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8-K - 8-K - TEGNA INCq42014earningsrelease8-k.htm


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 3, 2015


Gannett Co., Inc. Reports 55% Increase in 2014 Fourth Quarter Non-GAAP Earnings per Share and 57% Increase in Adjusted EBITDA; Broadcasting and Digital Segments Achieve Record Revenues and Profit for the Quarter; Resumes Share Repurchase Program

Highlights for the quarter include the following:

Earnings totaled $2.92 per diluted share, $1.02 per diluted share on non-GAAP basis

Overall company revenue growth of 24 percent, pro forma revenue growth of 4 percent, driven by strong Broadcast and Digital Segment results

Record Broadcasting Segment revenue increased 117 percent, a 25 percent increase on a pro forma basis

Record Digital Segment revenue increased 77 percent, a 10 percent increase on a pro forma basis

Adjusted EBITDA rose 57 percent to $511 million also driven by strong Broadcasting and Digital Segment results

Free Cash Flow grew to $203 million, a 32 percent year-over-year increase


McLEAN, VA - Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) today reported non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $1.02 for the fourth quarter compared to $0.66 for the fourth quarter of 2013, an increase of 54.5 percent. Strong results for the company's expanded television station portfolio in the Broadcasting Segment and a strong performance by the Cars.com acquisition in the Digital Segment fueled the 55 percent gain.

Gracia Martore, president and chief executive officer, said, “Our strong fourth quarter results cap a milestone year for Gannett - reflecting our bold strategy and continued focus on reshaping and reinventing the company to accelerate growth in today’s multi-platform media landscape. Based on our strong operating performance and balance sheet strength, we are resuming our share buyback program, well ahead of the timeline we had previously anticipated. Our broader and more diverse footprint drove record revenue in Broadcasting for the fourth consecutive quarter and resulted in our highest political revenues ever in a non-presidential election year.  We also posted record-breaking Digital Segment revenues, driven by our full ownership of Cars.com, which had a terrific quarter, as well as continued growth at CareerBuilder.  On the Publishing side, we continue to innovate and find ways to deepen our connections with our audiences and advertisers through initiatives like USA TODAY local content editions, which have delighted customers and substantially exceeded our revenue expectations. Even as we achieved this tremendous revenue growth, we remain committed to operating as efficiently as possible, which has continued to improve profitability, including a 57 percent increase in Adjusted EBITDA as compared to the fourth quarter last year.”

Martore continued, “The terrific progress we’ve made across each of our businesses since the launch of our transformation plan three years ago culminated in our biggest news of 2014 - the announcement of our plan to separate into two highly focused public companies. Each company will be a leader in its respective industry with impressive scale and greater freedom to focus its strategy

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and resources on the most promising, value-enhancing areas of the business. We are on track with the separation and will share more details of our plans for the Publishing and Broadcasting/Digital companies in the coming months.”

On October 1, 2014, the company completed the acquisition of the 73 percent interest it did not already own in Classified Ventures LLC, which owns Cars.com. Results for the fourth quarter of 2014 include the impact of the acquisition.

Gannett also announced that the company is resuming its share buyback program authorized in June 2013 and suspended in August 2014. There is approximately $150 million remaining under the current authorization. The buyback is consistent with Gannett’s commitment to return capital to its shareholders while continuing to reinvest in the business.

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Operating revenues in the fourth quarter were up 24.3 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2013 and totaled $1.7 billion. The substantial increase was driven by record revenues in the Broadcasting and Digital Segments. Broadcasting Segment revenues grew 117.0 percent reflecting higher political spending and retransmission revenue and the acquisition of Belo Corp. Digital Segment revenues were up 76.6 percent due principally to the acquisition of Classified Ventures. Publishing Segment revenues declined 6.2 percent in the quarter. On a pro forma basis (had Gannett owned the Belo and London television stations and Cars.com during the same quarter last year and excluding the impact of the sale of a print business and Apartments.com), total company revenues were 4.2 percent higher in the quarter due primarily to substantial revenue growth at the expanded television station portfolio and strong growth at Cars.com.

Net income attributable to Gannett on a non-GAAP basis was 54.0 percent higher in the quarter compared to the fourth quarter in 2013 and totaled $234.8 million. Operating income on the same basis increased 53.9 percent and totaled $428.2 million, reflecting substantially higher profitability in Broadcasting and Digital due, in part, to the expansion of the company's television station portfolio and the acquisition of Classified Ventures. Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP term detailed in Table 5) was substantially higher in the quarter, up 56.8 percent to $510.5 million compared to $325.7 million in the fourth quarter last year. The Adjusted EBITDA margin in the fourth quarter was 30.0 percent, an increase of 620 basis points from 23.8 percent in the fourth quarter last year.

Special items in the fourth quarter of 2014 resulted in a gain of $441.2 million, net of taxes, ($1.90 per share) and include: non-operating income of $439.2 million pre-tax ($1.13 per share) reflecting primarily the write-up of the company's equity investment in Classified Ventures offset partially by transaction related costs; a tax benefit of $236.6 million ($1.02 per share) related to portfolio restructuring and the sale of a non-strategic investment; and operating charges of $87.2 million pre-tax ($0.25 per share) representing primarily non-cash asset impairment charges, transformation costs and workforce restructuring. Special items in the fourth quarter of 2013 totaled $85.6 million ($61.7 million after tax or $0.27 per share) reflecting charges associated with facility consolidations, non-cash asset impairments, workforce restructuring and transaction-related fees.


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The table below details fourth quarter results on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis.
Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts
 
GAAP Measure
 
Special Items
 
Non-GAAP Measure
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Workforce restructuring
 
Other transformation costs
 
Asset impairment charges
 
Non-operating items
 
Special tax benefits
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
Operating income
$
341,018

 
$
11,079

 
$
40,935

 
$
35,192

 
$

 
$

 
$
428,224

Equity income in unconsolidated
investees, net
532

 

 

 

 
4,805

 

 
5,337

Other non-operating items
445,134

 

 

 

 
(444,045
)
 

 
1,089

Income before income taxes
713,167

 
11,079

 
40,935

 
35,192

 
(439,240
)
 

 
361,133

Provision for income taxes
18,200

 
3,800

 
21,300

 
4,400

 
(176,900
)
 
236,600

 
107,400

Net income
694,967

 
7,279

 
19,635

 
30,792

 
(262,340
)
 
(236,600
)
 
253,733

Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
676,029

 
7,279

 
19,635

 
30,792

 
(262,340
)
 
(236,600
)
 
234,795

Net income per share - diluted (a)
$
2.92

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.13

 
$
(1.13
)
 
$
(1.02
)
 
$
1.02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) total per share does not sum due to rounding.
 
 
 
 


Operating expenses including special charges noted above totaled $1.36 billion in the quarter, up 17.8 percent compared to $1.15 billion in the fourth quarter a year ago. The increase was due primarily to the Belo and Classified Ventures acquisitions. On a non-GAAP basis, operating expenses were $1.27 billion. Pro forma non-GAAP operating expenses were 2.8 percent lower compared to the fourth quarter in 2013 reflecting lower Publishing and Digital Segment expenses partially offset by higher expenses in the Broadcasting Segment associated with higher revenue growth.

Total operating revenues for the full year were 16.4 percent higher compared to 2013 and totaled $6.01 billion. The increase reflects substantially higher revenue growth in the Broadcasting and Digital Segments to record levels partially offset by a decline in the Publishing Segment. Broadcasting Segment revenues were 102.6 percent higher due to the Belo acquisition and significant increases in Olympic and political spending as well as retransmission revenue. Digital Segment revenues in 2014 were up 22.8 percent reflecting the acquisition of Classified Ventures including strong growth at Cars.com and solid revenue growth at CareerBuilder. Company-wide digital revenues totaled $2.05 billion, an increase of 7.4 percent on a pro forma basis compared to 2013. Publishing Segment revenues were 4.4 percent lower as advertising revenues declined 5.8 percent and circulation revenues were down 0.9 percent.

Operating expenses in 2014 were $4.95 billion. On a non-GAAP basis, operating expenses totaled $4.78 billion, an increase of 11.0 percent compared to 2013. The increase was due primarily to the previously mentioned acquisitions offset, in part, by continuing efficiency efforts company-wide. Operating income on the same basis was $1.23 billion, 43.7 percent higher while net income attributable to Gannett was up 34.0 percent to $634.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $1.49 billion in 2014 compared to $1.04 billion in 2013, an increase of 42.6 percent. Adjusted EBITDA margins were significantly higher in 2014 compared to 2013 and reached 25 percent. Earnings per diluted share were $4.58 on a GAAP basis and $2.73 per diluted share on a non-GAAP basis. Free cash flow generated in 2014 was $844.6 million.


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BROADCASTING

Broadcasting Segment revenues were 117.0 percent higher in the quarter compared to the fourth quarter last year and totaled a highest ever $495.3 million. The increase was fueled by the expansion of the TV station portfolio, as well as significant increases in politically related advertising and retransmission revenues.

The following table summarizes the year-over-year changes in select Broadcasting Segment revenue categories. Digital revenues are included in the “Other” category.

Broadcasting Revenue Detail
Dollars in thousands
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Percentage change from thirteen weeks ended Dec. 29, 2013
 
 
Reported
 
Pro Forma (a)
Core (Local & National)
$
275,945

 
63
%
 
(7
%)
Political
92,433

 
***

 
***

Retransmission (b)
94,323

 
142
%
 
56
%
Other
32,568

 
123
%
 
13
%
Total
$
495,269

 
117
%
 
25
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) The pro forma amounts are presented as if the acquisitions of Belo Corp. and the London Broadcasting TV stations occurred at the beginning of 2013.
(b) Reverse compensation to networks is included as part of programming costs and therefore not included in this line.

On a pro forma basis, Broadcasting Segment revenues were up 25.0 percent compared to the fourth quarter in 2013. Substantially higher retransmission revenue that totaled $94.3 million, a 56.3 percent increase, as well as $92.4 million of political advertising drove the increase. Pro forma digital revenues in the Broadcasting Segment were 16.5 percent higher reflecting primarily growth in digital marketing services products.

Non-GAAP operating expenses in the Broadcasting Segment on a pro forma basis totaled $248.3 million in the quarter, up 2.8 percent compared to the fourth quarter a year ago and reflect primarily an increase in reverse network compensation. On a pro forma basis, non-GAAP operating income was substantially higher than the fourth quarter of 2013 and totaled $247.0 million, an increase of 59.6 percent. Adjusted EBITDA on the same basis was $268.9 million, up 54.7 percent compared to the fourth quarter in 2013. As a result, Adjusted EBITDA margins were up substantially to 54.3 percent in the fourth quarter.

Based on current trends, we expect the percentage increase in total television revenues for the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same quarter in 2014 to be up in the low to mid-single digits despite very difficult year-over-year comparisons. First quarter 2014 Broadcasting revenue benefited from $41.3 million related to the Winter Olympic Games and approximately $10.0 million of politically related ad demand. The challenge of overcoming these even-year revenue contributions will be partially offset in the first quarter of 2015 by Super Bowl advertising on the company's NBC stations.

PUBLISHING

Publishing Segment revenues in the quarter totaled $885.5 million, down 6.2 percent. Publishing Segment revenues on a pro forma basis declined 5.9 percent reflecting primarily softer display advertising partially offset by an increase in digital marketing solutions revenue and digital advertising.


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Advertising revenues declined 7.8 percent to $543.8 million. Pro forma advertising revenues declined 8.3 percent year-over-year. On the same basis all domestic classified advertising category comparisons in the fourth quarter were better than third quarter comparisons. Employment advertising was up 1.5 percent in the quarter maintaining its positive trend with growth domestically and at Newsquest in the UK.

A summary of the year-over-year percentage change for each of the company's advertising categories can be found on Table 3.

Circulation revenues totaled $282.0 million, a decline of 2.2 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. An increase in circulation revenue at local domestic publishing sites reflecting the beneficial impact of pricing strategies as well as continued strength of the All Access Content Subscription Model was offset by circulation revenue declines at Newsquest, due to the cycling of cover price increases, and USA TODAY.

Pro forma Publishing Segment digital revenues increased 2.9 percent in the quarter reflecting continued growth in digital marketing solutions and digital advertising. Digital revenues at Newsquest were up 20.4 percent in local currency while digital revenues at USA TODAY and its associated businesses increased 8.4 percent. Pro forma digital advertising revenues at local domestic publishing operations were up 6.6 percent.

Pro forma non-GAAP Publishing Segment operating expenses were $760.9 million, a decline of 4.6 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2013 due primarily to continuing cost efficiency efforts.

Non-GAAP operating income was $124.6 million in the quarter while Adjusted EBITDA on the same basis totaled $150.6 million. Changes in the Cars.com affiliate agreements and the absence of Apartments.com revenues unfavorably impacted these results by approximately $8.8 million.

DIGITAL

Digital Segment operating revenues totaled a record $345.4 million, an increase of 76.6 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. The substantial increase reflects primarily the impact of the Classified Ventures acquisition and strong results at Cars.com. Revenues on a pro forma basis in the Digital Segment were up 9.7 percent driven in large part by revenue growth of 24.8 percent at Cars.com and 3.8 percent at CareerBuilder. The revenue increase at Cars.com reflects principally new affiliation agreements as of October 1st that resulted in higher wholesale rates charged to its affiliate newspaper and broadcasting markets as well as rate and unit growth in direct markets. A significant increase in its digital software-as-a-service products drove the revenue increase at CareerBuilder.

Non-GAAP pro forma operating expenses were down 1.2 percent driven by lower expenses at Cars.com and CareerBuilder. On the same basis, Digital Segment operating income was 82.4 percent higher and totaled $74.4 million while Adjusted EBITDA was $104.9 million, an increase of 51.6 percent.

Pro forma digital revenues company-wide, including the Digital Segment and all digital revenues generated by the other business segments, totaled $538.9 million, an increase of 6.6 percent. The increase reflects higher affiliate fees at Classified Ventures a well as higher revenue associated with CareerBuilder, digital marketing solutions products and digital advertising.

In December, Gannett's consolidated domestic Internet audience was 115 million unique visitors reaching 46 percent of the Internet audience, according to comScore Media Metrix Multi-platform. USATODAY.com is one of the most popular news sites and the USA TODAY app is a top news app with 21.2 million downloads across iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows and Kindle Fire. USA TODAY mobile visitors continued to grow in December up from December a year ago to approximately

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44.8 million with a 33 percent increase in mobile visitor reach to 25 percent, according to comScore Mobile Metrix. Newsquest is also an Internet leader in the UK where its network of web sites attracted 122.2 million monthly page impressions from approximately 18.7 million unique users in December 2014.

NON-OPERATING ITEMS

The company's equity earnings include its share of operating results from unconsolidated investees including the California Newspapers Partnership, Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership, Tucson newspaper partnership and other online/digital businesses including Classified Ventures prior to its acquisition on October 1st.

Equity income in unconsolidated investees declined $14.4 million in the quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. The decline reflects the absence of equity income from Classified Ventures in addition to lower results for newspaper partnerships. Excluding special items, equity income totaled $5.3 million in the quarter, a decline of $9.6 million compared to $14.9 million in the fourth quarter a year ago.

Interest expense totaled $73.5 million in the quarter compared to $62.9 million in the fourth quarter a year ago reflecting debt associated with the Belo and Cars.com acquisitions partially offset by a lower average interest rate.

Other non-operating items totaled $445.1 million in the quarter, an increase of $464.1 million. The increase reflects the write up of the prior investment in Classified Ventures post acquisition. Excluding special items, income from other non-operating items in the quarter would have been $1.1 million compared to income of $2.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2013.

The company's taxes for the quarter reflect a special $236.6 million benefit (or $1.02 per share) primarily triggered by a restructuring of the portfolio, including the sale of a non-strategic equity investment, which offset prior tax gains related to the sale of several TV stations, our interest in Apartments.com and other properties.

Net cash flow from operating activities was $248.6 million in the quarter. Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure) totaled $202.7 million, a 32.1 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2013. The balance of long-term debt was $4.49 billion and total cash was $118.5 million at quarter end.

* * * *

As previously announced, the company will hold an earnings conference call at 10:00 a.m. ET today. The call can be accessed via a live webcast through the company's web site, www.gannett.com, or listen-only conference lines. U.S. callers should dial 1-888-516-2377 and international callers should dial 1-719-457-2615 at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. The confirmation code for the conference call is 6069916. To access the replay, dial 1-888-203-1112 in the U.S. International callers should use the number 1-719-457-0820. The confirmation code for the replay is 6069916. Materials related to the call will be available through the Investor Relations section of the company's web site Tuesday morning.

About Gannett
Gannett Co., Inc. is an international media and marketing solutions company that informs and engages more than 110 million people every month through its powerful network of broadcast, digital, mobile and publishing properties. Our portfolio of trusted brands offers marketers unmatched local-to-national reach and customizable, innovative marketing solutions across any platform. Gannett is committed to connecting people - and the companies who want to reach them - with their interests and communities. For more information, visit www.gannett.com.

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Certain statements in this press release may be forward looking in nature or “forward looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward looking statements contained in this press release are subject to a number of risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual performance to differ materially from these forward looking statements. A number of those risks, trends and uncertainties are discussed in the company's SEC reports, including the company's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Any forward looking statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors.

Gannett is not responsible for updating the information contained in this press release beyond the published date, or for changes made to this press release by wire services, Internet service providers or other media.

# # #


For investor inquiries, contact:
 
For media inquiries, contact:
Jeffrey Heinz
 
Jeremy Gaines
Vice President, Investor Relations
 
Vice President, Corporate Communications
703-854-6917
 
703-854-6049
jheinz@gannett.com
 
jmgaines@gannett.com


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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands (except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 29, 2013
 
% Increase
(Decrease)
Net operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
$
495,269

 
$
228,207

 
117.0

Publishing advertising
 
543,795

 
589,555

 
(7.8
)
Publishing circulation
 
281,997

 
288,434

 
(2.2
)
All other Publishing
 
59,683

 
66,272

 
(9.9
)
Digital
 
345,352

 
195,570

 
76.6

Intersegment eliminations
 
(25,129
)
 

 
***

Total
 
1,700,967

 
1,368,038

 
24.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation
 
748,119

 
722,487

 
3.5

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation
 
483,361

 
341,451

 
41.6

Depreciation
 
49,573

 
37,615

 
31.8

Amortization of intangible assets
 
32,748

 
9,802

 
***

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
 
46,148

 
43,077

 
7.1

Total
 
1,359,949

 
1,154,432

 
17.8

Operating income
 
341,018

 
213,606

 
59.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-operating (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
 
532

 
14,895

 
(96.4
)
Interest expense
 
(73,517
)
 
(62,857
)
 
17.0

Other non-operating items
 
445,134

 
(18,936
)
 
***

Total
 
372,149

 
(66,898
)
 
***

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 
713,167

 
146,708

 
***

Provision for income taxes
 
18,200

 
41,500

 
(56.1
)
Net income
 
694,967

 
105,208

 
***

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(18,938
)
 
(14,461
)
 
31.0

Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
 
$
676,029

 
$
90,747

 
***

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share - basic
 
$
2.99

 
$
0.40

 
***

Net income per share - diluted
 
$
2.92

 
$
0.39

 
***

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
226,046

 
227,343

 
(0.6
)
Diluted
 
231,157

 
232,585

 
(0.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per share
 
$
0.20

 
$
0.20

 





CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands (except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 1 (continued)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 29, 2013
 
% Increase
(Decrease)
Net operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
$
1,692,304

 
$
835,113

 
102.6

Publishing advertising
 
2,070,177

 
2,198,719

 
(5.8
)
Publishing circulation
 
1,118,753

 
1,129,060

 
(0.9
)
All other Publishing
 
232,799

 
250,025

 
(6.9
)
Digital
 
919,270

 
748,445

 
22.8

Intersegment eliminations
 
(25,129
)
 

 
***

Total
 
6,008,174

 
5,161,362

 
16.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation
 
3,048,579

 
2,882,449

 
5.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation
 
1,539,476

 
1,291,858

 
19.2

Depreciation
 
185,868

 
153,203

 
21.3

Amortization of intangible assets
 
79,856

 
36,369

 
***

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
 
96,364

 
58,240

 
65.5

Total
 
4,950,143

 
4,422,119

 
11.9

Operating income
 
1,058,031

 
739,243

 
43.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-operating (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
 
167,319

 
43,824

 
***

Interest expense
 
(273,244
)
 
(176,064
)
 
55.2

Other non-operating items
 
403,954

 
(47,890
)
 
***

Total
 
298,029

 
(180,130
)
 
***

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 
1,356,060

 
559,113

 
***

Provision for income taxes
 
225,600

 
113,200

 
99.3

Net income
 
1,130,460

 
445,913

 
***

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(68,289
)
 
(57,233
)
 
19.3

Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
 
$
1,062,171

 
$
388,680

 
***

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share - basic
 
$
4.69

 
$
1.70

 
***

Net income per share - diluted
 
$
4.58

 
$
1.66

 
***

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
226,292

 
228,541

 
(1.0
)
Diluted
 
231,907

 
234,189

 
(1.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per share
 
$
0.80

 
$
0.80

 






BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 29, 2013
 
% Increase
(Decrease)
Net operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
$
495,269

 
$
228,207

 
117.0

Publishing
 
885,475

 
944,261

 
(6.2
)
Digital
 
345,352

 
195,570

 
76.6

Intersegment eliminations
 
(25,129
)
 

 
***

Total
 
$
1,700,967

 
$
1,368,038

 
24.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (net of depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
$
241,542

 
$
96,337

 
150.7

Publishing
 
69,656

 
105,624

 
(34.1
)
Digital
 
47,621

 
27,333

 
74.2

Corporate
 
(17,801
)
 
(15,688
)
 
13.5

Total
 
$
341,018

 
$
213,606

 
59.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
$
26,003

 
$
8,657

 
***

Publishing
 
44,380

 
57,546

 
(22.9
)
Digital
 
54,197

 
19,616

 
***

Corporate
 
3,889

 
4,675

 
(16.8
)
Total
 
$
128,469

 
$
90,494

 
42.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
$
268,895

 
$
118,723

 
126.5

Publishing
 
150,633

 
170,607

 
(11.7
)
Digital
 
104,929

 
46,949

 
***

Corporate
 
(13,912
)
 
(10,610
)
 
31.1

Total
 
$
510,545

 
$
325,669

 
56.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) "Adjusted EBITDA" is a non-GAAP measure used by management to measure, analyze and compare the performance of its business segment operations at a more detailed level and in a meaningful and consistent manner. The definition of "Adjusted EBITDA" is provided in Table No. 5, along with reconciliations to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP on the company's condensed consolidated statements of income.




BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 2 (continued)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 29, 2013
 
% Increase
(Decrease)
Net operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
$
1,692,304

 
$
835,113

 
102.6

Publishing
 
3,421,729

 
3,577,804

 
(4.4
)
Digital
 
919,270

 
748,445

 
22.8

Intersegment eliminations
 
(25,129
)
 

 
***

Total
 
$
6,008,174

 
$
5,161,362

 
16.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (net of depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation and asset impairment charges):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
$
745,383

 
$
361,915

 
106.0

Publishing
 
228,307

 
313,697

 
(27.2
)
Digital
 
155,482

 
128,264

 
21.2

Corporate
 
(71,141
)
 
(64,633
)
 
10.1

Total
 
$
1,058,031

 
$
739,243

 
43.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation and asset impairment charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
$
94,125

 
$
29,625

 
***

Publishing
 
167,134

 
153,380

 
9.0

Digital
 
81,974

 
46,415

 
76.6

Corporate
 
18,855

 
18,392

 
2.5

Total
 
$
362,088

 
$
247,812

 
46.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
$
843,198

 
$
405,908

 
107.7

Publishing
 
459,084

 
510,214

 
(10.0
)
Digital
 
240,567

 
174,679

 
37.7

Corporate
 
(52,286
)
 
(45,838
)
 
14.1

Total
 
$
1,490,563

 
$
1,044,963

 
42.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) "Adjusted EBITDA" is a non-GAAP measure used by management to measure, analyze and compare the performance of its business segment operations at a more detailed level and in a meaningful and consistent manner. The definition of "Adjusted EBITDA" is provided in Table No. 5, along with reconciliations to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP on the company's condensed consolidated statements of income.





PUBLISHING SEGMENT REVENUE COMPARISONS
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following percentage changes for the Publishing Segment advertising and classified revenue categories are presented on a pro forma basis. See Table No. 8 for more information.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth quarter 2014 year-over-year comparisons:
 
 




U.S.
Publishing
(including USA TODAY)
 
Newsquest
(in pounds)
 
Total
Publishing
Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
(7.7%)
 
(1.9%)
 
(7.4%)
National
(20.8%)
 
(5.2%)
 
(19.8%)
Classified:
 
 
 
 
 
Automotive
(0.4%)
 
(5.6%)
 
(1.2%)
Employment
0.8%
 
5.0%
 
1.5%
Real Estate
(2.3%)
 
(8.6%)
 
(5.3%)
Legal
1.1%
 
—%
 
1.1%
Other
(5.2%)
 
(7.6%)
 
(6.5%)
Total classified
(1.5%)
 
(4.0%)
 
(2.5%)
Total advertising
(8.7%)
 
(3.3%)
 
(8.3%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year-to-date 2014 year-over-year comparisons:
 
 




U.S.
Publishing
(including USA TODAY)
 
Newsquest
(in pounds)
 
Total
Publishing
Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
(6.3%)
 
(2.1%)
 
(5.4%)
National
(14.3%)
 
(4.2%)
 
(13.2%)
Classified:
 
 
 
 
 
Automotive
(1.7%)
 
(5.7%)
 
(1.6%)
Employment
(3.8%)
 
7.3%
 
0.8%
Real Estate
(4.2%)
 
(9.0%)
 
(3.9%)
Legal
(3.8%)
 
—%
 
(3.8%)
Other
(7.7%)
 
(6.4%)
 
(5.6%)
Total classified
(4.0%)
 
(3.1%)
 
(2.5%)
Total advertising
(7.1%)
 
(2.8%)
 
(5.8%)






USE OF NON-GAAP INFORMATION

The company uses non-GAAP financial performance and liquidity measures to supplement the financial information presented on a GAAP basis. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures, and should be read together with financial information presented on a GAAP basis.

The company discusses in this report non-GAAP financial performance measures that exclude from its reported GAAP results the impact of special items consisting of workforce restructuring charges, transformation costs, non-cash asset impairment charges, certain gains and expenses recognized in non-operating categories and certain credits and charges to its income tax provision. The company believes that such expenses, charges, gains and credits are not indicative of normal, ongoing operations and their inclusion in results makes for more difficult comparisons between years and with peer group companies.

The company also discusses Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial performance measure that it believes offers a useful view of the overall operation of its businesses. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to Gannett before (1) net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, (2) income taxes, (3) interest expense, (4) equity income, (5) other non-operating items, (6) workforce restructuring, (7) other transformation costs, (8) asset impairment charges, (9) depreciation and (10) amortization. When Adjusted EBITDA is discussed in reference to performance on a consolidated basis, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is Net income attributable to Gannett. Management does not analyze non-operating items such as interest expense and income taxes on a segment level; therefore, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to Adjusted EBITDA when performance is discussed on a segment level is Operating income. This earnings report also discusses free cash flow, a non-GAAP liquidity measure. Free cash flow is defined as “net cash flow from operating activities” as reported on the statement of cash flows reduced by “purchase of property, plant and equipment” as well as “payments for investments” and increased by “proceeds from investments.” The company believes that free cash flow is a useful measure for management and investors to evaluate the level of cash generated by operations and the ability of its operations to fund investments in new and existing businesses, return cash to shareholders under the company’s capital program, repay indebtedness, add to the company’s cash balance, or use in other discretionary activities. Management uses free cash flow to monitor cash available for repayment of indebtedness and in its discussions with the investment community.

Management uses non-GAAP financial performance measures for purposes of evaluating business unit and consolidated company performance. The company therefore believes that each of the non-GAAP measures presented provides useful information to investors by allowing them to view the company’s businesses through the eyes of management and the Board of Directors, facilitating comparison of results across historical periods and providing a focus on the underlying ongoing operating performance of its businesses. In addition, many of the company’s peer group companies present similar non-GAAP measures so the presentation of such measures facilitates industry comparisons. Tabular reconciliations for the non-GAAP financial measures are contained in Tables 4 through 8 attached to this news release.





NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars (except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The company uses non-GAAP financial performance and liquidity measures to supplement the financial information presented on a GAAP basis. These non-GAAP financial measures are not to be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures and should be read only in conjunction with financial information presented on a GAAP basis.
 
Tables No. 4 through No. 8 reconcile these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP
Measure
 
Special Items
 
Non-GAAP
Measure
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Workforce
restructuring
 
Other transformation costs
 
Asset impairment charges
 
Non-operating items
 
Special tax benefits
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation
$
748,119

 
$
(8,820
)
 
$
(1,459
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
737,840

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation
483,361

 
(2,259
)
 
(28,520
)
 

 

 

 
452,582

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
46,148

 

 
(10,956
)
 
(35,192
)
 

 

 

Operating expenses
1,359,949

 
(11,079
)
 
(40,935
)
 
(35,192
)
 

 

 
1,272,743

Operating income
341,018

 
11,079

 
40,935

 
35,192

 

 

 
428,224

Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
532

 

 

 

 
4,805

 

 
5,337

Other non-operating items
445,134

 

 

 

 
(444,045
)
 

 
1,089

Total non-operating (expense) income
372,149

 

 

 

 
(439,240
)
 

 
(67,091
)
Income before income taxes
713,167

 
11,079

 
40,935

 
35,192

 
(439,240
)
 

 
361,133

Provision for income taxes
18,200

 
3,800

 
21,300

 
4,400

 
(176,900
)
 
236,600

 
107,400

Net income
694,967

 
7,279

 
19,635

 
30,792

 
(262,340
)
 
(236,600
)
 
253,733

Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
676,029

 
7,279

 
19,635

 
30,792

 
(262,340
)
 
(236,600
)
 
234,795

Net income per share - diluted (a)
$
2.92

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.13

 
$
(1.13
)
 
$
(1.02
)
 
$
1.02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP
Measure
 
Special Items
 
Non-GAAP
Measure
 
 
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 29, 2013
 
Workforce
restructuring
 
Other transformation costs
 
Asset impairment charges
 
Non-operating items
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 29, 2013
 
 
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation
$
722,487

 
$
(7,164
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
715,323

 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation
341,451

 
(14,405
)
 

 

 

 
327,046

 
 
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
43,077

 

 
(10,081
)
 
(32,996
)
 

 

 
 
Operating expenses
1,154,432

 
(21,569
)
 
(10,081
)
 
(32,996
)
 

 
1,089,786

 
 
Operating income
213,606

 
21,569

 
10,081

 
32,996

 

 
278,252

 
 
Other non-operating items
(18,936
)
 

 

 

 
20,985

 
2,049

 
 
Total non-operating (expense) income
(66,898
)
 

 

 

 
20,985

 
(45,913
)
 
 
Income before income taxes
146,708

 
21,569

 
10,081

 
32,996

 
20,985

 
232,339

 
 
Provision for income taxes
41,500

 
6,400

 
4,100

 
13,300

 
100

 
65,400

 
 
Net income
105,208

 
15,169

 
5,981

 
19,696

 
20,885

 
166,939

 
 
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
90,747

 
15,169

 
5,981

 
19,696

 
20,885

 
152,478

 
 
Net income per share - diluted
$
0.39

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Total per share amount does not sum due to rounding.




NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars (except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 4 (continued)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP
Measure
 
Special Items
 
Non-GAAP
Measure
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Workforce
restructuring
 
Other transformation costs
 
Asset impairment charges
 
Non-operating items
 
Special tax benefits
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation
$
3,048,579

 
$
(34,975
)
 
$
(1,459
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,012,145

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation
1,539,476

 
(5,490
)
 
(28,520
)
 

 

 

 
1,505,466

Amortization of intangible assets
79,856

 

 
(4,480
)
 

 

 

 
75,376

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
96,364

 

 
(44,985
)
 
(51,379
)
 

 

 

Operating expenses
4,950,143

 
(40,465
)
 
(79,444
)
 
(51,379
)
 

 

 
4,778,855

Operating income
1,058,031

 
40,465

 
79,444

 
51,379

 

 

 
1,229,319

Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
167,319

 

 

 

 
(137,198
)
 

 
30,121

Other non-operating items
403,954

 

 

 

 
(404,674
)
 

 
(720
)
Total non-operating (expense) income
298,029

 

 

 

 
(541,872
)
 

 
(243,843
)
Income before income taxes
1,356,060

 
40,465

 
79,444

 
51,379

 
(541,872
)
 

 
985,476

Provision for income taxes
225,600

 
14,600

 
35,800

 
5,200

 
(216,600
)
 
218,400

 
283,000

Net income
1,130,460

 
25,865

 
43,644

 
46,179

 
(325,272
)
 
(218,400
)
 
702,476

Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
1,062,171

 
25,865

 
43,644

 
46,179

 
(325,272
)
 
(218,400
)
 
634,187

Net income per share - diluted (a)
$
4.58

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.20

 
$
(1.40
)
 
$
(0.94
)
 
$
2.73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP
Measure
 
Special Items
 
Non-GAAP
Measure
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 29, 2013
 
Workforce
restructuring
 
Other transformation costs
 
Asset impairment charges
 
Non-operating items
 
Special tax benefits
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 29, 2013
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation
$
2,882,449

 
$
(36,856
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,845,593

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation
1,291,858

 
(21,052
)
 

 

 

 

 
1,270,806

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
58,240

 

 
(25,244
)
 
(32,996
)
 

 

 

Operating expenses
4,422,119

 
(57,908
)
 
(25,244
)
 
(32,996
)
 

 

 
4,305,971

Operating income
739,243

 
57,908

 
25,244

 
32,996

 

 

 
855,391

Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
43,824

 

 

 

 
731

 

 
44,555

Other non-operating items
(47,890
)
 

 

 

 
54,486

 

 
6,596

Total non-operating (expense) income
(180,130
)
 

 

 

 
55,217

 

 
(124,913
)
Income before income taxes
559,113

 
57,908

 
25,244

 
32,996

 
55,217

 

 
730,478

Provision for income taxes
113,200

 
20,700

 
10,100

 
13,300

 
14,700

 
27,800

 
199,800

Net income
445,913

 
37,208

 
15,144

 
19,696

 
40,517

 
(27,800
)
 
530,678

Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
388,680

 
37,208

 
15,144

 
19,696

 
40,517

 
(27,800
)
 
473,445

Net income per share - diluted (a)
$
1.66

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.06

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.17

 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
2.02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Total per share amount does not sum due to rounding.





NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Adjusted EBITDA", a non-GAAP measure, is defined as net income attributable to Gannett before (1) net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, (2) income taxes, (3) interest expense, (4) equity income, (5) other non-operating items, (6) workforce restructuring, (7) other transformation costs, (8) asset impairment charges (9) depreciation and (10) amortization. When Adjusted EBITDA is discussed in reference to performance on a consolidated basis, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to Adjusted EBITDA is Net income. Management does not analyze non-operating items such as interest expense and income taxes on a segment level; therefore, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to Adjusted EBITDA when performance is discussed on a segment level is Operating income. Management believes that use of this measure allows investors and management to measure, analyze and compare the performance of its business segment operations at a more detailed level and in a meaningful and consistent manner.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP on the company's condensed consolidated statements of income, follow:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen weeks ended Dec. 28, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
Publishing
 
Digital
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
(GAAP basis)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
676,029

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18,938

Provision for income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18,200

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
73,517

Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(532
)
Other non-operating items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(445,134
)
Operating income (GAAP basis)
$
241,542

 
$
69,656

 
$
47,621

 
$
(17,801
)
 
$
341,018

Workforce restructuring
1,350

 
6,618

 
3,111

 

 
11,079

Other transformation costs
4,105

 
36,830

 

 

 
40,935

Asset impairment charges

 
11,492

 
23,700

 

 
35,192

Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP basis)
246,997

 
124,596

 
74,432

 
(17,801
)
 
428,224

Depreciation
15,858

 
22,312

 
7,514

 
3,889

 
49,573

Amortization
6,040

 
3,725

 
22,983

 

 
32,748

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)
$
268,895

 
$
150,633

 
$
104,929

 
$
(13,912
)
 
$
510,545

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen weeks ended Dec. 29, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
Publishing
 
Digital
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
(GAAP basis)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
90,747

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14,461

Provision for income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
41,500

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62,857

Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(14,895
)
Other non-operating items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18,936

Operating income (GAAP basis)
$
96,337

 
$
105,624

 
$
27,333

 
$
(15,688
)
 
$
213,606

Workforce restructuring
13,729

 
7,437

 

 
403

 
21,569

Other transformation costs
894

 
9,187

 

 

 
10,081

Asset impairment charges

 
21,382

 
11,614

 

 
32,996

Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP basis)
110,960

 
143,630

 
38,947

 
(15,285
)
 
278,252

Depreciation
5,836

 
22,821

 
4,283

 
4,675

 
37,615

Amortization
1,927

 
4,156

 
3,719

 

 
9,802

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)
$
118,723

 
$
170,607

 
$
46,949

 
$
(10,610
)
 
$
325,669





NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 5 (continued)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fifty-two weeks ended Dec. 28, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
Publishing
 
Digital
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
(GAAP basis)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,062,171

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
68,289

Provision for income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
225,600

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
273,244

Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(167,319
)
Other non-operating items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(403,954
)
Operating income (GAAP basis)
$
745,383

 
$
228,307

 
$
155,482

 
$
(71,141
)
 
$
1,058,031

Workforce restructuring
3,690

 
33,664

 
3,111

 

 
40,465

Other transformation costs
18,200

 
61,244

 

 

 
79,444

Asset impairment charges

 
27,679

 
23,700

 

 
51,379

Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP basis)
767,273

 
350,894

 
182,293

 
(71,141
)
 
1,229,319

Depreciation
51,811

 
92,946

 
22,256

 
18,855

 
185,868

Adjusted amortization (non-GAAP basis)
24,114

 
15,244

 
36,018

 

 
75,376

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)
$
843,198

 
$
459,084

 
$
240,567

 
$
(52,286
)
 
$
1,490,563

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fifty-two weeks ended Dec. 29, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting
 
Publishing
 
Digital
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
(GAAP basis)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
388,680

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
57,233

Provision for income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
113,200

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
176,064

Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(43,824
)
Other non-operating items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
47,890

Operating income (GAAP basis)
$
361,915

 
$
313,697

 
$
128,264

 
$
(64,633
)
 
$
739,243

Workforce restructuring
14,368

 
43,137

 

 
403

 
57,908

Other transformation costs
1,033

 
24,211

 

 

 
25,244

Asset impairment charges

 
21,382

 
11,614

 

 
32,996

Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP basis)
377,316

 
402,427

 
139,878

 
(64,230
)
 
855,391

Depreciation
26,130

 
91,122

 
17,559

 
18,392

 
153,203

Amortization
2,462

 
16,665

 
17,242

 

 
36,369

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)
$
405,908

 
$
510,214

 
$
174,679

 
$
(45,838
)
 
$
1,044,963






NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Free cash flow" is a non-GAAP liquidity measure used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. Free cash flow should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures.
 
 
 
 
 
Free cash flow is defined as "Net cash flow from operating activities" as reported on the statement of cash flows reduced by "Purchase of property, plant and equipment" as well as "Payments for investments" and increased by "Proceeds from investments." The company believes that free cash flow is a useful measure for management and investors to evaluate the level of cash generated by operations and the ability of its operations to fund investments in new and existing businesses, return cash to shareholders under the company's capital program, repay indebtedness, add to the company's cash balance, or to use in other discretionary activities. Management uses free cash flow to monitor cash available for repayment of indebtedness and in its discussions with the investment community.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash flow from operating activities
$
248,598

 
$
821,199

 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(58,795
)
 
(150,354
)
 
Payments for investments
(1,708
)
 
(7,026
)
 
Proceeds from investments
14,558

 
180,809

 
Free cash flow
$
202,653

 
$
844,628

 






TAX RATE CALCULATION
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The calculations of the company's effective tax rate on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis are below:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP
 
Non-GAAP
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 29, 2013
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Thirteen
weeks ended
Dec. 29, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before taxes (per Table 4)
$
713,167

 
$
146,708

 
$
361,133

 
$
232,339

Noncontrolling interests (per Table 1)
(18,938
)
 
(14,461
)
 
(18,938
)
 
(14,461
)
Income before taxes attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
$
694,229

 
$
132,247

 
$
342,195

 
$
217,878

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for income taxes (per Table 4)
$
18,200

 
$
41,500

 
$
107,400

 
$
65,400

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rate
2.6
%
 
31.4
%
 
31.4
%
 
30.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP
 
Non-GAAP
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 29, 2013
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 28, 2014
 
Fifty-two
weeks ended
Dec. 29, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before taxes (per Table 4)
$
1,356,060

 
$
559,113

 
$
985,476

 
$
730,478

Noncontrolling interests (per Table 1)
(68,289
)
 
(57,233
)
 
(68,289
)
 
(57,233
)
Income before taxes attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
$
1,287,771

 
$
501,880

 
$
917,187

 
$
673,245

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for income taxes (per Table 4)
$
225,600

 
$
113,200

 
$
283,000

 
$
199,800

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rate
17.5
%
 
22.6
%
 
30.9
%
 
29.7
%






NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A reconciliation of the company's revenues and expenses on an as reported basis to a pro forma basis is below:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen weeks ended Dec. 29, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gannett
(as reported)
 
Special
items (a)
 
Pro forma adjustments (b)
 
Gannett
pro forma
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting operating revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Local/national
$
169,273

 
$

 
$
127,112

 
$
296,385

Political
5,375

 

 
5,567

 
10,942

Retransmission
38,933

 

 
21,413

 
60,346

Other
14,626

 

 
14,070

 
28,696

Total broadcasting operating revenue
228,207

 

 
168,162

 
396,369

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcasting operating expenses
131,870

 
(14,623
)
 
124,376

 
241,623

Broadcasting operating income
$
96,337

 
$
14,623

 
$
43,786

 
$
154,746

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gannett
(as reported)
 
Special
items (a)
 
Pro forma adjustments (c)
 
Gannett
pro forma
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Publishing operating revenue:
 
 


 
 
 


Advertising
$
589,555

 
$

 
$
2,851

 
$
592,406

Circulation
288,434

 

 

 
288,434

Other
66,272

 

 
(6,165
)
 
60,107

Total publishing operating revenue
944,261

 

 
(3,314
)
 
940,947

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Publishing operating expenses
838,637

 
(38,006
)
 
(3,144
)
 
797,487

Publishing operating income
$
105,624

 
$
38,006

 
$
(170
)
 
$
143,460

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gannett
(as reported)
 
Special
items (a)
 
Pro forma adjustments (d)
 
Gannett
pro forma
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Digital operating revenue
$
195,570

 
$

 
$
119,317

 
$
314,887

Digital operating expenses
168,237

 
(11,614
)
 
117,468

 
274,091

Digital operating income
$
27,333

 
$
11,614

 
$
1,849

 
$
40,796

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gannett
(as reported)
 
Special
items (a)
 
Pro forma adjustments (e)
 
Gannett
pro forma
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intersegment elimination operating revenue
$

 
$

 
$
(19,096
)
 
$
(19,096
)
Intersegment elimination operating expenses

 

 
(19,096
)
 
(19,096
)
Intersegment elimination operating income
$

 
$

 
$

 
$






NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table No. 8 (continued)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gannett
(as reported)
 
Special
items (a)
 
Pro forma adjustments (f)
 
Gannett
pro forma
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-wide operating revenue
$
1,368,038

 
$

 
$
265,069

 
$
1,633,107

Company-wide operating expenses
1,154,432

 
(64,646
)
 
219,604

 
1,309,390

Company-wide operating income
$
213,606

 
$
64,646

 
$
45,465

 
$
323,717

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) See reconciliation of special items in Table 5.
(b) The pro forma adjustments include additions to revenues and expenses for the former Belo stations of $155 million and $110 million, respectively. It does not include revenues and expenses for the former Belo stations in Phoenix, AZ and St. Louis, MO totaling $26 million and $20 million, respectively. Subsidiaries of Gannett and Sander Media, a holding company that has a station-operation agreement with Gannett, agreed to sell these stations upon receiving government approval. KMOV-TV, the television station in St. Louis, was sold in February 2014 and the two television stations in Phoenix were sold in June 2014. Revenue and expense adjustments totaling $13 million and $10 million, respectively, were added as if the third quarter 2014 acquisition of six London Broadcasting Television stations had occurred on the first day of 2013. The pro forma adjustment for broadcasting expense reflects the $5 million addition of amortization for definite-lived intangible assets as if the acquisitions of Belo and London had occurred on the first day of 2013.
(c) The pro forma adjustments include a reduction of $4 million in revenue and $1 million in expense for Apartments.com, which was sold by Classified Ventures in the second quarter of 2014. Pro forma adjustments also include a $6 million reduction of revenue and $7 million of expense related to the sale of a printing press in the second quarter of 2014. In 2014, a small online business was moved from the Digital segment to the Publishing segment as a result of continued integration with other Publishing businesses. Publishing revenues and expenses were both increased by $2 million in the Publishing segment as a result. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2014, the company began reporting an intersegment elimination with the acquisition of Classified Ventures. In addition, prior quarter intersegment eliminations that were previously reported within the Publishing and Digital segments were adjusted on a pro forma basis to the new intersegment elimination line. Publishing revenues increased $5 million and expenses increased $4 million as a result of this pro forma adjustment.
(d) The pro forma adjustments include additions to revenue and expenses for the acquisition of Classified Ventures on October 1, 2014 of $112 million and $96 million, respectively. The pro forma adjustment reflects the $6 million addition of revenue amortization for an unfavorable contract and $18 million of amortization for definite-lived intangible assets as if the acquisition of Classified Ventures had occurred on the first day of 2013. In 2014, a small online business was moved from the Digital segment to the Publishing segment as a result of continued integration with other Publishing businesses. Digital revenues and expenses were both decreased by $2 million in the Digital segment as a result. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2014, the company began reporting an intersegment elimination with the acquisition of Classified Ventures. In addition, prior quarter intersegment eliminations that were previously reported within the Publishing and Digital segments were adjusted on a pro forma basis to the new intersegment elimination line. Digital revenues increased $4 million and expenses increased $5 million as a result of this pro forma adjustment.
(e) Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2014, the company began reporting an intersegment elimination with the acquisition of Classified Ventures. Intersegment eliminations between Classified Ventures and the company's newspapers and TV stations totaled $11 million of revenue and expense in the fourth quarter of 2013. In addition, prior quarter intersegment eliminations that were previously reported within the Publishing and Digital segments were adjusted on a pro forma basis to the new intersegment and totaled $8 million of revenue and expense.
(f) The pro forma adjustments include all the pro forma adjustments discussed above.