advertising decreased 9.7%, real estate decreased 8.9% and other classified decreased 0.1%. Digital classified revenue on a stand-alone basis increased 11.3%, partially offsetting print declines.

National advertising decreased $1,085,000, or 8.0%. Digital national advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 20% due to improved management of national advertising exchanges. Advertising in niche publications and other increased 6.5%.

On a stand-alone basis, digital advertising and marketing services revenue increased 7.7%, to $38,776,000, in the 2015 Period, representing 18.2% of total advertising and marketing services revenue. Total digital revenue for the 2015 Period, including advertising and marketing services, subscriptions and all other digital business, totaled $54,568,000, an increase of 29.7% from a year ago, representing 16.5% of total operating revenue. Print advertising and marketing services revenue on a stand-alone basis decreased 7.8%.

Subscription and Other Revenue

Subscription revenue increased $11,104,000, or 12.7%, in the 2015 Period. Excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, subscription revenue increased 2.4%. The increase in subscription revenue in the current year period is due to the effect of our full access subscription model, partially offset by a decline in print units.

Our average daily newspaper circulation, including TNI, MNI and digital subscribers, totaled 1.0 million in the 2015 Period. Sunday circulation totaled 1.5 million. Amounts are not comparable to the 2014 Period due to changes in measurements by the AAM.

Commercial printing revenue decreased $432,000, or 7.2%, in the 2015 Period. Digital services and other revenue increased $1,501,000, or 11.6%, in the 2015 Period.

Operating Expenses

Cash costs increased $6,069,000, or 2.4%, in the 2015 Period. Excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, cash costs decreased 1.2%.

Compensation expense increased $1,961,000, or 1.6%, in the 2015 Period, driven by increases in employee medical and pension costs, as well as compensation increases, which were partially offset by a decline in average full time equivalent employees of 3.7%.

Newsprint and ink costs decreased $3,388,000, or 17.0%, in the 2015 Period, primarily as a result of lower newsprint prices and a reduction in newsprint volume of 12.1%. 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 $7,151,000, or 6.6%, in the 2015 Period due to the subscription-related expense reclassification.



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Table of Contents

Certain results, excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, are as follows:
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

Percent
Change

 
 
 
 
Subscription revenue, as reported
98,509

87,405

12.7

Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(9,412
)
(400
)
NM

Subscription revenue, as adjusted
89,097

87,005

2.4

 
 
 
 
Total operating revenue, as reported
331,683

331,478

0.1

Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(9,412
)
(400
)
NM

Total operating revenue, as adjusted
322,271

331,078

(2.7
)
 
 
 
 
Other cash costs, as reported
115,021

107,870

6.6

Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(9,412
)
(400
)
NM

Other cash costs, as adjusted
105,609

107,470

(1.7
)
 
 
 
 
Total cash costs, as reported
255,552

249,483

2.4

Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(9,412
)
(400
)
NM

Total cash costs, as adjusted
246,140

249,083

(1.2
)

Approximately $8,716,000, or 92.6%, of the reclassification impacts revenue and cash costs of our Lee Legacy operations, and approximately $696,000, or 7.4%, impacts Pulitzer. The subscription-related expense reclassification described above also increased revenue and cash costs of MNI by $2,933,000 in the 2015 Period. Such amounts for MNI are not included in the table above.

Operating Cash Flow and Results of Operations

As a result of the factors noted above, operating cash flow decreased 7.2%, to $76,131,000, in the 2015 Period compared to $81,995,000 in the 2014 Period. Operating cash flow margin decreased to 23.0% from 24.7% a year ago reflecting a larger percentage increase in operating expenses than the increase in operating revenue and the subscription-related expense reclassification.  The reduction of operating cash flow margin related to the subscription-related expense reclassification was 0.7% in the 2015 Period.

Depreciation expense decreased $1,106,000, or 10.6%, in the 2015 Period, due primarily to lower levels of capital spending over the last several years. Amortization expense decreased $49,000, or 0.4%, in the 2015 Period due to impairment charges recorded in 2014. Sales of operating assets resulted in a net gain of $252,000 in the 2015 Period compared to a net gain of $1,631,000 in the 2014 Period.

Equity in earnings in associated companies decreased $102,000 in the 2015 Period.

The factors noted above resulted in operating income of $57,732,000 in the 2015 Period compared to $63,922,000 in the 2014 Period. Operating income margin decreased to 17.4% from 19.3% a year ago. The reduction of operating income margin related to the subscription-related expense reclassification was 0.5% in the 2015 Period.

Nonoperating Income and Expense

Interest expense decreased $4,186,000, or 10.1%, to $37,193,000 in the 2015 Period due to lower debt balances and $2,394,000 of non-cash interest expense in the 2014 Period.

Amortization of debt financing costs was $2,595,000 in the 2015 Period compared to $203,000 in the 2014 Period. We also recognized $779,000 of non-operating income in the 2015 Period from the change in fair market value of Warrants issued in connection with our 2014 Refinancing.


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Table of Contents

Overall Results

We recognized income tax expense of 37.5% of income before income taxes in the 2015 Period and 39.1% in the 2014 Period.

As a result of the factors noted above, income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated totaled $11,553,000 in the 2015 Period compared to $13,378,000 in the 2014 Period. We recorded earnings per diluted common share of $0.21 in the 2015 Period and $0.25 in the 2014 Period. Excluding unusual matters, as detailed in the table below, diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted, were $0.24 in the 2015 Period, compared to $0.29 in the 2014 Period. Per share amounts may not add due to rounding.
 
 
 
26 Weeks Ended
 
 
March 29
2015
 
March 30
2014
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
Amount

Per Share

Amount

Per Share

 
 
 
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as reported
11,553

0.21

13,378

0.25

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
Debt financing costs
2,595

 
203

 
Amortization of debt present value adjustment

 
2,394

 
Warrants fair value adjustment
(779
)
 

 
Other, net
382

 
577

 
 
2,198

 
3,174

 
Income tax effect of adjustments, net
(1,031
)
 
(1,079
)
 
 
1,167

0.02

2,095

0.04

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as adjusted
12,720

0.24

15,473

0.29


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $39,465,000 in the 2015 Period and $34,745,000 in the 2014 Period. We recorded net income of $12,049,000 in the 2015 Period and $13,807,000 in the 2014 Period. Changes in depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, and operating assets and liabilities accounted for the bulk of the change in cash provided by operating activities in the 2015 Period.

Investing Activities

Cash required for investing activities totaled $4,328,000 in the 2015 Period compared to $3,236,000 in the 2014 Period. Capital spending totaled $5,675,000 in the 2015 Period and $4,895,000 in the 2014 Period. We received $868,000 and $2,170,000 of proceeds from sales of assets in the 2015 Period and the 2014 Period, respectively.

We anticipate that funds necessary for capital expenditures, which are expected to total up to $12,000,000 in 2015, and other requirements, will be available from internally generated funds or availability under our Revolving Facility.

Financing Activities

Cash required for financing activities totaled $40,491,000 in the 2015 Period and $34,193,000 in the 2014 Period. Debt reduction accounted for the majority of the usage of funds in both the 2015 Period and the 2014 Period.


32

Table of Contents

As discussed more fully in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein, in May 2013, we refinanced the remaining balance of the Pulitzer Notes and on March 31, 2014 we refinanced all of our other debt.
    

Liquidity
 
At March 29, 2015, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $32,605,000 available for future use under our Revolving Facility. Including cash, our liquidity at March 29, 2015 totals $43,955,000. 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 29, 2015, the principal amount of our outstanding debt totals $764,250,000. For the last twelve months ending March 29, 2015, the principal amount of our debt, net of cash, is 4.6 times our adjusted EBITDA, compared to a ratio of 4.8 at March 30, 2014.

The 2014 Refinancing significantly enhances our debt maturity profile. Final maturities of our debt have been extended to dates from April 2017 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, 1st Lien Credit Facility, 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, 1st Lien Credit Facility, 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. The Notes, 1st Lien Credit Facility and 2nd Lien Term Loan have only limited affirmative covenants with which we are required to maintain compliance. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at March 29, 2015.

In 2014, we filed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement ("Shelf") with the SEC, which has been declared effective. The Shelf gives 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. SEC issuer eligibility rules 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 may be used generally to reduce debt.

CHANGES IN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Energy Costs

Energy costs can be 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.


33

Table of Contents

Health Care

The Affordable Care Act was enacted into law in 2010.
 
We expect the Affordable Care Act will continue to evolve. More recently, certain provisions applicable to employers were delayed. We expect our future health care costs to increase 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 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 ("PBGC").

In 2014, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act ("HATFA") was signed into law. HATFA generally extends the relief offered under STEA and further increases premiums to be paid to the PBGC.

In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries released new mortality tables. The new tables generally result in increases in life expectancy. We used the new mortality tables to value our pension and postretirement liabilities at September 28, 2014, which increased such liabilities, in total, by approximately $18,515,000, with a corresponding decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of that date.

Income Taxes

Certain states in which we operate periodically consider 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 and local 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.

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.


34

Table of Contents

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

(Thousands of Dollars)
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
March 29
2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services
97,665

102,720

 
213,142

225,110

 
430,034

Subscription
48,111

41,952

 
98,509

87,405

 
187,931

Other
9,753

9,421

 
20,032

18,963

 
38,937

Total operating revenue
155,529

154,093

 
331,683

331,478

 
656,902

Compensation
61,236

59,071

 
123,173

121,212

 
245,015

Newsprint and ink
7,661

9,334

 
16,507

19,895

 
34,606

Other operating expenses
55,839

52,712

 
115,021

107,870

 
226,480

Depreciation and amortization
11,566

12,191

 
23,061

24,216

 
49,293

Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
5

(1,641
)
 
(252
)
(1,631
)
 
217

Impairment of intangible and other assets


 


 
868

Workforce adjustments
640

299

 
851

506

 
1,610

Total operating expenses
136,947

131,966

 
278,361

272,068

 
558,089

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI
1,653

1,593

 
4,410

4,512

 
8,195

Operating income
20,235

23,720

 
57,732

63,922

 
107,008

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
11,566

12,191

 
23,061

24,216

 
49,293

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
5

(1,641
)
 
(252
)
(1,631
)
 
217

Impairment of intangible and other assets


 


 
868

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI
(1,653
)
(1,593
)
 
(4,410
)
(4,512
)
 
(8,195
)
Operating cash flow
30,153

32,677

 
76,131

81,995

 
149,191

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%)
2,212

2,031

 
5,969

5,952

 
11,252

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock compensation
640

420

 
1,083

684

 
1,880

Adjusted EBITDA
33,005

35,128

 
83,183

88,631

 
162,323

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%)
(2,212
)
(2,031
)
 
(5,969
)
(5,952
)
 
(11,252
)
Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions from TNI and MNI
3,128

2,494

 
6,072

5,309

 
10,760

Capital expenditures, net of insurance proceeds
(2,128
)
(2,600
)
 
(5,675
)
(4,895
)
 
(12,604
)
Pension contributions
(435
)
(705
)
 
(435
)
(705
)
 
(1,252
)
Cash income tax refunds (payments)
68

(103
)
 
64

(117
)
 
6,203

Unlevered free cash flow
31,426

32,183

 
77,240

82,271

 
154,178

Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial income
102

101

 
180

221

 
344

Interest expense to be settled in cash
(18,404
)
(19,356
)
 
(37,193
)
(38,984
)
 
(75,539
)
Debt financing costs paid
(65
)
(266
)
 
(82
)
(268
)
 
(31,401
)
Free cash flow
13,059

12,662

 
40,145

43,240

 
47,582




35

Table of Contents

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

(Thousands of Dollars)
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
March 29
2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services
69,018

72,055

 
149,073

155,263

 
300,629

Subscription
32,513

26,727

 
66,058

55,477

 
124,574

Other
8,593

8,412

 
17,374

16,629

 
33,952

Total operating revenue
110,124

107,194

 
232,505

227,369

 
459,155

Compensation
46,273

44,123

 
92,519

89,948

 
183,212

Newsprint and ink
5,727

6,733

 
12,250

14,070

 
25,263

Other operating expenses
31,919

28,633

 
65,497

57,754

 
126,716

Depreciation and amortization
7,884

8,226

 
15,834

16,309

 
32,198

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
4

(1,635
)
 
(75
)
(1,650
)
 
213

Impairment of intangible and other assets


 


 
868

Workforce adjustments
241

122

 
313

171

 
693

Total operating expenses
92,048

86,202

 
186,338

176,602

 
369,163

Equity in earnings of MNI
444

313

 
1,556

1,443

 
3,498

Operating income
18,520

21,305

 
47,723

52,210

 
93,490

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
7,884

8,226

 
15,834

16,309

 
32,198

Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
4

(1,635
)
 
(75
)
(1,650
)
 
213

Impairment of intangible and other assets


 


 
868

Equity in earnings of MNI
(444
)
(313
)
 
(1,556
)
(1,443
)
 
(3,498
)
Operating cash flow
25,964

27,583

 
61,926

65,426

 
123,271

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of MNI EBITDA (50%)
898

646

 
2,906

2,673

 
6,137

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock compensation
640

420

 
1,083

684

 
1,880

Adjusted EBITDA
27,502

28,649

 
65,915

68,783

 
131,288

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of MNI EBITDA (50%)
(898
)
(646
)
 
(2,906
)
(2,673
)
 
(6,137
)
Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions from MNI
1,250

1,250

 
3,000

2,750

 
5,000

Capital expenditures, net of insurance proceeds
(1,438
)
(2,082
)
 
(3,518
)
(4,245
)
 
(8,961
)
Pension contributions


 


 
(87
)
Cash income tax refunds (payments)
157

(103
)
 
153

(117
)
 
4

Intercompany charges not settled in cash
(2,318
)
(2,099
)
 
(4,636
)
(4,198
)
 
(10,116
)
Other


 


 
(2,000
)
Unlevered free cash flow
24,255

24,969

 
58,008

60,300

 
108,991

Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial income
102

101

 
180

221

 
344

Interest expense to be settled in cash
(18,086
)
(18,206
)
 
(36,415
)
(36,561
)
 
(73,345
)
Debt financing costs paid
(65
)
(266
)
 
(82
)
(268
)
 
(31,393
)
Free cash flow
6,206

6,598

 
21,691

23,692

 
4,597






36

Table of Contents

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

(Thousands of Dollars)
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
March 29
2015

March 30
2014

 
March 29
2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services
28,647

30,665

 
64,069

69,847

 
129,405

Subscription
15,598

15,225

 
32,451

31,928

 
63,357

Other
1,160

1,009

 
2,658

2,334

 
4,985

Total operating revenue
45,405

46,899

 
99,178

104,109

 
197,747

Compensation
14,963

14,948

 
30,654

31,264

 
61,803

Newsprint and ink
1,934

2,601

 
4,257

5,825

 
9,343

Other operating expenses
23,920

24,079

 
49,524

50,116

 
99,764

Depreciation and amortization
3,682

3,965

 
7,227

7,907

 
17,095

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
1

(6
)
 
(177
)
19

 
4

Workforce adjustments
399

177

 
538

335

 
917

Total operating expenses
44,899

45,764

 
92,023

95,466

 
188,926

Equity in earnings of TNI
1,209

1,280

 
2,854

3,069

 
4,697

Operating income
1,715

2,415

 
10,009

11,712

 
13,518

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
3,682

3,965

 
7,227

7,907

 
17,095

Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
1

(6
)
 
(177
)
19

 
4

Equity in earnings of TNI
(1,209
)
(1,280
)
 
(2,854
)
(3,069
)
 
(4,697
)
Operating cash flow
4,189

5,094

 
14,205

16,569

 
25,920

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of TNI EBITDA (50%)
1,314

1,385

 
3,063

3,279

 
5,115

Adjusted EBITDA
5,503

6,479

 
17,268

19,848

 
31,035

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of TNI EBITDA (50%)
(1,314
)
(1,385
)
 
(3,063
)
(3,279
)
 
(5,115
)
Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions from TNI
1,878

1,244

 
3,072

2,559

 
5,760

Capital expenditures, net of insurance proceeds
(690
)
(518
)
 
(2,157
)
(650
)
 
(3,643
)
Pension contributions
(435
)
(705
)
 
(435
)
(705
)
 
(1,165
)
Cash income tax refunds (payments)
(89
)

 
(89
)

 
6,199

Intercompany charges not settled in cash
2,318

2,099

 
4,636

4,198

 
10,116

Other


 


 
2,000

Unlevered free cash flow
7,171

7,214

 
19,232

21,971

 
45,187

Deduct:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense to be settled in cash
(318
)
(1,150
)
 
(778
)
(2,423
)
 
(2,194
)
Debt financing costs paid


 


 
(8
)
Free cash flow
6,853

6,064

 
18,454

19,548

 
42,985



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Table of Contents

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, which is predominantly fixed rate, significantly reduces the potential impact of an increase in interest rates. At March 29, 2015, 26.9% of the principal amount of our debt is subject to floating interest rates. 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 $2,053,000 based on $205,250,000 of floating rate debt outstanding at March 29, 2015.

Our debt under the 1st Lien Term Loan is subject to minimum interest rate levels of 1.0%. Based on the difference between interest rates in March 2015 and our 1.0% minimum rate, LIBOR would need to increase approximately 60 basis points for six month borrowing up to approximately 82 basis points for one month borrowing before our borrowing cost would begin to be impacted by an increase in interest rates.

We regularly evaluate alternatives to hedge our interest rate risk, but have no hedging instruments in place.

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.

Newsprint purchase prices have declined throughout 2015 due to continual deterioration of North American domestic newsprint demand and weak export shipment opportunities. Canadian producers continue to benefit from US sales based on the strength of the US dollar while unfavorable exchange rates and poor world demand have driven significant declines in offshore exports for all North American producers. Producers may consider future production capacity reductions to bring the market into balance as selling prices approach cost of goods sold. Long-term supply strategy has been considered in our supply selection, while taking advantage of any current pricing opportunities.

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. dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rate. The final extent of future price changes, 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 $594,000 based on anticipated consumption in 2015, 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

At March 29, 2015, the fair value of floating rate debt, which consists primarily of our 1st Lien Term Loan, is $206,661,000 , based on an average of private market price quotations. Our fixed rate debt consists of $400,000,000 principal amount of the Notes, $150,000,000 principal amount under the 2nd Lien Term Loan and $9,000,000 principal amount of New Pulitzer Notes. At March 29, 2015, based on an average of private market price quotations, the fair values were $412,250,000 and $160,500,000 for the Notes and 2nd Lien Term Loan, respectively. The New Pulitzer Notes are held by a single investor. We are unable, as of March 29, 2015, to determine the fair value of the New Pulitzer Notes. The value, if determined, may be more or less than the carrying amount.


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Table of Contents

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 13 weeks ended March 29, 2015 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

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 1990 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Effective October 1, 1999, as amended effective December 4, 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
 
* Management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements in which executive officers are eligible to participate.

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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 8, 2015
Carl G. Schmidt
 
 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 

40