Gannett Announces Second Quarter 2020 Results

Implemented $160 million in annualized synergies year to date

Ended the quarter with $159 million of cash and cash equivalents

Digital-only subscribers grew 31% from the prior year to 927,000

MCLEAN, Va.--()--Gannett Co., Inc. ("Gannett", "we", "us", "our", or "the Company") (NYSE: GCI) today reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020. Prior to November 19, 2019, our corporate name was New Media Investment Group Inc. ("New Media" or "Legacy New Media"), and Gannett Co., Inc. ("Legacy Gannett") was a separate publicly traded company. On November 19, 2019, New Media acquired Legacy Gannett (the "Acquisition"). In connection with the Acquisition, Legacy Gannett became a wholly owned subsidiary of New Media, and New Media changed its name to Gannett Co., Inc.

“While the second quarter was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, our revenue was in line with the guidance we shared on our last earnings call and our EBITDA performance benefited from our expense reduction efforts," said Michael Reed, Gannett Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We saw sequential improvement to revenue each month during the quarter and successfully realized over $125 million of incremental expense savings during the quarter. In addition, we continued to execute on our operating and integration plans from the Acquisition, with over $160 million of cumulative annualized synergies implemented by the end of the quarter. Combining our incremental expense savings, our synergy implementation, and the normal course expense savings that rolled forward from the first quarter, our operating expenses included in Adjusted EBITDA were down 26%."

"At no time in our history has the value of high-quality journalism been as clear as it is right now at this intersection of a global pandemic and a nation in turmoil over systemic racism and inequality. Our journalists have worked tirelessly and doggedly to help keep our communities safe and informed, while exercising the crucial role of holding officials accountable. As digital, social platforms are overtaken by the spread of misinformation, our readers trust us to clear through the noise with credible, fact-based, fair reporting. And that is evidenced by audiences turning to us in record numbers since the beginning of the pandemic and very strong digital subscription growth. Our employees have been phenomenal, performing during these challenging times at the highest level, which is a testament to their commitment to our mission and our communities. We do not have certainty around how the pandemic will continue to affect our country and the economy, but we remain highly confident in our ability to continue to execute upon our operational and integration plans."

Financial Highlights

in thousands

Second quarter 2020

GAAP operating revenue

$

767,000

 

GAAP net loss attributable to Gannett

(436,893

)

Adjusted EBITDA(1) (non-GAAP)

78,018

 

Net cash flow used for operating activities (GAAP basis)

(35,849

)

Free cash flow(1) (non-GAAP)

(44,223

)

(1) Refer to “Use of Non-GAAP Information” below for the Company’s definition of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow, and reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures.

Second Quarter 2020 Consolidated Results

  • Second quarter revenues of $767.0 million rose 89.7% as compared to the prior year, reflecting the Acquisition.
    • Same store pro forma revenues (as defined and reconciled below) decreased 28.0%, due to unfavorable impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and general trends adversely impacting the publishing industry.
  • Digital advertising and marketing services revenues were $168.8 million in the second quarter, or 22.0% of total revenues.
  • Over $160 million in annualized synergy measures were implemented by the end of the second quarter, with approximately $41.2 million in savings recognized in the quarter.
  • On a pro forma basis, operating expenses included in Adjusted EBITDA were down 26.3% to the prior year quarter due to the implementations of synergies, incremental cost measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and normal course expense savings that rolled forward from the first quarter.
  • Non-cash goodwill and intangible impairment of $393.4 million was recognized in the second quarter of 2020 in connection with the Company’s annual impairment testing. The non-cash charge was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty the crisis has created.
  • GAAP net loss attributable to Gannett of $436.9 million in the second quarter reflects $393.4 million of non-cash goodwill and intangible impairment and $66.3 million of depreciation and amortization.
  • Adjusted EBITDA totaled $78.0 million. Margins in the quarter were 10.2%, despite the pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Balance Sheet & Cash Flow

  • As of the end of the second quarter, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $158.6 million.
  • During the quarter, the Company repaid $6.3 million in principal under its credit facility.
  • Sold $7.5 million of real estate in the second quarter and used the net proceeds to pay down debt.
    • Over $15.0 million in real estate sales under contract expected to close during the third quarter; and on track to sell an additional $100 - $125 million of real estate by the end of 2021, which we expect will enable us to accelerate debt repayment.
  • Capital expenditures were $8.4 million, primarily for product development, technology investments, and maintenance projects. We expect capital expenditures to be between $9 - $10 million in both the third and fourth quarters.
  • Cash flow used by operations in the second quarter of 2020 was $35.8 million compared to cash flow provided of $25.9 million for the prior year quarter primarily driven by interest paid and integration costs related to the Gannett acquisition.

COVID-19 Response

  • Strengthened balance sheet and continue to preserve liquidity:
    • Reduced expenses for the second quarter by over $125 million through implementation of furloughs, significant pay reductions, reductions in force, and cancellation of non-essential travel and spending.
      • Expect to maintain expenses, other than variable costs of goods sold, in line with the second quarter for the remainder of 2020.
    • Reduced planned capital expenditures for 2020 by approximately 20%.
    • Suspended quarterly dividend until conditions improve.
    • Implemented NOL Rights Plan to protect approximately $435 million in tax assets.
    • Deferred over $50 million of payments, under the CARES Act, using provisions relating to ERISA pension contribution deferral and employer FICA tax deferral.
    • Restructured required additional pension contributions, that were originally due in 2020 and 2021, into quarterly installments beginning in the fourth quarter of this year through the third quarter of 2022.
  • Adapted our workplaces and continue to promote the health and safety of our employees:
    • Transitioned 95% of our non-production and delivery employees to work from home by late March.
      • Thoughtfully exploring how to prepare our offices as safe work environments for those employees who wish to return.
    • Implemented social distancing measures and hygiene best practices in line with CDC and WHO guidelines for all facilities and employees in product and delivery roles.
    • Maintained consistent operations across all properties, with no significant disruptions.
  • Supported our communities by providing high quality journalism and by creating innovative solutions to support small businesses:
    • Created new tailored content for readers and their communities, which has received more than 885 million views since mid-February, nearly all of which is available for free:
      • Nation’s Health daily COVID-19 specific section runs in USA TODAY in print and digital and is available in all local e-editions; real-time updates online.
      • The USA TODAY and 35 local markets publish coronavirus newsletters for our readers.
    • Support Local platform has had over 1.6 million page views which provided communities with an easy way to discover opportunities to help their favorite local businesses.
      • Free business listings providing special services, such as enabling gift cards and delivery services.

Publishing Segment

  • Publishing segment revenues totaled $695.9 million in the second quarter.
  • Circulation revenues totaled $342.6 million in the second quarter.
    • Same store pro forma circulation revenues decreased 13.6% in the second quarter, partially stemming from a reduction in volume of our single copy and home delivery sales, reflecting the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on businesses that sell single copies of our publications as well as general industry trends.
  • Print advertising revenues totaled $187.9 million in the second quarter.
    • Same store pro forma print advertising revenues decreased 45.0% compared to the prior year reflecting the negative impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Digital advertising and marketing services revenues were $104.4 million in the second quarter.
    • Same store pro forma digital advertising and marketing services revenues decreased 26.7% versus the prior year period, reflecting the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in the latter part of the first quarter which negatively affected digital revenues across each category.
  • Commercial printing and other revenues contributed $61.0 million in the second quarter.
  • Paid digital-only subscribers now total approximately 927,000, up 31.3% year-over-year on a pro forma basis.
  • Publishing segment Adjusted EBITDA was $92.0 million, representing a margin of 13.2% for the quarter.

Marketing Solutions Segment

  • Marketing Solutions segment revenues were $94.6 million in the second quarter.
    • Same store pro forma Marketing Solutions segment revenues decreased by 24.0% to the prior year driven by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic which began in the latter part of the first quarter of 2020.
  • Marketing Solutions segment Adjusted EBITDA was $2.8 million, representing a margin of 2.9% for the quarter.

Integration Update

  • Implemented cumulative measures by the end of the second quarter that will result in over $160 million in annualized savings.
    • Realized $41.2 million in savings in the second quarter.
  • Expect to have implemented measures that will result in over $200 million in annualized savings by the end of the third quarter.
    • Expect to realize $50 - $55 million in savings during the third quarter.
  • Management remains highly confident in its ability to implement measures by the end of 2021 that are expected to result in $300 million in synergies.

Earnings Conference Call

Management will host a conference call on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time. A copy of the earnings release will be posted to the Investor Relations section of Gannett’s website, investors.gannett.com. All interested parties are welcome to participate on the live call. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 1-855-319-1124 (from within the U.S.) or 1-703-563-6359 (from outside of the U.S.) ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call; please reference “Gannett Second Quarter Earnings Call” or access code “4339957”. A simultaneous webcast of the conference call will be available to the public on a listen-only basis at investors.gannett.com. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the website and download any necessary software required to listen to the internet broadcast. A telephonic replay of the conference call will also be available approximately two hours following the call’s completion through 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 13, 2020 by dialing 1-855-859-2056 (from within the U.S.) or 1-404-537-3406 (from outside of the U.S.); please reference access code “4339957”.

About Gannett

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is an innovative, digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to the communities in our network and helping them build relationships with their local businesses. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services. Our portfolio includes the USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S. and Guam, and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary with over 140 local media brands operating in the United Kingdom. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc. and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., Gannett Ventures, formerly GateHouse Live. Effective November 20, 2019, following the completion of its merger with Gannett, New Media Investment Group Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under Gannett Co., Inc. and its ticker symbol has changed to “GCI”. To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.

Same Store Pro Forma Revenues

Same store pro forma revenues are based on GAAP revenues for New Media Investment Group Inc. and Legacy Gannett prior to the Acquisition and GAAP revenues for Gannett for the current period, excluding (1) revenues related to 2019 acquisitions from the beginning of 2020 through the first year anniversary of the applicable acquisition date, (2) exited operations, (3) currency impacts, and (4) deferred revenue impacts related to the Acquisition.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain items in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding our ability to execute our operational and integration plans, such as measures expected to result in over $200 million in annualized savings, the timing of realizing those savings, including our expectation that $50 - $55 million will be realized in the third quarter, the potential to realize additional savings in future quarters, our ability to achieve $300 million of synergies through measures expected to be implemented by the end of 2021, our expected capital expenditures, our expectations, in terms of both amount and timing, with respect to debt repayment, real estate sales and debt refinancing, future revenue trends and our ability to influence trends, and the amount and timing of any future dividend. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These and other risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond our control. The Company can give no assurance its expectations will be attained. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this press release. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements, see the risks and other factors detailed from time to time in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Furthermore, new risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict or assess the impact of every factor that may cause its actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands (except per share amounts)

Table No. 1

 

 

 

Assets

June 30, 2020

 

December 31,
2019

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

158,603

 

 

$

156,042

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $26,560 and $19,923

288,509

 

 

438,523

 

Inventories

40,468

 

 

55,090

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

125,208

 

 

129,460

 

Total current assets

612,788

 

 

779,115

 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost net of accumulated depreciation of $358,746 and $277,291

718,590

 

 

815,807

 

Operating lease assets

296,128

 

 

309,112

 

Goodwill

559,623

 

 

914,331

 

Intangible assets, net

920,525

 

 

1,012,564

 

Deferred income tax assets

105,051

 

 

76,297

 

Other assets

125,212

 

 

112,876

 

Total assets

$

3,337,917

 

 

$

4,020,102

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and equity

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

327,071

 

 

$

453,628

 

Deferred revenue

213,988

 

 

218,823

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

3,300

 

Other current liabilities

47,017

 

 

42,702

 

Total current liabilities

588,076

 

 

718,453

 

Long-term debt

1,633,449

 

 

1,636,335

 

Convertible debt

3,300

 

 

3,300

 

Deferred tax liabilities

6,256

 

 

9,052

 

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

214,084

 

 

235,906

 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

282,896

 

 

297,662

 

Other long-term liabilities

157,313

 

 

136,188

 

Total noncurrent liabilities

2,297,298

 

 

2,318,443

 

Total liabilities

2,885,374

 

 

3,036,896

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

458

 

 

1,850

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

Common stock of $0.01 par value per share, 2,000,000,000 shares authorized, 136,885,320 issued and 136,114,347 shares outstanding at June 30, 2020; 129,386,258 issued and 128,991,544 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019

1,369

 

 

1,294

 

Treasury stock at cost, 770,973 and 394,714 shares at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively

(4,818

)

 

(2,876

)

Additional paid-in capital

1,101,899

 

 

1,090,694

 

Accumulated deficit

(633,003

)

 

(115,958

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

(13,362

)

 

8,202

 

Total equity

452,085

 

 

981,356

 

Total liabilities and equity

$

3,337,917

 

 

$

4,020,102

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands (except per share amounts)

Table No. 2

Three months ended

Fiscal year ended

June 30, 2020

 

June 30, 2019

Operating revenues:

 

 

 

Advertising and marketing services

$

356,918

 

 

$

204,697

 

Circulation

342,646

 

 

150,850

 

Other

67,436

 

 

48,840

 

Total operating revenues

767,000

 

 

404,387

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

Operating costs

476,735

 

 

233,407

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

226,484

 

 

126,628

 

Depreciation and amortization

66,327

 

 

23,328

 

Integration and reorganization costs

32,306

 

 

4,278

 

Acquisition costs

2,379

 

 

2,364

 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

6,859

 

 

1,262

 

Goodwill and intangible impairment

393,446

 

 

 

Loss on sale or disposal of assets

88

 

 

947

 

Total operating expenses

1,204,624

 

 

392,214

 

Operating income (loss)

(437,624

)

 

12,173

 

Non-operating (income) expense:

 

 

 

Interest expense

57,928

 

 

10,212

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

369

 

 

 

Non-operating pension income

(17,553

)

 

(208

)

Other income

(6,261

)

 

(103

)

Non-operating expense

34,483

 

 

9,901

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

(472,107

)

 

2,272

 

Benefit for income taxes

(34,276

)

 

(343

)

Net income (loss)

$

(437,831

)

 

$

2,615

 

Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

(938

)

 

(200

)

Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett

$

(436,893

)

 

$

2,815

 

Income (loss) per share attributable to Gannett - basic

$

(3.32

)

 

$

0.05

 

Income (loss) per share attributable to Gannett - diluted

$

(3.32

)

 

$

0.05

 

Dividends declared per share

$

 

 

$

0.38

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands

Table No. 3

Six months ended

 

June 30, 2020

 

June 30, 2019

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(518,437

)

 

$

(6,740

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to operating cash flows:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

144,352

 

 

44,251

 

Equity-based compensation expense

18,968

 

 

1,843

 

Non-cash interest expense

11,902

 

 

689

 

Loss on sale or disposal of assets

745

 

 

2,737

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

1,174

 

 

 

Goodwill and intangible impairment

393,446

 

 

 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

6,859

 

 

2,469

 

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, net of contributions

(49,064

)

 

(649

)

Change in other assets and liabilities, net

14,695

 

 

13,053

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

24,640

 

 

57,653

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(39,353

)

Purchase of property, plant, and equipment

(22,157

)

 

(4,934

)

Proceeds from sale of real estate and other assets

17,792

 

 

7,107

 

Insurance proceeds received for damage to property

1,643

 

 

 

Change in other investing activities

(304

)

 

 

Net cash used for investing activities

(3,026

)

 

(37,180

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

Repayment under term loans

(18,985

)

 

(11,296

)

Borrowing under revolving credit facility

 

 

102,900

 

Repayments under revolving credit facility

 

 

(94,900

)

Payments for employee taxes withheld from stock awards

(1,942

)

 

(700

)

Issuance of common stock

1,007

 

 

 

Payment of dividends

 

 

(46,066

)

Changes in other financing activities

(411

)

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

(20,331

)

 

(50,062

)

Effect of currency exchange rate change on cash

(780

)

 

3

 

Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

503

 

 

(29,586

)

Balance of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period

188,664

 

 

52,770

 

Balance of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period

$

189,167

 

 

$

23,184

 

SEGMENT INFORMATION
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands

Table No. 4

Three months ended

 

June 30, 2020

 

June 30, 2019

Operating revenues:

 

 

 

Publishing

$

695,893

 

 

$

394,435

 

Marketing Solutions

94,563

 

 

27,345

 

Corporate and Other

2,398

 

 

895

 

Intersegment eliminations

(25,854

)

 

(18,288

)

Total

$

767,000

 

 

$

404,387

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

Publishing

$

91,991

 

 

$

55,493

 

Marketing Solutions

2,784

 

 

(2,459

)

Corporate and Other

(16,757

)

 

(5,739

)

Total

$

78,018

 

 

$

47,295

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

Publishing

$

56,553

 

 

$

21,769

 

Marketing Solutions

4,004

 

 

778

 

Corporate and Other

5,770

 

 

781

 

Total

$

66,327

 

 

$

23,328

 

PRO FORMA SAME STORE REVENUES
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands

Table No. 5

Three months ended

 

June 30, 2020

 

June 30, 2019

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma total revenue

$

767,000

 

 

$

1,064,725

 

 

(28.0

)%

Acquired revenues

(3,797

)

 

 

 

***

Currency impact

1,867

 

 

 

 

***

Exited operations

(2

)

 

(957

)

 

(99.8

)%

Deferred revenue adjustment

980

 

 

 

 

***

Same store total revenue

$

766,048

 

 

$

1,063,768

 

 

(28.0

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma advertising and marketing services revenue

$

356,919

 

 

$

573,026

 

 

(37.7

)%

Acquired revenues

(286

)

 

 

 

***

Currency impact

1,167

 

 

 

 

***

Exited operations

(2

)

 

(653

)

 

(99.7

)%

Deferred revenue adjustment

396

 

 

 

 

***

Same store advertising and marketing services revenue

$

358,194

 

 

$

572,373

 

 

(37.4

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma circulation revenue

$

342,645

 

 

$

397,942

 

 

(13.9

)%

Acquired revenues

 

 

 

 

***

Currency impact

543

 

 

 

 

***

Exited operations

 

 

(146

)

 

(100.0

)%

Deferred revenue adjustment

584

 

 

 

 

***

Same store circulation revenue

$

343,772

 

 

$

397,796

 

 

(13.6

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma other revenue

$

67,436

 

 

$

93,757

 

 

(28.1

)%

Acquired revenues

(3,511

)

 

 

 

***

Currency impact

157

 

 

 

 

***

Exited operations

 

 

(158

)

 

(100.0

)%

Same store other revenue

$

64,082

 

 

$

93,599

 

 

(31.5

)%

*** Indicates an absolute value percentage change greater than 100

USE OF NON-GAAP INFORMATION

The Company uses non-GAAP financial performance and liquidity measures to supplement the financial information presented on a 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 GAAP measures and should be read together with financial information presented on a GAAP basis.

The Company defines its non-GAAP measures as follows:

  • Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial performance measure the Company believes offers a useful view of the overall operation of our business. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) attributable to Gannett before (1) income tax expense (benefit), (2) interest expense, (3) gains or losses on early extinguishment of debt, (4) non-operating items, primarily pension costs, (5) depreciation and amortization, (6) integration and reorganization costs, (7) impairment of long-lived assets, (8) goodwill and intangible impairments, (9) net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets, (10) equity-based compensation, (11) acquisition costs, and (12) certain other non-recurring charges. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is net income (loss) attributable to Gannett.
  • Free cash flow is a non-GAAP liquidity measure that adjusts our reported GAAP results for items we believe are critical to the ongoing success of our business. The Company defines Free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities as reported on the statement of cash flows less capital expenditures, which results in a figure representing Free cash flow available for use in operations, additional investments, debt obligations, and returns to shareholders. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is net cash from operating activities.

Management’s Use of Non-GAAP Measures

Adjusted EBITDA and Free cash flow are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to income from operations, net income (loss), cash flow from continuing operating activities, or any other measure of performance or liquidity derived in accordance with GAAP. We believe our non-GAAP 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.

Adjusted EBITDA provides us with a measure of financial performance, independent of items that are beyond the control of management in the short-term such as depreciation and amortization, taxation, non-cash impairments, and interest expense associated with our capital structure. This metric measures our financial performance based on operational factors that management can impact in the short-term, namely the cost structure or expenses of the organization. Adjusted EBITDA is one of the metrics we use to review the financial performance of our business on a monthly basis.

We use Adjusted EBITDA as a measure 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. We consider the unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and the (gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt to be financing related costs associated with interest expense or amortization of financing fees. Accordingly, we exclude financing related costs such as the early extinguishment of debt because they represent the write-off of deferred financing costs, and we believe these non-cash write-offs are similar to interest expense and amortization of financing fees, which by definition are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. Additionally, the non-cash gains (losses) on derivative contracts, which are related to interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate risk, are financing costs associated with interest expense. Such charges are incidental to, but not reflective of, our day-to-day operating performance, and it is appropriate to exclude charges related to financing activities such as the early extinguishment of debt and the unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments which, depending on the nature of the financing arrangement, would have otherwise been amortized over the period of the related agreement and does not require a current cash settlement. Such charges are incidental to, but not reflective of our day-to-day operating performance of the business that management can impact in the short term.

Limitations of Non-GAAP Measures

Each of our non-GAAP measures has limitations as an analytical tool. They should not be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP measures of earnings or cash flows. Material limitations in making the adjustments to our earnings to calculate Adjusted EBITDA and using this non-GAAP financial measure as compared to GAAP net income (loss) include: the cash portion of interest / financing expense, income tax (benefit) provision, and charges related to impairment of long-lived assets, which may significantly affect our financial results.

A reader of our financial statements may find this item important in evaluating our performance, results of operations, and financial position. We use non-GAAP financial measures to supplement our GAAP results in order to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business.

Adjusted EBITDA and Free cash flow are not alternatives to net income, income from operations, or cash flows provided by or used in operations as calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Readers of our financial statements should not rely on Adjusted EBITDA or Free cash flow as a substitute for any such GAAP financial measure. We strongly urge readers of our financial statements to review the reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA and the reconciliation of net cash from operating activities to Free cash flow, along with our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. We also strongly urge readers of our financial statements to not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. In addition, because Adjusted EBITDA and Free cash flow are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, the Adjusted EBITDA and Free cash flow measures as presented in this report may differ from and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ADJUSTED EBITDA
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table No. 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2020

 

Publishing

 

Marketing
Solutions

 

Corporate
and Other

 

Consolidated
Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett

$

(328,207

)

 

$

(43,226

)

 

$

(65,460

)

 

$

(436,893

)

Benefit for income taxes

 

 

 

 

(34,276

)

 

(34,276

)

Interest expense

92

 

 

 

 

57,836

 

 

57,928

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

369

 

 

369

 

Non-operating pension income

(17,480

)

 

 

 

(73

)

 

(17,553

)

Other non-operating items, net

(3,066

)

 

(2,614

)

 

(581

)

 

(6,261

)

Depreciation and amortization

56,553

 

 

4,004

 

 

5,770

 

 

66,327

 

Integration and reorganization costs

20,619

 

 

2,962

 

 

8,725

 

 

32,306

 

Acquisition costs

 

 

 

 

2,379

 

 

2,379

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

6,859

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,859

 

Goodwill and mastheads impairment

352,947

 

 

40,499

 

 

 

 

393,446

 

Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets

(449

)

 

516

 

 

21

 

 

88

 

Equity-based compensation

 

 

 

 

7,391

 

 

7,391

 

Other items

4,123

 

 

643

 

 

1,142

 

 

5,908

 

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)

$

91,991

 

 

$

2,784

 

 

$

(16,757

)

 

$

78,018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2019

 

Publishing

 

Marketing
Solutions

 

Corporate
and Other

 

Consolidated
Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett

$

24,830

 

 

$

(3,807

)

 

$

(18,208

)

 

$

2,815

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 

 

(343

)

 

(343

)

Interest expense

23

 

 

 

 

10,189

 

 

10,212

 

Non-operating pension income

(208

)

 

 

 

 

 

(208

)

Other non-operating items, net

(162

)

 

 

 

59

 

 

(103

)

Depreciation and amortization

21,769

 

 

778

 

 

781

 

 

23,328

 

Integration and reorganization costs

4,074

 

 

180

 

 

24

 

 

4,278

 

Acquisition costs

 

 

 

 

2,364

 

 

2,364

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

2,469

 

 

 

 

(1,207

)

 

1,262

 

Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets

2,159

 

 

1

 

 

(1,213

)

 

947

 

Equity-based compensation

 

 

 

 

707

 

 

707

 

Other items

539

 

 

389

 

 

1,108

 

 

2,036

 

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)

$

55,493

 

 

$

(2,459

)

 

$

(5,739

)

 

$

47,295

 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
FREE CASH FLOW
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands

 

 

Table No. 7

 

 

Three months
ended June 30, 2020

 

 

Net cash flow used for operating activities (GAAP basis)

$

(35,849

)

Capital expenditures

(8,374

)

Free cash flow (non-GAAP basis)(1)

$

(44,223

)

(1) Free cash flow for the second quarter was negatively impacted by $23.7 million of integration and reorganization costs and $0.1 million of acquisition costs.

Contacts

For investor inquiries, contact:
Ashley Higgins
Investor Relations
212-479-3160
investors@gannett.com

For media inquiries, contact:
Stephanie Tackach
Director, Public Relations
212-715-5490
stackach@gannett.com

Contacts

For investor inquiries, contact:
Ashley Higgins
Investor Relations
212-479-3160
investors@gannett.com

For media inquiries, contact:
Stephanie Tackach
Director, Public Relations
212-715-5490
stackach@gannett.com