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false000005836100000583612025-05-082025-05-080000058361us-gaap:CommonStockMember2025-05-082025-05-080000058361lee:PreferredSharePurchaseRightsMember2025-05-082025-05-08

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 8, 2025
_______________________________________________________________________________________
LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Delaware 1-6227 42-0823980
(State of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
4600 E. 53rd Street, Davenport, Iowa 52807
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(563) 383-2100
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share LEE The Nasdaq Global Select Market
Preferred Share Purchase Rights LEE The Nasdaq Global Select Market
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o Item 2.02.



Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On May 8, 2025, Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (the “Company”) reported its preliminary results for the second quarter ended March 30, 2025. In connection with the preliminary results, the Company issued a news release, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 (“News Release”). The Company also prepared presentation materials which were presented by management during the Company’s earnings conference call, which are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and have been made available on the Company’s website, investors.lee.net (“Presentation Materials”). In addition to the information in the News Release, the Presentation Materials include content and financial figures showing its expectation to be sustainable without reliance on print media within five years.
The information furnished by and incorporated by reference in this Item 2.02, including the attached Exhibits, shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure
The disclosure contained in Item 2.02 is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01.    Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d)Exhibits
99.1
99.2
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
Date: May 9, 2025 By: /s/ Timothy R. Millage
Timothy R. Millage
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EX-99.1 2 lee-2025x03x30xexx991.htm EX-99.1 Document

leelogo.jpg
Lee Enterprises Reports Second Quarter Results

Total Digital Revenue(1) of $73M represented 53% of total revenue
Digital-Only subscription revenue increased 20% YOY(2)
Amplified Digital® Agency revenue totaled $25M, or up 9% YOY(2)

DAVENPORT, Iowa (May 8, 2025) — Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (NASDAQ: LEE), a digital-first subscription platform providing high quality, trusted, local news, information and a major platform for advertising in 72 markets, today reported preliminary second quarter fiscal 2025 financial results(3) for the period ended March 30, 2025.

“Our second quarter results demonstrate the continued progression of our digital transformation. Digital subscription revenue continues to grow rapidly, up 20% on a same-store basis(2) in the quarter, as we yield higher average digital subscription rates for our 728,000 digital only subscribers. Amplified Digital® Agency, our full-service digital marketing agency, continues to have strong revenue growth, up an industry-leading 9% on a same-store basis(2) over the prior year," said Kevin Mowbray, Lee's President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Our company experienced a cyber security incident in February that had a significant impact on our quarterly operating results. We incurred $2 million in restoration costs in the quarter related to the cyber incident, and second quarter advertising revenue was impacted as our product portfolio was limited for a period of time. On the subscription side, our normal process for activating new digital subscribers was hampered, significantly impacting units in the quarter. I'm proud of how our team navigated the challenges as we are now recovered from the cyber incident and focused on executing our strategy," added Mowbray.

“In March, we launched an AI solution designed to provide local businesses with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive environment, from data-driven insights to personalized marketing capabilities. The first offering in our AI suite of products, AI Enablement, is aimed to prepare local businesses for the AI transformation of the advertising model," said Mowbray.

"We also took significant action on the cost side to address near-term challenges. We executed $40 million in annualized cost reductions in the second quarter, and trimmed capital and other spending to drive significant back-half free cash flow. As a result of our execution focus, we now expect our third and fourth fiscal quarters of FY25 to demonstrate improving year-over-year trends in Total Digital Revenue, and we expect year-over-year growth in Adjusted EBITDA. The updated outlook for FY25 represents the impacts from the current environment and the cyber incident but does not change our long-term expectations," Mowbray added.

Key Second Quarter Highlights:
•Total operating revenue was $137 million.
•Total Digital Revenue was $73 million, a 3% increase over the prior year, or 4% on a same-store basis(2), and represented 53% of our total operating revenue.
•Revenue from digital-only subscribers totaled $24 million, up 17% over the prior year, or up 20% on a same-store basis(2). Digital-only subscribers totaled 728,000 at the end of the quarter.
•Digital advertising and marketing services revenue represented 73% of our total advertising revenue and totaled $44 million.
•Digital services revenue, which is predominantly from BLOX Digital, totaled $5 million in the quarter.
•Operating expenses totaled $143 million and Cash Costs(4) totaled $131 million, a 6% and 2% decrease compared to the prior year, respectively. Operating expenses in the quarter included $2 million of cyber restoration expenses, which are included in the line Restructuring costs and other.
•Net loss totaled $12 million and Adjusted EBITDA(4) totaled $8 million.
1


Debt and Free Cash Flow:
The Company has $453 million of debt outstanding under our Credit Agreement(5) with BH Finance. The financing has favorable terms including a 25-year maturity, a fixed annual interest rate of 9.0%, no fixed principal payments, and no financial performance covenants.
As of and for the period ended March 30, 2025:
•The principal amount of debt totaled $453 million.
•In an effort to provide short-term liquidity, the Company's sole lender, BH Finance, waived payment of the Company's March 2025 and April 2025 interest and basic rent payments. Waived interest and basic rent payments were added to the principal amount due under the Credit Agreement.
•Cash on the balance sheet totaled $5 million. Debt, net of cash on the balance sheet, totaled $448 million.
•Capital expenditures totaled $1 million for the quarter and $3 million in the first six months. We expect up to $7 million of capital expenditures in FY25.
•We expect cash paid for income taxes to total between $3 million and $9 million in FY25.
•We do not expect any material pension contributions in the fiscal year as our plans are fully funded in the aggregate.
Conference Call Information:
As previously announced, we will hold an earnings conference call and audio webcast today at 9 a.m. Central Time. The live webcast will be accessible at www.lee.net and will be available for replay 24 hours later. Analysts have been invited to ask questions on the call. Questions from other participants may be submitted by participating in the webcast. To participate in the live conference call via telephone, please register here. Upon registering, a dial-in number and unique PIN will be provided to join the conference call.































2


About Lee:
Lee Enterprises is a major subscription and advertising platform and a leading provider of local news and information, with daily newspapers, rapidly growing digital products and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications serving 72 markets in 25 states. Lee's markets include St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; Omaha, NE; Richmond, VA; Lincoln, NE; Madison, WI; Davenport, IA; and Tucson, AZ. Lee Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee, please visit www.lee.net.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS — The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This release contains information that may be deemed forward-looking that is based largely on our current expectations, and is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Among such risks, trends and other uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond our control, are:

•We may be required to indemnify the previous owners of BH Media or The Buffalo News for unknown legal and other matters that may arise;
•Our ability to manage declining print revenue and circulation subscribers;
•The impact and duration of adverse conditions in certain aspects of the economy affecting our business;
•Changes in advertising and subscription demand;
•Changes in technology that impact our ability to deliver digital advertising;
•Potential changes in newsprint, other commodities and energy costs;
•Interest rates;
•Labor costs;
•Significant cyber security breaches or failure of our information technology systems;
•Our ability to achieve planned expense reductions and realize the expected benefit of our acquisitions;
•Our ability to maintain employee and customer relationships;
•Our ability to manage increased capital costs;
•Our ability to maintain our listing status on NASDAQ;
•Competition; and
•Other risks detailed from time to time in our publicly filed documents.
Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “considers” and similar expressions) generally should be considered forward-looking statements. Statements regarding our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations regarding our business and industry and our responses thereto may have on our future operations, are forward-looking statements. They reflect our expectations, are not guarantees of performance and speak only as of the date the statement is made. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this report. We do not undertake to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Contact:
IR@lee.net
(563) 383-2100
3


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)

Three months ended Six months ended
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Common Share Data) March 30,
2025
March 24,
2024
March 30,
2025
March 24,
2024
Operating revenue:
Print advertising revenue 16,532  18,742  36,393  43,177 
Digital advertising revenue 43,941  45,392  90,670  91,844 
Advertising and marketing services revenue 60,473  64,134  127,063  135,021 
Print subscription revenue 41,079  48,966  84,511  100,838 
Digital subscription revenue 23,789  20,261  45,354  39,728 
Subscription revenue 64,868  69,227  129,865  140,566 
Print other revenue 7,213  8,069  15,101  16,561 
Digital other revenue 4,826  5,120  9,913  10,080 
Other revenue 12,039  13,189  25,014  26,641 
Total operating revenue 137,380  146,550  281,942  302,228 
Operating expenses:
Compensation 56,659  56,803  116,913  116,479 
Newsprint and ink 3,111  4,162  6,727  9,005 
Other operating expenses 71,455  72,294  146,135  147,070 
Depreciation and amortization 5,171  7,293  11,436  14,588 
Assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net 126  7,617  (803) 6,148 
Restructuring costs and other 6,516  4,139  11,666  8,404 
Total operating expenses 143,038  152,308  292,074  301,694 
Equity in earnings of associated companies 1,155  1,206  2,277  2,747 
Operating (loss) income (4,503) (4,552) (7,855) 3,281 
Non-operating (expense) income:
Interest expense (9,950) (10,214) (20,232) (20,345)
Pension and OPEB related benefit and other, net 658  293  1,311  479 
Curtailment/Settlement gains —  —  —  3,593 
Total non-operating expense, net (9,292) (9,921) (18,921) (16,273)
Loss before income taxes (13,795) (14,473) (26,776) (12,992)
Income tax benefit (1,780) (2,837) 1,463  (2,589)
Net loss (12,015) (11,636) (28,239) (10,403)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests (496) (543) (1,020) (1,088)
Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (12,511) (12,179) (29,259) (11,491)
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes (115) (148) (230) (2,462)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (12,626) (12,327) (29,489) (13,953)
Loss per common share:
Basic: (2.07) (2.06) (4.87) (1.94)
Diluted: (2.07) (2.06) (4.87) (1.94)
4


DIGITAL / PRINT REVENUE COMPOSITION
(UNAUDITED)
Three months Ended Six months Ended
(Thousands of Dollars) March 30,
2025
March 24,
2024
March 30,
2025
March 24,
2024
Digital Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue 43,941  45,392  90,670  91,844 
Digital Only Subscription Revenue 23,789  20,261  45,354  39,728 
Digital Services Revenue 4,826  5,120  9,913  10,080 
Total Digital Revenue 72,556  70,773  145,937  141,652 
Print Advertising Revenue 16,532  18,742  36,393  43,177 
Print Subscription Revenue 41,079  48,966  84,511  100,838 
Other Print Revenue 7,213  8,069  15,101  16,561 
Total Print Revenue 64,824  75,777  136,005  160,576 
Total Operating Revenue 137,380  146,550  281,942  302,228 

5


RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(UNAUDITED)
The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial performance measure of Adjusted EBITDA to Net loss, its most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure:
Three months ended Six months ended
(Thousands of Dollars) March 30, 2025 March 24, 2024 March 30, 2025 March 24, 2024
Net loss (12,015) (11,636) (28,239) (10,403)
Adjusted to exclude
Income tax (benefit) expense (1,780) (2,837) 1,463  (2,589)
Non-operating expenses, net 9,292  9,921  18,921  16,273 
Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI (1,155) (1,206) (2,277) (2,747)
Depreciation and amortization 5,171  7,293  11,436  14,588 
Restructuring costs and other 6,516  4,139  11,666  8,404 
Assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net 126  7,617  (803) 6,148 
Stock compensation 358  501  788  715 
Add:
Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%) 1,255  1,269  2,422  3,321 
Adjusted EBITDA 7,768  15,061  15,377  33,710 
The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial performance measure of Cash Costs to Operating expenses, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure:
Three months ended Six months ended
(Thousands of Dollars) March 30, 2025 March 24, 2024 March 30, 2025 March 24, 2024
Operating expenses 143,038  152,308  292,074  301,694 
Adjustments
Depreciation and amortization 5,171  7,293  11,436  14,588 
Assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net 126  7,617  (803) 6,148 
Restructuring costs and other 6,516  4,139  11,666  8,404 
Cash Costs 131,225  133,259  269,775  272,554 
6



The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial performance measure of Same-store Revenues to Operating Revenues, its most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure:
Three months ended
Six months ended
(Thousands of Dollars) March 30,
2025
March 24,
2024
March 30,
2025
March 24,
2024
Print Advertising Revenue
16,532  18,742  36,393  43,177 
Exited operations
(10) (553) (98) (1,537)
Same-store, Print Advertising Revenue
16,522  18,189  36,295  41,640 
Digital Advertising Revenue 43,941  45,392  90,670  91,844 
Exited operations
(3) (342) (8) (830)
Same-store, Digital Advertising Revenue
43,938  45,050  90,662  91,014 
Total Advertising Revenue
60,473  64,134  127,063  135,021 
Exited operations
(13) (895) (106) (2,367)
Same-store, Total Advertising Revenue
60,460  63,239  126,957  132,654 
Print Subscription Revenue
41,079  48,966  84,511  100,838 
Exited operations (11) (282) (32) (753)
Same-store, Print Subscription Revenue
41,068  48,684  84,479  100,085 
Digital Subscription Revenue
23,789  20,261  45,354  39,728 
Exited operations —  (381) (1) (855)
Same-store, Digital Subscription Revenue
23,789  19,880  45,353  38,873 
Total Subscription Revenue
64,868  69,227  129,865  140,566 
Exited operations (11) (663) (33) (1,607)
Same-store, Total Subscription Revenue
64,857  68,564  129,832  138,959 
Print Other Revenue
7,213  8,069  15,101  16,561 
Exited operations —  (27) —  (35)
Same-store, Print Other Revenue
7,213  8,042  15,101  16,526 
Digital Other Revenue
4,826  5,120  9,913  10,080 
Exited operations —  —  —  — 
Same-store, Digital Other Revenue
4,826  5,120  9,913  10,080 
Total Other Revenue
12,039  13,189  25,014  26,641 
Exited operations —  (27) —  (35)
Same-store, Total Other Revenue
12,039  13,162  25,014  26,606 
Total Operating Revenue
137,380  146,550  281,942  302,228 
Exited operations (23) (1,584) (139) (4,010)
Same-store, Total Operating Revenue
137,357  144,966  281,803  298,218 

7




NOTES
(1)Total Digital Revenue is defined as digital advertising and marketing services revenue (including Amplified Digital®), digital-only subscription revenue and digital services revenue.
(2)Same-store revenues is a non-GAAP performance measure based on U.S. GAAP revenues for Lee for the current period, excluding exited operations. Exited operations include (1) business divestitures and (2) the elimination of stand-alone print products discontinued within our markets.
(3)This earnings release is a preliminary report of results for the periods included. The reader should refer to the Company's most recent reports on Form 10-Q and on Form 10-K for definitive information.
(4)The following are non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures for which reconciliations to relevant U.S GAAP measures are included in tables accompanying this release:
•Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that enhances financial statement users overall understanding of the operating performance of the Company. The measure isolates unusual, infrequent or non-cash transactions from the operating performance of the business. This allows users to easily compare operating performance among various fiscal periods and how management measures the performance of the business. This measure also provides users with a benchmark that can be used when forecasting future operating performance of the Company that excludes unusual, nonrecurring or one-time transactions. Adjusted EBITDA is a component of the calculation used by stockholders and analysts to determine the value of our business when using the market approach, which applies a market multiple to financial metrics. It is also a measure used to calculate the leverage ratio of the Company, which is a key financial ratio monitored and used by the Company and its investors. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus non-operating expenses, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, restructuring costs and other, stock compensation and our 50% share of EBITDA from TNI and MNI, minus equity in earnings of TNI and MNI.
•Cash Costs represent a non-GAAP financial performance measure of operating expenses which are measured on an accrual basis and settled in cash. This measure is useful to investors in understanding the components of the Company’s cash-settled operating costs. Periodically, the Company provides forward-looking guidance of Cash Costs, which can be used by financial statement users to assess the Company's ability to manage and control its operating cost structure. Cash Costs are defined as compensation, newsprint and ink and other operating expenses. Depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, other non-cash operating expenses and other expenses are excluded. Cash Costs also exclude restructuring costs and other, which are typically paid in cash.
(5)The Company's debt is the $576 million term loan under a credit agreement with BH Finance LLC dated January 29, 2020 (the "Credit Agreement"). Excess Cash Flow is defined under the Credit Agreement as any cash greater than $20,000,000 on the balance sheet in accordance with U.S. GAAP at the end of each fiscal quarter, beginning with the quarter ending June 28, 2020.
(6)TNI refers to TNI Partners publishing operations in Tucson, AZ. MNI refers to Madison Newspapers, Inc. publishing operations in Madison, WI.
8
EX-99.2 3 leeq225earningspresentat.htm EX-99.2 leeq225earningspresentat
SECOND QUARTER FY2025 EARNINGS MAY 8, 2025


 
2 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 are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations of the Company and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties. Detailed information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by statements relating to the Company may be found in the Company’s periodic filings with the Commission, including the factors described in the sections entitled “Risk Factors,” copies of which may be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this presentation.


 
3 LEE’S THREE PILLAR DIGITAL GROWTH STRATEGY LEE IS RAPIDLY TRANSFORMING FROM A PRINT-CENTRIC TO A DIGITAL-CENTRIC COMPANY PILLAR 1 Expand our audience by providing compelling local content PILLAR 2 Accelerate digital subscription growth PILLAR 3 Diversify and expand offerings for local advertisers Lee expects the Three Pillar Digital Growth Strategy to drive more than $450 million of digital revenue by 2028, resulting in a business that is sustainable and vibrant from solely our digital products


 
4 Digital Sub Revenue Growth Leads Industry Digital Agency Revenue Growth Leads Industry Total Digital Revenue Growing Significantly $90M LTM Digital Sub Revenue $103M LTM Amplified Digital® Agency $303M LTM Total Digital Revenue Industry-leading 21% YOY growth, or 24% on a Same-store basis(1) Q1 FY25 3-Year CAGR Industry-leading 12% YOY growth, or 14% on a Same-store basis(1) Q1 FY25 3-Year CAGR 6% YOY growth, or 8% on a Same-store basis(1) LTM Mar FY25 3-Year CAGR 13% INDUSTRY-LEADING DIGITAL GROWTH LTM Mar FY22 LTM Mar FY25 (1) Same-store revenues is a non-GAAP performance measure based on U.S. GAAP revenues for Lee for the current period, excluding exited operations. Exited operations include (1) business divestitures and (2) the elimination of stand-alone print products discontinued within our markets. $303M $211M


 
5 DIGITAL REVENUE CONTINUES TO GROW Digital Advertising Digital-only Subscription Digital Other Total Digital Revenue Q2 FY25 % of Total Revenue $44M % Variance to PY Same-Store(1) -2% YOY $24M +20% YOY $5M -6% YOY $73M +4% YOY (1) Same-store revenues is a non-GAAP performance measure based on U.S. GAAP revenues for Lee for the current period, excluding exited operations. Exited operations include (1) business divestitures and (2) the elimination of stand-alone print products discontinued within our markets. 4% 17% 32% Amplified Digital® Agency $25M +9% YOY18% 53% % Variance to Prior Year -3% YOY +17% YOY -6% YOY +3% YOY +8% YOY Q2 FY2025 Revenue Mix 53% Digital 47% Print


 
6 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25E FY26E FY27E FY28E Digital Margin SG&A Digital transformation Digital sustainability LEE NEARS SUSTAINABILITY FROM DIGITAL REVENUE KEY TAKEAWAYS • Digital revenue replacing print revenue and growing at 17% CAGR since 2021 • Digital subscription revenue and gross margin growing at a 44% CAGR since 2021 • Amplified Digital® Agency revenue growing at a 34% CAGR since 2021 • Digital gross margin(1) expected to exceed total SG&A costs in FY26 GROSS MARGIN FY24 Total Company Gross Margin (1) Digital Gross Margin is a non-GAAP performance measure calculated by Digital Revenue less Cost of Good Sold (“COGS”) directly tied to digital products. Digital Margin excludes all Selling, General, and Administrative (“SG&A”) costs.


 
7 SECOND QUARTER 2025 RESULTS (1) Same-store revenues is a non-GAAP performance measure based on U.S. GAAP revenues for Lee for the current period, excluding exited operations. Exited operations include (1) business divestitures and (2) the elimination of stand-alone print products discontinued within our markets. (2) Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Costs are non-GAAP financial measures. See appendix. Q2 Revenue Total Operating Revenue $137M, -6% YOY, or -5% on a same-store basis(1) Total Digital Revenue $73M, +4% YOY(1) • Digital subscription $24M, +20%(1) • Digital advertising $44M, -2%(1) • Amplified Digital® agency $25M, +9%(1) Total Print Revenue $65M, -14%(1) Q2 Cash Costs(2) • Total Cash Costs $131M, -2% YOY Q2 Adjusted EBITDA(2) • Adjusted EBITDA $8M Continued digital revenue growth Strong cost control of legacy business Investments to drive digital transformation


 
8 STRONG TRACK RECORD OF SUSTAINABLE COST MANAGEMENT KEY TAKEAWAYS • Proficient in driving efficiencies • Current base of $187M of direct costs associated with our legacy revenue streams that will be managed with associated revenue trends • Ongoing initiatives aimed at optimizing manufacturing, distribution, and corporate services • Incremental investments in marketing & branding to drive Digital Subscription revenue growth • Digital COGS investments to support revenue growth at BLOX Digital and Amplified Digital® Agency • Executed approximately $40 million of annualized cost reductions in the second quarter of FY25 $1.0B $705M $693M $615M $553M 2017 2020 2022 2023 2024 Total Cash Costs(1) Managing legacy business & investing in digital future (1) Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Costs are non-GAAP financial measures. See appendix.


 
9 Q2 2020 Q2 2025 CREDIT AGREEMENT REPRESENTS STRATEGIC ASSET • $123M debt reduction since refinancing in March 2020 • Favorable credit agreement with Berkshire Hathaway • 25-year runway with no breakage costs or prepayment penalties • Fixed annual interest rate, no financial performance covenants and no fixed amortization • Pension plans now frozen and fully funded in the aggregate with no material pension contributions expected in 2025 • Identified approximately $25M of noncore assets to monetize Monetization of noncore assets will propel debt reduction $576M $453M Significant Gross Debt Reduction


 
10 UPDATED OUTLOOK (1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See appendix. Key Metric Second Half FY25 Outlook Total Digital Revenue YOY growth in the low-single digits Adjusted EBITDA(1) YOY growth in the low-single digits


 




12 NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION The Company uses non-GAAP financial performance measures to supplement the financial information presented on a U.S. GAAP basis. These non-GAAP financial measures, which may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies, should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the related U.S. GAAP measures and should be read together with financial information presented on a U.S. GAAP basis. The Company defines its non-GAAP measures as follows: Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that enhances financial statement users overall understanding of the operating performance of the Company. The measure isolates unusual, infrequent or non-cash transactions from the operating performance of the business. This allows users to easily compare operating performance among various fiscal periods and how management measures the performance of the business. This measure also provides users with a benchmark that can be used when forecasting future operating performance of the Company that excludes unusual, nonrecurring or one-time transactions. Adjusted EBITDA is a component of the calculation used by stockholders and analysts to determine the value of our business when using the market approach, which applies a market multiple to financial metrics. It is also a measure used to calculate the leverage ratio of the Company, which is a key financial ratio monitored and used by the Company and its investors. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus non-operating expenses, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, restructuring costs and other, stock compensation and our 50% share of EBITDA from TNI and MNI, minus equity in earnings of TNI and MNI. Cash Costs represent a non-GAAP financial performance measure of operating expenses which are measured on an accrual basis and settled in cash. This measure is useful to investors in understanding the components of the Company’s cash-settled operating costs. Periodically, the Company provides forward-looking guidance of Cash Costs, which can be used by financial statement users to assess the Company's ability to manage and control its operating cost structure. Cash Costs are defined as compensation, newsprint and ink and other operating expenses. Depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, other non-cash operating expenses and other expenses are excluded. Cash Costs also exclude restructuring costs and other, which are typically paid in cash. Same-store revenues is a non-GAAP performance measure based on U.S. GAAP revenues for Lee for the current period, excluding exited operations. Exited operations include (1) business divestitures and (2) the elimination of stand-alone print products discontinued within our markets. Gross Margin is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that enhances financial statement users overall understanding of the operating performance of the Company. The measure isolates operating costs that directly support revenue. Depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net, other non-cash operating expenses, Selling, General, and Administrative (“SG&A”) compensation and SG&A other operating expenses are excluded from Gross Margin. TNI and MNI – TNI refers to TNI Partners publishing operations in Tucson, AZ. MNI refers to Madison Newspapers, Inc. publishing operations in Madison, WI. Management’s Use of Non-GAAP Measures These Non-GAAP Measures are not measurements of financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to income from operations, net income (loss), revenues, or any other measure of performance or liquidity derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures, as we have defined them, are helpful in identifying trends in our day-to-day performance because the items excluded have little or no significance on our day-to-day operations. These measures provide an assessment of controllable expenses and afford management the ability to make decisions which are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieve optimal financial performance. We use these Non-GAAP measures of our day-to-day operating performance, which is evidenced by the publishing and delivery of news and other media and excludes certain expenses that may not be indicative of our day-to-day business operating results. Limitations of Non-GAAP Measures Each of our non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools. They should not be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP measures of earnings. Material limitations in making the adjustments to our earnings to calculate Adjusted EBITDA using these non-GAAP financial measures as compared to U.S. GAAP net income (loss) include: the cash portion of interest / financing expense, income tax (benefit) provision, and charges related to asset impairments, which may significantly affect our financial results. Management believes these items are important in evaluating our performance, results of operations, and financial position. We use non-GAAP financial measures to supplement our U.S. GAAP results in order to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business.


 
13 QUARTERLY REVENUE COMPOSITION (1) Same-store revenues is a non-GAAP performance measure based on U.S. GAAP revenues for Lee for the current period, excluding exited operations. Exited operations include (1) business divestitures and (2) the elimination of stand-alone print products discontinued within our markets. (2)Total Digital Revenue is defined as digital advertising and marketing services revenue (including Amplified), digital-only subscription revenue and digital services revenue. Rounding – Items may not foot due to rounding. (Millions of Dollars) Q1 FY2024 Q2 FY2024 Q3 FY2024 Q4 FY2024 FY 2024 Q1 FY2025 Q2 FY2025 Digital Advertising and Marketing Services 46.5 45.4 49.9 52.5 194.2 46.7 43.9 YoY % (1) -1.1% -0.2% 1.6% 7.5% 2.0% 1.7% -2.5% Digital Only Subscription Revenue 19.5 20.3 20.7 23.9 84.3 21.6 23.8 YoY % (1) 60.2% 47.6% 34.1% 29.9% 41.2% 13.5% 19.7% Digital Services Revenue 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 20.5 5.1 4.8 YoY % (1) 4.9% 7.6% 6.0% 5.1% 5.9% 2.6% -5.7% Total Digital Revenue(2) 70.9 70.8 75.8 81.6 299.1 73.4 72.6 YoY % (1) 11.0% 10.7% 9.2% 13.0% 11.0% 4.9% 3.6% % of Total Revenue 45.5% 48.3% 50.3% 51.5% 48.9% 50.8% 52.8% Print Advertising Revenue 24.4 18.7 18.9 19.4 81.5 19.9 16.5 YoY % (1) -27.6% -29.4% -24.8% -13.9% -24.5% -15.7% -9.2% Print Subscription Revenue 51.9 49.0 47.6 49.1 197.6 43.4 41.1 YoY % (1) -22.5% -23.5% -22.4% -15.9% -21.2% -15.5% -15.6% Other Print Revenue 8.5 8.1 8.3 8.4 33.3 7.9 7.2 YoY % (1) -22.8% -15.5% -14.4% -5.3% -15.0% -7.0% -10.3% Total Print Revenue 84.8 75.8 74.8 76.9 312.3 71.2 64.8 YoY % (1) -24.0% -24.3% -22.2% -14.3% -21.5% -14.7% -13.5% Total Revenue 155.7 146.5 150.6 158.6 611.4 144.6 137.4 YoY % (1) -11.3% -10.6% -9.1% -2.2% -8.3% -5.7% -5.2%


 
14 RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that enhances financial statement users’ overall understanding of the operating performance of the Company. The measure isolates unusual, infrequent or non- cash transactions from the operating performance of the business. This allows users to easily compare operating performance among various fiscal periods and how management measures the performance of the business. This measure also provides users with a benchmark that can be used when forecasting future operating performance of the Company that excludes unusual, nonrecurring or one- time transactions. Adjusted EBITDA is a component of the calculation used by stockholders and analysts to determine the value of our business when using the market approach, which applies a market multiple to financial metrics. It is also a measure used to calculate the leverage ratio of the Company, which is a key financial ratio monitored and used by the Company and its investors. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus non-operating expenses, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, restructuring costs and other, stock compensation and our 50% share of EBITDA from TNI and MNI, minus equity in earnings of TNI and MNI. TNI and MNI – TNI refers to TNI Partners publishing operations in Tucson, AZ. MNI refers to Madison Newspapers, Inc. publishing operations in Madison, WI. Rounding – Items may not visually foot due to rounding. (Millions of Dollars) Q2 FY2025 Net loss (12.0) Adjusted to exclude Income tax benefit (1.8) Non-operating expenses, net 9.3 Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI (1.2) Depreciation and amortization 5.2 Restructuring costs and other 6.5 Assets loss on sales, impairments and other, net 0.1 Stock compensation 0.4 Add Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%) 1.3 Adjusted EBITDA 7.8


 
15 RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that enhances financial statement users’ overall understanding of the operating performance of the Company. The measure isolates unusual, infrequent or non- cash transactions from the operating performance of the business. This allows users to easily compare operating performance among various fiscal periods and how management measures the performance of the business. This measure also provides users with a benchmark that can be used when forecasting future operating performance of the Company that excludes unusual, nonrecurring or one- time transactions. Adjusted EBITDA is a component of the calculation used by stockholders and analysts to determine the value of our business when using the market approach, which applies a market multiple to financial metrics. It is also a measure used to calculate the leverage ratio of the Company, which is a key financial ratio monitored and used by the Company and its investors. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus non-operating expenses, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, restructuring costs and other, stock compensation and our 50% share of EBITDA from TNI and MNI, minus equity in earnings of TNI and MNI. TNI and MNI – TNI refers to TNI Partners publishing operations in Tucson, AZ. MNI refers to Madison Newspapers, Inc. publishing operations in Madison, WI. Rounding – Items may not visually foot due to rounding. (Millions of Dollars) FY2024 Net loss (23.6) Adjusted to exclude Income tax benefit (7.6) Non-operating expenses, net 35.7 Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI (4.6) Depreciation and amortization 27.6 Restructuring costs and other 19.3 Assets loss on sales, impairments and other, net 11.2 Stock compensation 1.8 Add Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%) 5.5 Adjusted EBITDA 65.3


 
16 RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Cash Costs represent a non-GAAP financial performance measure of operating expenses which are measured on an accrual basis and settled in cash. This measure is useful to investors in understanding the components of the Company’s cash-settled operating costs. Periodically, the Company provides forward-looking guidance of Cash Costs, which can be used by financial statement users to assess the Company's ability to manage and control its operating cost structure. Cash Costs are defined as compensation, newsprint and ink and other operating expenses. Depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, other non- cash operating expenses and other expenses are excluded. Cash Costs also exclude restructuring costs and other, which are typically paid in cash. Rounding – Items may not visually foot due to rounding. (Millions of Dollars) Q2 FY2025 Q2 FY2024 Operating Expenses 143.0 152.3 Adjusted to exclude Depreciation and amortization 5.2 7.3 Assets loss on sales, impairments and other, net 0.1 7.6 Restructuring costs and other 6.5 4.1 Cash Costs 131.2 133.3


 
17 RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Cash Costs represent a non-GAAP financial performance measure of operating expenses which are measured on an accrual basis and settled in cash. This measure is useful to investors in understanding the components of the Company’s cash-settled operating costs. Periodically, the Company provides forward-looking guidance of Cash Costs, which can be used by financial statement users to assess the Company's ability to manage and control its operating cost structure. Cash Costs are defined as compensation, newsprint and ink and other operating expenses. Depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, other non- cash operating expenses and other expenses are excluded. Cash Costs also exclude restructuring costs and other, which are typically paid in cash. Rounding – Items may not visually foot due to rounding. (Millions of Dollars) FY2024 FY2023 Operating Expenses 611.4 660.5 Adjusted to exclude Depreciation and amortization 27.6 30.6 Assets loss on sales, impairments and other, net 11.2 1.9 Restructuring costs and other 19.3 12.7 Cash Costs 553.4 615.3


 
18 SAME-STORE NON-GAAP REVENUE RECONCILIATION(1) (1) Same-store revenues is a non-GAAP performance measure based on U.S. GAAP revenues for Lee for the periods presented, excluding exited operations. Exited operations include (1) businesses divested and (2) the elimination of stand-alone print products discontinued within our markets. Rounding – Items may not foot due to rounding. (Millions of Dollars) Q2 FY2025 Q2 FY2024 $ Change % Change Print Other Revenue 7.2 8.1 (0.9) -10.6% Exited operations (0.0) (0.0) 0.0 NM Same-store, Print Other Revenue 7.2 8.0 (0.8) -10.3% Digital Other Revenue 4.8 5.1 (0.3) -5.7% Exited operations - - - NM Same-store, Digital Other Revenue 4.8 5.1 (0.3) -5.7% Total Other Revenue 12.0 13.2 (1.2) -8.7% Exited operations (0.0) (0.0) 0.0 NM Same-store, Total Other Revenue 12.0 13.2 (1.1) -8.5% (Millions of Dollars) Q2 FY2025 Q2 FY2024 $ Change % Change Total Operating Revenue 137.4 146.5 (9.2) -6.3% Exited operations (0.0) (1.6) 1.6 NM Same-store, Total Operating Revenue 137.4 145.0 (7.6) -5.2% (Millions of Dollars) Q2 FY2025 Q2 FY2024 $ Change % Change Print Advertising Revenue 16.5 18.7 (2.2) -11.8% Exited operations (0.0) (0.6) 0.5 NM Same-store, Print Advertising Revenue 16.5 18.2 (1.7) -9.2% Digital Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue 43.9 45.4 (1.5) -3.2% Exited operations (0.0) (0.3) 0.3 NM Same-store, Digital Advertising and Marketing Services 43.9 45.1 (1.1) -2.5% Total Advertising Revenue 60.5 64.1 (3.7) -5.7% Exited operations (0.0) (0.9) 0.9 NM Same-store, Total Advertising Revenue 60.5 63.2 (2.8) -4.4% (Millions of Dollars) Q2 FY2025 Q2 FY2024 $ Change % Change Print Subscription Revenue 41.1 49.0 (7.9) -16.1% Exited operations (0.0) (0.3) 0.3 NM Same-store, Print Subscription Revenue 41.1 48.7 (7.6) -15.6% Digital Subscription Revenue 23.8 20.3 3.5 17.4% Exited operations (0.0) (0.4) 0.4 NM Same-store, Digital Subscription Revenue 23.8 19.9 3.9 19.7% Total Subscription Revenue 64.9 69.2 (4.4) -6.3% Exited operations (0.0) (0.7) 0.7 NM Same-store, Total Subscription Revenue 64.9 68.6 (3.7) -5.4%


 
19 SAME-STORE NON-GAAP REVENUE RECONCILIATION(1) (1) Same-store revenues is a non-GAAP performance measure based on U.S. GAAP revenues for Lee for the periods presented, excluding exited operations. Exited operations include (1) businesses divested and (2) the elimination of stand-alone print products discontinued within our markets. Rounding – Items may not foot due to rounding. (Millions of Dollars) 1H FY2025 1H FY2024 $ Change % Change Print Advertising Revenue 36.4 43.2 (6.8) -15.7% Exited operations (0.1) (1.5) 1.4 NM Same-store, Print Advertising Revenue 36.3 41.6 (5.3) -12.8% Digital Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue 90.7 91.8 (1.2) -1.3% Exited operations (0.0) (0.8) 0.8 NM Same-store, Digital Advertising and Marketing Services 90.7 91.0 (0.4) -0.4% Total Advertising Revenue 127.1 135.0 (8.0) -5.9% Exited operations (0.1) (2.4) 2.3 NM Same-store, Total Advertising Revenue 127.0 132.7 (5.7) -4.3% (Millions of Dollars) 1H FY2025 1H FY2024 $ Change % Change Print Subscription Revenue 84.5 100.8 (16.3) -16.2% Exited operations (0.0) (0.8) 0.7 NM Same-store, Print Subscription Revenue 84.5 100.1 (15.6) -15.6% Digital Subscription Revenue 45.4 39.7 5.6 14.2% Exited operations (0.0) (0.9) 0.9 NM Same-store, Digital Subscription Revenue 45.4 38.9 6.5 16.7% Total Subscription Revenue 129.9 140.6 (10.7) -7.6% Exited operations (0.0) (1.6) 1.6 NM Same-store, Total Subscription Revenue 129.8 139.0 (9.1) -6.6% (Millions of Dollars) 1H FY2025 1H FY2024 $ Change % Change Print Other Revenue 15.1 16.6 (1.5) -8.8% Exited operations (0.0) (0.0) 0.0 NM Same-store, Print Other Revenue 15.1 16.5 (1.4) -8.6% Digital Other Revenue 9.9 10.1 (0.2) -1.7% Exited operations - - - NM Same-store, Digital Other Revenue 9.9 10.1 (0.2) -1.7% Total Other Revenue 25.0 26.6 (1.6) -6.1% Exited operations (0.0) (0.0) 0.0 NM Same-store, Total Other Revenue 25.0 26.6 (1.6) -6.0% (Millions of Dollars) 1H FY2025 1H FY2024 $ Change % Change Total Operating Revenue 281.9 302.2 (20.3) -6.7% Exited operations (0.1) (4.0) 3.9 NM Same-store, Total Operating Revenue 281.8 298.2 (16.4) -5.5%


 
20 SAME-STORE NON-GAAP REVENUE RECONCILIATION(1) (1) Same-store revenues is a non-GAAP performance measure based on U.S. GAAP revenues for Lee for the periods presented, excluding exited operations. Exited operations include (1) businesses divested and (2) the elimination of stand-alone print products discontinued within our markets. Rounding – Items may not foot due to rounding. (Millions of Dollars) FY2024 FY2023 $ Change % Change Print Advertising Revenue 81.5 125.8 (44.3) -35.2% Exited operations (0.9) (19.1) 18.2 NM Same-store, Print Advertising Revenue 80.6 106.8 (26.2) -24.5% Digital Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue 194.2 193.2 1.0 0.5% Exited operations (0.1) (2.9) 2.8 NM Same-store, Digital Advertising and Marketing Services 194.1 190.3 3.8 2.0% Total Advertising Revenue 275.7 319.0 (43.3) -13.6% Exited operations (1.0) (21.9) 21.0 NM Same-store, Total Advertising Revenue 274.7 297.0 (22.3) -7.5% (Millions of Dollars) FY2024 FY2023 $ Change % Change Print Subscription Revenue 197.6 252.6 (55.0) -21.8% Exited operations (0.2) (2.2) 2.0 NM Same-store, Print Subscription Revenue 197.4 250.4 (53.0) -21.2% Digital Subscription Revenue 84.3 60.7 23.6 38.9% Exited operations (0.1) (1.0) 1.0 NM Same-store, Digital Subscription Revenue 84.2 59.7 24.6 41.2% Total Subscription Revenue 281.9 313.3 (31.4) -10.0% Exited operations (0.3) (3.2) 2.9 NM Same-store, Total Subscription Revenue 281.7 310.1 (28.4) -9.2% (Millions of Dollars) FY2024 FY2023 $ Change % Change Print Other Revenue 33.3 39.5 (6.3) -15.8% Exited operations (0.0) (0.4) 0.4 NM Same-store, Print Other Revenue 33.3 39.1 (5.9) -15.0% Digital Other Revenue 20.5 19.4 1.1 5.9% Exited operations - - - NM Same-store, Digital Other Revenue 20.5 19.4 1.1 5.9% Total Other Revenue 53.8 58.9 (5.1) -8.7% Exited operations (0.0) (0.4) 0.4 NM Same-store, Total Other Revenue 53.8 58.5 (4.7) -8.1% (Millions of Dollars) FY2024 FY2023 $ Change % Change Total Operating Revenue 611.4 691.1 (79.8) -11.5% Exited operations (1.3) (25.5) 24.3 NM Same-store, Total Operating Revenue 610.1 665.6 (55.5) -8.3%