Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (LEE) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Prepared Remarks Transcript
Access earnings results, analyst expectations, report, slides, earnings call, and transcript.
Overview
The earnings call highlights strong digital revenue growth, cost management, and significant interest savings, all contributing to a positive outlook. The strategic partnership with Hudl further boosts sentiment. Despite high debt levels and cybersecurity risks, the optimistic digital transformation and improved EBITDA suggest a positive stock price movement.
Key Financial Performance
Adjusted EBITDA $12 million, a 61% increase year-over-year, driven by consistent execution across the core business and disciplined cost management.
Digital-only subscription revenue $23 million, a 5% growth year-over-year, fueled by increased efforts to maximize engagement within the subscriber base and optimize pricing.
Total digital revenue Over $70 million, representing 54% of total revenue, with a 330 basis points improvement in digital revenue mix year-over-year.
Interest rate on outstanding debt Reduced to 5% from 9%, expected to generate approximately $18 million in annual interest savings or up to $90 million over 5 years, improving cash flow and enabling investment in digital growth.
Total cash costs Declined by $17 million year-over-year, driven by reduced headcount and legacy print costs.
Business interruption insurance proceeds $2 million received tied to a cyber incident last year, contributing to adjusted EBITDA growth.
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Operating Highlights
Digital Revenue Growth: Achieved nearly $300 million in digital revenue over the last 12 months, with a target of $450 million by 2030.
Digital Subscription Revenue: Generated $23 million in Q1 from 609,000 digital-only subscribers, with 5% growth in digital-only subscription revenue.
Digital Advertising: Digital sources represented 71% of total advertising revenue, with Amplified Digital Agency growing at a 5% annual rate over the last 3 years.
Market Expansion through Partnership: Announced a strategic partnership with Hudl to enhance local sports media coverage, adding video content and free access to high school sports stories.
Adjusted EBITDA Growth: Q1 adjusted EBITDA grew 61% year-over-year to $12 million, driven by cost management and digital transformation.
Cost Management: Reduced total cash costs by $17 million year-over-year, primarily through reduced headcount and legacy print costs.
Interest Savings: Amended credit agreement reduced interest rate on $455 million debt from 9% to 5%, saving $18 million annually or $90 million over 5 years.
Pension Plan Termination: Terminated fully funded defined benefit pension plan, eliminating future cost uncertainty.
Equity Investment: Completed a $50 million private placement of common stock to strengthen the balance sheet and fund digital transformation projects.
Digital Transformation: Shifted to a digital-first model, with digital revenue now 54% of total revenue, up from 20% six years ago.
Asset Monetization: Identified $26 million in non-core assets for sale to contribute to debt reduction.
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Risk or Challenges
Cybersecurity: The company experienced a cyber incident last year, which led to business interruption. While insurance proceeds were received, this highlights potential vulnerabilities in cybersecurity that could disrupt operations and financial performance in the future.
Debt Levels: The company has $455 million in debt, and while the interest rate has been reduced, the high debt level remains a significant financial burden. This could limit financial flexibility and pose risks if revenue growth does not meet expectations.
Legacy Revenue Decline: The company is transitioning from print to digital revenue, with print revenue declining significantly. Managing this decline while ensuring digital revenue growth is critical, as failure to do so could impact overall financial stability.
Digital Transformation Costs: Investments in digital transformation projects are ongoing. If these projects do not yield the expected returns, it could strain financial resources and delay the company's strategic objectives.
Economic Uncertainty: The company operates in 72 markets across the U.S., and economic uncertainties in these regions could impact advertising revenue and digital subscription growth.
Operational Efficiency: The company has reduced headcount and legacy print costs to improve efficiency. However, further cost-cutting measures could impact employee morale and operational effectiveness.
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Guidance & Outlook
Digital Revenue Target: The company aims to achieve $450 million in digital revenue by 2030, supported by a strong digital growth strategy and investments in digital platforms.
Interest Savings and Debt Reduction: The amended credit agreement reduces the interest rate on $455 million in debt from 9% to 5%, generating $18 million in annual interest savings or $90 million over five years. This will support debt reduction and financial flexibility.
Adjusted EBITDA Growth: The company reaffirms its fiscal 2026 outlook for adjusted EBITDA growth in the mid-single digits, supported by strong Q1 performance and cost management.
Digital Revenue Mix: The company projects that approximately 90% of its revenue will be digital by fiscal 2030, transitioning away from reliance on print revenue.
Digital Transformation Investments: Proceeds from the $50 million private placement will be used to fund digital transformation projects, enhance digital platforms, and improve user experience.
Partnership with Hudl: A new strategic partnership with Hudl aims to enhance local sports media coverage, adding video content and strengthening community engagement.
Non-Core Asset Monetization: The company plans to monetize $26 million in non-core assets to contribute to future debt reduction.
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Shareholder Return Plan
The selected topic was not discussed during the call.
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Key Q&A
Q:Review of Unclear Management Responses
A:
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Earnings Word Cloud
The most frequently occurring keywords in this quarter's earning call
Assistant Secretary
Corporate Finance
Finance Assistant
Interim Chief
Nathan remark
President Corporate
Vice President
advertising
audience
capital structure
community
content
credit agreement
deal
debt reduction
efficiency
engagement
future
improvement
interest saving
investment
journalism
legacy
medium
mix
news
placement
platform
print
proceeds
product
release
school
shareholder value
sport
stream
strength
subscriber
team
transaction
transformation
video
LEE Transcript
Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (LEE) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Prepared Remarks Transcript
Positive2-10
The earnings call highlights strong digital revenue growth, cost management, and significant interest savings, all contributing to a positive outlook. The strategic partnership with Hudl further boosts sentiment. Despite high debt levels and cybersecurity risks, the optimistic digital transformation and improved EBITDA suggest a positive stock price movement.
EMERGE Commerce Ltd. (ECOM:CA) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Positive11-26
The earnings call summary shows strong financial performance with significant revenue and EBITDA growth, improved cash position, and positive net income. Despite a decline in gross margin and ongoing debt management challenges, the company has a clear strategy for growth through digital revenue, AI products, and cost management. The Q&A section reveals positive sentiment towards organic growth and acquisition strategies, with management addressing economic impacts and maintaining profitability. The overall sentiment is positive, with strong financial metrics and optimistic guidance indicating a likely stock price increase.
Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (LEE) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Unknown11-26
The company's strategic initiatives show potential for digital revenue growth and cost management, but risks such as cyber incidents, competitive digital markets, and execution challenges temper optimism. The Q&A did not reveal major concerns, but the rights offering and debt reduction plan's success remains uncertain. Given these mixed signals, the stock price is likely to remain stable in the short term.
Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (LEE) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Positive8-9
The earnings call reveals a positive outlook, driven by strong digital revenue growth, successful AI product launches, and effective cost management. Despite challenges from a cyber incident, the company is committed to debt reduction and asset monetization. The Q&A section highlights management's proactive approach to changing consumer behavior. These factors, combined with optimistic guidance and strategic initiatives, suggest a positive stock price movement in the near term.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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