Hong Kong, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wang and Lee Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: WLGS) today announced its strategic investment in Nasdaq-listed TROOPS, Inc. (NASDAQ: TROO). This collaboration aims to unlock synergies by integrating Wang and Lee's cutting-edge AI-driven advertising media, smart home devices, and blockchain-powered token rewards into TROOPS' expansive infrastructure. The proposed investment will enable Wang and Lee to deploy its AI-driven digital advertising platforms and IoT-enabled smart ho ...

Innovative partnership with City University of Hong Kong paves the way for sustainable urban solutions HONG KONG, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wang & Lee Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ​WLGS) (the “Company”) today announced the successful installation of the first ever developed and made in Hong Kong smart flooring system capable of converting kinetic energy from human footsteps into usable electricity. This milestone achievement, developed in collaboration with City University of Hong Kong (“CityU”), marks a t ...

DAVENPORT, Iowa, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (NASDAQ:LEE) ("Lee" or the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board") has unanimously approved an amendment to the Company's existing shareholder rights plan (the "Rights Plan"), pursuant to which the expiration date of the Rights Plan was extended for one year from March 27, 2025 until March 27, 2026. Following the unsolicited expression of interest from The Hoffmann Family of Companies (together wit ...

Core Insights - Wang & Lee Group, Inc. has formed a strategic partnership with HK Golden, Inc. to integrate ad-driven content into Linko's AI-powered smart home devices, allowing users to earn blockchain tokens for ad engagement, thereby enhancing ESG impact and consumer value [1][2][3] Group 1: Tokenized Ad Engagement - Users of Linko's devices will earn W&L-issued blockchain tokens for every minute spent interacting with HKGolden's ads, which can be redeemed for device upgrades, premium subscriptions, or cash [2] - The partnership ensures transparent tracking of ad engagement and token distribution through W&L's blockchain ledger [2] Group 2: ESG-Driven Synergy - A portion of the ad revenue generated will fund W&L's solar crypto-mines, linking user engagement to renewable energy growth and supporting global decarbonization goals [3] - This initiative promotes sustainable behavior while rewarding users for their engagement with ads [3] Group 3: Leadership Commentary - The CEO of Wang & Lee Group emphasized the transformation of passive ad consumption into active participation in the green economy, benefiting both users and the environment [4] - Representatives from Linko and HK Golden highlighted the enhanced value of devices and the pioneering nature of the alliance in redefining media monetization [4] Group 4: Strategic Benefits - Users can earn tokens through ad engagement, energy savings, and sustainable actions, while advertisers benefit from precise AI targeting, leading to higher ROI [5] - The partnership positions Wang & Lee as a leader in combining AI smart homes, blockchain rewards, and ESG-aligned media partnerships [5] Group 5: Projected Impacts - Anticipated user growth in Linko device adoption is expected post-integration, driven by the incentive of token rewards [6] - The alliance is projected to reduce household carbon footprints among participating users [6]

Core Insights - Lee Enterprises has launched a suite of AI-powered solutions called AmplifiedDigital.AI aimed at supporting local businesses in enhancing operations and customer connections in a digital marketplace [1][2]. Group 1: AI Solutions Overview - The AI solutions are designed to provide local businesses with essential tools for success, including data-driven insights and personalized marketing capabilities [2]. - The first product, A.I. Enablement, focuses on transforming businesses through various features that address marketing inefficiencies and customer engagement challenges [3][4]. Group 2: Commitment to Local Businesses - Lee Enterprises emphasizes its mission to foster economic growth and support local entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of local businesses as the backbone of communities [3][4]. - The company aims to create opportunities and drive results through its AI solutions, which are not solely technology-focused but also geared towards tangible business success [4]. Group 3: Features of AI Solutions - Key features of the AI solutions include enhanced visibility in AI search engines, rapid content creation, distribution through local news websites, educational resources for leveraging AI, AI-enhanced social media tools, and next-generation website optimization [5].

DAVENPORT, Iowa, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lee Enterprises, a leading provider of high-quality local news, information, and advertising services, announced today the launch of an expansive suite of AI-powered solutions (AmplifiedDigital.AI) designed to support and empower local businesses. This innovative offering comes from the media company’s digital marketing agency, Amplified Digital, and leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence to help businesses enhance their operations, connect with cu ...

DAVENPORT, Iowa, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Lee Enterprises Inc, (NASDAQ:LEE) a leading provider of local news, information and advertising across 72 markets in 25 states, today announced it has entered a partnership with VeeFriends, an entertainment company created by serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, to produce original comics that will publish weekly on weekends across Lee Enterprises' publications.  VeeFriends, which shares daily comics on Instagram and TikTok, is dedicated to creating a bett ...

Core Insights - Lee Enterprises Inc has partnered with VeeFriends to produce original weekly comics that will be published in Lee's publications starting February 23, 2025 [1][3] - VeeFriends is an entertainment company created by Gary Vaynerchuk, featuring a universe of 251 characters aimed at inspiring and connecting with audiences [2][7] - The partnership aims to enhance reader experiences through engaging content, leveraging the popularity of comics in both print and digital formats [5][6] Company Overview - Lee Enterprises operates in 72 markets across 25 states, focusing on local news, information, and advertising [1][7] - The company emphasizes quality journalism and digital innovation, aiming to deliver valuable content and advertising solutions [7] Partnership Details - The comics will feature characters like Brave Bison, Empathy Elephant, and Fearless Fairy, who use their superpowers to help humanity [3] - To celebrate the launch, live streaming events called "Draw Offs" will be held, allowing audiences to see the creative process and submit their own comic contributions [4] Strategic Goals - The collaboration with VeeFriends is part of Lee Enterprises' strategy to provide world-class content partnerships that enhance reader engagement [5][6] - The partnership is expected to bring positivity and inspiration to audiences, showcasing VeeFriends' creativity in cartooning [6]

Revenue Performance - Total operating revenue decreased by $11.1 million, or 7.1%, to $144.6 million in the 2025 Quarter compared to the 2024 Quarter [64]. - Digital subscription revenue increased by 10.8% to $21.6 million, while print subscription revenue decreased by 16.3% to $43.4 million [66]. - Digital-only subscribers grew by 5% to a total of 774,000, contributing to a total subscription revenue of $65.0 million, down 8.9% from the previous year [66]. - Digital advertising and marketing services revenue totaled $46.7 million, a slight increase of 0.6%, representing 70.2% of total advertising and marketing services revenue [65]. - Total digital revenue, including digital advertising, subscription, and services, reached $73.4 million, an increase of 3.5% and representing 50.8% of total operating revenue [68]. Operating Expenses and Losses - Total operating expenses were $149.0 million, a decrease of 0.2% compared to the 2024 Quarter, with compensation expenses rising by 1.0% [70]. - The company reported an operating loss of $3.4 million in the 2025 Quarter, compared to an operating income of $7.8 million in the 2024 Quarter [75]. - Net loss was $16.2 million, with diluted loss per share of $2.80, compared to net income of $1.2 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.12 in the previous year [82]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended December 29, 2024, was $7.609 million, a decrease of 59.3% from $18.649 million in the prior year [89]. - Operating expenses for the three months ended December 29, 2024, were $149.036 million, slightly down from $149.386 million in the same period of 2023 [89]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash required by operating activities totaled $7.3 million in the 2025 Period, a decrease of $7.4 million compared to cash provided by operating activities of $0.1 million in the 2024 Period [92]. - Cash provided by investing activities increased to $3.9 million in the 2025 Period from $2.1 million in the 2024 Period, driven by proceeds from the sale of non-core real estate [94]. - The company expects capital expenditures to total approximately $10.0 million in 2025, funded by internally generated funds [95]. - The company's liquidity, consisting of cash on the balance sheet, totaled $6.1 million on December 29, 2024 [99]. - No cash was required for financing activities in the 2025 Period, compared to $1.4 million in the 2024 Period, primarily for debt reduction [97]. Interest and Debt Management - Interest expense increased by 1.5% to $10.3 million, with a weighted average cost of debt of 9% [77]. - The company experienced a decrease in operating results of $13.6 million, adjusted for non-working capital items, partially offset by a $6.2 million increase in working capital [92]. - The company anticipates that all interest and principal payments due in the next twelve months will be satisfied by existing cash and cash flows [99].

Lee Enterprises Reports First Quarter Results Total Digital Revenue increased 5% YOY ; represented 51% of total revenue Digital-only subscription revenue increased 14% Amplified Digital Agency revenue totaled $24M, up 14% YOY (1) (2) (2) ® (2) DAVENPORT, Iowa (February 6, 2025) — Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (NASDAQ: LEE), a digital-first subscription platform providing high quality, trusted, local news, information and a major platform for advertising in 72 markets, today reported preliminary first quarte ...