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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
| þ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 26, 2010
| o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 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
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | |
| Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share | The New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405
of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section
13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
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 has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No
o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation
S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 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 the 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 Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the
registrant based on the closing sales price of the registrant’s Common Stock as reported on The New
York Stock Exchange on June 25, 2010, was $3,544,790,597. The registrant has no non-voting common
equity.
As of January 30, 2011, 239,686,303 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The definitive proxy statement relating to the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to
be held on May 3, 2011, is incorporated by reference in Part III to the extent described therein.
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INDEX TO GANNETT CO., INC.
2010 FORM 10-K
2010 FORM 10-K
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PART I
| ITEM 1. | BUSINESS |
Company Profile
Gannett was founded by Frank E. Gannett and associates in 1906 and incorporated in 1923. The
company went public in 1967. It reincorporated in Delaware in 1972. Its more than 239 million
outstanding shares of common stock are held by approximately 8,800 shareholders of record in all 50
states and several foreign countries. The company has approximately 32,600 employees including
1,700 employees for CareerBuilder, LLC. Gannett’s headquarters are in McLean, VA, near Washington,
DC.
Gannett is an international media and marketing solutions company. The company provides
consumers with the information they want and connects them to their communities of interest through
multiple platforms including the Internet, mobile, newspapers, magazines and TV stations. Gannett
helps businesses grow by providing marketing solutions that reach and engage their customers across
the company’s diverse platforms. Gannett is an Internet leader with hundreds of newspaper and TV
web sites and several national web sites, reaching 52 million unique users monthly or about 24% of
the Internet audience, as measured by comScore Media Metrix. These web sites include
CareerBuilder.com, the nation’s top employment site; USATODAY.com; 81 local MomsLikeMe.com sites;
PointRoll, an industry leader in rich media advertising solutions; and ShopLocal, a leader in
multichannel shopping and advertising services. Gannett publishes 82 daily U.S. newspapers,
including USA TODAY, the nation’s largest-selling daily print newspaper, and about 600 magazines
and other non-dailies including USA WEEKEND. The company also operates 23 television stations in 19
U.S. markets and Captivate, which operates video screens in office elevators in key urban markets.
Gannett subsidiary Newsquest is one of the United Kingdom’s leading regional community news
providers with 17 daily paid-for titles, more than 200 weekly newspapers, magazines and trade
publications, and a network of web sites.
In broadcasting, the company’s 23 television stations in 19 U.S. markets with a total market
reach of more than 21 million households cover 18.2% of the U.S. population. Each of these stations
also operates locally oriented web sites offering news, entertainment and advertising content, in
text and video format. Through its Captivate subsidiary, the broadcasting group delivers news,
information and advertising to a highly desirable audience demographic on video screens located in
elevators of office towers and select hotel lobbies across North America.
Beginning in the third quarter of 2008 and concurrent with the purchase of a controlling
interest in CareerBuilder, LLC, the leading U.S. employment web site with expanding overseas
operations, and ShopLocal, a provider of online marketing solutions, the company began reporting a
separate Digital segment.
In addition to CareerBuilder and ShopLocal, the Digital segment also includes PointRoll,
Planet Discover and Schedule Star. Results from CareerBuilder and ShopLocal were initially
consolidated in the third quarter of 2008. Results for PointRoll, Planet Discover and Schedule
Star, which had been reflected previously in the Publishing segment, have been reclassified to the
Digital segment.
PointRoll and ShopLocal, now operating together, provide online advertisers with rich media
marketing services, and have achieved significant revenue and earnings gains. Through Schedule Star
LLC, the company operates HighSchoolSports.net, a digital content site serving the high school
sports audience, and the Schedule Star solution for local athletic directors. National platform
opportunities are being developed from the many local communities this business serves.
Complementing its core publishing, digital and broadcasting businesses, the company has made
significant strides in its digital strategy through key investments and partnerships in the online
space. These include a partnership investment in Classified Ventures, which owns and operates the
Cars.com and Apartments.com web sites.
In March 2010, CareerBuilder expanded its reach in the U.K. when it purchased CareerSite.biz,
parent of three successful career-related operations there. Founded in 2001, CareerSite.biz
operates two online recruitment niche sites focusing on nursing and rail workers as well as a
successful virtual career fair business.
In 2008, the company made strategic investments in
QuadrantONE, a digital ad sales network; Fantasy Sports Ventures, which operates a group of fantasy
sports content web sites; COZI Group, which owns family organization software; and Livestream, an
Internet broadcasting service provider.
In late 2007, Metromix LLC was created, which is a digital joint venture focusing on a common
model for local online entertainment sites, and then scaling the sites into a national platform
under the Metromix brand.
New developments include the purchase of an equity interest in Ongo Inc. Ongo is a personal
news service that gives consumers a fundamentally new way to read, discover and share digital news
and information. Premiering with more than a dozen top-tier titles in a single interface designed
for readability, Ongo delivers full articles and convenient customization features, along with
editorial selection that surfaces vital and interesting stories beyond the day’s top headlines.
Ongo is accessible through any major web browser on computers, smart phones and tablets — so
subscribers enjoy their favorite publications on all the devices they own for a single monthly fee.
USATODAY.com is among the titles now available from Ongo.
In early January 2011, the company also announced the acquisition of Reviewed.com, a group of
12 product-review web sites that provide comprehensive reviews for technology products such as
digital cameras, camcorders and high-definition televisions.
Reviewed.com’s operation will be integrated with USA TODAY as part of USA TODAY’s consumer media
strategy.
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Business Transformation and Initiatives: The company continues to evolve internally to meet
the needs of consumers and business customers in the digital environment and to optimize its
opportunities at its core publishing and broadcast operations.
Important steps taken to achieve these objectives include:
| • | Drive innovation throughout the company to create new digital offerings that either complement the company’s news and information businesses, or that take it into new markets with new audiences. Digital revenue companywide in 2010, including the Digital segment and all digital revenues generated by the other business segments, was approximately $1 billion. This represents 18% of total operating revenues, an increase of 8% from 2009. |
| • | Focus on the delivery of content from USA TODAY and the company’s 100 plus local sites to mobile devices. In 2010, 1.6 billion mobile page views were served, up 267% from 2009. To leverage this mobile momentum, a build-out of a Gannett-wide mobile platform has begun that gives the company’s mobile sites a new look and feel and supports on-demand video for higher-end devices such as the iPhone. At the same time, USA TODAY and the company’s local media organizations have the ability to customize their mobile sites to meet the needs of their customers. Most importantly, with this new platform the company is now able to drive innovation across all Gannett mobile sites by pooling technical resources in an efficient and scalable manner. Additionally, USA TODAY’s iPad, iPhone and Android apps combined have more than 7 million downloads since launch and consistently ranked at or near the top of the general news category. The USA TODAY app for the iPad received numerous honors in 2010 and has remained one of the most popular iPad news apps with more than 1.6 million downloads since launch. |
| • | Developed key business partnerships. In July 2010, Gannett and Yahoo! announced a local advertising partnership that brings together Gannett’s strong local media organization brands, sales capacities and leading web site audiences with Yahoo!’s high-quality audience. All of Gannett’s 81 local publishing organizations and seven of its 23 television stations will sell Yahoo! advertising inventory as part of Gannett’s local advertising solutions. The roll-out to each of the business units began in the fall 2010 and will continue into 2011. As a result, local advertisers will benefit from expanded digital reach and audience targeting capabilities based on geography, user demographics, interests and more against that expanded audience. In addition, Gannett will be leveraging the targeting and ad ordering capabilities of the APT from Yahoo! Platform for local sales. This partnership will extend Gannett’s local media organization reach to cover as much as 80% of the total digital audience in each market. |
| • | Improved core publishing and television operations through transformation of newsrooms into Information Centers. The Information Center concept has enhanced the company’s appeal to more customers in the markets that are served, with 24/7 updating to produce unique top quality local content across multiple platforms. Watchdog journalism is emphasized, digital sites are positioned as the primary medium for breaking news and the daily newspapers focus on story depth, analysis and context. Creating superior Sunday newspaper editions is also an important goal. Enhanced Sunday editions were complemented with effective advertiser and consumer sales initiatives, and the results have been very positive. Subscriber retention improved and Sunday home delivery circulation volume has grown at U.S. Community Publishing’s operations. Gannett’s Sunday home delivery was up on average compared to 2009 for the 32 largest local media organizations in the U.S. Community Publishing division. While the focus is on customer centricity, Information Center initiatives also fulfill the company’s responsibilities under the First Amendment. |
| • | Continued the development and enhancement of the ContentOne initiative, through which the company expects to fundamentally change the way content is gathered, shared and sold. ContentOne’s focus is to reduce duplication of effort in developing and gathering content and enhancing the sharing of content across the company. A key objective is to find new ways to generate revenue from the company’s content, demonstrating usefulness and value beyond its inclusion in the company’s newspapers, television broadcasts and web sites. ContentOne builds on the Information Center initiative by creating a national focal point that will serve all of the company’s businesses. |
| • | Rollout of a companywide content-management system with installation to begin in early 2011 to better support and leverage the Gannett Information Centers and ContentOne. The common content-management system (CMS) enables U.S. Community Publishing to centralize design of all print products at five design studios which will offer higher-quality design than can be produced at many sites now and maximize efficiencies. Studios will be created in early 2011 in Asbury Park, NJ; Nashville, TN; Louisville, KY; Des Moines, IA; and Phoenix, AZ. |
| • | Reorganized USA TODAY to transform it from a newspaper brand to a media company focusing on efficient, compelling delivery of news and information across multiple platforms, and aligning all business activities in ways that fulfill the needs of consumers and marketers in unique and progressive ways. Content verticals were launched in the areas of Travel, Your Life, Personal Finance and Diversions to create deep, relevant information presented in a vibrant style in the heritage of the USA TODAY brand. Early results have shown significant growth in audience in these content areas. The USA TODAY Sports Media Group was also created and designed to oversee and coordinate business strategy for national sports initiatives across all of Gannett, including USA TODAY, as well as Gannett’s community of newspaper properties, television stations, HighSchoolSports.net and BNQT.com. |
| • | Launched five regional Gannett Client Solutions Groups in the U.S. Community Publishing division to provide customized marketing solutions services such as strategic planning, campaign concept and design, digital media execution, event marketing and media buying. At the same time, the company continues its focus on creating a customer-centric world class sales organization in its local community publishing markets. |
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| • | Launched GannettLocal to focus on providing personal marketing specialists to small and medium sized businesses. These “Local Marketing Navigators” leverage their knowledge and the company’s delivery network to create affordable, customized local marketing solutions to meet customers’ needs. |
| • | Continued testing new subscription options at three U.S. Community Publishing sites, Greenville, SC; Tallahassee, FL; and St. George, UT, after establishing pay walls in front of their web sites. These tests are helping us better understand consumer response to paid content and what type of business models are sustainable. |
| • | Extended the digital reach of the company’s local television brands by joining with Datasphere, a leading provider of hyper-local web technology, to deliver very localized content on a community and neighborhood basis to consumers and hyper-local digital ad solutions for local small businesses. By enabling advertisers to target audiences down to specific neighborhoods, the company makes their services even more relevant to their customers. The company launched 264 of these neighborhood web sites in 10 markets. |
| • | Maximized the use and deployment of resources throughout the company. In 2010, the company continued its commitment to transforming its business activities, including more consolidation and centralization of functions that do not require a physical presence in each of the company’s markets. In this regard, the company has consolidated numerous production facilities and established centralized accounting, credit and collection functions which now serve nearly all domestic business operations. These efforts have achieved cost efficiencies and permitted improved local focus on content and revenue-producing activities and these efforts will continue to be aggressively pursued in 2011. |
| • | Launched a resource sharing effort by its Phoenix publishing, broadcasting and online operations which brought the company’s channel 12 News television operation into the Republic Media building. The television station is broadcasting from a high-tech street-level studio. The combined new staff is part of a print, broadcast and online collaboration designed to add breadth and depth to coverage for readers and viewers, and initially is focusing on four areas: breaking news, sports, features/entertainment and photo/video. |
| • | Expanded the Digital Employment Sales Center (DESC), a centralized outbound telesales operation based at The Star in Indianapolis, which focuses on selling CareerBuilder.com and other employment advertising solutions in Gannett media markets around the country. Staffing at the DESC grew in 2010 and sales more than tripled over the prior year. |
| • | Employed a customer-centric approach to developing and selling integrated marketing campaigns through a newly created national, cross-divisional sales organization called CustomerOne Solutions. |
| • | Maintained the company’s strong financial discipline and capital structure, preserving its flexibility to make acquisitions, investments and affiliations. The company generated $773 million of cash flow from operating activities in 2010, in the face of an uneven economy. As a result, during 2010 the company’s long-term debt was reduced by $710 million to $2.35 billion, and at the end of the year the company’s senior leverage ratio was 1.97 times, well within the limit of 3.5 times designated by the company’s principal financial covenant. In September 2010, the company completed the private placement of unsecured senior notes totaling $500 million in two tranches: $250 million due in 2015 and $250 million due in 2018. At the same time, the company amended its revolving credit agreements and extended the maturity date for the majority of its lenders from March 15, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2014. Total commitments under the amended revolving credit agreements are $1.63 billion through March 15, 2012 and total extended commitments from March 15, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2014 will be $1.14 billion. With these two actions, the company extended and greatly improved its debt maturity profile. |
| • | Improved the funded status of the Gannett Retirement Plan through voluntary contributions totaling $130 million. As a result of the contributions and a strong investment return for the plan’s assets for 2010, at the end of the year, the plan’s funded status improved to 85%. |
| • | Strengthened the foundation of the company by finding, developing and retaining the best and the brightest employees through a robust Leadership and Diversity program. Gannett’s Leadership and Diversity Council has been charged with attracting and retaining superior talent and developing a diverse workforce that reflects the communities Gannett serves. |
Business portfolio: The company operates a diverse business portfolio, established through
acquisitions and internal development. Some examples of this diversification are:
| • | CareerBuilder, the No. 1 employment web site in the U.S. |
| • | PointRoll, a leading rich media marketing company that provides Internet user-friendly technology, allowing advertisers to expand their online space and impact. |
| • | ShopLocal, a leader in multichannel shopping and advertising services. |
| • | Planet Discover, a provider of local, integrated online search and advertising technology. |
| • | MomsLikeMe, an internally developed national brand for social networking among moms-site users at the local level, supplemented with helpful information moms can use. |
| • | QuadrantONE, a digital ad sales network formed with three other top media companies. |
| • | USA WEEKEND, a weekly newspaper magazine carried by more than 700 local newspapers with an aggregate circulation reach of 23 million. |
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| • | Clipper Magazine, a direct mail advertising magazine that publishes more than 700 individual market editions under the brands Clipper Magazine, Savvy Shopper and Mint Magazine in more than 30 states. |
| • | Gannett Government Media (formerly Army Times), which publishes military and defense newspapers and has expanded into the broadcasting and online arenas. Gannett Government Media collaborates with Gannett Washington, D.C. TV station WUSA to produce “This Week in Defense News” which airs on Sunday mornings. |
| • | Gannett Healthcare Group publishes Nursing Spectrum, NurseWeek and Nurse.com The Magazine, specializing in news, continuing education opportunities and employment opportunities for registered nurses (RNs) in a combined circulation of 720,000, as well as Today in PT and Today in OT, featuring news, continuing education opportunities and employment opportunities for allied health professionals. Gannett Healthcare Group also operates Gannett Education, which delivers continuing education opportunities to RNs and allied health professionals and includes PearlsReview.com, an online nursing certification and continuing education web site. |
| • | Gannett Offset, a network of five commercial printing operations in the U.S. |
Newspaper partnerships: The company owns a 19.49% interest in California Newspapers
Partnership, which includes 19 daily California newspapers; a 40.64% interest in Texas-New Mexico
Newspapers Partnership, which includes six daily newspapers in Texas and New Mexico and four
newspapers in Pennsylvania; and a 13.5% interest in Ponderay Newsprint Company in the state of
Washington.
Joint operating agencies: The company’s newspaper subsidiary in Detroit participates in a
joint operating agency. The joint operating agency performs the production, sales and distribution
functions for the subsidiary and another newspaper publishing company under a joint operating
agreement. Operating results for the Detroit joint operating agency are fully consolidated along
with a charge for the minority partner’s share of profits. Through May 2009, the company also
published the Tucson Citizen through the Tucson joint operating agency in which the company held a
50% interest. Because of challenges facing the publishing industry, combined with the difficult
economy, particularly in the Tucson area, the company ceased publication of the Tucson Citizen on
May 16, 2009. The company retained its online site and 50% partnership interest in the joint
operating agency, which provides service to the remaining non-Gannett newspaper in Tucson. The
company’s share of results for its share of the Tucson operations are accounted for under the
equity method, and are reported as a net amount in “Equity income (losses) in unconsolidated
investee, net.”
Strategic investments: In early January 2011, the company announced the acquisition of
Reviewed.com, a group of 12 product-review web sites that provide comprehensive reviews for
technology products such as digital cameras, camcorders and high definition televisions.
Reviewed.com’s operation will be integrated with USA TODAY as part of USA TODAY’s consumer media
strategy.
In October 2010, the company purchased a minority stake in Ongo Inc., which operates a
personal news service that gives consumers a fundamentally new way to read, discover and share
digital news and information. Premiering with more than a dozen top-tier titles in a single
interface designed for readability, Ongo delivers full articles and convenient customization
features. Ongo is accessible through any major web browser on computers, smartphones and tablets.
USATODAY.com is among the titles now available from Ongo.
In March 2010, CareerBuilder purchased CareerSite.biz, parent of three successful
career-related operations in the U.K. Founded in 2001, CareerSite.biz operates two online
recruitment niche sites focusing on nursing and rail workers as well as a successful virtual career
fair business.
In February 2009, the company purchased a minority interest in Homefinder. Homefinder is a
leading national online marketplace connecting homebuyers, sellers and real estate professionals.
In August 2008, the company purchased Pearls Review, Inc., an online nursing certification and
continuing education web site operated within Gannett Healthcare Group.
In July 2008, the company purchased a minority stake in Livestream, a company that provides
Internet broadcasting services.
In May 2008, the company purchased a minority stake in Cozi Group Inc. (COZI). COZI is a free
web service that helps families manage busy schedules, stay in communication and share memories.
In March 2008, the company purchased a minority stake in Fantasy Sports Ventures (FSV). FSV,
also known as Big Lead Sports, owns a set of fantasy sports content sites and manages advertising
across a group of affiliated sites.
In February 2008, the company formed QuadrantONE, a new digital ad sales network, with three
other top media companies.
On Dec. 31, 2007, the company acquired X.com, Inc. (BNQT.com). BNQT.com operates a digital media
group of affiliated sites covering eight different action sports including surfing, snow-boarding
and skateboarding. BNQT.com is affiliated with the USA TODAY Sports Media Group.
In October 2007, the company, in partnership with another media company, announced the
formation of Metromix LLC, a digital joint venture to expand a national network of local
entertainment web sites under the Metromix brand. Metromix LLC focuses on a common model for local
online entertainment sites, and then scales the sites into a national platform under the Metromix
brand.
In October 2007, the company acquired Schedule Star LLC, which operates HighSchoolSports.net,
a digital content site serving the high school sports audience, and the Schedule Star solution for
local athletic directors.
In May 2007, CareerBuilder became the exclusive content provider to the MSN Careers channel in
the U.S. through 2013. Additionally, MSN and CareerBuilder broadened their alliance to include key
MSN international sites, facilitating an accelerated expansion overseas for CareerBuilder.
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The company owns a 23.6% stake in Classified Ventures, an online business focused on real
estate and automotive advertising; and a 19.7% interest in ShermansTravel, an online travel news,
advertising and booking service.
With these acquisitions and investments, the company has established important business
relationships to leverage its publishing and online assets and operations to enhance its online
footprint, revenue base and profits.
Business segments: The company has three principal business segments: publishing, digital and
broadcasting. Beginning with the third quarter of 2008, the company began reporting the new
“Digital” business segment, which includes CareerBuilder and ShopLocal results from the dates of
their full consolidation, on Sept. 3, 2008 and June 30, 2008, respectively, as well as PointRoll,
Planet Discover and Schedule Star. Prior period results for PointRoll, Planet Discover and Schedule
Star have been reclassified from the publishing segment to the new digital segment. Operating
results from the operation of web sites that are associated with publishing operations and
broadcast stations are reported in the publishing and broadcast segments.
Financial information for each of the company’s reportable segments can be found in the
company’s financial statements, as discussed under Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and as presented under Item 8 “Financial Statements
and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.
Publishing/United States
The company’s U.S. publishing operations, including USA TODAY, reach 11.6 million readers every
weekday and 12.0 million readers every Sunday — providing critical news and information from their
customers’ neighborhoods and around the globe.
At the end of 2010, the company operated 82 U.S. daily newspapers, including USA TODAY, the
nation’s largest-selling daily print newspaper. These newspapers have combined daily paid
circulation of 5.1 million and also produce about 600 non-daily local publications in 30 states and
Guam. The U.S. Community Publishing (USCP) division and USA TODAY are headquartered in McLean, VA.
At the end of 2010, USCP had approximately 22,400 full- and part-time employees.
The company’s local newspapers are managed through its USCP division. These newspapers are
positioned in major, mid-size and small markets; this geographical diversity is a core strength of
the company.
Gannett publishes in major markets such as Phoenix, AZ; Indianapolis, IN; Cincinnati, OH; Des
Moines, IA; Nashville, TN; Asbury Park, NJ; Louisville, KY; and Westchester, NY.
Mid-sized markets are represented by Salem, OR; Fort Myers, FL; Appleton, WI; Palm Springs,
CA; Montgomery, AL; and Greenville, SC.
St. George, UT; Fort Collins, CO; Sheboygan, WI; Iowa City, IA; and Ithaca, NY, are examples
of smaller markets.
USA TODAY was introduced in 1982 as the country’s first national, general-interest daily
newspaper. It is produced at facilities in McLean, VA, and transmitted via satellite to offset
printing plants around the country. It is printed at Gannett plants in 12 U.S. markets and
commercially at offset plants, not owned by Gannett, in 20 other U.S. markets.
In 2010, USATODAY.com launched its first two new content verticals, Travel and YourLife.
Travel’s post-launch average monthly page views increased 61% between 2009 and 2010. The YourLife
vertical was launched in November 2010 and generated 2.5 million page views in its first month. The
USA TODAY Sports Media Group was also created and designed to oversee and coordinate business
strategy for national sports initiatives across all of Gannett, including USA TODAY, as well as
Gannett’s community of local newspaper properties, television stations, HighSchoolSports.net and
BNQT.com. USATODAY.com remains one of the most popular newspaper sites on the web having achieved
an average of more than 60 million visits per month between January and December 2010, a 14%
increase over the same time period in 2009.
Other businesses that complement, support or are managed and reported within the publishing
segment include: USA WEEKEND, Clipper Magazine, Gannett Government Media, Gannett Healthcare Group
and Gannett Offset. In 2009, Gannett News Service became part of ContentOne; Gannett Retail
Advertising Group represents the company’s local newspapers in the sale of advertising to national
and regional franchise businesses; Gannett Direct Marketing offers direct-marketing services; and
Gannett Media Technologies International (GMTI) develops and markets software and other products
for the publishing industry and provides technology support for the company’s newspaper and web
operations.
News and editorial matters: The overarching mission of the Gannett Information Centers in 2010
was to produce unique, top-quality local content across multiple platforms. To protect excellent
local journalism, the U.S. Community Publishing division pursued operational transformation. To be
distinctive in local communities, the division emphasized credible journalism available from only
its newspapers and digital products.
The division outlined five priorities:
| • | Enhance watchdog journalism, especially daily work. |
| • | Reposition digital sites as the primary medium for breaking news and social networking. |
| • | Reposition daily newspapers to focus on depth, analysis and context. |
| • | Create superior Sunday editions of newspapers. |
| • | Enhance the sites’ positions as local community leaders. |
The division’s commitment to watchdog journalism was demonstrated by a partnership with the
Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) organization. IRE trained more than 250 Gannett reporters
and editors at three “watchdog bootcamps” held across the country and IRE’s annual conference. The
depth and quality of investigative journalism in daily newspapers improved dramatically as a result
of the IRE investment.
To enhance Sunday editions, editors at every site focused strategically on enhancements and
additions tailored to highly engaged Sunday readers. Advertising and consumer sales initiatives
supported this initiative.
Increased retention rates among new subscribers indicate that content and product improvements
are enhancing loyalty among readers. Thirteen-week retention improved nearly 2.4% over the year
before, while 26-week retention improved nearly 7.4%.
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To support the quest for high-quality, unique local journalism, the division took three
important steps to promote operational efficiency:
| • | Work began on the rollout of a companywide content-management system. Cross-divisional teams worked on this massive project throughout 2010 and installation begins in early 2011. |
| • | The common content-management system (CMS) enables U.S. Community Publishing to centralize design of all print products at five design studios. These studios will offer higher-quality design that can be produced at many sites now and maximize the efficiencies of the new content management system. Studios will be created in early 2011 in Asbury Park, NJ; Nashville, TN; Louisville, KY; Des Moines, IA; and Phoenix, AZ. |
| • | A partnership with USA TODAY provides its branded content for use in community newspapers, freeing local journalists for local reporting. |
These projects promote top-quality journalism while seeking dramatic operational
transformation.
The company’s domestic daily newspapers received Gannett’s wire service in 2010 and subscribe
to The Associated Press. Some newspapers use supplemental news services and syndicated features.
The ContentOne initiative helped to efficiently distribute content among sites.
The company operates news bureaus in Washington, DC, and four state capitals — Albany, NY;
Baton Rouge, LA; Trenton, NJ; and Tallahassee, FL.
In 2010, Gannett newspapers and journalists received national recognition for excellent work.
Des Moines (IA) Register photographer Mary Chind was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Breaking
News Photography for her dramatic photo of a construction worker rescuing a woman from the Des
Moines River. Chind’s winning photo showed the construction worker dangling from a crane, reaching
to grab the woman from roiling flood waters.
The Asbury Park (NJ) Press was named a finalist in the Pulitzer Prize Public Service category
for “Fighting New Jersey’s Tax Crush,” a series about the archaic property tax system that hurts
low-income residents. The newspaper reported how the state’s tax structure bankrupts families,
destroys businesses and drives low- and moderate-income workers out of New Jersey.
The National Press Foundation awarded Mark Silverman, editor and vice president/content and
audience development of The Tennessean in Nashville, the Benjamin C. Bradlee Editor of the Year
Award. The award was given to Silverman because of his newspaper’s “outstanding coverage of
unexpected floods in 2010 and its innovative use of social media platforms to extend that coverage
and bind its community together.”
The Tennessean’s coverage of the flood also received two other
honors from the Online News Association annual competition:
| • | First place in the breaking news/small category. |
| • | Citation in the Best Use of Multimedia/Over 50,000 category for coverage of the flooding. |
Other Gannett honors included these 2010 Associated Press Managing Editors (APME) Award
winners:
| • | The Asbury Park (NJ) Press won the Public Service Award for its work on the property tax system in New Jersey. |
| • | Two of the three finalists for Innovator of the Year Award were from Gannett: The Rochester (NY) Democrat and Chronicle was cited for its Picture the Impossible augmented reality game developed in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology; and the Statesman Journal in Salem, OR, was cited for its extensive use of social networking in all types of reporting. |
| • | FLORIDA TODAY in Brevard won the Online Convergence Award for a multimedia package that looked at the life of William Dillon, who spent 27 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. It combined a special Flash presentation, a 44-minute documentary and stories. |
Photojournalist Bill Luster of The Courier-Journal at Louisville, KY, was the 2010 recipient
of the National Press Photographers Association’s Joseph A. Sprague Memorial Award, the
organization’s highest honor.
APME also honored two Gannett journalists for their longstanding commitment to diversity in
newspaper content and newsroom recruiting. The 2010 Robert G. McGruder Awards for Diversity
Leadership were given to Randy Lovely, editor and vice president of The Arizona Republic in
Phoenix, and Bill Church, executive editor of the Statesman Journal in Salem, OR.
Audience research: As Gannett’s publishing businesses continue their mission to meet
consumers’ news and information needs anytime, anywhere and in any form, the company remains
focused on an audience aggregation strategy. The company considers the reach and coverage of
multiple products in their communities and measures the frequency with which consumers interact
with each Gannett product.
Results from 2010 studies indicate that many Gannett local media organizations are reaching
more people more often. For example, in Wilmington, DE, the combination of all Gannett products
reach 85% of the adult population, an average of 5.9 times a week for 2.05 million total
impressions each week — a 6% increase since 2008.
The company has gathered audience aggregation data for 49 Gannett markets and will continue to
add more data in 2011. Aggregated audience data allows advertising sales staff to provide detailed
information to advertisers about how best to reach their potential customers including the most
effective product combination and frequency. This approach enables the company to increase its
total advertising revenue potential while maximizing advertiser effectiveness. Six key advertiser
segments were identified and performance within each segment is measured in every study. Through
digital growth and the development of ancillary products, Gannett newspapers have maintained their
high reach of approximately 70% or more of adults in each of the six segments. The ad sales staff
is continually trained on how to best execute an audience-based selling strategy.
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Scarborough Research measures 81 of the nation’s top markets. In a report on market
penetration, the number of adults in a community who access a publication and its related web site,
showed that 3 out of 4 adults in the Rochester, NY market in a given week either read the print
version of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle or visited its web site (democratandchronicle.com),
making it the top-ranked newspaper in the country for integrated audience penetration. Gannett had
three of the top four newspapers (Rochester, the Gannett East Wisconsin Newspapers and The Des
Moines Register) in combined newspaper and web site penetration. These markets are industry leaders
because they understand and aggressively pursue different audiences for different platforms — true
audience aggregation.
In addition to the audience-based initiative, the company continues to measure customer
attitudes, behaviors and opinions to better understand its customers’ web site use patterns and to
use focus groups with audiences and advertisers to better determine their needs. In 2009, the U.S.
Community Publishing research group launched an ongoing longitudinal study to measure audience and
sentiment of consumers in key markets. To date, the group has conducted more than 11,500 interviews
for the study.
Circulation: Detailed information about the circulation of the company’s newspapers may be
found beginning on page 18. Daily circulation declined in nearly all of the company’s newspaper
markets, a trend generally consistent with the domestic newspaper industry.
However, 28 U.S. Community Publishing sites increased Sunday home delivery volume compared to
the previous year based on the ABC September 2010 Publisher’s Statement, including Appleton,WI;
Asheville, NC; Binghamton, NY; Burlington, VT; Cincinnati, OH; Clarksville, TN; Lafayette, IN, Des
Moines, IA; Fort Myers, FL; Green Bay, WI; Greenville, SC; Lafayette, LA; Lansing, MI; Muncie, IN;
Murfreesboro, TN; Nashville, TN; Palm Springs, CA; Pensacola, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Port Huron, MI;
Poughkeepsie, NY; Reno, NV; Salem, OR; Salisbury, MD; Sioux Falls, SD; Springfield, MO; Wausau, WI;
and Wilmington, DE. In total, U.S. Community Publishing reported home delivery Sunday circulation
was up 0.7% with the September 2010 Statement.
Home-delivery prices for the company’s newspapers are established individually and range from
$1.70 to $3.80 a week for daily local newspapers and $0.85 to $3.40 a copy for Sunday newspapers.
Price increases for certain elements of local circulation volume were initiated at five newspapers
in 2010.
Three U.S. Community Publishing sites — Greenville, SC; Tallahassee, FL; and St. George, UT
— introduced three new consumer subscription options after establishing pay walls for their web
sites. Subscriber options include: 1) print, e-Edition and web site; 2) e-Edition and web site; and
3) web site only. E-Editions are exact replicas of the print version, which are served
electronically to the consumer. This new subscription model was established in July 2010 and is
being closely monitored to identify technology improvements and evaluate consumer feedback.
At the end of 2010, 69 of the company’s domestic daily newspapers, including USA TODAY, were
published in the morning, and 13 were published in the evening. For local U.S. newspapers,
excluding USA TODAY, morning circulation accounts for 98% of total daily volume, while evening
circulation accounts for 2%.
On Dec. 8, 2008, the single copy price of USA TODAY at newsstands and vending machines was
increased from 75 cents to $1.00. Mail subscriptions are available nationwide and abroad, and home,
hotel and office delivery is available in many markets. Approximately 47% of its net paid
circulation results from single-copy sales at newsstands, vending machines or to hotel guests, and
the remainder is from home and office delivery, mail, educational and other sales.
Advertising: U.S. Community Publishing newspapers have advertising departments that sell
retail, classified and national advertising across multiple platforms including the print
newspaper, online and niche publications. The company also has a national ad sales force to focus
efforts on the largest national advertisers. The company also contracts with outside representative
firms that specialize in the sale of national ads. Ad revenues from newspaper affiliated online
operations are reported together with revenue from print publishing.
Retail display advertising is associated with local merchants or locally owned businesses. In
addition, retail includes regional and national chains — such as department and grocery stores —
that sell in the local market.
Classified advertising includes the major categories of automotive, employment, legal, real
estate/rentals and private party consumer-to-consumer business for merchandise and services.
Advertising for classified segments is published in the classified sections, in other sections
within the newspaper, on affiliated web sites and in niche magazines that specialize in the
segment.
National advertising is display advertising principally from advertisers who are promoting
national products or brands. Examples are pharmaceuticals, travel, airlines, or packaged goods.
Both retail and national ads also include preprints, typically stand-alone multiple page fliers
that are inserted in the newspaper.
The division’s audience aggregation strategy gives it the ability to deliver specific
audiences that advertisers want. Although some advertisers want mass reach, many want to target
niche audiences by demographics, geography, consumer buying habits or customer behavior.
In 2010, Gannett and Yahoo! announced a local advertising partnership that brings together
Gannett’s strong local media organization brands, sales capacities and leading web site audiences
with Yahoo!’s high-quality audience. All of Gannett’s 81 local publishing organizations will sell
Yahoo! advertising inventory as part of Gannett’s local advertising solutions. As a result, local
advertisers will benefit from expanded digital reach and audience targeting capabilities based on
geography, user demographics, interests and more against that expanded audience. In addition,
Gannett will be leveraging the targeting and ad ordering capabilities of the APT from Yahoo!
Platform for local sales. This partnership will extend Gannett’s local media organization reach to
cover as much as 80% of the total digital audience in each market. Whether it is mass reach or a
niche audience, the approach sites use is to identify an advertiser’s best target customers and
develop advertising schedules that combine products within a site’s portfolio to best reach the
desired audience with the appropriate frequency.
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In 2010, U.S. Community Publishing expanded the use of online reader panels to four additional
mid-size markets for measuring advertising recall and effectiveness. The reader panels, now in 16
markets, include nearly 30,000 opt-in respondents who provide valuable feedback regarding the ROI
and effectiveness of more than 4,200 advertisements and 2,300 news articles. Reader panels are also
used to identify consumer sentiment and trends. This capability allowed markets to provide deeper
insights for advertisers and ROI metrics that are in high-demand from customers.
The company’s audience-based sales efforts have been directed at all levels of advertisers,
from small, locally owned merchants to large, complex businesses. Along with this sales approach,
the company has intensified its sales and management training and improved the quality of sales
calls. Digital knowledge and a Gannett five step consultative sales process were focus training
topics in 2010 with formal training delivered in 34 Gannett markets.
A major company priority is to restructure its sales organizations to match the needs of
customers while creating additional efficiencies to lower the cost of sale. The company’s
newspapers redesigned their sales teams around three general groups of customers: strategic
national, key local and small local controllable accounts. The structure aligns sales and support
resources to customers’ needs and provides efficient service and affordable packages to smaller
accounts and customized, innovative solutions to larger, more market-driven clients. The structure
also includes digital specialists who work to expand the company’s online share in the local market
for retail and classified verticals, Cars.com, Homefinder.com and CareerBuilder.com and product
specialists in the company’s larger markets who focus on growing niche advertisers in non-daily
publications.
To better serve top local customers and win more market share, the company created five
Gannett Client Solutions Groups. Functioning much like local ad agencies, the groups develop highly
designed creative campaigns to give customers a competitive edge in the marketplace. The campaigns
are comprehensive and often extend beyond the newspaper’s product portfolio, providing a high level
of service.
The national newspaper ad sales team is responsible for large national retail accounts. These
resources give national customers one point of contact for all Gannett markets, enable the company
to have more strategic conversations, respond better to customers’ needs, and permit local
newspaper sales personnel to focus on advertisers in their markets.
This national team works with the national sales resources for Digital, Broadcast and USA
TODAY, to create multi-market, multi-platform solutions for national advertisers scalable across
the country.
Digital operations: The overriding objective of the company’s online strategy at Gannett
newspapers is to provide compelling content that best serves its customers. A key reason customers
turn to a Gannett newspaper’s online site is to find local news and information. The credibility of
the local newspaper, a known and trusted information source, extends to the newspaper’s web site
and thus differentiates the web site from other Internet sites. This factor allows Gannett
newspapers to compete successfully as Internet information providers.
A second objective in the company’s online business development is to maximize the natural
synergies between the local newspaper and local web site. The local content, customer
relationships, news and advertising sales staff, and promotional capabilities are all competitive
advantages for Gannett. The company’s strategy is to use these advantages to create strong and
timely content, sell packaged advertising solutions that meet the needs of advertisers, operate
efficiently and leverage the known and trusted brand of the newspaper.
The company’s local newspaper web sites achieved significant growth in audience reach in 2010,
as page views were up 11%, and visitors rose 14% as measured internally using Omniture. In 2010, in
coordination with the Digital division, U.S. Community Publishing successfully piloted a
significant redesign of its web sites at two properties, www.indystar.com and
www.newarkadvocate.com. The redesign is aimed at creating a more relevant and enjoyable experience
for users, driving audience growth, and establishing unique marketing opportunities for
advertisers. A rollout of the new design across all web sites will continue during the first
quarter of 2011.
Gannett continued to expand its online ad sales capabilities in 2010 locally and nationally.
Locally, the company partnered with Yahoo! to enable local sales forces to sell Yahoo! advertising
inventory as part of Gannett’s local advertising solutions. As a result, local advertisers will
benefit from expanded digital reach. Throughout 2010, the national digital sales team sold an
increasing amount of local inventory, continuing to execute a strategy established to aggregate the
substantial inventory across the Gannett network. Both local and national sales efforts will
continue in 2011.
GMTI provides technological support and offerings for the company’s domestic newspapers and
Internet activities, including ad software and database management, editorial production and
archiving, and web site hosting. In addition, GMTI provides similar services to other newspaper
companies.
Non-daily operations: The publication of non-daily products continued to be an important part
of the company’s market strategy for 2010. The company publishes non-daily publications including
glossy lifestyle magazines, community newspapers and publications catering to one topic, such as
health or cars. The company’s strategy for non-daily publications is to appeal to key advertising
segments (e.g. affluent women, women with children or young readers). Non-daily products help the
company’s newspaper operations increase overall impressions and frequency for advertisers looking
to reach specific audience segments or in some cases, like community weeklies, provide a lower
price point alternative for smaller advertisers with specific geographic targets, thus helping to
increase the newspaper operation’s local market share.
Gannett has been producing specialty publications across several markets to take advantage of
market opportunities. The second First-Time Homebuyers Guide, pegged to the federal government’s
home-buyer tax credits, was a glossy booklet with uniform editorial content and local advertising.
It was mailed to about 250,000 renters across 38 markets. Publication coverage included non-Gannett
newspaper markets.
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Production: Product quality and efficiency improvements continue in several areas, as improved
technology resulted in greater speed and accuracy and led to continued opportunities for
consolidation of job functions. That trend will continue through 2011.
In 2007, two Gannett Production Centers were established in Des Moines and Indianapolis to
enhance print quality of the photos for the majority of its newspapers. This operation was expanded
in 2010 with a commercial contract with another large publisher to process their images. In January
2010, advertising production for the U.S. Community Publishing division was incorporated into these
two centers. The objective is to maintain high quality and service for advertisers while improving
efficiency. At the end of 2010, ad production work was being completed for 54 sites, producing
nearly 20,500 ads weekly. The remaining sites will transition to the centers by mid-year 2011.
At the end of 2010, all 82 domestic daily newspapers were printed by the offset process, and
the majority had converted their presses to a 44-inch web. Presently, all U.S. Community Publishing
daily newspapers are printed on 45 gram paper. Also by year end, 68% of these newspapers have
outsourced their printing to commercial printers or to other Gannett and non-Gannett newspapers. In
addition, 54% of the newspapers are designed and paginated in centralized editing hubs.
Competition: The company’s newspapers and affiliated web sites compete with other media for
advertising principally on the basis of their performance in helping to sell the advertisers’
products or services. Newspapers also compete for circulation and readership against other
professional news and information operations and individual content creators. While most of the
company’s newspapers do not have daily newspaper competitors that are published in the same city,
in select larger markets, there are competitors. Most of the company’s newspapers compete with
other newspapers published in suburban areas, nearby cities and towns, free-distribution and
paid-advertising publications (such as weeklies), and other media, including magazines, television,
direct mail, cable television, radio, outdoor advertising, telephone directories, e-mail marketing,
web sites and mobile-device platforms.
Web sites which compete for the principal traditional classified advertising revenue streams
such as real estate, employment and automotive, have had the most significant impact on the
company’s revenue results.
The rate of development of opportunities in, and competition from, digital communications
media, including Internet and mobile platforms, is increasing. Through internal development
programs, acquisitions and partnerships, the company’s efforts to explore new opportunities in
news, information, communications and audience generation will keep expanding. The company
continues to seek more effective ways to engage with its local communities using all available
media platforms and tools.
Environmental regulation: Gannett is committed to protecting the environment. The company’s
goal is to ensure its facilities comply with federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws
and to incorporate appropriate environmental practices and standards in its operations.
The company is one of the industry leaders in the use of recycled newsprint, increasing its
purchases of newsprint containing recycled content from 42,000 metric tons in 1989 to 310,679
metric tons in 2010. During 2010, 69% of the company’s domestic newsprint purchases contained
recycled content, with an average recycled content of 46%.
The company’s newspapers use inks, photographic chemicals, solvents and fuels. The use,
management and disposal of these substances are sometimes regulated by environmental agencies. The
company retains a corporate environmental consultant who, along with internal and outside counsel,
oversees regulatory compliance and preventive measures. Some of the company’s newspaper
subsidiaries have been included among the potentially responsible parties in connection with the
alleged disposal of ink or other wastes at disposal sites that have been subsequently identified as
requiring remediation. Additional information about these matters can be found in Item 3, Legal
Proceedings, in this Form 10-K. The company does not believe that these matters will have a
material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Raw materials — U.S. & U.K.: Newsprint, which is the basic raw material used to publish
newspapers, has been and may continue to be subject to significant price changes from time to time.
During 2010, the company’s total newsprint consumption was 539,000 metric tons, including
consumption by USA WEEKEND, USA TODAY, tonnage at non-Gannett print sites and by Newsquest.
Newsprint consumption was 10% lower than in 2009. The company purchases newsprint from 18 domestic
and global suppliers.
In 2010, newsprint supplies were adequate. The company has and continues to moderate newsprint
consumption and expense through press web-width reductions and the use of lighter basis weight
paper. The company believes that available sources of newsprint, together with present inventories,
will continue to be adequate to supply the needs of its newspapers.
The average cost per ton of newsprint consumed in 2010 declined 15% compared to 2009, driven
by reduced consumption and favorable supplier arrangements that acted to mitigate domestic price
increases. In 2011, the company expects higher newsprint expenses in the U.S. and in the U.K.
attributable to producer supply rationalizations and increased offshore demand. Newsprint
consumption is expected to decline in 2011.
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Publishing/United Kingdom
Newsquest publishes 17 daily paid-for newspapers and more than 200 weekly newspapers, magazines and
trade publications in the U.K., as well as a wide range of niche products. Newsquest operates its
publishing activities around regional centers to maximize the use of management, finance, printing
and personnel resources. This approach enables the group to offer readers and advertisers a range
of attractive products across the market. The clustering of titles and, usually, the publication of
a free newspaper alongside a paid-for newspaper, allows cross-selling of advertising among
newspapers serving the same or contiguous markets, thus satisfying the needs of its advertisers and
audiences. Newsquest produces free and paid-for newspapers with an attractive level of quality
local editorial content. Newsquest also distributes a substantial volume of advertising leaflets in
the communities it serves. Most of Newsquest’s paid-for newspaper distribution is outsourced to
wholesalers, although direct delivery is employed as well to maximize circulation sales
opportunities.
Newsquest’s newspapers operate in competitive markets. Their principal competitors include
other regional and national newspaper and magazine publishers, other advertising media such as
broadcast and billboard, Internet-based news and other information and communication businesses.
In 2009, Newsquest exited one of its commercial printing units, Southernprint. Newsquest
revenues for 2010 were approximately $525 million, down 6% in local currency excluding
Southernprint, reflecting the continuing difficult economy. While most advertising revenue
categories declined, growth of 1% was achieved in newspaper property advertising, and digital
revenues grew by 6%. As with U.S. newspapers, advertising, including ad revenue from online web
sites affiliated with the publications, is the largest component of Newsquest’s revenue, comprising
approximately 73%. Circulation represented 21% of revenue. Although experiencing declining volumes,
audited copy sales for Newsquest’s daily paid-for titles outperformed major competitor groups in
the first half of the year (the most recent period for which audited data was available). Printing
for third-party newspaper publishers accounts for most of the remainder of revenue. During 2010,
Newsquest won additional third party commercial printing contracts, resulting in growth in that
category of revenues of £1.6m (14%).
Editorial quality was recognized through the awards won in the year. The Sunday Herald won the
best weekly paper in the 2010 European Newspaper Awards and The Herald is the current Scottish
Daily Newspaper of the Year. Newsquest papers also won a number of other regional press awards.
In the north of England, Newsquest launched Northern Farmer in 2010, a sister title to the The
Scottish Farmer, immediately contributing to revenues and earnings. Newsquest also established a
Digital Employment Service Center sales operation in the U.K. following the same template as the
U.S. community newspaper operation.
In 2010, distribution to retailers was reorganized in two markets and outsourced to
wholesalers. A centralized telephone operation to canvass lapsed customers from its direct delivery
operations in a more cost effective manner was established in the year and is being rolled out.
Significant restructuring in response to the economic unevenness and lower revenues resulted
in reducing the number of employees at Newsquest to 4,800 at year end, a decrease of 6% compared to
2009. Cost reduction initiatives included the consolidation of a number of
back-office functions, particularly in pre-press, where the management of the transmission of the
advertisements to outsourced providers was centralized.
In October 2010, after discussion with its pension plan trustees and employees, the decision
was made to close its Newsquest defined benefit plan to future accrual, effective
March 31, 2011. The plan closure was made to reduce pension expense and funding volatility and was
part of a package of measures to address the plan’s deficit. The company expects that some of the
savings from closing the defined benefit plan will be partially offset by increased membership in
Newsquest’s defined contribution plan.
Total costs finished 9% down from 2009 in local currency, as a result of the range of cost
reduction measures taken.
Digital operations: Newsquest actively seeks to maximize the value of its local media brands
through digital channels. Newsquest’s most recent data indicated that an average of 7.5 million
unique users accessed the Newsquest site network each month during the period July — December 2010.
Newsquest’s total online revenue increased by 6% in local currency. Online banner revenues
grew by 16% from 2009, propelled by improved audiences and sales activity.
During 2010, Newsquest’s 50% interest in the online employment web site fish4jobs.co.uk was
substantially reduced as a result of Newsquest’s phased exit from Fish4. As of January 2011,
Newsquest’s digital employment advertising began being served by Careerbuilder, increasing the
potential audience to both Careerbuilder and Newsquest’s customers.
In Scotland, the group’s wholly owned market leading recruitment web site, s1, increased
revenues by 9% from 2009.
Digital operations — Publishing and Broadcasting
Gannett Digital’s mission is to provide its connected audience with the most interactive, real-time
news and information delivered to any digital device. The company’s goal is to engage its local
communities in a way that creates conversations and empowers its community members to connect and
share common interests. The company’s advertisers leverage Gannett’s strong marketing services
platform to gain access to Gannett’s wide, diverse audience in order to effectively brand and
market their products.
The audience Gannett aggregates across the company’s 100-plus newspaper and broadcast online
properties, combined with its unified ad serving platform, enables it to create a large online ad
network. In December 2010, Gannett’s total online U.S. Internet audience totaled 52 million monthly
unique visitors, reaching about 24% of the Internet audience, as measured by comScore Media Metrix.
Given the scale across the company’s entire network, its strategy is to extend its value
proposition beyond those premium brands to audience segments through both contextual and behavioral
ad targeting. In 2010, the national digital sales force reorganized under new leadership and
achieved solid success in executing this strategy. During the year, an increasing amount of
inventory was monetized by the national sales force at premium CPMs, helping to decrease Gannett’s
reliance on outside ad sales channels.
The company continues to see benefits from the rollout of its unified advertising serving
platform, including the establishment of more comprehensive analytics and reporting. To increase
efficiency and better serve digital advertisers, in 2010 Gannett created a centralized local
advertising operations group based out of McLean, VA, and Fort Myers, FL.
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In order to drive audience growth, in 2011 the company will roll out a major redesign of its
core newspaper and broadcast web sites that it began piloting in 2010. The redesign is intended to
create a more relevant and enjoyable experience for users and also establish an infrastructure that
will allow for constant updates. This will allow the company to be more nimble in making future
changes to its sites to benefit both users and advertisers. The company believes the redesign
project will add appropriate social media and contextual tools to create better experiences for
users and will establish unique advertising opportunities that will deliver better engagement and
enable stronger connections between advertisers and consumers.
In addition to the infrastructure that will allow for more constant updates to the sites,
Gannett is also reorganizing its product development processes, adopting new processes to enable
faster releases. This will enable more rapid development and experimentation that will allow
Gannett to compete in the rapidly evolving marketplace.
Gannett also continues to execute on its vertical strategy of growing niche audiences. The
MomsLikeMe.com network had an average of over 800,000 monthly unique visitors in 2010, according to
comScore. MomsLikeMe.com also made significant progress in attracting premier national advertisers,
such as Kohl’s, Mederma and Nintendo.
Video, both on-demand and live, remained a focus in 2010. Gannett has increased its monthly
video views to 25 million in December 2010, by creating and licensing more video content and
optimizing its video players for mobile sites and search engines. The company added new video
monetization opportunities for advertisers in 2010, such as a video overlay ad unit. Gannett’s
newspaper properties leveraged Livestream to deliver compelling live video for users, including
Louisville’s use of four live feeds simultaneously for its election night coverage and USA TODAY’s
coverage of the Chilean miners rescue. As video represents a key growth area in the online
marketplace, in 2011 the company will remain focused on both video content development and
monetization.
As Gannett innovates and builds its digital footprint on the web, it also continues to invest
in the rapidly growing mobile sector. In 2010, Gannett’s properties served 1.6 billion mobile page
views, experiencing growth of 267% year over year from 435 million in 2009. Additionally, Gannett
invested in growing its staff dedicated to mobile, including a sales team and developers.
Additionally, the mobile team is currently rolling out a new mobile content management system that
will allow both centralized and local resources to build and manage content (including video), and
mobile sites using a common development framework. USA TODAY continued its leadership role in the
mobile space with its April launch on the iPad; by January its application reached more than 1.6 million
downloads and continues to be ranked one of the top news apps. The iPad application enjoyed
considerable advertiser support with PointRoll-powered rich media advertising campaigns from brands
such as Marriott, Coca Cola, Capital One and Chrysler. Combined with other USA TODAY mobile
applications launched in 2008 and 2009, total application downloads topped 7 million through the
end of 2010. Gannett’s text messaging program also saw significant growth in 2010, sending over 100
million messages for the year.
Going forward, Gannett Digital will continue to invest in operations to remain competitive and
efficient, and, as noted above, will build out and refine the company’s sales efforts to drive
revenue growth. By leveraging impressive content and audience assets and combining them with
technology platforms, Gannett intends to create the next generation of online advertising.
Digital segment
The digital business segment includes CareerBuilder, as well as PointRoll, ShopLocal, Planet
Discover and Schedule Star. At the end of 2010, the digital segment had approximately 2,100
full-time and part-time employees.
On Sept. 3, 2008, the company increased its ownership in CareerBuilder to 50.8% from 40.8%,
obtaining a controlling interest, and therefore, the results of CareerBuilder since then have been
fully consolidated. On June 30, 2008, the company increased its ownership in ShopLocal to 100% from
42.5%, and from that date the results of ShopLocal have been fully consolidated. Prior to these
increased investments, the company’s equity share of CareerBuilder and ShopLocal results were
reported as equity earnings. Subsequent to the CareerBuilder acquisition, the company has reflected
a non-controlling interest charge on its Statements of Income (Loss) related to the other partners’
ownership interest.
CareerBuilder is the global leader in human capital solutions, helping companies to target,
attract and retain talent. Its online job site, CareerBuilder.com, is the largest in North America
with the most traffic and revenue. Currently, CareerBuilder operates web sites in 18 countries
outside the U.S., including the U.K., France, Germany, Canada, India and China, and is looking to
expand global operations further in 2011. CareerBuilder provides resources for everything from
talent intelligence and employment branding to recruitment support. Most of the revenues are
generated by its own sales force but substantial revenues are also earned through sales of
employment advertising placed with CareerBuilder’s owners’ affiliated newspapers.
In March 2010, CareerBuilder purchased CareerSite.biz, parent of three successful
career-related operations in the U.K. Founded in 2001, CareerSite.biz operates two online
recruitment niche sites focusing on nursing and rail workers as well as a successful virtual career
fair business.
CareerBuilder has a long-term strategic marketing agreement with Microsoft. CareerBuilder is
headquartered in Chicago, IL, and at the end of 2010, it had approximately 1,700 full-time and
part-time employees.
PointRoll is the leading provider of digital marketing services and technology. PointRoll
enables effective digital marketing by delivering the art and science of consumer engagement,
allowing advertisers, agencies and publishers to create, deliver and measure interactive and
action-inspiring online rich media display, video, mobile, and social campaigns. PointRoll provides
the creative tools, insights and analytics, distributed content, and expertise marketers need to
effectively engage consumers, make an impression, and convert them into buyers and brand
supporters. Powering more than 50% of all rich media campaigns online, PointRoll works with over
1,000 advertisers, thousands of online publishers and serves over 150 billion ad impressions each
year. Founded in April 2000, PointRoll has been instrumental in the evolution of digital engagement
and has evolved beyond the expandable banner ad to offer marketers the ability to find consumers
wherever they are across any digital platform and deliver a relevant brand or direct response
experience, dramatically improving ad effectiveness while gaining actionable insights. Recent
innovations include dynamic ad creation solution AdControl, creative tool AdArchitect, interactive
in-stream video ads, mobile rich media ads and several other best-of-breed technologies.
PointRoll is headquartered in Conshohocken, PA, and maintains offices across the U.S. and Canada.
PointRoll’s revenue and operating profit improved significantly in 2010.
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ShopLocal, the retail division of PointRoll and leader in multi-channel shopping services,
connects retailers with shoppers through innovative, effective and measurable marketing solutions,
enabling over 100 of the nation’s top retailers to deliver highly interactive, targeted and
engaging localized promotions to shoppers through online circulars, display advertising, search,
social media, digital out of home and mobile. The result is highly effective communications that
deliver the right message, to the right person, at the right time. Pioneering the use of the
Internet for driving in-store sales with online circulars, ShopLocal has spent the past decade
developing digital marketing solutions and building a powerful publisher network that connects
one-to-one with shoppers. ShopLocal’s leading client base includes Target, Best Buy, Home Depot,
CVS, Albertsons and Sears. ShopLocal is headquartered in Chicago, IL, and is now operated together
with PointRoll. Its revenues and operating profit also improved significantly in 2010.
Planet Discover provides hosted search and advertising services that allow clients to offer
consumers robust local information through search. Its innovative technology enables clients to
provide specialized, private-label search functionality that gives users a simple-to-use interface
for finding all the local information they need, and gives advertisers valuable exposure to local
consumers at that critical time when purchases are considered. Planet Discover is headquartered in
Fort Mitchell, KY.
Schedule Star LLC is the No. 1 scheduling solution for high school athletic departments. The
company has expanded HighSchoolSports.net into a top digital sports media brand, and into a
content, technology and advertising solution for the USA TODAY Sports Media Group and a growing
number of local newspapers and television stations. HighSchoolSports.net’s hyper-local focus, with
a home page for over 16,000 U.S. high schools, has attracted national brand marketers by connecting
them with a highly engaged audience of teens and parents through integrated custom solutions like a
national cheerleading video competition and interactive content features such as Massey Ratings, a
computerized ranking of varsity teams by league, state and nation. Schedule Star is headquartered
in suburban Pittsburgh, PA.
Competition: For CareerBuilder, the market for online recruitment solutions is highly
competitive with a multitude of online and offline competitors. Competitors include other
employment related web sites, general classified advertising web sites, professional networking and
social networking web sites, traditional media companies, Internet portals, search engines and
blogs. The barriers for entry into the online recruitment market are relatively low and new
competitors continue to emerge. Recent trends include the rising popularity of professional and
social media networking web sites which have gained traction with employer advertisers. The number
of niche job boards targeting specific industry verticals has also continued to increase.
CareerBuilder’s ability to maintain its existing customer base and generate new customers depends
to a significant degree on the quality of its services, pricing and reputation among customers and
potential customers.
For PointRoll, the market for rich media advertising technology solutions is highly
competitive with a dozen or so main competitors. Competitors include divisions of larger public
media and technology companies, and several earlier-stage independent rich media, dynamic ad,
video, mobile, and social advertising technology specialists. The barriers to entry in the rich
media market are moderate. Recent trends include the shift towards audience-centric, exchange-based
media buying, entry of dynamic ad generation specialists, the move towards automated creative
design tools, and the shift of video content online with associated in-stream advertising
opportunities. Increasingly, marketers and their agencies are looking for advertising technology
providers that can scale across media platforms, including rich media, video and mobile.
PointRoll’s ability to maintain and grow its customer base and revenue depends largely on its
continued product innovation, level of service quality, depth of marketing analytics and ultimately
the effectiveness of its rich media advertising and resulting customer satisfaction.
For ShopLocal, the market for digital store promotions is highly competitive and evolving as
digital media transforms marketing programs. ShopLocal competitors in the online circular space are
also numerous. Recent trends include the increasingly rapid consumer media shift to digital formats
and the growth in research-online-buy-offline shopping behavior. These are driving an evolution and
eventual transformation of marketing for the store which creates potential challenges from
traditional as well as new competitors. The barriers to entry in the space are moderate.
ShopLocal’s ability to retain and grow its client base and revenue depends largely on expansion of
the types of promotions managed, innovation in distribution methods and continued high-quality
service.
Regulation and legislation (for digital segment businesses and digital operations associated
with publishing and broadcasting businesses): The U.S. Congress has passed legislation that
regulates certain aspects of the Internet, including content, copyright infringement, user privacy,
advertising and promotional activities, taxation, access charges, liability for third-party
activities and jurisdiction. In addition, federal, state, local and foreign governmental
organizations have enacted and also are considering other legislative and regulatory proposals that
would regulate the Internet. Areas of potential regulation include, but are not limited to, libel,
electronic contracting, pricing, quality of products and services and intellectual property
ownership. With regard to PointRoll and ShopLocal, there also are legislative and regulatory
proposals that would regulate the Internet related to behavioral advertising, which specifically
refers to the use of user behavioral data for the creation and delivery of more relevant, targeted
Internet advertisements. While PointRoll and ShopLocal leverage certain aspects of user behavioral
data in their solutions, the companies are in substantial compliance with all privacy laws and
regulations applicable to their businesses.
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Broadcasting
At the end of 2010, the company’s broadcasting division, headquartered in McLean, VA, included 23
television stations in markets with 21 million households covering 18.2% of the U.S. population.
The broadcasting division also includes Captivate Network.
At the end of 2010, the broadcasting division had approximately 2,550 full-time and part-time
employees, approximately 1% more than at the end of 2009. Broadcasting revenues accounted for
approximately 14% of the company’s reported operating revenues in 2010, 11% in 2009 and 12% in
2008.
The principal sources of the company’s television revenues are: 1) local advertising focusing
on the immediate geographic area of the stations; 2) national advertising; 3) retransmission of the
company’s television signals on satellite and cable networks; 4) advertising on the stations’ web
sites; and 5) payments by advertisers to television stations for other services, such as the
production of advertising material. The advertising revenues derived from a station’s local news
programs make up a significant part of its total revenues. Captivate derives its revenue
principally from national advertising on video screens in elevators of office buildings and select
hotel lobbies. As of year-end, Captivate had over 9,500 video screens located in 25 major cities
across North America.
Advertising rates charged by a television station are based on the ability of a station to
deliver a specific audience to an advertiser. The larger a station’s ratings in any particular day
part, the more leverage a station has in asking for a price advantage. As the market fluctuates
with supply and demand, so does the station’s pricing. Almost all national advertising is placed
through independent advertising representatives. Local advertising time is sold by each station’s
own sales force.
Generally, a network provides programs to its affiliated television stations and sells on its
own behalf commercial advertising for certain of the available ad spots within the network
programs. The company’s television stations produce local programming such as news, sports, and
entertainment programming.
The company broadcasts local newscasts in High Definition (HD) in 12 cities: Denver, CO;
Washington, DC; St. Louis, MO; Atlanta, GA; Cleveland, OH; Minneapolis, MN; Phoenix, AZ; Tampa, FL;
Sacramento, CA; Jacksonville, FL; Little Rock, AR; and Columbia, SC. These telecasts have been well
received given the dramatic increase in sales of HD televisions.
For all of its stations, the company is party to network affiliation agreements as well as
cable and satellite carriage agreements. The company’s 12 NBC-affiliated stations have agreements
that expire on Jan. 1, 2017. The agreements for the company’s six CBS affiliates expire on Dec. 31,
2015. The company’s three ABC affiliates have agreements which expire on Feb. 28, 2014. The
company’s two MyNetworkTV-affiliated stations have agreements that expire in October 2011.
In 2010, the company finalized a retransmission agreement with one of its largest
distributors. Virtually all cable company, telephone company and satellite company retransmission
deals were completed in 2008 and 2009. All are multi-year agreements that provide the company with
significant and steady revenue streams. There are no incremental costs associated with this revenue
and therefore all of these revenues contribute directly to operating income.
Retransmission revenues are expected to grow again in 2011.
Federal law required all full-power television broadcast stations to stop broadcasting in
analog format and convert to an all-digital format on June 12, 2009. The transition to DTV has
provided the company with the ability to offer additional services to its viewers. These include
“multicast” channels that are made possible by increased efficiencies associated with DTV
transmissions. The company is very active in creating a Mobile DTV service for viewers nationwide.
In 2010, Gannett was one of a nine station group that founded Pearl, LLC. Pearl, in partnership
with FOX, NBC and ION, formed a nationwide Mobile DTV business called Mobile Content Venture (MCV).
In 2010, Gannett was part of a commercial trial in Washington, DC. MCV announced it will power up
the mobile transmitter for the FOX and NBC station in each of the 21 markets where the joint
venture owns either the FOX or NBC affiliate. Gannett will power up the mobile transmitters for
eight of its markets in 2011.
Programming and production: The costs of locally produced and purchased syndicated programming
are a significant portion of television operating expenses. Syndicated programming costs are
determined based upon largely uncontrollable market factors, including demand from the independent
and affiliated stations within the market. In recent years, the company’s television stations have
emphasized their locally produced news and entertainment programming in an effort to provide
programs that distinguish the stations from the competition, to increase locally responsible
programming, and to better control costs.
The company’s television stations continue to refine their Information Centers with an
emphasis on using new technologies that allow more journalists to be actively involved in the news
gathering and disseminating processes. The stations have aggressively trained the rapidly growing
number of Multi-Media Journalists (MMJs), which has led to more enterprise content and a more
streamlined workflow. The unique, local entertainment content for the company’s local Metromix web
sites has led to some special television programming associated with that content and helps the
company reach a more diverse demographic. Gannett Broadcasting launched hyperlocal sites in several
markets in partnership with DataSphere in 2010. The properties expanded content and social
networking capabilities on MomsLikeMe.com. Targeted products such as HighSchoolSports.net, Moms
Like Me, Metromix and the company’s local community sites allow us to provide hyper local targeted
content to the company’s audiences and clients.
In early 2011, the company’s Phoenix station launched a resource sharing effort with the
company’s Phoenix publishing and online operations which brought the company’s channel 12 News
television operation into the Republic Media building. The television station is broadcasting from
a high-tech street-level studio. The combined news staff is part of a print, broadcast and online
collaboration designed to add breadth and depth to coverage for readers and viewers, and initially
is focusing on four areas: breaking news, sports, features/entertainment and photo/video.
The broadcast division achieved quality improvements and efficiencies by centralizing the
graphics production through the Gannett Graphics Group (G3). Broadcasting installed information
technology tools to enable the sharing of weather information and music across the group. The
stations are also moving toward an updated newsroom workflow solution that allows them to share
content seamlessly throughout the entire company.
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ContentOne has become an integral part of the day to day operations of the stations. The
Broadcast Division is working closely with USA TODAY and U.S. Community Publishing to share content
on all platforms and reduce the amount of repetition in the news-gathering processes. The divisions
have worked together on breaking news, investigative reporting, severe weather situations,
political conventions and elections, sports and many other day to day stories in order to enhance
and differentiate coverage that affect Gannett’s customers locally, nationally and internationally.
The Broadcast Division has established several centralized operations including Gannett
Graphics Group (G3), “hubbing centers” for each of its three network affiliate groups for master
control monitoring, and the Center for Credit and Collections (CCC). Operational efficiencies and
cost reductions have been realized from these centers. In 2010, the Broadcast Division established
a centralized traffic center called Gannett Traffic Operation (GTO). While GTO created some
efficiencies and permitted a slight reduction in workforce, the key strategic reason for
centralizing was to give the company a mechanism to better standardize best practices with
inventory, and better position us for future opportunities for business with a single point of
entry to our inventory.
Broadcasting stations were recognized with several regional and national awards. Forty-four
Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards were awarded to Gannett television stations including KARE in
Minneapolis-St. Paul, WXIA in Atlanta, KUSA in Denver, and KTHV in Little Rock. Three stations were
presented with National Edward R. Murrow Awards honoring outstanding achievements in electronic
journalism from the Radio Television Digital News Association for a variety of locally produced
work at KARE in Minneapolis-St. Paul, WXIA in Atlanta, and WGRZ in Buffalo. KUSA in Denver also won
the DuPont Silver Baton Award for excellence in Broadcast Journalism. The DuPont awards are among
the most prestigious in journalism.
Competition: In each of its broadcasting markets, the company’s stations and affiliated web
sites compete for revenues with other network-affiliated and independent television and radio
broadcasters and with other advertising media, such as cable television, newspapers, magazines,
direct mail, outdoor advertising and Internet media. The stations also compete in the emerging
local electronic media space, which includes Internet or Internet-enabled devices, handheld
wireless devices such as mobile phones and iPads and digital spectrum opportunities associated with
digital television (DTV). The company’s broadcasting stations compete principally on the basis of
their audience share, advertising rates and audience composition.
Gannett station’s ratings are very strong across the country. Through the 2009 downturn and
this year’s mixed and uneven recovery, the broadcast division increased its percentage of resources
devoted to local content and brand. As an indication of that, KUSA in Denver was the top rated
station in the country for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver with the key advertising
demographic of adults 25-54. KUSA also out-performed the national average rating by 75% with adults
25-54. Two other Gannett NBC television stations joined KUSA in placing among the Top 5 highest
rated local television stations: KSDK in St. Louis ranked third and KARE in Minneapolis-St. Paul
was fourth. In addition, WKYC in Cleveland placed eighth, giving Gannett NBC-affiliated stations
four of the Top 10 stations with adults 25-54. And on election night in November 2010, among all
stations in the top 25 markets, Gannett stations in St. Louis, Minneapolis, and Denver were ranked
first, second, and third respectively in adults 25-54.
Local news and information is highly important to a station’s success, and there is a growing
emphasis on other forms of programming that relate to the local community. Network and syndicated
programming constitute the majority of all other programming broadcast on the company’s television
stations, and the company’s competitive position is directly affected by viewer acceptance of this
programming. Other sources of present and potential competition for the company’s broadcasting
properties include pay cable, home video and audio recorders and players, direct broadcast
satellite, Internet-distributed video offerings, low-power television, video offerings (both wire
line and wireless) of telephone companies as well as developing video services.
Regulation: The company’s television stations are operated under the authority of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC), the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications Act),
and the rules and policies of the FCC (FCC Regulations).
Television broadcast licenses are granted for periods of eight years. They are renewable upon
application to the FCC and usually are renewed except in rare cases in which a petition to deny, a
complaint or an adverse finding as to the licensee’s qualifications results in loss of the license.
The company believes it is in substantial compliance with all applicable provisions of the
Communications Act and FCC Regulations. All of the company’s stations have converted to digital
television operations in accordance with applicable FCC regulations. Nine of the company’s stations
filed for FCC license renewals in 2004, eight did so in 2005, another five in 2006 and the
remaining station filed on Feb. 1, 2007. As of February 2010, 18 of the 23 applications were
granted and the company expects the remaining five pending renewals to be granted in the ordinary
course.
FCC Regulations also prohibit concentrations of broadcasting control and regulate network and
local programming practices. FCC Regulations governing multiple ownership limit, or in some cases
prohibit, the common ownership or control of most communications media serving common market areas
(for example, television and radio; television and daily newspapers; or radio and daily
newspapers). In addition, the Communications Act includes a national ownership cap under which one
company is permitted to serve no more than 39% of all U.S. television households. (The company’s 23
television stations currently reach 18.2% of U.S. television households.) FCC rules permit common
ownership of two television stations in the same market in certain circumstances provided that at
least one of the commonly owned stations is not among the market’s top four rated stations at the
time of acquisition. It is under this standard that the company acquired additional television
stations in Jacksonville, FL, Denver, CO, and Atlanta, GA.
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In 2007, the FCC revised its ownership regulations by adopting a modified cross-ownership
rule. In adopting this new rule, the FCC granted a permanent waiver authorizing the company’s
continued ownership of both KPNX-TV and The Arizona Republic in Phoenix, AZ. The revised rule may
be of limited value in permitting expanded ownership opportunities because it contains presumptions
that (i) common ownership of a television station and a daily newspaper may be permitted in the top
20 television markets only if the television station is not one of the top four rated stations, and
(ii) in all other television markets, common ownership of a newspaper and television station in the
same market is not in the public interest. (Most of the company’s stations are rated number one or
two in their markets.) Applicants for proposed combinations that are presumed not to be in the
public interest will be required to satisfy specified criteria to rebut the presumption against
common ownership, including demonstrating (i) the level of concentration in the designated market
area, (ii) a significant increase in the amount of local news after the transaction, (iii) the
existence of separate editorial staffs; (iv) the financial condition of either property if a
newspaper is financially troubled; and (v) the new owner’s commitment to invest in newsroom
operations. The FCC did not revise any other aspect of the FCC ownership rules. The FCC decision is
subject to agency reconsideration as well as review by a federal appeals court. An appeal is
pending and is unlikely to be resolved until late in 2011 or early 2012. In addition, the FCC has
commenced a new review of its ownership rules, and this review may result in additional rule
modifications. This review process is expected to continue throughout 2011 and is likely to be
followed by court appeals.
Other FCC Regulations also have been proposed to be amended by the agency, including rules and
policies concerning the specific amount and type of public-interest programming required to be
carried by broadcast stations to satisfy their license obligations and requirements concerning the
disclosure of such programming efforts.
Employees
At the end of 2010, the company and its subsidiaries had approximately 32,600 full-time and
part-time employees including 1,700 for CareerBuilder. Headcount reductions were made in 2010 as
part of multiple efficiency and consolidation efforts taken in response to the uneven recoveries in
the U.S. and U.K. economies and declining revenues, particularly in the company’s publishing
businesses.
Approximately 12% of those employed by the company and its subsidiaries in the U.S. are
represented by labor unions. They are represented by 66 local bargaining units, most of which are
affiliated with one of seven international unions under collective bargaining agreements. These
agreements conform generally with the pattern of labor agreements in the publishing and
broadcasting industries. The company does not engage in industrywide or companywide bargaining. The
company’s U.K. subsidiaries bargain with two unions over working practices, wages and health and
safety issues only.
The company provides competitive group life and medical insurance programs for full-time
domestic employees at each location. The company pays a substantial portion of these costs and
employees contribute the balance.
The company and its subsidiaries have various retirement plans, including plans established
under some collective bargaining agreements.
The company has a 401(k) Savings Plan, which is available to most domestic non-represented
employees and unionized employees who have bargained participation in the plan.
In June 2008, the Board of Directors 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 were 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
had their benefits frozen as of Aug. 1, 2008. Participants whose Gannett Retirement Plan and, if
applicable, SERP benefits were frozen will have their frozen benefits periodically increased by a
cost of living adjustment until benefits commence. Effective Aug. 1, 2008, most participants whose
benefits were frozen under the Gannett Retirement Plan and, if applicable, the SERP, receive higher
matching contributions under the 401(k) Plan. Under the new formula, the matching contribution rate
generally increased 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. The company also makes additional employer
contributions to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of certain long service 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.
Newsquest employees have local staff councils for consultation and communication with local
Newsquest management. Newsquest had provided the majority of its employees with the option to
participate in a retirement plan that incorporates life insurance. In October 2010, after
discussion with its pension plan trustees and employees, the decision was made to
close its Newsquest defined benefit plan to future accrual, effective March 31, 2011. The plan
closure was made to reduce pension expenses and funding volatility and was part of a package of
measures to address the plan’s deficit. The company expects that some of the savings from closing
the defined benefit plan will be partially offset by increased membership in Newsquest’s defined
contribution plan.
A key initiative for the company is its Leadership and Diversity program that focuses on
finding, developing and retaining the best and the brightest employees and a diverse workforce that
reflects the communities Gannett serves.
Environmental Initiatives
During 2010, the company continued “green” initiatives in the areas of recycling, waste paper and
plastics, using recycled materials, reducing energy consumption, using environmentally safe
products and maintaining “green” news sites to report environmental news and provide tips to
consumers. In addition, the company invested about $500,000 (investment net of rebates and repair
offsets) to upgrade HVAC equipment at nine sites which reduced annual energy use by 4 million
kilowatt hours and annual energy expense by $440,000.
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MARKETS WE SERVE
DAILY NEWSPAPERS AND AFFILIATED ONLINE SITES
| State | Circulation | |||||||||||||||||||
| Territory | City | Newspaper/Online site | Morning | Afternoon | Sunday | Founded | ||||||||||||||
| Alabama | Montgomery | Montgomery Advertiser |
34,121 | 43,194 | 1829 | |||||||||||||||
www.montgomeryadvertiser.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | Phoenix | The Arizona Republic |
332,577 | 483,495 | 1890 | |||||||||||||||
www.azcentral.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Arkansas | Mountain Home | The Baxter Bulletin |
9,354 | 1901 | ||||||||||||||||
www.baxterbulletin.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| California | Palm Springs | The Desert Sun |
40,214 | 46,115 | 1927 | |||||||||||||||
www.mydesert.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Salinas | The Salinas Californian |
10,324 | 1871 | |||||||||||||||||
www.thecalifornian.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Visalia | Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Advance-Register |
20,465 | 1859 | |||||||||||||||||
www.visaliatimesdelta.com
www.tulareadvanceregister.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Colorado | Fort Collins | Fort Collins Coloradoan |
21,602 | 26,037 | 1873 | |||||||||||||||
www.coloradoan.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Delaware | Wilmington | The News Journal |
87,757 | 111,368 | 1871 | |||||||||||||||
www.delawareonline.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | Brevard County | FLORIDA TODAY |
66,758 | 87,964 | 1966 | |||||||||||||||
www.floridatoday.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Fort Myers | The News-Press |
67,492 | 89,333 | 1884 | ||||||||||||||||
www.news-press.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Pensacola | Pensacola News Journal |
42,927 | 59,567 | 1889 | ||||||||||||||||
www.pnj.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Tallahassee | Tallahassee Democrat |
37,746 | 47,714 | 1905 | ||||||||||||||||
www.Tallahassee.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Guam | Hagatna | Pacific Daily News |
18,179 | 16,592 | 1944 | |||||||||||||||
www.guampdn.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Indiana | Indianapolis | The Indianapolis Star |
180,382 | 279,387 | 1903 | |||||||||||||||
www.indystar.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Lafayette | Journal and Courier |
27,843 | 36,188 | 1829 | ||||||||||||||||
www.jconline.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Muncie | The Star Press |
22,656 | 28,687 | 1899 | ||||||||||||||||
www.thestarpress.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Richmond | Palladium-Item |
10,568 | 15,873 | 1831 | ||||||||||||||||
www.pal-item.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Iowa | Des Moines | The Des Moines Register |
111,193 | 204,573 | 1849 | |||||||||||||||
www.desmoinesregister.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Iowa City | Iowa City Press-Citizen |
10,610 | 1860 | |||||||||||||||||
www.press-citizen.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Kentucky | Louisville | The Courier-Journal |
161,268 | 234,065 | 1868 | |||||||||||||||
www.courier-journal.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Louisiana | Alexandria | Alexandria Daily Town Talk |
22,038 | 27,593 | 1883 | |||||||||||||||
www.thetowntalk.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Lafayette | The Daily Advertiser |
30,588 | 42,848 | 1865 | ||||||||||||||||
www.theadvertiser.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Monroe | The News-Star |
27,588 | 29,449 | 1890 | ||||||||||||||||
www.thenewsstar.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Opelousas | Daily World |
5,963 | 7,300 | 1939 | ||||||||||||||||
www.dailyworld.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Shreveport | The Times |
42,800 | 54,832 | 1871 | ||||||||||||||||
www.shreveporttimes.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
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DAILY NEWSPAPERS AND AFFILIATED ONLINE SITES
| State | Circulation | |||||||||||||||||||
| Territory | City | Newspaper/Online site | Morning | Afternoon | Sunday | Founded | ||||||||||||||
| Maryland | Salisbury | The Daily Times |
18,284 | 23,226 | 1900 | |||||||||||||||
www.delmarvanow.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Michigan | Battle Creek | Battle Creek Enquirer |
15,823 | 22,890 | 1900 | |||||||||||||||
www.battlecreekenquirer.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Detroit | Detroit Free Press |
264,645 | 491,812 | 1832 | ||||||||||||||||
www.freep.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Lansing | Lansing State Journal |
44,984 | 67,397 | 1855 | ||||||||||||||||
www.lansingstatejournal.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Livingston County | Daily Press & Argus |
12,229 | 16,656 | 1843 | ||||||||||||||||
www.livingstondaily.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Port Huron | Times Herald |
18,106 | 28,854 | 1900 | ||||||||||||||||
www.thetimesherald.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Minnesota | St. Cloud | St. Cloud Times |
22,991 | 31,786 | 1861 | |||||||||||||||
www.sctimes.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Mississippi | Hattiesburg | Hattiesburg American |
12,939 | 16,112 | 1897 | |||||||||||||||
www.hattiesburgamerican.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Jackson | The Clarion-Ledger |
63,655 | 76,679 | 1837 | ||||||||||||||||
www.clarionledger.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Missouri | Springfield | Springfield News-Leader |
40,172 | 66,124 | 1893 | |||||||||||||||
www.news-leader.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Montana | Great Falls | Great Falls Tribune |
27,664 | 29,835 | 1885 | |||||||||||||||
www.greatfallstribune.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Nevada | Reno | Reno Gazette-Journal |
43,706 | 54,564 | 1870 | |||||||||||||||
www.rgj.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| New Jersey | Asbury Park | Asbury Park Press |
112,765 | 159,716 | 1879 | |||||||||||||||
www.app.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Bridgewater | Courier News |
18,437 | 22,218 | 1884 | ||||||||||||||||
www.mycentraljersey.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Cherry Hill | Courier-Post |
50,967 | 65,288 | 1875 | ||||||||||||||||
www.courierpostonline.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| East Brunswick | Home News Tribune |
35,033 | 42,595 | 1879 | ||||||||||||||||
www.mycentraljersey.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Morristown | Daily Record |
23,732 | 26,281 | 1900 | ||||||||||||||||
www.dailyrecord.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Vineland | The Daily Journal |
13,974 | 1864 | |||||||||||||||||
www.thedailyjournal.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| New York | Binghamton | Press & Sun-Bulletin |
37,641 | 53,746 | 1904 | |||||||||||||||
www.pressconnects.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Elmira | Star-Gazette |
17,267 | 25,936 | 1828 | ||||||||||||||||
www.stargazette.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Ithaca | The Ithaca Journal |
11,994 | 1815 | |||||||||||||||||
www.theithacajournal.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Poughkeepsie | Poughkeepsie Journal |
28,577 | 38,464 | 1785 | ||||||||||||||||
www.poughkeepsiejournal.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Rochester | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle |
122,823 | 177,445 | 1833 | ||||||||||||||||
www.democratandchronicle.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Westchester County | The Journal News |
82,640 | 103,304 | 1829 | ||||||||||||||||
www.lohud.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | Asheville | Asheville Citizen-Times |
34,724 | 51,113 | 1870 | |||||||||||||||
www.citizen-times.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
19
Table of Contents
DAILY NEWSPAPERS AND AFFILIATED ONLINE SITES
| State | Circulation | |||||||||||||||||||
| Territory | City | Newspaper/Online site | Morning | Afternoon | Sunday | Founded | ||||||||||||||
| Ohio | Bucyrus | Telegraph-Forum |
4,194 | 1923 | ||||||||||||||||
www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Chillicothe | Chillicothe Gazette |
9,531 | 11,412 | 1800 | ||||||||||||||||
www.chillicothegazette.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Cincinnati | The Cincinnati Enquirer |
161,635 | 256,662 | 1841 | ||||||||||||||||
www.cincinnati.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Coshocton | Coshocton Tribune |
4,508 | 5,262 | 1842 | ||||||||||||||||
www.coshoctontribune.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Fremont | The News-Messenger |
7,349 | 1856 | |||||||||||||||||
www.thenews-messenger.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Lancaster | Lancaster Eagle-Gazette |
8,567 | 10,242 | 1807 | ||||||||||||||||
www.lancastereaglegazette.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Mansfield | News Journal |
19,294 | 28,268 | 1885 | ||||||||||||||||
www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Marion | The Marion Star |
7,989 | 9,579 | 1880 | ||||||||||||||||
www.marionstar.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Newark | The Advocate |
12,775 | 15,513 | 1820 | ||||||||||||||||
www.newarkadvocate.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Port Clinton | News Herald |
3,430 | 1864 | |||||||||||||||||
www.portclintonnewsherald.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Zanesville | Times Recorder |
13,619 | 15,215 | 1852 | ||||||||||||||||
www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Oregon | Salem | Statesman Journal |
38,349 | 46,676 | 1851 | |||||||||||||||
www.statesmanjournal.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | Greenville | The Greenville News |
58,857 | 100,511 | 1874 | |||||||||||||||
www.greenvilleonline.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| South Dakota | Sioux Falls | Argus Leader |
35,789 | 54,682 | 1881 | |||||||||||||||
www.argusleader.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Tennessee | Clarksville | The Leaf-Chronicle |
15,279 | 19,402 | 1808 | |||||||||||||||
www.theleafchronicle.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Jackson | The Jackson Sun |
24,029 | 31,149 | 1848 | ||||||||||||||||
www.jacksonsun.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Murfreesboro | The Daily News Journal |
11,944 | 16,275 | 1848 | ||||||||||||||||
www.dnj.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Nashville | The Tennessean |
130,657 | 202,781 | 1812 | ||||||||||||||||
www.tennessean.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Utah | St. George | The Spectrum |
18,875 | 21,969 | 1963 | |||||||||||||||
www.thespectrum.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Vermont | Burlington | The Burlington Free Press |
32,504 | 42,239 | 1827 | |||||||||||||||
www.burlingtonfreepress.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Virginia | McLean | USA TODAY |
1,817,405 | 1982 | ||||||||||||||||
www.usatoday.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Staunton | The Daily News Leader |
14,648 | 16,813 | 1904 | ||||||||||||||||
www.newsleader.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Wisconsin | Appleton | The Post-Crescent |
41,104 | 56,598 | 1853 | |||||||||||||||
www.postcrescent.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Fond du Lac | The Reporter |
10,984 | 14,202 | 1870 | ||||||||||||||||
www.fdlreporter.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Green Bay | Green Bay Press-Gazette |
45,590 | 68,120 | 1915 | ||||||||||||||||
www.greenbaypressgazette.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Manitowoc | Herald Times Reporter |
10,881 | 12,854 | 1898 | ||||||||||||||||
www.htrnews.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Marshfield | Marshfield News-Herald |
8,811 | 1927 | |||||||||||||||||
www.marshfieldnewsherald.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Oshkosh | Oshkosh Northwestern |
15,360 | 20,603 | 1868 | ||||||||||||||||
www.thenorthwestern.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Sheboygan | The Sheboygan Press |
15,131 | 19,443 | 1907 | ||||||||||||||||
www.sheboyganpress.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Stevens Point | Stevens Point Journal |
8,571 | 1873 | |||||||||||||||||
www.stevenspointjournal.com
Central Wisconsin Sunday |
19,367 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Wausau | Wausau Daily Herald |
16,810 | 23,297 | 1903 | ||||||||||||||||
www.wausaudailyherald.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Wisconsin Rapids | The Daily Tribune |
8,612 | 1914 | |||||||||||||||||
www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
20
Table of Contents
DAILY PAID-FOR NEWSPAPERS AND AFFILIATED ONLINE SITES/NEWSQUEST PLC
| Circulation | ||||||||||||||
| City | Newspaper/Online site | Monday-Friday | Saturday | Founded | ||||||||||
| Basildon | Echo |
31,721 | 1969 | |||||||||||
www.echo-news.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Blackburn | Lancashire Telegraph |
25,746 | 23,825 | 1886 | ||||||||||
www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Bolton | The Bolton News |
24,845 | 20,858 | 1867 | ||||||||||
www.theboltonnews.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Bournemouth | Daily Echo |
28,044 | 31,129 | 1900 | ||||||||||
www.bournemouthecho.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Bradford | Telegraph & Argus |
29,115 | 27,504 | 1868 | ||||||||||
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Brighton | The Argus |
26,599 | 25,271 | 1880 | ||||||||||
www.theargus.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Colchester | The Gazette |
18,084 | 1970 | |||||||||||
www.gazette-news.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Darlington | The Northern Echo |
44,308 | 42,867 | 1870 | ||||||||||
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Glasgow | Evening Times |
61,761 | 33,008 | 1876 | ||||||||||
www.eveningtimes.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Glasgow | The Herald |
54,163 | 59,199 | 1783 | ||||||||||
www.theherald.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Newport | South Wales Argus |
25,208 | 22,176 | 1892 | ||||||||||
www.southwalesargus.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Oxford | Oxford Mail |
20,804 | 19,594 | 1928 | ||||||||||
www.oxfordmail.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Southampton | Southern Daily Echo |
33,427 | 39,903 | 1888 | ||||||||||
www.dailyecho.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Swindon | Swindon Advertiser |
19,584 | 17,647 | 1854 | ||||||||||
www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Weymouth | Dorset Echo |
17,858 | 19,374 | 1921 | ||||||||||
www.dorsetecho.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| Worcester | Worcester News |
15,253 | 14,601 | 1937 | ||||||||||
www.worcesternews.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
| York | The Press |
27,250 | 27,375 | 1882 | ||||||||||
www.thepress.co.uk |
||||||||||||||
Circulation figures are according to ABC results for the period Jan-Jun 2010.
Non-daily publications: Essex, London, Midlands, North East, North West, South Coast, South East,
South and East Wales, South West, Yorkshire
GANNETT DIGITAL
CareerBuilder: www.careerbuilder.com
Headquarters: Chicago, IL
Sales offices: Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Edison, NJ; Houston, TX; Irvine, CA; Long Island, NY; Los Angeles; McLean, VA; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN; New York, NY; Orlando, FL; Overland Park, KS; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; San Mateo, CA; Washington, DC
International offices: Belgium; Canada; China; France; Germany; Greece; India; Italy; Netherlands; Spain; Sweden; United Kingdom
Headquarters: Chicago, IL
Sales offices: Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Edison, NJ; Houston, TX; Irvine, CA; Long Island, NY; Los Angeles; McLean, VA; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN; New York, NY; Orlando, FL; Overland Park, KS; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; San Mateo, CA; Washington, DC
International offices: Belgium; Canada; China; France; Germany; Greece; India; Italy; Netherlands; Spain; Sweden; United Kingdom
Planet Discover: www.planetdiscover.com
Headquarters and sales office: Cincinnati, OH
Technology office: Cedar Rapids, IA
Headquarters and sales office: Cincinnati, OH
Technology office: Cedar Rapids, IA
PointRoll, Inc.: www.pointroll.com
Headquarters: Conshohocken, PA
Sales offices: Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA
Headquarters: Conshohocken, PA
Sales offices: Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA
ShopLocal: www.shoplocal.com
Headquarters: Chicago, IL
Sales office: Chicago, IL
Headquarters: Chicago, IL
Sales office: Chicago, IL
Mobile:
Gannett powers more than 100 local mobile sites and mobile applications and also partners with
4INFO and other mobile service providers to power news alerts and mobile marketing campaigns via
text messaging. Gannett has also developed and deployed leading applications for iPad, iPhone and
Android.
21
Table of Contents
TELEVISION STATIONS AND AFFILIATED ONLINE SITES
| Weekly | ||||||||||||||
| State | City | Station/Online site | Channel/Network | Audience (a) | Founded | |||||||||
| Arizona | Flagstaff | KNAZ-TV |
Channel 2/NBC | (b) | 1970 | |||||||||
| Phoenix | KPNX-TV |
Channel 12/NBC | 1,276,000 | 1953 | ||||||||||
www.azcentral.com/12news |
||||||||||||||
| Arkansas | Little Rock | KTHV-TV |
Channel 11/CBS | 437,000 | 1955 | |||||||||
www.todaysthv.com |
||||||||||||||
| California | Sacramento | KXTV-TV |
Channel 10/ABC | 887,000 | 1955 | |||||||||
www.news10.net |
||||||||||||||
| Colorado | Denver | KTVD-TV |
Channel 20/MyNetworkTV | 733,000 | 1988 | |||||||||
www.my20denver.com KUSA-TV |
Channel 9/NBC | 1,223,000 | 1952 | |||||||||||
www.9news.com |
||||||||||||||
| District of Columbia | Washington | WUSA-TV |
Channel 9/CBS | 1,826,000 | 1949 | |||||||||
www.wusa9.com |
||||||||||||||
| Florida | Jacksonville | WJXX-TV |
Channel 25/ABC | 434,000 | 1989 | |||||||||
WTLV-TV |
Channel 12/NBC | 482,000 | 1957 | |||||||||||
www.firstcoastnews.com |
||||||||||||||
| Tampa-St. Petersburg | WTSP-TV |
Channel 10/CBS | 1,180,000 | 1965 | ||||||||||
www.wtsp.com |
||||||||||||||
| Georgia | Atlanta | WATL-TV |
Channel 36/MyNetworkTV | 1,111,000 | 1954 | |||||||||
www.myatltv.com WXIA-TV |
Channel 11/NBC | 1,704,000 | 1948 | |||||||||||
www.11alive.com |
||||||||||||||
| Macon | WMAZ-TV |
Channel 13/CBS | 203,000 | 1953 | ||||||||||
www.13wmaz.com |
||||||||||||||
| Maine | Bangor | WLBZ-TV |
Channel 2/NBC | 108,000 | 1954 | |||||||||
www.wlbz2.com |
||||||||||||||
| Portland | WCSH-TV |
Channel 6/NBC | 317,000 | 1953 | ||||||||||
www.wcsh6.com |
||||||||||||||
| Michigan | Grand Rapids | WZZM-TV |
Channel 13/ABC | 406,000 | 1962 | |||||||||
www.wzzm13.com |
||||||||||||||
| Minnesota | Minneapolis-St. Paul | KARE-TV |
Channel 11/NBC | 1,400,000 | 1953 | |||||||||
www.kare11.com |
||||||||||||||
| Missouri | St. Louis | KSDK-TV |
Channel 5/NBC | 1,018,000 | 1947 | |||||||||
www.ksdk.com |
||||||||||||||
| New York | Buffalo | WGRZ-TV |
Channel 2/NBC | 516,000 | 1954 | |||||||||
www.wgrz.com |
||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | Greensboro | WFMY-TV |
Channel 2/CBS | 597,000 | 1949 | |||||||||
www.digtriad.com |
||||||||||||||
| Ohio | Cleveland | WKYC-TV |
Channel 3/NBC | 1,150,000 | 1948 | |||||||||
www.wkyc.com |
||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | Columbia | WLTX-TV |
Channel 19/CBS | 287,000 | 1953 | |||||||||
www.wltx.com |
||||||||||||||
| Tennessee | Knoxville | WBIR-TV |
Channel 10/NBC | 480,000 | 1956 | |||||||||
www.wbir.com |
||||||||||||||
Captivate Network: www.captivatenetwork.com
Headquarters: Chelmsford, MA
Advertising offices: Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; Toronto, Canada.
Headquarters: Chelmsford, MA
Advertising offices: Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; Toronto, Canada.
| (a) | Weekly audience is number of TV households reached, according to the November 2010 Nielsen book. | |
| (b) | Audience numbers fall below minimum reporting standards. |
22
Table of Contents
USA TODAY: www.usatoday.com
Headquarters and editorial offices: McLean, VA
Print sites: Atlanta, GA; Brevard County, FL; Chandler, AZ; Columbia, SC; Denver, CO; Everett, WA; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, Ind; Kankakee, IL; Las Vegas, NV; Lawrence, KS; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Mobile, AL; Nashville, TN; Newark, OH; Norwood, MA; Plano, TX; Rockaway, NJ; St. Louis, MO; Salisbury, NC; Salt Lake City, UT; San Bernardino, CA; San Jose, CA; Springfield, VA; Sterling Heights, MI; Tampa, FL; Warrendale, PA; Wilmington, DE; Winston-Salem, NC
Advertising offices: Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; McLean, VA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA
Headquarters and editorial offices: McLean, VA
Print sites: Atlanta, GA; Brevard County, FL; Chandler, AZ; Columbia, SC; Denver, CO; Everett, WA; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, Ind; Kankakee, IL; Las Vegas, NV; Lawrence, KS; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Mobile, AL; Nashville, TN; Newark, OH; Norwood, MA; Plano, TX; Rockaway, NJ; St. Louis, MO; Salisbury, NC; Salt Lake City, UT; San Bernardino, CA; San Jose, CA; Springfield, VA; Sterling Heights, MI; Tampa, FL; Warrendale, PA; Wilmington, DE; Winston-Salem, NC
Advertising offices: Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; McLean, VA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA
USATODAY.com
Headquarters and editorial offices: McLean, VA
Advertising offices: Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; McLean, VA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA
Headquarters and editorial offices: McLean, VA
Advertising offices: Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; McLean, VA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA
USA WEEKEND: www.usaweekend.com
Headquarters and editorial offices: McLean, VA
Advertising offices: Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA
Headquarters and editorial offices: McLean, VA
Advertising offices: Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA
Schedule Star/High School Sports: www.schedulestar.com; www.highschoolsports.net
Headquarters: Bridgeville, PA
Headquarters: Bridgeville, PA
Clipper Magazine: www.clippermagazine.com; www.couponclipper.com; www.doubletakedeals.com
Headquarters: Mountville, PA
Headquarters: Mountville, PA
Gannett Healthcare Group: www.gannetthg.com; www.getcedirect.com;www.Nurse.com; www.TodayinPT.com; www.TodayinOt.com; www.PearlsReview.com
Headquarters: Falls Church, VA
Regional offices: Dallas, TX; Hoffman Estates, IL; San Jose, CA
Publications: Nursing Spectrum, NurseWeek, Today in PT, Today in OT
Headquarters: Falls Church, VA
Regional offices: Dallas, TX; Hoffman Estates, IL; San Jose, CA
Publications: Nursing Spectrum, NurseWeek, Today in PT, Today in OT
Gannett Government Media Corp.
Headquarters: Springfield, VA
Regional office: Los Angeles, CA
Publications: Army Times: www.armytimes.com, Navy Times: www.navytimes.com, Marine Corps Times: www.marinecorpstimes.com, Air Force Times: www.airforcetimes.com, Federal Times: www.federaltimes.com, Defense News: www.defensenews.com, Armed Forces Journal: www.armedforcesjournal.com, C4ISR Journal: www.c4isrjournal.com, Training and Simulation Journal: www.tsjonline.com, Military Times EDGE: www.militarytimesedge.com
Headquarters: Springfield, VA
Regional office: Los Angeles, CA
Publications: Army Times: www.armytimes.com, Navy Times: www.navytimes.com, Marine Corps Times: www.marinecorpstimes.com, Air Force Times: www.airforcetimes.com, Federal Times: www.federaltimes.com, Defense News: www.defensenews.com, Armed Forces Journal: www.armedforcesjournal.com, C4ISR Journal: www.c4isrjournal.com, Training and Simulation Journal: www.tsjonline.com, Military Times EDGE: www.militarytimesedge.com
Gannett Media Technologies International: www.gmti.com:
Headquarters: Norfolk, VA
Regional offices: Cincinnati, OH; Phoenix, AZ
Headquarters: Norfolk, VA
Regional offices: Cincinnati, OH; Phoenix, AZ
ContentOne
Headquarters: McLean, VA
Bureau: Washington, DC
Headquarters: McLean, VA
Bureau: Washington, DC
Non-daily publications
Weekly, semi-weekly, monthly or bimonthly publications in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Guam, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin
Weekly, semi-weekly, monthly or bimonthly publications in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Guam, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin
Gannett Media Sales Group: McLean, VA
Gannett Offset: www.gannettoffset.com
Headquarters: Springfield, VA
Offset sites: Atlanta, GA; Minneapolis, MN; Norwood, MA; St. Louis, MO; Springfield, VA
Headquarters: Springfield, VA
Offset sites: Atlanta, GA; Minneapolis, MN; Norwood, MA; St. Louis, MO; Springfield, VA
Gannett Direct Marketing Services, Inc.: www.gdms.com:
Headquarters: Louisville, KY
Headquarters: Louisville, KY
Gannett Satellite Information Network: McLean, VA
National Web Sites:
www.bnqt.com;
www.careerbuilder.com;
www.highschoolsports.net;
www.metromix.com;
www.momslikeme.com;
www.reviewed.com;
www.usatoday.com
www.usaweekend.com
www.bnqt.com;
www.careerbuilder.com;
www.highschoolsports.net;
www.metromix.com;
www.momslikeme.com;
www.reviewed.com;
www.usatoday.com
www.usaweekend.com
GANNETT ON THE NET: News and information about Gannett is available on its web site,
www.gannett.com. In addition to news and other information about Gannett, the company provides
access through this site to its annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, its
current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable
after the company files or furnishes them electronically to the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC). Certification by Gannett’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are included
as exhibits to the company’s SEC reports (including the company’s Form 10-K filed in 2010).
Gannett also provides access on this web site to its Principles of Corporate Governance, the
charters of its Audit, Digital Technology, Executive Compensation and Nominating and Public
Responsibility Committees and other important governance documents and policies, including its
Ethics and Inside Trading Policies. Copies of all of these corporate governance documents are
available to any shareholder upon written request made to the company’s Secretary at our
headquarters address. In addition, the company will disclose on this web site changes to, or
waivers of, its corporate Ethics Policy.
23
Table of Contents
| ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
In addition to the other information contained or incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K,
prospective investors should consider carefully the following risk factors before investing in our
securities. The risks described below may not be the only risks we face. Additional risks that we
do not yet perceive or that we currently believe are immaterial may also adversely affect our
business and the trading price of our securities.
Deterioration in economic conditions in the markets we serve in the U.S. and the UK may depress
demand for our products and services
Our operating results depend on the relative strength of the economy in our principal publishing,
digital and television markets as well as the strength or weakness of national and regional
economic factors. Generally soft economic conditions and uneven recoveries in the U.S. and U.K.
have had a significant adverse impact on the company’s businesses, particularly publishing. If
conditions remain challenging or worsen in the U.S. or U.K. economy, all key advertising revenue
categories could be significantly impacted.
Competition from alternative forms of media may impair our ability to grow or maintain revenue
levels in core and new businesses
Advertising produces the predominant share of our publishing, broadcasting and affiliated web site
revenues as well as digital segment revenues. With the continued development of alternative forms
of media, particularly electronic media including those based on the Internet, our businesses may
face increased competition. Alternative media sources may also affect our ability to generate
circulation revenues and television audience. This competition may make it difficult for us to grow
or maintain our broadcasting, print advertising and circulation revenues, which we believe will
challenge us to expand the contributions of our online and other digital businesses.
A decline in the company’s credit ratings and continued volatility in the U.S. credit markets could
significantly impact the company’s ability to obtain new financing to fund its operations and
strategic initiatives or to refinance its existing debt at reasonable rates as it matures
At the end of 2010, the company had approximately $2.35 billion in long-term debt, of which $221
million was in the form of borrowings under bank credit facilities, $180 million is a term loan and
the balance was in the form of unsecured notes. Approximately $613 million of this debt matures
beginning in mid-2011 with remaining maturities in 2012-2018. While the company’s cash flow is
expected to be sufficient to pay amounts when due, if operating results deteriorate significantly,
a significant portion of these maturities may need to be refinanced. Access to the capital markets
may at times be affected by our credit ratings and conditions in the economy. A decline in our
corporate credit rating could make future borrowings more expensive, and volatile credit markets
could make it harder for us to obtain debt financings generally. However, the company did access
the capital markets in September 2010 with $500 million of unsecured financing. In September, the
company also amended its revolving credit agreements and extended the maturity date with the
majority of its
lenders from March 15, 2012 to September 30, 2014. Total commitments under the amended revolving
credit agreements are $1.63 billion through March 15, 2012 and total extended commitments from
March 15, 2012 to September 30, 2014 will be $1.14 billion. At the end of 2010, the company had
approximately $1.4 billion of additional borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facilities.
Volatility in global financial markets directly affects the value of our pension plan assets
While asset returns were strongly positive in 2010 and 2009, the company’s principal U.S.
retirement plan, the Gannett Retirement Plan, is underfunded by $346 million. Depending on various
factors, including future investment returns, discount rates and potential pension legislative
changes, the company may be required to make up this underfunding with contributions in future
years.
Foreign exchange variability could adversely affect our consolidated operating results
Weakening of the British pound-to-U.S. dollar exchange rate could diminish Newsquest’s earnings
contribution to consolidated results. Newsquest results for 2010 were translated to U.S. dollars at
the average rate of 1.55. CareerBuilder, with expanding overseas operations, also has foreign
exchange risk but to a significantly lesser degree.
Changes in the regulatory environment could encumber or impede our efforts to improve operating
results or value of assets
Our publishing and broadcasting operations are subject to government regulation. Changing
regulations, particularly FCC regulations which affect our television stations, may result in
increased costs and adversely impact our future profitability. For example, FCC regulations
required us to construct digital television stations in all of our television markets, despite the
fact that the new digital stations are unlikely to produce significant additional revenue. In
addition, our television stations are required to possess television broadcast licenses from the
FCC; when granted, these licenses are generally granted for a period of eight years. Under certain
circumstances the FCC is not required to renew any license and could decline to renew our license
applications that are currently pending in 2011.
The degree of success of our investment and acquisition strategy may significantly impact our
ability to expand overall profitability
We will continue efforts to identify and complete strategic investments, partnerships and business
acquisitions. These efforts may not prove successful. Strategic investments and partnerships with
other companies expose us to the risk that we may not be able to control the operations of our
investee or partnership, which could decrease the amount of benefits we reap from a particular
relationship. The company is also exposed to the risk that its partners in strategic investments
and infrastructure may encounter financial difficulties which could lead to disruption of investee
or partnership activities.
Acquisitions of other businesses may be difficult to integrate with our existing operations,
could require an inefficiently high amount of attention from our senior management, might require
us to incur additional debt or divert our capital from more profitable expenditures, and might
result in other unanticipated problems and liabilities.
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The value of our intangible assets may become impaired, depending upon future operating results
Goodwill and other intangible assets were approximately $3.4 billion as of Dec. 26, 2010,
representing approximately 49% of our total assets. We periodically evaluate our goodwill and other
intangible assets to determine whether all or a portion of their carrying values may no longer be
recoverable, in which case a charge to earnings may be necessary, as occurred in the last three
years (see Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Any future evaluations
requiring an asset impairment charge for goodwill or other intangible assets would adversely affect
future reported results of operations and shareholders’ equity, although such charges would not
affect our cash flow.
The collectability of accounts receivable under current soft economic conditions could deteriorate
to a greater extent than provided for in the company’s financial statements and in its projections
of future results
Generally soft economic conditions and uneven recoveries in the U.S. and U.K. have increased the
company’s exposure to losses resulting from the potential bankruptcy of its advertising customers.
The company’s accounts receivable are stated at net estimated realizable value and its allowance
for doubtful accounts has been determined based on several factors, including receivable agings,
significant individual credit risk accounts and historical experience. If such collectability
estimates prove inaccurate, adjustments to future operating results could occur.
| ITEM 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
None.
| ITEM 2. | PROPERTIES |
Publishing/United States
Generally, the company owns many of the plants that house all aspects of the publication process.
Certain U.S. Community Publishing operations have outsourced printing to non-Gannett newspapers or
commercial printers. In the case of USA TODAY, at Dec. 26, 2010, 20 non-Gannett printers were used
to print the newspaper in U.S. markets where there are no company publishing sites with appropriate
facilities. Non-Gannett printers in 11 foreign countries publish and distribute an international
edition of USA TODAY under a royalty agreement. USA WEEKEND, Clipper Magazine and Gannett
Healthcare Group are also printed under contracts with commercial printing companies. Many of the
company’s newspapers have outside news bureaus and sales offices, which generally are leased. In
several markets, two or more of the company’s newspapers share combined facilities; and in certain
locations, facilities are shared with other non-Gannett newspaper properties. At the end of 2010,
68% of the company’s U.S. daily newspapers were either printed by non-Gannett printers or printed
in combination with other Gannett newspapers. The company’s publishing properties have rail siding
facilities or access to main roads for newsprint delivery purposes and are conveniently located for
distribution purposes.
During the past five years, new or substantial additions or remodeling of existing facilities
have been completed or are at some stage of construction at 10 of the company’s publishing
operations. Gannett continues to make investments in renovations where necessary for operational
efficiency.
During 2010, the company continued its efforts to consolidate certain of its U.S. publishing
facilities to achieve savings and efficiencies. The company’s facilities are adequate for present
operations. A listing of publishing centers and key properties may be found on pages 18-20.
Publishing/United Kingdom
Newsquest owns certain of the plants where its newspapers are produced and leases other facilities.
Newsquest headquarters is in Weybridge, Surrey. Additions to Newsquest’s printing capacity and
color capabilities have been made since Gannett acquired Newsquest in 1999. Newsquest has
consolidated certain of its facilities to achieve savings and efficiencies. Certain Newsquest
operations have outsourced printing to non-Newsquest newspaper companies. All of Newsquest’s
properties are adequate for present purposes. A listing of Newsquest publishing centers and key
properties may be found on page 21.
Digital
Generally, the company’s digital businesses lease their facilities. This includes facilities for
executive offices, sales offices and data centers. The company’s facilities are adequate for
present operations. The company also believes that suitable additional or alternative space,
including those under lease options, will be available at commercially reasonable terms for future
expansion. A listing of key digital facilities can be found on page 21.
Broadcasting
The company’s broadcasting facilities are adequately equipped with the necessary television
broadcasting equipment. The company owns or leases transmitter facilities in 23 locations. All of
the company’s stations have converted to digital television operations in accordance with
applicable FCC regulations. The company’s broadcasting facilities are adequate for present
purposes. A listing of television stations can be found on page 22.
Corporate facilities
The company’s headquarters and USA TODAY are located in McLean, VA. The company also owns data and
network operations centers in nearby Maryland and in Phoenix, AZ. Headquarters facilities are
adequate for present operations.
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| ITEM 3. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
Information regarding legal proceedings may be found in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Environmental
Some of the company’s newspaper subsidiaries have been identified as potentially responsible
parties (PRP) for cleanup of contaminated sites as a result of their alleged disposal of ink or
other wastes at disposal sites that have been subsequently identified as requiring remediation. In
four such matters that involve a governmental authority as a party, the company’s liability could
exceed $100,000.
Poughkeepsie Newspapers is required by a consent order with the U.S. EPA to fund a portion of
the remediation costs at the Hertel Landfill site in Plattekill, NY. Poughkeepsie Newspapers has
paid and expensed its share of the initial clean up but remains liable for a share of follow-up
testing and potential further remediation at the site. Such remaining liability is not expected to
be material.
In conjunction with the sale of property in Norwich, CT, in May 2007, Gannett Satellite
Information Network, Inc. (GANSAT) submitted a Transfer of Establishment form to the Connecticut
Department of Environmental Protection (CDEP). Because there is evidence of soil and groundwater
contamination at the property, GANSAT will conduct a site investigation, and, if necessary,
remediation, in accordance with the requirements of the Connecticut Transfer Act. The site
investigation cost is not expected to be material. The cost of remediation, if any, will not be
known until the conclusion of the site investigation.
In December 2004, the U.S. Forest Service advised by letter that it considers “Shiny Rock
Mining Corporation” to be legally responsible for a release of hazardous substances at a closed
mine site in Oregon. Shiny Rock Mining Corporation is a former Gannett subsidiary that donated the
property at issue to Friends of Opal Creek (Friends) in 1992. Gannett tendered this matter to
Friends pursuant to an indemnification agreement, and Friends and the Forest Service entered into a
Consent Agreement to conduct a site investigation. Friends has been funding the investigation by
using proceeds from an insurance policy, now expired. In December 2008, Friends notified Gannett
that it may not have sufficient resources to fund its indemnification responsibilities if site
costs exceed the proceeds available under the insurance policy. Whether Gannett will be required to
fund further site work, and how much that might cost, depends on whether additional site
investigation and/or remediation will be required, both unknown at this time.
Gannett Suburban Newspapers has been identified as a PRP — along with approximately 200 other
governmental and private entities — at the Ellis Road Superfund site in Jacksonville, FL. Pursuant
to an Administrative Order on Consent entered into in 1989, Gannett and other PRPs paid for certain
cleanup actions at the site. Gannett was allocated approximately 0.06% of the cost of that cleanup,
resulting in a payment of $3,250. In 2009, EPA determined that additional investigation and cleanup
of the Ellis Road Site is required. Because EPA has not yet disclosed the scope and cost of any
additional cleanup, Gannett is unable to reasonably estimate its potential liability with respect
to this matter; however, Gannett expects such liability will be nominal.
| ITEM 4. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS |
None.
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PART II
| ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
Gannett Co., Inc. shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange with the symbol GCI.
Information regarding outstanding shares, shareholders and dividends may be found on pages 1,
3 and 46 of this Form 10-K. Information about debt securities sold in private transactions may be
found on pages 43 and 44 of this Form 10-K.
Gannett Common stock prices
High-low range by fiscal quarters based on NYSE-composite closing prices.
| Year | Quarter | Low | High | |||||||
2000 |
First | $ | 61.75 | $ | 83.25 | |||||
| Second | $ | 59.25 | $ | 72.13 | ||||||
| Third | $ | 49.25 | $ | 60.06 | ||||||
| Fourth | $ | 48.69 | $ | 63.06 | ||||||
2001 |
First | $ | 56.50 | $ | 67.74 | |||||
| Second | $ | 59.58 | $ | 69.38 | ||||||
| Third | $ | 55.55 | $ | 69.11 | ||||||
| Fourth | $ | 58.55 | $ | 71.10 | ||||||
2002 |
First | $ | 65.03 | $ | 77.85 | |||||
| Second | $ | 71.50 | $ | 79.87 | ||||||
| Third | $ | 63.39 | $ | 77.70 | ||||||
| Fourth | $ | 66.62 | $ | 79.20 | ||||||
2003 |
First | $ | 67.68 | $ | 75.10 | |||||
| Second | $ | 70.43 | $ | 79.70 | ||||||
| Third | $ | 75.86 | $ | 79.18 | ||||||
| Fourth | $ | 77.56 | $ | 88.93 | ||||||
2004 |
First | $ | 84.50 | $ | 90.01 | |||||
| Second | $ | 84.95 | $ | 91.00 | ||||||
| Third | $ | 79.56 | $ | 86.78 | ||||||
| Fourth | $ | 78.99 | $ | 85.62 | ||||||
2005 |
First | $ | 78.43 | $ | 82.41 | |||||
| Second | $ | 71.13 | $ | 80.00 | ||||||
| Third | $ | 66.25 | $ | 74.80 | ||||||
| Fourth | $ | 59.19 | $ | 68.62 | ||||||
2006 |
First | $ | 58.81 | $ | 64.80 | |||||
| Second | $ | 53.22 | $ | 60.92 | ||||||
| Third | $ | 51.67 | $ | 57.15 | ||||||
| Fourth | $ | 55.92 | $ | 61.25 | ||||||
2007 |
First | $ | 55.76 | $ | 63.11 | |||||
| Second | $ | 54.12 | $ | 59.79 | ||||||
| Third | $ | 43.70 | $ | 55.40 | ||||||
| Fourth | $ | 35.30 | $ | 45.85 | ||||||
2008 |
First | $ | 28.43 | $ | 39.00 | |||||
| Second | $ | 21.79 | $ | 30.75 | ||||||
| Third | $ | 15.96 | $ | 21.67 | ||||||
| Fourth | $ | 6.09 | $ | 17.05 | ||||||
2009 |
First | $ | 1.95 | $ | 9.30 | |||||
| Second | $ | 2.20 | $ | 5.48 | ||||||
| Third | $ | 3.18 | $ | 10.14 | ||||||
| Fourth | $ | 9.76 | $ | 15.63 | ||||||
2010 |
First | $ | 13.53 | $ | 17.25 | |||||
| Second | $ | 13.73 | $ | 18.67 | ||||||
| Third | $ | 11.98 | $ | 15.11 | ||||||
| Fourth | $ | 11.76 | $ | 15.78 | ||||||
2011 |
First* | $ | 14.49 | $ | 17.18 | |||||
| * | Through February 11, 2011 |
Purchases of Equity Securities
There were no repurchases of common stock in 2010. The dollar value of shares that may yet be
purchased under the company’s share repurchase program described on page 46 is $808,936,610. While
there is no expiration date for the repurchase program, the Board of Directors reviews the
authorization of the program annually and did so in October 2010.
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Comparison of shareholder return — 2006 to 2010
The following graph compares the performance of the company’s common stock during the period Dec.
25, 2005, to Dec. 26, 2010, with the S&P 500 Index, and a Peer Group Index selected by the company.
The company has established an index of peer group companies because of changes in 2007 to the
S&P 500 Publishing Index. At the end of 2006, the S&P 500 Publishing Index included Gannett Co.,
Inc., Dow Jones & Co., Inc., The McGraw-Hill Companies, Meredith Corporation, The New York Times
Company and Tribune Company. During 2007, Dow Jones was purchased by News Corp. and Tribune Company
was taken private, and both companies therefore were removed from the S&P 500 Publishing Index. The
Washington Post Company, which holds substantial non-publishing/broadcast interests, was added to
the S&P 500 Publishing Index.
Because of these changes, the company believes the S&P 500 Publishing Index no longer
comprises a representative group of peer companies. The company therefore selected a Peer Group
which it believes to be more representative based upon the strong publishing/broadcasting
orientation of the companies selected. This Peer Group is comprised of Gannett Co., Inc., A.H. Belo
Corp., The E.W. Scripps Company, Journal Communications, Inc., Lee Enterprises, Inc., The McClatchy
Company, Media General, Inc. and The New York Times Company.
The S&P 500 Index includes 500 U.S. companies in the industrial, utilities and financial
sectors and is weighted by market capitalization.
The graph depicts the results of investing $100 in the company’s common stock, the S&P 500
Index and the Peer Group Index at closing on Dec. 25, 2005. It assumes that dividends were
reinvested monthly with respect to the company’s common stock, daily with respect to the S&P 500
Index and monthly with respect to the Peer Group.
| 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||
Gannett Co., Inc. |
100 | 101.89 | 67.76 | 15.42 | 29.65 | 30.47 | ||||||||||||||||||
S&P 500 Index |
100 | 115.79 | 122.16 | 76.96 | 97.33 | 111.99 | ||||||||||||||||||
Peer Group |
100 | 98.27 | 67.70 | 17.55 | 37.96 | 37.50 | ||||||||||||||||||
Comparison of shareholder return — June 30, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2010
The following graph compares the total return to shareholders of the company’s common stock during
the period from June 30, 2009 (the date the National Bureau of Economic Research announced as the
end of the recession in the U.S.) to December 31, 2010 with the performance of the S&P 500 Media
Index, the S&P 500 Publishing Index and the company’s 2010 Peer Group over the same period of time.
The graph depicts the results of investing $100 in the company’s common stock, the S&P 500
Media Index, the S&P 500 Publishing Index and the company’s Peer Group at closing prices on June
30, 2009, assuming that dividends are reinvested on a monthly basis.
The S&P 500 Media Index is comprised of Cablevision, Systems Corporation, CBS Corporation,
Comcast Corporation, The DirecTV Group, Inc., Discovery Communications Inc., Gannett Co., Inc., The
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., Meredith Corporation, News
Corporation, Omnicom Group, Inc., Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., Time Warner Cable Inc., Time
Warner Inc., Viacom Inc., The Walt Disney Company, and The Washington Post Company and the S&P 500
Publishing Index consists of Gannett Co., Inc., The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., Meredith
Corporation, and The Washington Post Company.
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| ITEM 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
Selected financial data for the years 2006 through 2010 is contained under the heading “Selected
Financial Data” on page 78 and is derived from the company’s audited financial statements for those
years. Certain reclassifications have been made to previously reported financial data to reflect
the creation of a new digital segment, as more fully discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
The information contained in the “Selected Financial Data” is not necessarily indicative of
the results of operations to be expected for future years, and should be read in conjunction with
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in
Item 7 and the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Item 8 of
this Form 10-K.
| ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
Certain factors affecting forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K 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 continuance of the generally soft economic
conditions in the U.S. and the U.K. or a further economic downturn leading to a continuing or
accelerated decrease in circulation or local, national or classified advertising; (c) a further
decline in general newspaper 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 British pound 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; (l) 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, investment or
property, plant and equipment impairment charges; (n) credit rating downgrades, which could affect
the availability and cost of future financing; and (o) general economic, political and business
conditions.
Executive Summary
Gannett Co., Inc. is a leading international media and marketing solutions company operating
primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom (U.K.). Approximately 90% of 2010
consolidated revenues are from domestic operations and approximately 10% are from foreign
operations, primarily in the U.K.
The company’s goal is to be the leading source of news and information in the markets it
serves, and be customer centric by delivering quality products and results for readers, viewers,
advertisers and other customers. Gannett believes that well-managed newspapers, television
stations, electronic media including Internet and mobile products and services, magazine/specialty
publications and programming efforts will maximize profits for the company’s shareholders as will
our customer-centric solutions approach to advertising. To that end, the company’s strategy has
the following elements:
| • | Become a leading digital destination for consumers and advertisers. |
| • | Create new business opportunities in the digital space through internal innovation, acquisitions or affiliations. The company established a new Digital segment in 2008. |
| • | Transform its sales organization from transactional advertising to a culture of customer-focused marketing solutions and ideas. |
| • | Create highly relevant content that delivers what consumers want and advertisers need to engage with their audiences on multiple platforms. |
| • | Maintain strong financial discipline throughout its operations. |
| • | Maximize existing resources through efforts to enhance revenues and control or reduce costs. For businesses that do not fit with the company’s long-term strategic goals, a reallocation of resources will be undertaken. |
| • | Strengthen the foundation of the company by finding, developing and retaining the best and brightest employees through a robust Leadership and Diversity program. |
Gannett implements its strategy and manages its operations through three business segments:
publishing, digital and broadcasting (television). The publishing segment includes the operations
of 99 daily newspapers in the U.S., U.K. and Guam, about 600 non-daily local publications in the United
States and Guam and more than 200 such titles in the U.K. Its 82 U.S. daily newspapers, including
USA TODAY, the nation’s largest-selling daily print newspaper, with an average circulation of
approximately 1.8 million, have a combined daily average paid circulation of 5.3 million, which is
the nation’s largest newspaper group in terms of circulation. Together with the 17 daily paid-for
newspapers its Newsquest division publishes in the U.K., the total average daily circulation of its
99 domestic and U.K. daily newspapers was approximately 5.7 million for 2010. All daily newspapers
also operate web sites which are tightly integrated with publishing operations. The company’s
newspapers also have strategic business relationships with online affiliates including
CareerBuilder, Classified Ventures, ShopLocal.com, Topix and Metromix LLC.
The publishing segment also includes commercial printing; newswire; marketing and data
services operations.
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Through its broadcasting segment, the company owns and operates 23 television stations
with affiliated web sites covering 18.2% of the U.S. population in markets with a total of more
than 21 million households. This segment also includes the results of Captivate Network, a national
news and entertainment network that delivers programming and full-motion video advertising on video
screens located in elevators of office towers and select hotel lobbies across North America.
Fiscal year: The company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. The
company’s 2010 fiscal year ended on Dec. 26, 2010, and encompassed a 52-week period. The company’s
2009 and 2008 fiscal years also encompassed 52-week periods.
Discontinued operations: Unless stated otherwise, as discussed in the section titled
“Discontinued operations,” all of the information contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relates to continuing operations. Therefore, the
results of The Honolulu Advertiser and its related assets, which were sold to Oahu Publications in
May 2010, and a small directory publishing operations sold to Yellow Book in June 2010, are
excluded for all periods covered by this report. These transactions are discussed in more detail on
page 32 in the business acquisitions, investments, dispositions and discontinued operations section
of this report.
Presentation of certain pro forma and non-GAAP information: The discussion below is focused
mainly on changes in historical financial results, however certain operating information for the
newly formed Digital Segment is also presented on a pro forma basis, which assumes that all
properties owned at the end of 2010 were owned throughout the periods covered by the discussion.
The company consistently uses, for individual businesses and for aggregated business data, pro
forma reporting of operating results in its internal financial reports because it enhances
measurement of performance by permitting comparisons with prior period historical data. Likewise,
the company uses this same pro forma data in its external reporting of key financial results and
benchmarks.
In addition to the results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), the company has provided in this report amounts for
operating expenses, operating income, non-operating expenses, income taxes, income from continuing
operations, net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. and earnings per share excluding certain
special items (non GAAP basis). Management believes results excluding these items better reflect
the ongoing performance of the company and enables management and investors to meaningfully trend,
analyze and benchmark the performance of the company’s operations. These measures are also more
comparable to financial measures reported by the company’s competitors. These results should not be
considered a substitute for amounts calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP.
Results from continuing operations and special charges and credits: Income from continuing
operations attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. for 2010 was $567 million or $2.35 per share.
The table below reconciles diluted earnings per share from continuing operations reported in
accordance with GAAP to adjusted earnings per share excluding special items:
| Fifty-two | Fifty-two | Fifty-two | ||||||||||
| weeks ended | weeks ended | weeks ended | ||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings Per Share | Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | Dec. 28, 2008 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share from
continuing operations
(GAAP basis) |
$ | 2.35 | $ | 1.49 | $ | (29.02 | ) | |||||
Operating items: |
||||||||||||
Facility
consolidation and asset impairment charges |
0.17 | 0.37 | 31.20 | |||||||||
Workforce
restructuring and related expenses |
0.03 | 0.08 | 0.33 | |||||||||
Pension gain |
— | (0.10 | ) | (0.13 | ) | |||||||
Non-operating items: |
||||||||||||
Impairment of newspaper
publishing partnerships and other
equity method investments |
0.01 | 0.03 | 1.09 | |||||||||
Debt exchange gain |
— | (0.11 | ) | — | ||||||||
Impairment of publishing assets sold |
— | 0.10 | — | |||||||||
Tysons land sale gain |
— | — | (0.07 | ) | ||||||||
Release of prior year tax
reserves, net |
(0.11 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Adjusted earnings per share
(non-GAAP basis) |
$ | 2.44 | (a) | $ | 1.85 | (a) | $ | 3.40 | ||||
| (a) | Total per diluted share amount does not sum due to rounding. |
Discussion of special charges and credits affecting reported results: Difficult business
conditions required the company to perform impairment tests on certain assets including goodwill,
other intangible
assets, other long lived assets and investments accounted for under the equity method during
2010, 2009 and 2008. As a result, the company has recorded non-cash impairment charges to reduce
the book value of certain of those assets of $60 million ($43 million after-tax or $.18 per
share), $142 million ($95 million after-tax or $.40 per share) and $8.3 billion ($7.4 billion
after-tax or $32.29 per share) in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In addition, an impairment
charge of $28 million ($24 million after-tax or $.10 per share) was taken in 2009 to reduce the
value of certain commercial printing assets which were then sold. The 2008 and 2009 impairment
charges were driven by poor business trends amid recessions in the U.S. and U.K. Concurrent with
the decline in business conditions, there was broad-based downward pressure on equity share values
in 2008 and early 2009 and the company’s stock price declined significantly. These factors led to
the reassessment of asset carrying values and the determination that non-cash impairment write
downs to underlying estimated fair value were required. These non-cash impairment charges are
detailed in Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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For the years 2010, 2009 and 2008 the company
recorded workforce restructuring related costs
totaling $12 million ($7 million after-tax or $.03 per
share), $28 million ($18 million after-tax or $.08 per
share), and $115 million ($75 million after-tax or
$.33 per share), respectively. These charges were
taken in connection with workforce reductions related
to facility consolidation and outsourcing efforts and
as part of a general program to fundamentally change
the company’s cost structure.
In 2010, the company booked a net tax benefit of $28.7 million ($.12 per share) primarily due to
the expiration of the statutes of limitations including the release of certain reserves related
to the sale of a business in a prior year. The benefit was partially offset by a $2.2 million
($.01 per share) tax charge related to health care reform legislation and the resultant loss of
tax deductibility for certain health care costs covered by Medicare retiree drug subsidies.
During 2009, the company reached an agreement
with one of its unions for a complete withdrawal from
the union’s underfunded pension plan and release from
any future obligations with respect thereto. As a
result of this agreement, the company recognized a
pension settlement gain of $40 million ($25 million
after-tax or $.10 per share).
During 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 curtailment gain from its
domestic pension plans of $47 million ($29 million
after-tax or $.13 per share).
In connection with the debt exchange offer
completed in May 2009, the company recorded a gain of
approximately $43 million ($26 million after-tax or
$.11 per share) which is classified in “Other
non-operating items” in the Statement of Income
(Loss). This gain resulted from recording its new
2015 and 2016 notes at fair value as of the time of
the exchange and extinguishing the old notes at their
historical book values.
In 2008, the company realized a $26 million ($16
million after-tax or $.07 per share) gain on the sale
of a parcel of land adjacent to its headquarters
building in McLean, VA.
Operating results summary: Operating revenues
were $5.4 billion in 2010, a decline of 1% from $5.5
billion in 2009. Total revenue comparisons
sequentially improved quarterly throughout the year
and modest revenue growth was achieved in the third
and fourth quarters of 2010.
Publishing revenues were $4.1 billion for 2010
or 6% below 2009 levels. The rate of decline
narrowed over the course of the year as economic
conditions continued to improve.
Digital segment revenues totaled $618 million for
2010, an increase of 5%, reflecting strong revenue
growth at CareerBuilder, PointRoll and ShopLocal.
Broadcast revenues for 2010 were $770 million or
22% better than 2009 levels, reflecting advertising
revenue of $107 million associated with elections and
Winter Olympic
Games, as well as higher core television
advertising and significant growth at Captivate.
Digital revenues company-wide including the
Digital segment and all digital revenues generated by
other business segments were approximately $1.0
billion, 18% of total operating revenues and an
increase of 8% over last year.
As indicated, total revenue comparisons
sequentially improved throughout the year and modest
revenue growth was achieved in the third and fourth
quarters of 2010. The table below presents the
percentage change in revenues compared to 2009 for each
quarter and for the full year, for the company as a
whole and for its three business segments.
Revenue Comparison 2010 vs. 2009
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Full Year | ||||||||||||||||
Publishing |
(7 | %) | (6 | %) | (5 | %) | (5 | %) | (6 | %) | ||||||||||
Digital |
(2 | %) | 8 | % | 10 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % | ||||||||||
Broadcast |
17 | % | 20 | % | 22 | % | 27 | % | 22 | % | ||||||||||
Total |
(4 | %) | (2 | %) | 0.0 | % | 0.4 | % | (1 | %) | ||||||||||
Total operating costs declined 7% to $4.44 billion for 2010, primarily due to the impact
of cost efficiency efforts company-wide and a substantial decline in newsprint expense, offset
partially by higher expenses in broadcasting related to higher revenue. There was also a
substantial decline in impairment and restructuring charges in 2010 compared with 2009. Operating
costs, excluding these special items discussed above, declined 6% for the year.
Newsprint expense for publishing was significantly less than in 2009, declining 23% as a 10%
reduction in consumption was combined with a 15% decrease in average usage prices.
The company reported operating income for 2010 of $1.0 billion compared to $719 million in
2009, a 39% increase. These amounts include net special items charges in 2010 of $69 million
compared to $121 million in 2009. Absent the special items from both years, the company’s operating
income would have been $1.07 billion for 2010, an increase of 27% compared to 2009.
The company reported income of $19 million from
its equity share of results from unconsolidated
investees for 2010, a significant increase over 2009,
due to better results from its newspaper publishing
partnerships and certain digital investments, as well
as a reduction in the amount of impairment charges
taken for certain investees. Absent these special
impairment charges in 2010 ($3 million) and 2009 ($9
million), equity income in unconsolidated investees
would have increased 65% to $22 million.
Interest expense was $173 million in 2010, down
2% from 2009, reflecting significantly lower average
debt balances partially offset by higher average
interest rates. From its strong operating cash flow
and its tightly disciplined liquidity management, the
company reduced its long-term debt by $710 million or
23% in 2010 and by $1.46 billion or 38% over the last
two years.
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The company reported net income attributable to
Gannett Co., Inc. of $588 million or $2.43 per diluted
share for 2010 compared to $355 million or $1.51 per
diluted share for 2009. Income from continuing
operations attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. was $567
million or $2.35 per diluted share for 2010. Absent
the special items in both years, the company would
have reported an increase in income from continuing
operations attributable to Gannett and diluted
earnings per share of 35% and 32%, respectively.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
interests was $35 million in 2010, an increase of
28% or $8 million over 2009, reflecting
significantly improved operating results at
CareerBuilder.
Challenges for 2011: Looking forward to 2011, the
company faces several challenges including comparisons
against $107 million of political and Olympic
advertising in its broadcast segment in 2010, higher
newsprint prices as well as uncertainty surrounding the
U.S. and U.K. economies.
Basis of reporting
Following is a discussion of the key factors that have
affected the company’s accounting for or reporting on
the business over the last three fiscal years. This
commentary should be read in conjunction with the
company’s financial statements, Selected Financial Data
and the remainder of this Form 10-K.
Critical accounting policies and the use of
estimates: The company prepares its financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP) which require the use of
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses
and related disclosure of contingent matters. The
company bases its estimates on historical experience,
actuarial studies and other assumptions, as
appropriate, concerning the carrying values of its
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent
matters. The company re-evaluates its estimates on an
ongoing basis. Actual results could differ from these
estimates.
Critical accounting policies for the company
involve its assessment of the recoverability of its
long-lived assets, including goodwill and other
intangible assets, which are based on such factors as
estimated future cash flows and current fair value
estimates of businesses. Similarly the company
evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of
its property, plant and equipment and its investments
in minority-owned unconsolidated investees, including
its newspaper publishing partnerships and certain
online/new technology business investments.
The company’s accounting for pension and retiree
medical benefits requires the use of various estimates
concerning the work force, interest rates, plan
investment return, and involves the use of advice from
consulting actuaries. The company’s accounting for
income taxes in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions is
sensitive to interpretation of various laws and
regulations therein, and to accounting rules
regarding the repatriation of earnings from
foreign sources. The company must also exercise
significant judgment in assessing the recoverability of
its deferred tax assets.
Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for a more complete discussion of all of
the company’s significant accounting policies.
Reclassifications of certain items within the
Consolidated Financial Statements: In the third quarter
of 2008, the company began reporting a new digital
segment and a separate digital revenues line in its
Statements of Income (Loss). This revenue line includes
only revenue from the businesses that comprise the new
digital segment. It therefore includes all revenues
from CareerBuilder and ShopLocal beginning with the
full consolidation of these businesses in the third
quarter of 2008, and revenues from PointRoll, Schedule
Star and Planet Discover. Revenues from PointRoll,
Schedule Star and Planet Discover had previously been
reported within the publishing segment and were
included in the “All other” revenue line in the
Statement of Income (Loss). “All other” revenue is now
comprised principally of commercial printing revenues.
All periods presented reflect these reclassifications.
Operating results from web sites that are
associated with publishing operations and broadcast
stations continue to be reported in the publishing and
broadcast segments.
Business acquisitions, investments, dispositions and
discontinued operations
2010: In March 2010, CareerBuilder expanded its reach
in the U.K. when it purchased CareerSite.biz, parent of
three successful career-related operations there.
Founded in 2001, CareerSite.biz operates two online
recruitment niche sites focusing on nursing and rail
workers as well as a successful virtual career fair
business.
In October 2010, the company purchased a minority
stake in Ongo Inc. Ongo is a personal news service
that gives consumers a fundamentally new way to read,
discover and share digital news and information.
In the second quarter of 2010, the company
completed the sale of The Honolulu Advertiser as well
as a small directory publishing operation in Michigan.
In connection with these transactions, the company
recorded a net after tax gain of $21.2 million in
discontinued operations. Income from continuing
operations for all periods presented exclude operating
results from these former properties which have been
reclassified to discontinued operations. Amounts
applicable to these discontinued operations are as
follows:
In thousands of dollars
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 32,710 | $ | 103,390 | $ | 127,968 | ||||||
Pretax (loss)/income |
(758 | ) | 6,262 | (33,753 | ) | |||||||
Net (loss)/income |
(322 | ) | 3,790 | (20,626 | ) | |||||||
Gains (after tax) |
21,195 | — | — | |||||||||
Total cash paid in 2010 for business
acquisitions and investments was $15.2 million and
$11.0 million, respectively.
In early January 2011, the company also announced
the acquisition of Reviewed.com, a group of 12
product-review web sites that provide comprehensive
reviews for technology products such as digital
cameras, camcorders and high-definition televisions.
Reviewed.com’s operation will be integrated with USA
TODAY as part of USA TODAY’s consumer media strategy.
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2009: In February 2009, the company purchased a
minority interest in Homefinder, a leading national
online marketplace connecting homebuyers, sellers and
real estate professionals.
In July 2009, Newsquest sold one of its commercial
printing businesses, Southernprint Limited.
Total cash paid in 2009 for business acquisitions
(principally post-acquisition consideration) and
investments was $9.6 million and $9.7 million,
respectively.
2008: On Dec. 31, 2007, the first day of the company’s 2008 fiscal year, the company purchased
X.com, Inc. (BNQT.com), which operates a digital media group of affiliated sites covering eight
different action sports including surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. BNQT.com is affiliated
with the USA TODAY Sports Media Group.
In February 2008, the company formed QuadrantONE, a new
digital ad sales network, with three other large media companies.
In March 2008, the company purchased a
minority stake in Fantasy Sports Ventures (FSV).
FSV, also known as Big Lead Sports, owns a set of
fantasy sports content sites and manages
advertising across a group of affiliated sites.
In May 2008, the company purchased a minority
stake in Cozi Group Inc. (COZI). COZI is a free web
service that helps families manage busy schedules,
stay in communication and share memories.
In July 2008, the company purchased a minority
stake in Livestream, a company that provides Internet
broadcasting services. Also in July 2008, the company
increased its investment in 4INFO, maintaining its
approximate ownership interest.
In August 2008, the company purchased 100% of the
outstanding shares of Pearls Review, Inc., an online
nursing certification and continuing education review
site, which is operated with Gannett Healthcare Group.
In June 2008, 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 began consolidating its results in the
digital segment at the beginning of the third quarter
of 2008. ShopLocal collaborates with PointRoll to
create ads that dynamically connect retail advertisers
and consumers, online and in the store.
In September 2008, the company acquired an
additional 10% stake in CareerBuilder from Tribune
Company increasing its investment to 50.8% so that it
became the majority and controlling owner.
The total cash paid in 2008 for business
acquisitions was $168.6 million and for
investments was $46.8 million.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated summary — continuing operations
A consolidated summary of the company’s results is
presented below.
In millions of dollars, except per share amounts
| 2010 | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues |
$ | 5,439 | (1 | %) | $ | 5,510 | (17 | %) | $ | 6,640 | ||||||||||
Operating expenses |
$ | 4,439 | (7 | %) | $ | 4,791 | (64 | %) | $ | 13,368 | ||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
$ | 1,000 | 39 | % | $ | 719 | *** | $ | (6,728 | ) | ||||||||||
Non-operating expense, net |
$ | 154 | 3 | % | $ | 149 | (72 | %) | $ | 537 | ||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations |
||||||||||||||||||||
Per share — basic |
$ | 2.38 | 59 | % | $ | 1.50 | *** | $ | (29.02 | ) | ||||||||||
Per share — diluted |
$ | 2.35 | 58 | % | $ | 1.49 | *** | $ | (29.02 | ) | ||||||||||
Results for all periods reflect certain
special items that are included in either operating or
non-operating expense and which are further discussed
on page 30 and in Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
In the tables below and in certain other tables
and discussions that follow, the effect of these
special items has been removed from key financial
measures to better reflect the ongoing performance of
the company.
Operating and non-operating expenses adjusted to
remove the effect of certain special items are as
follows:
In millions of dollars
| 2010 | Change | 2009(a) | Change | 2008(a) | ||||||||||||||||
Operating expense (GAAP basis) |
$ | 4,439 | (7 | %) | $ | 4,791 | (64 | %) | $ | 13,368 | ||||||||||
Remove favorable (unfavorable) special items: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges |
$ | (57 | ) | (57 | %) | $ | (133 | ) | (98 | %) | $ | (7,940 | ) | |||||||
Workplace restructuring and related expenses |
$ | (12 | ) | (59 | %) | $ | (28 | ) | (75 | %) | $ | (115 | ) | |||||||
Pension gains |
$ | — | *** | $ | 40 | (14 | %) | $ | 47 | |||||||||||
Adjusted operating expenses
(non-GAAP basis) |
$ | 4,370 | (6 | %) | $ | 4,669 | (13 | %) | $ | 5,359 | ||||||||||
| (a) | Numbers do not sum due to rounding. |
In millions of dollars
| 2010 | Change | 2009(a) | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Non-operating expense,(b) net
(GAAP basis) |
$ | 154 | 3 | % | $ | 149 | (72 | %) | $ | 537 | ||||||||||
Remove favorable (unfavorable) special items: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of newspaper publishing partnerships and other equity method investments |
$ | (3 | ) | (71 | %) | $ | (9 | ) | (98 | %) | $ | (382 | ) | |||||||
Debt exchange gain |
$ | — | *** | $ | 43 | *** | $ | — | ||||||||||||
Impairment of publishing assets sold |
$ | — | *** | $ | (28 | ) | *** | $ | — | |||||||||||
Tysons land sale gain |
$ | — | *** | $ | — | *** | $ | 26 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted nonoperating expense
(non-GAAP basis) |
$ | 151 | (2 | %) | $ | 154 | (15 | %) | $ | 181 | ||||||||||
| (a) | Numbers do not sum due to rounding. | |
| (b) | Includes interest expense, equity income in unconsolidated investees and other non-operating items. |
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Operating income adjusted to remove the effect of
certain special items is as follows:
In millions of dollars
| 2010(a) | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating income (GAAP basis) |
$ | 1,000 | 39 | % | $ | 719 | *** | $ | (6,728 | ) | ||||||||||
Remove (favorable) unfavorable special items: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges |
$ | 57 | (57 | %) | $ | 133 | (98 | %) | $ | 7,940 | ||||||||||
Workforce restructuring and related expenses |
$ | 12 | (59 | %) | $ | 28 | (75 | %) | $ | 115 | ||||||||||
Pension gains |
$ | — | *** | $ | (40 | ) | (14 | %) | $ | (47 | ) | |||||||||
Adjusted operating income
(non-GAAP basis) |
$ | 1,068 | 27 | % | $ | 840 | (34 | %) | $ | 1,280 | ||||||||||
| (a) | Numbers do not sum due to rounding. |
On an as adjusted basis using non-GAAP
amounts for expenses, operating results were as
follows:
In millions of dollars
| Consolidated Summary-Non-GAAP Basis | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2010(a) | Change | 2009(a) | Change | 2008(a) | ||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues |
$ | 5,439 | (1 | %) | $ | 5,510 | (17 | %) | $ | 6,640 | ||||||||||
Operating expenses |
$ | 4,370 | (6 | %) | $ | 4,669 | (13 | %) | $ | 5,359 | ||||||||||
Operating income |
$ | 1,068 | 27 | % | $ | 840 | (34 | %) | $ | 1,280 | ||||||||||
Non-operating expense |
$ | 151 | (2 | %) | $ | 154 | (15 | %) | $ | 181 | ||||||||||
Income from continuing operations per share-diluted |
$ | 2.44 | 32 | % | $ | 1.85 | (46 | %) | $ | 3.40 | ||||||||||
| (a) | Numbers do not sum due to rounding. |
A discussion of operating results of the
company’s publishing, digital and broadcasting
segments, along with other factors affecting net income
attributable to Gannett, is as follows:
Publishing segment
In addition to its domestic local newspapers and
affiliated web sites, the company’s publishing
operations include USA TODAY, USA WEEKEND, Newsquest,
which publishes daily and non-daily newspapers in the
U.K., Clipper Magazine, Gannett Healthcare Group,
Gannett Government Media, Gannett Offset commercial
printing and other advertising and marketing services
businesses. The publishing segment in 2010 contributed
74% of the company’s revenues.
Publishing operating results were as follows:
In millions of dollars
| 2010 | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 4,051 | (6 | %) | $ | 4,292 | (23 | %) | $ | 5,586 | ||||||||||
Expenses |
$ | 3,403 | (10 | %) | $ | 3,776 | (70 | %) | $ | 12,578 | ||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
$ | 648 | 25 | % | $ | 516 | *** | $ | (6,992 | ) | ||||||||||
Operating expenses for publishing include the
effects of the special items which are more fully
discussed on page 30 and in Notes 3 and 4 to the
Consolidated Financial
Statements. Operating expenses adjusted for the
effect of special items are as follows:
In millions of dollars
| 2010(a) | Change | 2009(a) | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses
(GAAP basis) |
$ | 3,403 | (10 | %) | $ | 3,776 | (70 | %) | $ | 12,578 | ||||||||||
Remove favorable
(unfavorable) special items: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges |
$ | (36 | ) | (64 | %) | $ | (99 | ) | (99 | %) | $ | (7,915 | ) | |||||||
Workforce restructuring and related expenses |
$ | (10 | ) | (64 | %) | $ | (27 | ) | (72 | %) | $ | (98 | ) | |||||||
Pension gains |
$ | — | *** | $ | 40 | 7 | % | $ | 37 | |||||||||||
Adjusted operating expenses
(non-GAAP basis) |
$ | 3,358 | (9 | %) | $ | 3,689 | (20 | %) | $ | 4,602 | ||||||||||
| (a) | Numbers do not sum due to rounding. |
Publishing operating results excluding the
effects of the above special items were as follows:
In millions of dollars
| Publishing Summary-Non-GAAP Basis | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2010 | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues |
$ | 4,051 | (6 | %) | $ | 4,292 | (23 | %) | $ | 5,586 | ||||||||||
Operating expenses |
$ | 3,358 | (9 | %) | $ | 3,689 | (20 | %) | $ | 4,602 | ||||||||||
Operating income |
$ | 693 | 15 | % | $ | 603 | (39 | %) | $ | 984 | ||||||||||
Foreign currency translation: The average
exchange rate used to translate U.K. publishing
results was 1.55 for 2010, 1.56 for 2009 and 1.86 for
2008. Therefore, publishing segment revenue, expense
and operating income trend lower from 2008 to 2009 and
2009 to 2010 because of rate declines.
Publishing operating revenues: Publishing
operating revenues are derived principally from
advertising and circulation sales, which accounted for
67% and 27%, respectively, of total publishing
revenues in 2010. Ad revenues include those derived
from advertising placed with affiliated Internet sites
which include revenue in the classified, retail and
national ad categories. Other publishing revenues are
mainly from commercial printing.
The table below presents the principal components
of publishing revenues for the last three years.
Publishing operating revenues, in millions of dollars
| 2010(a) | Change | 2009(a) | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Advertising |
$ | 2,711 | (6 | %) | $ | 2,888 | (29 | %) | $ | 4,041 | ||||||||||
Circulation |
$ | 1,087 | (5 | %) | $ | 1,145 | (4 | %) | $ | 1,197 | ||||||||||
Commercial
printing and other |
$ | 254 | (2 | %) | $ | 260 | (25 | %) | $ | 348 | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 4,051 | (6 | %) | $ | 4,292 | (23 | %) | $ | 5,586 | ||||||||||
| (a) | Numbers do not sum due to rounding. |
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Table of Contents
The table below presents the principal
components of publishing advertising revenues for the
last three years. These amounts include ad revenue
from printed publications as well as online ad revenue
from web sites affiliated with the publications.
Advertising revenues, in millions of dollars
| 2010 | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Retail |
$ | 1,384 | (6 | %) | $ | 1,480 | (22 | %) | $ | 1,896 | ||||||||||
National |
$ | 501 | (4 | %) | $ | 522 | (22 | %) | $ | 670 | ||||||||||
Classified |
$ | 826 | (7 | %) | $ | 886 | (40 | %) | $ | 1,475 | ||||||||||
Total ad revenue |
$ | 2,711 | (6 | %) | $ | 2,888 | (29 | %) | $ | 4,041 | ||||||||||
Publishing revenue comparisons 2010-2009:
Advertising Revenue: Advertising revenues for
2010 decreased $178 million or 6%. The rate of decline
generally narrowed over the course of the year as
economic conditions slowly stabilized and sales
initiatives took hold. Early in the year, revenue
declines were the most pronounced due in large measure
to the more severe global economic conditions.
The table below presents the percentage change
in 2010 compared to 2009 for each of the major ad
revenue categories, by quarter.
Advertising Revenue Comparisons by Quarter
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |||||||||||||
Retail |
(9 | %) | (6 | %) | (6 | %) | (5 | %) | ||||||||
National |
(4 | %) | (4 | %) | 1 | % | (8 | %) | ||||||||
Classified |
(9 | %) | (6 | %) | (6 | %) | (6 | %) | ||||||||
Total advertising |
(8 | %) | (6 | %) | (5 | %) | (6 | %) | ||||||||
Ad revenues were lower in both the U.S. and the U.K.
In the U.K., in local currency, ad revenues
were down more than in the U.S. U.K. ad revenue
declines were impacted by a slightly lower average
exchange rate for 2010. In U.S. dollars, Newsquest
ad revenues were down 8% compared with a 5% decline
for U.S. publishing.
The table below presents the percentage change
for the retail, national, and classified categories
for 2010 compared to 2009.
Advertising Revenue Year Over Year Comparisons
| Newsquest | Total Publishing | |||||||||||
| U.S. Publishing | (in pounds) | (constant currency) | ||||||||||
Retail |
(7 | %) | (5 | %) | (6 | %) | ||||||
National |
(3 | %) | (5 | %) | (3 | %) | ||||||
Classified |
(4 | %) | (9 | %) | (6 | %) | ||||||
Total |
(5 | %) | (8 | %) | (6 | %) | ||||||
Retail ad revenues were down $96 million or 6%
in 2010. In the U.S., revenues were lower in most
principal categories, with the more significant
declines occurring in the department store, financial
and telecommunications categories, partially offset by
an increase in retail online advertising. Retail ad
revenues were slightly better in the U.K. and on a
constant currency basis were down 5% in 2010.
Retail revenue declines narrowed throughout the
year, and the fourth quarter was the best comparison
quarter of the year.
National ad revenues were down $21 million or 4%
in 2010, primarily due to lower ad sales for USA TODAY
and its associated businesses, partially offset by an
increase in national ad revenues for U.S. Community
Publishing. At USA TODAY, print ad revenues were down
13% for the year, reflecting weakness in travel,
telecommunications and pharmaceutical, partially offset
by an increase in the automotive and retail categories.
Paid ad pages were down 1% for the year and totaled
2,299 in 2010 compared to 2,326 in 2009. National
advertising revenues excluding USA TODAY and USA
WEEKEND were 3% higher in 2010.
The table below presents the percentage change
in classified categories for 2010 compared to 2009.
Classified Revenue Year Over Year Comparisons
| Newsquest | Total Publishing | |||||||||||
| U.S. Publishing | (in pounds) | (constant currency) | ||||||||||
Automotive |
5 | % | (7 | %) | 3 | % | ||||||
Employment |
3 | % | (17 | %) | (5 | %) | ||||||
Real Estate |
(19 | %) | 1 | % | (13 | %) | ||||||
Legal |
(3 | %) | — | (3 | %) | |||||||
Other |
(7 | %) | (10 | %) | (8 | %) | ||||||
Total |
(4 | %) | (9 | %) | (6 | %) | ||||||
Classified ad revenues decreased $60
million or 7% in 2010 with a decline of 4% in the
U.S. and 10% in the U.K.
Domestically, classified advertising improved
sequentially throughout the year. Automotive and
employment were especially strong and were up 5% and
3%, respectively. Real estate continued to reflect the
housing issues nationwide and was down 19% for the
year. Classified advertising in the U.K. continues to
remain challenging. Real estate was a bright spot and
was up 1% in pounds for the year, while automotive and
employment were down 7% and 17%, respectively.
Digital revenues in the publishing segment were up
for the year in the U.S. as well as at Newsquest in
the U.K. U.S. Community Publishing digital revenues
were up 11%, reflecting strong increases in most
categories. Digital revenues at USA TODAY increased 12%
for the year, while digital revenues at Newsquest
increased 6% in local currency.
Publishing advertising revenues in millions.
Looking to 2011, the company expects continuing
challenges in the retail and national segments and in
the real estate category of classified. If the economy
moves forward, continued gains in auto and employment
may be achieved.
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Table of Contents
Circulation Revenue: Newspaper circulation
revenues declined $58 million or 5% over 2009 as
circulation revenues for both U.S. and U.K. newspapers
were generally lower. Revenue comparisons reflect
generally lower circulation volumes partially offset by
limited price increases. Daily net paid circulation,
excluding USA TODAY, declined 7%, while Sunday net paid
circulation declined 4%. Daily and Sunday net paid
circulation comparisons improved sequentially
throughout the year as greater focus was placed on
increasing home delivery circulation. U.S. Community
Publishing newspapers reported that Sunday home
delivery circulation was up 1% in the September 2010
Publisher’s Statement, with 28 publishing sites showing
year over year Sunday circulation gains.
Circulation revenues were lower at USA TODAY,
reflecting lower average daily circulation. USA TODAY’s
average daily circulation for 2010 decreased 5% to
1,817,405. USA TODAY reported an average daily paid
circulation of 1,830,594 in the Audit Bureau of
Circulations (ABC) Publisher’s Statement for the 26
weeks ended Sept. 26, 2010, a 4% decrease over the
comparable period in 2009. In the fourth quarter of
2010, average daily net paid circulation comparisons
for USA TODAY improved sequentially and were only 6,000
copies lower than the fourth quarter of 2009.
For local newspapers, morning circulation
accounted for approximately 94% of total daily
volume, while evening circulation accounted for 6%.
Publishing circulation revenues in millions.
Circulation volume for the company’s local
newspapers is summarized in the table below. In 2010,
the company reclassified certain net paid circulation
volume from evening to morning distribution due to
changes in delivery times. All prior periods have been
restated to conform to the new classifications.
Average net paid circulation volume, in thousands
| 2010 | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Local Newspapers |
||||||||||||||||||||
Morning |
3,700 | (7 | %) | 3,969 | (12 | %) | 4,495 | |||||||||||||
Evening |
229 | (8 | %) | 249 | (12 | %) | 283 | |||||||||||||
Total daily |
3,929 | (7 | %) | 4,218 | (12 | %) | 4,778 | |||||||||||||
Sunday |
4,845 | (4 | %) | 5,030 | (7 | %) | 5,396 | |||||||||||||
Other Revenue: Commercial printing and other
publishing revenues decreased 2% to $254 million in
2010 due primarily to the sale of a U.K. commercial
printing business early in the third quarter of 2009,
partially offset by gains in delivery revenue for
non-company publications.
Publishing revenue comparisons 2009-2008:
Advertising Revenue: Advertising revenues for
2009 decreased $1.15 billion or 29%. The rate of
decline narrowed over the course of the year as
economic conditions slowly stabilized. Early in the
year, revenue
declines were the most pronounced due in large
measure to the severe global economic recession. Real
estate and employment advertising were especially
hampered by the recession. As the year progressed, ad
revenue declines narrowed in each successive quarter.
Ad revenues were lower in both the U.S. and the U.K.
In the U.K., in local currency, ad
revenues were down more than in the U.S. U.K. ad revenue declines were exacerbated by a lower
average exchange rate for 2009. In U.S. dollars, Newsquest ad revenues were down 44% compared with
a 25% decline for U.S. publishing.
Retail ad revenues were down $416 million or 22%
in 2009. In the U.S., revenues were lower in most
principal categories, with the more significant
declines occurring in the department store, furniture,
entertainment, financial and telecommunications
categories. Retail ad revenues declined at a greater
rate in the U.K. due to the currency impact. On a
constant currency basis, retail ad revenues in the U.K.
were down 19%. Retail revenue declines narrowed in the
third and again in the fourth quarter.
National ad revenues were down $148 million or
22% in 2009, primarily due to lower ad sales for USA
TODAY branded publications and national ad revenues
for U.S. Community Publishing. In the fourth quarter,
the decline in national ad revenues moderated
significantly and in the month of December national ad
revenues were higher than 2008 levels. At USA TODAY,
ad revenues were down 29% for the year, reflecting the
continued slowdown in the travel and lodging
industries. Paid ad pages were down 26% for the year
and totaled 2,326 in 2009 compared to 3,158 in 2008.
Fourth quarter comparisons were the best of the year.
Classified ad revenues decreased $589 million or
40% in 2009 with a decline of 35% in the U.S. and 50%
in the U.K. The currency impact contributed to the U.K.
decline. On a constant currency basis, classified ad
revenues in the U.K. were down 39%.
Classified revenue in both countries was affected by
the global recession and particularly the weakness in
employment and housing. Classified revenue declines
occurred in all three principal categories of
employment (down 58%), real estate (down 43%), and
automotive (down 34%). Declines in all categories
narrowed over the course of the year.
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Circulation Revenue: Newspaper circulation
revenues declined $52 million or 4% over 2008 as
circulation revenues for U.S. and U.K. newspapers were
lower. Revenue comparisons reflect lower circulation
volumes partially offset by price increases. Daily net
paid circulation, excluding USA TODAY, declined 12%,
while Sunday net paid circulation declined 7%. Volumes
were affected, in part, by single copy and home
delivery price increases at most U.S. newspapers and by
selective culling of distribution in certain areas.
Circulation revenues were lower at USA TODAY,
reflecting lower average daily circulation, partially
offset by a December 2008 increase in the single copy
price of the newspaper at newsstands and vending
machines from $.75 to $1.00. USA TODAY’s average daily
circulation for 2009 decreased 16% to 1,904,362. USA
TODAY reported an average daily paid circulation of
1,900,116 in the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC)
Publisher’s Statement for the 26 weeks ended Sept. 27,
2009, a 17% decrease over the comparable period in
2008. The circulation volume decline at USA TODAY
reflected the general recessionary economic conditions
particularly as they contributed to lower business and
leisure travel.
For local newspapers, morning circulation
accounted for approximately 94% of total daily
volume, while evening circulation accounted for 6%.
Other Revenue: Commercial printing and other
publishing revenues declined 25% to $260 million in
2009 due primarily to generally lower commercial
printing revenue in the U.S. and U.K. and from the
sale of a U.K. commercial printing business early in
the third quarter of 2009.
Publishing expense comparisons 2010-2009:
Publishing operating costs declined 10% to $3.4 billion
in 2010, primarily due to the impact of strategic
efforts to implement operating efficiencies and
facility consolidations and significantly lower
newsprint expense. Absent special items in both years,
as reflected in the table on page 34, publishing
segment expense was down 9%.
Significant cost savings were achieved through
tight cost control measures in the U.S. and the U.K.
as well as by permanently restructuring the company’s
cost base and creating operating efficiencies wherever
possible. Efforts included numerous facility
consolidations, centralization, compensation actions
and outsourcing. Savings reflect the impact of
headcount reductions in 2010 and 2009. Lower newsprint
expense was also a significant contributor to the
savings.
Publishing payroll costs were down 5%, reflecting
the impact of headcount reductions partially offset by
lower savings from furloughs in 2010 than in 2009.
Newsprint expense was down 23%, reflecting lower
consumption, down 10%, including savings from web
width reductions and greater use of light weight
newsprint. Newsprint usage prices rose throughout the
year but still finished down 15% for the full year.
Other factors contributing to the decline in costs
include the impact of a lower U.K. exchange rate, and
the sale in the early third quarter of 2009 of a
commercial printing business in the U.K.
Publishing expense comparisons 2009-2008:
Publishing operating costs declined 70% to $3.78
billion in 2009, primarily due to non cash impairment
charges incurred in 2008. Absent the special items in
both years, as reflected in the table on page 34,
publishing segment expense was down 20% from 2008.
Significant cost savings were achieved in 2009
through strict cost control measures in the U.S. and
the U.K. as well as by means of permanently
restructuring the company’s cost base and creating
efficiencies wherever possible. Efforts included
numerous facility consolidations, centralization,
furloughs and outsourcing. Savings reflect the impact
of substantial headcount reductions in 2009 and 2008.
Lower newsprint expense was also a significant
contributor to the savings.
Publishing payroll costs were down 23% in 2009,
reflecting the impact of headcount reductions in both
years as well as the furloughs the majority of company
employees were required to take in the first and second
quarters of 2009.
Newsprint expense was down 34%, reflecting
sharply lower consumption, down 31%, including savings
from web width reductions and greater use of light
weight newsprint. Newsprint usage prices declined
sharply throughout the second half of the year and
finished down 4% for the full year.
Other factors contributing to the decline in costs
include the impact of a lower U.K. exchange rate, and
the sale in the early third quarter of 2009 of a
commercial printing business in the U.K. partially
offset by higher pension cost.
Outlook for 2011: The company expects publishing
expenses to decline in 2011, reflecting headcount
reductions, facility consolidations and lower pension
expense. These factors will be partially offset by
higher newsprint expense driven by higher prices
partially offset by lower consumption.
Publishing operating results 2010-2009:
Publishing operating income increased to $648 million
in 2010 from $516 million in 2009. The principal
factors affecting reported operating results
comparisons for the full year were the following:
| • | higher reported operating results at many of the company’s larger domestic daily newspapers and significantly lower newsprint expense; | |
| • | higher reported operating results at Newsquest over 2009; | |
| • | continued cost containment efforts throughout U.S. and U.K. operations; and | |
| • | lower charges in 2010 from special items, particularly those related to facility consolidations and asset impairment. |
Excluding special items described in more detail
on page 34 and Notes 3 and 4 of the Consolidated
Financial Statements, publishing operating income
increased 15%.
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Publishing operating results 2009-2008:
Publishing operating income increased to $516 million
in 2009 from a loss of $6.99 billion in 2008.
Excluding special items described in more detail on
page 34 and Notes 3 and 4 of the Consolidated
Financial Statements, publishing operating income
declined 39%. However, operating income comparisons
excluding special items improved each quarter of 2009.
The principal factors affecting operating results
comparisons for the full year were the following:
| • | lower operating results at most U.S. and U.K. properties as all ad revenue categories were affected by difficult economic conditions. Operating results improved throughout the year and many properties had increased operating income against last year in the fourth quarter; | |
| • | ad revenue losses attributed to increased competition from other media, particularly the Internet; | |
| • | sharply lower newsprint usage and a decline in usage price led to significant savings; | |
| • | favorable impact in 2009 of workforce restructuring actions; | |
| • | furloughs in the first and second quarter for the majority of employees; | |
| • | negative impact of currency translation at a lower rate in 2009; and | |
| • | cost control efforts throughout U.S. and U.K. operations contributed to significant year-over-year savings. |
Digital
Beginning with 2008, a new digital business segment was
reported, which includes CareerBuilder and ShopLocal
from the dates of their full consolidation, as well as
PointRoll, Planet Discover, and Schedule Star. Prior
period results for PointRoll, Planet Discover and
Schedule Star have been reclassified from the
publishing segment to the new digital segment.
On Sept. 3, 2008, the company increased its ownership in CareerBuilder to 50.8% from 40.8%,
obtaining a controlling interest, and therefore, the results of CareerBuilder since then have been
fully consolidated. On June 30, 2008, the company increased its ownership in ShopLocal to 100% from
42.5%, and from that date the results of ShopLocal have been fully consolidated. Prior to the
increased investment ownership, the company’s equity share of CareerBuilder and ShopLocal results
were reported as equity earnings. Subsequent to the CareerBuilder consolidation, the company
reflects a noncontrolling interest charge in its Statements of Income (Loss) related to the other
partners’ ownership interest.
This charge is reflected as “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.”
Over the
last three years since the digital segment was formed, reported digital revenues, expenses and
operating income were as follows:
In millions of dollars
| 2010 | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 618 | 5 | % | $ | 586 | *** | $ | 281 | |||||||||||
Expenses |
$ | 535 | (1 | %) | $ | 543 | *** | $ | 262 | |||||||||||
Operating income |
$ | 83 | 93 | % | $ | 43 | *** | $ | 19 | |||||||||||
Reported digital revenues increased $32
million or 5% over 2009, reflecting significant gains
at CareerBuilder, PointRoll and ShopLocal.
Digital expenses in 2010 decreased 1% to $535
million, primarily due to a decrease in asset
impairment charges, which totaled $13 million in 2010
and $25 million in 2009.
Excluding special impairment charges, operating
costs for digital increased 1%. Operating income
excluding special items rose $29 million or 43%,
reflecting strong gains in 2010 for CareerBuilder,
PointRoll and ShopLocal.
CareerBuilder operations are predominately based
in North America, however expansion efforts are
underway in parts of Europe and Asia. CareerBuilder is
the nation’s largest online recruitment and career
advancement source for employers, employees, recruiters
and job seekers. Its North American network revenue is
driven mainly from its own sales force but it also
derives revenues from its owner affiliated newspapers,
including the company’s newspapers, which sell various
CareerBuilder employment products including upsells of
print employment ads from newspapers. For the company’s
financial reporting purposes, CareerBuilder revenues
exclude amounts recorded at Gannett-owned newspapers.
North American network revenue increased 3%, compared
to last year, with all of the increase attributable to
revenues CareerBuilder derived from its own sales
efforts.
Revenues derived from its owner-affiliated newspapers
were down slightly, while revenues from its own sales
efforts were up 4% in 2010.
Digital results 2009-2008:
Reported digital revenues increased $305 million and
reported digital costs increased $280 million from
2008. The year-over-year increase is primarily due to
the full consolidation of CareerBuilder and ShopLocal
beginning with the third quarter of 2008. Digital
costs in 2009 also include $25 million in special
impairment charges, while costs in 2008 include $17
million in special workforce restructuring and
impairment charges. Operating income excluding special
items rose $32 million or 89%. Operating income for
the digital segment reflects solid results in 2009 for
CareerBuilder, PointRoll and ShopLocal. Earnings from
these businesses were partially offset by investments
in other digital businesses.
On a pro forma basis, digital revenues decreased
15% in 2009. This reflects softer employment
advertising demand that impacted CareerBuilder results,
offset partially by strong revenue growth at PointRoll
and ShopLocal. Excluding the special items and on a pro
forma basis, operating costs for digital would have
been 21% lower, reflecting significant savings at
CareerBuilder and ShopLocal.
Outlook for 2011: The company expects digital
segment revenues and profits to grow again in 2011,
with improved results at its key business units.
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Broadcasting
The company’s broadcasting operations at the end of
2010 included 23 television stations and affiliated
web sites in markets with a total of more than 21
million households reaching 18.2% of the U.S.
population. The Broadcasting Division also includes
Captivate Network.
Broadcasting revenues accounted for approximately
14%, 11% and 12% of the company’s reported operating
revenues in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Over the last three years, broadcasting revenues,
expenses and operating income were as follows:
In millions of dollars
| 2010(a) | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 770 | 22 | % | $ | 631 | (18 | %) | $ | 773 | ||||||||||
Expenses |
$ | 440 | 6 | % | $ | 415 | (11 | %) | $ | 467 | ||||||||||
Operating income |
$ | 329 | 52 | % | $ | 216 | (29 | %) | $ | 306 | ||||||||||
| (a) | Numbers do not sum due to rounding. |
Broadcast revenues increased $138 million or
22% for 2010. Year-over-year revenue comparisons were
favorably impacted by $107 million in ad revenues
associated with the Winter Olympics and
political/election-related advertising in 2010.
Excluding the impact of Olympic and political-related
advertising in both years, broadcast revenues were up
8% in 2010. This reflects a significant increase in
core advertising, led by the automotive and financial
categories. Higher retransmission and Captivate
revenues also contributed to the increase.
Excluding Captivate, broadcast revenues increased
22%. Local television revenues increased 12% while
national revenues increased 44%. Excluding the impact
of political in both years, local revenues increased
7% and national revenues 17%.
Broadcast costs increased 6% to $440 million in
2010. Excluding special item charges in both years,
broadcast expenses increased 6%. The increase
reflects higher sales and marketing costs in 2010
associated with higher revenues, partially offset by
the absence of furlough savings in 2010 compared to
2009.
Reported operating income increased 52% to $329
million in 2010 reflecting higher political, Olympic,
core, retransmission and Captivate revenue, partially
offset by modestly higher expense associated with the
increased revenue.
Broadcast results 2009-2008: Broadcast revenues
decreased $141 million or 18% for 2009. Year-over-year
revenue comparisons were unfavorably impacted by $118
million in ad revenues associated with the 2008 Summer
Olympics and political/election-related advertising.
Excluding the impact of Olympic- and political-related
advertising in both years, broadcast revenues were
down 6% in 2009. This decline reflects losses in
several core
categories, especially automotive, partially
offset by an almost threefold increase in
retransmission revenues.
Excluding Captivate, broadcast revenues declined
19%. Local television revenues declined 21% while
national revenues declined 31%. Excluding the impact
of political in both years, local revenues declined
18% and national revenues 15%.
Broadcast costs declined 11% to $415 million in
2009. Excluding special item charges in both years,
broadcast expenses declined 11%. The decline reflects
ongoing efforts to control costs and create
efficiencies, the carryover impact of workforce
restructuring in 2008 as well as payroll savings from
furloughs and salary reductions in the first and second
quarters of 2009.
Reported operating income declined 29% to $216
million in 2009 reflecting the impact of lower core
revenues and the absence of incremental Olympic and
political revenue achieved in 2008. These factors were
partially offset by increased retransmission revenue in
2009 and continued savings from strong efforts to
control costs.
Broadcasting revenues in millions, as reported.
Outlook for 2011: Revenue comparisons for 2011
will be challenging against the strong 2010 Olympics
and politically related advertising of $107 million, as
well as the absence of the Super Bowl from the
company’s CBS stations. Partially offsetting the
absence of these revenues, the company expects core
advertising and retransmission revenue improvement for
television and higher revenues at Captivate. Operating
profits are expected to be lower, however.
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Consolidated operating expenses
Over the last three years, the company’s consolidated operating expenses were as follows:
Consolidated operating expenses, in millions of dollars
| 2010 | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales |
$ | 2,980 | (8 | %) | $ | 3,230 | (18 | %) | $ | 3,916 | ||||||||||
Selling, general and
admin. expenses |
$ | 1,188 | — | $ | 1,187 | (5 | %) | $ | 1,253 | |||||||||||
Depreciation |
$ | 183 | (12 | %) | $ | 208 | (9 | %) | $ | 228 | ||||||||||
Amortization of
intangible assets |
$ | 31 | (5 | %) | $ | 33 | 6 | % | $ | 31 | ||||||||||
Facility consolidation and
asset impairment charges |
$ | 57 | (57 | %) | $ | 133 | (98 | %) | $ | 7,940 | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 4,439 | (7 | %) | $ | 4,791 | (64 | %) | $ | 13,368 | ||||||||||
Total operating expenses adjusted to remove the effect of certain special items are as
follows:
In millions of dollars
| 2010 | Change | 2009(a) | Change | 2008(a) | ||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses (GAAP basis) |
$ | 4,439 | (7 | %) | $ | 4,791 | (64 | %) | $ | 13,368 | ||||||||||
Remove favorable
(unfavorable) special items: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Facility consolidation and
asset impairment charges |
$ | (57 | ) | (57 | %) | $ | (133 | ) | (98 | %) | $ | (7,940 | ) | |||||||
Workforce restructuring
and related expenses |
$ | (12 | ) | (59 | %) | $ | (28 | ) | (75 | %) | $ | (115 | ) | |||||||
Pension gains |
$ | — | *** | $ | 40 | (14 | %) | $ | 47 | |||||||||||
Adjusted operating expenses
(non-GAAP basis) |
$ | 4,370 | (6 | %) | $ | 4,669 | (13 | %) | $ | 5,359 | ||||||||||
| (a) | Numbers do not sum due to rounding. |
Total reported operating expense decreased 7% to $4.44 billion in 2010. Consolidated
operating costs excluding special items declined 6%. Both operating expenses and non-GAAP operating
expenses declined due in part to sharply lower newsprint expense (down 23%) reflecting lower
consumption and lower prices. Payroll savings were also significant, from reduced headcount
resulting from consolidations and other restructuring efforts, partially offset by lower furlough
savings in 2010 than in 2009. Strong cost controls were in place throughout the company, however
expenses increased modestly in broadcasting associated with the significant increase in revenue.
Depreciation expense was 12% lower in 2010, reflecting reduced capital spending, reduced
depreciation resulting from recent impairment charges and certain assets reaching the end of their
depreciable life.
The non-cash facility consolidation and asset impairment charges for all years are more fully
discussed on page 30 and in Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Payroll, benefits and newsprint costs (along with certain other production material costs),
the largest elements of the company’s normal operating expenses, are presented below, expressed as
a percentage of total pre-tax operating expenses (excluding the special items discussed on page 30).
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Payroll and employee benefits |
48.2 | % | 47.4 | % | 47.8 | % | ||||||
Newsprint and other
production material |
12.2 | % | 13.4 | % | 16.8 | % | ||||||
Operating expense comparisons 2009-2008: The 13% decline in 2009 in consolidated operating
costs excluding special items is attributable in part to sharply lower newsprint expense (down 34%)
reflecting lower consumption and lower prices. Payroll savings were also significant, from reduced
headcount resulting from consolidations and other restructuring/downsizing efforts as well as from
furloughs. Other savings were achieved from generally strong overall cost controls and cost
comparisons were also favorably affected by a lower foreign exchange rate for U.K. expenses. The
effect of these cost reduction factors was partially offset by the consolidation of CareerBuilder
and ShopLocal for only part of 2008 but for all of 2009.
Total reported operating expense decreased 64% to $4.79 billion primarily due to the special
items in 2008. On a pro forma basis and excluding special items, total operating expense declined
18%.
Selling, general and administrative expenses declined $66 million or 5% reflecting strong cost
controls, furloughs in the first and second quarters of 2009, savings from workforce restructuring
in prior periods, partially offset by the full consolidation of CareerBuilder and ShopLocal for all
of 2009.
Depreciation expense was 9% lower in 2009, reflecting reduced capital spending, reduced
depreciation resulting from recent impairment charges and certain assets reaching the end of their
depreciable life.
The non-cash facility consolidation and asset impairment charges for all years are more fully
discussed on page 30 and in Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Outlook for 2011: Excluding the effect of special items charges in 2010, the company expects
that total operating expenses may increase modestly in 2011, reflecting higher newsprint expense
and added digital segment costs associated with higher anticipated revenues. Payroll, pension and
depreciation expenses are expected to be lower in 2011.
With respect to potential goodwill impairment charges, the company does not believe that any
of its major reporting units, including the U.K. and U.S. community newspaper publishing and
broadcast groups and its principal digital business, are at risk of requiring an impairment charge
in the foreseeable future. Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a
discussion of the goodwill impairment test.
The company will undertake further facility consolidation, workforce restructuring and other
actions, depending upon developing business conditions.
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Non-operating income and expense
Equity earnings: This income statement category reflects results from unconsolidated minority
interest investments, including the company’s equity share of operating results from its newspaper
partnerships, including the Tucson joint operating agency, the California Newspapers Partnership
and the Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership, as well as from investments in certain other
digital/new technology businesses.
The company’s net equity income in unconsolidated investees for 2010 was $19 million, an
increase of $15 million over 2009. Both years included impairment charges related to certain
digital business investments totaling $3 million in 2010 and $9 million in 2009. Absent special
impairment charges, the company’s net equity income in unconsolidated investees would have
increased $9 million or 65% in 2010. This increase reflects better results at certain newspaper
partnerships and digital investments, particularly Classified Ventures.
The company’s net equity loss in unconsolidated investees for 2008 includes $382 million of
impairment charges related to equity investments in newspaper partnerships and certain other
businesses (discussed more fully on page 30 of this report and Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements). Absent the special impairment charges in 2009 and 2008, the company’s net equity
income in unconsolidated investees increased $8 million for 2009, reflecting significantly improved
performance at certain of the company’s digital investments, particularly Classified Ventures.
Interest expense: Interest expense decreased $3 million or 2% in 2010 as compared to 2009,
reflecting significantly lower average debt balances, partially offset by higher rates.
Interest expense decreased $15 million or 8% in 2009 as compared to 2008, reflecting lower
average debt balances and lower rates.
The company reduced its long-term debt by $710 million or 23% in 2010. At the end of 2010, the
company’s senior leverage ratio was 1.97x, well under the ceiling designated by the financial
covenant under its revolving credit facilities.
A further discussion of the company’s borrowing and related interest cost is presented in the
“Liquidity and capital resources” section of this report beginning on page 43, and in Note 7 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other non-operating items: In 2010, the company realized net gains on its investments offset
by currency losses resulting in non-operating income of $111,000. In 2009, the company realized a
$43 million non-cash debt exchange gain offset partially by a $28 million non-cash charge for the
write-down of certain publishing business assets sold.
In 2008, the company realized a gain on the sale of a parcel of land adjacent to its
headquarters building along with several other gains including those realized from the sale of
investments and other assets. These gains were partially offset by foreign currency losses.
Outlook for 2011: The company expects its net interest expense to be flat for the year,
reflecting lower average debt balances, offset by higher rates due to the recent fixed rate debt
financing and revolving credit agreement extensions.
Provision (benefit) for income taxes on income (loss) from continuing operations
The company reported pre-tax income attributable to Gannett of $811 million for 2010. This pre-tax
income includes facility consolidation and asset impairment charges and workforce restructuring
costs as described on page 30. In addition, the provision for income taxes reflects a special net
tax benefit primarily from the release of certain state tax reserves due to the lapse of statutes
of limitations. The effective tax rate on this pre-tax income is 30.1%. Excluding the effects of
all special items, the company’s effective tax rate is 33.1%.
The company reported pre-tax income attributable to Gannett of $543 million for 2009. This
pre-tax income includes facility consolidation and asset impairment charges, workforce
restructuring costs and certain gains, as described on page 30. The effective tax rate on this
pre-tax income is 35.2%. Excluding the effects of all special items, the company’s effective tax
rate is 33.6%.
The company reported a pre-tax loss attributable to Gannett of $7.27 billion for 2008. This
pre-tax loss includes impairment charges for intangible and other assets, the majority of which are
not deductible for income tax purposes. Therefore, the effective tax benefit rate on the pre-tax
losses, including the impairment charges, was 8.9%. Excluding the effects of all special items, the
company’s effective tax rate was 28.7%.
The lower effective tax rate for 2010 compared to 2009 is due to the release of state tax
reserves primarily related to the sale of a business in a prior year upon the expiration of
statutes of limitations, as further noted in the Discussion of Special Charges and Credits on page
30.
For 2009, excluding the effect of special items, the increase in the company’s effective tax
rate compared with 2008 is due primarily to the benefits in 2008 of favorable U.S. state and U.K
tax settlements and the release of certain state tax reserves upon the expiration of statutes of
limitations.
Further information concerning income tax matters is contained in Note 10 of the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
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Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. and related per share
amounts are presented in the table below.
In millions of dollars, except per share amounts
| 2010 | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) |
$ | 567 | 61 | % | $ | 351 | *** | $ | (6,627 | ) | ||||||||||
Per diluted share |
$ | 2.35 | 58 | % | $ | 1.49 | *** | $ | (29.02 | ) | ||||||||||
Income (loss) attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. consists of income from continuing
operations reduced by net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, primarily from
CareerBuilder. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $35 million, $27 million and
$7 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The increase in 2009 from 2008 is attributable to
the full consolidation of CareerBuilder beginning in September of 2008.
The 2010 results reflect unfavorable operating and non-operating after-tax special items
charges of $50 million and $26.5 million in special net tax benefits.
The 2009 results reflect unfavorable operating and non-operating after-tax special items of
$86 million, while 2008 reflects unfavorable operating and non-operating after-tax special items of
$7.40 billion.
The special items referred to in the preceeding paragraphs are described in detail on page 30
of this report.
Income from continuing operations attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. and related per share
amounts excluding the impact of special items are presented in the table below.
In millions of dollars, except per share amounts
| 2010 | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Income |
$ | 591 | 35 | % | $ | 438 | (44 | %) | $ | 775 | ||||||||||
Per diluted share |
$ | 2.44 | 32 | % | $ | 1.85 | (46 | %) | $ | 3.40 | ||||||||||
Discontinued operations
Earnings from discontinued operations represent the combined operating results (net of income
taxes) of The Honolulu Advertiser and its related assets as well as a small directory publishing
operation in Michigan, each sold during the second quarter of 2010. The revenues and expenses from
each of these properties have, along with associated income taxes, been removed from continuing
operations and reclassified into a single line item amount on the Statements of Income (Loss)
titled “(Loss) income from the operation of discontinued operations, net of tax” for each period
presented. The loss from discontinued operations for 2008 reflects the intangible and other asset
impairment charges recorded that year that were associated with these two businesses.
In 2010 the company reported earnings per diluted share of $.08 for the gain on the
disposition of these properties.
Discontinued Operations
In thousands, except per share amounts
| 2010 | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income from
operation of discontinued
operations, net of tax |
$ | (322 | ) | *** | $ | 3,790 | *** | $ | (20,626 | ) | ||||||||||
Per share — diluted |
— | *** | $ | 0.02 | *** | $ | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of
publishing businesses,
net of tax |
$ | 21,195 | *** | — | *** | — | ||||||||||||||
Per share — diluted |
$ | 0.08 | *** | — | *** | — | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett Co., Inc., and related per share amounts are
presented in the table below, and include income from continuing and discontinued operations.
In millions of dollars, except per share amounts
| 2010 | Change | 2009 | Change | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 588 | 66 | % | $ | 355 | *** | $ | (6,648 | ) | ||||||||||
Per basic share |
$ | 2.47 | 63 | % | $ | 1.52 | *** | $ | (29.11 | ) | ||||||||||
Per diluted share |
$ | 2.43 | 61 | % | $ | 1.51 | *** | $ | (29.11 | ) | ||||||||||
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FINANCIAL POSITION
Liquidity and capital resources
The company’s cash flow from operating activities was $773 million in 2010, down from $867 million
in 2009, primarily reflecting the impact of voluntary pension contributions to the Gannett
Retirement Plan of $130 million.
Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $63 million.
This reflects capital spending of $69 million, $15 million for acquisitions, and $11 million for
equity investments, which were more than offset by proceeds from the sale of certain assets of $113
million and proceeds from investments of $45 million.
Cash used for financing activities totaled $751 million in 2010. This reflects the payment of
dividends of $38 million, the payment of borrowings under revolving credit facilities of $1,160
million and payments of other indebtedness totaling $50 million. These financing cash flows were
partially offset by proceeds of $494 million from private debt offerings completed in September
2010.
Certain key measurements of the elements of working capital for the last three years are
presented in the following chart:
Working capital measurements
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||
Current ratio |
1.3-to-1 | 1.2-to-1 | 1.1-to-1 | |||
Accounts receivable turnover |
7.4 | 6.9 | 7.4 | |||
Newsprint inventory turnover |
5.1 | 4.5 | 5.7 |
The company’s operations have historically generated strong positive cash flow which,
along with the company’s program of maintaining bank revolving credit availability, has provided
adequate liquidity to meet the company’s requirements, including those for acquisitions.
Long-term debt
The long-term debt of the company is summarized below:
In thousands of dollars
| Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | |||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 5.75% due June 2011 |
$ | 433,196 | $ | 432,648 | ||||
Unsecured floating rate term loan due
July 2011 |
180,000 | 230,000 | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 6.375% due April 2012 |
306,397 | 306,260 | ||||||
Borrowings under revolving credit
agreements expiring September 2014 |
221,000 | 1,381,000 | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 8.75% due November 2014 |
246,924 | 246,304 | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 10% due June 2015 |
58,007 | 56,684 | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 6.375% due September 2015 |
247,535 | — | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 10% due April 2016 |
165,950 | 162,531 | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 9.375% due November 2017 |
246,830 | 246,524 | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 7.125% due September 2018 |
246,403 | — | ||||||
Total long-term debt |
$ | 2,352,242 | $ | 3,061,951 | ||||
Total average debt outstanding in 2010 and 2009 was $2.7 billion and $3.6 billion,
respectively. The weighted average interest rate on all debt was 6.0% for 2010 and 4.5% for 2009.
During 2010 and 2009, the company completed a series of financing transactions which
significantly improved its debt maturity profile.
In September 2010, the company completed a private placement offering of unsecured senior
notes totaling $500 million in two tranches: $250 million with a coupon of 6.375% due 2015 and $250
million with a coupon of 7.125%
due 2018. The 2015 notes were priced at 98.970% of face value, resulting in a yield to
maturity of 6.625%. The 2018 notes were priced at 98.527% of face value, resulting in a yield to
maturity of 7.375%. On or after Sept. 1, 2014, the 2018 notes may be redeemed or purchased by the
company at the applicable redemption price (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of
the 2018 notes) plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date, if redeemed during
the 12-month period commencing on Sept. 1 of the following years: 2014 — 103.563%, 2015 —
101.781% and 2016 and thereafter 100.000%. The company used the net proceeds of the offering to
partially repay borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facilities and term loan.
In September 2010, the company amended its revolving credit agreements and extended the
maturity date with the majority of its lenders from March 15, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2014. Total
commitments under the amended revolving credit agreements are $1.63 billion through March 15, 2012
and total extended commitments from March 15, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2014 will be $1.14 billion.
In October 2009, the company completed a private placement offering of $250 million in
aggregate principal amount of 8.750% senior notes due 2014 and $250 million in aggregate principal
amount of 9.375% senior notes due 2017. The 2014 notes were priced at 98.465% of face value,
resulting in a yield to maturity of 9.125%. The 2017 notes were priced at 98.582% of face value,
resulting in a yield to maturity of 9.625%. On or after November 15, 2013, the 2017 notes may be
redeemed or purchased by the company at the applicable redemption price (expressed as a percentage
of principal amount of the 2017 notes) plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon to the redemption
date, if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on November 15 of the following years: 2013
— 104.688%, 2014 — 102.344% and 2015 and thereafter 100.000%. The company used the net proceeds
from the offering to partially repay borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facilities
and term loan.
In May 2009, the company completed a private exchange offer related to its 5.75% fixed rate
notes due June 2011 and its 6.375% fixed rate notes due April 2012. The company exchanged
approximately $67 million in principal amount of its 2011 notes for approximately $67 million
principal amount of new 10% senior notes due 2015, and approximately $193 million in principal
amount of its 2012 notes for approximately $193 million principal amount of new 10% senior notes
due 2016.
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In connection with the May 2009 exchange transactions and in accordance with the modifications
and extinguishments requirements of ASC Topic 470, “Debt,” the company recorded a gain of
approximately $42.7 million which was classified in “Other non-operating items” in the Statement of
Income (Loss) for the second quarter of 2009. This gain resulted from recording the notes at fair
value as of the time of the exchange and extinguishing the old notes at their historical book
values. Fair value of the notes was based on their trading prices on and shortly after the exchange
date. The discount created by recording the notes at fair value instead of face value is being
amortized over the term of the notes to interest expense.
The notes issued during 2010 and 2009 with maturity dates in 2014 and thereafter were made
available in private offerings that were exempt from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act). These notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by the
subsidiaries of the company that guarantee its revolving credit and term loan agreements discussed
more fully below.
The company’s three revolving credit agreements and its term loan agreement require the
company to maintain a senior leverage ratio of less than 3.5x. The agreements also require the
company to maintain a total leverage ratio of less than 4.0x. The total leverage ratio would also
include any subordinated debt the company may issue in the future. Currently, all of the company’s
debt is senior and unsecured. At Dec. 26, 2010, the senior leverage ratio was 1.97x.
Until March 15, 2012, commitment fees for the revolving credit facilities may range from
0.125% to 0.25% depending on credit ratings for the company’s senior unsecured debt from Moody’s
Investor Services (Moody’s) and Standard & Poor’s (S&P). The rate currently in effect is 0.25%.
After March 15, 2012, commitment fees will equal 0.50% of the undrawn commitments. In addition, the
company pays a fee to the lenders that agreed in September 2010 to extend their commitments from
2012 to 2014 based on the leverage ratio that ranges from 0 to 75 basis points for drawn amounts
and 25 basis points for undrawn amounts. At the current leverage ratio, the additional fee is 25
basis points for both the drawn and undrawn amounts. No extension fees are payable after March 15,
2012.
Under each of the agreements, the company may borrow at an applicable margin above the
Eurodollar base rate or the higher of the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus
0.50%. Until March 15, 2012, the applicable margin for such borrowings ranges from 1.00% to 2.25%
depending on credit ratings. Under the term loan agreement, the applicable margin varies from 1.25%
to 2.25%. At its current ratings the company will pay an applicable margin of 2.25% under each of
the revolving credit agreements and the term loan agreement. After March 15, 2012, the applicable
margin will be determined based on the company’s leverage ratio.
In connection with each of its three revolving credit agreements and its term loan agreement,
the company agreed to provide guarantees from a majority of its domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries
in the event that the company’s credit ratings from either Moody’s or S&P fell below investment
grade. In the first quarter of 2009, the company’s credit rating was downgraded below investment
grade by both S&P and Moody’s. Accordingly, the guarantees were triggered and the existing notes
due 2011 and 2012 and other unsecured debt of the company became structurally subordinated to the
revolving credit agreements and the term loan.
In September 2009, the company further amended the terms of its three revolving credit
agreements and its term loan agreement to provide for the issuance of up to $500 million of
additional long-term debt carrying the same guarantees put in place for the revolving credit
agreements and term loan. In addition, the company also amended one of the credit agreements to
permit it to obtain up to $100 million of letters of credit from the lenders, which would count
toward their commitments.
On Aug. 21, 2009, Moody’s confirmed the company’s Ba1 corporate family rating and its Ba2
senior unsecured note rating. In addition, Moody’s rated the company’s bank debt, which includes
its revolving credit agreements and term loan, Baa3. The Baa3 rating also applies to most of the
company’s long-term debt which has the same subsidiary guarantees as the bank debt. The company’s
debt is rated BB by Standard and Poor’s.
In August 2010, the company further amended the terms of its three revolving credit agreements
and its term loan agreement to allow for the issuance of up to $750 million of additional long-term
debt carrying the same guarantees put in place for the revolving credit agreements and term loan.
As of Dec. 26, 2010, the company had $221 million of borrowings under its revolving credit
facilities. The maximum amount outstanding at the end of any period during 2010 and 2009 was $1.3
billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. The daily average outstanding balance of the revolving
credit facilities during 2010 and 2009 was $852 million and $2.0 billion, respectively. The
weighted average interest rate for 2010 and 2009 was 2.6% and 3.1%, respectively.
During the first quarter of 2009, the company repurchased $68.8 million in principal amount of
its floating rate notes in privately negotiated transactions at a discount. In connection with
these transactions, the company recorded a gain of approximately $1.1 million which is classified
in “Other non-operating items” in the Statement of Income. This gain is net of $0.6 million
reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for related interest rate swap agreements.
In December 2008, the company launched a tender offer to purchase any and all of its
outstanding floating rate notes due in May 2009 at a purchase price of $950 per $1,000 in principal
amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. In response to the offer, $98.4 million in aggregate
principal amount of notes, representing approximately 13.5 percent of the then outstanding notes,
were purchased at this price in December 2008. Prior to the tender offer, the company had
repurchased $19.4 million in principal amount of the floating rate notes in a privately negotiated
transaction. In connection with these transactions, the company recorded a gain of approximately $4
million which was classified in “Other non-operating items” in the Statement of Income (Loss). This
gain was net of $1.7 million in losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss) related to the interest rate swap agreements.
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In July 2008, the company received proceeds of $280 million from borrowings under a new term
loan agreement with certain bank lenders. The term loan is payable in full on July 14, 2011. The
loan carries interest at a floating rate and may be prepaid at any time without penalty. The
company prepaid $50 million of this loan in each of October 2010 and October 2009 reducing the
balance to $180 million.
During part of 2008, the company utilized commercial paper as a source of
financing. The maximum amount of such commercial paper outstanding at the end of any period during
2008 was $2.0 billion. The daily average outstanding balance of promissory notes was $883 million
during 2008. The weighted average interest rate on such notes was 3.5% for 2008. In June 2008, the
company repaid $500 million in unsecured notes bearing interest at 4.125% with proceeds from
borrowings in the commercial paper market. Beginning in September 2008, liquidity in the commercial
paper market became highly constrained and the company elected to borrow under its revolving credit
agreements to repay commercial paper outstanding as it matured.
In August 2007, the company entered into three interest rate swap agreements totaling a
notional amount of $750 million in order to mitigate the volatility of interest rates. These
agreements, which expired in May 2009, effectively fixed the interest rate on the $750 million in
floating rate notes due May 2009 at 5.0125%. These instruments were designated as cash flow hedges
in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” and changes in fair value were
recorded through accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to other
long-term liabilities. As a result of the tender offer and other repurchases discussed above, the
cash flow hedging treatment was discontinued for interest rate swaps associated with approximately
$118 million of notional value on the retired floating rate notes. Amounts recorded in accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) related to the discontinued cash flow hedges were reclassified
into earnings and subsequent changes to the fair value of these interest rate swaps were being
recorded through earnings.
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.
Industrial revenue bonds with a principal amount of approximately $17 million were repaid in
full in 2008. Prior to repayment, the bonds bore interest at variable interest rates based on a
municipal bond index.
In May 2006, the company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% notes due
2011 and $750 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes due 2009 in an underwritten
public offering. The net proceeds of the offering were used to pay down commercial paper
borrowings.
The unsecured fixed rate notes bearing interest at 6.375% were issued in March 2002 and mature
in 2012.
The company has an effective universal shelf registration statement under which an unspecified
amount of securities may be issued, subject to a $7 billion limit established by the Board of
Directors. Proceeds from the sale of such securities may be used for general corporate purposes,
including capital expenditures, working capital, securities repurchase programs, repayment of debt
and financing of acquisitions. The company may also invest borrowed funds that are not required for
other purposes in short-term marketable securities.
The following schedule of annual maturities of long-term debt assumes the company uses
available capacity under its revolving credit agreements to refinance the unsecured floating rate
notes and term loan due in 2011. Based on this refinancing assumption, all of the obligations are
reflected as maturities for 2012 and beyond.
In thousands of dollars
2011 (1) |
$ | — | ||
2012 |
306,397 | |||
2013 |
— | |||
2014 (2) |
1,081,120 | |||
2015 |
305,542 | |||
2016 |
165,950 | |||
2017 |
246,830 | |||
2018 |
246,403 | |||
Total |
$ | 2,352,242 | ||
| (1) | Notes and term loan due of $613 million are assumed to be repaid with funds from revolving credit agreements. | |
| (2) | Notes due of $247 million plus $834 million as deemed as due under the revolving credit agreements. |
Notwithstanding the assumptions used in the table above, the company’s debt maturities
might be repaid with cash flow from operating activities and with the possible benefit of a
further extension of the company’s revolving credit agreements or a combination of both.
The fair value of the company’s total long-term debt, determined based on the bid and ask
quotes for the related debt, totaled $2.5 billion and $2.9 billion at Dec. 26, 2010 and Dec. 27,
2009, respectively.
The company has a capital expenditure program (not including business acquisitions) of
approximately $75 million planned for 2011, including approximately $4 million for renovation of
existing facilities, $60 million for machinery and equipment, and $11 million for vehicles and
other assets. Management reviews the capital expenditure program periodically and modifies it as
required to meet current business needs. It is expected that the 2011 capital program will be
funded from cash flow from operations.
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Contractual obligations and commitments
The following table summarizes the expected cash outflows resulting from financial contracts and
commitments as of the end of 2010.
| Contractual obligations | Payments due by period | |||||||||||||||||||
| In millions of dollars | Total | 2011 | 2012-13 | 2014-15 | Thereafter | |||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (1) |
$ | 3,083 | $ | 147 | $ | 802 | $ | 1,344 | $ | 790 | ||||||||||
Operating leases (2) |
267 | 55 | 81 | 55 | 76 | |||||||||||||||
Purchase obligations (3) |
390 | 159 | 143 | 76 | 12 | |||||||||||||||
Programming contracts (4) |
112 | 10 | 67 | 35 | — | |||||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities (5) |
418 | 98 | 73 | 72 | 175 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 4,270 | $ | 469 | $ | 1,166 | $ | 1,582 | $ | 1,053 | ||||||||||
| (1) | See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The amounts included above include periodic interest payments. Interest payments are based on interest rates in effect at year-end and assume term debt is outstanding for the life of the revolving credit agreements. | |
| (2) | See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. | |
| (3) | Includes purchase obligations related to printing contracts, capital projects, interactive marketing agreements, wire services and other legally binding commitments. Amounts which the company is liable for under purchase orders outstanding at Dec. 26, 2010, are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as accounts payable and accrued liabilities and are excluded from the table above. | |
| (4) | Programming contracts include television station commitments to purchase programming to be produced in future years. | |
| (5) | Other long-term liabilities primarily consist of amounts expected to be paid related to under-funded postretirement benefit plans. |
Due to uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows associated with
unrecognized tax benefits at Dec. 26, 2010, the company is unable to make reasonably reliable
estimates of the period of cash settlement, if necessary. Therefore, $154 million of unrecognized
tax benefits have been excluded from the contractual obligations table above. See Note 10 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of income taxes.
The company’s principal retirement plan, the Gannett Retirement Plan, had assets of $1.9
billion and liabilities of $2.3 billion at Dec. 26, 2010. Due to uncertainties regarding
significant assumptions involved in estimating future contributions, such as interest rate levels
and the amount and timing of asset returns, the company is unable to reasonably estimate its future
contributions beyond 2011.
In December 1990, the company adopted a Transitional Compensation Plan (the Plan). The Plan
provides termination benefits to key executives whose employment is terminated under certain
circumstances within two years following a change in control of the company. Benefits under the
Plan include a severance payment of up to three years’ compensation and continued life and medical
insurance coverage.
Capital stock
In February 2004, the company announced the reactivation of its share repurchase program that had
last been utilized in February 2000. On July 25, 2006, the authorization to repurchase shares was
increased by $1 billion, and as of Dec. 26, 2010, approximately $808.9 million may yet be expended
under the program. Under the program, the company purchased $72.8 million (2.3 million shares) in
2008. No shares were purchased in 2010 and 2009. Shares may 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 may occur from time to time and no maximum purchase price has been set. While there is no
expiration date for the repurchase program, the company’s Board of Directors reviews the share
repurchase authorization annually, the last such review having occurred in October 2010. Certain of
the shares previously acquired by the company have been reissued in settlement of employee stock
awards. At this time, the company does not anticipate repurchasing its shares for the near term.
An employee 401(k) Savings Plan was established in 1990, which includes a company matching
contribution in the form of Gannett stock. To fund the company’s matching contribution, an Employee
Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) was formed which acquired 2,500,000 shares of Gannett stock from the
company for $50 million. The stock purchase was financed with a loan from the company. In June
2003, the debt was fully repaid and all of the shares had been fully allocated to participants. The
company elected not to add additional shares to the ESOP and began funding
contributions in cash. Through 2008, the ESOP used the cash match to purchase on the open
market an equivalent number of shares of company stock on behalf of participants. In early 2009,
the company began funding the 401(k) Savings Plan company matching contributions through the
issuance of treasury shares. Beginning in 2010, the company funded the 401(k) Savings Plan match
through the issuance of a 50/50 combination of treasury shares and shares purchased on the open
market with cash.
The company’s common stock outstanding at Dec. 26, 2010, totaled 239,509,020 shares, compared
with 237,156,663 shares at Dec. 27, 2009.
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Dividends
Dividends declared on common stock amounted to $38 million in 2010, compared with $37 million in
2009.
Dividends declared per share.
| Cash dividends | Payment date | Per share | ||||||
2010 |
4th Quarter | Jan. 3, 2011 | $ | .04 | ||||
| 3rd Quarter | Oct. 1, 2010 | $ | .04 | |||||
| 2nd Quarter | July 1, 2010 | $ | .04 | |||||
| 1st Quarter | April 1, 2010 | $ | .04 | |||||
2009 |
4th Quarter | Jan. 4, 2010 | $ | .04 | ||||
| 3rd Quarter | Oct. 1, 2009 | $ | .04 | |||||
| 2nd Quarter | July 1, 2009 | $ | .04 | |||||
| 1st Quarter | April 1, 2009 | $ | .04 | |||||
On Feb. 23, 2011, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $.04 cents per share,
payable on April 1, 2011, to shareholders of record as of the close of business March 4, 2011.
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
The company’s foreign currency translation adjustment, included in accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) and reported as part of shareholders’ equity, totaled $395 million at the end of 2010
and $416 million at the end of 2009. The decrease reflected a weakening of Sterling against the
U.S. dollar. Newsquest’s assets and liabilities at Dec. 26, 2010 were translated from Sterling to
U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of 1.54 versus 1.60 at the end of 2009. Newsquest’s financial
results were translated at an average rate of 1.55 for 2010, 1.56 for 2009 and 1.86 for 2008.
The company has recognized the funded status of its pension and retiree medical benefit plans
in the statement of financial position. At Dec. 26, 2010 and Dec. 27, 2009, accumulated other
comprehensive loss includes a reduction of equity of $762 million and $735 million, respectively,
for the aggregate excess of retirement plan liabilities over plan assets.
In August 2007, the company entered into three interest rate swap agreements totaling a
notional amount of $750 million in order to mitigate the volatility of interest rates. These
agreements, which expired in May 2009, effectively fixed the interest rate on the $750 million in
floating rate notes due May 2009 at 5.0125%. These instruments were designated as cash flow hedges
in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” and changes in fair value were
recorded through accumulated other comprehensive loss with a corresponding adjustment to other
long-term liabilities. As a result of a tender offer and strategic redemptions of part of the
floating rate notes during the fourth quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009, the cash flow
hedging treatment was discontinued for interest rate swaps associated with approximately $186.6
million of notional value on the retired floating rate notes. Amounts recorded in accumulated other
comprehensive loss related to the discontinued cash flow hedges were reclassified into earnings and
subsequent changes to the fair value of the interest rate swaps were recorded through earnings.
Expense in 2009 associated with the derivatives designated as hedges under ASC Topic 815, which is
classified as “Interest expense” on the company’s Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss), was $7.7
million. Expense in 2009 associated with the derivatives not designated as hedges under ASC Topic
815, which is classified as “Other non-operating items” on the company’s Consolidated Statement of
Income (Loss), was $0.6 million.
Effects of inflation and changing prices and other matters
The company’s results of operations and financial condition have not been significantly affected by
inflation. The company’s principal operating costs have not generally been subject to significant
inflationary pressures. Further, the effects of inflation and changing prices on the company’s
property, plant and equipment and related depreciation expense have been reduced as a result of an
ongoing capital expenditure program and the availability of replacement assets with improved
technology and efficiency.
The company is exposed to foreign exchange rate risk primarily due to its ownership of
Newsquest, which uses the British pound as its functional currency, which is then translated into
U.S. dollars. The company’s foreign currency translation adjustment, related principally to
Newsquest and reported as part of shareholders’ equity, totaled $395 million at Dec. 26 2010.
Newsquest’s assets and liabilities were translated from British pounds to U.S. dollars at the Dec.
26, 2010, exchange rate of 1.54. Refer to Item 7A for additional detail.
| ITEM 7A. | 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 the British pound is the
functional currency. Translation gains or losses affecting the Consolidated Statements of Income
(Loss) have not been significant in the past. If the price of the British pound against the U.S.
dollar had been 10% more or less than the actual price, operating income, excluding the special
items described on page 30, 2010 would have increased or decreased approximately 1%.
Because the company has $401 million in floating interest rate obligations outstanding at Dec.
26, 2010, the company is subject to changes in the amount of interest expense it might incur. 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 $2.0 million.
Refer to Note 7 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the fair value of the company’s
long-term debt.
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| ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
| Page | ||||
| FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
||||
| 49 | ||||
| 50 | ||||
| 52 | ||||
| 53 | ||||
| 54 | ||||
| 55 | ||||
| SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
||||
| 80 | ||||
| FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE |
||||
Financial Statement Schedule for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended Dec. 26, 2010 |
||||
| 82 | ||||
| OTHER INFORMATION |
||||
| 78 | ||||
| * | All other schedules prescribed under Regulation S-X are omitted because they are not applicable or not required. |
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Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders of Gannett Co., Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gannett Co., Inc. as of
December 26, 2010 and December 27, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income (loss),
cash flows, and equity for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 26, 2010.
Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index in Item
8. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the consolidated financial position of Gannett Co., Inc. at December 26, 2010 and
December 27, 2009, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of
the three fiscal years in the period ended December 26, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule,
when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in
all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States), Gannett Co., Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as
of December 26, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated
February 23, 2011, included in Item 9A, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
McLean, Virginia
February 23, 2011
February 23, 2011
49
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GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
In thousands of dollars
| Assets | Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | ||||||
Current assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 183,014 | $ | 98,795 | ||||
Trade receivables, less allowance for
doubtful receivables of $39,419 and
$46,255, respectively |
717,377 | 759,934 | ||||||
Other receivables |
30,746 | 20,557 | ||||||
Inventories |
72,025 | 63,752 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
21,254 | 19,577 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
95,064 | 86,427 | ||||||
Assets held for sale |
19,654 | — | ||||||
Total current assets |
1,139,134 | 1,049,042 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
||||||||
Land |
172,786 | 203,937 | ||||||
Buildings and improvements |
1,366,361 | 1,426,150 | ||||||
Machinery, equipment and fixtures |
2,615,796 | 2,782,595 | ||||||
Construction in progress |
15,797 | 16,177 | ||||||
Total |
4,170,740 | 4,428,859 | ||||||
Less accumulated depreciation |
(2,412,629 | ) | (2,457,041 | ) | ||||
Net property, plant and equipment |
1,758,111 | 1,971,818 | ||||||
Intangible and other assets |
||||||||
Goodwill |
2,836,960 | 2,854,247 | ||||||
Indefinite-lived and amortizable
intangible assets, less accumulated
amortization
of $197,454 and $170,182, respectively |
518,797 | 565,610 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
170,385 | 302,360 | ||||||
Investments and other assets |
393,457 | 405,355 | ||||||
Total intangible and other assets |
3,919,599 | 4,127,572 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 6,816,844 | $ | 7,148,432 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
In thousands of dollars
| Liabilities and equity | Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | ||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
||||||||
Trade |
$ | 200,827 | $ | 216,721 | ||||
Other |
32,125 | 35,864 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities |
||||||||
Compensation |
150,926 | 143,182 | ||||||
Interest |
26,738 | 25,281 | ||||||
Other |
217,278 | 201,711 | ||||||
Dividends payable |
9,680 | 9,703 | ||||||
Income taxes |
31,565 | 45,085 | ||||||
Deferred income |
224,047 | 222,556 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
893,186 | 900,103 | ||||||
Income taxes |
137,497 | 206,115 | ||||||
Long-term debt |
2,352,242 | 3,061,951 | ||||||
Postretirement medical and life insurance liabilities |
168,322 | 185,433 | ||||||
Pension liabilities |
619,340 | 708,133 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
228,008 | 260,918 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
4,398,595 | 5,322,653 | ||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interest |
84,176 | 78,304 | ||||||
| Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note 12) | ||||||||
Equity |
||||||||
Gannett Co., Inc. shareholders’ equity |
||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $1: Authorized, 2,000,000 shares: Issued, none |
— | — | ||||||
Common
stock, par value $1: Authorized, 800,000,000 shares: Issued, 324,418,632 shares |
324,419 | 324,419 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
630,316 | 629,714 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
6,874,641 | 6,324,586 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(365,334 | ) | (316,832 | ) | ||||
| 7,464,042 | 6,961,887 | |||||||
Less Treasury stock, 84,909,612 shares and 87,261,969 shares, respectively, at cost |
(5,300,288 | ) | (5,357,962 | ) | ||||
Total Gannett Co., Inc. shareholders’ equity |
2,163,754 | 1,603,925 | ||||||
Noncontrolling interests |
170,319 | 143,550 | ||||||
Total equity |
2,334,073 | 1,747,475 | ||||||
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity |
$ | 6,816,844 | $ | 7,148,432 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts
| Fiscal year ended | Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | Dec. 28, 2008 | |||||||||
Net operating revenues |
||||||||||||
Publishing advertising |
$ | 2,710,524 | $ | 2,888,034 | $ | 4,040,890 | ||||||
Publishing circulation |
1,086,702 | 1,144,539 | 1,196,745 | |||||||||
Digital |
618,259 | 586,174 | 281,378 | |||||||||
Broadcasting |
769,580 | 631,085 | 772,533 | |||||||||
All other |
253,613 | 259,771 | 348,136 | |||||||||
Total |
5,438,678 | 5,509,603 | 6,639,682 | |||||||||
Operating expenses |
||||||||||||
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation |
2,980,465 | 3,230,176 | 3,915,549 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation |
1,187,633 | 1,186,970 | 1,253,008 | |||||||||
Depreciation |
182,514 | 207,652 | 228,259 | |||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
31,362 | 32,983 | 31,211 | |||||||||
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges (see Notes 3 and 4) |
57,009 | 132,904 | 7,939,563 | |||||||||
Total |
4,438,983 | 4,790,685 | 13,367,590 | |||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
999,695 | 718,918 | (6,727,908 | ) | ||||||||
Non-operating (expense) income |
||||||||||||
Equity income (losses) in unconsolidated investees, net (see Notes 3 and 6) |
19,140 | 3,927 | (374,925 | ) | ||||||||
Interest expense |
(172,986 | ) | (175,745 | ) | (190,839 | ) | ||||||
Other non-operating items |
111 | 22,799 | 28,430 | |||||||||
Total |
(153,735 | ) | (149,019 | ) | (537,334 | ) | ||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
845,960 | 569,899 | (7,265,242 | ) | ||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
244,013 | 191,328 | (645,273 | ) | ||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
601,947 | 378,571 | (6,619,969 | ) | ||||||||
(Loss) income from the operation of discontinued operations, net of tax |
(322 | ) | 3,790 | (20,626 | ) | |||||||
Gain on disposal of newspaper businesses, net of tax |
21,195 | — | — | |||||||||
Net income (loss) |
622,820 | 382,361 | (6,640,595 | ) | ||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(34,619 | ) | (27,091 | ) | (6,970 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. |
$ | 588,201 | $ | 355,270 | $ | (6,647,565 | ) | |||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. |
$ | 567,328 | $ | 351,480 | $ | (6,626,939 | ) | |||||
(Loss) income from the operation of discontinued operations, net of tax |
(322 | ) | 3,790 | (20,626 | ) | |||||||
Gain on disposal of publishing businesses, net of tax |
21,195 | — | — | |||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. |
$ | 588,201 | $ | 355,270 | $ | (6,647,565 | ) | |||||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per share — basic |
$ | 2.38 | $ | 1.50 | $ | (29.02 | ) | |||||
Earnings from discontinued operations |
||||||||||||
Discontinued operations per share — basic |
— | 0.02 | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||
Gain on disposal of newspaper businesses per share — basic |
0.09 | — | — | |||||||||
Net income (loss) per share — basic |
$ | 2.47 | $ | 1.52 | $ | (29.11 | ) | |||||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per share — diluted |
$ | 2.35 | $ | 1.49 | $ | (29.02 | ) | |||||
Earnings from discontinued operations |
||||||||||||
Discontinued operations per share — diluted |
— | 0.02 | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||
Gain on disposal of newspaper businesses per share — diluted |
0.08 | — | — | |||||||||
Net income (loss) per share — diluted |
$ | 2.43 | $ | 1.51 | $ | (29.11 | ) | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
In thousands of dollars
| Fiscal year ended | Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | Dec. 28, 2008 | |||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 622,820 | $ | 382,361 | $ | (6,640,595 | ) | |||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to operating cash flows: |
||||||||||||
Debt exchange gain |
— | (42,746 | ) | — | ||||||||
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax |
(21,195 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Depreciation |
183,322 | 209,826 | 230,987 | |||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
31,362 | 32,983 | 31,211 | |||||||||
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges (see Notes 3 and 4) |
57,009 | 160,939 | 7,976,418 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation — equity awards |
32,707 | 25,373 | 22,646 | |||||||||
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes |
150,363 | 54,213 | (801,988 | ) | ||||||||
Pension (benefit) expense, net of pension contributions |
(124,864 | ) | (12,563 | ) | (66,260 | ) | ||||||
Equity (income) loss in unconsolidated investees, net (see Notes 3 and 6) |
(19,140 | ) | (3,927 | ) | 374,925 | |||||||
Other, net, including gains on asset sales |
(3,996 | ) | 14,668 | (54,996 | ) | |||||||
Decrease in trade receivables |
34,909 | 105,184 | 132,143 | |||||||||
Decrease (increase) in other receivables |
(5,182 | ) | 26,951 | 16,285 | ||||||||
Decrease (increase) in inventories |
(10,434 | ) | 56,768 | (26,856 | ) | |||||||
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable |
(15,199 | ) | (66,765 | ) | 50,256 | |||||||
Increase (decrease) in interest and taxes payable |
(98,270 | ) | 64,526 | (165,700 | ) | |||||||
Increase (decrease) in deferred income |
4,745 | (50,300 | ) | (24,375 | ) | |||||||
Change in other assets and liabilities, net |
(46,073 | ) | (90,911 | ) | (38,756 | ) | ||||||
Net cash flow from operating activities |
772,884 | 866,580 | 1,015,345 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
(69,070 | ) | (67,737 | ) | (165,000 | ) | ||||||
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
(15,164 | ) | (9,581 | ) | (168,570 | ) | ||||||
Payments for investments |
(10,984 | ) | (9,674 | ) | (46,779 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from investments |
45,478 | 20,461 | 29,049 | |||||||||
Proceeds from sale of certain assets, including discontinued operations |
112,706 | 31,908 | 78,541 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities |
62,966 | (34,623 | ) | (272,759 | ) | |||||||
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||||||||
(Payments of) proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facilities |
(1,160,000 | ) | (526,000 | ) | 1,907,000 | |||||||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt |
493,743 | 492,618 | 280,000 | |||||||||
Payments of unsecured promissory notes |
— | — | (833,876 | ) | ||||||||
Payments of unsecured fixed rate notes and other indebtedness |
(50,000 | ) | (680,505 | ) | (1,628,458 | ) | ||||||
Dividends paid |
(38,216 | ) | (119,328 | ) | (366,748 | ) | ||||||
Cost of common shares repurchased |
— | — | (72,764 | ) | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options |
3,214 | 402 | — | |||||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interest shareholders |
— | — | (200 | ) | ||||||||
Net cash used for financing activities |
(751,259 | ) | (832,813 | ) | (715,046 | ) | ||||||
Effect of currency exchange rate change |
(372 | ) | 702 | (5,840 | ) | |||||||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
84,219 | (154 | ) | 21,700 | ||||||||
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
98,795 | 98,949 | 77,249 | |||||||||
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
$ | 183,014 | $ | 98,795 | $ | 98,949 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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GANNETT CO., INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
In thousands of dollars
| Gannett Co., Inc. Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiscal years ended | Common | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 28, 2008, | stock | Additional | other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 27, 2009, | $1 par | paid-in | Retained | comprehensive | Treasury | Noncontrolling | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| and December 26, 2010 | value | capital | earnings | income (loss) | stock | Interests | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance: Dec. 30, 2007 |
$ | 324,419 | $ | 721,205 | $ | 13,019,143 | $ | 430,891 | $ | (5,478,499 | ) | $ | 340 | $ | 9,017,499 | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss), 2008 |
(6,647,565 | ) | 6,970 | (6,640,595 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling
interest accretion |
(1,736 | ) | (1,736 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation
adjustment |
(421,845 | ) | (421,845 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swap |
3,445 | 3,445 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement
benefit liability adjustment,
net of tax benefit of $315,832 |
(481,743 | ) | (481,743 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
1,330 | 1,330 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss |
(7,541,144 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared, 2008: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$1.60 per share |
(364,825 | ) | (364,825 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions |
111,902 | 111,902 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Treasury stock acquired |
(72,764 | ) | (72,764 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option and restricted
stock compensation |
22,646 | 22,646 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other treasury stock activity |
(652 | ) | 2,026 | 1,374 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance: Dec. 28, 2008 |
$ | 324,419 | $ | 743,199 | $ | 6,006,753 | $ | (469,252 | ) | $ | (5,549,237 | ) | $ | 118,806 | $ | 1,174,688 | ||||||||||||
Net income, 2009 |
355,270 | 27,091 | 382,361 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling
interest accretion |
(5,463 | ) | (5,463 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation
adjustment |
60,934 | 60,934 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swap |
5,075 | 5,075 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement
benefit liability adjustment,
net of tax provision of $74,051 |
84,355 | 84,355 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
2,056 | 3,116 | 5,172 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
532,434 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared, 2009: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$0.16 per share |
(37,437 | ) | (37,437 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options exercised |
(678 | ) | 986 | 308 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option and restricted
stock compensation |
25,373 | 25,373 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
401(k) match |
(139,919 | ) | 185,444 | 45,525 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit derived from stock
awards settled |
94 | 94 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other treasury stock activity |
1,645 | 4,845 | 6,490 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance: Dec. 27, 2009 |
$ | 324,419 | $ | 629,714 | $ | 6,324,586 | $ | (316,832 | ) | $ | (5,357,962 | ) | $ | 143,550 | $ | 1,747,475 | ||||||||||||
Net income, 2010 |
588,201 | 34,619 | 622,820 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling
interest accretion |
(5,872 | ) | (5,872 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation
adjustment |
(21,527 | ) | (21,527 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement
benefit liability adjustment,
net of tax benefit of $17,606 |
(27,280 | ) | (27,280 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
305 | (2,793 | ) | (2,488 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
565,653 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared, 2010: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$0.16 per share |
(38,146 | ) | (38,146 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions/dispositions |
815 | 815 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options exercised |
(6,153 | ) | 8,131 | 1,978 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option and restricted
stock compensation |
32,707 | 32,707 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
401(k) match |
(22,227 | ) | 45,094 | 22,867 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit derived from stock
awards settled |
1,236 | 1,236 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other treasury stock activity |
(4,961 | ) | 4,449 | (512 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance: Dec. 26, 2010 |
$ | 324,419 | $ | 630,316 | $ | 6,874,641 | $ | (365,334 | ) | $ | (5,300,288 | ) | $ | 170,319 | $ | 2,334,073 | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1
Summary of significant accounting policies
Fiscal year: The company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. The company’s
2010 fiscal year ended on Dec. 26, 2010, and encompassed a 52-week period. The company’s 2009 and
2008 fiscal years also encompassed 52-week periods.
Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and
its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany
transactions and profits. Investments in entities for which the company does not have control, but
has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, are
accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, the company’s share of net earnings and losses
from these ventures is included in “Equity income (losses) in unconsolidated investees, net” in
the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Segment presentation: In the third quarter of 2008, the company began reporting a new digital
segment and a separate digital revenues line in its Statements of Income (Loss). This revenue line
includes only revenue from the businesses that comprise the new digital segment. It therefore
includes all revenues from CareerBuilder and ShopLocal beginning with the full consolidation of
these businesses in the third quarter of 2008, and revenues from PointRoll, Schedule Star and
Planet Discover. Revenues from PointRoll, Schedule Star and Planet Discover had previously been
reported within the publishing segment and were included in the “All other” revenue line in the
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). “All other” revenue is now comprised principally of
commercial printing revenues. All periods presented reflect these reclassifications.
The digital segment and the digital revenues line do not include online/digital revenues
generated by web sites that are associated with the company’s publishing and broadcasting operating
properties. Such amounts are reflected within those segments and are included as part of publishing
advertising revenues and broadcasting revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
Noncontrolling interests presentation: Noncontrolling interests is presented as a component of
equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. This balance primarily relates to the noncontrolling
owners of CareerBuilder, LLC (CareerBuilder). Redeemable non-controlling interest in the mezzanine
section of the balance sheet represents redeemable stock held by a noncontrolling owner in
CareerBuilder. The redeemable stock is exercisable within 30 days after Jan. 1, 2014. Net income
(loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) reflects 100 percent of CareerBuilder
results as the company holds the controlling interest. Net income (loss) is subsequently adjusted
to remove the noncontrolling interest to arrive at Net income (loss) attributable to Gannett Co.,
Inc.
Reclassification of certain items within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: Certain
amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in prior years have been reclassified to
conform to current year presentation.
Operating agencies: The company’s newspaper subsidiary in Detroit participates in a joint
operating agency. The joint operating agency performs the production, sales and distribution
functions for the subsidiary and another newspaper publishing company under a joint operating
agreement. Operating results for the Detroit joint operating agency are fully consolidated along
with a charge for the noncontrolling partner’s share of profits.
Through May 2009, the company also published the Tucson Citizen through the Tucson joint
operating agency in which the company held a 50% interest. Because of challenges facing the
publishing industry and the difficult economy, particularly in the Tucson area, the company ceased
publishing the Citizen on May 16, 2009. The company retained its online site and 50% partnership
interest in the joint operating agency which provides services to the remaining non-Gannett
newspaper in Tucson. The company’s share of results for its share of Tucson operations are
accounted for under the equity method, and are reported as a net amount in “Equity income (losses)
in unconsolidated investees, net.”
Critical accounting policies and the use of estimates: The company prepares its financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles which require the use of
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and
expenses and related disclosure of contingent matters. The company
bases its estimates on historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions, as
appropriate. The company re-evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results could
differ from these estimates.
Critical accounting policies for the company involve its assessment of the recoverability of
its long-lived assets, including goodwill and other intangible assets and property, plant and
equipment. These assessments are based on factors such as estimated future cash flows and current
fair value estimates of businesses.
The company’s accounting for pension and retiree medical benefits requires the use of various
estimates concerning the work force, interest rates, plan investment return, and involves the use
of advice from consulting actuaries.
The company periodically evaluates its investments in unconsolidated entities for impairment.
When the company determines that an impairment is other-than-temporary, an impairment is recognized
equal to the excess of the investment’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. In making
such a determination, the company considers recent financial results and forward looking
projections. The company also considers various qualitative factors. These factors include the
intent and ability of the company to retain its investment in the entity and the financial
condition and long-term prospects of the entity. If the company believes that the decline in the
fair value of the investment is temporary, then no impairment is recorded.
The company’s accounting for income taxes in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions is sensitive
to interpretation of various laws and regulations therein, and to company policy and expectations
as to the repatriation of earnings from foreign sources. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If currently available information
raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is
established. The company must exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of
recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets, including projections of future taxable income.
These judgments and estimates are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors
change. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets may be required if the amount of taxes
recoverable through loss carryback declines, if tax planning strategies are not available, or if
the company projects lower levels of future taxable income.
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A more complete discussion of all of the company’s significant accounting policies follows.
Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and investments with
maturities of three months or less.
Trade receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts: Trade receivables are recorded at
invoiced amounts and generally do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects
the company’s estimate of credit exposure, determined principally on the basis of its collection
experience, aging of its receivables and significant individual account credit risk.
Inventories: Inventories, consisting principally of newsprint, printing ink and plate material
for the company’s publishing operations, are valued primarily at the lower of cost (first-in,
first-out) or market. At certain U.S. publishing operations however, newsprint inventory is carried
on a last-in, first-out basis.
Valuation of long-lived assets: In accordance with the requirements included within ASC Topic
350, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other” (ASC Topic 350) and Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and
Equipment” (ASC Topic 360), the company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets (mostly
property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets) to be held and used whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The
carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the projected undiscounted
future cash flows are less than its carrying value. The company measures impairment based on the
amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using
the projected future cash flows, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses
on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values
are reduced for the cost to dispose.
Property and depreciation: Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, and depreciation
is provided generally on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The
principal estimated useful lives are: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; and machinery,
equipment and fixtures, three to 30 years. Changes in the estimated useful life of an asset, which
could happen as a result of facility consolidations, can affect depreciation expense and net income
(loss). Major renewals and improvements and interest incurred during the construction period of
major additions are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are
charged to expense as incurred.
Goodwill and other intangible assets: Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over
the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, net of liabilities
assumed. In accordance with the impairment testing provisions included in ASC Topic 350, goodwill
is tested for impairment on an annual basis or between annual tests if events occur or
circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit
below its carrying amount. The company’s annual measurement date is the end of its fiscal year. The
company is required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the
carrying amount of the reporting unit. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various
techniques, including multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow valuation techniques. If the
carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the company
performs the second step of the impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit
goodwill may be impaired. In the second step of the impairment test, the company determines the
implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s
goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and the
company must recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the
implied fair value of goodwill. In determining the reporting units, the company considers the way
it manages its businesses and the nature of those businesses. The company has established its
reporting units for publishing at or one level below the segment level. These reporting units
therefore consist principally of U.S. Community Publishing, the USA TODAY group, the U.K. newspaper
group, and certain individual stand-alone publishing businesses. For Digital, the reporting units
are the stand-alone digital businesses. For Broadcasting, goodwill is accounted for at the segment
level.
The company performs an impairment test annually, or more often if circumstances dictate, of
its indefinite-lived intangible assets. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are
amortized over those useful lives and are evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350
as described above.
Investments and other assets: Investments in non-public businesses in which the company does
not have control or does not exert significant influence are carried at cost and losses resulting
from periodic evaluations of the carrying value of these investments are included as a
non-operating expense. At Dec. 26, 2010, and Dec. 27, 2009, such investments aggregated
approximately $16 million.
Investments where the company does have significant influence are
recorded under the equity method of accounting. See Note 6 for further discussion of these
investments.
The company’s television stations are parties to program broadcast contracts. These contracts
are recorded at the gross amount of the related liability when the programs are available for
telecasting. The related assets are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable
value. Program assets are classified as current (as a prepaid expense) or noncurrent (as an other
asset) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the expected use of the programs in
succeeding years. The amount charged to expense appropriately matches the cost of the programs with
the revenues associated with them. The liability for these contracts is classified as current or
noncurrent in accordance with the payment terms of the contracts. The payment period generally
coincides with the period of telecast for the programs, but may be shorter.
Revenue recognition: The company’s revenues include amounts charged to customers for: space
purchased in the company’s newspapers, digital ads placed on its web sites, digital marketing
service agreement fees, commercial printing jobs, and advertising broadcast on the company’s
television stations. Newspaper revenues also include circulation revenues for newspapers purchased
by readers or distributors, reduced by the amount of discounts taken. Broadcast revenues include
revenues from the retransmission of the company’s television signals on satellite and cable
networks. Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period when
advertising is printed or placed on web sites or broadcast. Revenues for digital marketing services
are generally recognized as web site ad impressions are delivered. Commercial printing revenues are
recognized when the job is delivered to the customer. Circulation revenues are recognized when
purchased newspapers are distributed. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue
recognition are deferred as liabilities. Broadcasting retransmission fees are recognized over the
contract period based on a negotiated fee per subscriber.
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Retirement plans: Pension and other postretirement benefit costs under the company’s
retirement plans are actuarially determined. The company recognizes the cost of postretirement
benefits including pension, medical and life insurance benefits on an accrual basis over the
working lives of employees expected to receive such benefits.
Stock-based employee compensation: Effective Dec. 26, 2005, the first day of its 2006 fiscal
year, the company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based
Payments,” as subsequently codified in ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation,” using the
modified prospective transition method. Under this transition method, stock-based compensation
costs recognized in the income statement beginning in 2006 include (a) compensation expense for all
unvested stock-based awards that were granted through Dec. 25, 2005, based on the grant date fair
value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123 and (b) compensation
expense for all share-based payments granted after Dec. 25, 2005, based on grant date fair value
estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). The company’s stock option awards
generally have graded vesting terms and the company recognizes compensation expense for these
options on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award (generally
four years). See Note 11 for further discussion.
The company also grants restricted stock or restricted stock units to employees and members of
its Board of Directors as a form of compensation. The expense for such awards is based on the grant
date fair value of the award and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service
period, which is generally the four-year incentive period.
Income taxes: The company accounts for certain income and expense items differently for
financial reporting purposes than for income tax reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes are
provided in recognition of these temporary differences. See Note 10 for further discussion.
Per share amounts: The company reports earnings per share on two bases, basic and diluted. All
basic income per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the year. The calculation of diluted earnings per share also considers the
assumed dilution from the exercise of stock options and from restricted stock units. Loss amounts
per share consider only basic shares outstanding due to the antidilutive effect of adding shares
for stock option exercises and restricted stock units.
Foreign currency translation: The income statements of foreign operations have been translated
to U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rates in effect during the relevant period. The
balance sheets have been translated using the currency exchange rate as of the end of the
accounting period. The impact of currency exchange rate changes on the translation of the balance
sheets are included in comprehensive income (loss) and are classified as accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.
Loss contingencies: The company is subject to various legal proceedings, claims and regulatory
matters, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. The company determines
whether to disclose or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of
loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable, and whether it can be reasonably estimated. The
company accrues for loss contingencies when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. If
a contingent liability is only reasonably possible, the company will disclose the potential range
of the loss, if material and estimable.
New accounting pronouncement: In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update
(ASU) 2009-13, Multiple Element Arrangements. ASU 2009-13 addresses the determination of when the
individual deliverables included in a multiple arrangement may be treated as separate units of
accounting. ASU 2009-13 also modifies the manner in which the transaction consideration is
allocated across separately identified deliverables and establishes definitions for determining
fair value of elements in an arrangement. The new guidance applies prospectively to agreements
entered after 2010. The company is currently assessing the impact of adoption of this
pronouncement.
NOTE 2
Acquisitions, investments and dispositions
2010: In March 2010, CareerBuilder expanded its reach in the U.K. when it purchased CareerSite.biz,
parent of three successful career-related operations there. Founded in 2001, CareerSite.biz
operates two online recruitment niche sites focusing on nursing and rail workers as well as
successful virtual career fair business.
In October 2010, the company purchased a minority stake in Ongo Inc. Ongo is a personal news
service that gives consumers a fundamentally new way to read, discover and share digital news and
information.
In the second quarter of 2010, the company completed the sale of The Honolulu Advertiser as
well as a small directory publishing operation in Michigan. In connection with these transactions,
the company recorded a net after tax gain of $21.2 million in discontinued operations. Income from
continuing operations for all periods presented exclude operating results from these former
properties which have been reclassified to discontinued operations. Amounts applicable to these
discontinued operations are as follows:
In thousands of dollars
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 32,710 | $ | 103,390 | $ | 127,968 | ||||||
Pretax (loss)/income |
(758 | ) | 6,262 | (33,753 | ) | |||||||
Net (loss)/income |
(322 | ) | 3,790 | (20,626 | ) | |||||||
Gains (after tax) |
21,195 | — | — | |||||||||
Total cash paid in 2010 for business acquisitions and investments was $15.2 million and
$11.0 million, respectively.
In early January 2011, the company also announced the acquisition of Reviewed.com, a group of
12 product-review web sites that provide comprehensive reviews for technology products such as
digital cameras, camcorders and high-definition televisions.
Reviewed.com’s operation will be integrated with USA TODAY as part of USA TODAY’s consumer media
strategy.
2009: In February 2009, the company purchased a minority interest in Homefinder, a leading
national online marketplace connecting homebuyers, sellers and real estate professionals.
In July 2009, Newsquest sold one of its commercial printing businesses, Southernprint Limited.
Total cash paid in 2009 for business acquisitions (principally post-acquisition consideration)
and investments was $9.6 million and $9.7 million, respectively.
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2008: On Dec. 31, 2007, the first day of the company’s 2008 fiscal year, the company purchased
X.com, Inc. (BNQT.com), which operates a digital media group of affiliated sites covering eight
different action sports including surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. BNQT.com is affiliated
with the USA TODAY Sports Media Group.
In February 2008, the company formed QuadrantONE, a new
digital ad sales network, with three other large media companies.
In March 2008, the company purchased a minority stake in Fantasy Sports Ventures (FSV). FSV,
also known as Big Lead Sports, owns a set of fantasy sports content sites and manages advertising
across a group of affiliated sites.
In May 2008, the company purchased a minority stake in Cozi Group Inc. (COZI). COZI is a free
web service that helps families manage busy schedules, stay in communication and share memories.
In June 2008, 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 began consolidating its
results in the digital segment at the beginning of the third quarter of 2008. ShopLocal
collaborates with PointRoll to create ads that dynamically connect retail advertisers and
consumers, online and in the store.
ShopLocal’s operations turned profitable in the third quarter of 2008.
In July 2008, the company purchased a minority stake in Livestream, a company that provides
Internet broadcasting services. Also in July 2008, the company increased its investment in 4INFO,
maintaining its approximate ownership interest.
In August 2008, the company purchased Pearls Review, Inc., an online nursing certification and
continuing education review site, which is operated with Gannett Healthcare Group.
In September 2008, the company acquired an additional 10% stake in CareerBuilder from Tribune
Company increasing its investment to 50.8% so that it became the majority and controlling owner.
The total cash paid in 2008 for business acquisitions was $168.6 million and for investments
was $46.8 million.
NOTE 3
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges
Difficult business conditions required the company to perform impairment tests on certain assets
including goodwill, other intangible assets, other long-lived assets and investments accounted for
under the equity method during 2010, 2009 and 2008. As a result, the company recorded non-cash
impairment charges to reduce the book value of certain of those assets. In addition, an impairment
charge was taken to reduce the value of certain publishing assets sold in 2009 to fair value less
costs to sell.
A summary of these charges by year is presented below:
In millions except per share amounts
| 2010 | ||||||||||||
| Pre-Tax | After-Tax | Per Share | ||||||||||
| Amount | Amount(a) | Amount(a) | ||||||||||
Asset impairment and other charges |
||||||||||||
Goodwill: |
||||||||||||
Digital |
$ | 11 | $ | 11 | $ | 0.04 | ||||||
Total goodwill |
11 | 11 | 0.04 | |||||||||
Other intangible assets: |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
17 | 12 | 0.05 | |||||||||
Digital |
2 | 1 | — | |||||||||
Total other intangible assets |
19 | 13 | 0.06 | |||||||||
Property, plant and equipment: |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
15 | 9 | 0.04 | |||||||||
Broadcasting |
4 | 2 | 0.01 | |||||||||
Total property, plant and equipment |
19 | 12 | 0.05 | |||||||||
Other: |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
3 | 2 | 0.01 | |||||||||
Broadcasting |
5 | 3 | 0.01 | |||||||||
Total other |
8 | 5 | 0.02 | |||||||||
Total asset impairment and other
charges-operations |
$ | 57 | $ | 41 | $ | 0.17 | ||||||
Non-operating charges: |
||||||||||||
Equity method investments |
3 | 2 | 0.01 | |||||||||
Total charges |
$ | 60 | $ | 43 | $ | 0.18 | ||||||
| (a) | Total amounts may not sum due to rounding. |
In millions except per share amounts
| 2009 | ||||||||||||
| Pre-Tax | After-Tax | Per Share | ||||||||||
| Amount | Amount(a) | Amount | ||||||||||
Asset impairment and other charges |
||||||||||||
Goodwill: |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
$ | 17 | $ | 10 | $ | 0.04 | ||||||
Digital |
16 | 16 | 0.07 | |||||||||
Total goodwill |
33 | 26 | 0.11 | |||||||||
Other intangible assets: |
||||||||||||
Digital |
9 | 5 | 0.02 | |||||||||
Total other intangible assets |
9 | 5 | 0.02 | |||||||||
Property, plant and equipment: |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
76 | 47 | 0.20 | |||||||||
Broadcasting |
3 | 2 | 0.01 | |||||||||
Total property, plant and equipment |
79 | 50 | 0.21 | |||||||||
Other: |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
7 | 4 | 0.02 | |||||||||
Broadcasting |
5 | 3 | 0.01 | |||||||||
Total other |
12 | 7 | 0.03 | |||||||||
Total asset impairment and other
charges-operations |
$ | 133 | $ | 88 | $ | 0.37 | ||||||
Non-operating charges: |
||||||||||||
Publishing assets sold |
28 | 24 | 0.10 | |||||||||
Equity method investments |
9 | 7 | 0.03 | |||||||||
Total charges |
$ | 170 | $ | 119 | $ | 0.50 | ||||||
| (a) | Total amounts may not sum due to rounding. |
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In millions except per share amounts
| 2008 | ||||||||||||
| Pre-Tax | After-Tax | Per Share | ||||||||||
| Amount(a) | Amount(a) | Amount(a) | ||||||||||
Asset impairment and other charges |
||||||||||||
Goodwill: |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
$ | 7,448 | $ | 6,812 | $ | 29.83 | ||||||
Digital |
10 | 6 | 0.03 | |||||||||
Total goodwill |
7,458 | 6,818 | 29.86 | |||||||||
Other intangible assets — principally mastheads: |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
232 | 150 | 0.66 | |||||||||
Digital |
2 | 1 | — | |||||||||
Total other intangible assets |
233 | 151 | 0.66 | |||||||||
Property, plant and equipment: |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
218 | 137 | 0.60 | |||||||||
Broadcasting |
2 | 1 | — | |||||||||
Corporate |
1 | 1 | — | |||||||||
Total property, plant and equipment |
221 | 138 | 0.61 | |||||||||
Other: |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
17 | 11 | 0.05 | |||||||||
Digital |
3 | 2 | 0.01 | |||||||||
Broadcasting |
7 | 4 | 0.02 | |||||||||
Total other |
27 | 17 | 0.08 | |||||||||
Total asset impairment and other
charges-operations |
$ | 7,940 | $ | 7,124 | $ | 31.20 | ||||||
Non-operating charges: |
||||||||||||
Newspaper publishing partnerships
and other equity method investments |
382 | 251 | 1.10 | |||||||||
Noncontrolling interests reduction |
(4 | ) | (3 | ) | (0.01 | ) | ||||||
Total charges |
$ | 8,317 | $ | 7,372 | $ | 32.29 | ||||||
| (a) | Total amounts may not sum due to rounding. |
2010: The goodwill impairment charge results from the application of the impairment
testing provisions included within the goodwill subtopic of ASC Topic 350. Because of difficult
business conditions, testing for one reporting unit was updated during the third quarter of 2010
and for all reporting units on Dec. 26, 2010, in connection with the required annual impairment
test of goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles. For one of the stand-alone businesses in the
digital segment, a potential impairment was indicated. The fair value of the reporting unit was
determined based on a discounted cash flow technique. The company then undertook the next step in
the impairment testing process by determining the fair value of assets and liabilities within the
reporting unit. The implied value of goodwill was less than the carrying value by $11 million 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 a
stock purchase transaction. Therefore, the after-tax effect of the goodwill impairment was $11
million or $.04 per share.
The impairment charge of $19 million for other intangible assets, principally a masthead, was
required because revenue results from the underlying business have softened from what was expected
at the time these assets were last valued. Fair value was determined using a relief-from-royalty
method. Carrying values were reduced to fair value for an indefinite lived asset and for certain
definite-lived assets in accordance with ASC Topic 350. Deferred tax benefits have been recognized
for these intangible assets impairment charges and therefore the total after-tax impact was $13
million or $.06 per share.
The carrying values of property, plant and equipment at certain publishing and broadcasting
businesses were evaluated in 2010 due to facility consolidation efforts and changes in expected
useful lives. The company revised the useful lives of certain assets, which were taken out of
service or for which management has committed to a plan to discontinue use in the near future, in
order to reflect the use of those assets over a shortened useful life. As a result of the
evaluation, the company recorded pre-tax charges of $19 million in 2010. Deferred tax benefits were
recognized for these charges and the after-tax impact was $12 million or $.05 per share.
The $8 million of charges in the “Other” category include shut down costs as well as the
impairment of certain broadcast programming assets. Deferred tax benefits were recognized for these
charges and therefore the after-tax impact was $5 million or $.02 per share.
In 2010, the carrying value of an investment for which the company owns a noncontrolling
interest was written down to fair value because the business underlying the investment had
experienced significant and sustained operating losses, leading the company to conclude that it was
other than temporarily impaired. The investment carrying value adjustment totaled $3 million
pre-tax and $2 million on an after-tax basis, or $.01 per share.
2009: The goodwill impairment charges result from the application of the impairment testing
provisions included within the goodwill subtopic of ASC Topic 350. Because of difficult business
conditions due to the economy, testing for certain reporting units was updated during the second
quarter of 2009 and for all reporting units on Dec. 27, 2009, in connection with the required
annual impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles. For one of the stand-alone
business reporting units in the publishing segment and one in the digital segment, a potential
impairment was indicated. The fair value of the reporting units was determined based on a multiple
of earnings technique and/or a discounted cash flow technique. The company then undertook the next
step in the impairment testing process by determining the fair value of assets and liabilities
within these reporting units. The implied value of goodwill for these reporting units was less than
the carrying amount by $33 million and therefore impairment charges in this total amount were
taken. Deferred tax benefits were recognized for the publishing charge only and therefore the
after-tax effect of the total goodwill impairment charge was $26 million or $.11 per share.
The impairment charge of $9 million for other intangible assets, principally customer
relationships and a trade name, was required because revenue results from the underlying business
have softened from what was expected at the time these assets were last valued. Carrying values
were reduced to fair value for an indefinite lived asset and for certain definite-lived assets in
accordance with ASC Topic 350. Deferred tax benefits have been recognized for these intangible
asset impairment charges and therefore the total after-tax impact was $5 million or $.02 per share.
The carrying values of property, plant and equipment at certain publishing and broadcasting
businesses were evaluated in 2009 due to facility consolidation efforts, changes in expected useful
lives and softening business conditions. The recoverability of these assets was measured in
accordance with the requirements included within ASC Topic 360. This process indicated that the
carrying
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values of certain assets were not recoverable, as the expected undiscounted future cash flows
to be generated by them were less than their carrying values. The related impairment loss was
measured based on the amount by which the asset carrying value exceeded fair value. Asset group
fair values were determined using the discounted cash flow technique. Certain asset fair values
were based on estimates of prices for similar assets. In addition, as required by ASC Topic 360,
the company revised the useful lives of certain assets, which were taken out of service during the
year or for which management has committed to a plan to discontinue use in the near future, in
order to reflect the use of those assets over their shortened useful life. As a result of the
application of the requirements of ASC Topic 360, the company recorded charges of $79 million in
2009. Deferred tax benefits were recognized for these charges and the 2009 after-tax impact was $50
million or $.21 per share.
The $12 million of charges in the “Other” category include shut down costs as well as the
impairment of certain broadcast programming assets. Deferred tax benefits were recognized for these
charges and therefore the after-tax impact was $7 million or $.03 per share.
In the second quarter
of 2009, in accordance with ASC Topic 360, the company recorded an impairment charge to reduce the
value of certain publishing assets sold to fair value less costs to sell. Fair value was determined
using a discounted cash flow technique that included the cash flows associated with the
disposition. This impairment charge was $28 million pre-tax and $24 million after-tax, or $.10 per
share. The charge is reflected in “Other non-operating items” in the Consolidated Statements of
Income.
In 2009, for certain investments in which the company owns noncontrolling interests, carrying
values were written down to fair value because the businesses underlying the investments had
experienced significant and sustained operating losses, leading the company to conclude that they
were other than temporarily impaired. These investment carrying value adjustments totaled $9
million pre-tax and $7 million on an after-tax basis, or $.03 per share.
2008: Very difficult business conditions, the economic crisis, recessionary conditions in the
U.S. and U.K. 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 well as on Dec. 28, 2008, in connection with the required
annual impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles. As a result, the company
recorded non-cash impairment charges to reduce the book value of goodwill, other intangible assets
including mastheads, and certain 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 due to other than temporary
impairments. The company also recorded accelerated depreciation expense associated with certain
facility consolidation and cost reduction initiatives.
The goodwill impairment charges resulted from the application of the impairment testing
provisions included within the goodwill subtopic ASC Topic 350. Impairment testing is customarily
performed annually. 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 and as required the testing was performed
again as of Dec. 28, 2008. For certain publishing and digital reporting units, an impairment was
indicated. The fair values of the reporting units were 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 for these reporting units.
The implied value of goodwill determined by the valuation for these reporting units was less
than the carrying amount by $7.46 billion, and therefore an impairment charge in this amount was
taken. There was minimal tax benefit recognized related to the impairment charges since much of the
recorded goodwill was non-deductible as it arose from stock purchase transactions. Therefore the
after-tax effect of the goodwill impairment was $6.82 billion or $29.86 per share.
The goodwill impairment charge recorded in the second quarter, in the amount of $2.14 billion,
was related to Newsquest, the company’s U.K. publishing operations that had been acquired
relatively recently in several transactions from 1999-2005. Following the second quarter impairment
testing, Newsquest’s fourth quarter operating results and projections indicated a significant
decline from the amounts estimated in the second quarter and as a result a further goodwill
impairment charge of approximately $507 million was recorded.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, the company also recognized an impairment charge for its U.S.
Community Publishing reporting unit of approximately $4.4 billion. This reporting unit was then
comprised of 82 individual publishing operations which had been acquired at various times over the
past several decades.
The goodwill impairment charges for other stand-alone business reporting units totaled $408
million in the fourth quarter.
The impairment charge of $233 million for other intangible assets was required because revenue
results from the underlying businesses had softened from what was expected at the time they were
purchased and the assets initially valued. In accordance with the requirements included within ASC
Topic 350, 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. The carrying values of certain definite-lived intangible assets, principally customer
relationships, were reduced to fair value in accordance with the requirements included within ASC
Topic 350. Deferred tax benefits have been recognized for these intangible asset impairment charges
and therefore the after-tax impact was $151 million or $.66 per share.
The carrying value of property, plant and equipment at certain publishing businesses was also
evaluated due to softening business conditions and, in some cases, changes in expected useful
lives. The recoverability of these assets was measured in accordance with the requirements included
within ASC Topic 360. This process indicated that the carrying values of certain assets were not
recoverable, as the expected undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by them would be less
than their carrying values.
The related impairment loss was measured based on the amount by which asset carrying value
exceeded fair value. Asset fair values were determined using discounted cash flow or multiple of
earnings techniques. Certain asset fair values were based on estimates of prices for similar
assets. In addition, as required by ASC Topic 360, the company revised the useful lives of certain
assets, which were
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taken out of service during the year or for which management has committed to a plan to
discontinue use in the near future, in order to reflect the use of those assets over their
shortened useful life. As a result of the application of the requirements within ASC Topic 360,
the company recorded charges of $221 million. Deferred tax benefits were recognized for these
charges and therefore the after-tax impact was $138 million or $.61 per diluted share.
The charges of $27 million included in the “Other” category include an amount to increase the
level of the company’s allowance for doubtful accounts reflecting higher collection risk from the
recession-driven increase in delinquency of receivable agings and bankruptcy filings toward the
end of 2008. Charges also include amounts for future lease payments for facilities abandoned in
connection with consolidation efforts and amounts for the impairment of certain broadcast
programming assets. Deferred tax benefits were recognized for these charges and therefore the
after-tax impact was $17 million or $.08 per 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. Fair values were
determined using a multiple of earnings or a multiple of revenues technique. These investment
carrying value adjustments were $382 million pre-tax and $251 million on an after-tax basis, or
$1.10 per diluted share. The pre-tax impairment charges for these investments are reflected as
“Equity income (losses) in unconsolidated investees, net” in the Statement of Income (Loss).
NOTE 4
Goodwill and other intangible assets
ASC Topic 350 requires that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets be tested for
impairment at least annually. Recognized intangible assets that have finite useful lives are
amortized over their useful lives and are subject to tests for impairment in accordance with the
requirements included within ASC Topic 350.
As discussed in Note 3, the company performed interim and year-end impairment tests on its
goodwill and other intangible assets during 2010 and, as a result, recorded non-cash impairment
charges totaling $30 million. The charges in 2010 included goodwill and other intangibles for the
Digital segment of $11 million and $2 million, respectively, and $17 million for other intangibles
for the Publishing segment (for a publication masthead in the U.K.).
During 2009, the company recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling $42 million. The
charges in 2009 included goodwill and other intangibles for the Digital segment of $16 million and
$9 million, respectively, and $17 million for goodwill for the Publishing segment.
The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable
intangible assets at Dec. 26, 2010, and Dec. 27, 2009.
In thousands of dollars
| Accumulated | ||||||||||||
| Gross | Amortization | Net | ||||||||||
Dec. 26, 2010 |
||||||||||||
Goodwill |
$ | 2,836,960 | $ | — | $ | 2,836,960 | ||||||
Indefinite-lived intangibles: |
||||||||||||
Mastheads and trade names |
92,673 | — | 92,673 | |||||||||
Television station FCC licenses |
255,304 | — | 255,304 | |||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets: |
||||||||||||
Customer relationships |
311,646 | 166,068 | 145,578 | |||||||||
Other |
56,628 | 31,386 | 25,242 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 3,553,211 | $ | 197,454 | $ | 3,355,757 | ||||||
Dec. 27, 2009 |
||||||||||||
Goodwill |
$ | 2,854,247 | $ | — | $ | 2,854,247 | ||||||
Indefinite-lived intangibles: |
||||||||||||
Mastheads and trade names |
110,319 | — | 110,319 | |||||||||
Television station FCC licenses |
255,304 | — | 255,304 | |||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets: |
||||||||||||
Customer relationships |
311,840 | 141,902 | 169,938 | |||||||||
Other |
58,329 | 28,280 | 30,049 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 3,590,039 | $ | 170,182 | $ | 3,419,857 | ||||||
Amortization expense was approximately $31.4 million in 2010 and $33.0 million in 2009.
Customer relationships, which include subscriber lists and advertiser relationships, are amortized
on a straight-line basis over three to 25 years. Other intangibles primarily include internally
developed technology, patents and amortizable trade names and were assigned lives of between three
and 21 years and are amortized on a straight-line basis.
Annual amortization expense relating to
the amortizable intangibles is expected to be approximately $31 million in 2011 and gradually
decline to $19 million in 2015 assuming no acquisitions or dispositions.
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The following table shows the changes in the
carrying amount of goodwill during 2010 and 2009.
In thousands of dollars
| Publishing | Digital | Broadcasting | Total | |||||||||||||
Goodwill |
||||||||||||||||
Gross balance at Dec. 28, 2008 |
$ | 7,473,542 | $ | 670,593 | $ | 1,617,967 | $ | 9,762,102 | ||||||||
Accumulated impairment losses |
(6,879,214 | ) | (10,000 | ) | — | (6,889,214 | ) | |||||||||
Net balance at Dec. 28, 2008 |
$ | 594,328 | $ | 660,593 | $ | 1,617,967 | $ | 2,872,888 | ||||||||
Acquisitions &
adjustments |
1,534 | (1,735 | ) | — | (201 | ) | ||||||||||
Impairment |
(17,000 | ) | (16,000 | ) | — | (33,000 | ) | |||||||||
Dispositions |
(6,039 | ) | — | — | (6,039 | ) | ||||||||||
Foreign currency
exchange rate changes |
18,019 | 2,118 | 462 | 20,599 | ||||||||||||
Balance at Dec. 27, 2009 |
$ | 590,842 | $ | 644,976 | $ | 1,618,429 | $ | 2,854,247 | ||||||||
Gross balance at
Dec. 27, 2009 |
7,692,437 | 670,976 | 1,618,429 | 9,981,842 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated
impairment losses |
(7,101,595 | ) | (26,000 | ) | — | (7,127,595 | ) | |||||||||
Net balance at
Dec. 27, 2009 |
$ | 590,842 | $ | 644,976 | $ | 1,618,429 | $ | 2,854,247 | ||||||||
Acquisitions &
adjustments |
1,476 | 10,072 | — | 11,548 | ||||||||||||
Impairment |
— | (10,603 | ) | — | (10,603 | ) | ||||||||||
Dispositions |
(5,927 | ) | — | — | (5,927 | ) | ||||||||||
Foreign currency
exchange rate changes |
(6,918 | ) | (5,521 | ) | 134 | (12,305 | ) | |||||||||
Balance at Dec. 26, 2010 |
$ | 579,473 | $ | 638,924 | $ | 1,618,563 | $ | 2,836,960 | ||||||||
Gross balance at
Dec. 26, 2010 |
7,599,030 | 675,527 | 1,618,563 | 9,893,120 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated
impairment losses |
(7,019,557 | ) | (36,603 | ) | — | (7,056,160 | ) | |||||||||
Net balance at
Dec. 26, 2010 |
$ | 579,473 | $ | 638,924 | $ | 1,618,563 | $ | 2,836,960 | ||||||||
NOTE 5
Consolidated statements of cash flows
Cash paid in 2010, 2009 and 2008 for income taxes and for interest (net of amounts capitalized) was
as follows:
In thousands of dollars
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Income taxes |
$ | 195,253 | $ | 78,856 | $ | 306,074 | ||||||
Interest |
$ | 171,537 | $ | 177,899 | $ | 188,385 | ||||||
Interest in the amount of $477,000, $216,000 and $458,000 was capitalized in 2010, 2009
and 2008, respectively.
NOTE 6
Investments
The company’s investments include several that are accounted for under the equity method. Principal
among these are the following:
| % Owned | ||||
Ponderay Newsprint Company |
13.50 | % | ||
California Newspapers Partnership |
19.49 | % | ||
ShermansTravel |
19.67 | % | ||
Cozi |
19.90 | % | ||
Classified Ventures |
23.60 | % | ||
QuadrantONE |
25.00 | % | ||
4INFO |
27.51 | % | ||
Livestream |
28.15 | % | ||
Fantasy Sports Ventures |
31.35 | % | ||
Homefinder.com |
33.33 | % | ||
Topix |
33.71 | % | ||
Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership |
40.64 | % | ||
Detroit Weekend Direct |
50.00 | % | ||
Tucson Newspaper Partnership |
50.00 | % | ||
The aggregate carrying value of equity investments at Dec. 26, 2010, was $161 million.
Certain differences exist between the company’s investment carrying value and the underlying
equity of the investee companies principally due to fair value measurement at the date of
investment acquisition and due to impairment charges recorded by the company for certain of the
investments. The aggregate amount of pretax earnings (losses) recorded by the company for its
investments accounted for under the equity method was $19.1 million, $3.9 million, and $(374.9)
million for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.
The company’s net equity income in unconsolidated investees for 2010 and 2009 included $3
million and $9 million, respectively, of impairment charges related to certain digital business
investments. The 2008 equity loss amount is inclusive of non-cash impairment charges of $382
million primarily related to the carrying value of California Newspapers Partnership and Texas-New
Mexico Newspapers Partnership.
The company also recorded revenue related to CareerBuilder (fully consolidated since Sept. 1,
2008) and Classified Ventures products for online advertisements placed on its newspaper
publishing affiliated web sites. Such amounts totaled approximately $142 million for 2010, $135
million for 2009 and $186 million for 2008. These revenues are recorded within Publishing segment
advertising revenue.
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NOTE 7
Long-term debt
The long-term debt of the company is summarized below:
In thousands of dollars
| Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | |||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 5.75% due June 2011 |
$ | 433,196 | $ | 432,648 | ||||
Unsecured floating rate term loan due
July 2011 |
180,000 | 230,000 | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 6.375% due April 2012 |
306,397 | 306,260 | ||||||
Borrowings under revolving credit
agreements expiring September 2014 |
221,000 | 1,381,000 | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 8.75% due November 2014 |
246,924 | 246,304 | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 10% due June 2015 |
58,007 | 56,684 | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 6.375% due September 2015 |
247,535 | — | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 10% due April 2016 |
165,950 | 162,531 | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 9.375% due November 2017 |
246,830 | 246,524 | ||||||
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate
interest at 7.125% due September 2018 |
246,403 | — | ||||||
Total long-term debt |
$ | 2,352,242 | $ | 3,061,951 | ||||
Total average debt outstanding in 2010 and 2009 was $2.7 billion and $3.6 billion,
respectively. The weighted average interest rate on all debt was 6.0% for 2010 and 4.5% for 2009.
During 2010 and 2009, the company completed a series of financing transactions which
significantly improved its debt maturity profile.
In September 2010, the company completed a private placement offering of unsecured senior
notes totaling $500 million in two tranches: $250 million with a coupon of 6.375% due 2015 and
$250 million with a coupon of 7.125% due 2018. The 2015 notes were priced at 98.970% of face
value, resulting in a yield to maturity of 6.625%. The 2018 notes were priced at 98.527% of face
value, resulting in a yield to maturity of 7.375%. On or after Sept. 1, 2014, the 2018 notes may
be redeemed or purchased by the company at the applicable redemption price (expressed as a
percentage of the principal amount of the 2018 notes) plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon to
the redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on Sept. 1 of the following
years: 2014 — 103.563%, 2015 — 101.781% and 2016 and thereafter 100.000%. The company used the
net proceeds of the offering to partially repay borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit
facilities and term loan.
In September 2010, the company amended its revolving credit agreements and extended the
maturity date with the majority of its lenders from March 15, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2014. Total
commitments under the amended revolving credit agreements are $1.63 billion through March 15, 2012
and total extended commitments from March 15, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2014 will be $1.14 billion.
In October 2009, the company completed a private placement offering of $250 million in
aggregate principal amount of 8.750% senior notes due 2014 and $250 million in aggregate principal
amount of 9.375% senior notes due 2017. The 2014 notes were priced at 98.465% of face value,
resulting in a yield to maturity of 9.125%. The 2017 notes were priced at 98.582% of face value,
resulting in a yield to maturity of 9.625%. On or after November 15, 2013, the 2017 notes may be
redeemed or purchased by the company at the applicable redemption price (expressed as a percentage
of the principal amount of the 2017 notes) plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon to the
redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on November 15 of the following
years: 2013 — 104.688%, 2014 — 102.344% and 2015 and thereafter 100.000%. The company used the
net proceeds from the offering to partially repay borrowings outstanding under its revolving
credit facilities and term loan.
In May 2009, the company completed a private exchange offer related to its 5.75% fixed rate
notes due June 2011 and its 6.375% fixed rate notes due April 2012. The company exchanged
approximately $67 million in principal amount of its 2011 notes for approximately $67 million
principal amount of new 10% senior notes due 2015, and approximately $193 million in principal
amount of its 2012 notes for approximately $193 million principal amount of new 10% senior notes
due 2016.
In connection with the May 2009 exchange transactions and in accordance with the
modifications and extinguishments requirements of ASC Topic 470, “Debt,” the company recorded a
gain of approximately $42.7 million which was classified in “Other non-operating items” in the
Statement of Income (Loss) for the second quarter of 2009. This gain resulted from recording the
notes at fair value as of the time of the exchange and extinguishing the old notes at their
historical book values. Fair value of the notes was based on their trading prices on and shortly
after the exchange date. The discount created by recording the notes at fair value instead of face
value is being amortized over the term of the notes to interest expense.
The notes issued during 2010 and 2009 with maturity dates in 2014 and thereafter were made
available in private offerings that were exempt from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act). These notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by the
subsidiaries of the company that guarantee its revolving credit and term loan agreements discussed
more fully below.
The company’s three revolving credit agreements and its term loan agreement require the
company to maintain a senior leverage ratio of less than 3.5x. The agreements also require the
company to maintain a total leverage ratio of less than 4.0x. The total leverage ratio would also
include any subordinated debt the company may issue in the future. Currently, all of the company’s
debt is senior and unsecured. At Dec. 26, 2010, the senior leverage ratio was 1.97x.
Until March 15, 2012, commitment fees for the revolving credit facilities may range from
0.125% to 0.25% depending on credit ratings for the company’s senior unsecured debt from Moody’s
Investor Services (Moody’s) and Standard & Poor’s (S&P). The rate currently in effect is 0.25%.
After March 15, 2012, commitment fees will equal 0.50% of the undrawn commitments. In addition,
the company pays a fee to the lenders that agreed in September 2010 to extend their commitments
from 2012 to 2014 based on the leverage ratio that ranges from 0 to 75 basis points for drawn
amounts and 25 basis points for undrawn amounts. At the current leverage ratio, the additional fee
is 25 basis points for both the drawn and undrawn amounts. No extension fees are payable after
March 15, 2012.
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Under each of the agreements, the company may borrow at an applicable margin above the
Eurodollar base rate or the higher of the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus
0.50%. Until March 15, 2012, the applicable margin for such borrowings ranges from 1.00% to 2.25%
depending on credit ratings. Under the term loan agreement, the applicable margin varies from 1.25%
to 2.25%. At its current ratings the company will pay an applicable margin of 2.25% under each of
the revolving credit agreements and the term loan agreement. After March 15, 2012, the applicable
margin will be determined based on the company’s leverage ratio.
In connection with each of its three revolving credit agreements and its term loan agreement,
the company agreed to provide guarantees from a majority of its domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries
in the event that the company’s credit ratings from either Moody’s or S&P fell below investment
grade. In the first quarter of 2009, the company’s credit rating was downgraded below investment
grade by both S&P and Moody’s. Accordingly, the guarantees were triggered and the existing notes
due 2011 and 2012 and other unsecured debt of the company became structurally subordinated to the
revolving credit agreements and the term loan.
In September 2009, the company further amended the terms of its three revolving credit
agreements and its term loan agreement to provide for the issuance of up to $500 million of
additional long-term debt carrying the same guarantees put in place for the revolving credit
agreements and term loan. In addition, the company also amended one of the credit agreements to
permit it to obtain up to $100 million of letters of credit from the lenders, which would count
toward their commitments.
On Aug. 21, 2009, Moody’s confirmed the company’s Ba1 corporate family rating and its Ba2
senior unsecured note rating. In addition, Moody’s rated the company’s bank debt, which includes
its revolving credit agreements and term loan, Baa3. The Baa3 rating also applies to most of the
company’s long-term debt which has the same subsidiary guarantees as the bank debt. The company’s
debt is rated BB by Standard and Poor’s.
In August 2010, the company further amended the terms of its three revolving credit agreements
and its term loan agreement to allow for the issuance of up to $750 million of additional long-term
debt carrying the same guarantees put in place for the revolving credit agreements and term loan.
As of Dec. 26, 2010, the company had $221 million of borrowings under its revolving credit
facilities. The maximum amount outstanding at the end of any period during 2010 and 2009 was $1.3
billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. The daily average outstanding balance of the revolving
credit facilities during 2010 and 2009 was $852 million and $2.0 billion, respectively. The
weighted average interest rate for 2010 and 2009 was 2.6% and 3.1%, respectively.
During the first quarter of 2009, the company repurchased $68.8 million in principal amount of
its floating rate notes in privately negotiated transactions at a discount. In connection with
these transactions, the company recorded a gain of approximately $1.1 million which is classified
in “Other non-operating items” in the Statement of Income. This gain is net of $0.6 million
reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for related interest rate swap agreements.
In December 2008, the company launched a tender offer to purchase any and all of its
outstanding floating rate notes due in May 2009 at a purchase price of $950 per $1,000 in principal
amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. In response to the offer, $98.4 million in aggregate
principal amount of notes, representing approximately 13.5 percent of the then outstanding notes,
were purchased at this price in December 2008. Prior to the tender offer, the company had
repurchased $19.4 million in principal amount of the floating rate notes in a privately negotiated
transaction. In connection with these transactions, the company recorded a gain of approximately $4
million which was classified in “Other non-operating items” in the Statement of Income (Loss). This
gain was net of $1.7 million in losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss) related to the interest rate swap agreements.
In July 2008, the company received proceeds of $280 million from borrowings under a new term
loan agreement with certain bank lenders. The term loan is payable in full on July 14, 2011. The
loan carries interest at a floating rate and may be prepaid at any time without penalty. The
company prepaid $50 million of this loan in each of October 2010 and October 2009 reducing the
balance to $180 million.
During part of 2008, the company utilized commercial paper as a source of
financing. The maximum amount of such commercial paper outstanding at the end of any period during
2008 was $2.0 billion. The daily average outstanding balance of promissory notes was $883 million
during 2008. The weighted average interest rate on such notes was 3.5% for 2008. In June 2008, the
company repaid $500 million in unsecured notes bearing interest at 4.125% with proceeds from
borrowings in the commercial paper market. Beginning September 2008, liquidity in the commercial
paper market was highly constrained and the company elected to borrow under its revolving credit
agreements to repay commercial paper outstanding as it matured.
In August 2007, the company entered into three interest rate swap agreements totaling a
notional amount of $750 million in order to mitigate the volatility of interest rates. These
agreements, which expired in May 2009, effectively fixed the interest rate on the $750 million in
floating rate notes due May 2009 at 5.0125%. These instruments were designated as cash flow hedges
in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” and changes in fair value were
recorded through accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to other
long-term liabilities. As a result of the tender offer and other repurchases discussed above, the
cash flow hedging treatment was discontinued for interest rate swaps associated with approximately
$118 million of notional value on the retired floating rate notes. Amounts recorded in accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) related to the discontinued cash flow hedges were reclassified
into earnings and subsequent changes to the fair value of these interest rate swaps were being
recorded through earnings.
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.
Industrial revenue bonds with a principal amount of approximately $17 million were repaid in
full in 2008. Prior to repayment, the bonds bore interest at variable interest rates based on a
municipal bond index.
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In May 2006, the company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% notes due
2011 and $750 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes due 2009 in an
underwritten public offering. The net proceeds of the offering were used to pay down commercial
paper borrowings.
The unsecured fixed rate notes bearing interest at 6.375% were issued in March 2002 and
mature in 2012.
The company has an effective universal shelf registration statement under which an
unspecified amount of securities may be issued, subject to a $7 billion limit established by the
Board of Directors. Proceeds from the sale of such securities may be used for general corporate
purposes, including capital expenditures, working capital, securities repurchase programs,
repayment of debt and financing of acquisitions. The company may also invest borrowed funds that
are not required for other purposes in short-term marketable securities.
The following schedule of annual maturities of long-term debt assumes the company uses
available capacity under its revolving credit agreements to refinance the unsecured floating rate
notes and term loan due in 2011. Based on this refinancing assumption, all of the obligations are
reflected as maturities for 2012 and beyond.
In thousands of dollars
2011 (1) |
$ | — | ||
2012 |
306,397 | |||
2013 |
— | |||
2014 (2) |
1,081,120 | |||
2015 |
305,542 | |||
2016 |
165,950 | |||
2017 |
246,830 | |||
2018 |
246,403 | |||
Total |
$ | 2,352,242 | ||
| (1) | Notes and term loan due of $613 million are assumed to be repaid with funds from revolving credit agreements. | |
| (2) | Notes due of $247 million plus $834 million as deemed as due under the revolving credit agreements. |
Notwithstanding the assumptions used in the table above, the company’s debt maturities
might be repaid with cash flow from operating activities and with the possible benefit of a
further extension of the company’s revolving credit agreements or a combination of both.
The fair value of the company’s total long-term debt, determined based on the bid and ask
quotes for the related debt, totaled $2.5 billion and $2.9 billion at Dec. 26, 2010 and Dec. 27,
2009, respectively.
NOTE 8
Retirement plans
The company and its subsidiaries have various retirement plans, including plans established under
collective bargaining agreements. The company’s principal retirement plan is the Gannett Retirement
Plan (GRP). As described more fully below, substantially all participants had their benefits under
this plan frozen effective Aug. 1, 2008. Prior to this, benefits under the GRP were generally based
on years of service and final average pay.
The disclosure tables below also include the assets and
obligations of the Newsquest Pension Plan in the U.K., certain collectively bargained plans, the
Gannett Supplemental Retirement Plan (SERP) and a frozen plan for the company’s Board of Directors.
The company uses a Dec. 31 measurement date for its retirement plans.
In June 2008, the Board of Directors approved amendments to each of (i) the GRP; (ii) the
SERP; (iii) the Gannett 401(k) Savings Plan (401(k) Plan); and (iv) the Gannett Deferred
Compensation Plan (DCP). The amendments were 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 GRP and SERP,
most participants in these plans had their benefits frozen as of Aug. 1, 2008. Participants whose
GRP and, if applicable, SERP benefits were frozen will have their frozen benefits periodically
increased by a cost of living adjustment until benefits commence.
Effective Aug. 1, 2008, most participants whose benefits were frozen under the GRP and, if
applicable, the SERP receive higher matching contributions under the 401(k) Plan. Under the new
formula, the matching contribution rate generally increased from 50% of the first 6% of
compensation that an employee elects to contribute to the plan to 100% of the first 5% of
contributed compensation. The company also makes additional employer contributions to the 401(k)
Plan on behalf of certain long-service 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.
As a result of the amendments to freeze most benefit accruals in the GRP and the SERP, the
company recognized a net pre-tax pension curtailment gain of $46.5 million in 2008 in accordance
with the Defined Benefit Plans-Pension subtopic of ASC Topic 715, “Compensation-Retirement
Benefits.”
In 2009, the company reached an agreement with one of its unions for a complete
withdrawal from the union’s underfunded pension plan and release from any future obligations with
respect thereto. Under the agreement, the company made settlement payments of $7.3 million in May
2009 and $7.7 million in May 2010. As a result of this agreement, the company recognized a pre-tax
settlement gain of $39.8 million in 2009.
In October 2010, after discussion with its pension plan
trustees and employees, the decision was made to close its Newsquest defined benefit
plan to future accrual, effective March 31, 2011. The plan closure was made to reduce pension
expense and funding volatility and was part of a package of measures to address the plan’s deficit.
The company recognized a pre-tax curtailment gain of $3.3 million in connection with this closure.
The company’s pension costs, which include costs for its qualified, non-qualified and union
plans, are presented in the following table:
In thousands of dollars
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Service cost — benefits
earned during the period |
$ | 14,829 | $ | 14,439 | $ | 64,563 | ||||||
Interest cost on benefit obligation |
176,738 | 178,646 | 207,758 | |||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(191,614 | ) | (171,472 | ) | (266,079 | ) | ||||||
Amortization of prior service
costs/(credit) |
6,731 | 1,641 | (9,682 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of actuarial loss |
46,870 | 48,541 | 23,465 | |||||||||
Pension expense (benefit) for
company-sponsored retirement plans |
53,554 | 71,795 | 20,025 | |||||||||
Curtailment gains |
(3,840 | ) | — | (46,463 | ) | |||||||
Settlement and special termination
benefit charge/(credit) |
— | (39,159 | ) | 4,168 | ||||||||
Union and other pension cost |
3,990 | 5,146 | 5,002 | |||||||||
Total pension cost (benefit) |
$ | 53,704 | $ | 37,782 | $ | (17,268 | ) | |||||
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The following table provides a reconciliation of pension benefit obligations (on a
projected benefit obligation measurement basis), plan assets and funded status of company-sponsored
retirement plans, along with the related amounts that are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In thousands of dollars
| Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | |||||||
Change in benefit obligations |
||||||||
Benefit obligations at beginning
of year |
$ | 3,088,364 | $ | 3,060,287 | ||||
Service cost |
14,829 | 14,439 | ||||||
Interest cost |
176,738 | 178,646 | ||||||
Plan participants’ contributions |
7,595 | 11,497 | ||||||
Actuarial loss |
189,382 | 172,717 | ||||||
Foreign currency translation |
(24,259 | ) | 51,823 | |||||
Gross benefits paid |
(218,362 | ) | (275,575 | ) | ||||
Curtailments |
(16,410 | ) | — | |||||
Settlement |
— | (125,470 | ) | |||||
Benefit obligations at end of year |
$ | 3,217,877 | $ | 3,088,364 | ||||
Change in plan assets |
||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at
beginning of year |
$ | 2,375,767 | $ | 2,168,559 | ||||
Actual return on plan assets |
269,263 | 427,299 | ||||||
Plan participants’ contributions |
7,595 | 11,497 | ||||||
Employer contributions |
174,578 | 45,199 | ||||||
Gross benefits paid |
(218,362 | ) | (275,575 | ) | ||||
Settlements |
— | (46,968 | ) | |||||
Foreign currency translation |
(20,113 | ) | 45,756 | |||||
Fair value of plan assets at
end of year |
$ | 2,588,728 | $ | 2,375,767 | ||||
Funded status at end of year |
$ | (629,149 | ) | $ | (712,597 | ) | ||
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets |
||||||||
Long-term other assets |
$ | 4,140 | $ | 7,682 | ||||
Accrued benefit cost — current |
$ | (13,949 | ) | $ | (12,146 | ) | ||
Accrued benefit cost — long-term |
$ | (619,340 | ) | $ | (708,133 | ) | ||
The funded status (on a projected benefit obligation basis) of the company’s principal
retirement plans at Dec. 26, 2010, is as follows:
In thousands of dollars
| Fair Value of | Benefit | Funded | ||||||||||
| Plan Assets | Obligation | Status | ||||||||||
GRP |
$ | 1,926,834 | $ | 2,272,349 | $ | (345,515 | ) | |||||
SERP |
— | 195,326 | (195,326 | ) | ||||||||
Newsquest |
588,105 | 679,284 | (91,179 | ) | ||||||||
All other |
73,789 | 70,918 | 2,871 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 2,588,728 | $ | 3,217,877 | $ | (629,149 | ) | |||||
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $3.19 billion
and $3.07 billion at Dec. 26, 2010 and Dec. 27, 2009, respectively.
Net actuarial losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss were $1.17 billion in
2010 and $1.13 billion in 2009. Prior service cost recognized in accumulated other comprehensive
loss was $75.3 million in 2010 and $78.1 million in 2009.
The actuarial loss and prior service cost amounts expected to be amortized from accumulated
other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2011 are $36.5 million and $7.5 million,
respectively.
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income
for 2010 consist of the following:
In thousands of dollars
Current year actuarial loss |
$ | (111,732 | ) | |
Current year actuarial gain due to curtailment |
16,410 | |||
Prior service credit recognized in curtailment |
(583 | ) | ||
Amortization of actuarial loss |
46,870 | |||
Amortization of prior service costs |
6,731 | |||
Currency gain |
5,531 | |||
Total |
$ | (36,773 | ) | |
Pension costs: The following assumptions were used to determine net pension costs:
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Discount rate |
5.88 | % | 6.26 | % | 6.23 | % | ||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
8.75 | % | 8.75 | % | 8.75 | % | ||||||
Rate of compensation increase |
2.88 | % | 2.54 | % | 4.00 | % | ||||||
The expected return on asset assumption was determined based on plan asset allocations, a
review of historic capital market performance, historical plan asset performance and a forecast of
expected future asset returns.
Benefit obligations and funded status: The following assumptions were used to determine the
year-end benefit obligations:
| Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | |||||||
Discount rate |
5.49 | % | 5.90 | % | ||||
Rate of compensation increase |
2.95 | % | 2.69 | % | ||||
The following table presents information for those company retirement plans for which
accumulated benefits exceed assets:
In thousands of dollars
| Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | |||||||
Accumulated benefit obligation |
$ | 3,123,535 | $ | 3,017,124 | ||||
Fair value of plan assets |
$ | 2,514,939 | $ | 2,307,328 | ||||
The following table presents information for those company retirement plans for which the
projected benefit obligation exceeds assets:
In thousands of dollars
| Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | |||||||
Projected benefit obligation |
$ | 3,148,228 | $ | 3,027,606 | ||||
Fair value of plan assets |
$ | 2,514,939 | $ | 2,307,328 | ||||
During 2010, the company made voluntary contributions of $130 million to the GRP. The
company contributed $26.6 million to the U.K. retirement plan in 2010 and $21.2 million in 2009.
For 2011, the company expects to contribute less than $45 million to the GRP, depending on
final actuarial valuation results, and $18.5 million to the U.K. retirement plan.
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Plan assets: The fair value of plan assets was approximately $2.6 billion and $2.4 billion at
the end of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The expected long-term rate of return on these assets was
8.75% for 2010, 2009 and 2008. The asset allocation for company-sponsored pension plans at the end
of 2010 and 2009, and target allocations for 2011, by asset category, are presented in the table
below:
| Target Allocation | Allocation of Plan Assets | |||||||||||
| 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Equity securities |
59 | % | 47 | % | 43 | % | ||||||
Debt securities |
30 | 47 | 50 | |||||||||
Other |
11 | 6 | 7 | |||||||||
Total |
100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||
The primary objective of company-sponsored retirement plans is to provide eligible
employees with scheduled pension benefits: the “prudent man” guideline is followed with regard to
the investment management of retirement plan assets. Consistent with prudent standards for
preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity, the goal is to earn the highest possible
total rate of return while minimizing risk. The principal means of reducing volatility and
exercising prudent investment judgment is diversification by asset class and by investment manager;
consequently, portfolios are constructed to attain prudent diversification in the total portfolio,
each asset class, and within each individual investment manager’s portfolio.
Investment diversification is consistent with the intent to minimize the risk of large losses. All
objectives are based upon an investment horizon spanning five years so that interim market
fluctuations can be viewed with the appropriate perspective. The target asset allocation represents
the long-term perspective. Retirement plan assets will be rebalanced periodically to align them
with the target asset allocations. Risk characteristics are measured and compared with an
appropriate benchmark quarterly; periodic reviews are made of the investment objectives and the
investment managers. The company’s actual investment return (loss) on its Gannett Retirement Plan
assets was 14.0% for 2010, 25.6% for 2009 and (25.6)% for 2008. The negative return for 2008
reflects the global economic crisis and sharp decline in equity share values.
Retirement plan assets include approximately 1.2 million shares of the company’s common stock
valued at approximately $19 million and $18 million at the end of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The
plan received dividends of approximately $199,000 on these shares in 2010.
Cash flows: The company estimates it will make the following benefit payments (from either
retirement plan assets or directly from company funds), which reflect expected future service, as
appropriate:
In thousands of dollars
2011 |
$ | 204,879 | ||
2012 |
$ | 208,472 | ||
2013 |
$ | 210,861 | ||
2014 |
$ | 215,144 | ||
2015 |
$ | 217,409 | ||
2016-2020 |
$ | 1,106,088 |
NOTE 9
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
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 cost of
providing retiree health care and life insurance benefits is actuarially determined and accrued
over the service period of the active employee group. The company’s policy is to fund benefits as
claims and premiums are paid. The company uses a Dec. 31 measurement date for these plans.
Postretirement benefit cost for health care and life insurance included the following
components:
In thousands of dollars
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Service cost — benefits earned
during the period |
$ | 713 | $ | 1,405 | $ | 1,634 | ||||||
Interest cost on net benefit obligation |
10,606 | 13,339 | 14,013 | |||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit |
(19,377 | ) | (15,689 | ) | (15,560 | ) | ||||||
Amortization of actuarial loss |
4,949 | 4,695 | 4,752 | |||||||||
Net periodic postretirement
(benefit) cost |
$ | (3,109 | ) | $ | 3,750 | $ | 4,839 | |||||
Special termination benefit charge |
$ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,307 | ||||||
The table below provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations and funded status of the
company’s postretirement benefit plans:
In thousands of dollars
| Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | |||||||
Change in benefit obligations |
||||||||
Net benefit obligations at
beginning of year |
$ | 208,213 | $ | 244,190 | ||||
Service cost |
713 | 1,405 | ||||||
Interest cost |
10,606 | 13,339 | ||||||
Plan participants’ contributions |
11,708 | 10,429 | ||||||
Plan amendments |
(677 | ) | (19,853 | ) | ||||
Actuarial gain |
(6,121 | ) | (7,799 | ) | ||||
Gross benefits paid |
(35,658 | ) | (35,856 | ) | ||||
Federal subsidy on benefits paid |
2,498 | 2,358 | ||||||
Net benefit obligations at
end of year |
$ | 191,282 | $ | 208,213 | ||||
Change in plan assets |
||||||||
Fair value
of plan assets at beginning of year |
$ | — | $ | — | ||||
Employer contributions |
23,950 | 25,427 | ||||||
Plan participants’ contributions |
11,708 | 10,429 | ||||||
Gross benefits paid |
(35,658 | ) | (35,856 | ) | ||||
Fair value of plan assets at
end of year |
$ | — | $ | — | ||||
Benefit obligation at end of year |
$ | 191,282 | $ | 208,213 | ||||
Accrued postretirement benefit cost: |
||||||||
Current |
$ | 22,960 | $ | 22,780 | ||||
Noncurrent |
$ | 168,322 | $ | 185,433 | ||||
Net actuarial losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss were $33.7 million
in 2010 and $44.3 million in 2009. Prior service credits recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive loss were $63.6 million in 2010 and $82.3 million in 2009.
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The actuarial loss and prior service credit estimated to be amortized from accumulated
other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2011 are $4.5 million and $(19.5)
million, respectively.
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (loss)
income for 2010 consist of the following:
In thousands of dollars
Current year actuarial gain |
$ | 5,637 | ||
Prior service credit change |
677 | |||
Amortization of actuarial loss |
4,949 | |||
Amortization of prior service credit |
(19,377 | ) | ||
Total |
$ | (8,114 | ) | |
Postretirement benefit costs: The following assumptions were used to determine postretirement
benefit cost:
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Discount rate |
5.80 | % | 6.15 | % | 6.13 | % | ||||||
Health care cost trend on coverage |
6.50 | % | 7.00 | % | 8.00 | % | ||||||
Ultimate trend rate |
5.00 | % | 5.00 | % | 5.00 | % | ||||||
Year that ultimate trend rate is reached |
2014 | 2014 | 2014 | |||||||||
Benefit obligations and funded status: The following assumptions were used to determine the
year-end benefit obligation:
| Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | |||||||
Discount rate |
5.30 | % | 5.80 | % | ||||
Health care cost trend rate assumed for
next year |
6.50 | % | 7.00 | % | ||||
Ultimate trend rate |
5.00 | % | 5.00 | % | ||||
Year that ultimate trend rate is reached |
2014 | 2014 | ||||||
A 6.50% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was
assumed for 2011. Assumed health care cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for
the health care plans. The effect of a 1% change in the health care cost trend rate would result in
a change of approximately $8 million in the 2010 postretirement benefit obligation and a $0.5
million change in the aggregate service and interest components of the 2010 expense.
Cash flows: The company expects to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected
future service, and to receive the following federal subsidy benefits as appropriate:
| In thousands of dollars | Benefit Payments | Subsidy Benefits | ||||||
2011 |
$ | 22,959 | $ | 2,508 | ||||
2012 |
$ | 20,967 | $ | 2,398 | ||||
2013 |
$ | 20,158 | $ | 2,359 | ||||
2014 |
$ | 19,825 | $ | 2,299 | ||||
2015 |
$ | 19,032 | $ | 2,217 | ||||
2016-2020 |
$ | 80,032 | $ | 9,639 | ||||
The amounts above exclude the participants’ share of the benefit cost. The company’s policy is
to fund benefits as claims and premiums are paid.
NOTE 10
Income taxes
The provision (benefit) for income taxes on income from continuing operations consists of the
following:
In thousands of dollars
| 2010 | Current | Deferred | Total | |||||||||
Federal |
$ | 135,442 | $ | 129,829 | $ | 265,271 | ||||||
State and other |
(51,252 | ) | 19,150 | (32,102 | ) | |||||||
Foreign |
9,460 | 1,384 | 10,844 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 93,650 | $ | 150,363 | $ | 244,013 | ||||||
In thousands of dollars
| 2009 | Current | Deferred | Total | |||||||||
Federal |
$ | 90,374 | $ | 53,153 | $ | 143,527 | ||||||
State and other |
23,846 | 9,920 | 33,766 | |||||||||
Foreign |
22,895 | (8,860 | ) | 14,035 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 137,115 | $ | 54,213 | $ | 191,328 | ||||||
In thousands of dollars
| 2008 | Current | Deferred | Total | |||||||||
Federal |
$ | 195,827 | $ | (624,379 | ) | $ | (428,552 | ) | ||||
State and other |
(25,519 | ) | (150,798 | ) | (176,317 | ) | ||||||
Foreign |
(13,593 | ) | (26,811 | ) | (40,404 | ) | ||||||
Total |
$ | 156,715 | $ | (801,988 | ) | $ | (645,273 | ) | ||||
The components of income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.
before income taxes consist of the following:
In thousands of dollars
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Domestic |
$ | 729,485 | $ | 484,316 | $ | (4,718,428 | ) | |||||
Foreign |
81,856 | 58,492 | (2,553,784 | ) | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 811,341 | $ | 542,808 | $ | (7,272,212 | ) | |||||
The provision for income taxes on continuing operations varies from the U.S. federal statutory
tax rate as a result of the following differences:
| Fiscal year | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||
U.S. statutory tax rate |
35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | ||||||
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: |
||||||||||||
Asset impairments |
0.6 | 1.4 | (28.0 | ) | ||||||||
State/other income taxes net of
federal income tax |
3.5 | 3.5 | 3.1 | |||||||||
Statutory rate differential and
permanent differences in earnings
in foreign jurisdictions |
(2.7 | ) | (3.3 | ) | (2.0 | ) | ||||||
Lapse of state statutes of limitations
net of federal income tax |
(7.2 | ) | (0.7 | ) | 0.5 | |||||||
Other, net |
0.9 | (0.7 | ) | 0.3 | ||||||||
Effective tax rate |
30.1 | % | 35.2 | % | 8.9 | % | ||||||
The benefit from the lapse of state statutes of limitations in 2010 is primarily the release
of tax reserves and interest related to the sale of a business in a prior year.
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Absent the effect of facility consolidation and asset impairment charges and workforce
restructuring charges in 2010 and 2009, certain gains in 2009 and the special net tax benefit from
the release of certain tax reserves due to the lapse of statutes of limitations for 2010, the
company’s effective tax rate would have been 33.1% for 2010, 33.6% for 2009 and 28.7% for 2008.
In addition to the income tax provision presented above for continuing operations, the company
also recorded federal and state income taxes payable on discontinued operations in 2010.
Taxes provided on the earnings from discontinued operations include amounts reclassified from
previously reported income tax provisions and totaled $11.7 million for 2010, covering U.S. federal
and state income taxes and representing an effective rate of 36%. Also included in discontinued
operations for 2010 is a recognized gain of $21.2 million, which is net of tax. Taxes provided on
the gains from the disposals totaled approximately $12.2 million for 2010, covering U.S. federal
and state income taxes and represent an effective rate of 36.4%.
Deferred income taxes reflect temporary differences in the recognition of revenue and expense
for tax reporting and financial statement purposes. Amortization of intangibles represents the
largest component of the deferred provision. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are adjusted for
enacted changes in tax laws or tax rates of the various tax jurisdictions. The amounts of such
adjustments for 2008, 2009 and 2010 are not significant.
Deferred tax liabilities and assets were composed of the following at the end of 2010 and
2009:
In thousands of dollars
| Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | |||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||
Accelerated depreciation |
$ | 309,477 | $ | 317,547 | ||||
Accelerated amortization of
deductible intangibles |
59,709 | 6,547 | ||||||
Other |
27,600 | 36,143 | ||||||
Total deferred tax liabilities |
396,786 | 360,237 | ||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Accrued compensation costs |
98,005 | 112,339 | ||||||
Pension |
239,120 | 270,403 | ||||||
Postretirement medical and life |
75,607 | 83,859 | ||||||
Federal tax benefits of uncertain state
tax positions |
46,856 | 73,736 | ||||||
Partnership investments including
impairments |
65,874 | 79,471 | ||||||
Other |
62,963 | 62,366 | ||||||
Total deferred tax assets |
588,425 | 682,174 | ||||||
Total net deferred tax assets |
191,639 | 321,937 | ||||||
Net current deferred tax assets |
21,254 | 19,577 | ||||||
Net long-term deferred tax assets |
$ | 170,385 | $ | 302,360 | ||||
Included in total deferred tax assets are valuation allowances of approximately $44 million
and $38 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively, primarily related to foreign tax credits available
for carry forward to future years and to certain foreign losses.
Realization of deferred tax assets for which valuation allowances have not been established is
dependent upon generating sufficient future taxable income. The company expects to realize
the benefit of these deferred tax assets through future reversals of its deferred tax liabilities,
through the recognition of taxable income in the allowable carryback and carryforward periods, and
through implementation of future tax planning strategies. Although realization is not assured, the
company believes it is more likely than not that all deferred tax assets for which valuation
allowances have not been established will be realized.
The company’s legal and tax structure reflects acquisitions that have occurred over the years
as well as the multi-jurisdictional nature of the company’s businesses.
The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding
the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions:
In thousands of dollars
| Change in unrecognized tax benefits | Dec. 26, 2010 | Dec. 27, 2009 | ||||||
Balance at beginning of year |
$ | 191,715 | $ | 182,025 | ||||
Additions based on tax positions related
to the current year |
20,234 | 19,455 | ||||||
Additions for tax positions of prior years |
24,015 | 14,462 | ||||||
Reductions for tax positions of prior years |
(37,869 | ) | (16,959 | ) | ||||
Settlements |
(3,307 | ) | (3,140 | ) | ||||
Reductions due to lapse of statutes of
limitations |
(41,257 | ) | (4,128 | ) | ||||
Balance at end of year |
$ | 153,531 | $ | 191,715 | ||||
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective
tax rate was $109 million as of Dec. 26, 2010, and $126 million as of Dec. 27, 2009. This amount
includes the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions.
Included in the $154 million unrecognized tax benefit balance at Dec. 26, 2010, are $11
million of tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there
is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility.
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, and it recognizes interest
credits for the reversal of interest expense previously recorded for uncertain tax positions which
are subsequently released. During 2010, the company recognized income from interest and the release
of penalty reserves of $40 million. During 2009, the company recognized interest expense of $3
million. During 2008, the company recognized income from interest and the release of penalty
reserves of $13 million. The amount of accrued interest and penalties payable related to
unrecognized tax benefits was $37 million and $74 million as of Dec. 26, 2010, and Dec. 27, 2009,
respectively.
The 2005 through 2009 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS. The IRS is examining
the 2005 through 2008 U.S. income tax returns and the company believes it is likely that the
examination of these returns will be completed in 2011. The 2005 through 2009 tax years generally
remain subject to examination by state authorities, and the years 2003 through 2009 are subject to
examination in the U.K. In addition, tax years prior to 2005 remain subject to examination by
certain states primarily due to the filing of amended tax returns as a result of the settlement of
the IRS examination for these years and due to ongoing audits.
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It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized benefit 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 and settlement of ongoing audits
in various jurisdictions.
NOTE 11 — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Capital stock and earnings per share
The company’s earnings (loss) per share (basic and diluted) for 2010, 2009 and 2008 are presented
below:
In thousands, except per share amounts
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable
to Gannett Co., Inc. |
$ | 588,201 | $ | 355,270 | $ | (6,647,565 | ) | |||||
Weighted average number
of common shares outstanding
(basic) |
238,230 | 233,683 | 228,345 | |||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities |
||||||||||||
Stock options |
1,354 | 723 | — | |||||||||
Restricted stock |
1,720 | 1,117 | — | |||||||||
401(k) employer match |
301 | 504 | — | |||||||||
Weighted average number
of common shares outstanding
(diluted) |
241,605 | 236,027 | 228,345 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share (basic) |
$ | 2.47 | $ | 1.52 | $ | (29.11 | ) | |||||
Earnings (loss) per share (diluted) |
$ | 2.43 | $ | 1.51 | $ | (29.11 | ) | |||||
The diluted earnings per share amounts exclude the effects of approximately 19.6 million stock
options outstanding for 2010, 22.3 million for 2009 and 27.1 million for 2008, as their inclusion
would be antidilutive. The diluted earnings per share amount for 2008 also excludes 2.2 million
restricted stock units.
Share repurchase program
In February 2004, the company announced the reactivation of its existing share repurchase program
that was last utilized in February 2000. On July 25, 2006, the authorization to repurchase shares
was increased by $1 billion. During 2008, 2.3 million shares were purchased under the program for
$72.8 million. There were no shares purchased under the program in 2010 or 2009.
The shares may 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 may occur from time to time and no
maximum purchase price has been set. While there is no expiration date for the repurchase program,
the company’s Board of Directors reviews the share repurchase authorization annually, the last such
review having occurred in October 2010. Certain of the shares previously acquired by the company
have been reissued in settlement of employee stock awards. At this time, the company does not
anticipate repurchasing its shares for the near term.
Equity-based awards
In May 2001, the company’s shareholders approved the adoption of the Omnibus Incentive Compensation
Plan (the Plan). The Plan is administered by the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors and was amended and restated as of May 4, 2010 to increase the number of shares reserved
for issuance to up to 60.0 million shares of company common stock for awards granted on or after
the amendment date. The Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted stock, restricted stock units and other equity-based and cash-based awards. Awards may
be granted to employees of the company and members of the Board of Directors. The Plan provides
that shares of common stock subject to awards granted become available again for issuance if such
awards are canceled or forfeited.
Stock options may be granted as either non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options.
Options are granted to purchase common stock of the company at not less than 100% of the fair
market value on the day of grant. Options are exercisable at such times and subject to such terms
and conditions as the Executive Compensation Committee determines. The Plan restricts the granting
of options to any participant in any fiscal year to no more than 1,000,000 shares. Options issued
from 1996 through November 2004 have a 10-year exercise period, and options issued in December 2004
and thereafter have an eight-year exercise period. Options generally become exercisable at 25% per
year.
In addition to stock options, the company issues stock-based compensation to employees in the
form of restricted stock units (RSUs). These awards generally entitle employees to receive at the
end of a four-year incentive period one share of common stock for each RSU granted, conditioned on
continued employment for the full incentive period. Compensation expense for RSUs 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 recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is
generally the four-year incentive period. Under the plan, no more than 500,000 RSUs may be granted
to any participant in any fiscal year.
The Plan also permits the company to issue 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. Under the Plan, no more than 500,000 restricted shares may be
granted to any participant in any fiscal year.
The company issued stock options to certain members of its Board of Directors as compensation
for meeting fees and retainer fees, as well as long-term awards. Meeting fees paid as stock options
fully vest upon grant. Retainers paid in the form of stock options vest in equal quarterly
installments over one year. Long-term stock option awards vest in equal annual installments over
four years. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the
grant date fair value. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, members of the Board of Directors were awarded
72,681, 144,667 and 28,683 shares, respectively, of stock options as part of their compensation
plan.
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The company also issued restricted stock to certain members of its Board of Directors as
compensation for meeting fees and retainer fees, as well as annual long-term awards. Meeting fees
paid as restricted stock fully vest upon grant. Retainers paid in the form of restricted shares
vest in equal quarterly installments over one year. Long-term awards vest in equal monthly
installments over three years. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting
period based on the grant date fair value. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, members of the Board of
Directors were awarded 21,062 shares, 95,543 shares and 15,872 shares, respectively, of restricted
stock as part of their compensation plan. All vested shares will be issued to directors when
retiring from the Board.
The Executive Compensation Committee may grant other types of awards that are valued in whole
or in part by reference to or that are otherwise based on fair market value of the company’s common
stock or other criteria established by the Executive Compensation Committee including the
achievement of performance goals. The maximum aggregate grant of performance shares that may be
awarded to any participant in any fiscal year shall not exceed 500,000 shares of common stock. The
maximum aggregate amount of performance units or cash-based awards that may be awarded to any
participant in any fiscal year shall not exceed $10,000,000.
In the event of a change in control as defined in the Plan, (1) all outstanding options will
become immediately exercisable in full; (2) all restricted periods and restrictions imposed on
non-performance based restricted stock awards will lapse; (3) all non-performance based restricted
stock units will fully vest; and (4) target payment opportunities attainable under all outstanding
awards of performance-based restricted stock, performance units and performance shares will be paid
as specified in the Plan.
Determining fair value
Valuation and amortization method — The company determines the fair value of stock options using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula. Key inputs into this formula include expected term,
expected volatility, expected dividend yield and the risk-free rate. Each assumption is discussed
below. This fair value is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of
the awards, which is generally the four-year vesting period.
Expected term — The expected term represents the period that the company’s stock-based awards
are expected to be outstanding, and is determined based on historical experience of similar awards,
giving consideration to contractual terms of the awards, vesting schedules and expectations of
future employee behavior.
Expected volatility — The fair value of stock-based awards reflects a volatility factor
calculated using historical market data for the company’s common stock. The time frame used is
equal to the expected term.
Expected dividend — The dividend assumption is based on the company’s expectations about its
dividend policy on the date of grant.
Risk-free interest rate — The company bases the risk-free interest rate on the yield to
maturity at the time of the stock option grant on zero-coupon U.S. government bonds having a
remaining life equal to the option’s expected life.
Estimated forfeitures — When estimating forfeitures, the company considers voluntary
termination behavior as well as analysis of actual option forfeitures.
The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of option awards:
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||
Average expected term |
4.5 yrs. | 4.5 yrs. | 4.5 yrs. | |||
Expected volatility |
59.41 – 62.24% | 38.67 – 59.18% | 17.51 – 34.63% | |||
Weighted average volatility |
61.01% | 48.73% | 28.60% | |||
Risk-free interest rates |
1.51 – 2.65% | 1.97 – 2.63% | 1.55 – 3.25% | |||
Expected dividend yield |
1.00% | 1.00 – 2.20% | 4.20 – 13.30% | |||
Weighted average expected
dividend |
1.00% | 1.20% | 9.91% |
The following table shows the stock-based compensation related amounts recognized in the
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for equity awards:
In thousands, except per share amounts
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Stock options |
$ | 18,810 | $ | 12,578 | $ | 13,097 | ||||||
Restricted stock and RSUs |
13,897 | 12,795 | 9,549 | |||||||||
Total stock-based compensation |
32,707 | 25,373 | 22,646 | |||||||||
Income tax benefit |
12,429 | 9,641 | 8,605 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation,
net of tax |
$ | 20,278 | $ | 15,732 | $ | 14,041 | ||||||
Per diluted share impact |
$ | .08 | $ | .07 | $ | .06 | ||||||
As of Dec. 26, 2010, there was $13.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to
non-vested share-based compensation for options. Such amount will be adjusted for future changes in
estimated forfeitures. Unrecognized compensation cost for options will be recognized on a
straight-line basis over a weighted average period of 3.5 years.
During 2010, options for 332,060 shares of common stock were exercised from which the company
received $2.0 million of cash. The intrinsic value of the options exercised was approximately $3.1
million. The actual tax benefit realized from the option exercises was $1.2 million.
During 2009, options for 44,250 shares of common stock were exercised from which the company
received $0.3 million of cash. The intrinsic value of the options exercised was approximately $0.4
million. The actual tax benefit realized from the option exercises was $0.1 million.
During 2008, no options were exercised.
Option exercises are satisfied through the issuance of shares from treasury stock.
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A summary of the company’s stock-option awards is presented below:
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
| average | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted | remaining | |||||||||||||||
| average | contractual | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
| exercise | term | intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
| 2010 Stock Option Activity | Shares | price | (in years) | value | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at
beginning of year |
25,243,251 | $ | 58.68 | 4.1 | $ | 33,560,103 | ||||||||||
Granted |
3,451,481 | $ | 15.23 | |||||||||||||
Exercised |
(332,060 | ) | $ | 6.00 | ||||||||||||
Canceled/Expired |
(4,713,382 | ) | $ | 63.70 | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at end of year |
23,649,290 | $ | 52.08 | 3.9 | $ | 28,819,223 | ||||||||||
Options exercisable
at year end |
17,075,622 | $ | 66.48 | 2.8 | $ | 8,698,148 | ||||||||||
Weighted average grant date
fair value of options granted
during the year |
$ | 7.22 | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
| average | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted | remaining | |||||||||||||||
| average | contractual | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
| exercise | term | intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
| 2009 Stock Option Activity | Shares | price | (in years) | value | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at
beginning of year |
27,106,695 | $ | 66.58 | 4.3 | $ | 68,360 | ||||||||||
Granted |
3,171,867 | $ | 8.00 | |||||||||||||
Exercised |
(44,250 | ) | $ | 7.53 | ||||||||||||
Canceled/Expired |
(4,991,061 | ) | $ | 69.83 | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at end of year |
25,243,251 | $ | 58.68 | 4.1 | $ | 33,560,103 | ||||||||||
Options exercisable
at year end |
19,788,317 | $ | 69.76 | 3.3 | $ | 3,662,795 | ||||||||||
Weighted average grant date
fair value of options granted
during the year |
$ | 3.41 | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
| average | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted | remaining | |||||||||||||||
| average | contractual | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
| exercise | term | intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
| 2008 Stock Option Activity | Shares | price | (in years) | value | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at
beginning of year |
27,933,353 | $ | 70.88 | 4.8 | $ | 1,406,344 | ||||||||||
Granted |
2,181,083 | $ | 16.62 | |||||||||||||
Exercised |
— | — | ||||||||||||||
Canceled/Expired |
(3,007,741 | ) | $ | 70.31 | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at end of year |
27,106,695 | $ | 66.58 | 4.3 | $ | 68,360 | ||||||||||
Options exercisable
at year end |
23,201,201 | $ | 71.74 | 3.9 | — | |||||||||||
Weighted average grant date
fair value of options granted
during the year |
$ | 1.33 | ||||||||||||||
As of Dec. 26, 2010, there was $33.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to
non-vested restricted stock and RSUs. This amount will be adjusted for future changes in estimated
forfeitures and recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of 3.3 years.
A summary of restricted stock and RSU awards is presented below:
| Weighted | ||||||||
| average | ||||||||
| 2010 Restricted Stock and RSU Activity | Shares | fair value | ||||||
Outstanding and unvested at beginning
of year |
3,293,293 | $ | 13.62 | |||||
Granted |
1,934,351 | $ | 14.91 | |||||
Settled |
(490,716 | ) | $ | 31.94 | ||||
Canceled |
(315,491 | ) | $ | 12.97 | ||||
Outstanding and unvested at end of year |
4,421,437 | $ | 12.19 | |||||
| Weighted | ||||||||
| average | ||||||||
| 2009 Restricted Stock and RSU Activity | Shares | fair value | ||||||
Outstanding and unvested at beginning
of year |
2,241,190 | $ | 19.47 | |||||
Granted |
1,714,633 | $ | 11.63 | |||||
Settled |
(445,084 | ) | $ | 30.67 | ||||
Canceled |
(217,446 | ) | $ | 23.35 | ||||
Outstanding and unvested at end of year |
3,293,293 | $ | 13.62 | |||||
| Weighted | ||||||||
| average | ||||||||
| 2008 Restricted Stock and RSU Activity | Shares | fair value | ||||||
Outstanding and unvested at beginning
of year |
1,041,222 | $ | 47.89 | |||||
Granted |
1,479,277 | $ | 2.26 | |||||
Settled |
(194,048 | ) | $ | 11.36 | ||||
Canceled |
(85,261 | ) | $ | 44.33 | ||||
Outstanding and unvested at end of year |
2,241,190 | $ | 19.47 | |||||
401(k) savings plan
Substantially all employees of the company (other than those covered by a collective bargaining
agreement) who are scheduled to work at least 1,000 hours during each year of employment are
eligible to participate in the 401(k) Savings Plan (the Plan). Employees can elect to save up to
50% of compensation on a pre-tax basis subject to certain limits.
On Aug. 1, 2008, the company approved amendments to its principal domestic retirement plans
and to its 401(k) plan. For most participants, the 401(k) plan matching formula was changed to 100%
of the first 5% of employee contributions. Prior to this change, the company generally matched 50%
of the first 6% of employee contributions. The company also now makes additional 401(k) employer
contributions on behalf of certain long-term employees. Compensation expense related to 401(k)
contributions was $46.0 million in 2010, $59.8 million in 2009 and $46.6 million in 2008. In 2010
and 2009, the company’s 401(k) match was settled with a combination of cash and treasury shares.
Cash was used to settle 401(k) contributions in 2008.
In 2002, the Board authorized 3,000,000 shares of common stock to be registered in connection
with savings-related share option plans available to eligible employees of Newsquest. In July 2004,
options covering 143,000 shares were subscribed to by Newsquest employees. The plan had a maturity
date of August 31, 2007, and options became exercisable in September 2007. No options were
exercised during 2008 or 2009. The options expired unexercised in 2010.
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Preferred share purchase rights
In May 1990, the Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of one Preferred Share
Purchase Right (Right) for each common share held, payable to shareholders of record on June 8,
1990. The Rights become exercisable when a person or group of persons acquired or announced an
intention to acquire ownership of 15% or more of the company’s common shares. Holders of the Rights
could have acquired an interest in a new series of junior participating preferred stock, or they
could have acquired an additional interest in the company’s common shares at 50% of the market
value of the shares at the time the Rights were exercised.
In May 2000, the company announced that its Board of Directors approved an amendment to its
Shareholder Rights Plan to extend the expiration date of the Rights to May 31, 2010, and increase
the initial exercise price of each preferred stock purchase right to $280. The Rights expired
unexercised on May 31, 2010 and the company has not instituted a new Shareholder Rights Plan.
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
The elements of the company’s Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss consisted of the following items
(net of tax): Pension, retiree medical and life insurance liabilities — a reduction of equity of
$762 million at Dec. 26, 2010, and $735 million at Dec. 27, 2009; foreign currency translation
gains — an increase of equity of $395 million at Dec. 26, 2010, and $416 million at Dec. 27, 2009;
and all other — an increase of $2 million at Dec. 26, 2010.
NOTE 12
Commitments, contingent liabilities and other matters
Litigation: The company and a number of its subsidiaries are defendants in judicial and
administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to their business. The company does not
believe that any material liability will be imposed as a result of these matters.
Leases: Approximate future minimum annual rentals payable under non-cancelable operating
leases, primarily real-estate related, are as follows:
In thousands of dollars
2011 |
$ | 55,015 | ||
2012 |
45,319 | |||
2013 |
36,055 | |||
2014 |
30,243 | |||
2015 |
24,777 | |||
Later years |
75,562 | |||
Total |
$ | 266,971 | ||
Total minimum annual rentals have not been reduced for future minimum sublease rentals
aggregating $1.8 million. Total rental costs reflected in continuing operations were $72 million in
2010, $66 million in 2009 and $72 million in 2008.
Program broadcast contracts: The company has $112 million of commitments under programming
contracts that include television station commitments to purchase programming to be produced in
future years.
Purchase obligations: The company has commitments under purchasing obligations totaling $390
million related to printing contracts, capital projects, interactive marketing agreements, wire
services and other legally binding commitments. Amounts which the company is liable for under
purchase orders outstanding at Dec. 26, 2010, are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as
accounts payable and accrued liabilities and are excluded from the $390 million.
Self insurance:
The company is self-insured for most of its employee medical coverage and for its casualty, general
liability and libel coverage (subject to a cap above which third party insurance is in place). The
liabilities are established on an actuarial basis, with the advice of consulting actuaries, and
totaled $142 million at the end of 2010 and $151 million at the end of 2009.
Other matters: In December 1990, the company adopted a Transitional Compensation Plan (the
Plan). The Plan provides termination benefits to key executives whose employment is terminated
under certain circumstances within two years following a change in control of the company. Benefits
under the Plan include a severance payment of up to three years’ compensation and continued life
and medical insurance coverage.
In connection with CareerBuilder’s acquisition of certain international companies in 2007, it
is contingently liable for earnout payments to previous owners, depending upon the achievement of
certain performance metrics. The final maximum potential payment in 2011 related to these
acquisitions is $1.6 million which has been accrued in the 2010 financial statements.
NOTE 13
Fair value measurement
The company measures and records in the accompanying consolidated financial statements certain
assets and liabilities at fair value. ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,”
establishes a fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes
between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the company’s own assumptions
(unobservable inputs). 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 financial instruments measured at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets consist of the following:
Company Owned Assets
In thousands of dollars
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 26, 2010
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Employee compensation
related investments |
$ | 15,976 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 15,976 | ||||||||
Sundry investments |
26,902 | — | — | 26,902 | ||||||||||||
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In thousands of dollars
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 27, 2009
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Employee compensation
related investments |
$ | 21,757 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 21,757 | ||||||||
Sundry investments |
24,800 | — | 27,202 | 52,002 | ||||||||||||
During the second quarter of 2010, the company sold auction rate securities held by
CareerBuilder, receiving proceeds of $28.4 million and recording a gain of $2.1 million.
The level 3 sundry investments are financial instruments held by CareerBuilder. During 2009,
the company sold some of these instruments receiving proceeds of $1.7 million and recording a gain
of $0.2 million. In addition, an unrealized gain of $1.2 million related to these securities was
recorded in the company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The company utilized a probability-weighted
discounted cash flow technique to determine the fair value of these financial instruments. The main
assumptions used in the fair value calculation were the estimated coupon rate associated with the
securities and the discount rate (determined based on market yields of similar taxable
obligations).
The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the fair values of the
company’s pension plan assets:
Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities
In thousands of dollars
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 26, 2010(a)
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. government-related
securities |
$ | — | $ | 182,524 | $ | — | $ | 182,524 | ||||||||
Other government bonds |
— | 30,841 | 1,526 | 32,367 | ||||||||||||
Corporate bonds |
— | 169,410 | 5,896 | 175,306 | ||||||||||||
Corporate stock |
676,777 | 1,338 | — | 678,115 | ||||||||||||
Real estate |
— | — | 90,344 | 90,344 | ||||||||||||
Interest in common/
collective trusts |
60,005 | 661,180 | — | 721,185 | ||||||||||||
Interest in reg. invest
companies |
208,023 | 5,398 | — | 213,421 | ||||||||||||
Interest in 103-12
investments |
— | 106,947 | — | 106,947 | ||||||||||||
Partnership/joint venture
interests |
— | — | 117,698 | 117,698 | ||||||||||||
Hedge funds |
— | 77,851 | 163,349 | 241,200 | ||||||||||||
Derivative contracts |
500 | 84,641 | 104 | 85,245 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 945,305 | $ | 1,320,130 | $ | 378,917 | $ | 2,644,352 | ||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities |
$ | (2,521 | ) | $ | (87,260 | ) | $ | (453 | ) | $ | (90,234 | ) | ||||
Total |
$ | (2,521 | ) | $ | (87,260 | ) | $ | (453 | ) | $ | (90,234 | ) | ||||
Cash and other |
12,885 | 21,725 | — | $ | 34,610 | |||||||||||
Total net fair value of
plan assets |
$ | 955,669 | $ | 1,254,595 | $ | 378,464 | $ | 2,588,728 | ||||||||
| (a) | The company uses a Dec. 31 measurement date for its retirement plans. |
In thousands of dollars
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 27, 2009(a)
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. government-related
securities |
$ | — | $ | 235,863 | $ | 3,437 | $ | 239,300 | ||||||||
Other government bonds |
— | 31,314 | — | 31,314 | ||||||||||||
Corporate bonds |
— | 178,475 | 15,191 | 193,666 | ||||||||||||
Corporate stock |
559,886 | — | — | 559,886 | ||||||||||||
Real estate |
— | — | 91,765 | 91,765 | ||||||||||||
Interest in common/
collective trusts |
10,916 | 447,227 | — | 458,143 | ||||||||||||
Interest in reg. invest.
companies |
328,404 | 2,083 | — | 330,487 | ||||||||||||
Interest in 103-12
investments |
— | 111,575 | — | 111,575 | ||||||||||||
Partnership/joint venture
interests |
— | — | 95,965 | 95,965 | ||||||||||||
Hedge funds |
— | 73,573 | 173,559 | 247,132 | ||||||||||||
Derivative contracts |
500 | 1,574 | 1,865 | 3,939 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 899,706 | $ | 1,081,684 | $ | 381,782 | $ | 2,363,172 | ||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities |
$ | (2,615 | ) | $ | (6,100 | ) | $ | (3 | ) | $ | (8,718 | ) | ||||
Liability to purchase U.S.
government and other
securities |
— | (120,747 | ) | — | (120,747 | ) | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | (2,615 | ) | $ | (126,847 | ) | $ | (3 | ) | $ | (129,465 | ) | ||||
Cash and other |
14,730 | 127,330 | — | $ | 142,060 | |||||||||||
Total net fair value of
plan assets |
$ | 911,821 | $ | 1,082,167 | $ | 381,779 | $ | 2,375,767 | ||||||||
| (a) | The company uses a Dec. 31 measurement date for its retirement plans. |
Items included in “Cash and other” in the table above primarily consist of amounts categorized
as cash and cash equivalents and pending purchases and sales of securities.
Valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:
U.S. government-related securities are primarily mortgage-backed securities that are typically not
actively quoted. Values are obtained from industry vendors who use various pricing models or use
quotes for identical or similar securities. Investments categorized in Level 3 are thinly traded
with values derived using unobservable inputs.
Other government and corporate bonds are mainly valued based on institutional bid evaluations
using proprietary models, using discounted cash flow models or models that derive prices based on
similar securities. Corporate bonds categorized in Level 3 are primarily from distressed issuers
for whom the values represent an estimate of recovery in a potential or actual bankruptcy
situation.
Corporate stock is valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the
individual securities are traded.
Investments in direct real estate have been valued by an independent qualified valuer in the
U.K. using a valuation approach that capitalizes any current or future income streams at an
appropriate multiplier. Investments in real estate funds are mainly valued utilizing the net asset
valuations provided by the underlying private investment companies.
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Interest in common/collective trusts and interest in 103-12 investments are valued using the
net asset value as provided monthly by the fund family or fund company. Shares in the
common/collective trusts are generally redeemable upon request. The investment classified in Level
1 is a money market fund with a constant net asset value.
One of the investments is a fixed income fund which uses individual subfunds to efficiently
add a representative sample of securities in individual market sectors to the portfolio. These
funds are generally redeemable with a short-term written or verbal notice. Also included is a fund
that invests in a select portfolio of large cap domestic stocks perceived to have superior growth
characteristics. Shares in this fund are generally redeemable on any business day, upon two-day
notice. There are no unfunded commitments related to these types of funds.
Interest in registered investment companies is valued using the published net asset values as
quoted through publicly available pricing sources. The investments in Level 2 are proprietary funds
of the individual fund managers and are not publicly quoted.
Investments in partnerships and joint venture interests are valued based on an assessment of
each underlying investment, considering items such as expected cash flows, changes in market
outlook and subsequent rounds of financing. These investments are included in Level 3 of the fair
value hierarchy because exit prices tend to be unobservable and reliance is placed on the above
methods. Certain of the partnerships are general leveraged buyout funds and others are venture
capital funds. Also included within the partnership portfolio is a fund formed to invest in the
leveraged loan market. Interest in partnership investments cannot be redeemed. Instead,
distributions are received as the underlying assets of the funds are liquidated. It is estimated
that the underlying assets of the funds will be liquidated over approximately 5 to 15 years. There
are future funding commitments of $54 million.
Investments in hedge funds are valued at the net asset value as reported by the fund managers.
Within this category is a fund of hedge funds whose strategy is to produce a return that is
uncorrelated with market movements. Certain of the other funds categorized as hedge funds were
formed to invest in mortgage and credit trading opportunities while others were formed to invest in
the leveraged loan market. Shares in the hedge funds are generally redeemable twice a year or on
the last business day of each quarter with at least 60 days written notice subject to potential 5%
holdback. There are no unfunded commitments related to the hedge funds.
Derivatives primarily consist of forward and swap contracts. Forward contracts are valued at
the spot rate, plus or minus forward points between the valuation date and maturity date. Swaps are
valued at the mid-evaluation price using discounted cash flow models. Items in Level 3 are valued
based on the market values of other securities for which they represent a synthetic combination.
Liability to purchase U.S. government and other securities relates to buying and selling
contracts in federal agency securities that have not yet been opened up for public trading. In
these instances the investment manager has sold the securities prior to owning them, resulting in a
negative asset position. These securities are valued in the same manner as those noted above in
U.S. government-related securities.
The tables below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the company’s pension
plan assets and liabilities, categorized as Level 3, for the fiscal year ended Dec. 26, 2010 and
Dec. 27, 2009:
Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities
In thousands of dollars
As of Dec. 26, 2010
| Actual Return on Plan Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at | Relating to | Relating to | Purchases, | Transfers in | ||||||||||||||||||||
| beginning | assets still held | assets sold during | sales, and | and/or out | Balance at | |||||||||||||||||||
| of year | at report date | the period | settlements | of Level 3(1) | end of year | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government-related securities |
$ | 3,437 | $ | — | $ | (17 | ) | $ | (3,420 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
Other government bonds |
— | 9 | — | 1,517 | — | 1,526 | ||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds |
15,191 | 466 | 7 | (7,816 | ) | (1,952 | ) | 5,896 | ||||||||||||||||
Real estate |
91,765 | 670 | — | (2,091 | ) | — | 90,344 | |||||||||||||||||
Partnership/joint venture interests |
95,965 | 22,273 | — | (5,767 | ) | 5,227 | 117,698 | |||||||||||||||||
Hedge funds |
173,559 | 17,032 | — | (27,242 | ) | — | 163,349 | |||||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts |
1,865 | (228 | ) | (89 | ) | (1,444 | ) | — | 104 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 381,782 | $ | 40,222 | $ | (99 | ) | $ | (46,263 | ) | $ | 3,275 | $ | 378,917 | ||||||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities |
$ | (3 | ) | $ | (453 | ) | $ | 11 | $ | (8 | ) | $ | — | $ | (453 | ) | ||||||||
| (1) | The company’s policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period. |
75
Table of Contents
Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities (continued)
In thousands of dollars
As of Dec. 27, 2009
| Actual Return on Plan Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at | Relating to | Relating to | Purchases, | Transfers in | ||||||||||||||||||||
| beginning | assets still held | assets sold during | sales, and | and/or out | Balance at | |||||||||||||||||||
| of year | at report date | the period | settlements | of Level 3(1) | end of year | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government-related securities |
$ | 2,974 | $ | 486 | $ | — | $ | (23 | ) | $ | — | $ | 3,437 | |||||||||||
Corporate bonds |
15,715 | 5,469 | 2,023 | (1,513 | ) | (6,503 | ) | 15,191 | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate stock |
283 | — | — | (283 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Real estate |
94,723 | (9,073 | ) | — | 6,115 | — | 91,765 | |||||||||||||||||
Partnership/joint venture interests |
134,222 | 369 | 10,173 | (48,799 | ) | — | 95,965 | |||||||||||||||||
Hedge funds |
141,801 | 11,533 | 15,583 | 4,642 | — | 173,559 | ||||||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts |
17,529 | 82 | (2,008 | ) | (11,763 | ) | (1,975 | ) | 1,865 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 407,247 | $ | 8,866 | $ | 25,771 | $ | (51,624 | ) | $ | (8,478 | ) | $ | 381,782 | ||||||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities |
$ | (34,332 | ) | $ | 170 | $ | 8,954 | $ | 21,708 | $ | 3,497 | $ | (3 | ) | ||||||||||
| (1) | The company’s policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period. |
The fair value of the company’s total long-term debt, determined based on the bid and ask
quotes for the related debt, totaled $2.5 billion and $2.9 billion at Dec. 26, 2010 and Dec. 27,
2009, respectively. As described in Note 7, the company recognized the debt resulting from the May
2009 private exchange offer at fair value in accordance with the modifications and extinguishments
requirements of ASC Topic 470, “Debt.”
Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring
basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject
to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of
impairment).
The following tables summarize the nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a
nonrecurring basis in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of Dec. 26, 2010 and Dec. 27,
2009:
Non-Financial Assets
In thousands of dollars
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 26, 2010
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total: | |||||||||||||
Other intangible assets —
Quarter 4 |
$ | — | $ | — | $ | 9,266 | $ | 9,266 | ||||||||
In thousands of dollars
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 27, 2009
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total: | |||||||||||||
Goodwill — Quarter 2 |
$ | — | $ | — | $ | 5,719 | $ | 5,719 | ||||||||
Goodwill and other
intangibles — Quarter 4 |
— | — | 12,495 | 12,495 | ||||||||||||
Long-lived assets held and
used — Quarter 2 |
— | — | 36,929 | 36,929 | ||||||||||||
Long-lived assets held and
used — Quarter 3 |
— | — | 8,481 | 8,481 | ||||||||||||
Long-lived assets held and
used — Quarter 4 |
— | — | 29,974 | 29,974 | ||||||||||||
In addition, the company holds investments in non-public businesses in which the company does
not have control and does not exert significant influence. Such investments are carried at cost and
reduced for any impairment losses resulting from periodic evaluations of the carrying value of the
investment. At Dec. 26, 2010, and Dec. 27, 2009, the aggregate carrying amount of such investments
was $16 million. During the second quarter of 2010, the company concluded that one of its
investments had an other-than-temporary impairment. Therefore, the carrying value of this
investment was written down to fair value. No events or changes in circumstances have occured since
Dec. 27, 2009, that suggests a significant and adverse effect on the fair value of the remaining
investments. Accordingly, the company did not evaluate such investments for impairment in 2010.
76
Table of Contents
NOTE 14
Business operations and segment information
The company has determined that its reportable segments based on its management and internal
reporting structure are publishing, which is the largest segment of its operations, digital and
broadcasting.
The publishing segment at the end of 2010 consisted of 82 U.S. daily newspapers with
affiliated online sites in 30 states and one U.S. territory, including USA TODAY, a national,
general-interest daily newspaper; USATODAY.com; USA WEEKEND, a magazine supplement for newspapers;
Clipper; Gannett Healthcare Group; and Gannett Government Media (formerly Army Times). The
publishing segment also includes Newsquest, which is a regional newspaper publisher in the United
Kingdom that includes 17 paid-for daily newspapers and more than 200 weekly newspapers, magazines
and trade publications. The publishing segment in the U.S. also includes about 600 non-daily
publications, a network of offset presses for commercial printing and several smaller businesses.
In the third quarter of 2008, the company began reporting a new digital segment and a separate
digital revenues line in its Statements of Income (Loss). This revenue line includes only revenue
from the businesses that comprise the new digital segment. It therefore includes all revenues from
CareerBuilder and ShopLocal beginning with the full consolidation of these businesses in the third
quarter of 2008, and revenues from PointRoll, Schedule Star and Planet Discover. Revenues from
PointRoll, Schedule Star and Planet Discover had previously been reported within the publishing
segment and were included in the “All other” revenue line in the Statement of Income (Loss). “All
other” revenue is now comprised principally of commercial printing revenues. All periods presented
reflect these reclassifications.
At the end of 2010, the company’s broadcasting division included 23 television stations and
affiliated online sites in markets with more than 21 million households covering 18.2% of the U.S.
Captivate Network is also part of the broadcasting division.
The company’s foreign revenues, principally from publishing businesses in the United Kingdom
and CareerBuilder subsidiaries in Europe, totaled approximately $564 million in 2010, $621 million
in 2009 and $1.0 billion in 2008. The company’s long-lived assets in foreign countries, principally
in the United Kingdom, totaled approximately $556 million at Dec. 26, 2010, $535 million at Dec.
27, 2009, and $628 million at Dec. 28, 2008.
Separate financial data for each of the company’s business segments is presented in the table
that follows. The accounting policies of the segments are those described in Note 1. The company
evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income. Operating income represents
total revenue less operating expenses, including depreciation, amortization of intangibles and
facility consolidation and asset impairment charges. In determining operating income by industry
segment, general corporate expenses, interest expense, interest income, and other income and
expense items of a non-operating nature are not considered, as such items are not allocated to the
company’s segments.
Corporate assets include cash and cash equivalents, property, plant and equipment used for
corporate purposes and certain other financial investments.
In thousands of dollars
Business segment financial information
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Operating revenues |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
$ | 4,050,839 | $ | 4,292,344 | $ | 5,585,771 | ||||||
Digital |
618,259 | 586,174 | 281,378 | |||||||||
Broadcasting |
769,580 | 631,085 | 772,533 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 5,438,678 | $ | 5,509,603 | $ | 6,639,682 | ||||||
Operating income (loss) |
||||||||||||
Publishing (2) |
$ | 647,741 | $ | 516,328 | $ | (6,991,934 | ) | |||||
Digital (2) |
83,355 | 43,295 | 18,934 | |||||||||
Broadcasting (2) |
329,245 | 216,101 | 306,354 | |||||||||
Corporate (1) (2) |
(60,646 | ) | (56,806 | ) | (61,262 | ) | ||||||
Total |
$ | 999,695 | $ | 718,918 | $ | (6,727,908 | ) | |||||
Depreciation,
amortization
and facility
consolidation
and asset impairment charges |
||||||||||||
Publishing (2) |
$ | 170,073 | $ | 255,733 | $ | 8,107,435 | ||||||
Digital (2) |
43,313 | 59,489 | 31,950 | |||||||||
Broadcasting (2) |
40,460 | 42,640 | 42,520 | |||||||||
Corporate (1) (2) |
17,039 | 15,677 | 17,128 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 270,885 | $ | 373,539 | $ | 8,199,033 | ||||||
Equity income
(losses) in
unconsolidated
investees, net |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
$ | 19,337 | $ | 4,010 | $ | (365,371 | ) | |||||
Digital |
(197 | ) | (83 | ) | (9,554 | ) | ||||||
Total |
$ | 19,140 | $ | 3,927 | $ | (374,925 | ) | |||||
Identifiable assets |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
$ | 3,162,655 | $ | 3,417,026 | $ | 4,038,015 | ||||||
Digital |
1,057,898 | 1,139,266 | 1,096,026 | |||||||||
Broadcasting |
2,003,929 | 2,058,415 | 2,153,257 | |||||||||
Corporate (1) |
592,362 | 533,725 | 509,516 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 6,816,844 | $ | 7,148,432 | $ | 7,796,814 | ||||||
Capital
expenditures |
||||||||||||
Publishing |
$ | 36,776 | $ | 44,935 | $ | 104,804 | ||||||
Digital |
11,883 | 8,232 | 5,445 | |||||||||
Broadcasting |
19,694 | 13,656 | 52,706 | |||||||||
Corporate (1) |
717 | 914 | 2,045 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 69,070 | $ | 67,737 | $ | 165,000 | ||||||
| (1) | Corporate amounts represent those not directly related to the company’s three business segments. | |
| (2) | Results for 2010 include pre-tax facility consolidation and asset impairment charges of $36 million for publishing, $13 million for digital and $8 million for broadcasting. Results for 2009 include pre-tax facility consolidation and asset impairment charges of $99 million for publishing, $25 million for digital and $9 million for broadcasting. Results for 2008 include pre-tax facility consolidation and asset impairment charges of $7.92 billion for publishing, $15 million for digital, $8 million for broadcasting, and $1 million for corporate. The asset impairment charges did not affect the company’s operations or cash flow. Refer to Notes 3 and 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. |
77
Table of Contents
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
(See notes a and b on page 79)
| In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||
Net operating revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||
Publishing advertising |
$ | 2,710,524 | $ | 2,888,034 | $ | 4,040,890 | $ | 4,813,785 | $ | 5,142,644 | ||||||||||
Publishing circulation |
1,086,702 | 1,144,539 | 1,196,745 | 1,232,835 | 1,260,085 | |||||||||||||||
Digital |
618,259 | 586,174 | 281,378 | 70,347 | 52,773 | |||||||||||||||
Broadcasting |
769,580 | 631,085 | 772,533 | 789,297 | 854,821 | |||||||||||||||
All other |
253,613 | 259,771 | 348,136 | 387,131 | 382,146 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
5,438,678 | 5,509,603 | 6,639,682 | 7,293,395 | 7,692,469 | |||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||
Costs and expenses |
4,168,098 | 4,417,146 | 5,168,557 | 5,303,163 | 5,540,713 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
182,514 | 207,652 | 228,259 | 241,991 | 233,168 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
31,362 | 32,983 | 31,211 | 36,086 | 33,989 | |||||||||||||||
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges |
57,009 | 132,904 | 7,939,563 | 72,030 | — | |||||||||||||||
Total |
4,438,983 | 4,790,685 | 13,367,590 | 5,653,270 | 5,807,870 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
999,695 | 718,918 | (6,727,908 | ) | 1,640,125 | 1,884,599 | ||||||||||||||
Non-operating (expense) income |
||||||||||||||||||||
Equity income (loss) in unconsolidated investees, net |
19,140 | 3,927 | (374,925 | ) | 40,693 | 38,044 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(172,986 | ) | (175,745 | ) | (190,839 | ) | (259,822 | ) | (288,042 | ) | ||||||||||
Other non-operating items |
111 | 22,799 | 28,430 | 18,648 | 29,636 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
(153,735 | ) | (149,019 | ) | (537,334 | ) | (200,481 | ) | (220,362 | ) | ||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
845,960 | 569,899 | (7,265,242 | ) | 1,439,644 | 1,664,237 | ||||||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
244,013 | 191,328 | (645,273 | ) | 469,084 | 536,435 | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
601,947 | 378,571 | (6,619,969 | ) | 970,560 | 1,127,802 | ||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations attributable to
noncontrolling interests |
(34,619 | ) | (27,091 | ) | (6,970 | ) | (1,535 | ) | (2,149 | ) | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations
attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. |
$ | 567,328 | $ | 351,480 | $ | (6,626,939 | ) | $ | 969,025 | $ | 1,125,653 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations per share: |
||||||||||||||||||||
basic |
$ | 2.38 | $ | 1.50 | $ | (29.02 | ) | $ | 4.16 | $ | 4.76 | |||||||||
diluted |
$ | 2.35 | $ | 1.49 | $ | (29.02 | ) | $ | 4.15 | $ | 4.75 | |||||||||
Other selected financial data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared per share |
$ | 0.16 | $ | 0.16 | $ | 1.60 | $ | 1.42 | $ | 1.20 | ||||||||||
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding in thousands: |
||||||||||||||||||||
basic |
238,230 | 233,683 | 228,345 | 233,148 | 236,337 | |||||||||||||||
diluted |
241,605 | 236,027 | 228,345 | 233,740 | 236,756 | |||||||||||||||
Financial position and cash flow |
||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities |
$ | 2,352,242 | $ | 3,061,951 | $ | 3,816,942 | $ | 4,098,338 | $ | 5,210,021 | ||||||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interest |
$ | 84,176 | $ | 78,304 | $ | 72,840 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
Shareholders’ equity |
$ | 2,163,754 | $ | 1,603,925 | $ | 1,055,882 | $ | 9,017,159 | $ | 8,382,263 | ||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 6,816,844 | $ | 7,148,432 | $ | 7,796,814 | $ | 15,887,727 | $ | 16,223,804 | ||||||||||
Free cash flow (1) |
$ | 816,308 | $ | 809,630 | $ | 832,615 | $ | 1,174,476 | $ | 1,294,495 | ||||||||||
Return on equity (2) |
30.1 | % | 26.7 | % | (132.0 | %) | 11.3 | % | 14.6 | % | ||||||||||
Percentage increase (decrease) |
||||||||||||||||||||
As reported, earnings from continuing
operations, after-tax, per share: |
||||||||||||||||||||
basic |
58.7 | % | (105.2 | %) | (797.6 | %) | (12.6 | %) | (1.7 | %) | ||||||||||
diluted |
57.7 | % | (105.1 | %) | (799.3 | %) | (12.6 | %) | (1.5 | %) | ||||||||||
Dividends declared per share |
0.0 | % | (90.0 | %) | 12.7 | % | 18.3 | % | 7.1 | % | ||||||||||
Credit ratios |
||||||||||||||||||||
Senior leverage ratio (3) |
1.97 | X | 2.63 | X | 2.56 | X | ||||||||||||||
Times interest expense earned (4) |
6.2 | X | 4.8 | X | 6.7 | X | 6.8 | X | 6.5 | X | ||||||||||
| (1) | See page 79 for a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash flow from operating activities, which the company believes is the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. | |
| (2) | Calculated using income from continuing operations attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. plus earnings from discontinued operations (but excluding the gains in 2010 and 2007 on the disposals of discontinued operations). | |
| (3) | The senior leverage ratio is calculated in accordance with the company’s revolving credit agreements and term loan agreement. Currently, the company is required to maintain a senior leverage ratio of less than 3.5X. Due to the absence of this financial covenant in 2006-2007, data for those years is not presented. These agreements are described more fully on page 44 in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. More information regarding the computation can be found in Exhibits 10.3, 10.4, and 10.5 to the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended Sept. 28, 2008, filed on Nov. 6, 2008. | |
| (4) | Calculated using operating income adjusted to remove the effect of certain special items. These special items are described more fully on page 30 in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. |
78
Table of Contents
NOTES TO SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
(a) The company and its subsidiaries made the significant acquisitions listed below during the
period. The results of operations of these acquired businesses are included in the accompanying
financial information from the date of acquisition.
(b) During the period, the company sold or otherwise disposed of substantially all of the
assets or capital stock of certain other significant subsidiaries and divisions of other
subsidiaries, which are listed below.
Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements contains further information concerning certain
of these acquisitions and dispositions.
Acquisitions and dispositions 2006-2010
Significant acquisitions since the beginning of 2006 are shown below. The company has disposed of
several significant businesses during this period, which are presented below.
Acquisitions 2006-2010
| Year acquired | Name | Location | Publication times or business | |||
2006 |
KTVD-TV | Denver, CO | TV station | |||
| WATL-TV | Atlanta, GA | TV station | ||||
| Planet Discover | Cedar Rapids, IA | Local, integrated online search and advertising technology | ||||
| Fort Mitchell, KY | ||||||
| Marco Island Sun Times | Marco Island, FL | Weekly newspaper | ||||
| FS View & Florida Flambeau | Tallahassee, FL | Independent student newspaper of Florida State University | ||||
2007 |
Central Florida Future | Orlando, FL | Independent student newspaper of the University of Central Florida | |||
| Central Ohio Advertiser Network | Chillicothe, OH | A network of eight weekly shoppers with the Advertiser brand | ||||
| Schedule Star LLC | Wheeling, WV | Online high school sports network | ||||
2008 |
X.com, Inc. (BNQT.com) | Pasadena, CA | Action sports web site | |||
| ShopLocal | Chicago, IL | Marketing and database services company | ||||
| CareerBuilder | Chicago, IL, Atlanta, GA | Job search, employment and careersweb site | ||||
| Pearls Review | St. Petersburg, FL | A nursing certification and education web site | ||||
2010 |
CareerSite.biz Limited | U.K. | Online recruitment niche sites focusing on nursing and rail workers |
Dispositions 2006-2010
| Year disposed | Name | Location | Publication times or business | |||
2006 |
Muskogee Phoenix (1) | Muskogee, OK | Daily newspaper | |||
2007 |
Chronicle Tribune (1) | Marion, IN | Daily newspaper | |||
| Norwich Bulletin | Norwich, CT | Daily newspaper | ||||
| Rockford Register Star | Rockford, IL | Daily newspaper | ||||
| The Herald-Dispatch | Huntington, WV | Daily newspaper | ||||
| Observer-Dispatch | Utica, NY | Daily newspaper | ||||
2008 |
Telematch | Springfield, VA | Database marketing services company | |||
2009 |
Southernprint Limited | U.K. | Commercial printing | |||
2010 |
The Honolulu Advertiser | Honolulu, HI | Daily newspaper | |||
| Michigan Directory Company | Pigeon, MI | Directory publishing operation |
| (1) | These properties were contributed to the Gannett Foundation, a not-for-profit, private foundation. |
Free cash flow reconciliation
Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure used in addition to and in conjunction with results
presented in accordance with GAAP. Free cash flow should not be relied upon to the exclusion of
GAAP financial measures.
Free cash flow, which the company reconciles to “Net cash flow from operating activities,” is
cash flow from operations reduced by “Purchase of property, plant and equipment” as well as
“Payments for investments” and increased by “Proceeds from investments” and voluntary pension
contributions, net of related tax benefit. The company uses free cash flow to conduct and evaluate
its business because the company believes it presents an alternative and useful business metric.
| In thousands of dollars | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash flow from operating activities |
$ | 772,884 | $ | 866,580 | $ | 1,015,345 | $ | 1,342,463 | $ | 1,479,865 | ||||||||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
(69,070 | ) | (67,737 | ) | (165,000 | ) | (171,405 | ) | (200,780 | ) | ||||||||||
Voluntary pension employer contributions |
130,000 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Tax benefit for voluntary pension
employer contributions |
(52,000 | ) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Payments for investments |
(10,984 | ) | (9,674 | ) | (46,779 | ) | (39,963 | ) | (38,341 | )(a) | ||||||||||
Proceeds from investments |
45,478 | 20,461 | 29,049 | 43,381 | 53,751 | |||||||||||||||
Free cash flow |
$ | 816,308 | $ | 809,630 | $ | 832,615 | $ | 1,174,476 | $ | 1,294,495 | ||||||||||
(a) For
comparability, excludes $300 million of payments made in connection with additional investments
in CareerBuilder, ShopLocal, Topix and the California Newspapers Partnership.
79
Table of Contents
QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts
| Fiscal year ended December 26, 2010 | 1st Quarter(2) | 2nd Quarter(3) | 3rd Quarter(4) | 4th Quarter(5) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Net operating revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||
Publishing advertising |
$ | 649,335 | $ | 692,172 | $ | 646,720 | $ | 722,297 | $ | 2,710,524 | ||||||||||
Publishing circulation |
279,000 | 270,086 | 264,627 | 272,989 | 1,086,702 | |||||||||||||||
Digital |
140,638 | 154,104 | 157,669 | 165,848 | 618,259 | |||||||||||||||
Broadcasting |
167,488 | 184,016 | 185,297 | 232,779 | 769,580 | |||||||||||||||
All other |
63,124 | 64,765 | 58,022 | 67,702 | 253,613 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
1,299,585 | 1,365,143 | 1,312,335 | 1,461,615 | 5,438,678 | |||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive
of depreciation |
732,109 | 745,489 | 747,416 | 755,451 | 2,980,465 | |||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses,
exclusive of depreciation |
295,133 | 292,691 | 289,443 | 310,366 | 1,187,633 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
47,351 | 46,274 | 44,479 | 44,410 | 182,514 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
7,962 | 8,080 | 7,664 | 7,656 | 31,362 | |||||||||||||||
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges |
— | — | 23,045 | 33,964 | 57,009 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
1,082,555 | 1,092,534 | 1,112,047 | 1,151,847 | 4,438,983 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income |
217,030 | 272,609 | 200,288 | 309,768 | 999,695 | |||||||||||||||
Non-operating (expense) income |
||||||||||||||||||||
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net |
533 | 7,503 | 7,041 | 4,063 | 19,140 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(43,473 | ) | (42,190 | ) | (41,015 | ) | (46,308 | ) | (172,986 | ) | ||||||||||
Other non-operating items |
(523 | ) | (2,934 | ) | 2,374 | 1,194 | 111 | |||||||||||||
Total |
(43,463 | ) | (37,621 | ) | (31,600 | ) | (41,051 | ) | (153,735 | ) | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes |
173,567 | 234,988 | 168,688 | 268,717 | 845,960 | |||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
54,813 | 49,400 | 55,000 | 84,800 | 244,013 | |||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 118,754 | $ | 185,588 | $ | 113,688 | $ | 183,917 | $ | 601,947 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from the operation of discontinued
operations,
net of tax |
560 | (882 | ) | — | — | (322 | ) | |||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of publishing businesses, net of tax |
— | 21,195 | — | — | 21,195 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 119,314 | $ | 205,901 | $ | 113,688 | $ | 183,917 | $ | 622,820 | ||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(2,135 | ) | (10,423 | ) | (12,279 | ) | (9,782 | ) | (34,619 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. |
$ | 117,179 | $ | 195,478 | $ | 101,409 | $ | 174,135 | $ | 588,201 | ||||||||||
Per share computations(1) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings from continuing operations per share — basic |
$ | 0.49 | $ | 0.74 | $ | 0.43 | $ | 0.73 | $ | 2.38 | ||||||||||
Earnings from discontinued operations |
||||||||||||||||||||
Discontinued operations per share — basic |
— | (0.01 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of newspaper businesses per share — basic |
— | 0.09 | — | — | 0.09 | |||||||||||||||
Net income per share — basic |
$ | 0.49 | $ | 0.82 | $ | 0.43 | $ | 0.73 | $ | 2.47 | ||||||||||
Earnings from continuing operations per share —
diluted |
$ | 0.48 | $ | 0.73 | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.72 | $ | 2.35 | ||||||||||
Earnings from discontinued operations |
||||||||||||||||||||
Discontinued operations per share — diluted |
0.01 | (0.01 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of newspaper businesses per share —
diluted |
— | 0.09 | — | — | 0.08 | |||||||||||||||
Net income per share — diluted |
$ | 0.49 | $ | 0.81 | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.72 | $ | 2.43 | ||||||||||
Dividends per share |
$ | 0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.16 | ||||||||||
| (1) | As a result of rounding and the required method of computing shares in interim periods, the total of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the earnings per share amount of the year. | |
| (2) | Results for the first quarter of 2010 include the following special items: $2.2 million ($0.01 per share) tax charge related to healthcare reform legislation. Refer to page 30 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items. | |
| (3) | Results for the second quarter of 2010 include the following special items: $28.7 million ($0.12 per share) net tax benefit due primarily to the expiration of the statutes of limitations and the release of certain reserves related to the sale of a business in a prior year. Refer to page 30 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items. | |
| (4) | Results for the third quarter of 2010 include the following special items: $23.0 million of non-cash charges associated with facility consolidations and intangible asset impairments ($18.2 million after-tax or $0.08 per share) and $8.1 million in costs due to workforce restructuring ($5.1 million after-tax or $0.02 per share). Refer to page 30 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items. | |
| (5) | Results for the fourth quarter 2010 include the following special items: $36.7 million of non-cash charges associated with facility consolidations and asset impairments ($24.4 million after-tax or $0.10 per share) and $3.6 million in costs due to workforce restructuring ($1.9 million after-tax or $0.01 per share). Refer to page 30 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items. |
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QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts
| Fiscal year ended December 27, 2009 | 1st Quarter(1) | 2nd Quarter(2) | 3rd Quarter(3) | 4th Quarter(4) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Net operating revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||
Publishing advertising |
$ | 704,818 | $ | 734,241 | $ | 681,415 | $ | 767,560 | $ | 2,888,034 | ||||||||||
Publishing circulation |
294,132 | 287,058 | 278,701 | 284,648 | 1,144,539 | |||||||||||||||
Digital |
143,160 | 142,354 | 142,955 | 157,705 | 586,174 | |||||||||||||||
Broadcasting |
143,490 | 152,966 | 151,458 | 183,171 | 631,085 | |||||||||||||||
All other |
68,794 | 70,716 | 57,607 | 62,654 | 259,771 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
1,354,394 | 1,387,335 | 1,312,136 | 1,455,738 | 5,509,603 | |||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive
of depreciation |
819,154 | 848,257 | 779,250 | 783,515 | 3,230,176 | |||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses,
exclusive of depreciation |
303,868 | 288,200 | 279,177 | 315,725 | 1,186,970 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
55,146 | 53,208 | 50,382 | 48,916 | 207,652 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
8,165 | 8,232 | 8,378 | 8,208 | 32,983 | |||||||||||||||
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges |
— | 47,391 | 39,248 | 46,265 | 132,904 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
1,186,333 | 1,245,288 | 1,156,435 | 1,202,629 | 4,790,685 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
168,061 | 142,047 | 155,701 | 253,109 | 718,918 | |||||||||||||||
Non-operating (expense) income |
||||||||||||||||||||
Equity income (losses) in unconsolidated investees, net |
(2,689 | ) | 2,839 | (373 | ) | 4,150 | 3,927 | |||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(48,911 | ) | (43,971 | ) | (38,064 | ) | (44,799 | ) | (175,745 | ) | ||||||||||
Other non-operating items |
2,457 | 16,582 | 3,570 | 190 | 22,799 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
(49,143 | ) | (24,550 | ) | (34,867 | ) | (40,459 | ) | (149,019 | ) | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes |
118,918 | 117,497 | 120,834 | 212,650 | 569,899 | |||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
40,014 | 39,614 | 36,407 | 75,293 | 191,328 | |||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 78,904 | $ | 77,883 | $ | 84,427 | $ | 137,357 | $ | 378,571 | ||||||||||
(Loss) income from the operation of discontinued operations,
net of tax |
(1,155 | ) | 424 | 766 | 3,755 | 3,790 | ||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 77,749 | $ | 78,307 | $ | 85,193 | $ | 141,112 | $ | 382,361 | ||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(314 | ) | (7,826 | ) | (11,441 | ) | (7,510 | ) | (27,091 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. |
$ | 77,435 | $ | 70,481 | $ | 73,752 | $ | 133,602 | $ | 355,270 | ||||||||||
Per share computations |
||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings from continuing operations per share — basic |
$ | 0.34 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.31 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 1.50 | ||||||||||
Earnings from discontinued operations |
||||||||||||||||||||
Discontinued operations per share — basic |
— | — | — | 0.02 | 0.02 | |||||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of newspaper businesses per share — basic |
— | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Net income per share — basic |
$ | 0.34 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.31 | $ | 0.57 | $ | 1.52 | ||||||||||
Earnings from continuing operations per share — diluted |
$ | 0.34 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.31 | $ | 0.54 | $ | 1.49 | ||||||||||
Earnings from discontinued operations |
||||||||||||||||||||
Discontinued operations per share — diluted |
— | — | — | 0.02 | 0.02 | |||||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of newspaper businesses per share — diluted |
— | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Net income per share — diluted |
$ | 0.34 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.31 | $ | 0.56 | $ | 1.51 | ||||||||||
Dividends per share |
$ | 0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.16 | ||||||||||
| (1) | Results for the first quarter of 2009 include the following special items: workforce restructuring and related expenses of $6 million pre-tax ($4 million after-tax or $0.02 per share) and a pension gain of $40 million pre-tax ($25 million after-tax or $0.11 per share). Refer to page 30 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items. | |
| (2) | Results for the second quarter of 2009 include the following special items: facility consolidation and asset impairment charges of $47 million pre-tax ($30 million after-tax or $0.13 per share), workforce restructuring and related expenses of $16 million pre-tax ($10 million after-tax or $0.04 per share), debt exchange gain of $43 million pre-tax ($26 million after-tax or $0.11 per share) and an impairment of publishing assets sold charge of $28 million pre-tax ($24 million after-tax or $0.10 per share). Refer to page 30 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items. | |
| (3) | Results for the third quarter of 2009 include the following special items: facility consolidation and asset impairment charges of $39 million pre-tax ($24 million after-tax or $0.10 per share), workforce restructuring and related expenses of $2 million pre-tax ($1 million after-tax or $0.01 per share) and an impairment of equity method investment charge of $5 million pre-tax ($4 million after-tax or $0.02 per share). Refer to page 30 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items. | |
| (4) | Results for the fourth quarter of 2009 include the following special items: facility consolidation and asset impairment charges of $46 million pre-tax ($34 million after-tax or $0.14 per share), workforce restructuring and related expenses of $3 million pre-tax ($2 million after-tax or $0.01 per share), and impairment of equity method investments charge of $4 million pre-tax ($2 million after-tax or $0.01 per share). Refer to page 30 and Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on special items. |
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SCHEDULE II — Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves
In thousands of dollars
| Balance at | Additions/(reductions) | |||||||||||||||||||
| beginning | Additions charged | for acquisitions/ | Deductions | Balance at | ||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for doubtful receivables | of period | to cost and expenses | dispositions (2) | from reserves (1) | end of period | |||||||||||||||
Fiscal year ended Dec. 26, 2010 |
$ | 46,255 | $ | 18,241 | $ | (3,643 | ) | $ | (21,434 | ) | $ | 39,419 | ||||||||
Fiscal year ended Dec. 27, 2009 |
$ | 59,008 | $ | 34,492 | $ | 213 | $ | (47,458 | ) | $ | 46,255 | |||||||||
Fiscal year ended Dec. 28, 2008 |
$ | 36,772 | $ | 57,671 | $ | 4,080 | $ | (39,515 | ) | $ | 59,008 | |||||||||
| (1) | Consists of write-offs, net of recoveries in each year. | |
| (2) | Also includes foreign currency translation adjustments in each year. |
| ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
None.
| ITEM 9A. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure
controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, our
principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure
controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision
and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal
control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control — Integrated
Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on
our evaluation under the framework in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework,” our management
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of Dec. 26, 2010.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of Dec. 26, 2010, has
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in
its report which is included elsewhere in this item.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the company’s fiscal quarter ended Dec. 26, 2010, that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
82
Table of Contents
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Board of Directors and Shareholders of Gannett Co., Inc.:
We have audited Gannett Co., Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December
26, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Gannett’s
management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and
for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in
the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting
based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk,
and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and
procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately
and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and
directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have
a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent
or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Gannett Co., Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2010, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States), the 2010 consolidated financial statements of Gannett Co., Inc.
and our report dated February 23, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
McLean, Virginia
February 23, 2011
February 23, 2011
83
Table of Contents
PART III
| ITEM 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
Below is a listing of the executive officers of the company. Executive officers serve for a term of
one year and may be re-elected. A list of directors is incorporated by reference to the company’s
Proxy Statement pursuant to general instruction G(3) to Form 10-K.
William A. Behan
Senior
Vice President, Labor Relations, Gannett (2010-present). Formerly: Vice President, Labor
Relations (2007-2010); Director, Labor Relations and Labor Counsel (1994-2007). Age 52.
Paul Davidson
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Newsquest (2003-present). Age 56. U.K. citizen.
Robert J. Dickey
President,
U.S. Community Publishing, formerly Newspaper Division
(February 2008-present). Formerly: Senior Group President, Gannett’s Pacific Group and Chairman of Phoenix Newspapers Inc.
(2005-2008); President and Publisher of The Desert Sun, Palm Springs, CA, (1993-2005) and Group
Vice President of the Pacific Group (1997-2005). Age 53.
Craig A. Dubow
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (February 2010-present) Formerly: Chairman, President and CEO
(2006-2010); President and CEO (2005-2006); and President and CEO, Gannett Broadcasting
(2001-2005). Age 56.
Daniel S. Ehrman, Jr.
Vice President, Planning & Development (1997-present). Age 64.
George R. Gavagan
Vice President and Controller (1997-present). Age 64.
Roxanne V. Horning
Senior Vice President, Human Resources (July 2006-present). Formerly: Vice President, Human
Resources (2005-2006); and Vice President, Compensation and Benefits (2003-2005). Age 61.
David L. Hunke
President and Publisher, USA TODAY (April 2009-present). Formerly: CEO, Detroit Media Partnership
and Publisher of Detroit Free Press (2005-2009); and President and Publisher of Rochester Democrat
and Chronicle (1999-2005). Age 58.
David T. Lougee
President, Gannett Broadcasting (July 2007-present). Formerly: Executive Vice President, Media
Relations, Belo (2006-2007); Senior Vice President, Belo (2005-2006); General Manager, Belo TV and
Cable Operations, Seattle/Tacoma (2000-2005). Age 52.
Gracia C. Martore
President and Chief Operating Officer (February 2010-present). Formerly: Executive Vice President
and CFO (2006-2010); Senior Vice President and CFO (2003-2006). Age 59.
Todd A. Mayman
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (April 2009-present). Formerly: Vice
President, Associate General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Governance Officer (2007-2009); and Vice
President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary (2003-2007). Age 51.
Paul N. Saleh
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2010-present). Formerly: Managing Partner, Menza
Partners LLC, a private investment firm (2008-2010); Chief Financial Officer, Sprint Nextel
(2005-2008); Executive Vice President and CFO, Nextel (2001-2005). Age 54.
John A. Williams
President, Gannett Digital Ventures (January 2008-present). Formerly: President, Gannett Digital
(January 2006-December 2007); Senior Vice President, Diversified Business and Development,
Newspaper Division (2003-2005). Age 60.
| ITEM 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Incorporated by reference to the company’s Proxy Statement pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to
Form 10-K.
| ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
Incorporated by reference to the company’s Proxy Statement pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to
Form 10-K.
| ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE |
Incorporated by reference to the company’s Proxy Statement pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to
Form 10-K.
| ITEM 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
Incorporated by reference to the company’s Proxy Statement pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to
Form 10-K.
PART IV
| ITEM 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |
(a) Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits.
(1) Financial Statements.
As listed in the Index to Financial Statements and Supplementary Data on page 48.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
As listed in the Index to Financial Statements and Supplementary Data on page 48.
Note: All other schedules are omitted as the required information is not applicable or the
information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
(3) Exhibits.
See Exhibit Index on pages 86-90 for list of exhibits filed with this Form 10-K. Management
contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements are identified with asterisks on the Exhibit
Index.
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Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | GANNETT CO., INC. (Registrant) |
|||
| By: | /s/ Paul N. Saleh | |||
| Paul N. Saleh, | ||||
| Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) |
||||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed
below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ Craig A. Dubow | |||
| Craig A. Dubow, | ||||
| Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) |
||||
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ Paul N. Saleh | |||
| Paul N. Saleh, | ||||
| Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) |
||||
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ George R. Gavagan | |||
| George R. Gavagan, | ||||
| Vice President and Controller (principal accounting officer) |
||||
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ Craig A. Dubow | |||
| Craig A. Dubow, | ||||
| Director, Chairman | ||||
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ Howard D. Elias | |||
| Howard D. Elias, Director | ||||
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ Arthur H. Harper | |||
| Arthur H. Harper, Director | ||||
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ John Jeffrey Louis | |||
| John Jeffry Louis, Director | ||||
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ Marjorie Magner | |||
| Marjorie Magner, Director | ||||
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ Scott K. McCune | |||
| Scott K. McCune, Director | ||||
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ Duncan M. McFarland | |||
| Duncan M. McFarland, Director | ||||
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ Donna E. Shalala | |||
| Donna E. Shalala, Director | ||||
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ Neil Shapiro | |||
| Neal Shapiro, Director | ||||
| Dated: February 23, 2011 | /s/ Karen Hastie Williams | |||
| Karen Hastie Williams, Director | ||||
85
Table of Contents
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
|
Amended by-laws of Gannett Co., Inc. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 27, 2010. | ||
4-1
|
Indenture dated as of March 1, 1983, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 1985. | ||
4-2
|
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 5, 1986, among Gannett Co., Inc., Citibank, N.A., as Trustee, and Sovran Bank, N.A., as Successor Trustee. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on November 9, 1986. | ||
4-3
|
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1995, among Gannett Co., Inc., NationsBank, N.A., as Trustee, and Crestar Bank, as Trustee. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on June 15, 1995. | ||
4-4
|
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 14, 2002, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Trustee. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2002. | ||
4-5
|
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 16, 2005, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Trustee. | Incorporated by reference to same numbered exhibit to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 26, 2005. | ||
4-6
|
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 26, 2006, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-5 to Gannett Co. Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 25, 2006. | ||
4-7
|
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 29, 2007, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Successor Trustee. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2007. | ||
4-8
|
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. | ||
10-1
|
Gannett Co., Inc. 1978 Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1980. Amendment No. 1 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 20-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 1981. Amendment No. 2 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 1983. Amendments Nos. 3 and 4 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-6 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 33-28413 filed on May 1, 1989. Amendments Nos. 5 and 6 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-8 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1989. Amendment No. 7 incorporated by reference to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333- 04459 filed on May 24, 1996. Amendment No. 8 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 1997. Amendment dated December 9, 1997, incorporated by reference to Gannett Co., Inc.’s 1997 Form 10-K. Amendment No. 9 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 27, 1999. Amendment No. 10 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 25, 2000. Amendment No. 11 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000. |
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Table of Contents
| Exhibit | ||||
| Number | Exhibit | Location | ||
10-2
|
Supplemental Executive Medical Plan Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2011.* | Attached. | ||
10-2-1
|
Supplemental Executive Medical Plan for Retired Executives dated December 22, 2010 and effective January 1, 2011.* | Attached. | ||
10-3
|
Gannett Supplemental Retirement Plan Restatement.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007. | ||
10-3-1
|
Amendment No. 1 to the Gannett Co., Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan dated July 31, 2008 and effective August 1, 2008.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2008. | ||
10-3-2
|
Amendment No. 2 to the Gannett Co., Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan dated December 22, 2010.* | Attached. | ||
10-4
|
Gannett Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Restatement dated February 1, 2003 (reflects all amendments through July 25, 2006).* | Incorporated by reference to the same-numbered Exhibit to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. | ||
10-4-1
|
Gannett Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Rules for Post-2004 Deferrals.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2007. | ||
10-4-2
|
Amendment No. 1 to the Gannett Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Rules for Post-2004 Deferrals dated July 31, 2008 and effective August 1, 2008.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2008. | ||
10-4-3
|
Amendment No. 2 to the Gannett Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Rules for Post-2004 Deferrals dated December 9, 2008.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-4-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008. | ||
10-4-4
|
Amendment No. 3 to the Gannett Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Rules for Post-2004 Deferrals dated October 27, 2009.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-4-4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2009. | ||
10-4-5
|
Amendment No. 4 to the Gannett Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Rules for Post-2004 Deferrals dated December 22, 2010.* | Attached. | ||
10-5
|
Gannett Co., Inc. Transitional Compensation Plan Restatement.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007. | ||
10-5-1
|
Amendment No. 1 to Gannett Co., Inc. Transitional Compensation Plan Restatement dated as of May 4, 2010.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 28, 2010. | ||
10-5-2
|
Amendment No. 2 to Gannett Co., Inc. Transitional Compensation Plan Restatement dated as of December 22, 2010.* | Attached. | ||
10-6
|
Gannett Co., Inc. Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of May 4, 2010.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 28, 2010. | ||
10-6-1
|
Gannett Co., Inc. 2001 Inland Revenue Approved Sub-Plan for the United Kingdom.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2004. | ||
10-6-2
|
Form of Director Stock Option Award Agreement.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-7-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2007. | ||
10-6-3
|
Form of Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-6-4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008. | ||
10-6-4
|
Form of Executive Officer Stock Option Award Agreement.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-6-5 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008. | ||
10-6-5
|
Form of Executive Officer Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-6-6 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008. | ||
10-7
|
Gannett U.K. Limited Share Incentive Plan, as amended effective June 25, 2004.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 27, 2004. |
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| Exhibit | ||||
| Number | Exhibit | Location | ||
10-8
|
Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement among Gannett Co., Inc., the Several Lenders from Time to Time Parties Thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Syndication Agent, dated as of February 27, 2004, and Effective as of March 15, 2004. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 28, 2004. | ||
10-8-1
|
First Amendment, dated as of February 28, 2007, and Effective as of March 15, 2007, to Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-5 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 1, 2007. | ||
10-8-2
|
Second Amendment, dated as of October 23, 2008, and Effective as of October 31, 2008, to Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2008. | ||
10-8-3
|
Third Amendment, dated as of September 28, 2009, to Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2004 and effective as of March 15, 2004. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2009. | ||
10-8-4
|
Fourth Amendment, dated as of August 25, 2010 to Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2004 and effective as of March 15, 2004. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2010. | ||
10-8-5
|
Fifth Amendment, dated as of September 30, 2010 to Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2004 and effective as of March 15, 2004. | Attached. | ||
10-9
|
Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement among Gannett Co., Inc., the Several Lenders from Time to Time Parties Thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and Barclays Bank PLC, as Documentation Agent, dated as of December 13, 2004, and Effective as of January 5, 2005. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-16 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2004. | ||
10-9-1
|
First Amendment, dated as of February 28, 2007, and Effective as of March 15, 2007, to Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 1, 2007. | ||
10-9-2
|
Second Amendment, dated as of October 23, 2008, and Effective as of October 31, 2008, to Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2008. | ||
10-9-3
|
Third Amendment, dated as of September 28, 2009, to Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2004 and effective as of January 5, 2005. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2009. | ||
10-9-4
|
Fourth Amendment, dated as of August 25, 2010, to Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2004, and effective as of January 5, 2005. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2010. | ||
10-9-5
|
Fifth Amendment, dated as of September 30, 2010, to Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2004, and effective as of January 5, 2005. | Attached. | ||
10-10
|
Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement among Gannett Co., Inc., the Several Lenders from Time to Time Parties Thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and Barclays Bank PLC, as Documentation Agent, dated as of March 11, 2002, and Effective as of March 18, 2002, as Amended and Restated as of December 13, 2004, and Effective as of January 5, 2005. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-17 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2004. |
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| Exhibit | ||||
| Number | Exhibit | Location | ||
10-10-1
|
First Amendment, dated as of February 28, 2007, and Effective as of March 15, 2007, to Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 1, 2007. | ||
10-10-2
|
Second Amendment, dated as of October 23, 2008, and Effective as of October 31, 2008, to Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-5 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2008. | ||
10-10-3
|
Third Amendment, dated as of September 28, 2009, to Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2002 and effective as of March 18, 2002, as amended and restated as of December 13, 2004 and effective as of January 5, 2005. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-3 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2009. | ||
10-10-4
|
Fourth Amendment, dated as of August 25, 2010, to Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2002 and effective as of March 18, 2002, as amended and restated as December 13, 2004 and effective as of January 5, 2005. | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-5 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2010. | ||
10-10-5
|
Fifth Amendment, dated as of September 30, 2010, to Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2002 and effective as of March 18, 2002, as amended and restated as December 13, 2004 and effective as of January 5, 2005. | Attached. | ||
10-11
|
Master Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated September 30, 2010 to (i) the Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2002 and effective as of March 18, 2002, as amended and restated as of December 13, 2004 and effective as of January 5, 2005; (ii) the Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2004 and effective as of March 15, 2004; and (iii) the Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2004 and effective as of January 5, 2005. | Attached. | ||
10-12
|
Description of Gannett Co., Inc.’s Non-Employee Director Compensation.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 28, 2010. | ||
10-13
|
Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2007, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Craig A. Dubow.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-14 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. | ||
10-13-1
|
Amendment, dated as of August 7, 2007, to Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2007.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-4 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2007. | ||
10-13-2
|
Amendment, dated as of December 24, 2010, to Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2007.* | Attached. | ||
10-14
|
Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2007, between Gannett Co., Inc. and Gracia C. Martore.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-15 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. | ||
10-14-1
|
Amendment, dated as of August 7, 2007, to Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2007.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-5 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2007. | ||
10-14-2
|
Amendment, dated as of December 24, 2010, to Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2007.* | Attached. | ||
10-15
|
Amendment for section 409A Plans dated December 31, 2008.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-14 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008. | ||
10-16
|
Executive Life Insurance Plan document dated December 31, 2008.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-15 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008. |
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| Exhibit | ||||
| Number | Exhibit | Location | ||
10-17
|
Termination Benefits Agreement dated as of November 15, 2010 between Gannett Co., Inc. and Paul N. Saleh.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2010. | ||
10-18
|
Key Executive Life Insurance Plan dated October 29, 2010.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-1 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2010. | ||
10-19
|
Form of Participation Agreement under Key Executive Life Insurance Plan.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-2 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2010. | ||
10-20
|
Omnibus Amendment to Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Awards dated as of December 31, 2008.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-17 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008. | ||
10-21
|
Omnibus Amendment to Terms and Conditions of Stock Unit Awards dated as of December 31, 2008.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-18 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008. | ||
10-22
|
Omnibus Amendment to Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Awards dated as of December 31, 2008.* | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-19 to Gannett Co., Inc.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008. | ||
21
|
Subsidiaries of Gannett Co., Inc. | Attached. | ||
23
|
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. | Attached. | ||
31-1
|
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | Attached. | ||
31-2
|
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | Attached. | ||
32-1
|
Section 1350 Certification. | Attached. | ||
32-2
|
Section 1350 Certification. | Attached. | ||
101
|
The following financial information from Gannett Co., Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2010, formatted in XBRL includes: (1) Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the 2010, 2009 and 2008 fiscal years, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 26, 2010 and December 27, 2009, (iii) Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the 2010, 2009 and 2008 fiscal years; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Equity for the 2010, 2009 and 2008 fiscal years; and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text. | Attached. |
For purposes of the incorporation by reference of documents as Exhibits, all references to Form
10-K, 10-Q and 8-K of Gannett Co., Inc. refer to Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with the Commission
under Commission file number 1-6961.
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.
| * | Asterisks identify management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements. |
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Table of Contents
GLOSSARY OF FINANCIAL TERMS
Presented below are definitions of certain key financial and operational terms that Gannett
hopes will enhance the reading and understanding of Gannett’s 2010 Form 10-K.
AMORTIZATION — A charge against the company’s earnings that represents the write off of intangible
assets over the projected life of the assets.
BALANCE SHEET — A summary statement that reflects the company’s assets, liabilities and equity at a
particular point in time.
BROADCASTING REVENUES — Primarily amounts charged to customers for commercial advertising aired on
the company’s television stations.
CIRCULATION — The number of newspapers sold to customers each day (“paid circulation”). The company
keeps separate records of morning, evening and Sunday circulation.
CIRCULATION REVENUES — Amounts charged to newspaper readers or distributors reduced by the amount
of discounts. Charges vary from city to city and depend on the type of sale (i.e., subscription or
single copy) and distributor arrangements.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — The change in equity (net assets) of the company from transactions and other
events from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income comprises net income and other items reported
directly in shareholders’ equity, principally the foreign currency translation adjustment and
funded status of postretirement plans.
CURRENT ASSETS — Cash and other assets that are expected to
be converted to cash within one year.
CURRENT LIABILITIES — Amounts owed that will be paid within one year.
DEFERRED INCOME — Revenue derived principally from advance subscription payments for newspapers.
Revenue is recognized in the period in which it is earned (as newspapers are delivered).
DEPRECIATION — A charge against the company’s earnings that allocates the cost of property, plant
and equipment over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
DIGITAL/ONLINE REVENUES — These include revenue from advertising placed on web sites that are
associated with the company publishing and broadcasting operations which are reflected as revenues
of those business segments, and revenues from the businesses that comprise the Digital segment,
principal of which are CareerBuilder (employment web site) and PointRoll (technology/marketing
services revenue).
DIGITAL SEGMENT — Beginning with 2008, a new digital business segment was reported, which includes
CareerBuilder and ShopLocal from the dates of their full consolidation, as well as PointRoll,
Planet Discover and Schedule Star.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS — A term which refers to businesses which have been sold or disposed of by
the company. To achieve comparability in financial reporting for all remaining operations, the
results from discontinued operations are reclassified from the normal operating section of the
Statements of Income and presented in a separate section entitled “Discontinued Operations.”
DIVIDEND — Payment by the company to its shareholders of a portion of its earnings.
EARNINGS PER SHARE (basic) — The company’s earnings divided by the average number of shares
outstanding for the period.
EARNINGS PER SHARE (diluted) — The company’s earnings divided by the average number of shares
outstanding for the period, giving effect to assumed dilution from outstanding stock options and
restricted stock units.
EQUITY EARNINGS FROM INVESTMENTS — For those investments which are 50% or less owned by the
company, an income or loss entry is recorded in the Statements of Income representing the company’s
ownership share of the operating results of the investee company.
GAAP — Generally accepted
accounting principles.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — The process of reflecting foreign currency accounts of subsidiaries
in the reporting currency of the parent company.
FREE CASH FLOW — Net cash flow from operating activities reduced by purchase of property, plant and
equipment as well as payments for investments and increased by proceeds from investments and
voluntary pension contributions, net of related tax benefit.
GOODWILL — In a business purchase, this represents the excess of amounts paid over the fair value
of tangible and other identified intangible assets acquired net of liabilities assumed.
INVENTORIES — Raw materials, principally newsprint, used in the business.
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS — The portion of equity and net earnings in
consolidated subsidiaries that is owned by others.
ADVERTISING REVENUES — Amounts charged to customers for space purchased in the company’s newspapers
and/or the associated web site. There are three major types of advertising revenue: retail ads from
local merchants, such as department stores; classified ads, which include automotive, real estate
and “help wanted”; and national ads, which promote products or brand names on a nationwide basis.
PRO FORMA — A non-GAAP manner of presentation intended to provide improved comparability of
financial results; it assumes business purchases/dispositions were completed at the beginning of
the earliest period discussed (i.e., results are compared for all periods but only for businesses
presently owned).
PURCHASE — A business acquisition. The acquiring company records at its cost the acquired assets
less liabilities assumed. The reported income of an acquiring company includes the operations of
the acquired company from the date of acquisition.
RESTRICTED STOCK — An award that gives key employees the right to shares of the company’s stock,
pursuant to a vesting schedule.
RETAINED EARNINGS — The earnings of the company not paid out as
dividends to shareholders.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS — A financial statement that reflects cash flows from operating, investing
and financing activities, providing a comprehensive view of changes in the company’s cash and cash
equivalents.
STATEMENT OF EQUITY — A statement that reflects changes in the company’s common stock, retained
earnings and other equity accounts.
STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS) — A financial statement that
reflects the company’s profit by measuring revenues and expenses.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION — The
payment to employees for services received with equity instruments such as stock options and
restricted stock.
STOCK OPTION — An award that gives key employees the right to buy shares of the company’s stock,
pursuant to a vesting schedule, at the market price of the stock on the date of the award.
91