Core Viewpoint - Lee Enterprises, Incorporated is set to announce preliminary results for its quarter ended March 30, 2025, during a scheduled audio webcast and conference call on May 8, 2025 [1] 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 emphasizes its commitment to delivering valuable, intensely local news to the communities it serves, with notable markets including St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; and Omaha, NE [3] - Lee Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol LEE [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, Dallas News Corporation reported a net income of $28.3 million or $5.28 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.4 million in Q1 2024 [5] - Operating income for the quarter was $34.2 million, which includes a net gain of $36.2 million from the sale of the Plano printing facility [5] - Total revenue decreased to $29.1 million from $31.1 million year-over-year, a decline of $2 million [5] - On a non-GAAP basis, the adjusted operating loss was $1.2 million, an improvement of $400,000 compared to the adjusted operating loss of $800,000 in the same period last year [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advertising and marketing services revenue was $800,000, a decrease of $800,000 or 7.2% compared to $11.6 million reported last year, primarily due to a print advertising revenue decline of $700,000 or 12.2% [6] - Circulation revenue was $15.4 million, down $900,000 or 5.2% from $16.3 million last year, mainly due to a print circulation revenue decrease of $700,000 or 6% [6] - Total membership, including both print and digital, was 125,972 as of March 31, down from 126,973 as of December 31 [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital-only subscriptions increased to 65,028, reflecting a 1.1% increase from December 31 and a 4.2% increase compared to March of last year [7] - The company noted softness in print advertising, particularly in real estate and retail sectors, while financial services advertising remained robust [32][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transitioning print operations to a smaller, more efficient facility, with expected expense savings starting in May [10][11] - The board is discussing capital allocation strategies, including investing in digital revenue growth and returning capital to shareholders [11] - The company aims to improve margins at Medium Giant by focusing on larger, more profitable accounts and discontinuing relationships with smaller clients [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the return to growth plan, highlighting the successful funding of pension obligations and the transition to a new printing facility [9][10] - The management acknowledged the slower-than-expected growth in digital subscriptions but is implementing more aggressive offers to stimulate growth [25][26] - Economic uncertainties, including tariffs and consumer demand, are being closely monitored as they may impact advertising budgets [11][32] Other Important Information - The company recorded $6 million in tax expense for the quarter, but cash taxes are expected to be approximately $700,000 due to the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards [8] - As of April 25, the company had approximately $36 million in cash and cash equivalents following the sale of the Plano property [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the company still on track for the $5 million profit improvement expected for 2025? - Management confirmed that they expect to realize the $5 million in savings starting in May, with a partial realization in Q2 and full realization in Q3 and Q4 [21][22] Question: Can you explain the 16% lift in starts from the new dynamic paywall? - The 16% lift refers to the increase in new subscriptions generated by the dynamic paywall compared to the previous meter strategy, which was based on fixed business rules [24] Question: How are subscribers trending in Q2? - Subscriber growth is still occurring, but at a slower pace than desired. The company is testing a more aggressive offer to boost subscription volume [25][26] Question: What areas of advertising showed weakness in Q1? - The company noted softness in real estate and retail advertising, while financial services remained strong. The agency side is steadier compared to print [32][33] Question: Will the increase in newsprint usage normalize in Q2? - Yes, the newsprint usage will return to 2024 levels, although pricing may fluctuate due to market conditions [38][39] Question: What is the status of pension obligations? - The company spent $10 million to fully fund the pension, which was less than the initially expected $14 to $16 million [41] Question: What is the expected profitability level for Medium Giant going forward? - Management aims to improve Medium Giant's margins into the double digits, focusing on larger clients to enhance profitability [44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenues for Q1 were $571.6 million, a decrease of 10.1% year-over-year, or 7.7% on a same-store basis [31] - Adjusted EBITDA totaled $50.5 million, representing a margin of 8.8%, with a year-over-year decline in line with expectations [33] - The company reported a net loss of $7 million, an improvement of approximately $77 million compared to the previous year [35] - Free cash flow in Q1 totaled $10.2 million, growing 7.6%, with expectations for similar performance in Q2 [40][41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total digital revenues in Q1 were $250.4 million, down 6.4% year-over-year, representing approximately 44% of total revenues [36] - Digital-only subscription revenues exceeded $43 million, reflecting minor same-store growth, impacted by the sale of Austin and elevated customer churn [36] - Adjusted EBITDA for the Digital Marketing Solutions (DMS) segment totaled $8.5 million, with core platform revenue at $108.2 million [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a slowdown in digital advertising trends, particularly in the UK market, affecting the NewsQuest segment [38] - The average monthly unique visitors reached 195 million, growing over 4% compared to the prior year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its industry-leading scale and diverse digital businesses to capture long-term growth opportunities [11] - A key focus is on enhancing monetization opportunities through a unified content strategy and the launch of new platforms like Studio Nine [19] - The company is committed to reducing debt and improving its capital structure, with a target of repaying over $125 million in debt through various means [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the full-year 2025 business outlook, citing improving revenue trends and operational efficiencies [56] - The recent DOJ ruling against Google is seen as a positive development that could lead to a more equitable digital advertising marketplace [12][46] - Management noted that Q1 results were viewed as an anomaly, with expectations for stabilization and growth in digital revenues moving forward [36][68] Other Important Information - The company has made several changes to streamline its executive leadership team, resulting in a more cohesive structure and significant cost savings [35] - The company is focused on enhancing customer experience across its product suite, particularly in the DMS segment [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of DOJ case against Google - Management believes the ruling sets the stage for a more favorable ad marketplace, potentially leading to higher revenue shares for publishers [46][49] Question: Adjustments to affiliate revenue business - The company is working with affiliate partners to navigate changes and reenergize revenue growth through existing content [50][51] Question: Confidence in 2025 guidance - Management reaffirmed confidence in guidance, citing improvements in retention and diversified revenue base [56][57] Question: Digital subscription revenue trends - On a same-store basis, there was some growth in digital subscriptions, but impacted by revenue reversals [72][74] Question: Tools to aggregate budgets onto the platform - The company is leveraging relationships with advertisers and building out first-party data solutions to drive up CPM [78][79] Question: Status of non-strategic asset sales - The company has largely completed its real estate sales and does not feel pressured to sell any strategic assets [81][83]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenues for Q1 were $571.6 million, a decrease of 10.1% year-over-year, or 7.7% on a same-store basis [31] - Adjusted EBITDA totaled $50.5 million, representing a margin of 8.8%, with a year-over-year decline in line with expectations [33] - The company reported a net loss of $7 million, an improvement of approximately $77 million compared to the previous year [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total digital revenues in Q1 were $250.4 million, down 6.4% year-over-year, representing approximately 44% of total revenues [36] - Digital-only subscription revenues exceeded $43 million, reflecting minor same-store growth, impacted by elevated customer churn [36] - Adjusted EBITDA for the Digital Marketing Solutions (DMS) segment totaled $8.5 million, with core platform revenue at $108.2 million [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a slowdown in digital advertising trends, particularly in the UK market, affecting the NewsQuest segment [38] - The average monthly unique visitors reached 195 million, growing over 4% compared to the prior year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its industry-leading scale and diverse digital businesses to capture long-term growth opportunities [11] - A key focus is on enhancing monetization opportunities through a unified content strategy and the launch of new platforms like Studio Nine [19] - The company is committed to reducing debt and improving its capital structure, with expectations to repay over $125 million in debt through various means [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving financial objectives for 2025, despite a challenging economic backdrop [6] - The recent DOJ ruling against Google is seen as a positive development that could lead to a more equitable digital advertising marketplace [12] - Management noted that Q1 results were viewed as an anomaly, with expectations for improved revenue trends in the second half of the year [66] Other Important Information - The company made significant leadership changes, including the appointment of a new CFO, to strengthen financial and operational performance [10] - The company is focused on enhancing customer experience and retention through product development and marketing initiatives [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of DOJ case against Google - Management believes the ruling sets the stage for a more favorable ad marketplace, potentially increasing revenue shares for publishers [46] Question: Adjustments to affiliate revenue business - The company is working with affiliate partners to navigate changes and reenergize revenue growth through existing content [50] Question: Confidence in 2025 guidance - Management reaffirmed confidence in guidance, citing improvements in retention and operational efficiencies [56] Question: Digital subscription revenue trends - On a same-store basis, there was some growth in digital subscriptions, but impacted by revenue reversals [74] Question: Tools to aggregate budgets onto the platform - The company is leveraging relationships with advertisers and building out first-party data solutions to drive up CPM [80] Question: Status of non-strategic asset sales - The company has largely worked through its real estate portfolio and does not feel pressured to sell assets that could negatively impact the business [83]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenues for Q1 were $571.6 million, a decrease of 10.1% year-over-year, or 7.7% on a same-store basis [30] - Adjusted EBITDA totaled $50.5 million, representing a margin of 8.8%, with a year-over-year decline in line with expectations [31] - The company reported a net loss of $7 million in Q1, an improvement of approximately $77 million compared to the previous year [33] - Free cash flow in Q1 totaled $10.2 million, growing 7.6%, with expectations for similar performance in Q2 [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total digital revenues in Q1 were $250.4 million, down 6.4% year-over-year, representing approximately 44% of total revenues [34] - Digital-only subscription revenues exceeded $43 million, reflecting minor same-store growth, impacted by elevated customer churn [34] - Adjusted EBITDA for the Digital Marketing Solutions (DMS) segment totaled $8.5 million, with core platform revenue at $108.2 million [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company had 195 million average monthly unique visitors, growing over 4% compared to the prior year [14] - The UK market experienced a slowdown in digital advertising trends, reflective of the local economy [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its industry-leading scale and diverse digital businesses to drive long-term growth [11] - A key focus is on enhancing monetization opportunities through investments in digital initiatives and expanding first-party data [13] - The recent DOJ ruling against Google is seen as a potential catalyst for a more equitable digital advertising marketplace, benefiting the company [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year 2025 business outlook despite a challenging first quarter [7] - The company anticipates a marked improvement in top-line trends, particularly in digital revenue, as it moves past unique first-quarter challenges [6] - Management noted that the fundamentals of the business are improving, with stronger retention and a more diversified revenue base [56] Other Important Information - The company reduced its debt by approximately $75 million in Q1, strengthening its capital structure [8] - A leadership transition occurred with the appointment of Tricia Gosser as Chief Financial Officer [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of DOJ case against Google - Management believes the DOJ's win sets the stage for a more favorable ad marketplace, leading to greater transparency and higher revenue shares for publishers [44] Question: Adjustments to affiliate revenue business - The company is working with affiliate partners to navigate changes and reenergize revenue growth through leveraging existing content [50] Question: Confidence in 2025 guidance - Management remains confident in the guidance, citing improvements in fundamentals and operational efficiencies [56] Question: Digital subscription revenue trends - On a same-store basis, there was some growth in digital subscriptions, but impacted by higher revenue reversals [73] Question: Tools to aggregate budgets onto the platform - The company is leveraging relationships with advertisers and building out first-party data solutions to drive up CPM [79] Question: Status of non-strategic asset sales - The company has largely worked through its real estate portfolio and does not feel pressured to sell assets that could negatively impact the business [83]

Core Insights - DallasNews Corporation reported a significant turnaround in financial performance for Q1 2025, achieving a net income of $28.3 million compared to a net loss of $1.4 million in Q1 2024, largely due to the sale of the Plano printing facility [2][24]. - The company is focused on its Return to Growth Plan, which includes fully funding pension plans and transitioning printing operations, leading to expected expense savings [2][13]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $29.1 million, a decrease of $2.0 million or 6.4% compared to Q1 2024 [4]. - Advertising and marketing services revenue was $10.8 million, down 7.2% from $11.6 million in the previous year, primarily due to a 12.2% decline in print advertising revenue [5]. - Circulation revenue decreased to $15.4 million, a drop of 5.2% from $16.3 million, mainly due to a 6.0% decline in print circulation revenue [6]. - The company recorded a net gain of $36.2 million from the sale of the Plano printing facility, which significantly impacted operating income, resulting in an operating income of $34.2 million [2][24]. Operating Expenses - Total consolidated operating expense was $(5.1) million, with an improvement of $1.7 million or 5.3% compared to Q1 2024 when excluding the gain from the facility sale [8]. - Adjusted operating expense was $30.3 million, reflecting a decrease of $1.6 million or 4.9% year-over-year, primarily due to savings in employee compensation and benefits [9]. Employee and Cash Position - As of March 31, 2025, the company had 461 employees, a reduction of 70 or 13.2% compared to the previous year, attributed to the transition to a more efficient printing facility [12]. - The company reported cash and cash equivalents of $44.2 million, significantly up from $9.6 million at the end of 2024, and has no debt [12][26]. Pension Plans - The company fully funded its pension liabilities using proceeds from the Plano printing facility sale and transitioned these obligations to an insurance carrier through an annuity purchase agreement [10][13].

Company Overview - DallasNews Corporation is the holding company for The Dallas Morning News and Medium Giant, based in Dallas [3] - The Dallas Morning News is recognized as Texas' leading daily newspaper, known for its strong journalistic reputation and community ties, having won nine Pulitzer Prizes [3] - Medium Giant is an integrated creative marketing agency that has received multiple industry awards, including the AAF Addy and AMA DFW Annual Marketer of the Year Award for Campaign of the Year in 2024 [4] Upcoming Financial Results - DallasNews Corporation will release its first quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on May 1, 2025 [1] - A conference call to discuss the financial results will take place on May 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CDT [1] - The conference call will be available via webcast on the company's investor relations website, with an archive accessible afterward [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, Dallas News Corporation reported a net income of $4 million or $0.74 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.2 million in Q4 2023 [6] - The total revenue for Q4 2024 was $31.1 million, down from $34 million in Q4 2023, marking a decline in advertising and marketing services revenue by $1.3 million [6][7] - For the full year 2024, the company reported a net income of $131,000 or $0.02 per share, compared to a net loss of $7.1 million in 2023 [8] - Total revenue for the year was $125.4 million, down from $139.7 million in 2023, reflecting a decline of $14.3 million [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advertising and marketing services revenue decreased by $11.1 million or 18.9% year-over-year, with print advertising revenue declining by $10.7 million due to discontinued product lines [9] - Circulation revenue decreased by $500,000, driven by a decline in print circulation, although digital-only circulation revenue increased [9][10] - Total adjusted operating expenses for Q4 2024 were $32.4 million, an improvement of $1 million compared to the same period last year [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average newsprint industry cost per metric ton decreased to $637 from $687 in 2023, a reduction of 7.3% [11] - As of December 31, 2024, the company had 64,334 digital-only subscribers, an increase of 1,334 or 2.1% compared to the previous year [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has transitioned its print operations to a smaller, more efficient facility, generating over $5 million in annualized expense savings starting in 2025 [15] - The sale of the Plano property for $43.5 million has strengthened the balance sheet and allowed the company to fully fund its pension plan [15][16] - The focus for 2025 includes enhancing digital products, growing digital subscriptions, and maintaining high-quality journalism [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that print advertising revenue has shown volatility, particularly in classified revenue, but expressed optimism for recovery in early 2025 [30] - The company is implementing new AI technology for its paywall to improve digital subscription growth, although initial results may be affected by market conditions [36] - Management emphasized the importance of stabilizing the digital audience before expanding the digital product portfolio [19] Other Important Information - The company recorded a non-cash tax benefit of $5 million due to a reduction in the valuation allowance, which is expected to offset gains from the sale of the Plano property [8][12] - As of March 17, 2025, cash and short-term investments were reported at $47 million [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What led to the substantial decrease in print advertising? - Management indicated that print advertising is volatile, with less than 10% on annual contracts, and noted a significant drop in classified revenue in Q4 2024 [28][30] Question: Can you provide total operating expenses related to the Plano separation plan? - Management stated that detailed expenses would be clearer in the first quarter of 2025, with substantial savings expected from the transition [31][34] Question: What are the expected after-tax proceeds from the asset sale? - The expected net proceeds from the sale of the Plano property are approximately $39 million after taxes and sales costs [41][62] Question: What will be the capital expenditure requirements going forward? - Management indicated that capital expenditures would be minimal after the first quarter, estimating around $250,000 to $500,000 per quarter [45][59] Question: Are digital margins improving? - Management confirmed that digital margins are strong and improving, particularly with the addition of video content, which commands higher advertising rates [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenue for the first quarter was $145 million, with total digital revenue growing 5% year over year, driven by a 14% increase in both digital subscription revenue and Amplify Digital revenue [14][18] - Digital revenue has grown more than 17% annually since FY 2021, translating to a 13% annual growth in digital gross margin, with a digital margin of 70% [14][15] - Digital subscription units increased by 8%, totaling 774,000 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital subscription revenue grew 14% year over year, continuing to lead the company's growth [8][14] - Amplify Digital Agency revenue has significantly outpaced industry peers, growing 33% annually for the past three years [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total digital revenue reached $320 million on a trailing twelve-month basis, including $102 million from Amplify Digital Agency [7] - The company is well-positioned to leverage AI partnerships to enhance digital revenue growth in the upcoming quarters [15][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on digital transformation, leveraging AI to enhance customer engagement and advertising opportunities [6][10] - The three-pillar growth strategy aims to achieve total digital revenue of over $450 million by 2028, with continued growth in digital subscription revenue and new AI revenue opportunities [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year guidance for FY 2025, citing cost management initiatives and growth from core digital businesses [25][27] - The company expects total digital revenue growth in the range of 7% to 10% and adjusted EBITDA to grow in the low single digits [18] Other Important Information - The company has identified $40 million in annual cost reductions to be executed by the end of the second quarter [16][27] - Over $5 million in asset sales were closed in the first quarter, with an additional $25 million of non-core assets identified for monetization [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans to monetize AI library and value proposition for advertising customers - Management is evaluating the best return for their content library and is focused on the AI Boost program to provide advertisers with enhanced visibility in the digital marketplace [22][23] Question: Information on cost initiatives and confidence in digital revenue growth - Management highlighted three factors for confidence: growth from core digital businesses, acceleration from AI initiatives, and identified cost reductions [25][27]