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Lee Enterprises Reports Second Quarter Results
Globenewswireยท 2025-05-08 11:00
Core Insights - Lee Enterprises reported a total operating revenue of $137 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, with digital revenue accounting for 53% of this total at $73 million, reflecting a 3% increase year-over-year [2][9] - Digital-only subscription revenue grew by 20% year-over-year, reaching $24 million, with a total of 728,000 digital-only subscribers [2][9] - The company faced challenges due to a cyber security incident in February, incurring $2 million in restoration costs and impacting advertising revenue [4][9] Financial Performance - Total operating revenue was $137 million, down from $146.55 million in the same quarter last year [9][16] - Operating expenses totaled $143 million, which included $2 million related to cyber restoration costs, marking a 6% decrease compared to the prior year [9][16] - The net loss for the quarter was $12 million, with an Adjusted EBITDA of $8 million [9][18] Digital Transformation - Digital subscription revenue increased by 20% on a same-store basis, indicating strong growth in the digital segment [3][9] - Amplified Digital Agency revenue reached $25 million, up 9% year-over-year, showcasing the effectiveness of the company's digital marketing services [2][3] - The company launched an AI solution aimed at supporting local businesses in adapting to the evolving advertising landscape [5] Cost Management - Lee Enterprises executed $40 million in annualized cost reductions during the second quarter to address near-term challenges [6] - The company anticipates improving year-over-year trends in Total Digital Revenue for the third and fourth fiscal quarters of FY25 [6] Debt and Cash Flow - The company has $453 million in outstanding debt under a favorable credit agreement with BH Finance, which includes a fixed annual interest rate of 9.0% [8][14] - Cash on the balance sheet totaled $5 million, with debt net of cash amounting to $448 million [14]