LEE News & Events

Lee Enterprises sees FY26 adjusted EBITDA growth in mid-single digits y/y

Reports Q1 revenue $130.1M vs. $144.6M last year. "Our core business delivered operating results in the first quarter that exceeded our expectations," said Nathan Bekke, interim CEO. "Adjusted EBITDA growth of $5M puts us in a great position to achieve our expectations for year-over-year growth in fiscal 2026. This marks our third consecutive quarter of Adjusted EBITDA growth on a comparable basis, led by continued industry-leading performance in digital subscription revenue coupled with disciplined cost management. These results validate our focus on building durable, recurring revenue streams while continuing to actively manage the cost structure tied to legacy revenue. Additionally, our 2026 results are expected to include reimbursement from our insurance carrier for business interruption related to the cyber event last year - $2M of which was received in the first quarter and included in Adjusted EBITDA. Excluding the insurance reimbursement, Adjusted EBITDA was up $3M or 35% year-over-year, representing exceptionally strong operating growth. We are also pleased to announce the Company closed on a transformational $50M private placement of common stock last week led by David Hoffmann. This transaction strengthens the Company's balance sheet which will further fuel our digital transformation and drive long term shareholder value. A key component of the transaction is an amendment to the Company's credit agreement that reduces the annual interest rate on the Company's outstanding debt to 5% from 9% for a five-year period. This rate reduction is expected to result in interest savings of approximately $18M annually or up to $90M over the five-year period, further improving the Company's capital structure and strengthening the balance sheet. The consistent strength of our core business reflects the effectiveness of our Three Pillar Digital Growth Strategy and the progress of our digital transformation. That strength along with the $50M capital infusion and up to $90M of interest savings sets Lee up for an exciting future as we drive sustainable growth and create long-term value for our shareholders."

The company said, "The Company has $455M of debt outstanding under our Credit Agreement 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. The $50M private placement of common stock closed in February 2026, which made operative certain amendments to the Credit Agreement with BH Finance, resulting in the fixed annual interest dropping to 5% from 9% for a five-year period. As of and for the period ended December 28, 2025: The principal amount of debt totaled $455M. Cash on the balance sheet totaled $13M. Debt, net of cash on the balance sheet, totaled $443M. Capital expenditures totaled $1M for the quarter. We expect up to $5M of capital expenditures in FY26. We expect cash paid for income taxes to total between $2M and $8M in FY26. We do not expect any pension contributions in the fiscal year. The Company is executing a strategic termination of our fully funded benefit pension plan, eliminating the long-term volatility tied to interest rate movement, mortality assumptions and asset performance, while preserving participant benefits and improving balance sheet flexibility."

Lee Enterprises and Hudl announced a new content partnership that significantly expands access to high school sports coverage across Lee's nationwide network of trusted local news brands, marking one of the largest collaborations in local sports media. Through this partnership, the two companies will work to bring high-quality high school sports video and storytelling across Lee Enterprises' 72 markets, reaching millions of local sports fans, families, coaches, and student athletes. Together, Lee and Hudl will connect communities to the moments, teams, and athletes that matter most - at a scale unmatched in local sports coverage.