Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008

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 001-33091

 

 

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   36-4197635

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

350 WillowBrook Office Park, Fairport, New York 14450

(Address of principal executive offices)

Telephone: (585) 598-0030

(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 a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.    (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  x    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of August 4, 2008, 58,128,357 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents
          Page

PART I.

   FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
Item 1.    Financial Statements   
   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007    3
   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007    4
   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the six months ended June 30, 2008    5
   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007    6
   Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    7
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    19
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    32
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures    33

PART II.

   OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings    34
Item 1A.    Risk Factors    34
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    40
Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities    40
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders    40
Item 5.    Other Information    40
Item 6.    Exhibits    40
   Signatures    41

 

2


Table of Contents
Item 1. Financial Statements

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

 

     June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  

Assets

     (unaudited)    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 12,793     $ 12,096  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,295 and $3,874 at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     77,621       85,474  

Inventory

     11,613       9,046  

Prepaid expenses

     5,123       4,514  

Deferred income taxes

     3,890       3,890  

Other current assets

     5,431       4,208  

Assets held for sale

     207       1,540  
                

Total current assets

     116,678       120,768  

Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $44,053 and $30,597 at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     212,943       210,209  

Goodwill

     399,581       701,852  

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $81,488 and $58,111 at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     654,744       808,794  

Deferred financing costs, net

     7,735       8,416  

Other assets

     1,482       1,692  

Long-term assets held for sale

     14,889       23,264  
                

Total assets

   $ 1,408,052     $ 1,874,995  
                

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

    

Current liabilities:

    

Current portion of long-term liabilities

   $ 1,359     $ 1,047  

Short-term notes payable

     10,423       10,000  

Short-term debt

     17,000       —    

Accounts payable

     21,175       13,190  

Accrued expenses

     42,639       40,672  

Accrued interest

     8,814       9,947  

Deferred revenue

     31,837       29,840  

Dividend payable

     —         23,126  

Liabilities held for sale

     67       623  
                

Total current liabilities

     133,314       128,445  

Long-term liabilities:

    

Long-term debt

     1,223,700       1,206,000  

Long-term liabilities, less current portion

     5,424       3,809  

Deferred income taxes

     11,932       25,327  

Derivative instruments

     36,891       44,101  

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     15,481       13,325  
                

Total liabilities

     1,426,742       1,421,007  
                

Stockholders’ equity (deficit):

    

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2008; none issued and outstanding at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2008; 58,213,868 and 57,947,073 shares issued, and 58,129,440 and 57,891,295 outstanding at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     568       568  

Additional paid-in capital

     824,148       822,025  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (41,053 )     (49,962 )

Accumulated deficit

     (802,052 )     (318,407 )

Treasury stock, at cost, 84,428 and 55,778 shares at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     (301 )     (236 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     (18,690 )     453,988  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)

   $ 1,408,052     $ 1,874,995  
                

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     Three months
ended
June 30, 2008
    Three months
ended
June 30, 2007
    Six months
ended
June 30, 2008
    Six months
ended
June 30, 2007
 

Revenues:

        

Advertising

   $ 135,816     $ 117,577     $ 257,772     $ 188,241  

Circulation

     37,525       31,967       73,766       49,140  

Commercial printing and other

     10,731       8,420       21,060       14,866  
                                

Total revenues

     184,072       157,964       352,598       252,247  

Operating costs and expenses:

        

Operating costs

     98,406       81,792       195,726       133,948  

Selling, general and administrative

     51,558       40,580       100,109       70,912  

Depreciation and amortization

     18,857       15,427       37,607       24,229  

Integration and reorganization costs

     1,603       1,615       4,210       2,453  

Impairment of long-lived assets

     102,517       82       102,517       201  

Loss on sale of assets

     212       9       206       22  

Goodwill and mastheads impairment

     340,575       —         340,575       —    
                                

Operating income (loss)

     (429,656 )     18,459       (428,352 )     20,482  

Interest expense

     23,217       22,379       47,633       32,596  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     581       980       1,164       1,203  

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instrument

     1,037       (758 )     1,756       (375 )

Other (income) expense

     23       (3 )     36       (208 )
                                

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

     (454,514 )     (4,139 )     (478,941 )     (12,734 )

Income tax benefit

     (15,787 )     (1,535 )     (13,316 )     (4,021 )
                                

Loss from continuing operations

     (438,727 )     (2,604 )     (465,625 )     (8,713 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     (4,524 )     640       (6,415 )     670  
                                

Net loss

   $ (443,251 )   $ (1,964 )   $ (472,040 )   $ (8,043 )
                                

Loss per share:

        

Basic and diluted:

        

Loss from continuing operations

   $ (7.69 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (8.17 )   $ (0.23 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     (0.08 )     0.02       (0.11 )     0.02  
                                

Net loss

   $ (7.77 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (8.28 )   $ (0.21 )

Dividends declared per share

   $ —       $ 0.40     $ 0.20     $ 0.77  

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     57,024,747       38,099,500       56,996,635       38,098,340  
                                

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     57,024,747       38,099,500       56,996,635       38,098,340  
                                

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

(In thousands, except share data)

 

     Common stock    Additional
paid-in capital
   Accumulated other
comprehensive

loss
    Accumulated
deficit
    Treasury stock        
     Shares    Amount           Shares    Amount     Total  

Balance at January 1, 2008

   57,947,073    $ 568    $ 822,025    $ (49,962 )   $ (318,407 )   55,778    $ (236 )   $ 453,988  

Comprehensive loss:

                    

Net loss

   —        —        —        —         (472,040 )   —        —         (472,040 )

Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $0

   —        —        —        8,984       —       —        —         8,984  

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of income taxes of $0

   —        —        —        (75 )     —       —        —         (75 )
                          

Comprehensive loss

   —                       (463,131 )

Restricted share grants

   266,795      —        —        —         —       —        —         —    

Non-cash compensation expense

   —        —        2,123      —         —       —        —         2,123  

Restricted share forfeitures

   —        —        —        —         —       17,794      —         —    

Restricted stock cancelled for withholding tax

   —        —        —        —         —       10,856      (65 )     (65 )

Common stock cash dividends

   —        —        —        —         (11,605 )   —        —         (11,605 )
                                                        

Balance at June 30, 2008

   58,213,868    $ 568    $ 824,148    $ (41,053 )   $ (802,052 )   84,428    $ (301 )   $ (18,690 )
                                                        

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

     Six months
ended
June 30, 2008
     Six months
ended
June 30, 2007
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

     

Net loss

   $ (472,040 )    $ (8,043 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     (6,415 )      670  
                 

Net loss from continuing operations

     (465,625 )      (8,713 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

     

Depreciation and amortization

     37,607        24,229  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1,164        1,203  

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instrument

     1,756        (375 )

Non-cash compensation expense

     2,123        2,017  

Deferred income taxes

     (13,406 )      (5,373 )

Loss on sale of assets

     206        22  

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     300        668  

Non-cash interest expense

     618        —    

Impairment of long-lived assets

     102,517        201  

Goodwill and mastheads impairment

     340,575        —    

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

     

Accounts receivable, net

     7,475        (1,555 )

Inventory

     (2,606 )      1,019  

Prepaid expenses

     (234 )      797  

Other assets

     (1,102 )      (2,270 )

Accounts payable

     7,254        1,543  

Accrued expenses

     1,257        6,795  

Accrued interest

     (1,133 )      11,180  

Deferred revenue

     1,387        (537 )

Other long-term liabilities

     (686 )      (32 )
                 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     19,447        30,819  
                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

     

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

     (5,882 )      (3,663 )

Proceeds from sale of publications and other assets

     12,501        261  

Acquisition of Enterprise NewsMedia, LLC, net of cash acquired

     —          (154 )

Acquisition of Copley Press, Inc. Newspapers, net of cash acquired

     (11 )      (380,829 )

Acquisition of Gannett Co., Inc. Newspapers, net of cash acquired

     379        (419,932 )

Other acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (24,540 )      (206,803 )
                 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (17,553 )      (1,011,120 )
                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

     

Payment of debt issuance costs

     (6 )      (7,433 )

Borrowings under term loans

     19,505        1,495,000  

Repayments of term loans

     (3,600 )      (558,000 )

Net borrowings under revolving credit facility

     17,700        3,000  

Payment of offering costs

     —          (647 )

Purchase of treasury stock

     (65 )      —    

Payment of dividends

     (34,731 )      (23,883 )
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (1,197 )      908,037  
                 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     697        (72,264 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     12,096        90,302  
                 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 12,793      $ 18,038  
                 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(1) Unaudited Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of GateHouse Media, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in comprehensive annual financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP have generally been condensed or omitted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations.

Management believes that the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2007, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

On May 9, 2005, an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC, FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC (“Parent”), FIF III Liberty Acquisitions, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Subsidiary”), and the Company entered into an agreement that provided for the merger of Merger Subsidiary with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Merger”). The Merger was completed on June 6, 2005. The total value of the transaction was approximately $527,000.

Initial Public Offering

On October 25, 2006, the Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) of 13,800,000 shares of its common stock at $18.00 per share. The Company’s registered common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GHS.”

On November 3, 2006, the underwriters of the Company’s IPO exercised their option to purchase an additional 2,070,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the terms of the underwriting agreement. The total net proceeds from the IPO of 13,800,000 shares and this additional allotment of 2,070,000 shares, after deducting offering expenses and the underwriting discount, was $261,605.

Follow-on Public Offering

On July 23, 2007, the Company completed its follow-on public offering of 18,700,000 shares of its common stock, including 1,700,000 shares sold pursuant to the exercise by the underwriters of their option, pursuant to the terms of the underwriting agreement, at a public offering price of $18.45 per share. The total net proceeds from the follow-on public offering were approximately $331,622.

Recent Developments

The newspaper industry and the Company have experienced declining same store revenue over the last two quarters. This has led to increased losses, reduced cash flow from operations and the need to record impairment charges for certain long term assets. It has also made it more difficult to meet debt covenants and has eliminated the availability of additional borrowings under the Company’s revolving debt agreement. As a result of these trends in the industry and the company, management is implementing plans to reduce costs and preserve cash flow. This includes plans to suspend the payment of the Company’s cash dividend, issue preferred stock, repay borrowings under the revolving debt agreement, continued implementation of cost reduction programs, and the potential sale of non-core assets. Management believes these initiatives will provide the financial resources necessary to invest in the business and ensure the Company’s future success.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, provides a market-based framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is initially effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, however the FASB provided a one year deferral for implementation of the standard for non-financial assets and liabilities. Accordingly, the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 157 in 2008 was primarily related to the valuation of its derivative instruments. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 decreased the value of the derivative instruments by $4,794 as of June 30, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard with respect to its effect on nonfinancial assets and liabilities.

 

7


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits companies to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective of this statement is to improve financial reporting by providing companies with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS No. 159 is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement for accounting for financial instruments. SFAS No. 159 is effective for financial statements issued as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “ Business Combinations “ (“SFAS No. 141(R)”), and SFAS No. 160, “ Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51 “ (“SFAS 160”).

SFAS No. 141(R) significantly changes the accounting for business combinations. Under SFAS No. 141(R), an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date at fair value with limited exceptions. SFAS No. 141(R) further changes the accounting treatment for certain specific items, including:

 

   

Acquisition costs will be generally expensed as incurred;

 

   

Acquired contingent liabilities will be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date and subsequently measured at either the higher of such amount or the amount determined under existing guidance for non-acquired contingencies;

 

   

Restructuring costs associated with a business combination will be generally expensed subsequent to the acquisition date; and

 

   

Changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense.

SFAS No. 141(R) includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to the Company’s business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161 “ Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - an amendment of FASB Statement No, 133 “ (“SFAS No. 161”). The new standard requires additional disclosures regarding a company’s derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring disclosure of the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format. It also requires disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related as well as cross-referencing within the notes to the financial statements to enable financial statement users to locate important information about derivative instruments, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. The principal impact from this standard will be to require the Company to expand its disclosures regarding derivative instruments.

(2) Share-Based Compensation

The Company recognized compensation cost for share-based payments of $1,044, $910, $2,133 and $2,017 during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The income tax benefit related to share-based payments recognized in the statement of operations during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 was $409, $356, $835 and $789, respectively. The total compensation cost not yet recognized related to non-vested awards as of June 30, 2008 was $7,909, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years through April 2013.

(a) Restricted Share Grants

        Prior to the IPO, the Company had issued 792,500 RSGs to certain management investors pursuant to each investor’s management stockholder agreement (the “Management Stockholder Agreements”). Under the Management Stockholder Agreements, RSGs vest by one-third on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries from the grant date. Following the adoption of the GateHouse Media, Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) in October 2006, an additional 268,680 RSGs were granted during the year ended December 31, 2006. During the year ended December 31, 2007 an additional 198,846 RSGs were granted to Company directors, management and employees, 105,453 of which were both granted and forfeited. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, an additional 266,795 RSGs were granted to Company management and employees. The majority of the RSGs issued under the Plan vest in increments of one-third on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date. In the event a grantee of an RSG is terminated by the Company without cause, a number of unvested RSGs immediately vest that would have vested under the normal vesting period on the next succeeding anniversary date following such termination. In the event an RSG grantee’s employment with the Company is terminated without cause within twelve months after a change in control as defined in the applicable award agreement, all unvested RSGs become immediately vested at the termination date. During the period prior to the lapse and removal of the vesting restrictions, a grantee of an RSG will have all of the rights of a stockholder, including without limitation, the right to vote and the right to receive all dividends or other distributions. As a result, the RSGs are reflected as outstanding common stock; however, the unvested RSGs have been excluded from the calculation of basic earnings per share. With respect to Company employees, the value of the RSGs on the date of issuance is recognized as employee compensation expense over the vesting period or through the grantee’s eligible retirement date, if shorter, with an increase to additional paid-in-capital.

As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, there were 1,021,199 and 1,070,340 RSGs, respectively, issued and outstanding with a weighted average grant date fair value of $13.23 and $14.63, respectively. As of June 30, 2008, the aggregate intrinsic value of unvested RSGs was $2,482. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the aggregate fair value of vested RSGs was $1,663.

RSG activity was as follows:

 

     Number of RSGs     Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Unvested at December 31, 2007

   1,035,480     $ 13.87

Granted

   266,795       7.45

Vested

   (263,282 )     9.92

Forfeited

   (17,794 )     12.53
        

Unvested at June 30, 2008

   1,021,199       13.23
        

 

8


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

SFAS No. 123R, Share Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123R”), requires the recognition of share-based compensation for the number of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company’s estimated forfeitures are based on forfeiture rates of comparable plans. Estimated forfeitures will be reassessed in subsequent periods and the estimate may change based on new facts and circumstances.

(b) Valuation of Equity Securities Issued as Compensation

Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company recorded deferred share-based compensation, which consisted of the amounts by which the estimated fair value of the instrument underlying the grant exceeded the grant or exercise price, at the date of grant or other measurement date, if applicable and recognized the expense over the related service period. In determining the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the dates of grant prior to the IPO on October 25, 2006, GateHouse’s stock was not traded and, therefore, the Company was unable to rely on a public trading market for its stock prior to October 25, 2006.

On May 9, 2005, an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC, FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC (“Parent”), FIF III Liberty Acquisitions, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent and the Company entered into an agreement that provided for the merger of Merger Subsidiary with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. The Merger was completed on June 6, 2005. The Merger resulted in a new basis of accounting under SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141”).

The Company believes the Merger was on arms’ length terms and represented the fair value of its equity on June 6, 2005. In connection with the Merger, an appraisal of certain assets and liabilities was prepared by an unrelated valuation specialist and indicated a $10.00 fair value per share for the Company’s common stock on that date.

As the Company began the process of preparing for its IPO, it developed a preliminary valuation using a discounted cash flow approach as of July 2006. The Company prepared this valuation using an estimated revenue growth rate based upon advertising rate increases considering consumer price index (“CPI”), implementation of additional online content and products and introduction of additional niche products. Additionally, the Company used an estimated annual EBITDA (adjusted to exclude certain non-cash and non-recurring items) growth rate based upon increases in revenues, cost reductions from the integration of acquisitions and improvements in cost from clustering and centralized services.

The Company estimated that the fair value of its common stock was $15.01 per share based on a valuation using a discounted cash flow approach as of July 2006.

In preparing a discounted cash flow analysis, certain significant assumptions were made including:

 

   

the rate of revenue growth, which is a function of, among other things, anticipated increases in advertising rates (CPI based), impacts of online strategy and the introduction of niche products;

 

   

the rate of the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA growth, which is a function of, among other things, anticipated revenues, cost reductions and synergies from the integration of CP Media and Enterprise NewsMedia, LLC and ongoing cost savings resulting from a clustering strategy;

 

   

estimated capital expenditures;

 

   

the discount rate of 7.8%, based on the Company’s capital structure as of July 2006, the cost of equity, based on a risk free rate of 5.0% and a market risk of premium of 7.0% and the Company’s cost of debt; and

 

   

a terminal multiple of between 9 and 10 times unlevered cash flow, based upon the Company’s anticipated growth prospects and private and public market valuations of comparable companies. The Company defines unlevered cash flow as Adjusted EBITDA less interest expense, cash taxes and capital expenditures.

The Company also considered the cash flow based trading multiples of comparable companies, including competitors and other similar publicly traded companies and sales transactions for comparable companies in its industry. Additionally, it considered the results of operations, market conditions, competitive position and the stock performance of these companies, as well as its financial forecasts, as updated, to develop its valuation. The Company determined the valuation performed by management to be the best available tool for projections of the final price range for purposes of valuing its stock-based compensation. The Company did not obtain contemporaneous valuations by unrelated valuation specialists at times other

 

9


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

than the Merger valuation because: (i) the Company’s efforts were focused on, among other things, potential acquisitions and refinancing the Company and (ii) the Company did not consider it to be economic to incur costs for such valuations given the number of shares issued. The Company considered that it met its internal financial performance objectives as reflected in its valuation.

The Company retrospectively applied the valuation to share-based compensation relating to RSGs and common stock sales which occurred from January 2006 to May 2006. Therefore, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect this valuation for grants made prior to the Company’s IPO.

(3) Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2008 presentation.

(4) Acquisitions

(a) Acquisitions—2008

During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company acquired 25 publications for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $25,153. These were all attractive tuck-in acquisitions, in which the acquired businesses fit in extremely well with existing GateHouse clusters. The results of operations for the acquisitions have been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisitions. The purchase price allocations for these acquisitions are as follows:

 

Current assets

   $ 3,288

Property, plant and equipment

     5,697

Noncompete agreements

     1,809

Advertising relationships

     7,809

Subscriber relationships

     781

Mastheads

     3,435

Customer relationships

     3,217

Goodwill

     4,853
      

Total assets

     30,889
      

Current liabilities

     3,435

Long-term liabilities

     2,301
      

Total liabilities

     5,736
      

Net assets acquired

   $ 25,153
      

The Company continues to refine the fair value estimates in accordance with SFAS No. 141. As additional information becomes available and as actual values vary from these estimates, the underlying assets and liabilities may need to be adjusted, thereby impacting asset estimates, as well as goodwill.

For tax purposes, the amount of goodwill that is expected to be deductible is $4,841 for the newspapers acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2008.

(b) Morris Publishing Group Newspaper Acquisitions—2007

On November 30, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of thirty seven publications from the Morris Publishing Group for an aggregate purchase price, including working capital of approximately $122,236. The acquisition included fifteen daily and seven weekly newspapers, as well as fifteen shopper publications serving South Dakota, Florida, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Tennessee. The rationale for the acquisition was primarily due to the attractive nature of the community newspaper assets with stable revenues and cash flows combined with cost saving opportunities available by clustering with the Company’s nearby newspapers. The Company has accounted for these acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the cost of the acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values. The results of operations for the Morris Publishing Group newspaper acquisitions have been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition.

The Company continues to refine the fair value estimates in accordance with SFAS No. 141. As additional information becomes available and as actual values vary from these estimates, the underlying assets and liabilities may need to be adjusted, thereby impacting asset estimates, as well as goodwill. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date adjusted through June 30, 2008:

 

Current assets

   $ 9,439

Other assets

     10,685

Property, plant and equipment

     21,923

Advertising relationships

     38,011

Subscriber relationships

     8,341

Mastheads

     12,244

Customer relationships

     3,659

Goodwill

     22,362
      

Total assets

     126,664

Current liabilities

     4,369

Long-term liabilities

     59
      

Total liabilities

     4,428
      

Net assets acquired

   $ 122,236
      

The Company obtained third party independent appraisals to assist in the determination of the fair values of the subscriber relationships, advertiser relationships and customer relationships acquired in connection with the Morris Publishing Group newspaper acquisition. The appraisals used an excess earnings approach, a form of the income approach, which values assets based upon associated estimated discounted cash flows. A static pool approach using historical attrition rates was used to estimate attrition rates of 7.5% for advertiser relationships, subscriber relationships and customer relationships for the Morris Publishing Group newspaper acquisition. The growth rate was estimated to be 0.5% and the discount rate was estimated to be 10.0% for subscriber relationships. The growth rate was estimated to be 2.3% and the discount rate was estimated to be 10.0% for advertiser relationships. The growth rate was estimated to be 2.0% and the discount rate was estimated to be 10% for customer relationships.

Estimated cash flows extend up to periods of approximately 30 years, which considers that a majority of the acquired newspapers have been in existence over 50 years, with many having histories over 100 years. The Company is amortizing the fair values of the subscriber and advertiser relationships over the periods at which 90% of the cumulative net cash flows are estimated to be realized. Therefore, the subscriber relationships, advertiser relationships and customer relationships are being amortized over 14, 15 and 15 years, respectively, on a straight-line basis as no other discernable pattern of usage was more readily determinable.

For tax purposes, goodwill is deductible for the newspapers acquired from Morris Publishing Group as of June 30, 2008.

(c) Gannett Co., Inc. Newspaper Acquisitions—2007

On May 7, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of thirteen publications from Gannett Co., Inc. for an aggregate purchase price, including working capital, of approximately $418,961. The acquisition included four daily and three weekly newspapers, as well as six shopper publications serving Rockford, Illinois, Utica, New York, Norwich, Connecticut and Huntington, West Virginia. The rationale for the acquisition was primarily due to the attractive nature of the community newspaper assets with stable revenues and cash flows combined with cost saving opportunities available by clustering with the Company’s nearby newspapers. The Company has accounted for these acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the cost of the acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values. The results of operations for the Gannett Co., Inc. newspaper acquisitions have been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

Current assets

   $ 14,153

Other assets

     75,632

Property, plant and equipment

     39,092

Advertising relationships

     96,503

Subscriber relationships

     26,964

Mastheads

     24,450

Goodwill

     147,232
      

Total assets

     424,026

Total liabilities

     5,065
      

Net assets acquired

   $ 418,961
      

        The Company obtained third party independent appraisals to assist in the determination of the fair values of the subscriber and advertiser relationships acquired in connection with the Gannett Co., Inc. newspaper acquisition. The appraisals used an excess earnings approach, a form of the income approach, which values assets based upon associated estimated discounted cash flows. A static pool approach using historical attrition rates was used to estimate attrition rates of 7.0% for advertiser relationships and subscriber relationships for the Gannett Co., Inc. newspaper acquisition. Growth rates were estimated to be 2.5% and discount rates were estimated to be 8.5% for advertiser and subscriber relationships.

Estimated cash flows extend up to periods of approximately 30 years, which considers that a majority of the acquired newspapers have been in existence over 50 years, with many having histories over 100 years. The Company is amortizing the fair values of the subscriber and advertiser relationships over the periods at which 90% of the cumulative net cash flows are estimated to be realized. Therefore, the subscriber and advertiser relationships are being amortized over 16 years, on a straight-line basis, as no other discernable pattern of usage was more readily determinable.

For tax purposes, goodwill is deductible for the newspapers acquired from Gannett Co., Inc. as of June 30, 2008.

(d) The Copley Press, Inc. Newspaper Acquisitions—2007

On April 11, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of fifteen publications from The Copley Press, Inc. for an aggregate purchase price, including working capital, of approximately $388,245. The acquisition included seven daily and two weekly newspapers as well as six shopper publications, serving areas of Ohio and Illinois. The rationale for the acquisition was primarily due to the attractive nature of the community newspaper assets with stable revenues and cash flows. In addition there were cost saving opportunities from margin improvement as well as clustering with the Company’s nearby newspapers. The Company has accounted for these acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the cost of the acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities based upon their respective fair values. The results of operations for The Copley Press, Inc. newspaper acquisitions have been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

Current assets

   $ 21,204

Other assets

     18

Property, plant and equipment

     71,076

Advertising relationships

     95,466

Subscriber relationships

     40,083

Mastheads

     34,719

Goodwill

     164,648
      

Total assets

     427,214

Current liabilities

     15,451

Long-term liabilities

     23,518
      

Total liabilities

     38,969
      

Net assets acquired

   $ 388,245
      

The Company obtained third party independent appraisals to assist in the determination of the fair values of the subscriber and advertiser relationships acquired in connection with the Copley Press, Inc. newspaper acquisition. The appraisals used an excess earnings approach, a form of the income approach, which values assets based upon associated estimated discounted cash flows. A static pool approach using historical attrition rates was used to estimate attrition rates of 7.0% for advertiser relationships and subscriber relationships for the Copley Press, Inc. newspaper acquisition. Growth rates were estimated to be 2.5% and discount rates were estimated to be 10.0% for advertiser relationships and subscriber relationships.

Estimated cash flows extend up to periods of approximately 30 years, which considers that a majority of the acquired newspapers have been in existence over 50 years, with many having histories over 100 years. The Company is amortizing the fair values of the subscriber and advertiser relationships over the periods at which 90% of the cumulative net cash flows are estimated to be realized. Therefore, the subscriber and advertiser relationships are being amortized over 15 years on a straight-line basis as no other discernable pattern of usage was more readily determinable.

For tax purposes, the amount of goodwill that is expected to be deductible is $106,914 for the newspapers acquired from the Copley Press, Inc. as of June 30, 2008.

(e) SureWest Directories Acquisition—2007

On February 28, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of all the issued and outstanding capital stock of SureWest Directories from SureWest Communications for an aggregate purchase price, including working capital, of approximately $110,156. SureWest Directories is engaged in the business of publishing yellow page and white page directories, as well as internet yellow pages through the www.sacramento.com website. The Company has become the publisher of the official directory of SureWest Telephone. The acquisition of SureWest Directories is the Company’s platform acquisition into the local directories business. This was an attractive acquisition due to the stability and visibility of the businesses revenues and cash flows, minimal capital expenditure requirements and growth prospects for the Sacramento, California marketplace. The Company has accounted for this acquisition under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the cost of the acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values. The results of operations for SureWest Directories have been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

Current assets

   $ 15,041

Property, plant and equipment

     51

Advertising relationships

     40,955

Trade name

     5,493

Publication rights

     345

Goodwill

     48,454
      

Total assets

     110,339

Total liabilities

     183
      

Net assets acquired

   $ 110,156
      

The Company obtained third party independent appraisals to assist in the determination of the fair values of the advertiser relationships acquired in connection with the SureWest Directories acquisition. The appraisals used an excess earnings approach, a form of the income approach, which values assets based upon associated estimated discounted cash flows. A static pool approach using historical attrition rates was used to estimate attrition rates of 12.0% for advertiser relationships for SureWest Directories. Growth rates were estimated to be 2.5% and the discount rate was estimated to be 11.0% for advertiser relationships.

Estimated cash flows extend up to periods of approximately 18 years, which considers an attrition study which concluded that half of the existing advertiser base would be advertising in the Company’s directories after six years. Survival curves were calculated based on this and other relevant information which resulted in the 12% attrition rate. The Company is amortizing the fair values of the advertiser relationships over the periods at which 90% of the cumulative net cash flows are estimated to be realized. Therefore, the advertiser relationships are being amortized over 12 years, on a straight-line basis as no other discernable pattern of usage was more readily determinable.

For tax purposes, the amount of goodwill that is expected to be deductible is $48,454 for SureWest Directories as of June 30, 2008.

(f) Journal Register Company Newspaper Acquisitions—2007

On February 9, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of eight publications from the Journal Register Company for an aggregate purchase price, including working capital, of approximately $72,371. The acquisition included two daily and four weekly newspapers as well as two shopper publications serving southeastern Massachusetts. The rationale for the acquisition was primarily due to the attractive nature of the community newspaper assets with stable revenues and cash flows combined with the cost savings opportunities form clustering with the Company’s other newspapers serving Massachusetts. The Company has accounted for these acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the cost of the acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values. The results of operations for the Journal Register Company newspaper acquisitions have been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition.

 

10


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

Current assets

   $ 2,614

Property, plant and equipment

     7,159

Advertising relationships

     27,268

Subscriber relationships

     6,397

Mastheads

     4,393

Goodwill

     25,357
      

Total assets

     73,188

Total liabilities

     817
      

Net assets acquired

   $ 72,371
      

The Company obtained third party independent appraisals to assist in the determination of the fair values of the subscriber and advertiser relationships acquired in connection with the Journal Register Company newspaper acquisition. The appraisals used an excess earnings approach, a form of the income approach, which values assets based upon associated estimated discounted cash flows. A static pool approach using historical attrition rates was used to estimate attrition rates of 7.0% for advertiser relationships and subscriber relationships for the Journal Register Company newspaper acquisitions. The growth rate was estimated to be 1.8% and the discount rate was estimated to be 10.0% for subscriber relationships. The growth rate was estimated to be 1.7% and the discount rate was estimated to be 10.0% for advertiser relationships.

Estimated cash flows extend up to periods of approximately 30 years, which considers that a majority of the acquired newspapers have been in existence over 50 years with many having histories over 100 years. The Company is amortizing the fair values of the subscriber and advertiser relationships over the periods at which 90% of the cumulative net cash flows are estimated to be realized. Therefore, the subscriber and advertiser relationships are being amortized over 16 years on a straight-line basis as no other discernable pattern of usage was more readily determinable.

For tax purposes, the amount of goodwill that is expected to be deductible is $25,357 for the newspapers acquired from the Journal Register Company as of June 30, 2008.

(g) Other Acquisitions—2007

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company acquired an additional 40 publications (excluding the acquisitions discussed above) for an aggregate purchase price of $27,595. These were all attractive tuck-in acquisitions, in which the acquired businesses fit in extremely well with existing GateHouse clusters. The purchase price allocations for these acquisitions are as follows:

 

Current assets

   $ 2,630

Other assets

     225

Property, plant and equipment

     5,683

Noncompete agreements

     1,577

Advertising relationships

     7,432

Subscriber relationships

     1,716

Mastheads

     3,375

Customer relationships

     967

Goodwill

     8,662
      

Total assets

     32,267

Current liabilities

     2,519

Long-term liabilities

     2,153
      

Total liabilities

     4,672
      

Net assets acquired

   $ 27,595
      

The Company continues to refine the fair value estimates in accordance with SFAS No. 141. As additional information becomes available and as actual values vary from these estimates, the underlying assets and liabilities may need to be adjusted, thereby impacting intangible asset estimates, as well as goodwill.

 

11


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

(h) Restructuring

As of June 30, 2008, the accrued restructuring balance was $576, which relates to on-going obligations for employee termination agreements in connection with the acquisition of the Morris Publishing Group newspapers, The Copley Press, Inc. newspapers, as well as the acquisitions of Messenger Post. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company made payments of $486 in connection with these obligations.

During the six months ended June 30, 2008, restructuring related expense, which is included in integration and reorganization costs on the accompanying statement of operations was $1,528. This amount relates primarily to severance expense incurred in connection with the closing of two of the Company’s printing facilities. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company made payments of $1,097 in connection with these obligations.

(i) Pro-Forma Results

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations information for 2007, set forth below, presents the results of operations as if the acquisitions of the newspapers from The Copley Press, Inc. and the newspapers from Gannett Co., Inc. had occurred on January 1, 2007. These amounts are not necessarily indicative of future results or actual results that would have been achieved had the acquisitions occurred as of the beginning of such period. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations data, set forth below, does not give pro forma effect to the following acquisitions which are not considered significant:

 

   

the acquisition of all the issued and outstanding capital stock of SureWest Directories from SureWest Communications for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $110,156 in February of 2007;

 

   

the acquisition of eight publications from the Journal Register Company for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $72,371 in February of 2007;

 

   

the acquisition of 37 publications from Morris Publishing Group for an aggregate purchase price of $122,236 in November of 2007; and

 

   

the acquisition of 25 publications for an aggregate purchase price of $25,153 during the six months ended June 30, 2008.

 

     Three months ended
June 30, 2007
    Six months ended
June 30, 2007
 

Revenues

   $ 171,798     $ 325,185  

Net loss from continuing operations

   $ (2,225 )   $ (15,771 )

Net loss per common share:

    

Basic

   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.41 )

Diluted

   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.41 )

(5) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

     June 30, 2008
     Gross carrying
amount
   Accumulated
amortization
   Net carrying
amount

Amortized intangible assets:

        

Noncompete agreements

   $ 4,971    $ 1,848    $ 3,123

Advertiser relationships

     489,353      62,860      426,493

Customer relationships

     9,906      708      9,198

Subscriber relationships

     126,268      15,308      110,960

Trade name

     5,493      732      4,761

Publication rights

     345      32      313
                    

Total

   $ 636,336    $ 81,488    $ 554,848
                    

Nonamortized intangible assets:

        

Goodwill

   $ 399,581      

Mastheads

     99,896      
            

Total

   $ 499,477      
            

 

     December 31, 2007
     Gross carrying
amount
   Accumulated
amortization
   Net carrying
amount

Amortized intangible assets:

        

Noncompete agreements

   $ 3,172    $ 1,295    $ 1,877

Advertiser relationships

     565,663      45,097      520,566

Customer relationships

     6,689      383      6,306

Subscriber relationships

     146,751      10,859      135,892

Trade name

     5,493      458      5,035

Publication rights

     345      19      326
                    

Total

   $ 728,113    $ 58,111    $ 670,002
                    

Nonamortized intangible assets:

        

Goodwill

   $ 701,852      

Mastheads

     138,792      
            

Total

   $ 840,644      
            

The weighted average amortization periods for amortizable intangible assets are 4.4 years for noncompete agreements, 16.0 years for advertiser relationships, 14.0 years for customer relationships, 16.3 years for subscriber relationships, 10.0 years for trade names and 15.0 years for publication rights.

Amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 was $11,901, $10,212, $23,813 and $15,864, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense as of June 30, 2008 is as follows:

 

For the year ending December 31:

  

2008

   $ 23,697

2009

     47,386

2010

     47,350

2011

     47,229

2012

     46,943

Thereafter

     444,761
      

Total

   $ 657,366
      

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the period from January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2008 are as follows:

 

Balance at January 1, 2008

   $ 701,852  

Additions

     4,853  

Goodwill impairment on discontinued operations

     (3,070 )

Purchase accounting adjustments

     (4,901 )

Goodwill impairment

     (299,153 )
        

Balance at June 30, 2008

   $ 399,581  
        

The Company’s date on which its annual impairment assessment is made is June 30. No impairment charge resulted from the assessment completed as of June 30, 2007. As of September 30, 2007 a review of impairment indicators was performed with the Company noting that its market capitalization continued to exceed its consolidated carrying value, and it was determined that an impairment analysis was not required.

The Company determined that it should perform impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2007, due to the declines in its stock price, market capitalization, revenue trends and other economic factors, which were most significant in the fourth quarter of 2007. During the second half of 2007, the Company and the newspaper industry experienced declines in classified advertising, primarily caused by economic trends. Also during this period, the Company’s stock price declined, with its consolidated carrying value exceeding its market capitalization in the fourth quarter of 2007.

As of December 31, 2007, the fair values of the Company’s reporting units for goodwill impairment testing and individual newspaper mastheads were estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believes were appropriate in the circumstances. While this method was consistent with the June 30, 2007, impairment analysis, revenue declines, increased volatility of operating performance and decreased market capitalization, primarily occurring during the fourth quarter, resulted in a reduction of the Company’s estimated fair value between the June 30, 2007, and December 31, 2007, impairment analysis. The sum of the fair values of the reporting units was reconciled to the Company’s then market capitalization (based upon the stock market price) plus an estimated control premium. The Company recorded an impairment charge related to goodwill of $201,479 and a newspaper masthead impairment charge of $24,514 in the fourth quarter of 2007 based on this comparison of reporting unit carrying value to fair value.

The 2007 impairment charge included amounts related to the Copley and Gannett operations which were purchased during 2007. While these operations were purchased during the year, the industry downturn, as well as the Company’s revenue, stock price and enterprise value declines, predominately occurred in the second half of 2007 and the impact was considered for these reporting units.

As of March 31, 2008, a review of impairment indicators was performed with the Company noting that its market capitalization exceeded its consolidated carrying value and it was determined that an impairment analysis was not required.

As part of the annual impairment assessment, as of June 30, 2008, the fair values of the Company’s reporting units for goodwill impairment testing and individual newspaper mastheads were estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believes were appropriate in the circumstances. While this method was consistent with the June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2007, impairment analysis, revenue declines, increased volatility of operating performance and decreased market capitalization, resulted in a reduction of the Company’s estimated fair value between the June 30, 2007, December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008, impairment analysis. The sum of the fair values of the reporting units was reconciled to the Company’s then market capitalization (based upon the stock market price) plus an estimated control premium. The Company recorded an impairment charge related to goodwill of $299,153 and a newspaper masthead impairment charge of $41,422 in the second quarter of 2008 based on this comparison of reporting unit carrying value to fair value.

The Company considered the goodwill and masthead impairment to be an impairment indicator under SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144”), and performed an analysis of its undiscounted cash flows for amortizable intangibles. Due to reductions in operating projections within the Company’s Northeast reporting unit, an impairment charge of $102,517 was recorded related to the Company’s advertiser and subscriber relationships.

It is reasonably possible that impairment charges could be incurred in the future based on industry and market factors present at that time. The Company is unable to estimate any possible future impairment charges at this time.

 

12


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

(6) Long-Term Debt and Short-Term Notes Payable

On February 28, 2005, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions led by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “2005 Credit Facility”). The 2005 Credit Facility provided for a $280,000 principal amount term loan facility that matured in February 2012 and a $50,000 revolving credit facility with a $10,000 sub-facility for letters of credit that matured in February 2011. The 2005 Credit Facility was secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the tangible and intangible assets of the Company and its subsidiaries.

All amounts outstanding under the 2005 Credit Facility were repaid with borrowings under the 2006 Credit Facility, as described below. In connection with the termination of the 2005 Credit Facility, the Company wrote off $702 of deferred financing costs.

In connection with the Company’s acquisitions of CP Media and Enterprise NewsMedia, LLC, on June 6, 2006 GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“Holdco”), GateHouse Media Operating, Inc., a subsidiary of Holdco (“Operating”) and certain of the Company’s other direct and indirect subsidiaries (together, the “Borrower”) entered into a financial arrangement with Wachovia Bank, National Association (the “2006 Credit Facility”). The 2006 Credit Facility consisted of a First Lien Credit Agreement (the “First Lien Facility”) and a Secured Bridge Credit Agreement (the “Second Lien Facility”). The First Lien Facility, which was amended on each of June 21, 2006 and October 11, 2006, provided for a $570,000 term loan facility which matured on December 6, 2013 and a $40,000 revolving credit facility including a $15,000 sub-facility for letters of credit, that matured on June 6, 2013. The Second Lien Facility provided for a $152,000 term loan facility that matured on June 6, 2014. The 2006 Credit Facility was secured by a first priority security interest in (i) all of the equity ownership or profits interest of Operating and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and (ii) substantially all of the tangible and intangible assets of Holdco, Operating and their respective direct and indirect subsidiaries. The obligations of the Borrower under the 2006 Credit Facility were guaranteed by Holdco, Operating and their respective direct and indirect subsidiaries.

Borrowings under the First Lien Facility bore interest, at the Borrower’s option, at a rate equal either to the LIBOR Rate or the Alternate Base Rate (each as defined in the First Lien Facility), in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for LIBOR Rate term loans and Alternate Base Rate term loans was fixed at 2.25% and 1.25%, respectively. The applicable margin for revolving loans was adjusted quarterly based upon Holdco’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the First Lien Facility) and ranged from 1.5% to 2.0% in the case of LIBOR Rate loans and 0.5% to 1.0% in the case of Alternate Base Rate loans. A quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.5% on unused revolving credit availability based on the ratio of Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA (each as defined in the First Lien Facility), and a quarterly fee equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR Rate loans on the aggregate amount of outstanding letters of credit were also payable under the First Lien Facility.

Borrowings under the Second Lien Facility bore interest, at the Borrower’s option, at a rate equal to the LIBOR Rate or the Alternate Base Rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for LIBOR Rate term loans and Alternate Base Rate term loans under the Second Lien Facility was fixed at 1.5% and 0.5%, respectively.

No principal payments were due on the term loan or the revolving credit portions of the 2006 Credit Facility until the applicable maturity date. However, the Borrower was required to prepay borrowings under the term loan facility in an amount equal to 50% of Holdco’s Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the First Lien Facility), except that no prepayments were required if Holdco’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the First Lien Facility) was less than or equal to 6.0 to 1.0 at the end of any fiscal year. In addition, the Borrower was required to prepay borrowings under the term loan portion of the 2006 Credit Facility with certain asset disposition proceeds, cash insurance proceeds and condemnation or expropriation awards. The Borrower was also required to prepay borrowings with 50% of the net proceeds of certain equity issuances or 100% of the proceeds of certain debt issuances, except that no prepayment was required if Holdco’s Total Leverage Ratio was less than 6.0 to 1.0. The 2006 Credit Facility also contained financial covenants that required Holdco to satisfy specified quarterly financial tests and which also contained customary covenants and events of default.

 

13


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

In October 2006, using a portion of the proceeds from the Company’s IPO, the Borrower repaid in full and terminated the $152,000 Second Lien Facility. In addition, a portion of the net proceeds of the Company’s IPO was used to pay down $12,000 of the $570,000 then outstanding under the First Lien Facility, and to repay in full the outstanding balance of $21,300 under the $40,000 revolving credit portion of the First Lien Facility.

In connection with the termination of the $152,000 Second Lien Facility and the $12,000 reduction in borrowing capacity on the First Lien Facility, the Company wrote off $1,384 of deferred financing costs.

On February 27, 2007, the Borrower amended and restated the 2006 Credit Agreement (as amended, the “2007 Credit Facility”). The 2007 Credit Facility provides for a $670,000 term loan facility which matures in August 2014 and a $40,000 revolving credit facility including a $15,000 sub-facility for letters of credit and a $10,000 swingline facility which matures in February 2014. Under the 2007 Credit Facility, up to an additional $250,000 was available until August 2007 for borrowing under a delayed draw term loan.

The 2007 Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in (i) all of the present and future equity ownership or profits interest of Operating and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, (ii) 66% of the voting stock (and 100% of the nonvoting stock) of certain present and future foreign subsidiaries and (iii) substantially all of the tangible and intangible assets of Holdco, Operating and their respective present and future subsidiaries. In addition, the loans and other obligations of the Borrower under the 2007 Credit Facility are guaranteed by Holdco, Operating and their present and future direct and indirect subsidiaries.

No principal payments are due on the term or the revolving credit portions of the 2007 Credit Facility until the applicable maturity date. However, the Borrower is required to make prepayments under the term loan facility, and/or to collateralize letter of credit obligations, under specified conditions, from excess cash flow and from the proceeds of asset dispositions, issuances of debt and equity and insurance and condemnation awards.

Borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility bear interest, at the Borrower’s option, at a rate equal to the LIBOR Rate or the Alternate Base Rate (each as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility), plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for revolving loans under the 2007 Credit Facility is adjusted quarterly based upon Holdco’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility). The applicable margin for revolving loans ranges from 1.50% to 2.00% in the case of LIBOR Rate loans and 0.50% to 1.00% in the case of Alternate Base Rate loans. Prior to the consummation of the First Amendment, as discussed below, the applicable margin for LIBOR Rate term loans and Alternate Base Rate term loans was 1.75% and 0.75%, respectively, if credit ratings for the 2007 Credit Facility from Moody’s Investors Service Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services were at least B1 and B+, respectively, and otherwise was 2.00% and 1.00%, respectively. A quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.25% and 0.5% of the unused portion of the revolving loan facility based on the ratio of Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA (each as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility), and a quarterly fee equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR Rate loans on the aggregate amount of outstanding letters of credit are also payable under the 2007 Credit Facility.

        The 2007 Credit Facility contains a financial covenant which requires Holdco to maintain a Total Leverage Ratio of less than or equal to 6.5 to 1.0 at any time an extension of credit is outstanding under the revolving credit portion of the facility. The 2007 Credit Facility also contains covenants customarily found in loan agreements for similar transactions, including restrictions on the Borrower’s ability to incur indebtedness (which is generally permitted so long as Holdco maintains a pro forma Total Leverage Ratio of less than 6.5 to 1.0), create liens on assets, engage in certain lines of business, engage in mergers or consolidations, dispose of assets, make investments or acquisitions, engage in transactions with affiliates, enter into sale leaseback transactions, enter into negative pledges or pay dividends or make other restricted payments (except that Holdco is permitted to (i) make restricted payments (including quarterly dividends) so long as, after giving effect to any such restricted payment, Holdco’s Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) is equal to or greater than 1.0 to 1.0 and it would be permitted under the 2007 Credit Facility to incur an additional $1.00 of debt) and (ii) make restricted payments of proceeds of asset dispositions to the Company to the extent such proceeds are not required to prepay borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility and/or cash collateralize letter of credit obligations, provided that such proceeds are used to prepay borrowings under the Company’s credit facilities used to finance acquisitions). The Borrower, in certain limited circumstances, may also designate subsidiaries as “unrestricted subsidiaries” which are not subject to the covenant restrictions in the 2007 Credit Facility. The 2007 Credit Facility contains customary events of default. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of June 30, 2008.

        On August 8, 2008, FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC (“FIF III”) executed a Subscription Agreement whereby it irrevocably committed to purchase by August 25, 2008 an aggregate of $11,500 in 10% cumulative preferred stock of GateHouse Media Macomb Holdings, Inc. (“Macomb”), an operating subsidiary of the Company. Macomb, an Unrestricted Subsidiary under the terms of the 2007 Credit Facility, will use the proceeds from such sale of preferred stock to make an $11,500 cash investment in Holdco non-voting 10% cumulative preferred stock. FIF III may require the Company to purchase its Macomb preferred stock during the five-year period following the full repayment by the Company of the 2008 Bridge Facility for an amount equal to the original purchase price plus accrued but unpaid dividends. Upon closing of this transaction, Holdco will have remained in compliance as of June 30, 2008 with the Total Leverage Ratio financial covenant under the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended. FIF III is an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, LLC, the owner of approximately 41.8% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock.

        On April 11, 2007, the Company entered into a Bridge Facility with Wachovia Investment Holdings, LLC acting as administrative agent (the “2007 Bridge Facility”). The 2007 Bridge Facility, which was repaid by the Company in full in July 2007, provided for a $300,000 term loan facility that matured on April 11, 2015. Borrowings under the 2007 Bridge Facility bore interest, at the Company’s option, at a floating rate equal to the LIBOR Rate or the Base Rate (each as defined in the 2007 Bridge Facility), plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for LIBOR Rate term loans and Base Rate term loans was 1.50% and 0.50%, respectively. The 2007 Bridge Facility was secured by a first priority interest in all of the capital stock of Holdco owned by the Company and contained customary covenants and events or default. In connection with its repayment of the 2007 Bridge Facility, the Company wrote off $2,240 of deferred financing costs.

On May 7, 2007, the Borrower amended the 2007 Credit Facility pursuant to a First Amendment (the “First Amendment”). The First Amendment provided for a $275,000 incremental increase in the term loan available under the 2007 Credit Facility pursuant to an Incremental Term Facility. The $275,000 incremental term loan facility matures in August 2014. Pursuant to the First Amendment, the applicable margin for the initial $670,000 term loan facility under the 2007 Credit Facility was increased to 2.00% for LIBOR Rate term loans and 1.00% for Alternate Base Rate term loans, which margin is not adjustable based upon Borrower’s credit rating. Interest on the incremental term loan portion of the 2007 Credit Facility accrues, at the option of the Borrower, at a rate equal to the LIBOR Rate or the Alternate Base Rate, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for LIBOR Rate incremental term loans and Alternate Base Rate incremental term loans is (i) 2.00% and 1.00%, respectively, if the corporate family ratings and corporate credit ratings of Operating by Moody’s Investor Service Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, are at least B1 and B+, respectively, in each case with stable outlook, or (ii) 2.25% and 1.25% otherwise. The First Amendment also provides that term loans under the 2007 Credit Facility are also subject to a “most favored nation” interest provision that (i) increases the interest rate margin to a rate that is 0.25% less than the highest margin of any future incremental term loan borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility and (ii) provides that after any such increase, no reductions in the margin based on credit ratings will be permitted. Any voluntary or mandatory repayment of the First Amendment term loans made with the proceeds of a new term loan entered into for the primary purpose of benefiting from a margin that is less than the margin applicable as a result of the First Amendment are subject to a 1.00% prepayment premium.

As of June 30, 2008, a total of $670,000, $250,000, $275,000 and $28,700 was outstanding under the term loan facility, the delayed draw term loan, the incremental term loan facility and the revolving credit facility portions of the 2007 Credit Facility, respectively. As of August 4, 2008, a total of $27,700 was outstanding under the revolving credit facility portion of the 2007 Credit Facility.

In connection with the acquisition of Morris Publishing Group, the Company committed to pay a portion of the purchase price under a $10,000 promissory note. The note is due on November 30, 2008 and bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum, payable on February 28, 2008, May 30, 2008, August 30, 2008, and November 30, 2008.

On February 15, 2008, GateHouse Media Intermediate Holdco, Inc., a subsidiary of GateHouse Media Holdco II, Inc. (“Holdco II”) and GateHouse Media (collectively, the “Bridge Borrower”) entered into a Bridge Credit Agreement (the “2008 Bridge Facility”) with Barclays Capital, as syndication agent, sole arranger and book runner (“Barclays”).

The 2008 Bridge Facility provides for a $20,600 term loan facility is subject to extensions through August 15, 2009. The 2008 Bridge Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in all present and future capital stock of Holdco owned by Holdco II and all proceeds thereof.

Borrowings under the 2008 Bridge Facility bear interest at a floating rate equal to the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the 2008 Bridge Facility), plus an applicable margin. During the first three months of the facility, until May 15, 2008 (the “First Pricing Step-Up Date”), the applicable margin is 8.00%. After the First Pricing Step-Up Date and until the nine month anniversary of the First Pricing Step-Up Date (February 15, 2009, the “Second Pricing Step-Up Date”), the applicable margin is 10.00%. After the Second Pricing Step-Up Date and until the maturity date, the applicable margin is 12.00%.

No principal payments are due on the 2008 Bridge Facility until the maturity date. The Bridge Borrower is required to prepay borrowings under the 2008 Bridge Facility with (a) 100% of the net cash proceeds from the issuance or incurrence of debt by Holdco II and its restricted subsidiaries, (b) 100% of the net cash proceeds from any issuances of equity by Holdco II or any of its restricted subsidiaries and (c) 100% of the net cash proceeds of asset sales and dispositions by Holdco II and its subsidiaries, except, in the case of each of clause (a), (b) and (c), to the extent such required prepayment would contravene any provision of, or cause a violation of or default under, the 2007 Credit Facility, in which case such mandatory prepayment shall not be required. The Bridge Borrower may voluntarily prepay the 2008 Bridge Facility at any time.

        The 2008 Bridge Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants applicable to Holdco II and, in limited circumstances, GateHouse Media and Holdco II’s restricted subsidiaries, customarily found in loan agreements for similar transactions, including restrictions on their ability to incur indebtedness, create liens on assets, engage in certain lines of business; engage in mergers or consolidations, dispose of assets, make investments or acquisitions; engage in transactions with affiliates, enter into sale leaseback transactions, enter into negative pledges or pay dividends or make other restricted payments (except that the Bridge Borrower is permitted to make restricted payments during the first 12 months of the 2008 Bridge Facility (including quarterly dividends) so long as, after giving effect to any such restricted payment, the Bridge Borrower would not be in default under the 2008 Bridge Facility). The 2008 Bridge Facility contains customary events of default, including defaults based on a failure to pay principal, reimbursement obligations, interest, fees or other obligations, subject to specified grace periods; a material inaccuracy of representations and warranties; breach of covenants; failure to pay other indebtedness and cross-accelerations; a Change of Control (as defined in the 2008 Bridge Facility); events of bankruptcy or insolvency; material judgments; failure to meet certain requirements with respect to ERISA; and impairment of collateral. Certain of the foregoing covenants are only applicable to the extent they do not contravene any provision of or cause a violation of or default under the 2007 Credit Facility.

In connection with the 2008 Bridge Facility, Holdco II entered into a Pledge Agreement in favor of Barclays, pursuant to which Holdco II pledged certain assets for the benefit of the secured parties as collateral security for the payment and performance of its obligations under the Bridge Agreement. The pledged assets include, among other things (i) all present and future capital stock or other membership, equity, ownership or profits interest of GateHouse Media in all of its direct domestic restricted subsidiaries and (ii) 65% of the voting stock (and 100% of the nonvoting stock) of all of its present and future first-tier foreign subsidiaries.

As of June 30, 2008, a total of $17,000 was outstanding under the 2008 Bridge Facility.

(7) Derivative Instruments

The Company uses certain derivative financial instruments to hedge the aggregate risk of interest rate fluctuations with respect to its long-term debt, which requires payments based on a variable interest rate index. These risks include: increases in debt rates above the earnings of the encumbered assets, increases in debt rates resulting in the failure of certain debt ratio covenants, increases in debt rates such that assets can no longer be refinanced, and earnings volatility.

In order to reduce such risks, the Company primarily uses interest rate swap agreements to change floating-rate long term debt to fixed-rate long-term debt. This type of hedge is intended to qualify as a “cash-flow hedge” under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS No. 133”). For these instruments, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity and recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in the same period in which the hedged transaction impacts earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is immediately recognized in earnings.

 

14


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

On June 23, 2005, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $300,000 maturing June 2012 as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 4.135%, with settlements occurring monthly. For the period from January 1, 2006 through February 19, 2006, the hedge was deemed ineffective and, as a result, the change in the fair value of the derivative of $2,605 was recognized through earnings. On February 20, 2006, the Company redesignated the same interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes. The fair value of the swap decreased by $1,082, net, of which $(1,472) was recognized through earnings and a $234 increase in fair value net of income taxes of $156 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. At December 31, 2006, the swap no longer qualified as an effective hedge. Therefore, the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings over the life of the hedged item. On January 1, 2007, the Company redesignated the same interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the fair value of the swap increased by $11,708, net, of which $883 was recognized through earnings and a $7,661 increase in fair value, net of income taxes of $4,930 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the fair value of the swap increased by $630, net, of which $1,429 was recognized through earnings and a $1,252 increase in fair value, net of income taxes of $807 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, $10 and $19, net of taxes of $8 and $14 was amortized and recognized through earnings relating to the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2006. The estimated net amount to be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months is $68.

In connection with the 2006 Financing, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $270,000 maturing July 2011 as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 5.359%, with settlements occurring monthly. On December 31, 2006, the swap was dedesignated and was redesignated on January 1, 2007. Therefore, the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings over the life of the hedged item. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the effective portion of the increase in fair value of the swap of $6,305, net of income taxes of $4,057, was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the effective portion of the increase in fair value of the swap of $1,254, net of income taxes of $807 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, $190 and $362 net of taxes of $127 and $241 was amortized and recognized through earnings relating to the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2006. The estimated net amount to be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months is $1,324.

In connection with the 2007 Credit Facility, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $100,000 maturing September 2014, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 5.14%, with settlements occurring monthly. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the fair value of the swap increased by $4,877, net, of which $(23) was recognized through earnings and a $2,954 increase in fair value net of income taxes of $1,900, was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the fair value of the swap increased by $837, net, of which $(32) was recognized through earnings and a $490 increase in fair value, net of income taxes of $315 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

In connection with the 2007 Credit Facility, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $250,000 maturing September 2014, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 4.971%, with settlements occurring monthly. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the fair value of the swap increased by $11,935, net, of which $(69) was recognized through earnings and a $7,220 increase in fair value, net of income taxes of $4,646, was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the fair value of the swap increased by $1,662, net, of which $(74) was recognized through earnings and a $966 increase in fair value, net of income taxes of $622 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

In connection with the First Amendment to the 2007 Credit Facility, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $200,000 maturing September 2014, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 5.079% with settlements occurring monthly. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the fair value of the swap increased by $9,688, net, of which $(49) was recognized through earnings and a $5,865 increase in fair value, net of income taxes of $3,774 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the fair value of the swap increased by $1,546, net, of which $(98) was recognized through earnings and a $881 increase in fair value, net of income taxes of $567 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

        During September, 2007, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $75,000 maturing September 2014, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 4.941% with settlements occurring monthly. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the fair value of the swap increased by $3,683, net, of which $(3) was recognized through earnings and a $2,239 increase in fair value, net of income taxes of $1,441 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the fair value of the swap increased by $474, net, of which $(38) was recognized through earnings and a $265 increase in fair value, net of income taxes of $171 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

A valuation allowance was reversed during the six months ended June 30, 2008 related to the decrease in deferred tax assets as a result of the change in fair value of the swap instruments in the amount of $3,503 for a net tax effect of $0.

(8) Related Party Transactions

As of June 30, 2008, Fortress Investment Group LLC and its affiliates (“Fortress”) beneficially owned approximately 41.8% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

In addition, the Company’s Chairman, Wesley Edens, is also the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors of Fortress Investment Group LLC. The Company does not pay Mr. Edens a salary or any other form of compensation.

Affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC own $126,000 of the $1,223,700 2007 Credit Facility as of June 30, 2008. These amounts were purchased on arms’ length terms in secondary market transactions.

Affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC own $10,300 of the $17,000 2008 Bridge Facility as of June 30, 2008. These amounts were purchased directly from Barclays.

On August 8, 2008, FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC (“FIF III”) executed a Subscription Agreement whereby it irrevocably committed to purchase by August 25, 2008 an aggregate of $11,500 in 10% cumulative preferred stock of GateHouse Media Macomb Holdings, Inc. (“Macomb”), an operating subsidiary of the Company. Macomb, an Unrestricted Subsidiary under the terms of the 2007 Credit Facility, will use the proceeds from such sale of preferred stock to make an $11,500 cash investment in Holdco non-voting 10% cumulative preferred stock. FIF III may require the Company to purchase its Macomb preferred stock during the five-year period following the full repayment by the Company of the 2008 Bridge Facility for an amount equal to the original purchase price plus accrued but unpaid dividends. Upon closing of this transaction, Holdco will have remained in compliance as of June 30, 2008 with the Total Leverage Ratio financial covenant under the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended. FIF III is an affiliate of Parent.

On October 24, 2006, the Company entered into an Investor Rights Agreement with Parent, an affiliate of Fortress, our principal and controlling stockholder. The Investor Rights Agreement provides Parent with certain rights with respect to the nomination of directors to the Company’s board of directors as well as registration rights for securities of the Company owned by Fortress Investment Group LLC.

The Investor Rights Agreement requires the Company to take all necessary or desirable action within its control to elect to its board of directors so long as Fortress beneficially owns (i) more than 50% of the voting power of the Company, four directors nominated by FIG Advisors LLC, an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC (“FIG Advisors”), or such other party nominated by Fortress; (ii) between 25% and 50% of the voting power of the Company, three directors nominated by FIG Advisors; (iii) between 10% and 25% of the voting power of the Company, two directors nominated by FIG Advisors; and (iv) between 5% and 10% of the voting power of the Company, one director nominated by FIG Advisors. In the event that any designee of FIG Advisors shall for any reason cease to serve as a member of the board of directors during his term of office, FIG Advisors will be entitled to nominate an individual to fill the resulting vacancy on the board of directors.

Pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement, the Company has granted Parent, for so long as it or its permitted transferees beneficially own an amount of the Company’s common stock at least equal to 5% or more of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately after the consummation of its IPO (a “Registrable Amount”), “demand” registration rights that allow Parent at any time after six months following the consummation of its IPO to request that the Company register under the Securities

 

15


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Act of 1933, as amended, an amount equal to or greater than a Registrable Amount. Parent is entitled to an aggregate of four demand registrations. The Company is not required to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement for more than 60 days. The Company is also not required to effect any demand registration within six months of a “firm commitment” underwritten offering to which the requestor held “piggyback” rights and which included at least 50% of the securities requested by the requestor to be included. The Company is not obligated to grant a request for a demand registration within four months of any other demand registration and may refuse a request for demand registration if, in the Company’s reasonable judgment, it is not feasible for the Company to proceed with the registration because of the unavailability of audited financial statements.

For as long as Parent and its permitted transferees beneficially own an amount of the Company’s common stock at least equal to 1% of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately after the consummation of its IPO, Parent also has “piggyback” registration rights that allow Parent to include the shares of common stock that Parent and its permitted transferees own in any public offering of equity securities initiated by the Company (other than those public offerings pursuant to registration statements on Forms S-4 or S-8) or by any of the Company’s other stockholders that may have registration rights in the future. The “piggyback” registration rights of Parent are subject to proportional cutbacks based on the manner of the offering and the identity of the party initiating such offering.

The Company has granted Parent and its permitted transferees for as long as Fortress beneficially owns a Registrable Amount, the right to request shelf registrations on Form S-3, providing for an offering to be made on a continuous basis, subject to a time limit on the Company’s efforts to keep the shelf registration statement continuously effective and the Company’s right to suspend the use of a shelf registration prospectus for a reasonable period of time (not exceeding 60 days in succession or 90 days in the aggregate in any 12-month period) if the Company determines that certain disclosures required by the shelf registration statement would be detrimental to the Company or the Company’s stockholders.

The Company has agreed to indemnify Parent and its permitted transferees against any losses or damages resulting from any untrue statement or omission of material fact in any registration statement or prospectus pursuant to which Parent and its permitted transferees sells shares of the Company’s common stock, unless such liability arose from Parent misstatement or omission, and Parent has agreed to indemnify the Company against all losses caused by its misstatements or omissions. The Company will pay all expenses incident to registration and Fortress will pay its respective portions of all underwriting discounts, commissions and transfer taxes relating to the sale of its shares under such a registration statement.

(9) Income Taxes

The Company performs a quarterly assessment of its deferred tax assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS No. 109”) limits the ability to use future taxable income to support the realization of deferred tax assets when a company has experienced a history of losses even if future taxable income is supported by detailed forecasts and projections.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. The Company reported pretax losses for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008. The Company concluded during the fourth quarter of 2006 and 2007 that it was more likely than not that the Company would not fully realize the benefits of its existing deductible differences. The Company concluded that during the first and second quarters of 2008 an increase to the valuation allowance of $118,170 would be necessary to offset additional deferred tax assets. Of this amount, $122,213 increase was recognized through the income statement and $3,503 reduction was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

The realization of the remaining deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on the scheduled reversals of deferred taxes. Any changes in the scheduled reversals of deferred taxes may require an additional valuation allowance against the remaining deferred tax assets. Any increase or decrease in the valuation allowance could result in an increase or decrease in income tax expense in the period of adjustment.

The computation of the annual expected effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the expected operating income for the year, projections of the proportion of income (or loss), permanent and temporary differences, including purchase accounting adjustments and the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets generated in the current year. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision for income taxes may change as new events occur, more experience is acquired, or as additional information is obtained. To the extent that the estimated annual effective tax rate changes during a quarter, the effect of the change on prior quarters is included in tax expense for the current quarter.

For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the expected Federal tax benefit at 34% is $165,021. The difference between the expected tax rate and the effective tax rate is primarily attributable to the tax effect of the federal valuation allowance of $106,148 and the tax effect related to the impairment of non-deductible goodwill of $47,274.

The Company and its subsidiaries file a U.S. federal consolidated income tax return. The U.S. federal and state statute of limitations generally remains open for the 2004 tax year and beyond.

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes , an interpretation of SFAS No. 109 (“FIN 48”), effective January 1, 2007. There was no impact as a result of the implementation of FIN 48. The Company does not anticipate significant increases or decreases in our uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months. The Company recognizes penalties and interest relating to uncertain tax positions in the provision for income taxes. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrealized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $4,518 and $4,533, respectively. The Company did not record significant amounts of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company records tax assets and liabilities at the date of a purchase business combination, based on management’s best estimate of the ultimate tax basis that will be accepted by the tax authority, and liabilities for prior tax returns of the acquired entity should be based on the Company’s best estimate of the ultimate settlement in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 93-7, Uncertainties Related to Income Taxes in a Purchase Business Combination. At the date of a change in the Company’s best estimate of the ultimate tax basis of acquired assets, liabilities, and carryforwards, and at the date that the tax basis is settled with the tax authority, tax assets and liabilities should be adjusted to reflect the revised tax basis and the amount of any settlement with the tax authority for prior-year income taxes. Similarly, at the date of a change in the Company’s best estimate of items relating to the acquired entity’s prior tax returns, and at the date that the items are settled with the tax authority, any liability previously recognized should be adjusted. The effect of those adjustments should be applied to increase or decrease the remaining balance of goodwill attributable to that acquisition. If goodwill is reduced to zero, the remaining amount of those adjustments should be applied initially to reduce to zero other noncurrent intangible assets related to that acquisition, and any remaining amount should be recognized in earnings.

 

16


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

(10) Pension and Postretirement Benefits

The Company maintains a pension plan and several postretirement medical and life insurance plans which cover certain employees. The Company uses the accrued benefit actuarial method and best estimate assumptions to determine pension costs, liabilities and other pension information for defined benefit plans.

The following provides information on the pension plan and postretirement medical and life insurance plans for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2008
   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2007
   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2008
   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2007
     Pension     Postretirement    Pension     Postretirement    Pension     Postretirement    Pension     Postretirement

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs:

                   

Service cost

   $ 128     $ 103    $ 160     $ 108    $ 256     $ 229    $ 320     $ 216

Interest cost

     322       144      313       143      645       391      621       286

Expected return on plan assets

     (364 )     —        (353 )     —        (722 )     —        (698 )     —  

Special termination benefits

     —         —        43       —        69       —        43       —  
                                                           

Total

   $ 86     $ 247    $ 163     $ 251    $ 248     $ 620    $ 286     $ 502
                                                           

During the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company recognized a total of $333, $414, $868, and $788 in pension and postretirement benefit expense, respectively.

The following assumptions were used in connection with the Company’s actuarial valuation of its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans during the six months ended June 30, 2008:

 

     Pension     Postretirement  

Weighted average discount rate

   6.4 %   6.5 %

Rate of increase in future compensation levels

   3.5 %   —   %

Expected return on assets

   8.5 %   —   %

Current year trend

   —       8.5% - 9.5 %

Ultimate year trend

   —       5.0% - 5.5 %

Year of ultimate trend

   —       2012  

(11) Assets Held for Sale

As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company intended to dispose of various assets which are classified as held for sale on the condensed consolidated balance sheet in accordance with SFAS No. 144.

The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:

 

     June 30, 2008    December 31, 2007

Assets held for sale:

     

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 199    $ 1,314

Inventory

     —        152

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     8      74
             

Total assets held for sale

   $ 207    $ 1,540
             

Long-term assets held for sale:

     

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 13,772    $ 15,842

Intangible assets

     1,117      7,422
             

Total long-term assets held for sale

   $ 14,889    $ 23,264
             

Liabilities held for sale

   $ 67    $ 623
             

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company recorded a charge to operations of $82 and $201, related to the impairment of property, plant and equipment which was classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2007.

(12) Fair Value Measurement

The Company measures and records in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs).

 

17


Table of Contents

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The following table provides fair value measurement information for the Company’s major categories of financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:

 

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using     
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
   June 30,
2008

Liabilities

           

Derivatives (1)

      $ 36,891       $ 36,891

 

(1) Derivative assets and liabilities include interest rate swaps which are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities. The calculation of fair value of the Company’s derivatives in a liability position includes the Company’s own credit risk.

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and are not currently required to be presented on an interim basis. The FASB deferred implementation of SFAS No. 157 for certain non-financial assets and liabilities until 2009.

(13) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company becomes involved from time to time in claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business, including such matters as libel, invasion of privacy, intellectual property infringement, wrongful termination actions, and complaints alleging discrimination. In addition, the Company is involved from time to time in governmental and administrative proceedings concerning employment, labor, environmental and other claims. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these matters. Historically, such claims and proceedings have not had a material effect upon the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial condition. While the Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of any currently outstanding legal actions, it is the opinion of the Company’s management that it is a remote possibility that the disposition of these matters would have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.

(14) Discontinued Operations

During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company completed its sale of seven publications (initially acquired in the Morris Publishing Group newspaper acquisition) for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $9,500. Additionally, during the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company completed its sale of three publications in Globe, Arizona and two publications in Eldora, Iowa for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1,411. Additionally, during the six months ended June 30, 2008 the Company entered into an agreement to sell three publications in Telluride, Colorado for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1,000.

On September 14, 2007, the Company completed its sale of The Herald Dispatch and related publications (initially acquired in the Gannett Co., Inc. acquisition) which are located in Huntington, West Virginia for a purchase price of approximately $77,000.

The net revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 for the aforementioned discontinued operations was $353, $3,968, $2,684 and $4,669, respectively. Income (loss) before income taxes during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 for the aforementioned discontinued operations was $(4,524), $1,044, $(6,415) and $1,074, respectively. There was no depreciation and amortization expense recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2008 for the aforementioned discontinued operations in accordance with GAAP. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded a charge to operations of $5,912 related to the impairment of property, plant and equipment and certain intangibles related to the Globe, Arizona publications which were classified as held for sale as of March 31, 2008 and the Telluride, Colorado publications which were classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2008.

(15) Subsequent Events

On August 8, 2008, FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC (“FIF III”) executed a Subscription Agreement whereby it irrevocably committed to purchase by August 25, 2008 an aggregate of $11,500 in 10% cumulative preferred stock of GateHouse Media Macomb Holdings, Inc. (“Macomb”), an operating subsidiary of the Company. Macomb, an Unrestricted Subsidiary under the terms of the 2007 Credit Facility, will use the proceeds from such sale of preferred stock to make an $11,500 cash investment in Holdco non-voting 10% cumulative preferred stock. FIF III may require the Company to purchase its Macomb preferred stock during the five-year period following the full repayment by the Company of the 2008 Bridge Facility for an amount equal to the original purchase price plus accrued but unpaid dividends. Upon closing of this transaction, Holdco will have remained in compliance as of June 30, 2008 with the Total Leverage Ratio financial covenant under the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended. FIF III is an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, LLC, the owner of approximately 41.8% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock.

 

18


Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

The following discussion of Gatehouse Media, Inc.’s and its subsidiaries (“we,” “us” or “our”) financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our historical condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to those statements appearing in this report. The discussion and analysis below includes certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including but not limited to, those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward looking information.

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect our current views regarding, among other things, our future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities, as well as other statements that are other than historical fact. Words such as “anticipate(s),” “expect(s)”, “intend(s)”, “plan(s)”, “target(s)”, “project(s)”, “believe(s)”, “will”, “would”, “seek(s)”, “estimate(s)” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could lead to actual results materially different from those described in the forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified by us under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except to the extent required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

 

19


Table of Contents

Overview

We are one of the largest publishers of locally based print and online media in the United States as measured by number of daily publications. Our business model is to be the preeminent provider of local content and advertising in the small and midsize markets we serve. Our portfolio of products, which as of June 30, 2008, includes 523 community publications and more than 260 related websites and seven yellow page directories, serves over 233,000 business advertising accounts and reaches approximately 10.0 million people on a weekly basis.

Our core products include:

 

   

98 daily newspapers with total paid circulation of approximately 838,000;

 

   

295 weekly newspapers (published up to three times per week) with total paid circulation of approximately 675,000 and total free circulation of approximately 949,000;

 

   

130 shoppers (generally advertising-only publications) with total circulation of approximately 2.1 million;

 

   

over 260 locally focused websites, which extend our franchises onto the internet; and

 

   

7 yellow page directories, with a distribution of approximately 810,000, that covers a population of approximately 2.0 million people.

In addition to our core products, we also opportunistically produce niche publications that address specific local market interests such as recreation, sports, healthcare and real estate. Over the last twelve months, we created approximately 125 niche publications.

We were incorporated in Delaware in 1997 for purposes of acquiring a portion of the daily and weekly newspapers owned by American Publishing Company. We accounted for the initial acquisition using the purchase method of accounting.

On May 9, 2005, FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC, an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, LLC, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with us pursuant to which a wholly-owned subsidiary of FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC merged with and into the Company (the “Merger”). The Merger was effective on June 6, 2005, thus making FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC our principal and controlling stockholder. Prior to the effectiveness of the Merger, affiliates of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. controlled the Company.

As of June 30, 2008, Fortress beneficially owned approximately 41.8% of our outstanding common stock.

Since 1998, we have acquired 416 daily and weekly newspapers and shoppers, including 17 dailies, 120 weeklies and 22 shoppers acquired in the acquisitions of CP Media and Enterprise NewsMedia, LLC (the “Massachusetts Acquisitions”), The Copley Press, Inc. newspapers and the Gannett Co., Inc. newspapers and launched numerous new products.

We generate revenues from advertising, circulation and commercial printing. Advertising revenue is recognized upon publication of the advertisements. Circulation revenue from subscribers, which is billed to customers at the beginning of the subscription period, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related subscription. The revenue for commercial printing is recognized upon delivery of the printed product to our customers. Directory revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the 12-month period in which the corresponding directory is distributed.

Our advertising revenue tends to follow a seasonal pattern, with higher advertising revenue in months containing significant events or holidays. Accordingly, our first quarter followed by our third quarter, historically, are our weakest quarters of the year in terms of revenue. Correspondingly, our second and fourth fiscal quarters, historically, are our strongest quarters. We expect that this seasonality will continue to affect our advertising revenue in future periods.

Our operating costs consist primarily of labor, newsprint, and delivery costs. Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of labor costs.

According to the Newspaper Association of America, overall annual volume for the industry, including national and urban newspapers, decreased 6.7% during 2007. We have experienced recent declines in certain advertising revenue streams and increased volatility of operating performance, despite our geographic diversity, well-balanced portfolio of products, strong local franchises, broad customer base and reliance on smaller markets. These levels of recent declines in advertising revenue we have experienced are typical in the current slow economy. We believe our local advertising tends to be less sensitive to economic cycles than national advertising because local businesses generally have fewer advertising channels through which to reach their target audience.

Operating cost categories of newsprint, labor and delivery costs have experienced increased upward price pressure in the industry over the three year period from 2003 to 2006. Newsprint prices then declined in late 2006 and 2007. However, we expect newsprint costs to continue to increase per metric ton in 2008. We have previously experienced these upward pressures and have taken steps to mitigate some of these increases with consumption declines. In addition, we are a member of a newsprint-buying consortium which enables our local publishers to obtain favorable pricing versus the general market. Additionally, we have taken steps to cluster our operations thereby increasing the usage of facilities and equipment while increasing the productivity of our labor force. We expect to continue to employ these steps as part of our business and clustering strategy.

 

20


Table of Contents

Recent Developments

The newspaper industry and the Company have experienced declining same store revenue over the last two quarters. This has led to increased losses, reduced cash flow from operations and the need to record impairment charges for certain long term assets. It has also made it more difficult to meet debt covenants and has eliminated the availability of additional borrowings under our revolving debt agreement. As a result of these trends in the industry and the company, management is implementing plans to reduce costs and preserve cash flow. This includes plans to suspend the payment of our cash dividend, issue preferred stock, repay borrowings under the revolving debt agreement, continued implementation of cost reduction programs, and the potential sale of non-core assets. We believe these initiatives will provide the financial resources necessary to invest in the business and ensure our future success.

On August 8, 2008, FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC (“FIF III”) executed a Subscription Agreement whereby it irrevocably committed to purchase by August 25, 2008 an aggregate of $11.5 million in 10% cumulative preferred stock of GateHouse Media Macomb Holdings, Inc. (“Macomb”), an operating subsidiary of ours. Macomb, an Unrestricted Subsidiary under the terms of our 2007 Credit Facility, will use the proceeds from such sale of preferred stock to make an $11.5 million cash investment in Holdco non-voting 10% cumulative preferred stock. FIF III may require us to purchase its Macomb preferred stock during the five-year period following our full repayment of the 2008 Bridge Facility for an amount equal to the original purchase price, plus accrued but unpaid dividends. Upon closing of this transaction, we will have remained in compliance as of June 30, 2008 with the Total Leverage Ratio financial covenant under our 2007 Credit Facility. FIF III is an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, LLC, the owner of approximately 41.8% of our outstanding Common Stock.

Pro Forma

We have presented our operating results on a pro forma basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007. This pro forma presentation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 assumes that the acquisitions of the newspapers from The Copley Press Inc. and Gannett Co, Inc. and the 2007 Financings occurred at the beginning of the pro forma period. This pro forma presentation is not necessarily indicative of what our operating results would have actually been had the acquisitions of the newspapers from The Copley Press, Inc. and Gannett Co., Inc., and the 2007 Financings occurred at the beginning of the pro forma period.

Critical Accounting Policy Disclosure

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make decisions based on estimates, assumptions and factors it considers relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which could differ from those anticipated.

A summary of our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, included in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.

There have been no changes in critical accounting policies in the current year from those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

21


Table of Contents

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our historical results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and our pro forma results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.

 

     Three months
ended
June 30, 2008
    Three months
ended
June 30, 2007
    Three months
ended
June 30, 2007
    Six months
ended
June 30, 2008
    Six months
ended
June 30, 2007
    Six months
ended
June 30, 2007
 
     (Actual)     (Pro forma)     (Actual)     (Actual)     (Pro forma)     (Actual)  
     (in thousands)  

Revenues:

            

Advertising

   $ 135,816     $ 127,689     $ 117,577     $ 257,772     $ 238,459     $ 188,241  

Circulation

     37,525       35,165       31,967       73,766       67,941       49,140  

Commercial printing and other

     10,731       8,944       8,420       21,060       18,785       14,866  
                                                

Total revenues

     184,072       171,798       157,964       352,598       325,185       252,247  

Operating costs and expenses:

            

Operating costs

     98,406       89,212       81,792       195,726       176,358       133,948  

Selling, general and administrative

     51,558       42,965       40,580       100,109       87,162       70,912  

Depreciation and amortization

     18,857       16,307       15,427       37,607       31,720       24,229  

Integration and reorganization costs

     1,603       1,615       1,615       4,210       2,453       2,453  

Impairment of long-lived assets

     102,517       82       82       102,517       201       201  

Loss on sale of assets

     212       9       9       206       22       22  

Goodwill and mastheads impairment

     340,575       —         —         340,575       —         —    
                                                

Operating income (loss)

     (429,656 )     21,608       18,459       (428,352 )     27,269       20,482  

Interest expense

     23,217       25,983       22,379       47,633       51,966       32,596  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     581       317       980       1,164       634       1,203  

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instrument

     1,037       (758 )     (758 )     1,756       (375 )     (375 )

Other (income) expense

     23       (3 )     (3 )     36       (228 )     (208 )
                                                

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

     (454,514 )     (3,931 )     (4,139 )     (478,941 )     (24,728 )     (12,734 )

Income tax benefit

     (15,787 )     (1,706 )     (1,535 )     (13,316 )     (8,957 )     (4,021 )
                                                

Loss from continuing operations

   $ (438,727 )   $ (2,225 )   $ (2,604 )   $ (465,625 )   $ (15,771 )   $ (8,713 )
                                                

 

22


Table of Contents

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2007

(In thousands)

 

     GateHouse
Media

(A)
    Copley
(B)
   Gannett
(C)
   Adjustments
(D)
    Pro forma  

Revenues:

            

Advertising

   $ 117,577     $ 2,931    $ 8,322    $ (1,141 )(1)   $ 127,689  

Circulation

     31,967       1,375      2,180      (357 )(1)     35,165  

Commercial printing and other

     8,420       189      592      (257 )(1)     8,944  
                                      

Total revenues

     157,964       4,495      11,094      (1,755 )     171,798  

Operating costs and expenses:

            

Operating costs

     81,792       2,532      6,079      (1,191 )(1,2)     89,212  

Selling, general and administrative

     40,580       769      1,951      (335 )(1,3)     42,965  

Depreciation and amortization

     15,427       459      373      48 (1,4)     16,307  

Integration and reorganization

     1,615       —        —        —         1,615  

Impairment of long-lived assets

     82       —        —        —         82  

Other expense

     9       —        —        —         9  
                                      

Total operating expenses

     139,505       3,760      8,403      (1,478 )     150,190  
                                      

Operating income (loss)

     18,459       735      2,691      (277 )     21,608  

Interest expense

            

Debt

     22,379       —        —        3,604 (5)     25,983  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     980       —        —        (663 )(6)     317  

Unrealized loss on derivative instrument

     (758 )     —        —        —         (758 )

Other income

     (3 )     —        —        —         (3 )
                                      

Income (loss) from operations before tax

     (4,139 )     735      2,691      (3,218 )     (3,931 )

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (1,535 )     —        1,079      (1,250 )(1,7)     (1,706 )
                                      

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (2,604 )   $ 735    $ 1,612    $ (1,968 )   $ (2,225 )
                                      

Adjustments to Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

(A) GateHouse Media, Inc.

Reflects historical unaudited consolidated statement of operations for the Company for the three months ended June 30, 2007.

 

(B) Copley

Reflects historical consolidated statement of operations for the newspapers acquired from the Copley Press Inc. for the period from April 1, 2007 to April 11, 2007.

 

(C) Gannett

Reflects historical consolidated statement of operations for the newspapers acquired from Gannett Co. Inc. for the period from April 1, 2007 to May 7, 2007.

 

(D) Adjustments

 

(1) Reflects the adjustment to eliminate the revenue and expenses related to the group of assets and liabilities from the Gannett Acquisition held for sale:

 

     Three months ended
June 30, 2007

Revenues:

  

Advertising

   $ 1,141

Circulation

     357

Commercial printing and other

     257

Operating costs and expenses:

  

Operating costs

     1,055

Selling, general and administrative

     290

Depreciation and amortization

     51

Income tax expense

     145
      

Income from operations

   $ 214
      

 

(2) Reflects the elimination of expenses related to the pension and postretirement plans not continued by the Company.

 

     Three months ended
June 30, 2007

Gannett—Pension and postretirement adjustment

   $ 136
      

 

(3) Reflects the elimination of certain expenses related to liabilities included in the historical statement of operations of Copley and Gannett but not assumed by the Company.

 

     Three months ended
June 30, 2007

Gannett:

  

Pension, postretirement and other retirement plans

   $ 45
      

 

(4) Gannett:

 

           Remaining
estimated
useful life
in years
   Pro forma expense

Asset Category

   Fair value       Three months ended
June 30, 2007

Buildings

   $ 10,570    25    $ 35

Machinery & Equipment

     26,333    3-10      192

Furniture & Fixtures

     483    10      7

Auto and Trucks

     546    5      4
            

Total pro forma depreciation expense

           238
            

Subscriber Relationships

     26,964    16      140

Advertiser Relationships

     96,503    16      502
            

Total pro forma amortization expense

           642
            

Total pro forma depreciation and amortization expense

         $ 880
            

The following tables summarize the pro forma adjustments:

 

     Copley     Gannett     Three months ended
June 30, 2007
 

Pro forma depreciation expense

   $ —       $ 238     $ 238  

Pro forma amortization expense

     —         642       642  

Less: historical depreciation expense

     (434 )     (319 )     (753 )

Less: historical amortization expense

     (25 )     (3 )     (28 )
                        
   $ (459 )   $ 558     $ 99  
                        

 

(5) Represents adjustment to reflect the interest expense of the 2007 Financings for the periods presented. The following table illustrates the assumed interest rates and amounts of borrowings the pro forma interest expense calculation is based on. The term loan, delayed draw term loan, bridge facility and the revolving loan facility average rate is LIBOR based. The term loan and delayed draw term loan variable interest rate is effectively converted to a fixed rate loan under five interest rate swap agreements for notional amounts of $300,000, $270,000, $100,000, $250,000 and $200,000, except for a $75,000 unhedged portion of the term loan. Unused commitment fees are based on the remaining balance of the $40,000 of the total revolving credit facility. Letter of credit fees are a quarterly fee equal to the applicable margin for the LIBOR based loans on the aggregate amount of outstanding letters of credit.

 

     Three months ended June 30, 2007           
      Average Rate     Margin     Total Rate     Amount of
borrowing
   Pro forma
interest
expense
    Less:
Historical
interest
expense
   Net
adjustment
to interest
expense

Term Loan Facility - B

   4.778 %   2.00 %   6.778 %   $ 670,000    $ 11,354       

Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility

   4.971 %   2.00 %   6.971 %     250,000      4,357       

Term Loan Facility - C

   5.156 %   2.25 %   7.406 %     275,000      5,091       

Bridge Facility

   5.320 %   1.50 %   6.820 %     300,000      5,115       

Unused commitment fees

   0.50 %   —       0.500 %     40,000      50       

Letter of credit fees

   2.00 %   —       2.000 %     3,269      16       
                              
            $ 25,983     $ 22,379    $ 3,604
                              

Historical weighted average debt balance

            $ 1,220,100       

Weighted average interest rate

              7.32 %     

 

(6) Deferred financing costs consist of costs incurred in connection with debt financings. Such costs are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining terms of the related debt. Reflects the net adjustment to a total deferred financing cost amount of $13,091 amortized over a weighted average life of 2.7 years as follows:

 

     Three months ended
June 30, 2007
 

Pro forma deferred financing costs

   $ 317  

Less: historical costs

     (980 )
        

Net adjustment

   $ (663 )
        

 

(7) The pro forma adjustment reflects the income tax effect of pro forma adjustments. The tax effect is calculated based on a 39.15% effective tax rate.

 

23


Table of Contents

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007

(In thousands)

 

     GateHouse
Media

(A)
    Copley
(B)
    Gannett
(C)
   Adjustments
(D)
    Pro forma  

Revenues:

           

Advertising

   $ 188,241     $ 26,272     $ 28,511    $ (4,565 )(1)   $ 238,459  

Circulation

     49,140       12,369       7,862      (1,430 )(1)     67,941  

Commercial printing and other

     14,866       2,934       2,013      (1,028 )(1)     18,785  
                                       

Total revenues

     252,247       41,575       38,386      (7,023 )     325,185  

Operating costs and expenses:

           

Operating costs

     133,948       25,476       21,699      (4,765 )(1,2)     176,358  

Selling, general and administrative

     70,912       11,459       6,860      (2,069 )(1,3)     87,162  

Depreciation and amortization

     24,229       2,882       1,372      3,237 (1,4)     31,720  

Integration and reorganization

     2,453       —         —        —         2,453  

Impairment of long-lived assets

     201       —         —        —         201  

Other expense

     22       —         —        —         22  
                                       

Total operating expenses

     231,765       39,817       29,931      (3,597 )     297,916  
                                       

Operating income (loss)

     20,482       1,758       8,455      (3,426 )     27,269  

Interest expense

           

Debt

     32,596       —         —        19,370 (5)     51,966  

Other interest expense

     —         3,817       —        (3,817 )(5)     —    

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1,203       —         —        (569 )(6)     634  

Unrealized loss on derivative instrument

     (375 )     —         —        —         (375 )

Other income

     (208 )     (20 )     —        —         (228 )
                                       

Income (loss) from operations before tax

     (12,734 )     (2,039 )     8,455      (18,410 )     (24,728 )

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (4,021 )     (1,120 )     3,391      (7,207 )(1,7)     (8,957 )
                                       

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (8,713 )   $ (919 )   $ 5,064    $ (11,203 )   $ (15,771 )
                                       

Adjustments to Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

(A) GateHouse Media, Inc.

Reflects historical unaudited consolidated statement of operations for the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2007.

 

(B) Copley

Reflects historical consolidated statement of operations for the newspapers acquired from the Copley Press Inc. for the period from January 1, 2007 to April 11, 2007

 

(C) Gannett

Reflects historical consolidated statement of operations for the newspapers acquired from Gannett Co. Inc. for the period from January 1, 2007 to May 7, 2007.

 

(D) Adjustments

 

(1) Reflects the adjustment to eliminate the revenue and expenses related to the group of assets and liabilities from the Gannett Acquisition held for sale:

 

     Six months ended
June 30, 2007

Revenues:

  

Advertising

   $ 4,565

Circulation

     1,430

Commercial printing and other

     1,028

Operating costs and expenses:

  

Operating costs

     4,221

Selling, general and administrative

     1,159

Depreciation and amortization

     202

Income tax expense

     578
      

Income from operations

   $ 863
      

 

(2) Reflects the elimination of expenses related to the pension and postretirement plans not continued by the Company.

 

     Six months ended
June 30, 2007

Gannett—Pension and postretirement adjustment

   $ 544
      

 

(3) Reflects the elimination of certain expenses related to liabilities included in the historical statement of operations of Copley and Gannett but not assumed by the Company.

 

     Six months ended
June 30, 2007

Copley:

  

Pension, postretirement and other retirement plans

   $ 729

Gannett:

  

Pension, postretirement and other retirement plans

     181
      
   $ 910
      

 

(4) Copley:

 

           Remaining
estimated
useful life
in years
   Pro forma expense

Asset Category

   Fair value       Six months ended
June 30, 2007

Buildings

   $ 25,691    25    $ 256

Machinery & Equipment

     35,845    3-10      1,043

Furniture & Fixtures

     805    10      15

Auto & Trucks

     2,255    5      107
            

Total pro forma depreciation expense

           1,421
            

Subscriber Relationships

     40,083    14      716

Advertiser Relationships

     95,466    14      1,705
            

Total pro forma amortization expense

           2,421
            

Total pro forma depreciation and amortization expense

         $ 3,842
            

Gannett:

 

           Remaining
estimated
useful life
in years
   Pro forma expense

Asset Category

   Fair value       Six months ended
June 30, 2007

Buildings

   $ 10,570    25    $ 141

Machinery & Equipment

     26,333    3-10      884

Furniture & Fixtures

     483    10      16

Auto and Trucks

     546    5      36
            

Total pro forma depreciation expense

           1,077
            

Subscriber Relationships

     26,964    16      562

Advertiser Relationships

     96,503    16      2,010
            

Total pro forma amortization expense

           2,572
            

Total pro forma depreciation and amortization expense

         $ 3,649
            

The following tables summarize the pro forma adjustments:

 

     Copley     Gannett     Six months ended
June 30, 2007
 

Pro forma depreciation expense

   $ 1,421     $ 1,077     $ 2,498  

Pro forma amortization expense

     2,421       2,572       4,993  

Less: historical depreciation expense

     (2,738 )     (1,147 )     (3,885 )

Less: historical amortization expense

     (144 )     (23 )     (167 )
                        
   $ 960     $ 2,479     $ 3,439  
                        

 

(5) Represents adjustment to reflect the interest expense of the 2007 Financings for the periods presented. The following table illustrates the assumed interest rates and amounts of borrowings the pro forma interest expense calculation is based on. The term loan, delayed draw term loan, bridge facility and the revolving loan facility average rate is LIBOR based. The term loan and delayed draw term loan variable interest rate is effectively converted to a fixed rate loan under five interest rate swap agreements for notional amounts of $300,000, $270,000, $100,000, $250,000 and $200,000, except for a $75,000 unhedged portion of the term loan. Unused commitment fees are based on the remaining balance of the $40,000 of the total revolving credit facility. Letter of credit fees are a quarterly fee equal to the applicable margin for the LIBOR based loans on the aggregate amount of outstanding letters of credit.

 

     Six months ended June 30, 2007           
      Average Rate     Margin     Total Rate     Amount of
borrowing
   Pro forma
interest
expense
    Less:
Historical
interest
expense
   Net
adjustment
to interest
expense

Term Loan Facility - B

   4.778 %   2.00 %   6.778 %   $ 670,000    $ 22,708       

Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility

   4.971 %   2.00 %   6.971 %     250,000      8,714       

Term Loan Facility - C

   5.156 %   2.25 %   7.406 %     275,000      10,182       

Bridge Facility

   5.320 %   1.50 %   6.820 %     300,000      10,230       

Unused commitment fees

   0.50 %   —       0.500 %     40,000      100       

Letter of credit fees

   2.00 %   —       2.000 %     3,269      32       
                              
            $ 51,966     $ 32,596    $ 19,370
                              

Historical weighted average debt balance

            $ 1,214,850       

Weighted average interest rate

              7.32 %     

For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the elimination of other interest expense also included interest expense on an intercompany demand note held by the newspapers acquired from the Copley Press, Inc. of $3,817.

 

(6) Deferred financing costs consist of costs incurred in connection with debt financings. Such costs are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining terms of the related debt. Reflects the net adjustment to a total deferred financing cost amount of $13,091 amortized over a weighted average life of 2.7 years as follows:

 

     Six months ended
June 30, 2007
 

Pro forma deferred financing costs

   $ 634  

Less: historical costs

     (1,203 )
        

Net adjustment

   $ (569 )
        

 

(7) The pro forma adjustment reflects the income tax effect of pro forma adjustments. The tax effect is calculated based on a 39.15% effective tax rate.

 

24


Table of Contents

Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared To Three Months Ended June 30, 2007

The discussion of our results of operations that follows is based upon our historical results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and our pro forma results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2007.

Revenue. Total GAAP revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $12.3 million or 7.1% to $184.1 million from the pro forma three months ended June 30, 2007 revenue of $171.8 million. $8.1 million of the increase came from advertising revenue, $2.4 million of the increase came from circulation revenue and $1.8 million of the increase came from commercial printing and other revenue. The increase in total revenues of $12.3 million was driven primarily by revenues from the acquisitions that did not meet the significance test for pro forma treatment (the “2007 and 2008 acquisitions”) of $19.6 million. Excluding the revenue increases of $19.6 million from the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions, same store revenues were down $9.2 million or 4.7%. The same store revenue declines were primarily driven by decreases in real estate, help wanted and automotive classified advertising.

Operating Costs. Operating costs for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $9.2 million, or 10.3%, to $98.4 million from $89.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in operating costs was primarily due to operating costs of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $11.2 million. These amounts were partially offset by decreased newsprint expenses of $2.2 million.

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $8.6 million, or 20.0%, to $51.6 million from $43.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to selling, general and administrative expenses of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $5.5 million.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $2.6 million to $18.9 million from $16.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase was primarily due to depreciation and amortization expense of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $2.3 million.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded a $102.5 million impairment on our advertiser relationships and subscriber relationships due to reductions in our operating projections within our Northeast reporting unit. During the three months ended June 30, 2007 we incurred a charge of $0.1 million related to the impairment of property, plant and equipment which was classified as held for sale at June 30, 2007.

Goodwill and Mastheads Impairment. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded a $340.6 million impairment on our goodwill and mastheads due to softening business conditions and a decline in our stock price as of the end of the second quarter and the related impact on the fair value of our reporting units.

Interest Expense. Total interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2008 decreased by $2.8 million, or 10.6%, to $23.2 million from $26.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in our total outstanding debt balances, primarily our $300.0 million 2007 Bridge Agreement which was repaid in July 2007.

Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Derivative Instrument. During the three months ended June 30, 2008 we recorded a loss of $1.0 million due to ineffectiveness related to several of our interest rate swaps which were entered into, in an effort to eliminate a significant portion of our exposure to fluctuations in LIBOR.

Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $15.8 million compared to $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The change of $14.1 million was primarily due to an increase in our pre-tax loss, partially offset by an increase in the valuation allowance recognized and the impairment on the non tax deductible goodwill.

Net Loss from Continuing Operations. Net loss from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $438.7 million. Net loss from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2007 was $2.2 million. Our net loss from continuing operations increased due to the factors noted above.

 

25


Table of Contents

Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared To Three Months Ended June 30, 2007

The discussion of our results of operations that follows is based upon our historical results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

Revenue. Total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $26.1 million or 16.5% to $184.1 million from $158.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in total revenue was comprised of a $18.2 million, or 15.5% increase in advertising revenue, a $5.6 million, or 17.4% increase in circulation revenue and a $2.3 million, or 27.4% increase in commercial printing and other revenue. The increase in advertising revenue was due to advertising revenue from the Gannett acquisition of $6.4 million. The increase in advertising revenue was also due to advertising revenue from the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $13.9 million. These amounts were partially offset by decreases in same store advertising revenues of $9.1 million. The same store revenue declines were primarily driven by decreases in real estate, help wanted and automotive classified advertising. The increase in circulation revenue was due to circulation revenue from the Gannett acquisition of $1.9 million. The increase in circulation revenue was also due to circulation revenue from the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $3.2 million, as well as an increase in circulation same store revenues of $0.4 million. The increase in commercial printing and other revenue was due to revenue from the Gannett acquisition of $0.3 million. The increase in commercial printing and other revenue was also due to commercial printing and other revenue from the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $2.5 million. These amounts were partially offset by decreases in commercial printing and other same store revenues of $0.5 million.

Operating Costs. Operating costs for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $16.6 million, or 20.3%, to $98.4 million from $81.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in operating costs was due to operating costs from the Gannett acquisition of $4.4 million. The increase in operating costs was also due to operating costs of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $11.2 million.

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $11.0 million, or 27.1%, to $51.6 million from $40.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was due to selling, general and administrative expenses from the Gannett acquisition of $1.6 million. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was also due to selling, general and administrative expenses of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $5.5 million.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $3.4 million to $18.9 million from $15.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was due to depreciation and amortization expense from the Gannett acquisition of $0.9 million. The increase was also due to depreciation and amortization of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $2.3 million.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded a $102.5 million impairment on our advertiser relationships and subscriber relationships due to reductions in our operating projections within our Northeast reporting unit. During the three months ended June 30, 2007 we incurred a charge of $0.1 million related to the impairment of property, plant and equipment which was classified as held for sale at June 30, 2007.

Goodwill and Mastheads Impairment. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded a $340.6 million impairment on our goodwill and mastheads due to softening business conditions and a decline in our stock price as of the end of the second quarter and the related impact on the fair value of our reporting units.

Interest Expense. Total interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $0.8 million, or 3.7%, to $23.2 million from $22.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase was primarily due to increases in our total outstanding debt balances.

Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Derivative Instrument. During the three months ended June 30, 2008 we recorded a loss of $1.0 million due to ineffectiveness related to several of our interest rate swaps which were entered into, in an effort to eliminate a significant portion of our exposure to fluctuations in LIBOR.

Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $15.8 million compared to $1.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The change of $14.3 million was primarily due to an increase in our pre-tax loss, partially offset by an increase in the valuation allowance recognized and the impairment on the non tax deductible goodwill.

Net Loss from Continuing Operations. Net loss from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $438.7 million. Net loss from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2007 was $2.6 million. Our net loss from continuing operations increased due to the factors noted above.

 

26


Table of Contents

Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared To Six Months Ended June 30, 2007

The discussion of our results of operations that follows is based upon our historical results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and our pro forma results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2007.

Revenue. Total GAAP revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $27.4 million, or 8.4%, to $352.6 million from the pro forma six months ended June 30, 2007 revenue of $325.2 million. $19.3 million of the increase came from advertising revenue, $5.8 million of the increase came from circulation revenue and $2.3 million of the increase came from commercial printing and other revenue. The increase in total revenues of $27.4 million was driven primarily by revenues from the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $45.7 million. This 2007 and 2008 acquisition related revenue increase was partially offset by the loss of a third party printing contract not assumed in the acquisition of the Copley Press, Inc. of $0.7 million. Excluding the revenue increases of $45.7 million from the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions and the revenue declines of $0.7 million from the printing contract not assumed, same store revenues were down $16.2 million or 4.4%. The same store revenue declines were primarily driven by decreases in real estate, help wanted and automotive classified advertising.

Operating Costs. Operating costs for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $19.4 million, or 11.0%, to $195.7 million from $176.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in operating costs was primarily due to operating costs of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $23.6 million. These amounts were partially offset by decreased newsprint expenses of $5.7 million.

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $12.9 million, or 14.9%, to $100.1 million from $87.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to selling general and administrative expenses of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $12.8 million.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $5.9 million to $37.6 million from $31.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Depreciation and amortization expense increased due to depreciation and amortization expense of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $5.5 million.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded a $102.5 million impairment on our advertiser and subscriber relationships due to reductions in our operating projections within our Northeast reporting unit. During the six months ended June 30, 2007 we incurred a charge of $0.2 million related to the impairment of property, plant and equipment which was classified as held for sale at June 30, 2007.

Goodwill and Mastheads Impairment. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded a $340.6 million impairment on our goodwill and mastheads due to softening business conditions and a decline in our stock price as of the end of the second quarter and the related impact on the fair value of our reporting units.

Interest Expense. Total interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2008 decreased by $4.3 million or 8.3% to $47.6 million from $52.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in our total outstanding debt balances, primarily our $300.0 million 2007 Bridge Agreement which was repaid in July 2007.

Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Derivative Instrument. During the six months ended June 30, 2008 we recorded a loss of $1.8 million due to ineffectiveness related to several of our interest rate swaps, which were entered into, in an effort to eliminate a significant portion of our exposure to fluctuations in LIBOR.

Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $13.3 million compared to $9.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The change of $4.4 million was primarily due to an increase in our pre-tax loss, partially offset by an increase in the valuation allowance recognized and the impairment on the non tax deductible goodwill.

Net Loss from Continuing Operations. Net loss from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $465.6 million. Net loss from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was $15.8 million. Our net loss from continuing operations increased due to the factors noted above.

 

27


Table of Contents

Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared To Six Months Ended June 30, 2007

The discussion of our results of operations that follows is based upon our historical results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

Revenue. Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $100.3 million, or 39.8%, to $352.6 million from $252.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in total revenue was comprised of a $69.5 million, or 37%, increase in advertising revenue, a $24.6 million, or 50.1%, increase in circulation revenue and a $6.2 million, or 41.7%, increase in commercial printing and other revenue. The increase in advertising revenue was primarily due to advertising revenue from the Copley acquisition and the Gannett acquisition of $23.0 million and $22.0 million, respectively. The increase in advertising revenue was also due to advertising revenue from the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $35.1 million. These amounts were partially offset by decreases in same store advertising revenues of $15.9 million. The same store revenue declines were primarily driven by decreases in real estate, help wanted and automotive classified advertising. The increase in circulation revenue was primarily due to circulation revenue from the Copley acquisition and the Gannett acquisition of $11.8 million and $6.6 million, respectively. The increase in circulation revenue was also due to circulation revenue from the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $6.2 million as well as an increase in circulation same store revenues of $1.0 million. The increase in commercial printing and other revenue was primarily due to revenue from the Copley acquisition and the Gannett acquisition of $1.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The increase in commercial printing and other revenue was also due to commercial printing and other revenue from the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $4.4 million. These amounts were partially offset by decreases in commercial printing and other same store revenues of $1.3 million.

Operating Costs. Operating costs for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $61.8 million, or 46.1%, to $195.7 million from $133.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in operating costs was primarily due to operating costs of the Copley acquisition and the Gannett acquisition of $22.7 million and $15.8 million, respectively. The increase in operating costs was also due to operating costs of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $23.6 million.

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $29.2 million, or 41.2%, to $100.1 million from $70.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to selling, general and administrative expenses of the Copley acquisition and the Gannett acquisition of $6.5 million and $6.2 million, respectively. The increase in selling general and administrative expenses was also due to selling general and administrative expenses of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $12.8 million.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $13.4 million to $37.6 million from $24.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Depreciation and amortization expense increased due to depreciation and amortization of the Copley acquisition and the Gannett acquisition of $3.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was also due to depreciation and amortization expense of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions of $5.5 million.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded a $102.5 million impairment on our advertiser and subscriber relationships due to reductions in our operating projections within our Northeast reporting unit. During the six months ended June 30, 2007 we incurred a charge of $0.2 million related to the impairment of property, plant and equipment which was classified as held for sale at June 30, 2007.

Goodwill and Mastheads Impairment. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded a $340.6 million impairment on our goodwill and mastheads due to softening business conditions and a decline in our stock price as of the end of the second quarter and the related impact on the fair value of our reporting units.

Interest Expense. Total interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased by $15.0 million or 46.1% to $47.6 million from $32.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase was primarily due to increases in our total outstanding debt balances.

Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Derivative Instrument. During the six months ended June 30, 2008 we recorded a loss of $1.8 million due to ineffectiveness related to several of our interest rate swaps, which were entered into, in an effort to eliminate a significant portion of our exposure to fluctuations in LIBOR.

Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $13.3 million compared to $4.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The change of $9.3 million was primarily due to an increase in our pre-tax loss, partially offset by an increase in the valuation allowance recognized and the impairment on the non tax deductible goodwill.

Net Loss from Continuing Operations. Net loss from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $465.6 million. Net loss from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was $8.7 million. Our net loss from continuing operations increased due to the factors noted above.

 

28


Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary cash requirements are for working capital, borrowing obligations and capital expenditures. We have no material outstanding commitments for capital expenditures. Our principal sources of funds have historically been cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We anticipate our principal sources of funds will be cash provided by operating activities, cash from the issuance of subsidiary preferred stock and cash from the sale of non-strategic assets.

On February 27, 2007, we entered into the 2007 Credit Facility with a syndicate of financial institutions with Wachovia Bank, National Association as administrative agent. The 2007 Credit Facility provides for a $670.0 million term loan facility which matures in August, 2014, a delayed draw term loan of up to $250.0 million available until August 2007 which matures in August 2014 and a revolving credit agreement with a $40.0 million aggregate loan commitment available, including a $15.0 million sub-facility for letters of credit and a $10.0 million swingline facility, which matures in February 2014.

On April 11, 2007, we entered into the 2007 Bridge Facility with a syndicate of financial institutions with Wachovia Investment Holdings LLC as administrative agent. The Bridge Agreement provided a $300.0 million term loan facility which matured on April 11, 2015, and was paid in full as described below.

On May 7, 2007, we amended our 2007 Credit Facility and increased our borrowing by $275.0 million. This incremental borrowing has an interest rate of LIBOR + 2.25% or the Alternate Base Rate + 1.25%, depending upon the designation of the borrowing.

The rate on the previously existing borrowings of $920.0 million was changed to bear interest at LIBOR + 2.00% or the Alternate Base Rate + 1.00% depending upon the designation of the borrowing. The terms of the previously outstanding borrowings were also modified to include a 1% premium if the debt is called within one year and an interest feature that grants the previously outstanding debt an interest rate of .25% below the highest rate of any borrowing under the 2007 Credit Facility.

On February 15, 2008, we entered into our 2008 Bridge Facility with Barclays Capital, as syndication agent, sole arranger and book runner. The 2008 Bridge Facility provides for a $20.6 term loan facility that is subject to extensions through August 15, 2009.

In August 2008, we signed several letters of intent for asset sales of approximately $35.0 million.

As of August 4, 2008 a total of $27.7 was outstanding under the revolving credit facility portion of the 2007 Credit Facility.

On August 8, 2008, FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC (“FIF III”) executed a Subscription Agreement whereby it irrevocably committed to purchase by August 25, 2008 an aggregate of $11.5 million in 10% cumulative preferred stock of GateHouse Media Macomb Holdings, Inc. (“Macomb”), an operating subsidiary of ours. Macomb, an Unrestricted Subsidiary under the terms of our 2007 Credit Facility, will use the proceeds from such sale of preferred stock to make an $11.5 million cash investment in Holdco non-voting 10% cumulative preferred stock. FIF III may require us to purchase its Macomb preferred stock during the five-year period following our full repayment of the 2008 Bridge Facility for an amount equal to the original purchase price, plus accrued but unpaid dividends. Upon closing of this transaction, we will have remained in compliance as of June 30, 2008 with the Total Leverage Ratio financial covenant under our 2007 Credit Facility. FIF III is an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, LLC, the owner of approximately 41.8% of our outstanding Common Stock.

As a holding company, we have no operations of our own and accordingly have no independent means of generating revenue, and our internal sources of funds to meet our cash needs, including payment of expenses, are dividends and other permitted payments from our subsidiaries. Our 2007 Credit Facility imposes upon us certain financial and operating covenants, including, among others, requirements that we satisfy certain quarterly financial tests, including a total leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge ratio, and restrictions on our ability to incur debt, pay dividends or take certain other corporate actions including, among other things, acquisitions of assets and disposition of assets. We were in compliance with the total leverage ratio test and our other covenants for the measurement date of June 30, 2008 under the terms of the 2007 Credit Facility.

Continued compliance with our financial and operating covenants will depend on the future performance of the business and our ability to curtail the negative revenue trends experience, in the prior periods as well as our ability to address other risks set forth herein and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Management believes that we have adequate capital resources and liquidity to meet our working capital needs, borrowing obligations and all required capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months.

Our leverage may adversely affect our business and financial performance and may restrict our operating flexibility. The level of our indebtedness and our on-going cash flow requirements may expose us to a risk that a substantial decrease in operating cash flows due to economic developments or adverse developments in our business, including declines in advertising revenues, could make it difficult to meet the total leverage ratio test and other financial and operating covenants which may or may not be applicable from time to time. In addition, our leverage may limit cash flow available for general corporate purposes such as capital expenditures and our flexibility to react to competitive technological and other changes in our industry and economic conditions generally.

        On October 25, 2006, we completed our IPO of 13,800,000 shares of common stock at a price of $18 per share, raising approximately $231.0 million, which is net of the underwriters’ discount of $17.4 million. We used a portion of the net proceeds to repay in full and terminate our $152.0 million second lien term loan credit facility. In addition, we used a portion of the net proceeds to pay down $12.0 million of the $570.0 million first lien term loan credit facility, reducing the balance and limit to $558.0 million, and to repay in full the outstanding balance of $21.3 million under our $40.0 million revolving credit facility. In connection with the termination of our $152.0 million second lien term loan credit facility and the $12.0 million reduction in borrowing capacity on the first lien term loan credit facility, we wrote off $1.4 million of deferred financing costs, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

        On November 3, 2006, the underwriters of the Company’s initial public offering exercised their option to purchase an additional 2,070,000 shares of common stock as allowed in the underwriting agreement. The net proceeds before offering expenses of these additional shares was $34.7 million, after deducting the underwriting discount. The total net proceeds from the initial public offering of 13,800,000 shares and this additional allotment of 2,070,000 shares before offering expenses was $265.7 million, after deducting the underwriting discount.

On July 23, 2007, we completed our follow-on public offering of 18,700,000 shares of our common stock, including 1,700,000 shares sold pursuant to the exercise by the underwriters of their option, as allowed in the underwriting agreement at a public offering price of $18.45 per share. The total net proceeds from our follow-on public offering were approximately $331.6 million. We used a portion of the proceeds to repay in full and terminate our $300.0 million 2007 Bridge Facility.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our historical cash flows.

          Six months ended
June 30, 2008
         Six months ended
June 30, 2007
 

Cash provided by operating activities

      $ 19,447        $ 30,819  

Cash used in investing activities

        (17,553 )        (1,011,120 )

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

        (1,197 )        908,037  

The discussion of our cash flows that follows is based on our historical cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $19.4 million, a decrease of $11.4 million when compared to the $30.8 million of cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This $11.4 million decrease was the result of a decrease in cash provided by working capital of $5.3 million and an increase in net loss from continuing operations of $456.9 million, partially offset by an increase in non-cash charges of $450.9 million.

The $5.3 million decrease in cash provided by working capital for the six months ended June 30, 2008 when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007 is primarily attributable to a decrease in accrued interest and offset by decreases in accounts receivable.

The $450.9 million increase in non-cash charges primarily consisted of a $340.6 million goodwill and masthead impairment charge in 2008, an impairment of long-lived assets charge of $102.5 million in 2008, an increase in depreciation and amortization of $13.4 million, and an increase in unrealized net losses on derivative instruments of $2.1 million, partially offset by a decrease in deferred income tax liabilities of $8.0 million.

 

29


Table of Contents

Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $17.6 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we used $24.2 million, net of cash acquired, for acquisitions and $5.9 million for capital expenditures, which uses were partially offset by proceeds of $12.5 million from the sale of publications and other assets.

Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was $1,011.1 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, we used $1,007.7 million, net of cash acquired, for acquisitions and $3.7 million for capital expenditures, which uses were partially offset by proceeds of $0.3 million from the sale of publications and other assets.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $1.2 million. The net cash used in financing activities resulted from the payment of dividends of $34.7 million, a $3.6 million payment under the Barclays Credit Agreement, and the purchase of $0.1 million of treasury stock, partially offset by the borrowings of $19.5 million under the Barclays Credit Agreement and $17.7 million from the Revolver.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was $908.0 million. The net cash provided by financing activities resulted from net borrowings of $1,495.0 million under the 2007 Credit Facility and $3.0 million under the Revolver, partially offset by the repayment of $558.0 million of borrowings under the 2006 Credit Facility, payment of dividends of $23.9 million, payment of $7.4 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the 2007 Credit Facility, and payment of $0.6 million of offering costs.

Changes in Financial Position

The discussion that follows highlights significant changes in our financial position and working capital from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008.

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable decreased $7.9 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008, of which $7.5 million relates primarily to lower revenue recognized in the first six months of 2008 compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. $2.8 million was from the sale of assets, partially offset by $2.5 million acquired from acquisitions during the first six months of 2008.

Property, Plant, and Equipment. Property, plant, and equipment increased $2.7 million during the period from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008, of which $5.7 million was acquired from acquisitions during the first six months of 2008, purchase accounting adjustments of $5.7 million from acquisitions consummated in 2007, and $5.9 million was used for capital expenditures. These increases in property, plant, and equipment were partially offset by depreciation of $13.8 million, a loss on the sale of assets of $0.2 million, assets sold and held for sale of $0.2 million, and an impairment loss related to discontinued operations of $0.3 million.

Goodwill. Goodwill decreased $302.3 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008, of which $299.2 million relates to an impairment charge, a $3.2 million impairment loss related to discontinued operations, assets sold and held for sale of $0.4 million, and $4.4 related to purchase accounting adjustments from acquisitions in 2007. These decreases in goodwill were partially offset by $4.9 million acquired from acquisitions consummated during the first six months of 2008.

Intangible Assets. Intangible assets decreased $154.1 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008 due to an impairment charge of $143.9 million, a $2.4 million impairment loss related to discontinued operations, amortization of $23.8 million, and assets held for sale of $1.0 million. These decreases in intangible assets were partially offset by $17.1 million of acquisitions consummated during the first six months of 2008.

Long-Term Assets Held for Sale. Long-term assets held for sale decreased $8.4 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008 of which $9.8 million came from assets sold during the first six months of 2008, partially offset by $1.4 million from assets classified as held for sale during the first six months of 2008.

Short-Term Debt . Short-term debt increased $17.0 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008, of which $20.6 million relates to borrowings which were partially offset by $3.6 million of repayments under the Barclays Credit Agreement

Accrued Expenses. Accrued expenses increased $2.0 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008, of which $1.1 million was acquired from acquisitions consummated during the first six months of 2008 and an increase of $1.5 million in payroll-related expenses partially offset by a decrease in discontinued operations of $0.2 million, purchase accounting adjustments of $0.1 million from acquisitions consummated in 2007, and assets sold and held for sale of $0.1 million.

Accrued Interest. Accrued interest decreased $1.1 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008 primarily attributable to the decrease in interest rates.

Deferred Revenue. Deferred revenue increased $2.0 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008, of which $1.4 million was primarily attributable to increases in subscription rates and $0.9 million acquired from acquisitions consummated during the first six months of 2008, partially offset by a decrease in discontinued operations of $0.3 million.

Dividend Payable. Dividend payable decreased $23.1 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008 from the payment of dividends of $34.7 million, partially offset by dividends declared of $11.6 million.

Long-Term Debt. Long-term debt increased $17.7 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008 from net borrowings of $17.7 million under the Revolver.

Derivative Instruments. Derivative instruments decreased $7.2 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008, due to changes in interest rates.

Deferred Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes decreased $13.3 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008, which was primarily attributable to the net increase in fair value of the derivative financial instruments, goodwill and masthead impairment and the tax provision.

Additional Paid-In Capital. Additional paid-in capital increased $2.1 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008, which resulted from non-cash compensation of $2.1 million.

Accumulated Deficit. Accumulated deficit increased $415.1 million from December 31, 2007 to June 30, 2008 from declaration of dividends of $11.6 million and a net loss of $403.5 million.

 

30


Table of Contents

Contractual Commitments

The changes to our contractual commitments as of June 30, 2008 compared to December 31, 2007 relate to the consummation of our 2008 Bridge Facility.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

A non-GAAP financial measure is generally defined as one that purports to measure historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows, but excludes or includes amounts that would not be so adjusted in the most comparable GAAP measure. We define and use Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, as set forth below.

Adjusted EBITDA

We define Adjusted EBITDA as follows:

Income (loss) from continuing operations before :

 

 

Net income tax expense (benefit);

 

 

interest/financing expense;

 

 

depreciation and amortization; and

 

 

non-cash impairments

Management’s Use of Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to income from operations, net income (loss), cash flow from continuing operating activities or any other measure of performance or liquidity derived in accordance with GAAP. We believe this non-GAAP measure, as we have defined it, is helpful in identifying trends in our day-to-day performance because the items excluded have little or no significance on our day-to-day operations. This measure provides an assessment of controllable expenses and affords management the ability to make decisions which are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieve optimal financial performance. It provides an indicator for management to determine if adjustments to current spending decisions are needed.

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

 

31


Table of Contents

Limitations of Adjusted EBITDA.

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

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

Adjusted EBITDA is not an alternative to net income, income from operations or cash flows provided by or used in operations as calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. You should not rely on Adjusted EBITDA as a substitute for any such GAAP financial measure. We strongly urge you to review the reconciliation of net loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA, along with our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We also strongly urge you to not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. In addition, because Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and is susceptible to varying calculations, the Adjusted EBITDA measure, as presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may differ from and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of its core operating performance, which is evidenced by the publishing and delivery of news and other media and excludes certain expenses that may not be indicative of the Company’s core business operating results. We consider the unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and the loss on early extinguishment of debt to be financing related costs associated with interest expense or amortization of financing fees. Accordingly, the Company excludes financing related costs such as the early extinguishment of debt because they represent the write-off of deferred financing costs and the Company believes these non-cash write-offs are similar to interest expense and amortization of financing fees, which by definition are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. Additionally, the non-cash gains (losses) on derivative contracts, which are related to interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate risk, are financing costs associated with interest expense. Such charges are incidental to, but not reflective of, the Company’s core operating performance and it is appropriate to exclude charges related to financing activities such as the early extinguishment of debt and the unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments which, depending on the nature of the financing arrangement, would have otherwise been amortized over the period of the related agreement and does not require a current cash settlement.

The table below shows the reconciliation of loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2008
    Three Months Ended
June 30, 2007
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2008
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2007
 
     (in thousands)  

Loss from continuing operations

   $ (438,727 )   $ (2,604 )   $ (465,625 )   $ (8,713 )

Income tax benefit

     (15,787 )     (1,535 )     (13,316 )     (4,021 )

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instrument

     1,037       (758 )     1,756       (375 )

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     581       980       1,164       1,203  

Interest expense

     23,217       22,379       47,633       32,596  

Impairment of long-lived assets

     102,517       82       102,517       201  

Depreciation and amortization

     18,857       15,427       37,607       24,229  

Goodwill and mastheads impairment

     340,575       —         340,575       —    
                                

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations

   $ 32,270  (a)   $  33,971  (b)   $ 52,311  (c)   $ 45,120  (d)
                                
 
  (a) Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2008 included net expenses of $5,932 which are one-time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $5,932 is non-cash compensation and other expense of $3,782, non-cash portion of postretirement benefits expense of $335, integration and reorganization costs of $1,603 and a $212 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $(218) from our discontinued operations.

 

  (b) Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2007 included net expenses of $3,270, which are one-time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $3,270 is non-cash compensation and other expense of $1,292, non-cash portion of postretirement benefits expense of $354, integration and reorganization costs of $1,615 and a $9 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $3,073 from SureWest Directories due to the impact of purchase accounting and $1,044 from our discontinued operations.

 

  (c) Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2008 included net expenses of $16,056 which are one-time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $16,056 is non-cash compensation and other expense of $10,747, non-cash portion of postretirement benefits expense of $893, integration and reorganization costs of $4,210, and a $206 loss on the sale of assets.

 

       Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $(311) from our discontinued operations.

 

  (d) Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2007 included net expenses of $6,304 which are one-time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $6,304 is non-cash compensation and other expense of $3,161, non-cash portion of postretirement benefits expense of $668, integration and reorganization costs of $2,453 and a $22 loss on the sale of assets.

 

       Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $4,088 from SureWest Directories due to the impact of purchase accounting and $1,074 from our discontinued operations.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and commodity prices. Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in earnings and cash flow. In the normal course of business, exposure to certain of these market risks is managed as described below.

 

32


Table of Contents

Interest Rates

At June 30, 2008, after consideration of the interest rate swaps described below, none of the remaining principal amount of our term loans are subject to floating interest rates.

On June 23, 2005, we executed an interest rate swap in the notional amount of $300.0 million with a forward starting date of July 1, 2005. The interest rate swap has a term of seven years. Under this swap, we pay an amount to the swap counterparty representing interest on a notional amount at a rate of 4.135% and receive an amount from the swap counterparty representing interest on the notional amount at a rate equal to the one month LIBOR.

On May 10, 2006, we executed an additional interest rate swap in the notional amount of $270.0 million with a forward starting date of July 3, 2006. The interest rate swap has a term of five years. Under this swap, we pay an amount to the swap counterparty representing interest on a notional amount at a rate of 5.359% and receive an amount from the swap counterparty representing interest on the notional amount at a rate equal to the one month LIBOR.

On February 27, 2007, we executed an additional interest rate swap in the notional amount of $100.0 million with a forward starting date of February 28, 2007. The interest rate swap has a term of seven years. Under this swap, we pay an amount to the swap counterparty representing interest on a notional amount at a rate of 5.14% and receive an amount from the swap counterparty representing, interest on the notional amount at a rate equal to the one month LIBOR.

On April 4, 2007, we executed an additional interest rate swap in the notional amount of $250.0 million with a forward starting date of April 13, 2007. The interest rate swap has a term of seven years. Under this swap, we pay an amount to the swap counterparty representing interest on a notional amount at a rate of 4.971% and receive an amount from the swap counterparty representing interest on the notional amount at a rate equal to one month LIBOR.

On April 13, 2007, we executed an additional interest rate swap in the notional amount of $200.0 million with a forward starting date of April 30, 2007. The interest rate swap has a term of seven years. Under this swap, we pay an amount to the swap counterparty representing interest on a notional amount at a rate of 5.079% and receive an amount from the swap counterparty representing interest on the notional amount at a rate equal to one month LIBOR.

On September 18, 2007, we executed an additional interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $75.0 million with a forward starting date of September 18, 2007. The interest rate swap has a term of seven years. Under the swap, we pay an amount to the swap counterparty representing interest on a notional amount at a rate of 4.941% and receive an amount from the swap counterparty representing interest on the notional amount at a rate equal to one month LIBOR.

Commodities

Certain materials we use are subject to commodity price changes. We manage this risk through instruments such as purchase orders, membership in a buying consortium and continuing programs to mitigate the impact of cost increases through identification of sourcing and operating efficiencies. Primary commodity price exposures are newsprint, energy costs and, to a lesser extent, ink.

North American newsprint suppliers have recently taken significant steps to curtail newsprint production capacity and implemented and announced price increases of $20 per month per metric ton on newsprint over the next several months. Additionally, ink suppliers have implemented and announced price increases 6-10%. Many of our suppliers and contract distributors have also added fuel surcharges to their products and deliveries. To offset these trends we have taken and will continue to take further steps to reduce consumption of these commodities such as reduced web widths, page counts and number of days of publication as appropriate.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control

There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

33


Table of Contents

Part II. — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Not applicable

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

We have updated and amended the risk factors that were included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Each of the risk factors set forth below could materially adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, as well as the value of an investment in our common stock. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or those we currently deem immaterial, may also materially harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Risks Related to Our Business

We depend to a great extent on the economies and the demographics of the local communities that we serve and are also susceptible to general economic downturns, which could have a material and adverse impact on our advertising and circulation revenues and on our profitability.

Our advertising revenues and, to a lesser extent, circulation revenues, depend upon a variety of factors specific to the communities that our publications serve. These factors include, among others, the size and demographic characteristics of the local population, local economic conditions in general and the economic condition of the retail segments of the communities that our publications serve. If the local economy, population or prevailing retail environment of a community we serve experiences a downturn, our publications, revenues and profitability in that market could be adversely affected. Our advertising revenues are also susceptible to negative trends in the general economy that affect consumer spending. The advertisers in our newspapers and other publications and related websites are primarily retail businesses, which can be significantly affected by regional or national economic downturns and other developments. Continuing or deepening softness in the U.S. economy could significantly affect key advertising revenue categories, such as help wanted, real estate and automotive.

If we cannot meet the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) continued listing requirements, the NYSE may delist our common stock.

The Company’s common stock is currently listed on the NYSE. In the future, it may not be able to meet the continued listing requirements of the NYSE, which require, among other things; (i) that the average closing price be above $1.00 over 30 consecutive trading days; (ii) that the market capitalization or stockholders’ equity be at least $75 million over 30 consecutive trading days; and (iii) that the market capitalization be at least $25 million over 30 consecutive trading days. The Company’s closing stock price on August 4, 2008 was $0.50, its market capitalization was approximately $29.1 million and at June 30, 2008, its stockholders’ deficit was $18.7 million.

If we are unable to satisfy the NYSE criteria for continued listing, our common stock would be subject to delisting. A delisting of our common stock could negatively impact us by: (i) reducing the liquidity and market price of our common stock; (ii) reducing the number of investors willing to hold or acquire our common stock, which could negatively impact our ability to raise equity financing; (iii) and may limit our ability to use a registration statement to offer and sell freely tradable securities, thereby preventing us from accessing the public capital markets.

Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and reduce the funds available to us for other purposes, including dividend payments.

We have a significant amount of indebtedness. At December 31, 2007, we had total indebtedness of approximately $1.2 billion under our outstanding 2007 Credit Facility. Our pro forma interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $96.1 million, which included $11.5 million of pro forma interest expense related to our Bridge Facility which was repaid in July 2007. At December 31, 2007, the borrowings under our 2007 Credit Facility were subject to a floating interest rate. An aggregate of $1.195 billion of term loans under our 2007 Credit Facility, as amended by the First Amendment, were hedged through the execution of interest rate hedge agreements of $300.0 million, $270.0 million and $625.0 million at fixed rates of 4.135%, 5.359% and 5.029% through June 2012, July 2011 and September 2014, respectively. Our total indebtedness under the 2007 Credit Facility was approximately $1.2 billion as of June 30, 2008. Additionally, we had $27.4 million in short term debt outstanding as of June 30, 2008 under the 2008 Bridge Facility and that we incurred in connection with our acquisition of newspapers from Morris Publishing Group.

 

34


Table of Contents

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health in the following ways:

 

   

a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to the payment of interest on our outstanding indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available to us for other purposes, including our ability to pay dividends on our common stock;

 

   

our flexibility to react to competitive technological and other changes in our industry and economic conditions generally may be limited;

 

   

our substantial degree of leverage could make us more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in general economic conditions or other adverse events in our business;

 

   

our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate purposes may be impaired, limiting our ability to maintain the value of our assets and operations; and

 

   

there would be a material and adverse effect on our business and financial condition if we are unable to service our indebtedness or obtain additional financing, as needed.

In addition, our 2007 Credit Facility contains, and our other indebtedness contains, financial and other restrictive covenants, ratios and tests that limit our ability to incur additional debt and engage in other activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our ability to comply with the covenants, ratios or tests contained in our 2007 Credit Facility or in the agreements governing our other indebtedness may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. In addition, events of default, if not waived or cured, could result in the acceleration of the maturity of our indebtedness under our 2007 Credit Facility or other indebtedness we have. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under our 2007 Credit Facility could proceed against the security granted to them to secure that indebtedness. If the lenders accelerate the payment of our indebtedness under our 2007 Credit Facility or other indebtedness, if any, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full such indebtedness.

Our ability to declare and pay dividends and engage in stock repurchases of our common stock is restricted by covenants in the 2007 Credit Facility.

We eliminated our dividend program in June 2008 and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on, or making repurchases of, our common stock in the near future. In addition, covenants in our 2007 Credit Facility, restrict our ability to pay dividends and make certain other payments.

We may not retain a sufficient amount of cash or generate sufficient funds from operations to consummate acquisitions, fund our operations or repay our indebtedness at maturity or otherwise.

Our ability to pursue any material expansion of our business, including through acquisitions or increased capital spending, will depend more than it otherwise would on our ability to obtain third party financing. There can be no assurance that such financing will be available to us at all, or at an acceptable cost.

Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness as required will depend on our ability to generate cash flow from operations in the future. This ability, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

There can be no assurance that our business will generate cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us in amounts sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs.

Our inability to pursue acquisition opportunities may decrease our growth potential.

If we are unable to pursue or implement our acquisition strategy our growth may be impaired, which may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and the trading price of our common stock. In addition if we are unable to address the risks associated with acquisitions, or if we encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications or delays frequently encountered in connection with the integration of acquired entities and the expansion of

 

35


Table of Contents

operations, our growth and ability to compete may be impaired, we may fail to achieve acquisition synergies and we may be required to focus resources on integration of operations rather than other profitable areas.

Volatility of U.S. credit markets could affect our ability to obtain financing to fund acquisitions or for other purposes.

We had approximately $1.2 billion in long term debt outstanding as of June 30, 2008. Current or continued tightening of credit availability could restrict our ability to obtain financing for significant transactions or for other purposes.

If there is a significant increase in the price of newsprint or a reduction in the availability of newsprint, our results of operations and financial condition may suffer.

The basic raw material for our publications is newsprint. We generally maintain only a 30 – 35-day inventory of newsprint, although our participation in a newsprint-buying consortium helps ensure adequate supply. An inability to obtain an adequate supply of newsprint at a favorable price or at all in the future could have a material adverse effect on our ability to produce our publications. Historically, the price of newsprint has been volatile, reaching a high of approximately $750 per metric ton in 1996 and dropping to a low of almost $410 per metric ton in 2002. The average price of newsprint for 2007 was approximately $589 per metric ton. Recent and future consolidation of major newsprint suppliers may adversely affect price competition among suppliers. Significant increases in newsprint costs could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We compete with a large number of companies in the local media industry; if we are unable to compete effectively, our advertising and circulation revenues may decline.

Our business is concentrated in newspapers and other print publications located primarily in small and midsize markets in the United States. Our revenues primarily consist of advertising and paid circulation. Competition for advertising revenues and paid circulation comes from direct mail, directories, radio, television, outdoor advertising, other newspaper publications, the internet and other media. For example, as the use of the internet has increased, we have lost some classified advertising and subscribers to online advertising businesses and our free internet sites that contain abbreviated versions of our publications. Competition for advertising revenues is based largely upon advertiser results, advertising rates, readership, demographics and circulation levels. Competition for circulation is based largely upon the content of the publication and its price and editorial quality. Our local and regional competitors vary from market to market and many of our competitors for advertising revenues are larger and have greater financial and distribution resources than us. We may incur increasing costs competing for advertising expenditures and paid circulation. We may also experience a decline of circulation or print advertising revenue due to alternative media, such as the internet. If we are not able to compete effectively for advertising expenditures and paid circulation, our revenues may decline.

Our business is subject to seasonal and other fluctuations, which affects our revenues and operating results.

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations that we expect to continue to be reflected in our operating results in future periods. Our first fiscal quarter of the year tends to be our weakest quarter because advertising volume is at its lowest levels following the holiday season. Correspondingly, our second and fourth fiscal quarters tend to be our strongest because they include heavy holiday and seasonal advertising. Other factors that affect our quarterly revenues and operating results may be beyond our control, including changes in the pricing policies of our competitors, the hiring and retention of key personnel, wage and cost pressures, distribution costs, changes in newsprint prices and general economic factors.

We could be adversely affected by declining circulation.

According to the Newspaper Association of America, overall daily newspaper circulation, including national and urban newspapers, has been declining. There can be no assurance that our circulation will not decline in the future. We have been able to maintain our annual circulation revenue from existing operations in recent years through, among other things, increases in our per copy prices. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to

 

36


Table of Contents

continue to increase prices to offset any declines in circulation. Further declines in circulation could impair our ability to maintain or increase our advertising prices, cause purchasers of advertising in our publications to reduce or discontinue those purchases and discourage potential new advertising customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We have a history of losses and may not be able to achieve or maintain profitable operations in the future.

We experienced operating losses from continuing operations of approximately $240.7 million, $28.9 million and $14.1 million on a pro forma basis in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Our results of operations in the future will depend on many factors, including our ability to execute our business strategy and realize efficiencies through our clustering strategy. Our failure to achieve profitability in the future could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock and our ability to raise additional capital and, accordingly, our ability to grow our business.

The value of our intangible assets may become impaired, depending upon future operating results.

As of December 31, 2007, goodwill and other intangible assets were approximately $1.51 billion, or 80.5% of our total assets. To determine whether all or a portion of the carrying values of our goodwill and other intangible assets are no longer recoverable, which may require a charge to our earnings, we periodically evaluate such assets. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we performed an updated impairment analysis for goodwill and our other indefinite lived intangible assets. Based on our assessment of future cash flows and recent industry transaction multiples, we determined an impairment charge of $226.0 million should be recognized. During the second quarter of 2008, we updated our impairment analysis for goodwill and our other indefinite lived intangible assets. Based on our assessment of future cash flows and recent industry transaction multiples, we determined an impairment charge of $443.1 million should be recognized.

We are subject to environmental and employee safety and health laws and regulations that could cause us to incur significant compliance expenditures and liabilities.

Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to the environment, storage tanks and the management and disposal of wastes at our facilities. Under various environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for contamination resulting from the release or threatened release of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum at that property. Such laws often impose liability on the owner or operator without regard to fault and the costs of any required investigation or cleanup can be substantial. Although in connection with certain of our acquisitions, we have rights to indemnification for certain environmental liabilities, these rights may not be sufficient to reimburse us for all losses that we might incur if a property acquired by us has environmental contamination.

Our operations are also subject to various employee safety and health laws and regulations, including those pertaining to occupational injury and illness, employee exposure to hazardous materials and employee complaints. Environmental and employee safety and health laws tend to be complex, comprehensive and frequently changing. As a result, we may be involved from time to time in administrative and judicial proceedings and investigations related to environmental and employee safety and health issues. These proceedings and investigations could result in substantial costs to us, divert our management’s attention and adversely affect our ability to sell, lease or develop our real property. Furthermore, if it is determined we are not in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, or if our properties are contaminated, it could result in significant liabilities, fines or the suspension or interruption of the operations of specific printing facilities. Future events, such as changes in existing laws and regulations, new laws or regulations or the discovery of conditions not currently known to us, may give rise to additional compliance or remedial costs that could be material.

We depend on key personnel and we may not be able to operate and grow our business effectively if we lose the services of any of our key personnel or are unable to attract qualified personnel in the future.

We are dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel. In particular, we are dependent upon the management and leadership of Michael E. Reed, our Chief Executive Officer, Mark R. Thompson, our Chief Financial Officer,

 

37


Table of Contents

and Scott T. Champion, our President and Chief Operating Officer. The loss of Mr. Reed, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Champion, or other key personnel could affect our ability to run our business effectively.

The success of our business is heavily dependent on our ability to retain our current management and other key personnel and to attract and retain qualified personnel in the future. Competition for senior management personnel is intense and we may not be able to retain our personnel. Although we have entered into employment agreements with certain of our key personnel, these agreements do not ensure that our key personnel will continue in their present capacity with us for any particular period of time. We do not have key man insurance for any of our current management or other key personnel. The loss of any key personnel would require our remaining key personnel to divert immediate and substantial attention to seeking a replacement. An inability to find a suitable replacement for any departing executive officer on a timely basis could adversely affect our ability to operate and grow our business.

A shortage of skilled or experienced employees in the media industry, or our inability to retain such employees, could pose a risk to achieving improved productivity and reducing costs, which could adversely affect our profitability.

Production and distribution of our various publications requires skilled and experienced employees. A shortage of such employees, or our inability to retain such employees, could have an adverse impact on our productivity and costs, our ability to expand, develop and distribute new products and our entry into new markets. The cost of retaining or hiring such employees could exceed our expectations.

Our potential inability to successfully execute cost control measures could result in greater than expected total operating costs.

We have implemented general cost control measures, and expect to continue such cost control efforts. If we do not achieve expected savings as a result of such measures or if our operating costs increase as a result of our growth strategy, our total operating costs may be greater than expected. In addition, reductions in staff and employee benefits could affect our ability to attract and retain key employees.

Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure

If the ownership of our common stock continues to be highly concentrated, it may prevent stockholders from influencing significant corporate decisions and the interests of our principal stockholder may conflict with interests of our other stockholders.

As of June 30, 2008, Fortress beneficially owned approximately 41.8% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, Fortress will continue to have effective control over fundamental and significant corporate matters and transactions, including: the election of directors; mergers, consolidations or acquisitions; the sale of all or substantially all of our assets and other decisions affecting our capital structure; the amendment of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated by-laws; and our dissolution. The interests of Fortress may not always coincide with our interests or the interest of our other stockholders. For example, Fortress could delay, deter or prevent acts that may be favored by our other stockholders such as hostile takeovers, changes in control and changes in management. As a result of such actions, the market price of our common stock could decline or stockholders might not receive a premium for their shares in connection with a change of control transaction.

Fortress has the right to, and has no duty to abstain from exercising such right to, engage or invest in the same or similar business as us.

Fortress, together with its affiliates, has other business activities in addition to their ownership of us. Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, Fortress has the right to, and has no duty to abstain from exercising such right to, engage or invest in the same or similar business as us, do business with any of our clients, customers or vendors or employ or otherwise engage any of our officers, directors or employees. If Fortress or any of its affiliates or any of their respective officers, directors or employees acquire knowledge of a potential

 

38


Table of Contents

transaction that could be a corporate opportunity, they have no duty to offer such corporate opportunity to us, our stockholders or our affiliates.

In the event that any of our directors and officers who is also a director, officer or employee of Fortress acquires knowledge of a corporate opportunity or is offered a corporate opportunity, provided that this knowledge was not acquired solely in such person’s capacity as our director or officer and such person acted in good faith, then such person is deemed to have fully satisfied such person’s fiduciary duty and is not liable to us if Fortress pursues or acquires such corporate opportunity or if such person did not present the corporate opportunity to us.

Anti-takeover provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated by-laws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that stockholders may consider favorable or prevent the removal of our current board of directors and management.

Certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated by-laws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that stockholders may consider favorable or prevent the removal of our current board of directors and management. We have a number of anti-takeover devices in place that can hinder takeover attempts, including:

 

   

a staggered board of directors consisting of three classes of directors, each of whom serves a three-year term;

 

   

removal of directors only for cause and only with the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the voting interest of stockholders entitled to vote;

 

   

blank-check preferred stock;

 

   

provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws preventing stockholders from calling special meetings or acting by written consent in lieu of a meeting (with the exception of Fortress, so long as Fortress beneficially owns at least 50% of our issued and outstanding common stock);

 

   

advance notice requirements for stockholders with respect to director nominations and actions to be taken at annual meetings; and

 

   

no provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation for cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock can elect all the directors standing for election.

Our 2007 Credit Facility currently limits our ability to enter into certain change of control transactions, the occurrence of which would constitute an event of default under our 2007 Credit Facility. However, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which restricts certain business combinations with interested stockholders in certain situations, will not apply to us. This may make it easier for a third party to acquire an interest in some or all of us with Fortress’ approval, even though our other stockholders may not deem such an acquisition beneficial to their interests.

We are a holding company and our access to the cash flow of our subsidiaries is subject to restrictions imposed by our indebtedness.

We are a holding company with no material direct operations. Our principal assets are the equity interests we own in our direct subsidiary, GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc. (“Holdco”), through which we indirectly own equity interests in our operating subsidiaries. As a result, we are dependent on loans, dividends and other payments from our subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to meet our financial obligations and to make dividend payments. Our subsidiaries are legally distinct from us and have no obligation to make funds available to us. Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to our 2007 Credit Facility, which imposes restrictions on their ability to make loans, dividend payments or other payments to us. Any payment of dividends to us is subject to the satisfaction of certain financial conditions set forth in our 2007 Credit Facility. Our ability to comply with these conditions may be affected by events that are beyond our control. We expect future borrowings by our subsidiaries to contain restrictions or prohibitions on the payment of dividends to us.

 

39


Table of Contents
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders

At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of GateHouse Media, Inc. held on May 22, 2008 (the “Annual Meeting”), the holders of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Common Stock”), voting as a single class, reelected Burl Osborne and Michael E. Reed as Class II directors of the Company for a term that ends at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Continuing to serve as Class III directors until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are Wesley R. Edens, Howard Rubin and Kevin Sheehan. Continuing to serve as Class I directors until the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are Martin Bandier and Richard Friedman.

In addition, at the Annual Meeting, the holders of the Company’s Common Stock, voting together as a single class, voted to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP, Certified Public Accountants, as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.

Set forth below is the number of votes cast for, against or withheld, as well as the number of abstentions and broker nonvotes, as applicable, as to each of the foregoing matters.

I. The results of the voting for the election of Class I Directors of the Company are as follows:

 

Nominee

   Votes For    Authority
Withheld

Burl Osborne

   54,884,375    252,146

Michael E. Reed

   54,918,701    217,820

II. The selection of Ernst & Young LLP was ratified with the following votes:

 

Votes For:

   55,051,462

Votes Against:

   75,969

Votes Abstained:

   9,090

 

Item 5. Other Information

Information required by Items 1.01 and 2.03 of Current Report on Form 8-K is set forth below.

On August 8, 2008, FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC (“FIF III”) executed a Subscription Agreement whereby it irrevocably committed to purchase by August 25, 2008 an aggregate of $11.5 million in 10% cumulative preferred stock of GateHouse Media Macomb Holdings, Inc. (“Macomb”), an operating subsidiary of ours. Macomb, an Unrestricted Subsidiary under the terms of our 2007 Credit Facility, will use the proceeds from such sale of preferred stock to make an $11.5 million cash investment in Holdco non-voting 10% cumulative preferred stock. FIF III may require us to purchase its Macomb preferred stock during the five-year period following our full repayment of the 2008 Bridge Facility for an amount equal to the original purchase price, plus accrued but unpaid dividends. Upon closing of this transaction, we will have remained in compliance as of June 30, 2008 with the Total Leverage Ratio financial covenant under our 2007 Credit Facility. FIF III is an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, LLC, the owner of approximately 41.8% of our outstanding Common Stock.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

The exhibits to this report are listed in the Exhibit Index below.

 

              

Incorporated by
Reference Herein

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

of Exhibit

  

Included

Herewith

  

Form

  

Exhibit

  

Filing

Date

31.1

   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer).    x         

31.2

   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer).    x         

32.1

   Section 1350 Certifications.    x         

 

40


Table of Contents

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.

 

  GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC.
Date: August 8, 2008  

/s/ Mark R. Thompson

  Mark R. Thompson
  Chief Financial Officer

 

41