UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: June 15, 2003
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to Commission File Number: 0-7831
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
WISCONSIN 39-0382060
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
333 W. State Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
414-224-2728
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
----- -----
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes No X
----- -----
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock as of July 23, 2003:
Class Outstanding at July 23, 2003
Common Stock, par value $0.125 28,800,000
Units of Beneficial Interest 25,920,000*
* 2,884,263 of which were held by us in treasury
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
INDEX
Page
No.
----
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of
June 15, 2003 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2002 2
Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of
Earnings for the Second Quarter and Two
Quarters Ended June 15, 2003 and June 16, 2002 3
Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of
Cash Flows for the Two Quarters Ended June 15,
2003 and June 16, 2002 4
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed
Financial Statements as of June 15, 2003 5
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 8
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of
Market Risk 23
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 23
Part II. Other Information
Items 1 - 3 23
Items 4 - 6 24
1
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
ASSETS June 15, 2003 December 31, 2002
------------- -----------------
(unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ................................ $ 4,192 $ 8,455
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $6,992 and $6,453 ........................... 92,181 89,920
Inventories, lower of cost (first-in-first-out)
or market:
Paper and supplies .................................... 6,403 7,725
Work in process ....................................... 1,060 3,456
Finished goods ........................................ 7,954 5,019
--------- ---------
15,417 16,200
Prepaid expenses ......................................... 10,004 11,786
Deferred income taxes .................................... 8,164 8,164
--------- ---------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS ..................................... 129,958 134,525
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated
depreciation of $332,867 and $345,333 ..................... 328,587 324,405
Goodwill .................................................... 113,373 111,998
Broadcast licenses .......................................... 125,492 125,492
Other intangible assets, net ................................ 11,369 12,115
Prepaid pension costs ....................................... 29,156 30,337
Other assets ................................................ 4,987 5,880
--------- ---------
TOTAL ASSETS ........................................... $ 742,922 $ 744,752
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks ................................... $ 74,370 $ 90,775
Accounts payable ......................................... 42,395 37,757
Accrued compensation ..................................... 19,762 29,712
Deferred revenue ......................................... 22,007 20,741
Accrued employee benefits ................................ 9,407 9,576
Other current liabilities ................................ 20,091 9,525
Current portion of long-term liabilities ................. 581 1,645
--------- ---------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES ................................ 188,613 199,731
Accrued employee benefits ................................... 16,948 16,945
Other long-term liabilities ................................. 8,894 9,238
Deferred income taxes ....................................... 42,294 42,294
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, authorized and issued 28,800 shares
($0.125 par value) ...................................... 3,600 3,600
Retained earnings ........................................ 590,990 581,361
--------- ---------
Units of beneficial interest in treasury, at cost ........ (108,417) (108,417)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ............................... 486,173 476,544
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ............... $ 742,922 $ 744,752
========= =========
Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 2002 has been derived from the audited financial
statements at that date, but does not include all the information and footnotes required by
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for complete financial statements.
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.
2
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Second Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended
----------------------------- -----------------------------
June 15, 2003 June 16, 2002 June 15, 2003 June 16, 2002
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Continuing operations:
Operating revenue:
Publishing ................................. $ 74,168 $ 73,801 $ 142,505 $ 143,318
Broadcasting ............................... 35,061 34,931 64,523 65,611
Telecommunications ......................... 34,618 34,194 68,368 69,099
Printing services .......................... 19,180 21,246 40,205 46,274
Other ...................................... 22,039 21,859 43,932 41,784
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total operating revenue ....................... 185,066 186,031 359,533 366,086
Operating costs and expenses:
Publishing ................................. 37,045 33,339 71,773 67,219
Broadcasting ............................... 14,614 13,413 28,454 26,496
Telecommunications ......................... 19,257 18,607 37,819 36,830
Printing services .......................... 16,225 18,112 33,259 39,608
Other ...................................... 18,090 17,926 36,485 35,075
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total operating costs and expenses ............ 105,231 101,397 207,790 205,228
Selling and administrative expenses ........... 55,653 51,447 108,309 107,191
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total operating costs and expenses and
selling and administrative expenses .......... 160,884 152,844 316,099 312,419
Operating earnings ............................ 24,182 33,187 43,434 53,667
Other income and expense:
Interest income and dividends .............. 59 202 136 833
Interest expense, net ...................... (898) (163) (1,389) (308)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total other income and expense ................ (839) 39 (1,253) 525
Earnings from continuing operations before
income taxes and accounting change ........... 23,343 33,226 42,181 54,192
Provision for income taxes .................... 9,467 14,884 17,003 23,598
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings from continuing operations
before accounting change ................... 13,876 18,342 25,178 30,594
Loss from discontinued operations, net
of applicable income tax benefit of
$0, $2,515, $0, and $5,182 ................... -- (1,684) -- (89)
Cumulative effect of accounting change,
net of applicable income taxes of $1,161 ..... -- -- -- (6,509)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net earnings .................................. $ 13,876 $ 16,658 $ 25,178 $ 23,996
========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding .................................. 25,916 26,749 25,916 26,762
Basic and diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations before
accounting change ......................... $ 0.54 $ 0.69 $ 0.97 $ 1.14
Discontinued operations .................... -- (0.06) -- --
Cumulative effect of accounting change ..... -- -- -- (0.24)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net earnings per share ........................ $ 0.54 $ 0.63 $ 0.97 $ 0.90
========= ========= ========= =========
Cash dividends per share ...................... $ 0.30 $ 0.30 $ 0.60 $ 0.60
========= ========= ========= =========
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.
3
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Two Quarters Ended
-----------------------------
June 15, 2003 June 16, 2002
------------- -------------
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net earnings ............................................. $ 25,178 $ 23,996
Less loss from discontinued operations ................... -- (89)
Less cumulative effect of accounting change .............. -- (6,509)
-------- --------
Earnings from continuing operations before
accounting change ....................................... 25,178 30,594
Adjustments for non-cash items:
Depreciation .......................................... 21,142 20,208
Amortization .......................................... 772 942
Provision for doubtful accounts ....................... 1,399 1,494
Net loss from disposal of assets ...................... 808 215
Impairment of long-lived assets ....................... -- 1,260
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities,
excluding effects of sales and acquisitions:
Receivables ........................................... (3,538) (2,700)
Inventories ........................................... 783 2,023
Accounts payable ...................................... 4,135 (6,985)
Other assets and liabilities .......................... 3,479 3,018
-------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES .......... 54,158 50,069
Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures for property and equipment .......... (27,885) (27,591)
Proceeds from sales of assets ............................ 1,803 434
Acquisition of business .................................. (1,450) --
Other, net ............................................... 1,214 239
-------- --------
NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES ............. (26,318) (26,918)
Cash flow from financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in notes payable to bank ......... (16,405) 46,945
Purchases of units of beneficial interest ................ -- (93,186)
Sales of units of beneficial interest .................... -- 38,709
Cash dividends ........................................... (15,549) (15,982)
Deferred revenue ......................................... (149) (149)
-------- --------
NET CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES ............. (32,103) (23,663)
NET CASH USED FOR DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS ................... -- (1,408)
-------- --------
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ................... (4,263) (1,920)
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year ........................................ 8,455 8,911
-------- --------
At June 15, 2003 and June 16, 2002 ....................... $ 4,192 $ 6,991
======== ========
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.
4
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands)
1 BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have
been prepared by Journal Communications, Inc. and its wholly owned
subsidiaries in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States for interim financial information and pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and reflect
normal and recurring adjustments, which we believe to be necessary for a
fair presentation. As permitted by these regulations, these statements do
not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States for annual financial
statements. However, we believe that the disclosures are adequate to make
the information presented not misleading. The operating results for the two
quarters ended June 15, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results
that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2003. You should read
these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included
in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.
We reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform to the 2003
presentation.
2 ACCOUNTING PERIODS
We divide our calendar year into 13 four-week accounting periods, except
that the first and thirteenth periods may be longer or shorter to the
extent necessary to make each accounting year end on December 31. We follow
a practice of publishing our interim financial statements at the end of the
third accounting period (the first quarter), at the end of the sixth
accounting period (the second quarter), and at the end of the tenth
accounting period (the third quarter).
3 SEGMENT INFORMATION
Second Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended
----------------------------- -----------------------------
June 15, 2003 June 16, 2002 June 15, 2003 June 16, 2002
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Operating revenue
-----------------
Publishing ............... $ 74,168 $ 73,801 $142,505 $143,318
Broadcasting ............. 35,061 34,931 64,523 65,611
Telecommunications ....... 34,618 34,194 68,368 69,099
Printing services ........ 19,180 21,246 40,205 46,274
Other .................... 22,039 21,859 43,932 41,784
-------- -------- -------- --------
$185,066 $186,031 $359,533 $366,086
======== ======== ======== ========
Operating earnings
------------------
Publishing ............... $ 8,065 $ 10,304 $ 11,647 $ 15,539
Broadcasting ............. 7,051 7,519 10,457 12,222
Telecommunications ....... 8,898 9,266 18,110 19,582
Printing services ........ 611 313 1,733 1,063
Other .................... (443) 5,785 1,487 5,261
-------- -------- -------- --------
$ 24,182 $ 33,187 $ 43,434 $ 53,667
======== ======== ======== ========
June 15, 2003 December 31, 2002
------------- -----------------
Audited
Identifiable total assets -------
-------------------------
Publishing........................... $ 232,133 $ 224,290
Broadcasting......................... 297,840 298,426
Telecommunications................... 110,102 114,545
Printing services.................... 26,879 31,005
Other................................ 75,968 76,486
--------- ---------
$ 742,922 $ 744,752
========= =========
4 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Second Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended
----------------------------- -----------------------------
June 15, 2003 June 16, 2002 June 15, 2003 June 16, 2002
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net earnings ................ $ 13,876 $ 16,658 $ 25,178 $ 23,996
Foreign currency
translation adjustments..... (2) (598) -- (425)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Comprehensive Income ........ $ 13,874 $ 16,060 $ 25,178 $ 23,571
======== ======== ======== ========
5
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands)
5 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Definite-lived Intangibles
--------------------------
Our definite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of customer lists
and non-compete agreements. We amortize the customer lists over the period
of time we expect the assets to contribute to our cash flows and we
amortize the non-compete agreements over the terms of the contracts.
The gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization and net carrying amount
of the major classes of definite-lived intangible assets as of June 15,
2003 and December 31, 2002 is as follows:
Gross Accumulated Net
As of June 15, 2003 Carrying Amount Amortization Carrying Amount
--------------- ------------ ---------------
Definite-lived intangible assets:
Customer lists....................... $ 18,011 $ (15,292) $ 2,699
Non-compete agreements............... 24,838 (23,684) 1,154
Other................................ 2,840 (2,840) --
--------- --------- --------
Total................................ $ 45,689 $ (41,816) $ 3,873
========= ========= ========
Gross Accumulated Net
As of December 31, 2002 Carrying Amount Amortization Carrying Amount
--------------- ------------ ---------------
Definite-lived intangible assets:
Customer lists....................... $ 17,771 $ (14,830) $ 2,941
Non-compete agreements............... 24,813 (23,169) 1,644
Other................................ 3,080 (3,045) 35
--------- --------- --------
Total................................ $ 45,664 $ (41,044) $ 4,620
========= ========= ========
Amortization expense was $376 for the second quarter ended June 15, 2003
and $772 for the two quarters ended June 15, 2003. Estimated amortization
expense for each of the next five years ending December 31 is as follows:
Year Amount
---- --------
2003.................................................. $ 1,641
2004.................................................. 1,036
2005.................................................. 463
2006.................................................. 449
2007.................................................. 410
Indefinite-lived Intangibles
----------------------------
Broadcast licenses and network affiliation agreements are deemed to have
indefinite useful lives because we have renewed these agreements without
issue in the past and we intend to renew them indefinitely in the future.
Consequently, we expect the cash flows from both our broadcast licenses and
our network affiliation agreements to continue indefinitely. We performed
transitional impairment tests on our broadcast licenses and network
affiliation agreements as of January 1, 2002 at the level of separate
identifiable assets and recorded a transitional broadcast license
impairment charge of $722 ($458 after tax) at our broadcasting business
during the first quarter ended March 24, 2002, which is reported as a
component of the cumulative effect of accounting change in the consolidated
statements of earnings. No impairment resulted from our 2002 annual
impairment test.
There were no changes to the carrying amount of the major classes of
indefinite-lived intangible assets in the two quarters ended June 15, 2003.
Goodwill
--------
In 2002, we performed transitional impairment tests on the carrying value
of goodwill as of January 1, 2002. As a result, we recorded a transitional
goodwill impairment charge of $6,948 ($6,051 after tax) at our direct
marketing services business during the first quarter ended March 24, 2002,
which is reported as a component of the cumulative effect of accounting
change in the consolidated statements of earnings. For goodwill
amortization that was nondeductible for income tax purposes, the
transitional goodwill impairment charge is also nondeductible. No
impairment resulted from our 2002 annual impairment test.
6
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(in thousands)
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in the two quarters ended
June 15, 2003 are as follows:
Goodwill at Goodwill related Goodwill at
Reporting Unit January 1, 2003 to Acquisitions June 15, 2003
-------------- --------------- ---------------- -------------
Daily newspaper.................... $ 2,084 $ -- $ 2,084
Community newspapers & shoppers.... 24,835 1,375 26,210
Broadcasting....................... 82,119 -- 82,119
Telecommunications................. 188 -- 188
Label printing..................... 2,362 -- 2,362
Direct marketing services.......... 410 -- 410
--------- -------- ---------
Total.............................. $ 111,998 $ 1,375 $ 113,373
========= ======== =========
6 NOTES PAYABLE TO BANKS
We have a $120,000 bank revolving credit agreement, expiring April 30,
2004, to support our cash requirements. Borrowings under this credit
agreement are at the Base Rate (derived from prime or Federal Fund rates)
or at the LIBOR based rate. As of June 15, 2003, we had borrowings of
$74,370 under the credit agreement, including $4,370 bearing interest at
the Base Rate of 4.25% and $70,000 bearing interest at the LIBOR based rate
of 2.21%.
7 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In January 2002, we announced the closure of Fox Cities Newspapers, a
business in our publishing segment located in Appleton, Wisconsin. On April
29, 2002, we decided to liquidate IPC Communications Services, S.A., a
business in our printing services segment located in Roncq, France.
The following table summarizes the results of operations of Fox Cities
Newspapers and IPC Communication Services, S.A.:
Second Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended
----------------------------- -----------------------------
June 15, 2003 June 16, 2002 June 15, 2003 June 16, 2002
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Operating revenue ................ $ -- $ 1,272 $ -- $ 2,882
Loss before income tax benefit
of $2,515 and $5,182 ............ $ -- $ (4,199) $ -- $ (5,271)
There were no assets or liabilities of Fox Cities Newspapers or IPC
Communication Services, S.A. included in the unaudited consolidated
condensed balance sheet at June 15, 2003 and the consolidated balance sheet
at December 31, 2002.
8 EXIT ACTIVITY
Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted Statement No. 146, "Accounting for
Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." Statement No. 146
addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit
or disposal activities and nullifies the previous guidance on the subject.
It requires, among other things, that a liability for a cost associated
with an exit or disposal activity initiated after December 31, 2002 be
recognized, at fair value, when the liability is incurred rather than at
the commitment date to the exit or disposal plan.
In February 2003, we announced the closure of our CD-ROM mastering and
replication facility, a business in our printing services segment, in
Foothill Ranch, California. These functions will be performed by third
parties, eliminating the need for all 33 employees, and will allow us to
focus on our core printing services business. This action was completed in
May 2003. We incurred expenses of $505. These costs are reported as selling
and administrative expenses in the unaudited consolidated condensed
statement of earnings. The liability is reported as accrued employee
benefits in the unaudited consolidated condensed balance sheet at June 15,
2003.
Liability at Charges/ Payments/ Liability at
January 1, 2003 Additions Reductions June 15, 2003
--------------- --------- ---------- -------------
Employee severance and benefits..... $ -- $ 296 $ (286) $ 10
Facility costs...................... -- 152 (152) --
Other............................ -- 57 (57) --
-------- ------- ------- ------
Total............................ $ -- $ 505 $ (495) $ 10
======== ======= ======= ======
7
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations
should be read together with our unaudited consolidated condensed financial
statements for the second quarter and the two quarters ended June 15, 2003,
including the notes thereto. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified
to reflect Fox Cities Newspapers and IPC Communication Services, S. A. as
discontinued operations in our unaudited consolidated condensed financial
statements and to conform with the 2003 presentation. These reclassifications
had no impact on reported 2002 net earnings.
More information regarding us is available at our website at www.jc.com. We are
not including the information contained in our website as a part of, or
incorporating it by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our
Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on
Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are made available to the public at
no charge, other than a reader's own internet access charges, through a link
appearing on our website. We provide access to such material through our website
as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material
with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Forward-Looking Statements
We make certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend these forward-looking statements to be
covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained
in that Act, and we are including this statement for purposes of those safe
harbor provisions. These forward-looking statements generally include all
statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements
regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected
revenues and expenses, expected regulatory actions and plans and objectives of
management for future operations. We use words such as "may," "will," "intend,"
"anticipate," "believe," or "should" and similar expressions in this Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q to identify forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and
are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond
our control. These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual
results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those
forward-looking statements. Among such risks, uncertainties and other factors
that may impact us are the following:
o changes in advertising demand;
o changes in newsprint prices and other costs of materials;
o changes in federal or state laws and regulations or their interpretations
(including changes in regulations governing the number and types of
broadcast and cable system properties, newspapers and licenses that a
person may control in a given market or in total);
o the availability of quality broadcast programming at competitive prices;
o changes in network affiliation agreements;
o quality and rating of network over-the-air broadcast programs available to
our customers;
o effects of the loss of commercial inventory resulting from uninterrupted
television news coverage and potential advertising cancellations due to war
or terrorist acts;
o effects of the rapidly changing nature of the publishing, broadcasting,
telecommunications, and printing industries, including general business
issues and the introduction of new technologies;
o effects of bankruptcies and government investigations on customers for our
telecommunications wholesale services;
o the ability of regional telecommunications companies to expand service
offerings to include intra-exchange services;
o changes in interest rates;
o the outcome of pending or future litigation;
o energy costs;
o the availability and effect of acquisitions, investments, and dispositions
on our results of operations or financial condition; and
o changes in general economic conditions.
We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,
which we have made as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Overview
Our business segments are based on the organizational structure used by
management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing
performance. We previously reported eight business segments, which included our
corporate operations and the operations of each one of our wholly-owned
subsidiaries. In order to better reflect our operations as a diversified media
company, and to reflect certain changes in the way our management receives
internal financial information, we determined it appropriate under Statement No.
131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," to
aggregate previously reported
8
segments and identify new segments by type of business rather than by names of
individual operating entities. As a result, we changed our reportable business
segments in 2002 to the following: (i) publishing; (ii) broadcasting; (iii)
telecommunications; (iv) printing services; and (v) other. Our publishing
segment consists of a daily newspaper, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and more
than 90 community newspapers and shoppers. Our broadcasting segment consists of
36 radio stations and six television stations in 11 states. Our
telecommunications segment consists of wholesale and business-to-business
telecommunications services provided through a high speed fiber optic
telecommunications network that covers more than 4,400 route miles in seven
states. Our printing services segment reflects the operations of our printing
and assembly and fulfillment business. Our other segment consists of a label
printing business and a direct marketing services business. Also included in
other are corporate expenses and eliminations.
Results of Operations
Second Quarter Ended June 15, 2003 compared to Second Quarter Ended June
16, 2002
Consolidated
Our consolidated operating revenue in the second quarter of 2003 was $185.1
million, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 0.5%, compared to $186.0 million in the
second quarter of 2002. Our consolidated operating costs and expenses in the
second quarter of 2003 were $105.2 million, an increase of $3.8 million, or
3.8%, compared to $101.4 million in the second quarter of 2002. Our consolidated
selling and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2003 were $55.7
million, an increase of $4.3 million, or 8.2%, compared to $51.4 million in the
second quarter of 2002.
The following table presents our total operating revenue by segment, total
operating costs and expenses, selling and administrative expenses and total
operating earnings as a percent of total operating revenue for the second
quarter of 2003 and 2002:
Percent of Percent of
Total Total
Operating Operating
2003 Revenue 2002 Revenue
-------- ---------- -------- ----------
(dollars in millions)
Operating revenue:
Publishing............................... $ 74.2 40.1% $ 73.8 39.7%
Broadcasting............................. 35.1 18.9 34.9 18.8
Telecommunications....................... 34.6 18.7 34.2 18.4
Printing services........................ 19.2 10.4 21.2 11.4
Other.................................... 22.0 11.9 21.9 11.7
------- ----- ------- -----
Total operating revenue............. 185.1 100.0 186.0 100.0
Total operating costs and expenses....... 105.2 56.9 101.4 54.5
Selling and administrative expenses...... 55.7 30.0 51.4 27.7
------- ----- ------- -----
Total operating costs and expenses and
selling and administrative expenses..... 160.9 86.9 152.8 82.2
------- ----- ------- -----
Total operating earnings................. $ 24.2 13.1% $ 33.2 17.8%
======= ===== ======= =====
The decrease in total operating revenue was primarily due to a reduction in
revenue from our largest customer in our printing services business, Dell
Computer Corporation, partially offset by the increase from commercial
telecommunication services, the increase in retail advertising at our daily
newspaper, the increase in direct mail services from our direct marketing
services business of our other reportable segment and an increase in local
advertising at our television broadcasting business.
The increase in total operating costs and expenses was primarily due to
additional costs related to the daily newspaper's transition to its new
production facility. The increase in selling and administrative expenses was
primarily due to the reduction in the litigation reserve in the second quarter
of 2002 and the recording of a liability for employment taxes in the second
quarter of 2003.
9
Our consolidated operating earnings in the second quarter of 2003 were $24.2
million, a decrease of $9.0 million, or 27.1%, compared to $33.2 million in the
second quarter of 2002. The following table presents our operating earnings by
segment for the second quarter of 2003 and 2002:
Percent of Percent of
Total Total
Operating Operating
2003 Earnings 2002 Earnings
-------- ---------- -------- ----------
(dollars in millions)
Publishing...................... $ 8.1 33.3% $ 10.3 31.0%
Broadcasting.................... 7.0 29.2 7.5 22.7
Telecommunications.............. 8.9 36.8 9.3 27.9
Printing services............... 0.6 2.5 0.3 0.9
Other........................... (0.4) (1.8) 5.8 17.5
------- ----- ------- -----
Total operating earnings........ $ 24.2 100.0% $ 33.2 100.0%
======= ===== ======= =====
The decrease in total operating earnings was primarily due to the decrease in
the litigation reserve in the second quarter of 2002 and the recording of a
liability for employment taxes in the second quarter of 2003 at our other
reportable segment, the additional costs related to the daily newspaper's new
production facility, the increase in depreciation at our television broadcasting
business and the decrease in the profit margin on operating revenue on
telecommunications services due to service disconnections and price reductions
that occurred during 2002, partially offset by decreases in operating costs and
expenses at our printing services business.
Our consolidated EBITDA in the second quarter of 2003 was $35.3 million, a
decrease of $8.7 million, or 19.8%, compared to $44.0 million in the second
quarter of 2002. We define EBITDA as net earnings plus total other income and
expense, provision for income taxes, gain/loss from discontinued operations,
net, cumulative effect of accounting change, net, depreciation and amortization.
We believe the presentation of EBITDA is relevant and useful because it helps
improve our investors' ability to understand our operating performance and makes
it easier to compare our results with other companies that have different
financing and capital structures or tax rates. Our management uses EBITDA, among
other things, to evaluate our operating performance, to value prospective
acquisitions and as a component of incentive compensation targets for certain
management personnel. In addition, our lenders use EBITDA to measure our ability
to service our debt. EBITDA is not a measure of performance calculated in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
EBITDA should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net
earnings as an indicator of operating performance or cash flows from operating
activities as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA, as we calculate it, may not be
comparable to EBITDA measures reported by other companies. In addition, EBITDA
does not represent funds available for discretionary use.
The following table presents a reconciliation of our consolidated net earnings
to consolidated EBITDA for the second quarter of 2003 and 2002:
2003 2002
-------- --------
(in millions)
Net earnings....................................... $ 13.9 $ 16.7
Total other (income) and expense................... 0.8 --
Provision for income taxes......................... 9.5 14.9
Loss from discontinued operations, net............. -- 1.7
Depreciation....................................... 10.7 10.2
Amortization....................................... 0.4 0.5
------- -------
EBITDA............................................. $ 35.3 $ 44.0
======= =======
The decrease in total EBITDA is consistent with decreases in operating earnings
in our other, publishing, broadcasting and telecommunications reportable
segments partially offset by an increase in operating earnings at our printing
services reportable segment.
Publishing
Operating revenue from publishing in the second quarter of 2003 was $74.2
million, an increase of $0.4 million, or 0.5%, compared to $73.8 million in the
second quarter of 2002. Operating earnings from publishing in the second quarter
of 2003 were $8.1 million, a decrease of $2.2 million, or 21.7%, compared to
$10.3 million in the second quarter of 2002.
10
The following table presents our publishing operating revenue by category for
the second quarter of 2003 and 2002:
2003 2002
---------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Community Community
Daily Newspapers Daily Newspapers
Newspaper & Shoppers Total Newspaper & Shoppers Total
--------- ---------- ------- --------- ---------- -------
(in millions)
Advertising revenue:
Retail...................... $ 19.0 $ 13.5 $ 32.5 $ 17.7 $ 13.7 $ 31.4
Classified.................. 14.0 2.2 16.2 15.0 2.6 17.6
General..................... 2.5 -- 2.5 2.2 -- 2.2
Other....................... 4.0 0.7 4.7 3.4 0.4 3.8
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------
Total advertising revenue... 39.5 16.4 55.9 38.3 16.7 55.0
Circulation revenue............ 9.9 0.7 10.6 10.6 0.7 11.3
Other revenue.................. 1.0 6.7 7.7 0.6 6.9 7.5
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------
Total operating revenue........ $ 50.4 $ 23.8 $ 74.2 $ 49.5 $ 24.3 $ 73.8
======= ======== ======= ======= ======== =======
Advertising revenue in the second quarter of 2003 accounted for 75.3% of total
publishing revenue compared to 74.5% in the second quarter of 2002.
Retail advertising revenue in the second quarter of 2003 was $32.5 million, an
increase of $1.1 million, or 3.5%, compared to $31.4 million in the second
quarter of 2002. The increase is comprised of a $0.8 million increase in daily
newspaper retail ROP (run-of-press) and a $0.5 million increase in daily
newspaper retail preprints offset by a $0.2 million decrease in community
newspaper retail advertising. The increase in advertising revenue at the daily
newspaper in the second quarter of 2003 is primarily due to a new advertising
program for a large retail customer and an increase in advertising revenue from
several telecommunications customers. The shift to preprint advertising from
retail ROP by certain major local retail customers continued in the second
quarter of 2003.
Classified advertising revenue in the second quarter of 2003 was $16.2 million,
a decrease of $1.4 million, or 8.0%, compared to $17.6 million in the second
quarter of 2002. Decreases in employment advertising of $0.8 million and
automotive advertising of $0.4 million at our daily newspaper and a $0.4 million
decrease at our community newspapers and shoppers were partially offset by
increases in general advertising of $0.1 million and real estate advertising of
$0.1 million. The decrease in employment advertising, which accounted for 29.6%
of total classified advertising in the second quarter of 2003, represented a
15.2% decrease from the second quarter of 2002. We believe the decrease in
employment and automotive advertising resulted primarily from continuing
economic weakness and uncertainty.
General advertising revenue in the second quarter of 2003 was $2.5 million, an
increase of $0.3 million, or 13.6%, compared to $2.2 million in the second
quarter of 2002. The increase was attributable to an increase in general
preprints mainly from a large computer hardware manufacturer.
The following table presents our daily newspaper's core newspaper advertising
linage by category for the second quarter of 2003 and 2002:
2003 2002 Change
------ ------ ------
Advertising linage (inches in thousands):
Full run
Retail................................... 168.8 160.7 +5.0%
Classified............................... 207.6 215.4 -3.6%
General.................................. 10.7 10.6 +0.9%
------ ------
Total full run................................ 387.1 386.7 +0.1%
Part run...................................... 28.8 22.0 +30.9%
------ ------
Total advertising linage...................... 415.9 408.7 +1.8%
====== ======
Preprint pieces (in millions)................. 189.3 174.8 +8.3%
====== ======
Total advertising linage in the second quarter of 2003 increased 1.8% compared
to the second quarter of 2002. The increase was largely due to a 30.9% increase
in part run linage and a 0.1% increase in full run linage. The part run linage
in the second quarter of 2003 increased primarily due to an increase in zoned
retail advertising. Full run linage increased in the second quarter of 2003
primarily due to a 5.0% increase in retail advertising and a 0.9% increase in
general advertising partially offset by a 3.6% decrease in classified
advertising. The increase in retail advertising linage is consistent with its
revenue increase and the increase in general advertising linage is due to
increased general ROP revenue from telecommunications and pharmaceutical
customers while the decrease in classified advertising linage is consistent with
its revenue decrease. Preprint advertising pieces rose 8.3% primarily as a
result of the continuing shift to preprint advertising from by certain major
local retail customers.
11
The following table presents the full pages of advertising and revenue per page
of our community newspapers and shoppers for the second quarter of 2003 and
2002:
2003 2002 Change
-------- -------- ------
Full pages of advertising:
Community newspapers................ 21,592 22,814 -5.4%
Shoppers............................ 23,036 25,552 -9.8%
-------- --------
Total full pages of advertising.......... 44,628 48,366 -7.7%
======== ========
Revenue per page......................... $ 327.19 $ 313.69 +4.3%
======== ========
Total pages of full page advertising in the second quarter of 2003 decreased
7.7% compared to the second quarter of 2002. The decrease was largely due to a
9.8% decrease in advertising in shoppers and a 5.4% decrease in advertising in
community newspapers. This corresponds with the decrease in community newspapers
and shoppers advertising revenue. Revenue per page increased 4.3% due to rate
increases.
Other advertising revenue, consisting of revenue from direct marketing efforts,
JSOnline, niche publications and event marketing, in the second quarter of 2003
was $4.7 million, an increase of $0.9 million, or 23.7%, compared to $3.8
million in the second quarter of 2002. The increase was largely due to increases
in direct mail advertising and online classified advertising.
Circulation revenue in the second quarter of 2003 accounted for 14.3% of total
publishing revenue compared to 15.3% in the second quarter of 2002. Circulation
revenue in the second quarter of 2003 was $10.6 million, a decrease of $0.7
million, or 6.2%, compared to $11.3 million in the second quarter of 2002. The
decrease in circulation revenue is mainly attributed to an increase in reduced
rate offerings at the daily newspaper. Average net paid circulation for the
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's weekday edition increased 5.3% in the second
quarter of 2003 compared to the second quarter of 2002. Average net paid
circulation for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Sunday edition increased 0.5% in
the second quarter of 2003 compared to the second quarter of 2002. On June 30,
2002, in an effort to increase readership in certain areas of Milwaukee County,
we began offering greater discounts on home delivery and single copy sales.
Circulation in those areas has increased since offering the discounts. Average
paid circulation for our community newspapers decreased 0.1% in the second
quarter of 2003 compared to the second quarter of 2002.
Other revenue, which consists of revenue from commercial printing opportunities
at the print plants for our community newspapers and shoppers and promotional
and distribution revenue of our daily newspaper, in the second quarter of 2003
accounted for 10.4% of total publishing revenue compared to 10.2% in the second
quarter of 2002. Other revenue in the second quarter of 2003 was $7.7 million,
an increase of $0.2 million, or 2.7%, compared to $7.5 million in the second
quarter of 2002. The increase was primarily attributed to an increase in
promotional revenue at the daily newspaper. Commercial printing revenue at our
community newspapers and shoppers remained flat compared to the second quarter
of 2002.
Publishing operating earnings in the second quarter of 2003 were $8.1 million, a
decrease of $2.2 million, or 21.7%, compared to $10.3 million in the second
quarter of 2002. The decrease was attributed to $1.6 million in additional costs
related to the daily newspaper's production operations being conducted in two
facilities and an increase of $0.6 million in the cost of newsprint. Included in
the $1.6 million of additional costs were $0.6 million for equipment disposal
costs, a $0.6 million increase in depreciation expense and $0.2 million increase
in payroll and benefits costs. The increase in the cost of newsprint was
primarily attributed to price increases totaling $0.9 million partially offset
by $0.3 million in savings at the daily newspaper from utilizing a smaller page
size.
As of March 30, 2003, all production and distribution of the daily newspaper
have been transitioned to the new production facility. Production and
distribution of the newspaper were done at both the old and new production
facilities from October 2002 until March 2003. Although the facility is
operational, many final adjustments to the equipment have not yet been made and
our operators are still learning how to effectively utilize the features of the
new equipment. We expect that our new presses will provide improved print
reproduction quality and increased productivity, as well as additional
opportunities to pursue commercial printing revenue from third parties. We do
not expect to achieve full benefit from the operating efficiencies of the new
production facility before the end of the year.
Broadcasting
Operating revenue from broadcasting in the second quarter of 2003 was $35.1
million, an increase of $0.2 million, or 0.4%, compared to $34.9 million in the
second quarter of 2002. Operating earnings from broadcasting in the second
quarter of 2003 were $7.0 million, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 6.2%, compared
to $7.5 million in the second quarter of 2002.
Operating revenue from our radio stations in the second quarter of 2003 was
$17.9 million, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 1.1%, compared to $18.1 million in
the second quarter of 2002. The decrease was primarily attributed to a $0.2
million decrease in local advertising revenue and a $0.1 million decrease from
other advertising revenue, offset by a $0.1 million increase in national
advertising revenue across most markets.
12
Operating earnings from our radio stations in the second quarter of 2003 were
$3.7 million, an increase of $0.3 million, or 8.8%, compared to $3.4 million in
the second quarter of 2002. The increase was primarily attributed to a decrease
in operating costs and expenses resulting from cost control initiatives at all
of our radio stations.
Operating revenue from our television stations in the second quarter of 2003 was
$17.2 million, an increase of $0.4 million, or 2.4%, compared to $16.8 million
in the second quarter of 2002. The increase was primarily attributed to an
increase of $0.7 million in local advertising revenue in most markets offset by
decreases of $0.2 in national advertising revenue and $0.1 million in production
revenue.
Operating earnings from our television stations in the second quarter of 2003
were $3.3 million, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 19.5%, compared to $4.1
million in the second quarter of 2002. The decrease was primarily attributed to
increases in news expenses, technology and depreciation expenses, programming
expenses and promotional expenses.
The threatened outbreak of hostilities in Iraq in March 2003 and the war itself
had a $0.3 million negative impact on our television broadcasting revenue in the
second quarter of 2003 due to reduced spending levels by some advertisers. There
was hesitancy on the part of some advertisers to place schedules after the war
began and cancellations by some advertisers during the war.
Telecommunications
Operating revenue from telecommunications in the second quarter of 2003 was
$34.6 million, an increase of $0.4 million, or 1.2%, compared to $34.2 million
in the second quarter of 2002. Operating earnings from telecommunications in the
second quarter of 2003 were $8.9 million, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 4.0%,
compared to $9.3 million in the second quarter of 2002.
Wholesale telecommunication services provide network transmission solutions for
other service providers by offering bulk transmission capacity. Operating
revenue from wholesale services in the second quarter of 2003 was $21.6 million,
a decrease of $1.0 million, or 4.4%, compared to $22.6 million in the second
quarter of 2002. The decrease was primarily attributed to service
disconnections. Due to the turmoil in the telecommunications industry, we have
experienced a significant increase in customers disconnecting or terminating
service. We believe this is primarily the result of financially weaker customers
going out of business, along with current customers eliminating excess network
capacity and thus minimizing their costs. While we are not always able to
determine the specific reason a customer may disconnect service, we believe the
trend of customers focusing on reducing their network costs will continue,
primarily due to consolidating traffic on least cost routes and economic and
other changes occurring within our customers' "end-user" customer base. Monthly
recurring revenue from wholesale services was $7.4 million at both the end and
the beginning of the second quarter of 2003 compared to $7.6 million at the end
of the second quarter of 2002. During the second quarter of 2003, new circuit
connections of $0.3 million in monthly recurring revenue were offset by service
disconnections.
Commercial telecommunication services provide advanced data communications and
long distance service to small and medium sized businesses in the Upper Midwest,
principally in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota and Illinois. Operating
revenue from commercial services in the second quarter of 2003 was $13.0
million, an increase of $1.4 million, or 12.1%, compared to $11.6 million in the
second quarter of 2002. The increase was primarily attributed to an increase in
long distance services. Monthly recurring revenue from commercial advanced data
services at the end of the second quarter of 2003 was $3.2 million compared to
$3.1 million at the beginning of the second quarter of 2003 and $3.0 million at
the end of the second quarter of 2002.
The decrease in operating earnings from telecommunications was primarily
attributed to wholesale service disconnections that occurred during 2003 and
2002. We expect service disconnections and price reductions in our wholesale
telecommunications business will cause an increasing downward trend that could
result in a significant decrease in our telecommunications operating earnings
during 2003.
WorldCom and Global Crossing together accounted for 18.4% and 17.9% of our
telecommunications revenue in the second quarter of 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Global Crossing filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2002 and
WorldCom filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July 2002. In April 2003,
we sold our WorldCom pre-petition receivable, net of applicable "set-off"
accounts payable, to a third party. We continue to provide services to WorldCom
and Global Crossing and receive advance or timely payment for those services.
The loss of the ongoing business from either of these two customers would have a
significant adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition to the
legal costs of protecting our interests and maintaining the revenue from these
contracts, we remain at risk to lose a portion of our business through rejection
of some or all of those underlying pre-petition circuit orders and/or the
re-pricing of continued services post bankruptcy. A renewal service contract
with Global Crossing is being negotiated, though Global Crossing retains the
right to accept or reject our current contract under federal bankruptcy law.
WorldCom also has a right to accept or reject our current contract under federal
bankruptcy law. If either contract is rejected, we would have an unsecured claim
for the balance due on the contracts in the bankruptcy proceeding.
We do not believe we have a material bad debt exposure because we bill all data
services for both wholesale and commercial customers in advance of providing
services and we have the contractual ability to turn off service if a payment
problem exits. Most customers are required to pay their bill before services are
provided.
13
Printing Services
Operating revenue from printing services in the second quarter of 2003 was $19.2
million, a decrease of $2.0 million, or 9.7%, compared to $21.2 million in the
second quarter of 2002. Operating earnings from printing services in the second
quarter of 2003 were $0.6 million, an increase of $0.3 million, or 95.2%,
compared to $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2002.
The decrease in printing services operating revenue was primarily attributed to
the reduction in revenue from our largest customer, Dell Computer Corporation,
resulting from its decision to switch vendors for one of the several products
they purchase from us, as well as the loss of sales resulting from the
consolidation of assembly and fulfillment operations into Michigan in the third
quarter of 2002 and the closure of our CD-ROM mastering and replications
operation in February 2003.
The increase in printing services operating earnings was primarily attributed to
a reduction in operational costs. These increases were partially offset by the
decreases in sales of products with higher margins, a $0.3 million charge for
the settlement of a customer invoicing dispute and $0.2 million in closure costs
related to the CD-ROM mastering and replications operations.
Dell Computer Corporation accounted for 27.8% and 37.0% of our printing services
revenue in the second quarter of 2003 and 2002, respectively. The loss of this
business could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Other
Other operating revenue in the second quarter of 2003 was $22.0 million, an
increase of $0.1 million, or 0.8%, compared to $21.9 million in the second
quarter of 2002. Other operating losses in the second quarter of 2003 were $0.4
million, a decrease of $6.2 million, or 107.7%, compared to operating earnings
of $5.8 million in the second quarter of 2002.
The following table presents our other operating revenue and operating earnings
by business for the second quarter of 2003 and 2002:
2003 2002
---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Direct Corporate Direct Corporate
Label Marketing and Label Marketing and
Printing Services Eliminations Total Printing Services Eliminations Total
-------- --------- ------------ -------- -------- --------- ------------ -------
(in millions)
Operating revenue ............. $ 13.3 $ 9.7 $ (1.0) $ 22.0 $ 14.0 $ 8.6 $ (0.7) $ 21.9
======== ======= ========= ======= ======== ======= ========= =======
Operating earnings (losses) ... $ 0.5 $ 0.8 $ (1.7) $ (0.4) $ 0.8 $ 0.2 $ 4.8 $ 5.8
======== ======= ========= ======= ======== ======= ========= =======
The increase in other operating revenue was primarily attributed to an increase
in mail and print services and database marketing services in our direct
marketing services business and was partially offset by a decrease in gravure
labels sold to SAB/Miller Brewing Company by our label printing business.
Included in operating revenue from our direct marketing services is $5.0 million
and $4.7 million of postage amounts billed to customers in the second quarter of
2003 and 2002, respectively.
The decrease in other operating earnings was primarily attributed to the
decrease in the litigation reserve by $4.1 million in the second quarter of 2002
to reflect a settlement and the recording of a $2.1 million liability for
employment taxes in the second quarter of 2003.
SAB/Miller Brewing Company accounted for 47.9% and 52.8% of our label printing
business' revenue in the second quarter of 2003 and 2002, respectively. In 2003,
our label printing business was in the third year of a five-year contract with
SAB/Miller Brewing Company. The loss of SAB/Miller Brewing Company could have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Non Operating Income and Taxes from Continuing Operations
Interest income and dividends in the second quarter of 2003 were $0.1 million, a
decrease of $0.1 million, or 70.8%, compared to $0.2 million in the second
quarter of 2002. The decrease was primarily attributed to the decrease in the
invested balances of cash and cash equivalents. Interest expense in the second
quarter of 2003 was $0.9 million compared to $0.2 million in the second quarter
of 2002. Gross interest expense from borrowings under our credit agreement in
the second quarter of 2003 was $0.4 million compared to $0.3 million in the
second quarter of 2002. Interest expense of $0.3 million was accrued for a
liability for employment taxes in the second quarter of 2003. There was no
interest expense capitalized as part of our construction of the Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel production facility in the second quarter of 2003 compared to
$0.3 million in the second quarter of 2002.
The effective tax rate on continuing operations was 40.6% in the second quarter
of 2003 compared to 44.8% in the second quarter of 2002. The difference between
the statutory federal and state tax rates and the effective tax rate in the
second quarter of 2002 was primarily the result of non deductible expenses
related to litigation that was settled in the second quarter of 2002.
14
Discontinued Operations
In January 2002, we announced the closure of Fox Cities Newspapers, located in
Appleton, Wisconsin, which published six community newspapers. These community
newspapers were part of the publishing segment.
On April 29, 2002, the board of directors of our French printing services
subsidiary approved a resolution to proceed through a liquidation process. The
remaining operations of IPC Communication Services, S.A., were turned over to a
liquidator on December 31, 2002.
The operations of Fox Cities Newspapers and IPC Communication Services, S.A.
have been reflected as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial
statements.
Net revenue from discontinued operations in the second quarter of 2002 was $1.3
million. The loss from discontinued operations in the second quarter of 2002 was
$1.7 million. Applicable income tax benefits were $2.5 million in the second
quarter of 2002. Net assets of discontinued operations at June 15, 2003 and
December 31, 2002 were zero.
Two Quarters Ended June 15, 2003 compared to Two Quarters Ended June 16,
2002
Consolidated
Our consolidated operating revenue in the two quarters of 2003 was $359.5
million, a decrease of $6.6 million, or 1.8%, compared to $366.1 million in the
two quarters of 2002. Our consolidated operating costs and expenses in the two
quarters of 2003 were $207.8 million, an increase of $2.6 million, or 1.2%,
compared to $205.2 million in the two quarters of 2002. Our consolidated selling
and administrative expenses in the two quarters of 2003 were $108.3 million, an
increase of $1.1 million, or 1.0%, compared to $107.2 million in the two
quarters of 2002.
The following table presents our total operating revenue by segment, total
operating costs and expenses, selling and administrative expenses and total
operating earnings as a percent of total operating revenue for the two quarters
of 2003 and 2002:
Percent of Percent of
Total Total
Operating Operating
2003 Earnings 2002 Earnings
-------- ---------- -------- ----------
(dollars in millions)
Operating revenue:
Publishing.............................. $ 142.5 39.6% $ 143.3 39.2%
Broadcasting............................ 64.5 18.0 65.6 17.9
Telecommunications...................... 68.4 19.0 69.1 18.9
Printing services....................... 40.2 11.2 46.3 12.6
Other................................... 43.9 12.2 41.8 11.4
------- ----- ------- -----
Total operating revenue............ 359.5 100.0 366.1 100.0
Total operating costs and expenses...... 207.8 57.8 205.2 56.0
Selling and administrative expenses..... 108.3 30.1 107.2 29.3
------- ----- ------- -----
Total operating costs and expenses and
selling and administrative expenses.... 316.1 87.9 312.4 85.3
------- ----- ------- -----
Total operating earnings................ $ 43.4 12.1% $ 53.7 14.7%
======= ===== ======= =====
The decrease in total operating revenue was due to a reduction in revenue from
our largest customer in our printing services business, a decrease in local and
other advertising from our radio stations, the decrease in Olympic advertising
at our television stations, a decrease in classified advertising and circulation
revenue at our publishing business and service disconnections at our
telecommunications business. These decreases were partially offset by an
increase from our other reportable segment, specifically in direct mail services
from our direct marketing services business and an increase in gravure label
printing from our label printing business.
The increase in total operating costs and expenses was primarily due to
additional costs related the daily newspaper's transition to its new production
facility. The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily due
to the recording of a liability for employment taxes.
15
Our consolidated operating earnings in the two quarters of 2003 were $43.4
million, a decrease of $10.3 million, or 19.1%, compared to $53.7 million in the
two quarters of 2002. The following table presents our operating earnings by
segment for the two quarters of 2003 and 2002:
Percent of Percent of
Total Total
Operating Operating
2003 Revenue 2002 Revenue
-------- ---------- -------- ----------
(dollars in millions)
Publishing.................... $ 11.6 26.8% $ 15.5 28.9%
Broadcasting.................. 10.5 24.1 12.2 22.8
Telecommunications............ 18.1 41.7 19.6 36.5
Printing services............. 1.7 4.0 1.1 2.0
Other......................... 1.5 3.4 5.3 9.8
-------- ----- -------- -----
Total operating earnings...... $ 43.4 100.0% $ 53.7 100.0%
======== ===== ======== =====
The decrease in total operating earnings was primarily due to the $6.6 million
decrease in operating revenue, the additional costs related to the daily
newspaper's new production facility, the recording of a liability for employment
taxes at our other reportable segment and the decrease in the profit margin on
operating revenue on telecommunications services due to service disconnections
and price reductions.
Our consolidated EBITDA in the two quarters of 2003 was $65.3 million, a
decrease of $9.5 million, or 12.7%, compared to $74.8 million in the two
quarters of 2002. We define EBITDA as net earnings plus total other income and
expense, provision for income taxes, gain/loss from discontinued operations,
net, cumulative effect of accounting change, net, depreciation and amortization.
We believe the presentation of EBITDA is relevant and useful because it helps
improve our investors' ability to understand our operating performance and makes
it easier to compare our results with other companies that have different
financing and capital structures or tax rates. Our management uses EBITDA, among
other things, to evaluate our operating performance, to value prospective
acquisitions and as a component of incentive compensation targets for certain
management personnel. In addition, our lenders use EBITDA to measure our ability
to service our debt. EBITDA is not a measure of performance calculated in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
EBITDA should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net
earnings as an indicator of operating performance or cash flows from operating
activities as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA, as we calculate it, may not be
comparable to EBITDA measures reported by other companies. In addition, EBITDA
does not represent funds available for discretionary use.
The following table presents a reconciliation of our consolidated net earnings
to consolidated EBITDA for the two quarters of 2003 and 2002:
2003 2002
-------- --------
(in millions)
Net earnings....................................... $ 25.2 $ 24.0
Total other (income) and expense................... 1.2 (0.5)
Provision for income taxes......................... 17.0 23.6
(Gain) loss from discontinued operations, net...... -- 0.1
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net........ -- 6.5
Depreciation....................................... 21.1 20.2
Amortization....................................... 0.8 0.9
------- -------
EBITDA............................................. $ 65.3 $ 74.8
======= =======
The decrease in total EBITDA is consistent with decreases in operating earnings
in our publishing, broadcasting, other and telecommunications reportable segment
partially offset by an increase in operating earnings at our printing services
reportable segment.
Publishing
Operating revenue from publishing in the two quarters of 2003 was $142.5
million, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 0.6%, compared to $143.3 million in the
two quarters of 2002. Operating earnings from publishing in the two quarters of
2003 were $11.6 million, a decrease of $3.9 million, or 25.0%, compared to $15.5
million in the two quarters of 2002.
16
The following table presents our publishing operating revenue by category for
the two quarters of 2003 and 2002:
2003 2002
---------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Community Community
Daily Newspapers Daily Newspapers
Newspaper & Shoppers Total Newspaper & Shoppers Total
--------- ---------- ------- --------- ---------- -------
(in millions)
Advertising revenue:
Retail...................... $ 35.4 $ 25.1 $ 60.5 $ 33.4 $ 25.5 $ 58.9
Classified.................. 27.6 3.8 31.4 28.8 4.6 33.4
General..................... 5.0 -- 5.0 4.6 -- 4.6
Other....................... 7.9 1.1 9.0 7.2 0.7 7.9
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------
Total advertising revenue... 75.9 30.0 105.9 74.0 30.8 104.8
Circulation revenue............ 19.6 1.3 20.9 21.1 1.5 22.6
Other revenue.................. 2.7 13.0 15.7 2.4 13.5 15.9
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------
Total operating revenue........ $ 98.2 $ 44.3 $ 142.5 $ 97.5 $ 45.8 $ 143.3
======= ======== ======= ======= ======== =======
Advertising revenue in the two quarters of 2003 accounted for 74.3% of total
publishing revenue compared to 73.1% in the two quarters of 2002.
Retail advertising revenue in the two quarters of 2003 was $60.5 million, an
increase of $1.6 million, or 2.7%, compared to $58.9 million in the two quarters
of 2002. The increase is comprised of a $1.4 million increase in daily newspaper
retail preprints and a $0.6 million increase in daily newspaper retail ROP
(run-of-press) partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in community
newspaper and shopper retail advertising. The increase in advertising revenue at
the daily newspaper in the two quarters of 2003 is primarily due to the shift to
preprint advertising from ROP by certain major local retail customers, a new
advertising program for a large retail customer and an increase in advertising
revenue from several telecommunications customers.
Classified advertising revenue in the two quarters of 2003 was $31.4 million, a
decrease of $2.0 million, or 6.0%, compared to $33.4 million in the two quarters
of 2002. Decreases in employment advertising of $1.1 million and automotive
advertising of $0.9 million at our daily newspaper and a $0.8 million decrease
at our community newspapers and shoppers were partially offset by increases in
general advertising of $0.6 million and real estate advertising of $0.2 million.
The decrease in employment advertising, which accounted for almost 32.7% of
total classified advertising in the two quarters of 2003, represented a 9.9%
decrease from the two quarters of 2002. We believe the decrease in employment
and automotive advertising resulted primarily from continuing economic weakness
and uncertainty.
General advertising revenue in the two quarters of 2003 was $5.0 million, an
increase of $0.4 million, or 8.7%, compared to $4.6 million in the two quarters
of 2002. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in general
preprints mainly from a large computer hardware manufacturer and general ROP
advertisements mainly from telecommunications and pharmaceutical customers.
The following table presents the advertising linage of our daily newspaper's
core newspaper by category for the two quarters of 2003 and 2002:
2003 2002 Change
------ ------ ------
Advertising linage (inches in thousands):
Full run
Retail................................ 312.7 316.2 -1.1%
Classified............................ 393.9 411.8 -4.5%
General............................... 21.9 21.3 +2.8%
------ ------
Total full run............................. 728.5 749.3 -2.8%
Part run................................... 46.8 33.2 +41.0%
------ ------
Total advertising linage................... 775.3 782.5 -0.9%
====== ======
Preprint pieces (in millions).............. 392.6 357.5 +9.8%
====== ======
Total advertising linage in the two quarters of 2003 decreased 0.9% compared to
the two quarters of 2002. The decrease was largely due to a 2.8% decrease in
full run linage offset by a 41.0% increase in part run linage. Full run linage
in the two quarters of 2003 decreased primarily due to a 4.5% decrease in
classified advertising and a 1.1% decrease in retail advertising partially
offset by 2.8% increase in general advertising. The decrease in classified
advertising linage is consistent with the decrease in classified advertising
revenue and the increase in general advertising linage is consistent with the
increase in general advertising revenue. Part run linage increased in the two
quarters of 2003 due to an increase in retail advertising. Preprint advertising
pieces rose 9.8% primarily as a result of the continuing shift to preprint
advertising from full run retail advertising by certain major local retail
customers.
17
The following table presents the full pages of advertising and revenue per page
of our community newspapers and shoppers for the two quarters of 2003 and 2002:
2003 2002 Change
-------- -------- ------
Full pages of advertising:
Community newspapers.................... 40,766 42,648 -4.4%
Shoppers................................ 43,442 48,304 -10.1%
-------- --------
Total full pages of advertising............ 84,208 90,952 -7.4%
======== ========
Revenue per page........................... $ 319.82 $ 309.56 3.3%
======== ========
Total pages of full page advertising in the two quarters of 2003 decreased 7.4%
compared to the two quarters of 2002. The decrease was largely due to a 10.1%
decrease in advertising in shoppers and a 4.4% decrease in advertising in
community newspapers. Revenue per page increased 3.3% due to rate increases.
Other advertising revenue, consisting of revenue from direct marketing efforts,
JSOnline, niche publications and event marketing, in the two quarters of 2003
was $9.0 million, an increase of $1.1 million, or 13.9%, compared to $7.9
million in the two quarters of 2002. The increase was largely due to increased
direct mail advertising and online classified advertising.
Circulation revenue in the two quarters of 2003 accounted for 14.7% of total
publishing revenue compared to 15.8% in the two quarters of 2002. Circulation
revenue in the two quarters of 2003 was $20.9 million, a decrease of $1.7
million, or 7.5%, compared to $22.6 million in the two quarters of 2002. The
decrease in circulation revenue is mainly attributed to an increase in reduced
rate offerings at the daily newspaper. Average net paid circulation for the
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's weekday edition increased 5.1% in the two quarters
of 2003 compared to the two quarters of 2002. Average net paid circulation for
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Sunday edition increased 0.5% in the two quarters
of 2003 compared to the two quarters of 2002. On June 30, 2002, in an effort to
increase readership in certain areas of Milwaukee County, we began offering
greater discounts on home delivery and single copy sales. Circulation in those
areas has increased since offering the discounts. Average paid circulation for
our community newspapers decreased 2.8% in the two quarters of 2003 compared to
the two quarters of 2002.
Other revenue, which consists of revenue from commercial printing opportunities
at the print plants for our community newspapers and shoppers and other revenue
at our daily newspaper, in the two quarters of 2003 accounted for 11.0% of total
publishing revenue compared to 11.1% in the two quarters of 2002. Other revenue
in the two quarters of 2003 was $15.7 million, a decrease of $0.2 million, or
1.3%, compared to $15.9 million in the two quarters of 2002. The decrease was
primarily attributed to reduced press runs and page counts from existing
commercial printing customers.
Publishing operating earnings in the two quarters of 2003 were $11.6 million, a
decrease of $3.9 million, or 25.0%, compared to $15.5 million in the two
quarters of 2002. The decrease was primarily due to $3.6 million in additional
costs related to the daily newspaper's production operations being conducted in
two facilities in the two quarters of 2003 and a $0.2 million increase in the
cost of newsprint. Included in the $3.6 million of additional costs were a $1.5
million increase in depreciation expense, a $0.6 million increase in payroll and
benefits costs, $0.6 million equipment disposal expenses, $0.3 million new
product promotion expenses and $0.3 million increase in expenses for new
equipment testing and utilities. The increase in the cost of newsprint was
primarily attributed to price increases totaling $0.7 million partially offset
by $0.3 million in savings at the daily newspaper from utilizing a smaller page
size and decrease of $0.2 million from consumption.
As of March 30, 2003, all production and distribution of the daily newspaper
have been transitioned to the new production facility. Production and
distribution of the newspaper were done at both the old and new production
facilities from October 2002 until March 2003. Although the facility is
operational, many final adjustments to the equipment have not yet been made and
our operators are still learning how to effectively utilize the features of the
new equipment. We expect that our new presses will provide improved print
reproduction quality and increased productivity, as well as additional
opportunities to pursue commercial printing revenue from third parties. We do
not expect to achieve full benefit from the operating efficiencies of the new
production facility before the end of the year.
Broadcasting
Operating revenue from broadcasting in the two quarters of 2003 was $64.5
million, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 1.7%, compared to $65.6 million in the
two quarters of 2002. Operating earnings from broadcasting in the two quarters
of 2003 were $10.5 million, a decrease of $1.8 million, or 14.4%, compared to
$12.2 million in the two quarters of 2002.
Operating revenue from our radio stations in the two quarters of 2003 was $32.3
million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 2.1%, compared to $33.0 million in the
two quarters of 2002. The decrease was primarily attributed to a $0.7 million
decrease in local advertising revenue and a $0.4 million decrease from other
advertising revenue, offset by a $0.4 million increase in national advertising
revenue across certain markets.
18
Operating earnings from our radio stations in the two quarters of 2003 were $5.4
million, an increase of $0.4 million, or 8.0%, compared to $5.0 million in the
two quarters of 2002. The increase was primarily attributed to a decrease in
operating costs and expenses resulting from cost control initiatives at all of
our radio stations.
Operating revenue from our television stations in the two quarters of 2003 was
$32.2 million, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 1.2%, compared to $32.6 million in
the two quarters of 2002. The decrease was primarily attributed to a $2.5
million decrease in Olympic advertising revenue, a $0.3 million decrease in
political and issue advertising revenue and a $0.1 million decrease in other
revenue which was partially offset by a $2.2 million increase in local
advertising revenue and a $0.3 million increase in national advertising revenue.
Operating earnings from our television stations in the two quarters of 2003 were
$5.1 million, a decrease of $2.1 million, or 29.2%, compared to $7.2 million in
the two quarters of 2002. The decrease was primarily attributed to increases in
news expenses, technology and depreciation expenses, programming expenses and
promotional expenses.
The threatened outbreak of hostilities in Iraq in March 2003 and the war itself
had a $0.6 million negative impact on our television broadcasting revenue in the
two quarters of 2003 due to reduced spending levels by some advertisers. There
was hesitancy on the part of some advertisers to place schedules during the
period of time leading up to the war, cancellations by some advertisers for the
duration of war coverage and elimination of advertising inventory available from
our television networks, our local news products and syndicated and local
programming during their coverage of the war.
Telecommunications
Operating revenue from telecommunications in the two quarters of 2003 was $68.4
million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 1.1%, compared to $69.1 million in the
two quarters of 2002. Operating earnings from telecommunications in the two
quarters of 2003 were $18.1 million, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 7.5%,
compared to $19.6 million in the two quarters of 2002.
Wholesale telecommunication services provide network transmission solutions for
other service providers by offering bulk transmission capacity. Operating
revenue from wholesale services in the two quarters of 2003 was $43.0 million, a
decrease of $2.8 million, or 6.1%, compared to $45.8 million in the two quarters
of 2002. The decrease was primarily due to service disconnections. Due to the
turmoil in the telecommunications industry, we have experienced a significant
increase in customers disconnecting or terminating service. We believe this is
primarily the result of financially weaker customers going out of business,
along with current customers eliminating excess network capacity and thus
minimizing their costs. While we are not always able to determine the specific
reason a customer may disconnect service, we believe the trend of customers
focusing on reducing their network costs will continue, primarily due to
consolidating traffic on least cost routes and economic and other changes
occurring within our customers' "end-user" customer base. Monthly recurring
revenue from wholesale services at the end of the two quarters of 2003 was $7.4
million compared to $7.5 million at the beginning of 2003 and $7.6 million at
the end of the two quarters of 2002. During the two quarters of 2003, new
circuit connections of $0.4 million in monthly recurring revenue were more than
offset by service disconnections.
Commercial telecommunication services provide advanced data communications and
long distance service to small and medium sized businesses in the Upper Midwest,
principally in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota and Illinois. Operating
revenue from commercial services in the two quarters of 2003 was $25.4 million,
an increase of $2.1 million, or 9.0%, compared to $23.3 million in the two
quarters of 2002. The increase was primarily attributed to an increase in long
distance services. Monthly recurring revenue from commercial advanced data
services at the end of the two quarters of 2003 of $3.2 million compared to $3.0
million at the beginning of 2003 and at the end of the two quarters of 2002.
The decrease in operating earnings from telecommunications was primarily
attributed to wholesale service disconnections that occurred during 2003 and
2002. We expect service disconnections and price reductions in our wholesale
telecommunications business will cause an increasing downward trend that could
result in a significant decrease in our telecommunications operating earnings
during 2003.
WorldCom and Global Crossing together accounted for 18.7% and 20.6% of our
telecommunications revenue in the two quarters of 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Global Crossing filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2002 and
WorldCom filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July 2002. In April 2003,
we sold our WorldCom pre-petition receivable, net of applicable "set-off"
accounts payable, to a third party. We continue to provide services to WorldCom
and Global Crossing and receive advance or timely payment for those services.
The loss of the ongoing business from either of these two customers would have a
significant adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition to the
legal costs of protecting our interests and maintaining the revenue from these
contracts, we remain at risk to lose a portion of our business through rejection
of some or all of those underlying pre-petition circuit orders and/or the
re-pricing of continued services post-bankruptcy. A renewal service contract
with Global Crossing is being negotiated, though Global Crossing retains the
right to accept or reject our current contract under federal bankruptcy law.
WorldCom also has a right to accept or reject our current contract under federal
bankruptcy law. If either contract is rejected, we would have an unsecured claim
for the balance due on the contracts in the bankruptcy proceeding.
19
We do not believe we have a material bad debt exposure because we bill all data
services for both wholesale and commercial customers in advance of providing
services and we have the contractual ability to turn off service if a payment
problem exists. Most customers are required to pay their bill before services
are provided.
Printing Services
Operating revenue from printing services in the two quarters of 2003 was $40.2
million, a decrease of $6.1 million, or 13.1%, compared to $46.3 million in the
two quarters of 2002. Operating earnings from printing services in the two
quarters of 2003 were $1.7 million, an increase of $0.6 million, or 63.0%,
compared to $1.1 million in the two quarters of 2002.
The decrease in printing services operating revenue was primarily attributed to
the reduction in revenue from our largest customer, Dell Computer Corporation,
resulting from its decision to switch vendors for one of the several products
they purchase from us, as well as the loss of sales resulting from the
consolidation of assembly and fulfillment operations into Michigan in the third
quarter of 2002 and the closure of our CD-ROM mastering and replications
operation in February 2003.
The increase in printing services operating earnings was primarily attributed to
a reduction in operational costs and an increase in the sales of products with
higher margins. These increases were partially offset by the decrease in
revenue, a $0.5 million charge for the settlement of a customer invoicing
dispute and $0.5 million in closure costs related to the CD-ROM mastering and
replications operations.
Dell Computer Corporation accounted for 28.2% and 35.6% of our printing services
revenue in the two quarters of 2003 and 2002, respectively. The loss of this
business could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Other
Other operating revenue in the two quarters of 2003 was $43.9 million, an
increase of $2.1 million, or 5.1%, compared to $41.8 million in the two quarters
of 2002. Other operating earnings in the two quarters of 2003 were $1.5 million,
a decrease of $3.8 million, or 71.7% compared to $5.3 million in the two
quarters of 2002.
The following table presents our other operating revenue and operating earnings
by business for the two quarters of 2003 and 2002:
2003 2002
---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Direct Corporate Direct Corporate
Label Marketing and Label Marketing and
Printing Services Eliminations Total Printing Services Eliminations Total
-------- --------- ------------ -------- -------- --------- ------------ -------
(in millions)
Operating revenue.............. $ 27.0 $ 18.6 $ (1.7) $ 43.9 $ 26.2 $ 17.2 $ (1.6) $ 41.8
======== ======= ========= ======= ======== ======= ========= =======
Operating earnings (losses).... $ 0.8 $ 1.1 $ (0.4) $ 1.5 $ 0.7 $ (0.9) $ 5.5 $ 5.3
======== ======= ========= ======= ======== ======= ========= =======
The increase in other operating revenue was primarily attributed to an increase
in mail and print services and database marketing services in our direct
marketing services business and in the gravure label printing operation in new
products for our consumer goods and beverage customers. Included in operating
revenue from our direct marketing services is $9.6 million and $9.5 million of
postage amounts billed to customers in the two quarters of 2003 and 2002,
respectively.
The decrease in other operating earnings was primarily attributed to the
decrease in the litigation reserve by $4.1 million to reflect a settlement
during the two quarters ended 2002 and the recording of a $2.1 million liability
for employment taxes in the two quarters of 2003 partially offset by the $1.3
million impairment of a customer list recorded in the two quarters of 2002 at
our direct marketing services business and the increase in revenue at both our
direct marketing services business and our label printing business.
SAB/Miller Brewing Company accounted for 45.7% and 53.2% of our label printing
business' revenue in the two quarters of 2003 and 2002, respectively. In 2003,
our label printing business was in the third year of a five-year contract with
SAB/Miller Brewing Company. The loss of SAB/Miller Brewing Company could have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Non Operating Income and Taxes from Continuing Operations
Interest income and dividends in the two quarters of 2003 were $0.1 million, a
decrease of $0.7 million, or 83.7%, compared to $0.8 million in the two quarters
of 2002. The decrease was primarily attributed to the decrease in the invested
balances of cash and cash equivalents and interest income received in the two
quarters of 2002 from refunds of state income taxes. Interest expense in the two
quarters of 2003 was $1.4 million compared to $0.3 million in the two quarters
of 2002. Gross interest expense from borrowings under our credit agreement in
the two quarters of 2003 was $1.1 million compared to $0.6 million in the two
quarters of 2002. Interest expense of $0.3 million was accrued for a liability
for employment taxes in the two quarters of 2003. There was no interest expense
20
capitalized as part of our construction of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
production facility in the two quarters of 2003 compared to $0.5 million in the
two quarters of 2002.
The effective tax rate on continuing operations was 40.3% in the two quarters of
2003 compared to 43.5% in the two quarters of 2002. The difference between the
statutory federal and state tax rates and the effective tax rate in the two
quarters of was primarily the result of non deductible expenses related to
litigation that was settled in the two quarters of 2002.
Discontinued Operations
In January 2002, we announced the closure of Fox Cities Newspapers, located in
Appleton, Wisconsin, which published six community newspapers. These community
newspapers were part of the publishing segment.
On April 29, 2002, the board of directors of our French printing services
subsidiary approved a resolution to proceed through a liquidation process. The
remaining operations of IPC Communication Services, S.A., were turned over to a
liquidator on December 31, 2002.
The operations of Fox Cities Newspapers and IPC Communication Services, S.A.
have been reflected as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial
statements.
Net revenue from discontinued operations in the two quarters of 2002 was $2.9
million. The loss from discontinued operations in the two quarters of 2002 was
$0.1 million. Applicable income tax benefits were $5.2 million in the two
quarters of 2002. Net assets of discontinued operations at June 15, 2003 and
December 31, 2002 were zero.
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted Statement No. 142, "Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets." Under Statement No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets
deemed to have indefinite lives, including broadcast licenses and network
affiliation agreements, are no longer amortized but are reviewed for impairment
and written down and charged to operations when their carrying amounts exceed
their estimated fair values. We performed transitional impairment tests on the
carrying value of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of
January 1,2002. The resulting impairment charges of $7.7 million ($6.5 million
after tax) were recorded during the two quarters ended June 16, 2002 and are
reported as the cumulative effect of accounting change in our consolidated
statements of earnings.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal liquidity and capital requirements have been to pay dividends that
have supported employee ownership and to meet our working capital and capital
expenditure needs. Since 2000, we have also required liquidity to purchase units
in the Journal Employees' Stock Trust Agreement (JESTA) from employees and
former employees. Historically, we have relied on cash flow from operations and,
in 2002, supplemented these cash flows with borrowings under our credit
facility, to satisfy our liquidity and capital requirements. We believe that
current cash balances, which were $4.2 million at June 15, 2003, expected cash
flows from operations and borrowings available under our credit facility will be
adequate for the foreseeable future to provide for our working capital, debt
service, capital expenditures and cash dividends.
We have a $120.0 million bank revolving credit agreement, expiring April 30,
2004, to support our cash requirements. As of June 15, 2003, we had borrowings
of $74.4 million under this credit agreement, including $4.4 million bearing
interest at the base rate of 4.25% and $70.0 million bearing interest at the
LIBOR based rate of 2.21%, and immediately available credit of $45.6 million.
The material covenants of this agreement include the following:
o A consolidated funded debt ratio as determined for the four fiscal quarter
period preceding the date of determination of not greater than 1.0:1.0. As
of June 15, 2003, the consolidated funded debt ratio was 0.50.
o A fixed charge coverage ratio as determined for the four fiscal quarter
period preceding the date of determination of not less than 1.75:1.0. As of
June 15, 2003, the fixed charge coverage ratio was 3.10.
o A consolidated tangible net worth as of the end of any quarter of not less
than $290 million. As of June 15, 2003, consolidated tangible net worth was
$361 million.
o A consolidated rent expense during any fiscal year of not more than $40
million. As of June 15, 2003, consolidated rent expense was $12 million.
21
We currently intend to establish a new debt facility which will replace the
existing $120 million revolving credit facility. Based on our discussions to
date, we anticipate the new agreement will be a $350 million, five-year senior
unsecured revolving credit facility. Under the new credit agreement, we expect
interest will be LIBOR based or derived from prime or Federal Fund rates.
Although covenants, coverage ratios and coverage amounts have not been
determined, we expect the material covenants of this new agreement will
generally include the following:
o A maximum consolidated funded debt ratio as determined for the four fiscal
quarter period preceding the date of determination.
o A minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as determined for the four fiscal
quarter period preceding the date of determination.
o A minimum consolidated tangible net worth as of the date of the end of any
quarter.
o A maximum consolidated rent expense during any fiscal year.
o A maximum consolidated capital expenditure amount during any fiscal year.
Cash Flow
Cash provided by operating activities was $54.2 million in the two quarters of
2003 compared to $50.1 million in the two quarters of 2002. The increase is
primarily attributed to an increase in accounts payable due to recording a $4.2
million amount payable for equipment for the daily newspaper's new production
facility.
Cash used for investing activities was $26.3 million in the two quarters of 2003
compared to $26.9 million in the two quarters of 2002. Capital expenditures for
property and equipment were $27.9 million in the two quarters of 2003 and $27.6
million in the two quarters of 2002. We continued to invest in the equipment and
the building for our daily newspaper production facility and upgrades to our
telecommunications fiber optic network plus upgrades to our facilities and
technology equipment at our broadcasting business. We expect to spend up to
$112.7 on our daily newspaper production facility. As of June 15, 2003 we have
spent $109.2 million on this project. Acquisition of businesses was $1.5 million
in the two quarters of 2003 representing the purchase of the Antigo Area
Shopper's Guide by our community newspapers and shoppers business.
Cash used for financing activities was $32.1 million in the two quarters of 2003
compared to $23.7 million in the two quarters of 2002. We decreased our
borrowing under our credit agreement by $16.4 million in the two quarters of
2003 compared to the increase in borrowing of $46.9 million in the two quarters
of 2002. The increased borrowing in 2002 was primarily used to purchase units of
beneficial interest from employees and former employees. In the two quarters of
2003, there were no sales or purchases of units due to the suspension of trading
in the third quarter of 2002 compared to purchases of units of $93.2 million and
sales of units of $38.7 million in the two quarters of 2002. We paid cash
dividends of $15.5 million and $16.0 million in the two quarters of 2003 and
2002, respectively.
Cash used for discontinued operations was $1.4 million in the two quarters of
2002.
Stock Trust
As of June 15, 2003, our treasury, our employees, and former employees owned
units representing beneficial ownership of 90% of our stock. As of June 15,
2003, we believe that employees and former employees had outstanding balances
under demand notes secured by pledges of units from various financial
institutions totaling approximately $431.6 million.
Eligible optionees under the stock trust, including certain categories of
designated employees, the Grant family shareholders and us, have the right to
purchase units offered for sale. We are not obligated to purchase units, though
in recent years prior to the suspension of trading on October 25, 2002, we have
elected to do so for the convenience of stock trust unitholders. On October 25,
2002, our board of directors determined to indefinitely suspend our purchase and
sale of units and also directed us to explore potential sources for additional
permanent capital.
On May 14, 2003, we announced a plan for a new permanent capital structure,
including a share exchange, an initial public offering and the amendment and
termination of JESTA. In the share exchange, current shareholders and
unitholders would receive shares of class B common stock, which would have 10
votes per share. A Registration Statement on Form S-1 was filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission related to the initial public offering. Class
A common stock with one vote per share would be offered to the public. We filed
a joint proxy statement/prospectus with the SEC relating to the new capital
structure on Form S-4. The plan is subject to the approval of our shareholders,
including approvals required under JESTA. We also filed a Registration Statement
on Form S-2 offering to rescind the sale of all of the units of beneficial
interest purchased during certain periods by employees and former employees who
purchased the units in California, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota,
Missouri, Nebraska and Tennessee because our sales of these units may have been
in violation of certain state securities laws' requirements.
Critical Accounting Policies
There are no material changes to the disclosures regarding critical accounting
policies made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2002.
22
New Accounting Standards
In June 2002, Statement No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or
Disposal Activities," was issued. Statement No. 146 addresses financial
accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities
and nullifies the previous guidance on the subject. It requires, among other
things, that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity
be recognized, at fair value, when the liability is incurred rather than at the
commitment date to the exit or disposal plan. The provisions for Statement No.
146 are effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after
December 31, 2002. Accordingly, Statement No. 146 may affect when future costs
associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized.
In February 2003, we announced the closure of our CD-ROM mastering and
replication facility, a part of our printing services business. In the two
quarters of 2003, $0.5 million in closure costs were recorded.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE OF MARKET RISK
There are no material changes to the disclosures regarding interest rate risk
and foreign currency exchange risk made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2002.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We carried out an evaluation, within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
report, under the supervision and with the participation of our Disclosure
Committee, including our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure
controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(c) and
15d-14(c). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are
effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange
Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms,
and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other
factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of
their evaluation.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Conley Publishing Group, Ltd. et al. v. Journal Communications, Inc. In August
2000, the publisher of the Waukesha Freeman, West Bend Daily News and several
other publications in southeastern Wisconsin filed an amended antitrust
complaint in state court against us. The plaintiff alleged we attempted to
monopolize by the use of predatory pricing on subscriptions, secret rebates to
advertisers, exclusionary discounts in advertising and contracts in restraint of
trade. On October 2, 2001, the Waukesha County Circuit Court granted summary
judgment to us and dismissed all of the plaintiff's claims. The plaintiff
appealed, and the Wisconsin Court of Appeals certified the case for direct
appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. On July 17, 2003, the Wisconsin Supreme
Court affirmed the circuit court's decision to grant summary judgment.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not applicable.
23
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
On June 3, 2003, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders for the
purpose of electing 13 directors.
Steven J. Smith and Douglas G. Kiel, as the designated proxies, voted the shares
of common stock of Journal Communications, Inc., as they were instructed by the
shareholders and unitholders of the Company and the Trustees of the Journal
Employees Stock Trust. 82% of all shares eligible to vote were represented at
the Annual Meeting in person or by Proxy. All nominees for Director were elected
by the affirmative vote of at least 98% of the shares voted.
The following nominees were elected to the Board of Directors for the 2003-2004
term:
Paul M. Bonaiuto James J. Ditter David J. Drury
James L. Forbes Cynthia L. Gault Douglas G. Kiel
Mary Hill Leahy Roger D. Peirce David D. Reszel
Steven J. Smith Keith K. Spore Mary Ellen Stanek
Karen O. Trickle
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
----------- -----------
99.1 Certification of Steven J. Smith, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Journal Communications, Inc., pursuant
to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.2 Certification of Paul M. Bonaiuto, Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer of Journal Communications, Inc.,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
24
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.
JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Registrant
Date July 23, 2003 /s/ Steven J. Smith
------------------------------------------
Steven J. Smith, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
Date July 23, 2003 /s/ Paul M. Bonaiuto
------------------------------------------
Paul M. Bonaiuto, Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
25
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Steven J. Smith, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Journal
Communications, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly
report is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date July 23, 2003 /s/ Steven J. Smith
-------------------------------------
Steven J. Smith
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
26
I, Paul M. Bonaiuto, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Journal
Communications, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly
report is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date: July 23, 2003 /s/ Paul M. Bonaiuto
-------------------------------------
Paul M. Bonaiuto
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
27