Local news information
Search documents
Lee Enterprises LEE Q1 2026 Earnings Transcript
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-10 15:51
Core Insights - The company has strengthened its balance sheet and capital structure, positioning itself for long-term value creation for shareholders through a recent $50 million private placement of common stock at $3.25 per share [1][4][25] - The company aims to reach a digital revenue target of $450 million by 2030, having generated nearly $300 million in digital revenue over the past twelve months [2][14] - The recent equity investment and amended credit agreement will significantly reduce the interest rate on outstanding debt from 9% to 5%, resulting in approximately $18 million in annual interest savings [5][6][17] Financial Performance - In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, adjusted EBITDA grew by 61% year-over-year to $12 million, driven by effective cost management and operational efficiency [4][9][10] - Digital-only subscription revenue reached $23 million, with a 5% growth attributed to enhanced engagement and pricing strategies [9][10] - Total digital revenue for the quarter was over $70 million, representing more than 54% of total revenue, with a 330 basis point improvement in the digital revenue mix year-over-year [10][12] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on a three-pillar digital growth strategy that emphasizes local content, digital subscription growth, and a robust digital advertising business [3][14] - A new strategic partnership with Huddl aims to enhance local sports coverage and community engagement through video content [20][21] - The company has identified $26 million in non-core assets for potential monetization to further support debt reduction efforts [18] Future Outlook - The company reaffirms its outlook for mid-single-digit adjusted EBITDA growth for fiscal 2026, supported by strong first-quarter results [19] - The trajectory towards achieving 90% digital revenue by fiscal 2030 is expected to create a sustainable business model less reliant on print products [14][15] - Continued focus on reducing legacy costs and enhancing operational efficiency remains a priority to drive long-term shareholder value [16][25]