Lee 10Q 2014 Q3

 
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 June 29, 2014
 
OR
  
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File Number 1-6227
LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
   
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
 
 
Delaware
42-0823980
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
  
201 N. Harrison Street, Suite 600, Davenport, Iowa 52801
(Address of principal executive offices)
(563) 383-2100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X]     No [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X]     No [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See 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 July 31, 2014, 53,715,991 shares of Common Stock of the Registrant were outstanding.
 



Table Of Contents
 
PAGE
 
 
 
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
 
 
 
 
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 29, 2014 and September 29, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - 39 weeks ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
 







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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This report contains information that may be deemed forward-looking that is based largely on our current expectations, and is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Among such risks, trends and other uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond our control, are:

Our ability to generate cash flows and maintain liquidity sufficient to service our debt;
Our ability to comply with or obtain amendments or waivers of the financial covenants contained in
our credit facilities, if necessary;
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.

 





1


PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.       Financial Statements

LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

September 29
2013

 
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
17,758

17,562

Accounts receivable, net
61,577

63,215

Income taxes receivable

6,634

Inventories
6,325

6,409

Deferred income taxes
2,017

2,017

Other
9,237

8,488

Total current assets
96,914

104,325

Investments:
 
 
Associated companies
38,182

39,489

Other
11,179

10,558

Total investments
49,361

50,047

Property and equipment:
 
 
Land and improvements
23,645

23,626

Buildings and improvements
184,854

184,838

Equipment
296,104

299,828

Construction in process
3,745

2,868

 
508,348

511,160

Less accumulated depreciation
347,474

342,247

Property and equipment, net
160,874

168,913

Goodwill
243,729

243,729

Other intangible assets, net
221,474

242,184

Postretirement assets, net
16,010

14,956

Other
39,808

3,551

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
828,170

827,705


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












2









 
(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)
June 29
2014

September 29
2013

 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
29,400

14,371

Accounts payable
22,116

22,448

Compensation and other accrued liabilities
26,045

28,493

Accrued interest
13,386

9,074

Unearned revenue
31,952

32,605

Total current liabilities
122,899

106,991

Long-term debt, net of current maturities
785,600

820,187

Pension obligations
28,580

30,583

Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations
7,695

7,253

Deferred income taxes
20,585

21,224

Income taxes payable
5,947

5,257

Other
21,858

5,900

Total liabilities
993,164

997,395

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


Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 120,000 shares; issued and outstanding:
537

524

June 29, 2014; 53,694 shares;
 
 
September 29, 2013; 52,434 shares
 
 
Class B Common Stock, $2 par value; authorized 30,000 shares; none issued


Additional paid-in capital
244,847

242,537

Accumulated deficit
(417,445
)
(421,077
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
6,342

7,666

Total stockholders' deficit
(165,719
)
(170,350
)
Non-controlling interests
725

660

Total deficit
(164,994
)
(169,690
)
Total liabilities and deficit
828,170

827,705


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


3


LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
39 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Common Share Data)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue:
 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services
110,284

113,944

335,394

350,225

Subscription
43,339

43,583

130,744

133,609

Other
9,502

9,492

28,465

28,443

Total operating revenue
163,125

167,019

494,603

512,277

Operating expenses:





Compensation
60,330

62,340

181,543

192,505

Newsprint and ink
9,224

10,471

29,120

33,357

Other operating expenses
53,840

53,461

161,708

160,929

Depreciation
5,293

5,327

15,700

16,123

Amortization of intangible assets
6,901

9,542

20,710

28,635

Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
9

(112
)
(1,622
)
23

Impairment of goodwill and other assets
336


336


Workforce adjustments
419

945

925

2,260

Total operating expenses
136,352

141,974

408,420

433,832

Equity in earnings of associated companies
1,836

1,893

6,348

6,671

Operating income
28,609

26,938

92,531

85,116

Non-operating income (expense):
 
 
 
 
Financial income
85

134

306

219

Interest expense
(19,654
)
(21,991
)
(61,033
)
(68,390
)
Debt financing costs
(21,732
)
(468
)
(21,935
)
(557
)
Other, net
(1,701
)
520

(1,579
)
7,466

Total non-operating expense, net
(43,002
)
(21,805
)
(84,241
)
(61,262
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
(14,393
)
5,133

8,290

23,854

Income tax expense (benefit)
(4,882
)
3,165

3,995

11,805

Income (loss) from continuing operations
(9,511
)
1,968

4,295

12,049

Discontinued operations, net of income taxes



(1,247
)
Net income (loss)
(9,511
)
1,968

4,295

10,802

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
(235
)
(173
)
(663
)
(430
)
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
(9,746
)
1,795

3,632

10,372

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(441
)
(93
)
(1,324
)
(280
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
(10,187
)
1,702

2,308

10,092

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
(9,746
)
1,795

3,632

11,619

Earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
(0.19
)
0.03

0.07

0.22

Discontinued operations



(0.02
)
 
(0.19
)
0.03

0.07

0.20

Diluted:
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
(0.19
)
0.03

0.07

0.22

Discontinued operations



(0.02
)
 
(0.19
)
0.03

0.07

0.20

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

4


LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
39 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
 
 
Cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
Net income
4,295

10,802

Results of discontinued operations

(1,247
)
Income from continuing operations
4,295

12,049

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
36,410

44,758

Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
(1,622
)
23

Impairment of goodwill and other assets
336


Amortization of debt present value adjustment
2,394

3,932

Stock compensation expense
1,081

1,109

Distributions greater than earnings of MNI
1,518

1,342

Deferred income tax expense
281

2,022

Debt financing costs
21,935

527

Gain on sale of investments

(7,093
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
Decrease in receivables
1,638

4,044

Decrease (increase) in inventories and other
(502
)
409

Decrease in accounts payable, compensation and other accrued liabilities and unearned revenue
1,097

(6,946
)
Decrease in pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations
(4,858
)
(8,310
)
Change in income taxes receivable or payable
7,324

9,423

Other, net
(1,744
)
(1,237
)
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations
69,583

56,052

Cash provided by (required for) investing activities of continuing operations:
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
(8,204
)
(6,835
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
2,192

7,615

Distributions greater (less) than earnings of TNI
(211
)
166

Other, net

(330
)
Net cash provided by (required for) investing activities of continuing operations
(6,223
)
616

Cash provided by (required for) financing activities of continuing operations:
 
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
800,000

94,000

Payments on long-term debt
(832,500
)
(166,350
)
Debt financing costs paid
(31,276
)
(766
)
Common stock transactions, net
612

21

Net cash required for financing activities of continuing operations
(63,164
)
(73,095
)
Net cash provided by (required for) discontinued operations:
 
 
Operating activities

(552
)
Investing activities

14,689

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
196

(2,290
)
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
Beginning of period
17,562

13,920

End of period
17,758

11,630


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

5


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

1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The Consolidated Financial Statements included herein are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 29, 2014 and their results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company's 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended June 29, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

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

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

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

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

On January 23, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court approved our Second Amended Joint Prepackaged Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and on January 30, 2012 (the "Effective Date") the Company emerged from the Chapter 11 Proceedings. On the Effective Date, the Plan became effective and the transactions contemplated by the Plan were consummated. Implementation of the Plan resulted primarily in a comprehensive refinancing of our debt that extended the maturity to December 2015 or April 2017. The Chapter 11 Proceedings did not adversely affect the interests of employees, vendors, contractors, customers or any aspect of Company operations. Stockholders retained their interest in the Company, subject to modest dilution. As a result, “fresh start” accounting was not utilized.

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

2DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

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


6


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

 
 
 
 
Current assets
433

 
Property and equipment, net
770

 
Goodwill
500

 
Other intangible assets, net
4,025

 
Current liabilities
(271
)
 
Assets, net
5,457


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

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

 
 
 
 
Current assets
2,093

 
Property and equipment, net
5,158

 
Goodwill
3,042

 
Other intangible assets, net
1,920

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


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

 
(Thousands of Dollars)
 
June 30
2013

 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue

1,321

 
Costs and expenses

(1,697
)
 
Gain on sale of the North County Times

1,800

 
Loss on sale of The Garden Island

(3,340
)
 
Gain from discontinued operations, before income taxes

(1,916
)
 
Income tax expense

(669
)
 
Net loss

(1,247
)

3INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES

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

7


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

40 Weeks Ended

 
(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
13,750

14,644

44,888

48,110

 
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization
11,449

12,300

36,116

39,051

 
Workforce adjustments


(87
)

 
Operating income
2,301

2,344

8,859

9,059

 
Company's 50% share of operating income
1,150

1,171

4,429

4,530

 
Less amortization of intangible assets
104

155

313

517

 
Equity in earnings of TNI
1,046

1,016

4,116

4,013


Star Publishing's 50% share of TNI depreciation and certain general and administrative expenses (income) associated with its share of the operation and administration of TNI are reported as operating expenses (benefit) in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). These amounts totaled $(17,000) and $(173,000) in the 13 weeks ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013, respectively, $(51,000) in the 39 weeks ended June 29, 2014, and $(449,000) in the 39 weeks ended June 30, 2013.

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

Madison Newspapers, Inc.

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

Summarized results of MNI are as follows:
 
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
39 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
17,278

16,044

50,710

50,075

 
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization
14,390

12,773

42,246

40,450

 
Workforce adjustments
15

74

244

63

 
Depreciation and amortization
384

383

1,179

1,147

 
Operating income
2,489

2,814

7,041

8,415

 
Net income
1,579

1,754

4,464

5,249

 
Equity in earnings of MNI
790

876

2,232

2,658



8


4
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

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

 
(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

 
 
 
 
Goodwill, gross amount
1,532,458

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

 
Goodwill, end of period
243,729


Identified intangible assets consist of the following:
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

September 29
2013

 
 
 
 
 
Nonamortized intangible assets:
 
 
 
Mastheads
27,038

27,038

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

686,732

 
Less accumulated amortization
492,298

471,589

 
 
194,434

215,143

 
Noncompete and consulting agreements
28,524

28,524

 
Less accumulated amortization
28,522

28,521

 
 
2

3

 
 
221,474

242,184


Annual amortization of intangible assets for the 52 week periods ending June 2015, June 2016, June 2017, the 53 week period ending June 2018 and the 52 week period ending June 2019, is estimated to be $27,458,000, $26,334,000, $25,166,000, $18,685,000 and $16,321,000, respectively.

5
DEBT

In January 2012, in conjunction with the effectiveness of the Plan, we refinanced all of our debt. The Plan refinanced our then-existing credit agreement and extended the April 2012 maturity in a structure of first and second lien debt with the existing lenders. We also amended the Pulitzer Notes, 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 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 and $40,000,000 revolving facility under a First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (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


9


$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 and the first interest payment date is due September 15, 2014.
 
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,

10


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.

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 a $250,000,000 term loan facility (the “1st Lien Term Loan”) that matures in March 2019 and a $40,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “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).

Interest

Interest on the 1st Lien Term Loan, which has a principal balance of $233,000,000 at June 29, 2014, 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, beginning in June 2014.


11


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, when in use, accrues at either (at our option) LIBOR plus 5.5% (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 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 proceeds from 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.

2014 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the 1st Lien Term Loan or previous 1st lien agreement, are summarized as follows:

 
13 Weeks Ended
 
13 Weeks Ending

(Thousands of Dollars)
December 29
2013

March 30
2014

June 29
2014

September 28
2014

 
 
 
 
 
Mandatory
3,000

3,000

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


2013 payments made under the previous 1st lien agreement are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
13 Weeks Ended

(Thousands of Dollars)
December 30
2012

March 31
2013

June 30
2013

September 29
2013

 
 
 
 
 
Mandatory
2,500

2,500

3,000

3,000

Voluntary
9,750

15,350

2,260

6,000

Asset sales
7,750


240


Excess cash flow




 
20,000

17,850

5,500

9,000


Security

The 1st Lien 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

12


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.

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 June 29, 2014, bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 12.0%, payable quarterly, and matures in December 2022.

Principal Payments

There are no scheduled mandatory amortization 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.

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.


13


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.

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 classified as a liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We will remeasure the liability to fair value each reporting period, with changes reported in earnings. The initial fair value of the Warrants was $16,930,000. At June 29, 2014, the fair value of the Warrants is $16,351,000.

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 file and 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 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 June 29, 2014, the balance of the New Pulitzer Notes is $32,000,000. We may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding under the New Pulitzer Notes at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (except as noted below), upon proper notice, and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments. The New Pulitzer Notes provide for mandatory scheduled prepayments totaling $6,400,000 annually, beginning in 2014.

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

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


14


2014 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the New Pulitzer Notes are summarized below.
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
13 Weeks Ending

(Thousands of Dollars)
December 29
2013

March 30
2014

June 29
2014

September 28
2014

 
 
 
 
 
Mandatory
6,400




Voluntary
1,600

10,000

13,000


Asset sales




Excess cash flow




 
8,000

10,000

13,000



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

(Thousands of Dollars)
December 30
2012

March 31
2013

June 30
2013

September 29
2013

 
 
 
 
 
Mandatory
3,800

2,600



Voluntary

1,500

14,000

17,000

Asset sales
5,200

1,900



Excess cash flow




 
9,000

6,000

14,000

17,000


Security

Obligations under the New Pulitzer Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by Pulitzer's existing and future subsidiaries other than PD LLC and TNI. The New Pulitzer Notes are also 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 $24,600,000 beginning June 29, 2014), as defined in the New Pulitzer Notes agreement, and limitations on capital expenditures and the incurrence of other debt. Our actual trailing 12 month EBITDA at June 29, 2014 is $44,955,000.

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, interest due under the 2nd Lien Agreement, or accumulation of cash collateral, and that cash flows of Pulitzer are largely segregated from those of the Credit Parties.

Other

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

15


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

As a result of the Plan, we recognized $37,765,000 of reorganization costs in the 2012 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The components of reorganization costs are summarized as follows:
(Thousands of Dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
Unamortized loan fees from previous credit agreements
 
1,740

Fees paid in cash to lenders, attorneys and others
 
38,628

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

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

Present value adjustment
 
(23,709
)
 
 
38,485

Charged to expense in 2012
 
37,765

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


The refinancing of the Pulitzer Notes with the New Pulitzer Notes resulted in the acceleration of $1,565,000 of the present value adjustment discussed above, which was partially offset by eliminating deferred interest expense of $1,189,000, and the net amount of which was recognized in the 13 weeks ended June 30, 2013. Expenses related to the issuance of the New Pulitzer Notes are capitalized as debt issuance costs and will be amortized until 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. 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 the debt financing costs totaled $1,009,000 in the 13 weeks ended June 29, 2014 and $1,133,000 in the 39 weeks ended June 29, 2014. Amortization of such costs is estimated to total $2,145,000 in 2014, $4,218,000 in 2015, $4,426,000 in 2016, $4,455,000 in 2017 and $4,537,000 in 2018. At June 29, 2014 we have $37,498,000 of unamortized debt financing costs included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.


16


Debt is summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Interest Rates (%)
(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

September 29
2013

June 29
2014
 
 
 
 
Revolving Facility


6.75
1st Lien Term Loan
233,000


7.25
Notes
400,000


9.50
2nd Lien Term Loan
150,000


12.00
New Pulitzer Notes
32,000

63,000

9.00
Previous credit agreements

784,500

 
Unamortized present value adjustment

(12,942
)
 
 
815,000

834,558

 
Less current maturities of long-term debt
29,400

19,150

 
Current amount of present value adjustment

(4,779
)
 
Total long-term debt
785,600

820,187

 
 
At June 29, 2014, our weighted average cost of debt, excluding amortization of debt financing costs, is 9.3%.

Aggregate maturities of debt total $6,250,000 for the remainder of 2014, $31,400,000 in 2015, $31,400,000 in 2016, $44,200,000 in 2017, $25,000,000 in 2018 and $676,750,000 thereafter.

Liquidity
 
At June 29, 2014, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $30,005,000 available for future use under our revolving credit facility. Including cash, our liquidity at June 29, 2014 totals $47,763,000. 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 extending from March 2019 through December 2022. As a result, refinancing risk has been substantially reduced for the next several years.

There are numerous potential consequences under the Notes, 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 June 29, 2014.

6
PENSION, POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS

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

17


 
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
 
39 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost for benefits earned during the period
39

54

117

162

 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
1,999

1,882

5,997

5,646

 
Expected return on plan assets
(2,483
)
(2,459
)
(7,449
)
(7,377
)
 
Amortization of net loss
106

572

318

1,716

 
Amortization of prior service benefit
(34
)
(34
)
(102
)
(102
)
 
 
(373
)
15

(1,119
)
45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS
13 Weeks Ended
 
39 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost for benefits earned during the period
149

182

447

546

 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
228

281

684

843

 
Expected return on plan assets
(371
)
(368
)
(1,113
)
(1,104
)
 
Amortization of net gain
(455
)
(331
)
(1,365
)
(993
)
 
Amortization of prior service benefit
(365
)
(365
)
(1,095
)
(1,095
)
 
 
(814
)
(601
)
(2,442
)
(1,803
)

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

Based on our forecast at June 29, 2014, we expect to contribute $730,000 to our pension plans for the remainder of 2014. Based on our forecast at June 29, 2014, we do not expect to contribute to our postretirement plans for the remainder of 2014.

7
INCOME TAXES

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


18


Income tax expense related to continuing operations differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to income before income taxes. The reasons for these differences are as follows:
 
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
39 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Percent of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Computed “expected” income tax expense (benefit)
(35.0
)
35.0

35.0

35.0

 
State income taxes (benefit), net of federal tax effect
(3.3
)
3.5

3.5

3.4

 
Dividends received deductions and credits
1.3

(8.4
)
(6.5
)
(5.9
)
 
Valuation allowance

(1.8
)
(15.4
)
4.2

 
Domestic production reduction

3.4


3.4

 
Resolution of tax matters
3.4

5.0

14.9

2.6

 
Deferred income tax rate adjustments

22.1

13.5

4.8

 
Other
(0.3
)
2.9

3.2

2.0

 
 
(33.9
)
61.7

48.2

49.5

 
In connection with the refinancing of debt under the Chapter 11 Proceedings, we realized substantial cancellation of debt income (“CODI”) for income tax purposes. However, this income was not immediately taxable for U.S. income tax purposes because the CODI resulted from our reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. For U.S. income tax reporting purposes, we are required to reduce certain tax attributes, including any net operating loss carryforwards, capital losses, tax credit carryforwards, and the tax basis in other assets in a total amount equal to the tax gain on the extinguishment of debt.  As a result, in February 2012 we began recognizing additional interest expense deductions for income tax purposes. The 2014 Refinancing accelerated the recognition of the remaining additional interest expense deductions, significantly increasing the 2014 loss for income tax purposes. The reduction in the basis of certain assets also resulted in reduced depreciation and amortization expense for income tax purposes, beginning in 2013. 


19


8
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
39 Weeks Ended
 
 
(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
(9,746
)
1,795

3,632

11,619

 
Discontinued operations



(1,247
)
 
 
(9,746
)
1,795

3,632

10,372

 
Weighted average common shares
53,627

52,325

53,342

52,305

 
Less weighted average restricted Common Stock
1,283

500

1,126

500

 
Basic average common shares
52,344

51,825

52,216

51,805

 
Dilutive stock options, Warrants and restricted Common Stock

213

1,439

107

 
Diluted average common shares
52,344

52,038

53,655

51,912

 
Earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
(0.19
)
0.03

0.07

0.22

 
Discontinued operations



(0.02
)
 
 
(0.19
)
0.03

0.07

0.20

 
Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
(0.19
)
0.03

0.07

0.22

 
Discontinued operations



(0.02
)
 
 
(0.19
)
0.03

0.07

0.20


In the 13 weeks ended June 29, 2014 no stock options or Warrants were considered in the computation of loss per common share. For the 39 weeks ended June 29, 2014, we had 2,107,000 weighted average shares 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 39 weeks ended June 30, 2013, we had 1,705,000 and 2,971,000 weighted average shares, respectively, 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.

9
STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS

A summary of stock option activity during the 39 weeks ended June 29, 2014 follows:
 
(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)
Shares

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, September 29, 2013
2,769

2.94

 
 
 
Granted
15

2.99

 
 
 
Exercised
(300
)
2.04

 
 
 
Cancelled
(97
)
11.88

 
 
 
Outstanding, June 29, 2014
2,387

2.69

6.8
6,120

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable, June 29, 2014
1,796

3.17

6.4
4,260


20


Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested stock options as of June 29, 2014 is $438,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1 year.

Restricted Common Stock

The table summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 39 weeks ended June 29, 2014.
 
(Thousands of Shares, Except Per Share Data)
Shares

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, September 29, 2013
500

1.31

 
Granted
801

3.61

 
Cancelled
(21
)
3.61

 
Outstanding, June 29, 2014
1,280

2.71

Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted Common Stock at June 29, 2014 is $2,492,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2 years.
10
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 $8,774,000, including our 17% ownership of the nonvoting common stock of TCT, are carried at cost. The fair value of floating rate debt, which consists of our 1st Lien Term Loan, is $234,262,000, 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 $32,000,000 principal amount of New Pulitzer Notes. At June 29, 2014, based on private market price quotations the fair values were $425,500,000 and $157,406,000 for the Notes and 2nd Lien Term Loan, respectively. The New Pulitzer Notes are held by a single investor, Berkshire. We are unable, as of June 29, 2014, 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 5, we recorded a liability for the Warrants issued in connection with the Warrant Agreement. The liability was initially measured at its fair value. We will remeasure the liability to fair value each reporting period, with changes reported in earnings. The initial fair value of the Warrants was $16,930,000 and at June 29, 2014, the fair value of the Warrants is $16,351,000. Fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.


21


11
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Redemption of PD LLC Minority Interest

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

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

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

Income Taxes

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

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

Legal Proceedings

In 2008, a group of newspaper carriers filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, claiming to be our employees and not independent contractors. The plaintiffs sought relief related to alleged violations of various employment-based statutes, and request punitive damages and attorneys' fees. In 2010, the trial court granted the plaintiffs' petition for class certification. We filed an interlocutory appeal which was denied. After concluding discovery, a motion to decertify the class was filed, which was granted as to plaintiffs' minimum wage, overtime, unreimbursed meal, and unreimbursed rest period claims. In July 2014 we reached a settlement with the plaintiffs, which remains subject to court approval, and recorded a liability of $2,300,000 in the 13 weeks ended June 29, 2014.

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

12
COMMON STOCK

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

In connection with the 2nd Lien Term Loan, we entered into the Warrant Agreement. Under the Warrant Agreement, certain affiliates or designees of the 2nd Lien Lenders received on March 31, 2014 their pro rata

22


share of Warrants to purchase, in cash, 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment pursuant to anti-dilution provisions. The Warrants represent, when fully exercised, approximately 10.1% of shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 30, 2014 on a fully diluted basis. The exercise price of the Warrants is $4.19 per share.

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 classified as a liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We will remeasure the liability to fair value each reporting period, with changes reported in earnings. The initial fair value of the Warrants was $16,930,000. At June 29, 2014, the fair value of the Warrants is $16,351,000.

In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, we entered into the Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement requires, among other matters, that we use our commercially reasonable efforts to file and maintain the effectiveness for certain specified periods of a shelf registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrants.

13    IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

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

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 39 weeks ended June 29, 2014. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto, included herein, and our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

23


impairment charges, minus equity in earnings of TNI and MNI. Operating Cash Flow Margin is defined as operating cash flow divided by operating revenue.

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

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

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

We also present selected information for Lee Legacy and Pulitzer. Lee Legacy constitutes the business of the Company, 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 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 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein.

IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In May 2014, the 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. We have not yet determined the potential effects on our Consolidated Financial Statements.


24


EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

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

50 daily and 38 Sunday newspapers with subscribers totaling 1.2 million and 1.5 million, respectively, read by nearly four million people in print;

Websites, mobile and tablet products in all of our markets that complement our newspapers and attracted 23.1 million unique visitors in June 29, 2014, with 211.4 million page views; and

Nearly 300 weekly newspapers and classified and niche publications.

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

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

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

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

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

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

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

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS

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


25

Table of Contents

In 2013, we concluded the fair value of our business was in excess of the carrying value of our net assets. As a result no goodwill impairment was recorded. However, we determined that the cash flows from nonamortized and amortizable intangible assets were not sufficient to recover their carrying values. As a result, we recorded non-cash charges to reduce the carrying values of such assets.
 
In 2011, we concluded the fair value of our business did not exceed the carrying value of our net assets. As a result, we recorded pretax, non-cash charges to reduce the carrying values of goodwill, nonamortized and amortizable intangible assets. Additional pretax, non-cash charges were recorded to reduce the carrying value of TNI.
We also recorded pretax, non-cash charges to reduce the carrying value of property and equipment in 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011. We recorded deferred income tax benefits related to these charges.

DEBT AND LIQUIDITY

We have a substantial amount of debt, as discussed more fully (and certain capitalized terms used below defined) in Note 1 and Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein.
 
Substantially all of our debt was scheduled to mature in April 2012. We used a voluntary, prepackaged petition under the U. S. Bankruptcy Code to accomplish a comprehensive refinancing that extended the maturity to December 2015 for most of our debt, with the remainder maturing in April 2017. 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 June 29, 2014, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $30,005,000 available for future use under our revolving credit facility. Including cash, our liquidity at June 29, 2014 totals $47,763,000. 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 June 29, 2014, the principal amount of our outstanding debt totaled $815,000,000. For the last twelve months ended June 29, 2014, the principal amount of our debt, net of cash and on a pro forma basis for the 2014 Refinancing, is 4.7 times our adjusted EBITDA, compared to a ratio of 4.9 at June 30, 2013.

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

There are numerous potential consequences under the Notes, 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 June 29, 2014.


26


13 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 29, 2014

Operating results, as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements, are summarized below. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

Percent
Change

 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services revenue:
 
 
 
Retail
69,507

71,718

(3.1
)
Classified:
 
 
 
Employment
9,277

8,824

5.1

Automotive
7,266

8,452

(14.0
)
Real estate
4,569

4,864

(6.1
)
All other
11,926

12,491

(4.5
)
Total classified
33,038

34,631

(4.6
)
National
5,268

4,988

5.6

Niche publications and other
2,471

2,607

(5.2
)
Total advertising and marketing services revenue
110,284

113,944

(3.2
)
Subscription
43,339

43,583

(0.6
)
Commercial printing
3,147

3,258

(3.4
)
Digital services and other
6,355

6,234

1.9

Total operating revenue
163,125

167,019

(2.3
)
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Compensation
60,330

62,340

(3.2
)
Newsprint and ink
9,224

10,471

(11.9
)
Other operating expenses
53,840

53,461

0.7

Workforce adjustments
419

945

(55.7
)
Cash costs
123,813

127,217

(2.7
)
Operating cash flow
39,312

39,802

(1.2
)
Depreciation and amortization
12,194

14,869

(18.0
)
Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
9

(112
)
NM

Impairment of goodwill and other assets
336


NM

Equity in earnings of associated companies
1,836

1,893

(3.0
)
Operating income
28,609

26,938

6.2

Non-operating expense, net
(43,002
)
(21,805
)
97.2

Income (loss) before income taxes
(14,393
)
5,133

NM

Income tax expense (benefit)
(4,882
)
3,165

NM

Net income (loss)
(9,511
)
1,968

NM

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
(235
)
(173
)
35.8

Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
(9,746
)
1,795

NM

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(441
)
(93
)
NM

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
(10,187
)
1,702

NM

Earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
(0.19
)
0.03

NM

Diluted
(0.19
)
0.03

NM


References to the "2014 Quarter" refer to the 13 weeks ended June 29, 2014. Similarly, references to the "2013 Quarter" refer to the 13 weeks ended June 30, 2013.

Total operating revenue decreased $3,894,000, or 2.3%, in the 2014 Quarter, compared to the 2013 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 3.4%. This reclassification will increase both print subscription revenue and operating expenses, with no impact on operating cash flow or operating income. A table below details the impact of the reclassification on revenue and cash costs.

27


Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue

In the 2014 Quarter, advertising and marketing services revenue decreased $3,660,000, or 3.2%, compared to the 2013 Quarter. Retail advertising decreased 3.1%. Retail preprint insertion revenue decreased 1.3%. Digital retail advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 5.7%, partially offsetting print declines.

Classified revenue decreased 4.6% in the 2014 Quarter. Employment revenue increased 5.1% while automotive advertising decreased 14.0%, real estate decreased 6.1% and other classified decreased 4.5%. Digital classified revenue on a stand-alone basis increased 13.0%, partially offsetting print declines.

National advertising increased $280,000, or 5.6%. Digital national advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 128.3% due to improved management of national advertising exchanges. Advertising in niche publications and other decreased 5.2%.

On a stand-alone basis, digital advertising and marketing services revenue increased 13.0% to $19,487,000 in the 2014 Quarter, representing 17.7% of total advertising and marketing services revenue. Total digital revenue for the 2014 Quarter, including advertising and marketing services, subscriptions and all other digital business, totaled $23,399,000, an increase of 17.4% from a year ago. Print advertising and marketing services revenue on a stand-alone basis decreased 6.1%.

Subscription and Other Revenue

Subscription revenue decreased $244,000, or 0.6%, in the 2014 Quarter. Excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, subscription revenue decreased 4.8%. The reduction was due to decreases in print subscribers, which were partially offset by price increases and increases in digital subscribers.

Our mobile, tablet, desktop and app sites, including TNI and MNI, attracted 23.1 million unique visitors in the month of June 2014, an increase of 10.6% from a year ago, with 211.4 million page views. Research in our larger markets indicates we are maintaining our share of audience through the combination of digital audience growth and strong newspaper readership.
 
Commercial printing revenue decreased $111,000, or 3.4%, in the 2014 Quarter. Digital services and other revenue increased $121,000, or 1.9%, in the 2014 Quarter.

Operating Expenses

Cash costs decreased $3,404,000, or 2.7%, in the 2014 Quarter. Excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, cash costs decreased 4.1%.

Compensation expense decreased $2,010,000, or 3.2%, in the 2014 Quarter, driven by a decline in average full-time equivalent employees of 3.5%.

Newsprint and ink costs decreased $1,247,000, or 11.9%, in the 2014 Quarter, primarily as a result of a reduction in newsprint volume of 11.9%. 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 $379,000, or 0.7%, in the 2014 Quarter.

Reductions in staffing resulted in workforce adjustment costs totaling $419,000 and $945,000 in the 2014 Quarter and 2013 Quarter, respectively.

For the full year, 2014 cash costs are expected to decrease 3.0-3.5%, excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification.


28


Certain results, excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, are as follows:
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

Percent Change

 
 
 
 
Subscription revenue, as reported
43,339

43,583

(0.6
)
Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(1,842
)

NM

Subscription revenue, as adjusted
41,497

43,583

(4.8
)
 
 
 
 
Total operating revenue, as reported
163,125

167,019

(2.3
)
Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(1,842
)

NM

Total operating revenue, as adjusted
161,283

167,019

(3.4
)
 
 
 
 
Total cash costs, as reported
123,813

127,217

(2.7
)
Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(1,842
)

NM

Total cash costs, as adjusted
121,971

127,217

(4.1
)

The subscription-related expense reclassification described above also increased revenue and cash costs of MNI and TNI by $468,000, respectively, in the 2014 Quarter.  Such amounts 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 1.2%, to $39,312,000, in the 2014 Quarter compared to $39,802,000 in the 2013 Quarter. Operating cash flow margin increased to 24.1% from 23.8% a year ago, reflecting a larger percentage decrease in operating expenses than the decrease in operating revenue.

Depreciation expense decreased $34,000, or 0.6%, in the 2014 Quarter. Amortization expense decreased $2,641,000, or 27.7%, in the 2014 Quarter due to impairment charges recorded in 2013. Sales of operating assets resulted in a net loss of $9,000 in the 2014 Quarter compared to a net gain of $112,000 in the 2013 Quarter.

Equity in earnings in associated companies decreased $57,000 in the 2014 Quarter.

The factors noted above resulted in operating income of $28,609,000 in the 2014 Quarter compared to $26,938,000 in the 2013 Quarter. Operating income margin increased to 17.5% from 16.1% a year ago.

Nonoperating Income and Expense

Interest expense decreased $2,337,000, or 10.6%, to $19,654,000 in the 2014 Quarter due to lower debt balances and refinancing of the Pulitzer Notes in May 2013. As a result of the 2014 Refinancing, our weighted average cost of debt, excluding amortization of debt financing costs, increased to 9.3% at the end of the 2014 Quarter compared to 9.1% at the end of the 2013 Quarter. Interest expense in the 2013 Quarter also includes $1,216,000 of non-cash amortization of a present value adjustment of debt.

We charged $21,732,000 of debt financing costs to expense and also recorded a $2,300,000 loss related to a litigation settlement in the 2014 Quarter. The litigation settlement is classified as other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Overall Results

We recognized income tax benefit of 33.9% of loss before income taxes in the 2014 Quarter and tax expense of 61.7% of income before income taxes in the 2013 Quarter. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein, for a reconciliation of the expected federal income tax rate to the actual tax rates.


29


As a result of the factors noted above, loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated totaled $9,746,000 in the 2014 Quarter compared to income of $1,795,000 in the 2013 Quarter. We recorded a loss per diluted common share of $0.19 in the 2014 Quarter and earnings per diluted common share of $0.03 in the 2013 Quarter. Excluding unusual matters, as detailed in the table below, diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted, were $0.11 in the 2014 Quarter, compared to earnings per common share, as adjusted, of $0.06 in the 2013 Quarter. Per share amounts may not add due to rounding.
 
13 Weeks Ended
 
 
June 29
2014
 
June 30
2013
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
Amount

Per Share

Amount

Per Share

 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as reported
(9,746
)
(0.19
)
1,795

0.03

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
Impairment of intangible and other assets
336

 

 
Litigation settlement
2,300

 

 
Debt financing and reorganization costs
21,732

 
468

 
Amortization of debt present value adjustment

 
1,216

 
Other, net
(153
)
 
544

 
 
24,215

 
2,228

 
Income tax effect of adjustments, net
(8,472
)
 
(763
)
 
 
15,743

0.30

1,465

0.03

Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as adjusted
5,997

0.11

3,260

0.06




30


39 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 29, 2014

Operating results, as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements, are summarized below. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
 
39 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

Percent
Change

 
 
 
 
Operating revenue:
 
 
 
Retail
216,591

223,438

(3.1
)
Classified:
 
 
 
Employment
24,546

25,165

(2.5
)
Automotive
22,309

26,074

(14.4
)
Real estate
13,113

13,941

(5.9
)
All other
32,683

35,634

(8.3
)
Total classified
92,651

100,814

(8.1
)
National
18,879

18,327

3.0

Niche publications and other
7,273

7,646

(4.9
)
Total advertising and marketing services revenue
335,394

350,225

(4.2
)
Subscription
130,744

133,609

(2.1
)
Commercial printing
9,170

9,681

(5.3
)
Digital services and other
19,295

18,762

2.8

Total operating revenue
494,603

512,277

(3.5
)
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Compensation
181,543

192,505

(5.7
)
Newsprint and ink
29,120

33,357

(12.7
)
Other operating expenses
161,708

160,929

0.5

Workforce adjustments
925

2,260

(59.1
)
Cash costs
373,296

389,051

(4.0
)
Operating cash flow
121,307

123,226

(1.6
)
Depreciation and amortization
36,410

44,758

(18.7
)
Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
(1,622
)
23

NM

Impairment of goodwill and other assets
336


NM

Equity in earnings of associated companies
6,348

6,671

(4.8
)
Operating income
92,531

85,116

8.7

Non-operating expense, net
(84,241
)
(61,262
)
37.5

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
8,290

23,854

(65.2
)
Income tax expense
3,995

11,805

(66.2
)
Income from continuing operations
4,295

12,049

(64.4
)
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes

(1,247
)
NM

Net income
4,295

10,802

(60.2
)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
(663
)
(430
)
54.2

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
3,632

10,372

(65.0
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(1,324
)
(280
)
NM

Comprehensive income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
2,308

10,092

(77.1
)
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
3,632

11,619

(68.7
)
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
0.07

0.20

(65.0
)
Diluted
0.07

0.20

(65.0
)

References to the "2014 Period" refer to the 39 weeks ended June 29, 2014. Similarly, references to the "2013 Period" refer to the 39 weeks ended June 30, 2013.


31


Total operating revenue decreased $17,674,000, or 3.5%, in the 2014 Period, compared to the 2013 Period. Excluding the impact of the subscription related expense reclassification, operating revenue for the 2014 Period decreased 3.9%.

Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue

In the 2014 Period, advertising and marketing services revenue decreased $14,831,000, or 4.2%, compared to the 2013 Period. Retail advertising decreased 3.1%. Retail preprint insertion revenue decreased 0.7%. Digital retail advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 6.5%, partially offsetting print declines.

Classified revenue decreased 8.1% in the 2014 Period. Employment revenue decreased 2.5% while automotive advertising decreased 14.4%, real estate decreased 5.9% and other classified decreased 8.3%. Digital classified revenue on a stand-alone basis increased 5.7%, partially offsetting print declines.

National advertising increased $552,000, or 3.0%. Digital national advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 128.2% due to improved management of national advertising exchanges. Advertising in niche publications and other decreased 4.9%.

On a stand-alone basis, digital advertising and marketing services revenue increased 11.0%, to $55,498,000, in the 2014 Period, representing 16.5% of total advertising and marketing services revenue. Total digital revenue for the 2014 Period, including advertising and marketing services, subscriptions and all other digital business, totaled $65,486,000, an increase of 14.5% from a year ago. Print advertising and marketing services revenue on a stand-alone basis decreased 6.8%.

Subscription and Other Revenue

Subscription revenue decreased $2,865,000, or 2.1%, in the 2014 Period on an as reported basis. Excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, subscription revenue decreased 3.8%. The reduction was due to decreases in print subscribers, which were partially offset by price increases and increases in digital subscribers.

Commercial printing revenue decreased $511,000, or 5.3%, in the 2014 Period. Digital services and other revenue increased $533,000, or 2.8%, in the 2014 Period.

Operating Expenses

Cash costs decreased $15,755,000, or 4.0%, in the 2014 Period. Excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, cash costs decreased 4.6%.

Compensation expense decreased $10,962,000, or 5.7%, in the 2014 Period, driven by a decline in average full time equivalent employees of 5.2%.

Newsprint and ink costs decreased $4,237,000, or 12.7%, in the 2014 Period, primarily as a result of a reduction in newsprint volume of 11.8%. 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 $779,000, or 0.5%, in the 2014 Period.

Reductions in staffing resulted in workforce adjustment costs totaling $925,000 and $2,260,000 in the 2014 Period and 2013 Period, respectively.


32


Certain results, excluding the impact of the subscription-related expense reclassification, are as follows:
 
39 Weeks Ended
 
(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

Percent Change

 
 
 
 
Subscription revenue, as reported
130,744

133,609

(2.1
)
Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(2,242
)

NM

Subscription revenue, as adjusted
128,502

133,609

(3.8
)
 
 
 
 
Total operating revenue, as reported
494,603

512,277

(3.5
)
Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(2,242
)

NM

Total operating revenue, as adjusted
492,361

512,277

(3.9
)
 
 
 
 
Total cash costs, as reported
373,296

389,051

(4.0
)
Adjustment for subscription-related expense reclassification
(2,242
)

NM

Total cash costs, as adjusted
371,054

389,051

(4.6
)

The subscription-related expense reclassification described above also increased revenue and cash costs of MNI and TNI by $3,021,000, respectively, in the 2014 Period.  Such amounts 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 1.6%, to $121,307,000, in the 2014 Period compared to $123,226,000 in the 2013 Period. Operating cash flow margin increased to 24.5% from 24.1% a year ago reflecting a larger percentage decrease in operating expenses than the decrease in operating revenue.

Depreciation expense decreased $423,000, or 2.6%, in the 2014 Period, due primarily to lower levels of capital spending over the last several years. Amortization expense decreased $7,925,000, or 27.7%, in the 2014 Period due to impairment charges recorded in 2013. Sales of operating assets resulted in a net gain of $1,622,000 in the 2014 Period compared to a net loss of $23,000 in the 2013 Period.

Equity in earnings in associated companies decreased $323,000 in the 2014 Period.

The factors noted above resulted in operating income of $92,531,000 in the 2014 Period compared to $85,116,000 in the 2013 Period. Operating income margin increased to 18.7% from 16.6% a year ago.

Nonoperating Income and Expense

Interest expense decreased $7,357,000, or 10.8%, to $61,033,000 in the 2014 Period due primarily to lower debt balances and the refinancing of the Pulitzer Notes in May 2013. Interest expense in the 2014 Period also includes $2,394,000 of non-cash amortization of a present value adjustment of debt compared to $3,932,000 in the 2013 Period.

We charged $21,935,000 of debt financing costs to expense and also recorded a $2,300,000 loss related to a litigation settlement in the 2014 Period. The litigation settlement is classified as other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

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

Overall Results

We recognized income tax expense of 48.2% of income from continuing operations before income taxes in the 2014 Period and 49.5% in the 2013 Period. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein, for a reconciliation of the expected federal income tax rate to the actual tax rates.


33


As a result of the factors noted above, income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (which includes discontinued operations) totaled $3,632,000 in the 2014 Period compared to $10,372,000 in the 2013 Period. We recorded earnings per diluted common share of $0.07 in the 2014 Period and $0.20 in the 2013 Period. Excluding unusual matters, as detailed in the table below, diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted, were $0.40 in the 2014 Period, compared to $0.22 in the 2013 Period. Per share amounts may not add due to rounding.
 
 
 
39 Weeks Ended
 
 
June 29
2014
 
June 30
2013
 
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
Amount

Per Share

Amount

Per Share

 
 
 
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as reported
3,632

0.07

10,372

0.20

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
Impairment of intangible and other assets
336

 

 
Gain on sale of investment, net

 
(6,909
)
 
Litigation settlement
2,300

 

 
Debt financing and reorganization costs
21,935

 
557

 
Amortization of debt present value adjustment
2,394

 
3,932

 
Other, net
424

 
2,170

 
 
27,389

 
(250
)
 
Income tax effect of adjustments, net
(9,551
)
 
102

 
 
17,838

0.33

(148
)

Unusual matters related to discontinued operations


1,014

0.02

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as adjusted
21,470

0.40

11,238

0.22


DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

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

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

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $69,583,000 in the 2014 Period and $56,052,000 in the 2013 Period. We recorded net income of $4,295,000 in the 2014 Period and $10,802,000 in the 2013 Period. Non-cash debt financing costs charged to expense totaled $21,935,000 in the 2014 Period compared to $527,000 in the 2013 Period. Such costs more than offset the decrease in net income in the 2014 Period, as well as a decrease in non-cash depreciation and amortization, resulting in an increase in cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations.


34


Investing Activities

Cash required for investing activities of continuing operations totaled $6,223,000 in the 2014 Period compared to cash provided by investing activities of continued operations of $616,000 in the 2013 Period. Capital spending totaled $8,204,000 in the 2014 Period and $6,835,000 in the 2013 Period. We received $2,192,000 from sales of assets in the 2014 Period compared to $7,615,000 in the 2013 Period, which includes a $7,093,000 distribution related to the partial sale of assets in a private equity investment.

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

Financing Activities

Cash required for financing activities of continuing operations totaled $63,164,000 in the 2014 Period and $73,095,000 in the 2013 Period. Payments of debt financing costs related to the 2014 Refinancing were $31,276,000 in the 2014 Period. Debt reduction accounted for the remaining usage of funds in the 2014 Period and the 2013 Period.

As discussed more fully in Note 1 and Note 5 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 June 29, 2014, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $30,005,000 available for future use under our revolving credit facility. Including cash, our liquidity at June 29, 2014 totals $47,763,000. 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 June 29, 2014, the principal amount of our outstanding debt totals $815,000,000. For the last twelve months ending June 29, 2014 , the principal amount of our debt, net of cash, is 4.7 times our adjusted EBITDA, compared to a ratio of 4.9 at June 30, 2013.

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

There are numerous potential consequences under the Notes, 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. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at June 29, 2014. 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 June 29, 2014.

In 2014, we filed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement ("Shelf") with the SEC, which has been declared effective. The Shelf will give us the flexibility to issue and publicly distribute various types of securities, including preferred stock, common stock, warrants, secured or unsecured debt securities, purchase contracts and units consisting of any combination of such securities, from time to time, in one or more offerings, up to an aggregate amount of $750,000,000. 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.

35


CHANGES IN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Energy Costs

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

Health Care

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

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

Pension Plans

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

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

Income Taxes

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

Minimum Wage Laws

The United States and various state 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.


36


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.


37


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

(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
June 29
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services
110,284

113,944

 
335,394

350,225

 
445,709

Subscription
43,339

43,583

 
130,744

133,609

 
174,192

Other
9,502

9,492

 
28,465

28,443

 
37,165

Total operating revenue
163,125

167,019

 
494,603

512,277

 
657,066

Compensation
60,330

62,340

 
181,543

192,505

 
243,870

Newsprint and ink
9,224

10,471

 
29,120

33,357

 
39,244

Other operating expenses
53,840

53,461

 
161,708

160,929

 
213,800

Depreciation and amortization
12,194

14,869

 
36,410

44,758

 
47,180

Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
9

(112
)
 
(1,622
)
23

 
(1,535
)
Impairment of goodwill and other assets
336


 
336


 
171,430

Workforce adjustments
419

945

 
925

2,260

 
1,344

Total operating expenses
136,352

141,974

 
408,420

433,832

 
715,333

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI
1,836

1,893

 
6,348

6,671

 
8,362

Operating income (loss)
28,609

26,938

 
92,531

85,116

 
(49,905
)
Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
12,194

14,869

 
36,410

44,758

 
47,180

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
9

(112
)
 
(1,622
)
23

 
(1,535
)
Impairment of intangible and other assets
336


 
336


 
171,430

Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI
(1,836
)
(1,893
)
 
(6,348
)
(6,671
)
 
(8,362
)
Operating cash flow
39,312

39,802

 
121,307

123,226

 
158,808

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%)
2,587

2,770

 
8,540

9,310

 
11,009

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock compensation
397

377

 
1,081

1,109

 
1,233

Adjusted EBITDA
42,296

42,949

 
130,928

133,645

 
171,050

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%)
(2,587
)
(2,770
)
 
(8,540
)
(9,310
)
 
(11,009
)
Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions from TNI and MNI
2,346

3,394

 
7,654

8,179

 
10,873

Capital expenditures
(3,309
)
(2,136
)
 
(8,204
)
(6,835
)
 
(11,109
)
Pension contributions
(17
)
(5,741
)
 
(722
)
(6,016
)
 
(722
)
Cash income tax refunds (payments)
6,051

(27
)
 
5,933

(360
)
 
15,419

Unlevered free cash flow
44,780

35,669

 
127,049

119,303

 
174,502

Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial income
85

134

 
306

219

 
387

Interest expense settled in cash
(19,654
)
(20,775
)
 
(58,639
)
(64,141
)
 
(78,510
)
Debt financing costs paid
(31,008
)
(666
)
 
(31,276
)
(766
)
 
(31,581
)
Free cash flow (deficit)
(5,797
)
14,362

 
37,440

54,615

 
64,798




38


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

(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
June 29
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services
76,148

78,266

 
231,411

240,241

 
308,331

Subscription
28,022

27,092

 
83,499

83,028

 
110,807

Other
8,330

7,774

 
24,959

23,446

 
32,591

Total operating revenue
112,500

113,132

 
339,869

346,715

 
451,729

Compensation
45,086

45,457

 
135,035

139,412

 
181,094

Newsprint and ink
6,550

7,224

 
20,623

22,992

 
27,826

Other operating expenses
28,954

27,741

 
86,706

85,605

 
113,869

Depreciation and amortization
8,322

6,837

 
24,633

20,569

 
31,314

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
8

(98
)
 
(1,643
)
52

 
(1,561
)
Impairment of goodwill and other assets
336


 
336


 
859

Workforce adjustments
265

572

 
436

1,185

 
796

Total operating expenses
89,521

87,733

 
266,126

269,815

 
354,197

Equity in earnings of MNI
790

877

 
2,232

2,658

 
3,084

Operating income
23,769

26,276

 
75,975

79,558

 
100,616

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
8,322

6,837

 
24,633

20,569

 
31,314

Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
8

(98
)
 
(1,643
)
52

 
(1,561
)
Impairment of intangible and other assets
336


 
336


 
859

Equity in earnings of MNI
(790
)
(877
)
 
(2,232
)
(2,658
)
 
(3,084
)
Operating cash flow
31,645

32,138

 
97,069

97,521

 
128,144

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of MNI EBITDA (50%)
1,436

1,598

 
4,110

4,781

 
5,311

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock compensation
397

377

 
1,081

1,109

 
1,233

Adjusted EBITDA
33,478

34,113

 
102,260

103,411

 
134,688

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of MNI EBITDA (50%)
(1,436
)
(1,598
)
 
(4,110
)
(4,781
)
 
(5,311
)
Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions from MNI
1,000

1,850

 
3,750

4,000

 
5,000

Capital expenditures
(2,900
)
(1,685
)
 
(7,145
)
(5,127
)
 
(9,731
)
Pension contributions
(17
)

 
(17
)

 
(17
)
Cash income tax refunds (payments)
(199
)
(27
)
 
(317
)
(360
)
 
(322
)
Intercompany charges not settled in cash
(2,099
)
(2,146
)
 
(6,297
)
(6,438
)
 
(8,255
)
Other
(2,000
)

 
(2,000
)
(2,000
)
 
(2,000
)
Unlevered free cash flow
25,827

30,507

 
86,124

88,705

 
114,052

Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial income
85

134

 
306

219

 
387

Interest expense settled in cash
(18,834
)
(18,619
)
 
(55,397
)
(56,454
)
 
(73,584
)
Debt financing costs paid
(31,000
)

 
(31,268
)
(100
)
 
(31,308
)
Free cash flow (deficit)
(23,922
)
12,022

 
(235
)
32,370

 
9,547






39


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

(Thousands of Dollars)
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
June 29
2014

June 30
2013

 
June 29
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising and marketing services
34,136

35,678

 
103,983

109,984

 
137,378

Subscription
15,317

16,491

 
47,245

50,581

 
63,385

Other
1,172

1,718

 
3,506

4,997

 
4,574

Total operating revenue
50,625

53,887

 
154,734

165,562

 
205,337

Compensation
15,244

16,883

 
46,508

53,093

 
62,776

Newsprint and ink
2,674

3,247

 
8,497

10,365

 
11,418

Other operating expenses
24,886

25,720

 
75,002

75,324

 
99,931

Depreciation and amortization
3,872

8,032

 
11,777

24,189

 
15,866

Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
1

(14
)
 
21

(29
)
 
26

Impairment of goodwill and other assets


 


 
170,571

Workforce adjustments
154

373

 
489

1,075

 
548

Total operating expenses
46,831

54,241

 
142,294

164,017

 
361,136

Equity in earnings of TNI
1,046

1,016

 
4,116

4,013

 
5,278

Operating income (loss)
4,840

662

 
16,556

5,558

 
(150,521
)
Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
3,872

8,032

 
11,777

24,189

 
15,866

Loss (gain) on sales of assets, net
1

(14
)
 
21

(29
)
 
26

Impairment of intangible and other assets


 


 
170,571

Equity in earnings of TNI
(1,046
)
(1,016
)
 
(4,116
)
(4,013
)
 
(5,278
)
Operating cash flow
7,667

7,664

 
24,238

25,705

 
30,664

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of TNI EBITDA (50%)
1,151

1,172

 
4,430

4,529

 
5,698

Adjusted EBITDA
8,818

8,836

 
28,668

30,234

 
36,362

Adjusted to exclude:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership share of TNI EBITDA (50%)
(1,151
)
(1,172
)
 
(4,430
)
(4,529
)
 
(5,698
)
Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions from TNI
1,346

1,544

 
3,904

4,179

 
5,873

Capital expenditures
(409
)
(451
)
 
(1,059
)
(1,708
)
 
(1,378
)
Pension contributions

(5,741
)
 
(705
)
(6,016
)
 
(705
)
Cash income tax refunds (payments)
6,250


 
6,250


 
15,741

Intercompany charges not settled in cash
2,099

2,146

 
6,297

6,438

 
8,255

Other
2,000


 
2,000

2,000

 
2,000

Unlevered free cash flow
18,953

5,162

 
40,925

30,598

 
60,450

Deduct:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense settled in cash
(820
)
(2,156
)
 
(3,242
)
(7,687
)
 
(4,926
)
Debt financing costs paid
(8
)
(666
)
 
(8
)
(666
)
 
(273
)
Free cash flow
18,125

2,340

 
37,675

22,245

 
55,251



40


Item 3.       Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

INTEREST RATES ON DEBT

Our debt structure and interest rate risk are managed through the use of fixed and floating rate debt. Our primary exposure is to LIBOR. A 100 basis point increase or decrease to LIBOR would, if in excess of LIBOR minimums discussed more fully below, decrease or increase, respectively, income before income taxes on an annualized basis by approximately $2,330,000, based on $233,000,000 of floating rate debt outstanding at June 29, 2014.

Our debt under the 1st Lien Credit Facility is subject to minimum interest rate levels of 1.0%. Based on the difference between interest rates in June 2014 and our 1.0% minimum rate, LIBOR would need to increase approximately 67 basis points for six month borrowing up to approximately 85 basis points for one month borrowing before our borrowing cost would begin to be impacted by an increase in interest rates.

At June 29, 2014, approximately 28.6% of the principal amount of our debt is subject to floating interest rates. We regularly evaluate alternatives to hedge the related interest rate risk, but have no hedging instruments in place. Our debt structure, which is predominantly fixed rate, significantly reduces the potential impact of an increase in interest rates.

COMMODITIES

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

Since January 2014, eastern U.S. newsprint prices remained stable while western U.S. prices declined from their September 2013 increase. Production capacity reductions by North American newsprint producers have partially offset demand and shipment declines to domestic customers. Export shipments from North American producers, which have provided some relief to declining domestic demand, are facing increased competitive pressures from European and Asian producers.

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

Future price changes, if any, will be influenced primarily by the balance between supply capacity and demand, domestic and export, in addition to the producers' ability to mitigate input cost pressures and the U.S. 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 $667,000 based on anticipated consumption in 2014, excluding consumption of TNI and MNI and the impact of LIFO accounting. Such prices may also decrease. We manage significant newsprint inventories, which may help to mitigate the impact of future price increases

SENSITIVITY TO CHANGES IN VALUE

As of June 29, 2014, our fixed rate debt consists of the Notes, 2nd Lien Term Loan, and the New Pulitzer Notes, none of which are traded on an active market and all of which are held by small groups of investors, or Berkshire. Based on private market price quotations available to us, which may not be representative of actual transaction prices, we estimate the fair value of the Notes, 1st Lien Term Loan and 2nd Lien Term Loan to be in a range of 100-109% of the principal amount as of June 29, 2014. We are unable to measure the maximum potential impact on fair value of the New Pulitzer Notes from adverse changes in market interest rates under normal market conditions. The change in value, if determined, could be significant.

41


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 June 29, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.        Legal Proceedings

In 2008, a group of newspaper carriers filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, claiming to be our employees and not independent contractors. The plaintiffs sought relief related to alleged violations of various employment-based statutes, and request punitive damages and attorneys' fees. In 2010, the trial court granted the plaintiffs' petition for class certification. We filed an interlocutory appeal which was denied. After concluding discovery, a motion to decertify the class was filed, which was granted as to plaintiffs' minimum wage, overtime, unreimbursed meal, and unreimbursed rest period claims. In July 2014 we reached a settlement with the plaintiffs, which remains subject to court approval, and recorded a liability of $2,300,000 in the 13 weeks ended June 29, 2014.

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 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification
32
 
Section 1350 certification


42


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
 
August 8, 2014
Carl G. Schmidt
 
 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 

43
LEE 2013 ex31.1 (1) (1) (1)


Exhibit 31.1 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
I, Mary E. Junck, certify that:

1
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q ("Quarterly Report") of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated ("Registrant");
 
 
2
Based on my knowledge, this Quarterly Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Quarterly Report;
 
 
3
Based on my knowledge, the Consolidated Financial Statements, and other financial information included in this Quarterly Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Quarterly Report;
 
 
4
The Registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:
 
 
 
 
 
 
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Quarterly Report is being prepared;
 
 
 
 
 
 
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
 
 
 
 
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Quarterly Report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
d)
disclosed in this Quarterly Report any change in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
 
 
5
The Registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant's auditors and the Audit Committee of Registrant's Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: August 8, 2014

 
 
/s/ Mary E. Junck
 
Mary E. Junck
 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
 


LEE 2013 ex31.2 (1) (1) (1)


Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Carl G. Schmidt, certify that:

1
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q ("Quarterly Report") of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated ("Registrant");
 
 
2
Based on my knowledge, this Quarterly Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Quarterly Report;
 
 
3
Based on my knowledge, the Consolidated Financial Statements, and other financial information included in this Quarterly Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Quarterly Report;
 
 
4
The Registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:
 
 
 
 
 
 
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Quarterly Report is being prepared;
 
 
 
 
 
 
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
 
 
 
 
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Annual Report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
d)
disclosed in this Quarterly Report any change in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an Annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
 
 
5
The Registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant's auditors and the Audit Committee of Registrant's Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
 
 
 
 
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 8, 2014

 
/s/ Carl G. Schmidt
 
Carl G. Schmidt
 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 


LEE 2013 ex32 (1) (1) (1)


Exhibit 32
 
The following statement is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission solely for purposes of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350), which carries with it certain criminal penalties in the event of a knowing or willful misrepresentation.
 
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20549
 
Re: Lee Enterprises, Incorporated
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
In accordance with the requirements of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350), each of the undersigned hereby certifies that to our knowledge:
 
(i)
 
this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 29, 2014 ("Quarterly Report"), fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and
 
 
 
(ii)
 
the information contained in this Quarterly Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated for the periods presented in the Quarterly Report.
 
Date: August 8, 2014
 
/s/ Mary E. Junck
 
/s/ Carl G. Schmidt
Mary E. Junck
 
Carl G. Schmidt
Chairman, President and
 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Chief Executive Officer
 
and Treasurer
 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and will be retained by Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.