A takeover of the Telegraph raises a big question: who should own Britain’s press, if the choice is between foreign states and domestic moguls? https://t.co/DEM0R5LAor ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for fiscal 2025 was $562 million, with 53% derived from digital sources, indicating a significant shift towards digital reliance over legacy print business [4][11] - Digital-only subscription revenue reached $94 million, with a year-over-year growth of 16% on a same-store basis, despite challenges from a cyber incident [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA showed growth for the second consecutive quarter, reflecting effective cost management and operational execution [6][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The digital marketing services business, Amplified Digital Agency, surpassed $100 million in revenue with a 5% growth on a same-store basis [5][10] - Digital subscription revenue growth was 32% annually over the last three years, significantly outpacing industry peers [8][12] - Total digital revenue for fiscal 2025 was $298 million, representing 53% of total company revenue, highlighting the successful transition to a digital-first model [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital revenue growth was 2% on a same-store basis, indicating solid momentum in the digital transformation strategy [10] - The company nearly doubled the number of clients valued at over $1 million annually, showcasing the effectiveness of its innovative solutions [10] - The digital advertising revenue from Amplified Digital Agency contributed $103 million to the total digital advertising revenue of $184 million [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve $450 million in digital revenue by fiscal 2030, supported by a three-pillar digital growth strategy [5][8] - There is a focus on diversifying and expanding offerings for advertisers, with a goal of over $250 million in digital advertising revenue by 2030 [19][20] - The company is transitioning towards a predominantly digital model, with a target of 90% digital revenue by fiscal 2030 [12][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to drive sustainable growth and deliver long-term value to shareholders, despite challenges faced in fiscal 2025 [7][15] - The company anticipates a positive lift in digital revenue and margin in 2026 as transformational projects come to fruition [15][17] - The upcoming $50 million common stock rights offering is expected to support digital transformation and deleveraging efforts [21] Other Important Information - The company executed a strategic termination of its fully funded defined benefit pension plan, enhancing balance sheet flexibility [17] - Cash costs decreased by 5% compared to the previous year, finishing at $524 million, reflecting disciplined cost management [16] - The company has identified $25 million of non-core assets for future monetization, which will improve liquidity [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was the total debt reduction in the fourth fiscal quarter and the full fiscal year? - The company reduced debt by $121 million since the credit agreement was launched in 2020. In fiscal 2025, excluding increases due to the cyber incident, debt was reduced by approximately $3.5 million [25] Question: No further questions were asked, and the call concluded with closing remarks from management [26]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for fiscal 2025 was $562 million, with 53% derived from digital sources, indicating a significant shift towards digital reliance over legacy print business [4][11] - Digital-only subscription revenue reached $94 million, with a year-over-year growth of 16% on a same-store basis, despite challenges from a cyber incident [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA showed growth for the second consecutive quarter, reflecting effective cost management and operational execution [6][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The digital marketing services business, Amplified Digital Agency, surpassed $100 million in revenue with a 5% growth on a same-store basis [5][10] - Digital subscription revenue growth was 32% annually over the last three years, significantly outpacing industry peers [8][12] - Total digital revenue for fiscal 2025 was $298 million, representing 53% of total company revenue, highlighting the successful transition to a digital-first model [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital revenue growth was 2% on a same-store basis, indicating solid momentum in the digital transformation strategy [10] - The company nearly doubled the number of clients valued at over $1 million annually, showcasing the effectiveness of its innovative solutions [10] - The transition from 21% digital revenue in 2020 to 53% in 2025 marks a critical revenue inflection point for the company [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The three-pillar digital growth strategy aims for $450 million in digital revenue by 2030, focusing on digital subscriptions and advertising [5][12] - The company is committed to achieving 90% digital revenue by fiscal year 2030, reducing reliance on print products [12][21] - Investments in content, branding, and consumer marketing are expected to drive digital subscription revenue to $175 million by fiscal 2030 [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to drive sustainable growth and deliver long-term value to shareholders, despite challenges faced in fiscal 2025 [7][15] - The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA growth in mid-single digits for fiscal 2026, supported by ongoing digital transformation efforts [17] - The upcoming $50 million common stock rights offering is expected to enhance balance sheet flexibility and support digital transformation [21] Other Important Information - The company executed a strategic termination of its defined benefit pension plan, improving balance sheet flexibility and eliminating long-term cost uncertainty [17] - The company identified $25 million in additional non-core assets for future monetization, enhancing liquidity [17][21] - The CFO, Tim Millage, will depart in early 2026, with management expressing gratitude for his contributions [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was the total debt reduction in the fourth fiscal quarter and the full fiscal year? - The company reduced debt by $121 million since the credit agreement was launched in 2020, with a reduction of approximately $3.5 million in fiscal 2025, excluding increases related to a cyber incident [25] Question: No further questions were asked, and the call concluded. - The call ended with management reiterating their focus on long-term transformation for the benefit of shareholders and stakeholders [26][27]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for fiscal 2025 was $562 million, with 53% derived from digital sources, indicating a significant shift towards digital reliance over legacy print business [4][11] - Digital-only subscription revenue reached $94 million, with a year-over-year growth of 16% on a same-store basis, despite challenges from a cyber incident [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA showed growth for the second consecutive quarter, reflecting effective cost management and operational execution [6][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The digital marketing services business, Amplified Digital Agency, surpassed $100 million in revenue with a 5% growth on a same-store basis [5][10] - Digital subscription revenue growth was 32% annually over the last three years, significantly outpacing industry peers [8][11] - Digital advertising revenue contributed $184 million, with Amplified Digital Agency accounting for $103 million of this total [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital revenue constituted 53% of total company revenue, a notable increase from 21% in 2020, marking a critical revenue inflection point [12][21] - The company aims for $450 million in digital revenue by fiscal 2030, with a long-term goal of achieving 90% digital revenue [12][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a three-pillar digital growth strategy, which is expected to drive sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value [5][12] - Investments in local journalism, branding, and consumer marketing are anticipated to enhance digital subscription revenue, targeting $175 million by fiscal 2030 [18][19] - The company plans to leverage advanced data-driven advertising technology and expand its digital audience to boost high-margin digital advertising revenue [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving mid-single-digit adjusted EBITDA growth in fiscal 2026, despite challenges faced in 2025 [17] - The company anticipates a positive lift in digital revenue and margins in 2026 as transformational projects come to fruition [14][17] - The upcoming $50 million common stock rights offering is expected to support digital transformation and deleveraging efforts [21][22] Other Important Information - The company executed $40 million in annualized cost reductions and an additional $10 million entering fiscal 2026, focusing on non-core print operations [16][17] - A strategic termination of the fully funded defined benefit pension plan was announced, enhancing balance sheet flexibility [17] - The company is identifying opportunities to monetize non-core assets, with $9 million in asset sales completed in fiscal 2025 and an additional $25 million identified for future monetization [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was the total debt reduction in the fourth fiscal quarter and the full fiscal year? - Since the credit agreement was launched in 2020, the company has reduced debt by $121 million. In fiscal 2025, excluding increases due to the cyber incident, debt was reduced by approximately $3.5 million through operations and asset sales [26]

FOURTH QUARTER FY2025 EARNINGS NOVEMBER 26, 2025 SAFE HARBOR The information provided in this presentation may include forward-looking statements relating to future events or the future financial performance of the Company. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as "aims", "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "will," "potential," "hope" and similar expressions ...

Core Insights - Lee Enterprises reported a fourth quarter fiscal 2025 Adjusted EBITDA growth of $2 million year-over-year on a comparable basis, indicating a positive trend in profitability [1][2] - Total Digital Revenue accounted for 53% of total revenue in the quarter, amounting to $74 million, showcasing the company's strong digital presence [1][5] - Digital-only subscription revenue increased by 16% year-over-year, reflecting the effectiveness of the company's digital growth strategy [2][5] Financial Performance - For the fourth quarter ended September 28, 2025, total operating revenue was $139 million, with digital revenue contributing $74 million [5][15] - Operating expenses totaled $142 million, with cash costs at $126 million, both showing a decrease of 13% and 12% respectively compared to the prior year [5][16] - The net loss for the quarter was $6 million, while Adjusted EBITDA was reported at $15 million [5][16] Digital Strategy - Digital-only subscribers reached 633,000 by the end of the quarter, with digital-only subscription revenue totaling $25 million, a 6% increase year-over-year [5][15] - Digital advertising and marketing services revenue represented 74% of total advertising revenue, totaling $44 million [5][15] - The company has seen a 32% annual increase in digital-only subscription revenue over the past three years, indicating strong growth in this segment [5][15] Debt and Cash Flow - The company has $455 million of debt outstanding under a credit agreement with favorable terms, including a fixed annual interest rate of 9.0% [6][9] - Cash on the balance sheet totaled $10 million, resulting in net debt of $445 million after accounting for cash [9][19] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $1 million, with expectations of up to $10 million in FY26 [9][19] Operational Highlights - The company is executing a strategic termination of its fully funded benefit pension plan, which is expected to improve balance sheet flexibility [9][19] - The fiscal year 2025 results were materially impacted by a cyber incident in February 2025, affecting revenue and Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $12 million and $8 million respectively [19][20]

A bid by the owner of the Daily Mail newspaper to acquire its rival the Telegraph is likely to be waved through by regulators, reflecting the UK’s altered media landscape https://t.co/8eFAgABOks ...

Core Viewpoint - The Daily Mail's publisher, Daily Mail and General Trust plc, is in exclusive talks to acquire Telegraph Media Group for £500 million (approximately USD 654 million), following previous concerns regarding foreign ownership of British news organizations [6]. Group 1: Ownership and Acquisition - The acquisition aims to link two right-leaning news groups, the Daily Mail and the Telegraph, which have historically supported the Conservative Party [6]. - The proposed deal comes after RedBird IMI's previous attempt to acquire the Telegraph was stalled due to concerns over foreign influence in British media [6][4]. - The ownership transition is expected to enhance the Telegraph's global brand presence, similar to that of the Daily Mail [3][6]. Group 2: Historical Context - The ownership battle for the Telegraph began in 2023 when the Barclay family lost control of the company amid disputes with lenders [4]. - In November 2023, RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi's International Media Investments announced an agreement to acquire the Telegraph, which raised concerns in the House of Commons regarding foreign influence on national media [4][5]. Group 3: Government Response - The previous government, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, initiated a review of the proposed acquisition due to concerns about foreign state interference in media [5]. - The current Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, has stated that any new acquisition will be reviewed to ensure it aligns with public interest and legislation regarding foreign influence in media mergers [6].

Core Insights - Lee Enterprises' Chief Financial Officer, Tim Millage, will leave the company to pursue a role as an Executive Pastor, effective February 28, 2026 [1][2] - Millage expressed confidence in the company's future and highlighted the success of the Three Pillar Digital Growth Strategy, which is enhancing revenue composition and digital margins [2] - The company is actively searching for a new CFO and Millage will provide consulting services until May 31, 2026 [2] Company Overview - Lee Enterprises is a significant subscription and advertising platform, providing local news and information through daily newspapers and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications across 72 markets in 25 states [3] - The company is committed to delivering valuable local news and information to its communities, with key markets including St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; Omaha, NE; and others [3] - Lee Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol LEE [3]

Core Viewpoint - Lee Enterprises, Incorporated is set to announce preliminary results for its quarter ended September 28, 2025, during a scheduled audio webcast and conference call on November 26, 2025, at 9 a.m. Central Time [1] Company Overview - Lee Enterprises is a significant subscription and advertising platform, providing local news and information through daily newspapers, digital products, and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications across 72 markets in 25 states [3] - The company is committed to delivering valuable, intensely local news and information to the communities it serves, with notable markets including St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; Omaha, NE; and others [3] - Lee Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol LEE [3]