Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 29, 2008
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number 1-6961
GANNETT CO., INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   16-0442930
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Virginia   22107-0910
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (703) 854-6000.
 
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 þ No o
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 definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large Accelerated Filer þ   Accelerated Filer o   Non-Accelerated Filer o   Smaller Reporting Company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): Yes o No þ
The total number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $1.00 par value, outstanding as of June 29, 2008, was 228,114,304.
 
 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Items 1 and 2. Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 5. Other Events
Item 6. Exhibits
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit 3.2
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Items 1 and 2. Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS
Preliminary Second Quarter Earnings Results
In its press release of July 16, 2008, the company reported that preliminary 2008 second quarter earnings per diluted share were $1.02 compared with $1.24 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2007. These preliminary results, however, did not include non-cash charges to be recorded in the quarter, which had not been finalized at that time, for the impairment of goodwill, other intangible assets and certain other assets. In its July 16, 2008 press release, the company indicated that such charges were expected to total in the range of $2.6 billion to $2.9 billion on a pre tax basis and $2.4 billion to $2.7 billion on an after tax basis.
The financial statements included in this Form 10-Q reflect final adjustments for these matters, which totaled $2.8 billion on a pre tax basis and $2.5 billion after tax.
Final Reported Results from Continuing Operations
The company reported a loss from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2008 of $2,290.8 million or $10.03 per diluted share. For the same period a year ago income from continuing operations was $289.9 million or $1.24 per diluted share.
For the year-to-date, the 2008 loss from continuing operations was $2,099.0 million or $9.17 per diluted share compared to income in 2007 from continuing operations of $496.2 million or $2.11 per diluted share.
During the second quarter of 2008, the company recorded certain non-cash impairment charges totaling approximately $2.8 billion on a pre tax basis and $2.5 billion on an after tax basis or $11.08 per diluted share. These charges are more fully described in the following section of this report.
Non-Cash Charges Recorded in Second Quarter 2008
Softening business conditions and a decline in the company’s stock price required the company to perform impairment tests on goodwill, intangible assets, and other long lived assets as of March 31, 2008, the first day of its fiscal second quarter. As a result, the company has recorded non-cash impairment charges in the quarter to reduce the book value of publishing goodwill, other publishing intangible assets including mastheads, and certain publishing property, plant and equipment assets. The carrying value of certain of the company’s investments in newspaper publishing partnerships and other businesses, which are accounted for under the equity method, were also written down. The company also recorded accelerated depreciation expense associated with certain cost reduction initiatives.
A summary of these charges is presented below:
                         
    Pre Tax     After Tax     Per Diluted  
(in millions except per share amounts)   Amount     Amount     Share Amount (a)  
Publishing segment asset impairments:
                       
Goodwill
  $ 2,138     $ 2,138     $ 9.36  
Other intangible assets-principally mastheads
    176       113       0.50  
Property, plant and equipment
    177       110       0.48  
 
                 
Total asset impairments
    2,491       2,361       10.34  
 
                       
Accelerated depreciation:
                       
Publishing
    8       5       0.02  
Broadcasting
    2       1        
Corporate
    1       1        
 
                 
Consolidated total included in operating expenses
    2,502       2,368       10.37  
 
                       
Newspaper publishing partnerships and other equity method investments
    261       162       0.71  
 
                 
Total non-cash charges
  $ 2,763     $ 2,530     $ 11.08  
 
                 
     
(a)   Per diluted share amounts are for the quarter ended June 29, 2008 and totals may not sum due to rounding.

 

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The goodwill impairment charge results from the application of the impairment testing provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS No. 142). Impairment testing is customarily performed annually, and last had been performed at the end of 2007, at which time no goodwill impairment charge was indicated. Because of softening business conditions within the company’s publishing segment and the decline in the company’s stock price and market capitalization, this testing was updated as of the beginning of the second quarter of 2008. For one of the reporting units in its publishing segment, an impairment was indicated. The fair value of the reporting unit was determined using discounted cash flow and multiple of earnings techniques. The company then undertook the next step in the impairment testing process by determining the fair value of assets and liabilities within this reporting unit.
The implied value of goodwill determined by the valuation for this reporting unit was less than the carrying amount by $2.1 billion, and therefore an impairment charge in this amount was taken. There was no tax benefit recognized related to the impairment charge since the recorded goodwill was non-deductible as it arose from stock purchase transactions. Therefore the after tax effect of the impairment was $2.1 billion or $9.36 per diluted share.
The impairment charge of $176 million for other publishing intangible assets was required because revenue results from the underlying businesses have softened from what was expected at the time they were purchased. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the carrying values of impaired indefinite lived intangible assets, principally mastheads, were reduced to fair value. Fair value was determined using a relief-from-royalty method. In addition, the carrying values of certain definite lived intangible assets, principally customer relationships, were reduced to fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (SFAS No. 144). Deferred tax benefits have been recognized for these intangible asset impairment charges and therefore the after tax impact was $113 million or $0.50 per diluted share.
The carrying value of property, plant and equipment amounts at certain publishing businesses was also evaluated due to softening business conditions. The recoverability of these assets was measured in accordance with SFAS No. 144. This measurement process indicated that expected undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by certain asset groups would be less than the asset carrying values. The carrying values of these asset groups were therefore reduced to fair value and an impairment charge of $177 million was taken. Asset group fair values were determined using a multiple of earnings technique. The company also recognized accelerated depreciation of $11 million in connection with certain cost reduction initiatives. Deferred tax benefits were recognized for these charges and therefore the after tax impact was $117 million or $0.51 per diluted share.
For certain of the company’s newspaper publishing partnership investments, and for certain other investments in which the company owns a minority equity interest, carrying values were written down to fair value because the businesses underlying the investments had experienced significant and sustained declines in operating performance, leading the company to conclude that they were other than temporarily impaired. The adjustment of newspaper publishing partnership carrying values comprise the majority of these investment charges, and these were driven by many of the same factors affecting the company’s wholly owned publishing businesses. These investment carrying value adjustments were $261 million pre tax and $162 million on an after tax basis, or $0.71 per diluted share. The pre tax charges for these investments are reflected as “Equity income (losses) in unconsolidated investees, net” in the Statement of Income (Loss).
Operating Revenue and Expense Discussion
The narrative which follows provides background on key revenue and expense areas and principal factors affecting amounts and comparisons.
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues declined 10.2% to $1.7 billion for the second quarter of 2008 and 9.3% to $3.4 billion for the first six months of the year. Revenue results were affected primarily by weakness in the economy in the US and the UK, and a very challenging advertising environment that depressed revenues for both the publishing and broadcasting segments. A more detailed discussion of revenues is included in following sections of this report.

 

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Operating Expenses
As a result of the non-cash charges discussed above, operating expenses increased substantially. Excluding the non-cash charges discussed above for goodwill, other intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment, operating costs declined 7% for the second quarter and year-to-date period, respectively.
During the second quarter of 2008, the company made changes to its domestic benefit plans by improving its 401(k) plan while freezing benefits under certain company sponsored defined benefit pension plans. As a result, the company recognized a pre tax curtailment gain for its domestic pension plans of approximately $46.5 million ($28.9 million after tax or $0.13 per share). However, the pension curtailment gain was almost totally offset by approximately $39.9 million in pre tax severance expenses ($26.4 million after tax or $0.12 per share) related to reductions in force and efficiency efforts in the U.S. and the UK.
Excluding severance costs, payroll expenses were down 4% for the quarter and 3% for the first six months, reflecting headcount reductions across the company.
Newsprint expenses were down 12% for the second quarter of 2008 and 16% for the first six months. Newsprint usage prices for the second quarter rose 5% but consumption was down 16%. For the six month period, prices were 1% lower and consumption was 15% lower.
The company’s continued aggressive cost control efforts at all business properties during the quarter mitigated to a significant degree the effects of lower revenue results. The company has increased strategic spending for online/digital operations, including costs for new personnel and technology.
2007 Business Dispositions
In May 2007, the company completed the sale of the Norwich (CT) Bulletin; the Rockford (IL) Register Star; the Observer-Dispatch in Utica, NY; and The Herald-Dispatch in Huntington, WV to GateHouse Media, Inc. and contributed the Chronicle-Tribune in Marion, IN to the Gannett Foundation. For all periods presented, results from these businesses have been reported as discontinued operations.
Publishing Results
Publishing revenues decreased 11% to $1.5 billion from $1.7 billion in the second quarter and decreased 10% to $3.0 billion from $3.4 billion year-to-date. Domestic advertising revenues decreased 14% for the second quarter and 12% for the first six months. In British pounds, advertising revenues in the UK decreased 13% for the second quarter and 10% for the first six months. On a constant currency basis total publishing advertising revenue would have decreased 13% for the second quarter and 12% year-to-date. The average exchange rate used to translate UK publishing results from Sterling to U.S. dollars decreased 1% to 1.97 from 1.99 for the second quarter and increased less than 1% to 1.98 from 1.97 for the year-to-date period.
Publishing operating revenues are derived principally from advertising and circulation sales, which accounted for 73% and 20% of total publishing revenues for the second quarter and the year-to-date period. Advertising revenues include amounts derived from advertising placed with publishing internet web sites as well as print products. Other publishing revenues are mainly from commercial printing operations and PointRoll. The table below presents the components of publishing revenues.
Publishing revenues, in thousands of dollars
                         
Second Quarter   2008     2007     % Change  
 
                       
Advertising
  $ 1,108,189     $ 1,281,555       (14 )
Circulation
    305,994       312,506       (2 )
All other
    111,238       113,908       (2 )
 
                 
Total
  $ 1,525,421     $ 1,707,969       (11 )
 
                 
                         
Year-to-date   2008     2007     % Change  
 
                       
Advertising
  $ 2,205,083     $ 2,503,182       (12 )
Circulation
    615,172       630,041       (2 )
All other
    211,855       222,901       (5 )
 
                 
Total
  $ 3,032,110     $ 3,356,124       (10 )
 
                 

 

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The table below presents the principal categories of advertising revenues for the publishing segment.
Advertising revenues, in thousands of dollars
                         
Second Quarter   2008     2007     % Change  
 
                       
Retail
  $ 505,195     $ 550,857       (8 )
National
    168,934       200,815       (16 )
Classified
    434,060       529,883       (18 )
 
                 
Total publishing advertising revenue
  $ 1,108,189     $ 1,281,555       (14 )
 
                 
                         
Year-to-date   2008     2007     % Change  
 
                       
Retail
  $ 984,218     $ 1,069,634       (8 )
National
    343,752       380,028       (10 )
Classified
    877,113       1,053,520       (17 )
 
                 
Total publishing advertising revenue
  $ 2,205,083     $ 2,503,182       (12 )
 
                 
Publishing advertising revenues decreased 14% from $1.3 billion to $1.1 billion for the second quarter as the company experienced softness in all three revenue categories. UK publishing advertising decreased 13% reflecting a downturn in all categories, with the classified decline being the most significant. For US domestic publishing, advertising decreased 14%, reflecting softness in all categories, also led by classified. For the year-to-date period, publishing advertising revenues declined 12%.
For the second quarter and year-to-date periods, retail advertising revenues declined 8%. Retail advertising in the U.S. was down 8% for the quarter and the year-to-date. Revenues were lower in most principal retail categories, with the most significant declines in the furniture, department store, and telecommunications categories. Certain of these category losses are tied to the very soft real estate environment in the US and the UK.
National advertising revenues declined 16% and 10% for the second quarter and year-to-date, respectively. National ad revenue softness reflects overall advertising declines at USA TODAY of 17% for the second quarter and 8% year-to-date. Paid ad pages at USA TODAY were 831 for the second quarter compared to 1,034 for the same period last year and 1,657 year-to-date compared to 1,937 last year.
Total classified advertising revenues decreased 18% for the quarter and 17% year-to-date, led by the very soft domestic real estate market in the west and southeast, specifically Florida, Arizona, California and Nevada. Domestic classified real estate revenues were down 30% for both the quarter and year-to-date. Classified employment revenues were down 29% for the quarter and 27% year-to-date, and auto revenues decreased 11% for the quarter and the year-to-date. Classified revenues for UK publishing decreased 14% for the quarter and 11% year-to-date, on a constant currency basis. In the UK, auto and real estate advertising revenues were down 19% and 27% for the quarter and 20% and 21% year-to-date, respectively, while employment revenues were 11% lower for the quarter and 9% lower year-to-date, all on a constant currency basis.
Total online/digital revenues associated with publishing operations rose 5% and 6% for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively.
Circulation revenues declined 2% for the second quarter and the first six months of 2008. Net paid daily circulation for publishing operations, excluding USA TODAY, declined 4% in the second quarter and 6% year-to-date while Sunday net paid circulation was down 5% for the second quarter and the year-to-date period. In the March Publishers Statement submitted to ABC, circulation for USA TODAY for the previous six months increased 0.3% from 2,278,022 in 2007 to 2,284,219 in 2008.
The decrease in “All other” revenues for the second quarter and year-to-date periods, is primarily due to lower commercial printing activity, partially offset by higher revenues at PointRoll.

 

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As a result of the non-cash charges discussed above, publishing operating expenses increased substantially. Excluding these non-cash charges, publishing operating expenses were down 6% for the second quarter and year-to-date, respectively due to strong operating cost controls, including a significant decline in newsprint usage and expense. Newsprint expense was 12% lower for the quarter, reflecting a 16% decline in usage, including savings from web width reductions and greater use of light weight newsprint, partially offset by a 5% increase in price. Year-to-date, newsprint expense declined 16% on a 15% decline in usage and a 1% decrease in price. For the remainder of 2008, newsprint prices are expected to be above prior year levels while consumption will be below last year.
Cost comparisons for the publishing segment are also affected by an allocation of the previously discussed curtailment gain recognized in the second quarter upon the freezing of benefits under company sponsored domestic defined benefit pension plans. However this gain was offset by second quarter severance expenses of $38 million related to reductions in force and efficiency efforts for domestic and UK publishing.
Excluding the impact of the non-cash charges, newsprint costs, the pension curtailment gain and severance costs, publishing expenses declined 5% for the quarter and year-to-date. This reflects aggressive cost controls at most properties, partially offset by increased spending for the company’s online/digital operations, including costs associated with personnel additions and technology to support new initiatives.
The publishing segment reported a loss for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of 2008, reflecting the non-cash impairment charges discussed above. Absent these charges, publishing operating income decreased $103.0 million or 26% for the quarter and $158.1 million or 21% for the year-to-date, reflecting the challenging print advertising environment, partially mitigated by operating cost savings throughout the group.
Broadcasting Results
Broadcasting includes results from the company’s 23 television stations and Captivate. Reported broadcasting revenues were $192.6 million in the second quarter compared to $204.7 million in 2007, a decline of $12.1 million or 6%. Year-to-date revenues were $362.7 million compared to $387.7 million in 2007, a decline of $25.0 million or 6%. Television revenues, excluding Captivate, were down 6% in the quarter, with local revenues down 7% and national revenues down 11%. Year-to-date revenues, excluding Captivate, were down 7%, with local revenues down 8% and national revenues down 9%. The decline in revenue reflects reduced ad demand amid the generally softer economic environment. The year-to-date revenue decline also reflects the absence in 2008 of Super Bowl ad spending on the company’s CBS affiliates. These factors were partially offset by an increase of approximately $3.1 million and $7.3 million in politically related advertising revenue for the second quarter and year-to-date 2008, respectively. Online revenues increased 17% for the quarter and 14% year-to-date.
Broadcasting operating expenses decreased more than 3% for the second quarter and more than 4% for the first 6 months of 2008, to $113.3 million and $225.7 million, reflecting an allocation of part of the pension curtailment gain, lower ad sales expense and lower stock-based compensation, partially offset by severance costs and the non-cash charges involving property, plant and equipment discussed above.
Reported operating income from broadcasting was down $8.2 million or 9% in the second quarter and $14.5 million or 10% year-to-date.
Corporate Expense
Corporate expenses in the second quarter were $10.0 million as compared to $18.7 million a year ago. Year-to-date corporate expenses were $25.7 million compared to $41.8 million a year ago. The decline reflects an allocation of part of the pension curtailment gain, as well as tight cost controls and lower stock compensation expense.
Consolidated Operating Expenses
Total consolidated operating expenses increased substantially due to the inclusion of the non-cash charges related to goodwill, other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment. Excluding the non-cash charges, operating expenses were below last year by $95 million, or 7%. Year-to-date total operating expenses decreased by $195 million or 7%. Important savings were achieved in publishing, broadcasting and at the corporate level. In addition to lower newsprint expense, payroll and stock compensation, most other general operating costs were lower for both business segments and for corporate. Operating expense comparisons were also favorably affected by the excess of the pension plan curtailment gain ($46.5 million) over severance expense ($39.9 million) recorded in the second quarter.

 

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Non-Operating Income and Expense
The company’s interest expense decreased $22.4 million or 34% for the quarter and $46.8 million or 34% year-to-date, reflecting lower interest levels and average debt balance. The daily average outstanding balance of commercial paper was $845 million during the second quarter of 2008 and $2.4 billion during the second quarter of 2007. The daily average outstanding balance of commercial paper was $785 million during the first six months of 2008 and $2.2 billion during the first six months of 2007. The weighted average interest rate on commercial paper was 3.2% and 5.4% for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively. For the year-to-date periods of 2008 and 2007, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper was 3.6% and 5.4%, respectively. Total average outstanding debt for the second quarter was $3.96 billion in 2008 and $4.71 billion in 2007. For the year-to-date periods of 2008 and 2007, the total average outstanding debt was $3.97 billion and $4.92 billion, respectively. The weighted average interest rate for total outstanding debt was 4.2% for the quarter as compared to 5.4% last year and 4.4% year-to-date as compared to 5.4% last year.
As discussed more fully in the “Liquidity, Capital Resources, Financial Position, and Statement of Cash Flows” section of this report, the company has floating rate notes in the form of commercial paper obligations and a $280.0 million term loan that was drawn in July 2008. At the end of the second quarter, the company also had floating rate convertible notes outstanding but, as expected, these were repaid in their entirety on July 15, 2008, financed with a combination of new term loan proceeds and commercial paper borrowings. Subsequent to the repayment of the convertible notes, the company had approximately $2.3 billion in floating rate obligations outstanding. A 1/2% increase or decrease in the average interest rate for these obligations would result in an increase or decrease in annual interest expense of $11.3 million.
At the end of 2007, the company’s equity share of operating results from its newspaper partnerships, including Tucson, which participates in a joint operating agency, the California Newspapers Partnership and Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership, were reclassified from “All other” revenue and reflected as “Equity income (losses) in unconsolidated investees, net” in the non-operating section of the Consolidated Statements of Income. This line also includes equity income and losses from online/new technology businesses which were previously classified in “Other” non-operating items. “All other” revenue is now comprised principally of commercial printing revenues and revenue from PointRoll. All periods presented reflect these reclassifications.
The company’s net equity loss in unconsolidated investees as reported for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of 2008 is substantial due to the inclusion of $261 million of impairment charges related to minority equity investments in newspaper partnerships and certain other businesses. Excluding the impairment charges, the company’s net equity income in unconsolidated investees declined $10 million for the second quarter and $20 million for the first six months of 2008, primarily due to lower operating results from its newspaper partnership investments, increased promotional and business development spending at CareerBuilder and Classified Ventures and operating costs for newly established digital/online businesses, including Metromix.
Other non-operating income for the year-to-date period of 2008 reflects a first quarter gain of $25.5 million on the sale of excess land adjacent to the company’s headquarters in McLean, Virginia.
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
The company reported a pre tax loss of $2,425.0 million for its second quarter and $2,133.5 million for the first six months of 2008. These pre tax losses include impairment charges discussed previously, the majority of which are not deductible for income tax purposes. Therefore, the effective tax benefit rate on these pre tax losses, including the impairment charges, are at the very low levels of 5.5% for the second quarter and 1.6% for the year-to-date period. Excluding the pre tax and tax effects of all impairment charges recorded in the second quarter, the company’s effective tax rate on such earnings would have been 29.0% for the second quarter and 31.4% for the year-to-date period. The tax rates for 2008 reflect a lower statutory rate on UK earnings and benefits from favorable renegotiations of prior year tax positions with UK tax authorities.
Discontinued Operations
Earnings from discontinued operations represent the combined operating results (net of income taxes) of the Norwich (CT) Bulletin, the Rockford (IL) Register Star, the Observer-Dispatch in Utica, NY and The Herald-Dispatch in Huntington, WV that were sold to GateHouse Media, Inc. on May 7, 2007 and the Chronicle-Tribune in Marion, IN that was contributed to the Gannett Foundation on May 21, 2007. The revenues and expenses from each of these properties have, along with associated income taxes, been removed from continuing operations and netted into a single amount on the Statement of Income titled “Income from the operation of discontinued operations, net of tax” for the first quarter of 2007.

 

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Taxes provided on the earnings from discontinued operations totaled $1.3 million and $4.1 million for the second quarter and year-to-date 2007, respectively. This includes U.S. federal and state income taxes and represents an effective rate of approximately 39%. The excess of this effective rate over the U.S. statutory rate of 35% is due principally to state income taxes. Also included in discontinued operations is the $73.8 million net after tax gain recognized in the second quarter of 2007 on the disposal of these properties. Taxes provided on the gain totaled approximately $139.8 million, covering U.S. federal and state income taxes and represent an effective rate of 65%. The excess of this effective rate over the U.S. statutory rate of 35% is due principally to the non-deductibility of goodwill associated with the properties disposed.
Earnings from discontinued operations, excluding the gain, per diluted share were $0.01 and $0.03 for the second quarter and year-to-date 2007, respectively. Second quarter 2007 earnings per diluted share for the gain on the disposition of these properties were $0.31.
Net Income/Loss
The company’s net loss was $2,290.8 million or $10.03 per diluted share for the second quarter compared to net income of $365.7 million or $1.56 per diluted share for 2007. For the year-to-date period of 2008 the company’s net loss was $2,099.0 or $9.17 per diluted share compared with net income of $576.3 million or $2.45 per diluted share for the comparable period of 2007. The 2008 results include $2.8 billion of non-cash charges discussed above ($2.5 billion after tax).
The weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding for the second quarter of 2008 totaled 228,325,000 compared to 234,605,000 for the second quarter of 2007. For the first six months of 2008 and 2007, the weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding totaled 228,772,000 and 234,814,000, respectively. The decline in outstanding shares is the result of the company’s share repurchase program under which approximately 0.6 million shares were repurchased during the second quarter of 2008, 2.1 million shares were repurchased during the first six months of 2008, and 3.0 million shares were repurchased in the second half of 2007. See Part II, Item 2 for information on share repurchases.
Acquisitions, Investments and Asset Dispositions
On December 31, 2007, the company acquired X.com, Inc. (BNQT.com). X.com, Inc. operates an action sports digital network covering eight different action sports including surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. X.com will be affiliated with the USA TODAY Sports brand. This acquisition was not material to results of operations or financial condition.
In February 2008, the company formed quadrantONE, a new digital ad sales network, with three other top media companies: Tribune Company, Hearst Corporation and The New York Times Company.
In March 2008, the company purchased a minority stake in Fantasy Sports Ventures (FSV). FSV owns a set of fantasy sports content sites and manages advertising across a network of affiliated sites.
In May 2008, the company purchased a minority stake in Cozi Group Inc. (COZI). COZI owns and maintains family organization software aimed at busy families.
Subsequent to the close of the second quarter, the company acquired from Tribune Company and The McClatchy Company their minority ownership interests in ShopLocal LLC, a leading marketing and database services company for major retailers in the U.S. The company now owns 100% of ShopLocal and will consolidate its results beginning in the third quarter of 2008. The acquisition will enable ShopLocal to collaborate with another Gannett company, PointRoll, to create ads that dynamically connect retail advertisers and consumers, online and in the store.
Subsequent to the end of the second quarter the company purchased a minority stake in Mogulus, LLC, a company that provides internet broadcasting services. The company also increased its investment in 4INFO subsequent to the end of the period, maintaining its approximate ownership interest.
In April 2007, the company disposed of a parcel of real estate located adjacent to its corporate headquarters in McLean, Virginia. In accordance with the installment method of accounting under SFAS No. 66, “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate”, $6 million of the gain was recognized in other non-operating income during the second quarter of 2007. The remaining gain of $25.5 million was deferred and recognized in the first quarter of 2008.
The financial statements reflect an allocation of purchase price that is preliminary for acquisitions completed subsequent to July 1, 2007.

 

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Liquidity, Capital Resources, Financial Position, and Statements of Cash Flows
The company’s cash flow from operating activities was $537.6 million for the first six months of 2008, compared to $648.9 million for the first six months of 2007. The decrease reflects lower publishing and broadcast earnings and related cash flow from those operations.
Cash flows used in the company’s investing activities totaled $5.9 million for the six months of 2008, reflecting $58.0 million of capital spending, $11.3 million of payments for acquisitions (discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements), and $24.0 million for investments. These cash inflows were partially offset by $69.2 million of proceeds from the sale of assets and $18.3 million of proceeds from investments.
Cash flows used in financing activities totaled $31.6 million for the first six months of 2008 reflecting net debt proceeds of $226.2 million, the payment of dividends totaling $184.0 million and the repurchase of common stock of $72.8 million. The company’s regular quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share, which was declared in the second quarter of 2008, totaled $91.4 million and was paid in July 2008.
On July 25, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $1 billion of the company’s common stock. The shares will be repurchased at management’s discretion, either in the open market or in privately negotiated block transactions. Management’s decision to repurchase shares will depend on price, availability and other corporate developments. Purchases will occur from time to time and no maximum purchase price has been set. As of June 29, 2008, the company had remaining authority to repurchase up to $808.9 million of the company’s common stock. For more information on the share repurchase program, refer to Item 2 of Part II of this Form 10-Q.
On June 16, 2008 the company repaid at scheduled maturity $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.125% notes, using borrowings in the commercial paper market.
On April 2, 2007, the company repaid at scheduled maturity $700 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.50% notes. The repayment was funded with proceeds of commercial paper borrowings, including $525 million which had been raised prior to the end of the first quarter of 2007 and which were temporarily invested in marketable securities until the repayment date of the notes.
In June 2007, the company issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior convertible notes in an underwritten public offering. Proceeds from the notes were used to repay commercial paper obligations. The convertible notes bore interest at a floating rate equal to one month LIBOR, reset monthly, minus twenty-three basis points. As anticipated, on July 15, 2008, the holders of all of the convertible notes required the company to repurchase their notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes submitted for repurchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
In July 2008, the company received proceeds of $280 million from borrowings under a new term loan agreement with certain lenders. The term loan is payable in full on July 14, 2011. The loan agreement requires the maintenance of net worth of at least $3.5 billion, and also contains covenants and default provisions customary for facilities of this nature and substantially similar to those contained in each of the company’s other credit agreements, as amended, dated February 27, 2004 and December 13, 2004. The loan carries interest at a floating rate and may be prepaid at any time without penalty.
The proceeds from the term loan, along with proceeds received from commercial paper issuances, approximately $500 million of which had been received from borrowings prior to the end of the second quarter and which were held in interest bearing deposits, were used to repurchase the $1.0 billion convertible notes discussed above.
The company’s operations have historically generated strong positive cash flow which, along with the company’s program of issuing commercial paper and maintaining bank revolving credit agreements, has provided adequate liquidity to meet the company’s requirements, including those for acquisitions.
The company regularly issues commercial paper for cash requirements and maintains revolving credit agreements equal to or in excess of any commercial paper outstanding. The company’s commercial paper is rated A-2 and P-2 by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s), respectively. The company’s senior unsecured long-term debt is rated BBB+ by S&P and A3 by Moody’s. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, on July 17, 2008, Moody’s announced that it was placing the company’s long-term rating of A3 under review for a possible downgrade, while re-affirming the P-2 short-term rating applicable to its commercial paper.

 

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The company has an effective universal shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission under which an unspecified amount of securities may be issued. Proceeds from any takedowns off the shelf may be used for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures, working capital, securities repurchase programs, repayment of debt and the financing of acquisitions.
The company’s foreign currency translation adjustment, included in accumulated other comprehensive income and reported as part of shareholders’ equity, totaled $744 million at the end of the second quarter 2008 versus $777 million at the end of 2007. This change reflects a slight decrease in the exchange rate for British Pound Sterling. Newsquest’s assets and liabilities at June 29, 2008 and December 30, 2007 were translated from Sterling to U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of approximately 2.00 at June 29, 2008 and the end of 2007, respectively. For the second quarter and first six months of 2008, Newsquest’s financial results were translated at an average rate of 1.97 and 1.98, compared to 1.99 and 1.97 last year.
The company is exposed to foreign exchange rate risk primarily due to its operations in the United Kingdom, for which Sterling is the functional currency. If the price of Sterling against the U.S. dollar had been 10% more or less than the actual price, operating income, excluding the non-cash impairment charges, for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of 2008 would have increased or decreased approximately 2%.
Certain Factors Affecting Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain forward-looking information. The words “expect”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “likely”, “will” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The company is not responsible for updating or revising any forward-looking statements, whether the result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Potential risks and uncertainties which could adversely affect the company’s results include, without limitation, the following factors: (a) increased consolidation among major retailers or other events which may adversely affect business operations of major customers and depress the level of local and national advertising; (b) a further economic downturn in some or all of the company’s principal publishing or broadcasting markets leading to decreased circulation or local, national or classified advertising; (c) a decline in general publishing readership and/or advertiser patterns as a result of competitive alternative media or other factors; (d) an increase in newsprint or syndication programming costs over the levels anticipated; (e) labor disputes which may cause revenue declines or increased labor costs; (f) acquisitions of new businesses or dispositions of existing businesses; (g) a decline in viewership of major networks and local news programming; (h) rapid technological changes and frequent new product introductions prevalent in electronic publishing; (i) an increase in interest rates; (j) a weakening in the Sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rate; (k) volatility in financial and credit markets which could affect the value of retirement plan assets and the company’s ability to raise funds through debt or equity issuances; (1) changes in the regulatory environment; (m) an other than temporary decline in operating results and enterprise value that could lead to further non-cash goodwill, other intangible asset or property, plant and equipment impairment charges; and (n) general economic, political and business conditions.

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries

In thousands of dollars (except per share amounts)
                 
    Jun. 29, 2008     Dec. 30, 2007  
    (Unaudited)          
ASSETS
               
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 577,362     $ 77,249  
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful receivables
(2008 — $34,984; 2007 — $36,772)
    863,373       956,523  
Other Receivables
    40,889       92,660  
Inventories
    118,827       97,086  
Deferred income taxes
    27,470       28,470  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    81,703       91,267  
 
               
 
           
Total current assets
    1,709,624       1,343,255  
 
           
 
               
Property, plant and equipment
               
Cost
    4,763,790       4,921,877  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (2,401,464 )     (2,306,207 )
 
               
 
           
Net property, plant and equipment
    2,362,326       2,615,670  
 
           
 
               
Intangible and other assets
               
Goodwill
    7,873,254       10,034,943  
Indefinite-lived and other amortized intangible assets, less accumulated amortization
    544,590       735,461  
Investments and other assets
    886,302       1,158,398  
 
               
 
           
Total intangible and other assets
    9,304,146       11,928,802  
 
           
 
Total assets
  $ 13,376,096     $ 15,887,727  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries

In thousands of dollars (except per share amounts)
                 
    Jun. 29, 2008     Dec. 30, 2007  
    (Unaudited)          
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable and current portion of film contracts payable
  $ 238,715     $ 257,393  
Compensation, interest and other accruals
    384,438       407,245  
Dividends payable
    91,689       93,050  
Income taxes
    52,458       24,301  
Deferred income
    157,753       180,174  
 
               
 
           
Total current liabilities
    925,053       962,163  
 
           
 
               
Deferred income taxes
    478,096       696,112  
Income taxes
    288,300       319,778  
Long-term debt
    4,324,586       4,098,338  
Postretirement medical and life insurance liabilities
    208,501       216,988  
Other long-term liabilities
    488,520       556,910  
 
               
 
           
Total liabilities
    6,713,056       6,850,289  
 
           
 
               
Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries
    18,870       20,279  
 
           
 
               
Shareholders’ equity
               
Preferred stock of $1 par value per share.
               
Authorized: 2,000,000 shares; Issued: none
           
Common stock of $1 par value per share.
               
Authorized: 800,000,000 shares;
Issued: 324,418,632 shares
    324,419       324,419  
Additional paid-in capital
    733,515       721,205  
Retained earnings
    10,737,655       13,019,143  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    398,410       430,891  
 
               
 
           
 
    12,193,999       14,495,658  
 
           
 
               
Less treasury stock, 96,304,328 shares and 94,216,075 shares, respectively, at cost
    (5,549,829 )     (5,478,499 )
 
               
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    6,644,170       9,017,159  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities, minority interests and shareholders’ equity
  $ 13,376,096     $ 15,887,727  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars (except per share amounts)
                         
    Thirteen Weeks Ended     % Inc  
    June 29, 2008     July 1, 2007     (Dec)  
Net Operating Revenues:
                       
Publishing advertising
  $ 1,108,189     $ 1,281,555       (13.5 )
Publishing circulation
    305,994       312,506       (2.1 )
Broadcasting
    192,568       204,666       (5.9 )
All other
    111,238       113,908       (2.3 )
 
                 
Total
    1,717,989       1,912,635       (10.2 )
 
                 
 
                       
Operating Expenses:
                       
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation
    988,538       1,052,476       (6.1 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation
    299,539       320,636       (6.6 )
Depreciation
    65,618       62,677       4.7  
Amortization of intangible assets
    6,475       8,855       (26.9 )
Goodwill and other asset impairment charges (see Note 3)
    2,491,365             ***  
 
                 
Total
    3,851,535       1,444,644       ***  
 
                 
Operating income (loss)
    (2,133,546 )     467,991       ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Non-operating (expense) income:
                       
Equity income (losses) in unconsolidated investees, net (see Note 3)
    (252,793 )     17,470       ***  
Interest expense
    (43,957 )     (66,400 )     (33.8 )
Other non-operating items
    5,340       10,324       (48.3 )
 
                 
Total
    (291,410 )     (38,606 )     ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (2,424,956 )     429,385       ***  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    (134,200 )     139,500       ***  
 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (2,290,756 )     289,885       ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Income from the operation of discontinued operations, net of tax
          1,963       ***  
Gain on disposal of newspaper business net of tax
          73,814       ***  
 
                 
Net Income (Loss)
  $ (2,290,756 )   $ 365,662       ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Earnings (Loss) from continuing operations per share — basic
  $ (10.03 )   $ 1.24       ***  
Discontinued operations per share — basic
          0.01       ***  
Gain on disposal of newspaper business per share — basic
          0.32       ***  
 
                 
Net Income (Loss) per share — basic
  $ (10.03 )   $ 1.56       ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Earnings (Loss) from continuing operations per share — diluted
  $ (10.03 )   $ 1.24       ***  
Discontinued operations per share — diluted
          0.01       ***  
Gain on disposal of newspaper business per share — diluted
          0.31       ***  
 
                 
Net Income (Loss) per share — diluted
  $ (10.03 )   $ 1.56       ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Dividends per share
  $ 0.40     $ 0.31       29.0  
 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited, in thousands of dollars (except per share amounts)
                         
    Twenty-six Weeks Ended     % Inc  
    June 29, 2008     July 1, 2007     (Dec)  
Net Operating Revenues:
                       
Publishing advertising
  $ 2,205,083     $ 2,503,182       (11.9 )
Publishing circulation
    615,172       630,041       (2.4 )
Broadcasting
    362,748       387,725       (6.4 )
All other
    211,855       222,901       (5.0 )
 
                 
Total
    3,394,858       3,743,849       (9.3 )
 
                 
 
                       
Operating Expenses:
                       
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation
    1,975,038       2,110,412       (6.4 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation
    594,435       641,157       (7.3 )
Depreciation
    125,220       124,862       0.3  
Amortization of intangible assets
    14,715       17,710       (16.9 )
Goodwill and other asset impairment charges (see Note 3)
    2,491,365             ***  
 
                 
Total
    5,200,773       2,894,141       ***  
 
                 
Operating income (loss)
    (1,805,915 )     849,708       ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Non-operating (expense) income:
                       
Equity income (losses) in unconsolidated investees, net (see Note 3)
    (264,548 )     15,990       ***  
Interest expense
    (92,506 )     (139,345 )     (33.6 )
Other non-operating items
    29,491       10,286       ***  
 
                 
Total
    (327,563 )     (113,069 )     ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (2,133,478 )     736,639       ***  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    (34,500 )     240,400       ***  
 
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (2,098,978 )     496,239       ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Income from the operation of discontinued operations, net of tax
          6,221       ***  
Gain on disposal of newspaper business net of tax
          73,814       ***  
 
                 
Net Income (Loss)
  $ (2,098,978 )   $ 576,274       ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Earnings (Loss) from continuing operations per share — basic
  $ (9.17 )   $ 2.12       ***  
Discontinued operations per share — basic
          0.03       ***  
Gain on disposal of newspaper business per share — basic
          0.31       ***  
 
                 
Net Income (Loss) per share — basic
  $ (9.17 )   $ 2.46       ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Earnings (Loss) from continuing operations per share — diluted
  $ (9.17 )   $ 2.11       ***  
Discontinued operations per share — diluted
          0.03       ***  
Gain on disposal of newspaper business per share — diluted
          0.31       ***  
 
                 
Net Income (Loss) per share — diluted
  $ (9.17 )   $ 2.45       ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Dividends per share
  $ 0.80     $ 0.62       29.0  
 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Gannett Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited, in thousands of dollars
                 
    Twenty-six weeks ended  
    June 29, 2008     July 1, 2007  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net Income (Loss)
  $ (2,098,978 )   $ 576,274  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to operating cash flows:
               
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax
          (73,814 )
Depreciation and amortization
    139,935       144,679  
Goodwill and other asset impairment charges (see Note 3)
    2,491,365        
Provision for deferred income taxes
    (216,100 )     12,100  
Pension (benefit) expense, net of pension contributions
    (33,047 )     30,037  
Equity losses (income) in unconsolidated investees, net (see Note 3)
    264,548       (15,990 )
Stock-based compensation
    13,404       20,521  
Other net, including asset sale gains and changes in other assets and liabilities
    (23,487 )     (44,924 )
 
           
 
               
Net cash flow from operating activities
    537,640       648,883  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (57,989 )     (59,974 )
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (11,295 )     (20,972 )
Payments for investments
    (23,998 )     (67,144 )
Proceeds from investments
    18,266       20,266  
Proceeds from sale of assets
    69,160       438,869  
Purchase of investments in marketable securities
          (58,508 )
 
           
 
               
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities
    (5,856 )     252,537  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of debt issuance fees
          1,000,000  
Proceeds from (payments of) unsecured promissory notes
    726,248       (953,663 )
Payments of unsecured fixed rate notes and other indebtedness
    (500,000 )     (700,000 )
Dividends paid
    (184,043 )     (145,598 )
Cost of common shares repurchased
    (72,764 )     (90,354 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
          12,065  
Distributions to minority interest in consolidated partnerships
    (1,068 )     (1,487 )
 
           
 
               
Net cash used for financing activities
    (31,627 )     (879,037 )
 
           
Effect of currency exchange rate change
    (44 )     1,684  
 
           
 
               
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    500,113       24,067  
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    77,249       94,256  
 
           
 
               
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 577,362     $ 118,323  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 29, 2008
NOTE 1 — Basis of presentation
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes, which are normally included in the Form 10-K and annual report to shareholders. The financial statements covering the thirteen week and year-to-date periods ended June 29, 2008, and the comparable periods of 2007, reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of the company, are necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods and reflect all normal and recurring adjustments which are necessary for a fair presentation of the company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of the dates and for the periods presented.
In connection with the May 2007 sale of the Norwich (CT) Bulletin; the Rockford (IL) Register Star; the Observer-Dispatch in Utica, NY; and The Herald-Dispatch in Huntington, WV to GateHouse Media, Inc. and the contribution of the Chronicle-Tribune in Marion, IN to the Gannett Foundation, the results for these publishing businesses are presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as discontinued operations. At June 29, 2008, there were no results of operations or net assets related to these discontinued operations. Amounts applicable to the discontinued operations, which have been reclassified in the Statements of Income for the thirteen week and twenty-six week periods ended July 1, 2007, are as follows:
                 
    Thirteen Weeks ended     Twenty-six Weeks ended  
(in millions of dollars)   July 1, 2007     July 1, 2007  
Revenues
  $ 11.8     $ 41.0  
Pre tax income
  $ 3.3     $ 10.3  
Net income
  $ 2.0     $ 6.2  
Gain (after tax)
  $ 73.8     $ 73.8  
At the end of 2007, the company’s equity share of operating results from its newspaper partnerships, including Tucson, which participates in a joint operating agency, the California Newspapers Partnership and Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership, were reclassified from “All other” revenue and reflected as “Equity income (losses) in unconsolidated investees, net” in the non-operating section of the Consolidated Statements of Income. This line also includes equity income and losses from online/new technology businesses which were previously classified in “Other” non-operating items. “All other” revenue is now comprised principally of commercial printing revenues and revenue from PointRoll. All periods presented reflect these reclassifications.
NOTE 2 — Recently issued accounting standards
In June 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) EITF No. 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities.” This FSP provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years. Upon adoption, a company is required to retrospectively adjust its earnings per share data (including any amounts related to interim periods, summaries of earnings and selected financial data) to conform with the provisions in this FSP. Early application of this FSP is prohibited. The adoption of FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 will not have a material effect on the company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement).” This FSP clarifies that convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement) are not addressed by paragraph 12 of APB Opinion No. 14, “Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants.” Additionally, this FSP specifies that issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of FSP No. APB 14-1 will not have a material effect on the company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS No. 161). SFAS No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 133 with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: (i) How and why an entity uses derivative instruments; (ii) How derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations and (iii) How derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. The company is in the process of evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 161 on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In December 2007 the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141(R)) and No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 141(R) and SFAS No. 160 are effective for the beginning of fiscal year 2009. SFAS No. 141(R) will change how business acquisitions are accounted for and will impact financial statements both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods. SFAS No. 160 will change the accounting and reporting for minority interest, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. The company is in the process of studying the impact of these standards on the company’s financial accounting and reporting.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157) which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The company adopted SFAS No. 157 at the beginning of 2008. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Refer to Note 12 for information regarding the company’s fair value measurements. In November 2007, the FASB agreed to a one-year deferral of the effective date for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The company is currently assessing the impact of adopting the deferred portion of the pronouncement.

 

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NOTE 3 — Impairment and other non-cash charges
Softening business conditions and a decline in the company’s stock price required the company to perform impairment tests on its goodwill, intangible assets, and other long lived assets as of March 31, 2008, the first day of its fiscal second quarter. As a result, the company has recorded non-cash impairment charges in the quarter to reduce the book value of publishing goodwill, other publishing intangible assets including mastheads, and certain publishing property, plant and equipment assets. The carrying value of certain of the company’s investments in newspaper publishing partnerships and other businesses, which are accounted for under the equity method, were also written down. The company also recorded accelerated depreciation expense associated with certain cost reduction initiatives.
A summary of these charges is presented below:
                         
    Pre Tax     After Tax     Per Diluted  
(in millions except per share amounts)   Amount     Amount     Share Amount (a)  
Publishing segment asset impairments:
                       
Goodwill
  $ 2,138     $ 2,138     $ 9.36  
Other intangible assets—principally mastheads
    176       113       0.50  
Property, plant and equipment
    177       110       0.48  
 
                 
Total asset impairments
    2,491       2,361       10.34  
 
                       
Accelerated depreciation:
                       
Publishing
    8       5       0.02  
Broadcasting
    2       1        
Corporate
    1       1        
 
                 
Consolidated total included in operating expenses
    2,502       2,368       10.37  
 
                       
Newspaper publishing partnerships and other equity method investments
    261       162       0.71  
 
                 
Total non-cash charges
  $ 2,763     $ 2,530     $ 11.08  
 
                 
     
(a)   Per diluted share amounts are for the quarter ended June 29, 2008 and totals may not sum due to rounding.
The goodwill impairment charge results from the application of the impairment testing provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS No. 142). Impairment testing is customarily performed annually, and last had been performed at the end of 2007, at which time no goodwill impairment charge was indicated. Because of softening business conditions within the company’s publishing segment and the decline in the company’s stock price and market capitalization, this testing was updated as of the beginning of the second quarter of 2008. For one of the reporting units in its publishing segment, an impairment was indicated. The fair value of the reporting unit was determined using discounted cash flow and multiple of earnings techniques. The company then undertook the next step in the impairment testing process by determining the fair value of assets and liabilities within this reporting unit.
The implied value of goodwill determined by the valuation for this reporting unit was less than the carrying amount by $2.1 billion, and therefore an impairment charge in this amount was taken. There was no tax benefit recognized related to the impairment charge since the recorded goodwill was non-deductible as it arose from stock purchase transactions. Therefore, the after tax effect of the impairment was $2.1 billion or $9.36 per diluted share.
The impairment charge of $176 million for other publishing intangible assets was required because revenue results from the underlying businesses have softened from what was expected at the time they were purchased. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the carrying values of impaired indefinite lived intangible assets, principally mastheads, were reduced to fair value. Fair value was determined using a relief-from-royalty method. In addition, the carrying values of certain definite lived intangible assets, principally customer relationships, were reduced to fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (SFAS No. 144). Deferred tax benefits have been recognized for these intangible asset impairment charges and therefore the after tax impact was $113 million or $0.50 per diluted share.

 

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The carrying value of property, plant and equipment amounts at certain publishing businesses was also evaluated due to softening business conditions. The recoverability of these assets was measured in accordance with SFAS No. 144. This measurement process indicated that expected undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by certain asset groups would be less than the asset carrying values. The carrying values of these asset groups were therefore reduced to fair value and an impairment charge of $177 million was taken. Asset group fair values were determined using a multiple of earnings technique. The company also recognized accelerated depreciation of $11 million in connection with certain cost reduction initiatives. Deferred tax benefits were recognized for these charges and therefore the after tax impact was $117 million or $0.51 per diluted share.
For certain of the company’s newspaper publishing partnership investments, and for certain other investments in which the company owns a minority equity interest, carrying values were written down to fair value because the businesses underlying the investments had experienced significant and sustained declines in operating performance, leading the company to conclude that they were other than temporarily impaired. The adjustment of newspaper publishing partnership carrying values comprise the majority of these investment charges, and these were driven by many of the same factors affecting the company’s wholly owned publishing businesses. These investment carrying value adjustments were $261 million pre tax and $162 million on an after tax basis, or $0.71 per diluted share. The pre tax charges for these investments are reflected as “Equity income (losses) in unconsolidated investees, net” in the Statement of Income (Loss).
NOTE 4 — Equity based awards
Stock-based compensation
For the quarter ended June 29, 2008 and July 1, 2007, options were granted for 34,683 and 32,625 shares, respectively. For the year-to-date periods ended June 29, 2008 and July 1, 2007, options were granted for 807,883 and 805,725 shares, respectively. The following weighted average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of those options.
                 
    Year-to-date  
    2008     2007  
 
               
Average expected term
    4.5 years       4.5 years  
Expected volatility
    18.45 %     17.80 %
Risk-free interest rates
    2.92 %     4.52 %
Expected dividend yield
    4.20 %     2.07 %
For the second quarter 2008, the company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $6.0 million, consisting of $3.0 million for nonqualified stock options and $3.0 million for restricted shares. For the year-to-date 2008, the company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $13.4 million, consisting of $7.5 million for nonqualified stock options and $5.9 million for restricted shares. The related tax benefit for stock compensation was $2.3 million for the second quarter and $5.1 million for the year-to-date period. On an after tax basis, total stock compensation expense was $3.7 million or $0.02 per share for the second quarter and $8.3 million or $0.04 per share year-to-date.
For the second quarter of 2007, the company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $6.9 million, consisting of $4.0 million for nonqualified stock options and $2.9 million for restricted shares (including shares issuable under the long-term incentive program). For the year-to-date 2007, the company recorded stock based compensation expense of $20.5 million, consisting of $13.9 million for nonqualified stock options and $6.6 million for restricted shares. The related tax benefit for stock compensation expense was $2.6 million for the second quarter and $7.8 million for the year-to-date period. On an after tax basis, total stock compensation expense was $4.3 million or $0.02 per share for the second quarter and $12.7 million or $0.05 per share year-to-date.
During the quarter and year-to-date ended June 29, 2008, no options were exercised.
During the quarter and year-to-date ended July 1, 2007, options for 91,538 and 216,864 shares of common stock were exercised. The company received $5.1 million and $12.1 million of cash from the exercise of these options. The intrinsic value of the options exercised was approximately $0.3 million for the second quarter and $1.1 million for the year-to-date. The actual tax benefit realized from the tax deductions from the options exercised was $0.1 million for the second quarter and $0.4 million for the year-to-date.
Option exercises are satisfied through the issuance of shares from treasury stock.

 

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A summary of the status of the company’s stock option awards as of June 29, 2008 and changes thereto during 2008 is presented below:
                                 
                    Weighted        
                    Average        
            Weighted     Remaining        
            Average     Contractual     Aggregate  
    Shares     Exercise Price     Term (in years)     Intrinsic Value  
Outstanding at beginning of year
    27,933,353     $ 70.88                  
Granted
    807,883       31.98                  
Canceled/Expired
    (855,860 )     74.08                  
 
                           
 
Outstanding at quarter end
    27,885,376     $ 69.66       4.36     $ 0.00  
 
                           
 
                               
Options exercisable at quarter end
    23,252,971     $ 73.04       4.01     $ 0.00  
Restricted stock
In addition to stock options, the company issues stock-based compensation in the form of restricted stock. Restricted stock is an award of common stock that is subject to restrictions and such other terms and conditions as the Executive Compensation Committee determines. These awards entitle an employee to receive shares of common stock at the end of a four-year incentive period conditioned on continued employment. Compensation expense for restricted stock is recognized for the awards that are expected to vest. The expense is based on the fair value of the awards on the date of grant and is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the four-year incentive period.
The company has also issued restricted stock to its Board of Directors. Upon each annual meeting of shareholders, each director receives a long-term award of 1,250 shares of restricted stock or options to purchase 5,000 shares of stock. The restricted stock awards vest over three years and expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the fair value of the restricted stock on the date of grant. The options generally vest at 25% per year beginning on the first anniversary date of the grant date and expense is recognized over the four-year vesting period.
Additionally, directors may elect to receive their annual fees in restricted stock or options in lieu of cash. These shares or options generally vest at 25% per quarter after the grant date. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the twelve- month board year for which the fees are paid based on the fair value of the stock award on the date of grant.
Directors may also elect to receive their meeting fees in restricted stock or options in lieu of cash. Restricted stock or options issued as compensation for meeting fees are issued at the end of the board year during which the fees were earned and fully vests on the date of grant. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the course of the board year.
All shares of restricted stock in which the directors vest are held by the company for the benefit of the directors until their retirement, at which time vested shares are delivered to the Directors.

 

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A summary of the status of the restricted stock awards as of June 29, 2008 and changes during 2008 is presented below:
                 
            Weighted  
            Average Fair  
    Shares     Value  
Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at beginning of year
    1,041,222     $ 47.89  
Granted
    45,372       31.09  
Vested
    (13,528 )     50.80  
Canceled
    (34,101 )     48.92  
 
           
 
Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at quarter end
    1,038,965     $ 47.08  
 
           
Long-term incentive program
In February 2006, the company adopted a three-year strategic long-term incentive program, or LTIP. Through the use of the LTIP, the company desired to motivate key executives to drive success in new businesses while continuing to achieve success in our core businesses. Because of softening business conditions, in the second quarter of 2008 the company determined that program targets would not be achieved, and previously accrued cost at the end of the first quarter of 2008 was reversed.
NOTE 5 — Acquisitions, investments and asset dispositions
On December 31, 2007, the company acquired X.com, Inc. (BNQT.com). X.com, Inc. operates an action sports digital network covering eight different action sports including surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. X.com will be affiliated with the USA TODAY Sports brand. This acquisition was not material to results of operations or financial condition.
In February 2008, the company formed quadrantONE, a new digital ad sales network, with three other top media companies: Tribune Company, Hearst Corporation and The New York Times Company.
In March 2008, the company purchased a minority stake in Fantasy Sports Ventures (FSV). FSV owns a set of fantasy sports content sites and manages advertising across a network of affiliated sites.
In May 2008, the company purchased a minority stake in Cozi Group Inc. (COZI). COZI owns and maintains family organization software aimed at busy families.
Subsequent to the close of the second quarter, the company acquired from Tribune Company and The McClatchy Company their minority ownership interests in ShopLocal LLC, a leading marketing and database services company for major retailers in the U.S. The company now owns 100% of ShopLocal and will consolidate its results beginning in the third quarter of 2008. The acquisition will enable ShopLocal to collaborate with another Gannett company, PointRoll, to create ads that dynamically connect retail advertisers and consumers, online and in the store.
Subsequent to the end of the second quarter the company purchased a minority stake in Mogulus, LLC, a company that provides internet broadcasting services. The company also increased its investment in 4INFO subsequent to the end of the period, maintaining its approximate ownership interest.
In April 2007, the company disposed of a parcel of real estate located adjacent to its corporate headquarters in McLean, Virginia. In accordance with the installment method of accounting under SFAS No. 66, “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate”, a portion of the gain was recognized in other non-operating income during the second quarter of 2007. The remaining gain of $25.5 million was deferred and recognized in the first quarter of 2008.
The financial statements reflect an allocation of purchase price that is preliminary for acquisitions subsequent to July 1, 2007.

 

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NOTE 6 — Goodwill and other intangible assets
The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets at June 29, 2008 and December 30, 2007.
                                 
    June 29, 2008     December 30, 2007  
            Accumulated             Accumulated  
(in thousands of dollars)   Gross     Amortization     Gross     Amortization  
 
                               
Goodwill
  $ 7,873,254     $     $ 10,034,943     $  
Indefinite-lived intangibles:
                               
Mastheads and trade names
    113,935             248,501        
Television station FCC licenses
    255,304             255,304        
Amortizable intangible assets:
                               
Customer relationships
    247,810       104,257       307,114       110,491  
Other
    46,512       14,714       48,222       13,189  
Amortization expense was $6.5 million in the quarter ended June 29, 2008 and $14.7 million year-to-date. For the second quarter and year-to-date of 2007, amortization expense was $8.9 and $17.7 million respectively. Amortization expense in the quarter ended June 29, 2008 was reduced slightly due to the impairment of certain amortizable intangible assets discussed in Note 3. Customer relationships, which include subscriber lists and advertiser relationships, are amortized on a straight-line basis over four to 25 years. Other intangibles include commercial printing relationships, internally developed technology and other assets. These assets were assigned lives of between 2.5 and 15 years and are amortized on a straight-line basis.
                         
(in thousands of dollars)   Publishing     Broadcasting     Total  
Goodwill
                       
Balance at Dec. 30, 2007
  $ 8,415,891     $ 1,619,052     $ 10,034,943  
Acquisitions and adjustments
    8,094             8,094  
Impairment
    (2,138,000 )           (2,138,000 )
Dispositions
    (137 )           (137 )
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
    (31,545 )     (101 )     (31,646 )
 
                 
Balance at June 29, 2008
  $ 6,254,303     $ 1,618,951     $ 7,873,254  
 
                 
Goodwill decreased primarily due to the non-cash charges discussed further in Note 3.
NOTE 7 — Long-term debt
On June 16, 2008 the company repaid the $500 million in unsecured notes bearing interest at 4.125% that were due using borrowings in the commercial paper market.
On April 2, 2007, the company repaid at scheduled maturity $700 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.50% notes. The repayment was funded with proceeds of commercial paper borrowings, including $525 million which had been raised prior to the end of the first quarter of 2007 and which were temporarily invested in marketable securities until the repayment date of the notes.
In June 2007, the company issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior convertible notes in an underwritten public offering. Proceeds from the notes were used to repay commercial paper obligations. The convertible notes bore interest at a floating rate equal to one month LIBOR, reset monthly, minus twenty-three basis points. As anticipated, on July 15, 2008, the holders of the convertible notes required the company to repurchase the convertible notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes submitted for repurchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

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In July 2008, the company received proceeds of $280 million from borrowings under a new term loan agreement with certain lenders. The term loan is payable in full on July 14, 2011. The loan agreement requires the maintenance of net worth of at least $3.5 billion, and also contains covenants and default provisions customary for facilities of this nature and substantially similar to those contained in each of the company’s other credit agreements, as amended, dated February 27, 2004 and December 13, 2004. The loan carries interest at a floating rate and may be prepaid at any time without penalty.
The proceeds from the term loan, along with proceeds received from commercial paper issuances, approximately $500 million of which had been received from borrowings prior to the end of the second quarter and which were held in interest bearing deposits, were used to repurchase the $1.0 billion convertible notes discussed above.
The following schedule of annual maturities of long-term debt assumes the company had used its $3.9 billion of revolving credit agreements to refinance existing unsecured promissory notes, the unsecured fixed rate notes, the unsecured floating rate notes, the unsecured senior convertible notes and other indebtedness due in 2008, 2009 and 2011. Based on this refinancing assumption, all of these obligations are reflected in the maturities for 2012.
         
(in thousands)   June 29, 2008  
 
       
2009
     
2010
     
2011
     
2012
  $ 4,324,586  
2013
     
Later years
     
 
     
Total
  $ 4,324,586  
 
     
NOTE 8 — Retirement plans
The company and its subsidiaries have various retirement plans, including plans established under collective bargaining agreements, under which most full-time employees are covered. The Gannett Retirement Plan is the company’s principal retirement plan and covers most U.S. employees of the company and its subsidiaries.
On June 10, 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized and approved amendments to each of (i) the Gannett Retirement Plan; (ii) the Gannett Supplemental Retirement Plan (SERP); (iii) the Gannett 401(k) Savings Plan (401(k) Plan); and (iv) the Gannett Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP). The amendments are designed to improve the 401(k) Plan while reducing the amount and volatility of future pension expense. As a result of the amendments to the Gannett Retirement Plan and SERP, most participants in these plans will have their benefits frozen as of August 1, 2008, meaning that their service and earnings on and after that date will not be considered for purposes of calculating their retirement benefits. Participants whose Gannett Retirement Plan and, if applicable, SERP benefits are frozen will have their frozen benefits periodically increased by a cost of living adjustment until benefits commence. Effective August 1, 2008, most participants whose benefits are frozen under the Gannett Retirement Plan and, if applicable, the SERP will receive higher matching contributions under the 401(k) Plan. Under the new formula, the matching contribution rate generally will increase from 50% of the first 6% of compensation that an employee elects to contribute to the plan to 100% of the first 5% of compensation. Gannett will also make additional employer contributions to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of certain employees. The DCP was amended to provide for Gannett contributions on behalf of certain employees whose benefits under the 401(k) Plan are capped by IRS rules that limit the amount of compensation that can be taken into account when calculating benefits under a qualified plan. Generally, Gannett’s contributions to the DCP will be calculated by applying the same formula that applies to an employee’s matching and additional employer contributions under the 401(k) Plan to the employee’s compensation in excess of the IRS compensation limit.
As a result of the amendments to freeze most benefit accruals in the Gannett Retirement Plan and the SERP, the company recognized a net pre tax pension curtailment gain of $46.5 million in the second quarter of 2008 in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits.” Incremental contributions under the enhanced 401(k) Savings Plan will commence August 1, 2008.

 

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The company’s pension costs, which include costs for qualified, nonqualified and union plans are presented in the following table:
                                 
    Second Quarter     Year-to-date  
(in millions of dollars)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
                               
Service cost-benefits earned during the period
  $ 19.4     $ 24.5     $ 43.2     $ 51.1  
Interest cost on benefit obligation
    53.1       49.7       106.7       98.9  
Expected return on plan assets
    (68.4 )     (68.1 )     (139.0 )     (135.9 )
Amortization of prior service credit
    (3.8 )     (5.5 )     (9.0 )     (10.3 )
Amortization of actuarial loss
    7.6       11.3       15.5       22.2  
 
                       
 
                               
Pension expense for company-sponsored retirement plans
    7.9       11.9       17.4       26.0  
Curtailment gain
    (46.5 )           (46.5 )        
Union and other pension cost
    1.8       2.0       3.6       4.0  
 
                       
 
                               
Pension (benefit) cost
  $ (36.8 )   $ 13.9     $ (25.5 )   $ 30.0  
 
                       
NOTE 9 — Postretirement benefits other than pension
The company provides health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees who meet age and service requirements. Most of the company’s retirees contribute to the cost of these benefits and retiree contributions are increased as actual benefit costs increase. The company’s policy is to fund benefits as claims and premiums are paid. Postretirement benefit costs for health care and life insurance are presented in the following table:
                                 
    Second Quarter     Year-to-date  
(in millions of dollars)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
                               
Service cost-benefits earned during the period
  $ 0.5     $ 0.5     $ 1.0     $ 1.0  
Interest cost on net benefit obligation
    3.5       3.4       7.0       6.8  
Amortization of prior service credit
    (3.9 )     (1.8 )     (7.8 )     (5.7 )
Amortization of actuarial loss
    1.2       0.1       2.4       1.4  
 
                       
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost
  $ 1.3     $ 2.2     $ 2.6     $ 3.5  
 
                       
NOTE 10 — Income taxes
The company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN No. 48) on January 1, 2007.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was approximately $182 million as of December 30, 2007 and $149 million as of the end of the second quarter of 2008. This amount reflects the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions. Excluding the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 30, 2007 was $264 million and as of June 29, 2008 was $231 million. The $33 million net decrease reflects a net reduction for prior year tax positions of $21 million, a reduction for cash settlements of $13 million, a reduction for lapses of statutes of limitations of $4 million, and additions in the current year of $5 million. The reduction for prior year tax positions, as well as the reduction for cash settlements, was primarily related to favorable settlements with the UK tax authorities.
The company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The company also recognizes interest income attributable to overpayment of income taxes as a component of income tax expense. The company recognized interest expense (income) of $9 million and $(5) million during the second quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The amount of net accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits as of December 30, 2007 was approximately $83 million and as of June 29, 2008, was approximately $100 million.

 

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The company files income tax returns in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The 2005 through 2007 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS. The IRS has commenced examination of the company’s 2005 and 2006 U.S. income tax returns, and this examination is expected to be completed in 2009. The 2004 through 2007 tax years generally remain subject to examination by state authorities, and the years 2003-2007 are subject to examination in the U.K. In addition, tax years prior to 2004 remain subject to examination by certain states primarily due to the filing of amended tax returns upon settlement of the IRS examination for these years and due to ongoing audits.
It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized benefits with respect to certain of the company’s unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months. These changes may be the result of settlement of ongoing audits, lapses of statutes of limitations or other regulatory developments. At this time, the company estimates that the amount of its gross unrecognized tax positions may decrease by up to approximately $50 million within the next 12 months primarily due to lapses of statutes of limitations in various jurisdictions and potential settlements of ongoing audits and negotiations.
NOTE 11 — Comprehensive income (loss)
The table below presents the components of comprehensive income (loss) for the second quarter and first six months of 2008 and 2007.
                                 
    Second Quarter     Year-to-date  
(in thousands of dollars)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ (2,290,756 )   $ 365,662     $ (2,098,978 )   $ 576,274  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (23,421 )     78,484       (32,480 )     99,810  
 
                       
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (2,314,177 )   $ 444,146     $ (2,131,458 )   $ 676,084  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income (loss) consists primarily of foreign currency translation and mark-to-market adjustments on the interest rate swaps.
NOTE 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 our own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels:
     
Level 1 -  
Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 -  
Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
Level 3 -  
Unobservable inputs developed using estimates and assumptions developed by the company, which reflect those that a market participant would use.
The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 29, 2008 (in thousands):
                                 
    Fair Value Measurements as of  
    June 29, 2008  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Assets
                               
Deferred compensation related investments
  $ 44,597     $     $     $ 44,597  
Sundry investments
  $ 25,525     $     $     $ 25,525  
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Interest rate swaps
  $     $ 13,396     $     $ 13,396  

 

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NOTE 13 — Business segment information
The company has determined that its reportable segments based on its management and internal reporting structures are publishing, which is the largest segment of its operations, and broadcasting.
Broadcasting includes results from the company’s 23 television stations and Captivate. Captivate is a national news and entertainment network that delivers programming and full motion video advertising through wireless digital video screens in elevators of premier office towers and in select hotels across North America.
Excluding discontinued operations
                         
    Thirteen weeks ended     % Inc  
(unaudited, in thousands of dollars)   June 29, 2008     July 1, 2007     (Dec)  
Net Operating Revenues:
                       
Publishing
  $ 1,525,421     $ 1,707,969       (10.7 )
Broadcasting
    192,568       204,666       (5.9 )
 
                 
Total
  $ 1,717,989     $ 1,912,635       (10.2 )
 
                 
 
                       
Operating Income (Loss) (net of depreciation, amortization and asset impairment — see Note 3):
                       
Publishing
  $ (2,202,786 )   $ 399,279       ***  
Broadcasting
    79,234       87,412       (9.4 )
Corporate
    (9,994 )     (18,700 )     (46.6 )
 
                 
Total
  $ (2,133,546 )   $ 467,991       ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Depreciation, Amortization and Asset Impairment (see Note 3):
                       
Publishing
  $ 2,548,122     $ 59,163       ***  
Broadcasting
    10,160       8,459       20.1  
Corporate
    5,176       3,910       32.4  
 
                 
Total
  $ 2,563,458     $ 71,532       ***  
 
                 
                         
    Twenty-six weeks ended     % Inc  
    June 29, 2008     July 1, 2007     (Dec)  
Net Operating Revenues:
                       
Publishing
  $ 3,032,110     $ 3,356,124       (9.7 )
Broadcasting
    362,748       387,725       (6.4 )
 
                 
Total
  $ 3,394,858     $ 3,743,849       (9.3 )
 
                 
 
                       
Operating Income (Loss) (net of depreciation, amortization and asset impairment — see Note 3):
                       
Newspaper publishing
  $ (1,917,254 )   $ 739,887       ***  
Broadcasting
    137,039       151,574       (9.6 )
Corporate
    (25,700 )     (41,753 )     (38.4 )
 
                 
Total
  $ (1,805,915 )   $ 849,708       ***  
 
                 
 
                       
Depreciation, Amortization and Asset Impairment (see Note 3):
                       
Newspaper publishing
  $ 2,603,501     $ 117,474       ***  
Broadcasting
    18,655       17,182       8.6  
Corporate
    9,144       7,916       15.5  
 
                 
Total
  $ 2,631,300     $ 142,572       ***  
 
                 

 

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NOTE 14 — Earnings (loss) per share
The company’s earnings (loss) per share (basic and diluted) are presented below:
                                 
    Thirteen weeks ended     Twenty-six weeks ended  
(in thousands except per share amounts)   June 29, 2008     July 1, 2007     June 29, 2008     July 1, 2007  
Income (loss) from continuing operations (see Note 3)
  $ (2,290,756 )   $ 289,885     $ (2,098,978 )   $ 496,239  
Income from the operation of discontinued operations, net of tax
          1,963             6,221  
Gain on disposal of newspaper business, net of tax
          73,814             73,814  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (2,290,756 )   $ 365,662     $ (2,098,978 )   $ 576,274  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic
    228,325       234,196       228,772       234,391  
Effect of dilutive securities
                               
Stock options
          65             85  
Restricted stock
          344             338  
 
                       
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted (a)
    228,325       234,605       228,772       234,814  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per share — basic
  $ (10.03 )   $ 1.24     $ (9.17 )   $ 2.12  
Discontinued operations per share — basic
          0.01             0.03  
Gain on disposal of newspaper business net of tax — basic
          0.32             0.31  
 
                       
Net income (loss) per share — basic
  $ (10.03 )   $ 1.56     $ (9.17 )   $ 2.46  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per share — diluted
  $ (10.03 )   $ 1.24     $ (9.17 )   $ 2.11  
Discontinued operations per share — diluted
          0.01             0.03  
Gain on disposal of newspaper business per share — diluted
          0.31             0.31  
 
                       
Net income (loss) per share — diluted
  $ (10.03 )   $ 1.56     $ (9.17 )   $ 2.45  
 
                       
     
(a)   Diluted weighted average common shares exclude 448 and 445 incremental shares resulting from the application of the treasury stock method to outstanding options and restricted stock for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2008, respectively. Their effect is anti-dilutive as results for these periods were a net loss.

 

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NOTE 15 Litigation
On December 31, 2003, two employees of the company’s television station KUSA in Denver filed a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado against Gannett and the Gannett Retirement Plan (Plan) on behalf of themselves and other similarly situated individuals who participated in the Plan after January 1, 1998, the date that certain amendments to the Plan took effect. The complaint was amended to add a third plaintiff. The plaintiffs alleged, among other things, that the current pension plan formula adopted in that amendment violated the age discrimination accrual provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. The plaintiffs sought to have their post-1997 benefits recalculated and sought other equitable relief. The court granted the plaintiffs’ motion to certify a class. On July 1, 2008, subsequent to the end of the company’s second quarter, the court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants, and entered a judgment dismissing all claims of the class plaintiffs and the individual plaintiffs. The plaintiffs’ right to appeal the decision expired on July 31, 2008.
The company and a number of its subsidiaries are defendants in other judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to their business. The company’s management does not believe that any material liability will be imposed as a result of these other matters.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The company believes that its market risk from financial instruments, such as accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt, is not material. The company is exposed to foreign exchange rate risk primarily due to its operations in the United Kingdom, for which Sterling is the functional currency. If the price of Sterling against the U.S. dollar had been 10% more or less than the actual price, operating income, excluding the non-cash impairment charges, for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of 2008 would have increased or decreased approximately 2%.
As discussed more fully in the “Liquidity, Capital Resources, Financial Position, and Statement of Cash Flows” section of this report, the company has floating rate notes in the form of commercial paper obligations and a $280.0 million term loan that was drawn in July 2008. At the end of the second quarter, the company also had floating rate convertible notes outstanding but, as expected, these were repaid in their entirety on July 15, 2008, financed with a combination of new term loan proceeds and commercial paper borrowings. Subsequent to the repayment of the convertible notes, the company had approximately $2.3 billion in floating rate obligations outstanding. A 1/2% increase or decrease in the average interest rate for these obligations would result in an increase or decrease in annual interest expense of $11.3 million.
The fair value of the company’s total long-term debt, determined based on quoted market prices for similar issues of debt with the same remaining maturities and similar terms, totaled $4.29 billion at June 29, 2008.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Based on their evaluation, the company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded the company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 29, 2008, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. There have been no changes in the company’s internal controls or in other factors during the fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
                                 
                    (c) Total Number        
                    of Shares        
    (a) Total             Purchased as Part     (d) Approximate Dollar  
    Number of     (b) Average     of Publicly     Value of Shares that  
    Shares     Price Paid per     Announced     May Yet Be Purchased  
Period   Purchased     Share     Program     Under the Program  
 
                               
3/31/08 – 5/04/08
    98,000     $ 25.50       98,000     $ 821,422,352  
 
                               
5/05/08 – 6/01/08
                    $ 821,422,352  
 
                               
6/02/08 – 6/29/08
    483,100     $ 25.85       483,100     $ 808,936,610  
 
                               
Total Second Quarter 2008
    581,100     $ 25.79       581,100     $ 808,936,610  
All of the shares included in column (c) of the table above were repurchased under the remaining $1 billion authorization announced on July 25, 2006. There is no expiration date for the repurchase program. No repurchase program expired during the periods presented above and management does not intend to terminate the repurchase program. All shares repurchased were part of the publicly announced repurchase program.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Gannett Co., Inc. was held on April 30, 2008. The following describes the actions taken at the Annual Meeting.
Three nominees were re-elected to the Board of Directors with each receiving greater than 95% of the vote. Tabulation of votes for each of the nominees was as follows:
                 
    For     Withhold Authority  
Craig A. Dubow
    194,795,565       9,813,200  
Donna E. Shalala
    195,902,115       8,706,650  
Neal Shapiro
    196,625,153       7,983,612  
The proposal to ratify Ernst & Young LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm was approved. Tabulation of the votes for the proposal was as follows:
                                 
                            Broker  
    For     Against     Abstain     Non-Vote  
Ratification of independent auditors
    202,480,302       343,413       1,785,050       - 0 -  

 

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Item 5. Other Events
On July 31, 2008, the company’s Board of Directors amended Article II, Sections 4 and 6 of the company’s bylaws. Amended Article II, Section 4(A)(1) clarifies that the notice described in clause (c) of Article II, Section 4(A)(1) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or submit other business (other than matters properly brought under Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and included in the Corporation’s notice of meeting) before an annual meeting of stockholders. Under amended Article II, Section 4(A)(2), to be in proper form, a stockholder’s notice must set forth, in addition to the information that was previously required by the bylaws, a description of (i) any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right, or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any class or series of shares of the Corporation or with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, whether or not such instrument or right shall be subject to settlement in the underlying class or series of capital stock of the Corporation or otherwise (a “Derivative Instrument”) directly or indirectly owned beneficially by such stockholder and any other direct or indirect opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation, (ii) any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship pursuant to which such stockholder has a right to vote any shares of any security of the Corporation, (iii) any short interest in any security of the Corporation, (iv) any rights to dividends on the shares of the Corporation owned beneficially by such stockholder that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation, (v) any proportionate interest in shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership in which such stockholder is a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner and (vi) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that such stockholder is entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments, if any, as of the date of such notice, including without limitation any such interests held by members of such stockholder’s immediate family sharing the same household. Amended Article II, Section 4(C)(3) clarifies that any references in the Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to Section 4(A)(1)(c) or Section 4(B) of the Bylaws. Amended Article II, Section 6 establishes the record date as the date on which the Company shall determine whether the number of director nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected for purposes of the director election vote requirements set forth in Article II, Section 6. The amended bylaws are attached as Exhibit 3-2 to this Form 10-Q.
Item 6. Exhibits
Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit Index attached hereto and made a part hereof.

 

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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.
         
Date: August 1, 2008  GANNETT CO., INC.
 
 
  /s/ George R. Gavagan    
  George R. Gavagan   
  Vice President and Controller
(on behalf of Registrant and as Chief Accounting Officer) 
 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
         
Exhibit        
Number   Exhibit   Location
 
       
3-1
  Third Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Gannett Co., Inc.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 1, 2007.
 
       
3-2
  By-laws of Gannett Co., Inc.   Attached.
 
       
3-3
  Form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights setting forth the terms of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Gannett Co., Inc.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-A filed on May 23, 1990.
 
       
4-1
  Rights Agreement, dated as of May 21, 1990, between Gannett Co., Inc. and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-A filed on May 23, 1990.
 
       
4-2
  Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement, dated as of May 2, 2000, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., as successor rights agent to First Chicago Trust Company of New York.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-A/A filed on May 2, 2000.
 
       
4-3
  Form of Rights Certificate.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-A filed on May 23, 1990.
 
       
4-4
  Specimen Certificate for Gannett Co., Inc.’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-B filed on June 14, 1972.
 
       
31-1
  Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of CEO.   Attached.
 
       
31-2
  Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of CFO.   Attached.
 
       
32-1
  Section 1350 Certification of CEO.   Attached.
 
       
32-2
  Section 1350 Certification of CFO.   Attached.
The company agrees to furnish to the Commission, upon request, a copy of each agreement with respect to long-term debt not filed herewith in reliance upon the exemption from filing applicable to any series of debt which does not exceed 10% of the total consolidated assets of the company.

 

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