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]

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]