2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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Reinventing our local media companies
2100 Q Street • Sacramento, CA 95816 • (916) 321-1844
www.mcclatchy.com
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY is a 21st century news and information leader, publisher of iconic
brands such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The Charlotte Observer,
The (Raleigh) News and Observer, and the (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram. McClatchy operates media
companies in 28 U.S. markets in 14 states, providing each of its communities with high-quality news
and advertising services in a wide array of digital and print formats. McClatchy is headquartered in
Sacramento, Calif., and listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MNI.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(in thousands except per share amounts)
For the Year
Net revenues
Operating expenses
Income from continuing operations
Income from continuing operations per
diluted share
Operating cash fl ow (1)
At Year End
Total assets
Long-term debt
Stockholders’ equity
Shares outstanding:
Class A shares
Class B shares
*Not meaningful
2014
2013
% change
$1,146,552
1,064,229
375,977
$1,214,848
1,093,904
16,444
-5.6%
-2.7%
NM*
4.26
210,496
0.19
271,855
NM*
-22.6%
$2,553,915
1,006,957
503,385
$2,617,635
1,493,323
240,386
-2.4%
- 32.6%
109.4%
62,555
24,586
61,533
24,801
1.7%
- 0.9%
(1) Operating cash fl ow represents operating income ($82,323 in 2014 and $120,944 in 2013) plus severance charges ($5,488 in 2014 and
$4,847 in 2013) plus depreciation and amortization ($113,638 in 2014 and $121,570 in 2013) plus other charges ($9,047 in 2014 and
$24,494 in 2013). The company believes operating cash fl ow is commonly used as a measure of performance for newspaper companies,
however, it does not purport to represent cash provided by operating activities as shown in the company’s statement of cash fl ows, nor
is it meant as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Non-GAAP fi nancial measures are reconciled to GAAP measures in the schedule below.
RECONCILIATION OF INCOME FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS IN 2014 TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME
Income from continuing operations
$ 375,977
Add back certain items, net of tax:
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Gain related to equity investment distribution
Gain on sale of equity investments
Impairment charges related to equity investments
Intangible asset impairment charges
Severance charges
Accelerated depreciation on equipment
Net real estate related charges
Other charges
Reversal of interest on tax items
Certain discrete tax items
Adjusted income from continuing operations
46,163
(88,944)
(348,259)
4,928
3,146
3,405
8,328
310
2,043
(22)
(119)
$ 6,956
Management believes these non-GAAP measures, when read in conjunction with the company’s GAAP fi nancials, provide useful
information to investors by offering the ability to make more meaningful period-to-period comparisons of the company’s on-going
operating results and to better identify trends. These non-GAAP fi nancial measures should not be considered a substitute or an
alternative to the computations calculated in accordance with and required by GAAP.
GENERAL OFFICE
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION
The McClatchy Company
2100 Q Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 321-1844
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Wells Fargo Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 64874
St. Paul, MN 55164-0874
www.shareowneronline.com
(800) 718-2377
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
Deloitte & Touche LLP
980 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
FORM 10-K
Upon request, the company will provide,
without charge, a copy of its report on Form
10-K fi led with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Requests should be made in
writing to:
The McClatchy Company
Attention: Assistant Treasurer
P. O. Box 15779
Sacramento, CA 95852
ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of stockholders will be
held on Thursday, May 14, 2015, at 9 a.m.
Pacifi c time at the Vizcaya Pavilion, 2019
21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95818.
Elizabeth Ballantine
President, EBA Associates
Leroy T. Barnes Jr.
Former Vice President and Treasurer,
PG&E Corporation
Molly Maloney Evangelisti
Former Special Projects Coordinator,
The Sacramento Bee
Kathleen Foley Feldstein
President, Economics Studies, Inc.
Craig Forman
Private Investor and Entrepreneur
Brown McClatchy Maloney
Former Owner and Publisher,
Olympic View Publishing
and Owner, Radio Pacifi c
Kevin S. McClatchy
Chairman, The McClatchy Company
Former Managing General Partner and
Chief Executive Offi cer,
Pittsburgh Pirates
William B. McClatchy
Entrepreneur, Journalist and
Co-founder of Index Investing, LLC
Clyde Ostler
Former Group Executive Vice President,
CERTIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS
Frederick R. Ruiz
The company submitted its Annual CEO
Chairman Emeritus and Co-founder,
Certifi cation for 2014 to the New York Stock
Ruiz Foods, Inc.
Patrick J. Talamantes
President and Chief Executive Offi cer,
The McClatchy Company
Exchange on June 5, 2014. The company
has fi led with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as Exhibits 31.3 and 31.2
to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fi scal year ended December 28, 2014, the
Certifi cations of its Chief Executive Offi cer
and Chief Financial Offi cer required
in connection with that report by rules
13a-14(a) and 15-d-14(a) under the Securities
Exchange Act.
Kevin S. McClatchy
OFFICERS
Patrick J. Talamantes
President and Chief Executive Offi cer
Anders Gyllenhaal
Vice President,
News and Washington Editor
Christian A. Hendricks
Vice President, Interactive Media
R. Elaine Lintecum
Vice President, Chief Financial Offi cer
and Treasurer
Karole R. Morgan-Prager
Vice President, Corporate Development,
General Counsel and Secretary
Robert J. Weil
Vice President, Operations
Mark Zieman
Vice President, Operations
Lawrence D. Edgar
Controller
STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION
2100 Q Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
Vice Chairman of Wells Fargo Bank California
(916) 321-1844
and President of Wells Fargo Family Wealth
www.mcclatchy.com
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THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 1
Letter to Shareholders
Reinvention. It’s the word that best describes the profound changes taking place
at McClatchy, changes unprecedented in our company’s 158-year history.
These changes are occurring quickly, pervasively and under our own planning and
initiative to meet the demands and seize the opportunities in the digital age.
We are reinventing our local media companies to not merely survive – but to prosper –
in this new media landscape.
Financial Results
McClatchy is in the midst of a digital transformation,
which is apparent in our fi nancial results.
are helping to power our reinvention. In April we
sold the Anchorage Daily News. Also that month,
Throughout most of our company’s history, the daily
newspaper has accounted for the vast majority of
McClatchy’s revenue. Today, however, nearly two-
thirds of our revenue originates from sources other
than the daily printed newspaper.
Digital ad revenue, just a small fraction of our revenue
mix fi ve years ago, now represents nearly a quarter
of our total advertising revenue. Direct marketing,
too, is an increasingly important part of our business,
growing every year and now at nearly 17% of total
ad revenues. And we’ve tapped into our expanding
digital audiences with innovative subscription plans
Classifi ed Ventures sold Apartments.com, including
our 25.6% interest. In October we sold our 25.6%
stake in Cars.com. Together these transactions
provided $522 million in after-tax proceeds to
McClatchy, and we recorded signifi cant gains related
to these dispositions in our fi nancial results.
We continue to generate ample operating cash
fl ow; in 2014 we generated operating cash fl ow of
$210.5 million. This cash fl ow coupled with the
proceeds from these major 2014 transactions allowed
us to signifi cantly reduce our debt, invest in our
company and strengthen our fi nancial position.
that have boosted our audience revenues.
For 2014, total revenues were down 5.6% compared
All of these diverse, non-traditional revenue sources
are either growing or relatively stable, providing
great optimism for the future and helping to
counteract declines in our traditional print business.
Three signifi cant transactions provided substantial
liquidity and debt reduction in 2014 and, as a result,
to a decline of 3.4% on a comparable basis in 2013.
We reported net income from continuing operations
of $376 million, or $4.26 per share in 2014. Net
income from continuing operations excluding the
net impact of the transactions outlined above and
certain other items was $7 million.
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 2
Building Modern Media Companies
Public-Service Journalism
What are we building? Quite simply, we’re building
High-quality journalism, of course, is the foundation
leading local media companies in 28 great markets
of all that we do. Our news mission is part of
around the United States.
What it takes to be the leading local media company
in the vibrant communities in which we operate,
however, is changing all the time.
We have to become more digital. Our products and
services have to be more readily available and on
more digital platforms.
That’s why we have made sure our news and
information can follow readers throughout their
day. We reach them before work, as we long have,
with the morning newspaper and yet our latest
headlines and stories are there on their mobile
phones, the fi rst thing our readers often check to
start their day.
Our news websites, updated around the clock, are
available to readers via their desktop computers at
McClatchy’s proud, public-service legacy and it’s also
vital to our 21st century ambitions of retaining and
growing our audiences.
McClatchy journalism continues to receive the
highest accolades. The Charlotte Observer’s Kevin
Siers was awarded the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for
Editorial Cartooning, bringing the total Pulitzer
count won by McClatchy newspapers to 51.
The Sacramento Bee fi nished as a 2014 Pulitzer
fi nalist for its investigative series about a Nevada
hospital that shipped scores of mental patients out
of state with little more than a bus ticket. The
investigation – which changed lives and Nevada
state policy – received widespread recognition
and won several national honors, including the
prestigious George Polk Award in Journalism, the
sixth Polk Award McClatchy has won in the last
work and optimized for all of their different mobile
eight years.
devices on the go.
We’re an evening news company again the way
Strong Local Sales Forces
some of our papers used to be, offering engaging
Along with high-quality journalism, strong local sales
tablet editions and apps for that quieter, leisure
time at home at the end of the day. Our reach
extends into the weekend on all of these platforms,
and where our Sunday print editions remain
exceptionally strong.
forces are key to near-term performance and future
success. We’re hard at work turning our local ad
departments into 21st century sales operations that
can adeptly serve advertisers large and small on the
appropriate print or digital platform.
Small and medium-sized businesses often look to
us to help them with new ideas or navigate the
sometimes overwhelming digital ad options. Our
impressLOCAL product, now offered in all McClatchy
markets, can bring customized solutions to help
these advertisers grow their businesses – solutions
that can include reputation management, video,
social media and search, as well as a myriad of
direct marketing and print options.
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 3
We continued to expand our advertising efforts
advertising categories nationally. Adding to the appeal
on ad exchanges in 2014, increasing revenue by
is the growing audience among younger adults
57% above 2013. This real-time programmatic
ages 18 to 49. All of this growth is occurring while
buying and selling of digital advertising is designed
local television revenue is challenged and audiences
to attain the best rates for our inventory while
are fragmenting.
targeting the best audience for our advertisers.
It has been bolstered by our leadership and
participation in the Local Media Consortium (LMC)
and its more than 1,000 daily newspapers and
broadcast members. The LMC has created a
private ad exchange made up of 27 member
companies and the entire collective digital ad
inventory of participating members. Our goal is
to offer access to all 57 member companies and
their 12 billion monthly advertising impressions
to advertisers.
Here again McClatchy has responded aggressively
and thoughtfully with a comprehensive video initiative
we started last year and will continue in 2015.
We’re adding top digital video journalists and
other digital talent to McClatchy’s employee ranks
and planning to roll out our own video player in
early 2015 to optimize our video storytelling and
advertising on any platform on which our video
is displayed.
Financial Strength
Mobile, Native Advertising, Video
We are able to reinvent and reinvest in our local
We are reinventing our local media companies to
respond to consumer behavior and emerging trends.
More than half of McClatchy’s digital audience
today is coming from mobile devices. We’ve
invested in new digital publishing systems to better
serve this mobile audience and we have rebuilt
media companies because of McClatchy’s continued
fi nancial strength.
Our fi nancial position was bolstered by the three
signifi cant transactions in 2014 that we mentioned
earlier: the sales of the Anchorage Daily News and
our interests in Apartments.com and Cars.com.
all of our news websites to be responsive – that
Collectively, these transactions generated $522 million
is to automatically resize to best fi t a user’s screen,
in after-tax proceeds to retire bonds and pay down
be it a smartphone or a tablet or desktop computer,
debt. We put these proceeds to work quickly
and provide the optimal viewing experience.
by reducing debt by $523 million in the month of
We’ve begun experimenting with native advertising
November. As a result, fi rst lien debt has been
as well, developing ads that work well in a
reduced signifi cantly and outstanding debt now
mobile environment.
stands at approximately $1.0 billion. We had $221
Online video is another platform that we believe
holds great promise. Already a $4.3 billion business
annually, it’s one of the fastest-growing digital
million in cash on hand at the end of 2014. Our
ratio of net debt (debt net of cash on hand) to
6
operating cash fl ows at the end of 2014 was 3.
compared to 4.6 at the end of 2013.
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 4
Our focus in 2015 will remain much as it has been
20-year career and has served as special employment
in 2014: investing in our digital transformation,
counsel to McClatchy, providing guidance on labor
reducing legacy expenses, improving our fi nancial
and employment issues, since 2006. Billie has a long
position at every opportunity and reinforcing our
history of working with our markets in the area of
standing as the leading local media company.
employee relations and has a deep understanding of
We are excited about the opportunities to reinvent
our local media companies with bold strategies and
new products and to increase their strong positions
as leading media businesses in some of the best
markets in the country.
Steady Leadership
Our digital transformation – and the pace and
extent of the change it has required – has been
made much smoother and more successful thanks
to the steady leadership of our board and our
senior management team.
We’re sad to say we lost a valued member of our
senior management team at the end of 2014.
Heather Fagundes, a wonderful colleague, gifted
executive and our vice president of human resources,
lost her brave fi ght against cancer at the much-too-
young age of 45.
Heather spent 22 years working for McClatchy and
represented the very best of our company. As a
senior executive for a publicly traded corporation,
she is remembered most by colleagues and coworkers
for her humanity. She never let any of us forget that
real people were connected and impacted by the
decisions we make. She is greatly missed.
our culture. We couldn’t be happier to have her lead
our dedicated team of human resources professionals.
We thank you, our shareholders, for your continued
faith and support. And we thank all of our employees,
whose talent, hard work and ingenuity are driving
this company’s reinvention and who continue to
inspire us. We’re excited about our future together.
Thank you.
PATRICK J. TALAMANTES
President and Chief Executive Offi cer
Billie S. McConkey will become our vice president,
human resources on March 9. A practicing labor
and employment attorney, Billie has provided legal
KEVIN S. MCCLATCHY
Chairman of the Board
counsel to three different news companies over her
March 1, 2015
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(cid:95) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: December 28, 2014
or
(cid:134) 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: 1-9824
The McClatchy Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
2100 Q Street, Sacramento, CA
(Address of principal executive offices)
52-2080478
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
95816
(Zip Code)
916-321-1844
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: None
(cid:134) Yes (cid:95) No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
(cid:134) Yes (cid:95) No
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.
(cid:95) Yes (cid:134) No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, 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).
(cid:95) Yes (cid:134) No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) 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. (cid:134)
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 (cid:134)
Accelerated filer (cid:95)
Non-accelerated filer (cid:134)
(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)
Smaller reporting company (cid:134)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (cid:134) Yes (cid:95) No
Based on the closing price of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 29, 2014, the last business day of the
registrant’s second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates was approximately
$358.6 million. For purposes of the foregoing calculation only, as required by Form 10-K, the Registrant has included in the shares owned by affiliates, the
beneficial ownership of Common Stock of officers and directors of the Registrant and members of their families, and such inclusion shall not be construed
as an admission that any such person is an affiliate for any purpose.
Shares outstanding as of February 27, 2015:
Class A Common Stock
Class B Common Stock
62,555,905
24,585,962
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on
May 14, 2015, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(cid:3)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
PART I
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
PART IV
Item 15.
SIGNATURES
2
9
16
16
16
17
18
20
21
41
42
75
75
75
76
76
76
76
76
77
78
Forward-Looking Statements:
PART I
This annual report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements relating to future financial performance and operations. These
statements are based upon our current expectations and knowledge of factors impacting our business and are generally
preceded by, followed by or are a part of sentences that include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates”
or similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed
forward-looking statements. For all of those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking
statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to risks, trends
and uncertainties. A detailed discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events
to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section entitled “Risk Factors” (refer to Part I,
Item 1A). We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements except as required under
applicable law.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
The McClatchy Company (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a 21st century news and information publisher of well-
respected publications such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The Charlotte Observer,
The (Raleigh) News and Observer, and the (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram. We operate media companies in 28 U.S. markets
in 14 states, providing each of these communities with high-quality news and advertising services in a wide array of digital
and print formats. We are headquartered in Sacramento, California, and our Class A Common Stock is listed on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol MNI.
We have more than a century and a half of experience in mass and targeted media with our origins in the California Gold
Rush era of 1857. Originally incorporated in California as McClatchy Newspapers, Inc., our three original California
newspapers — The Sacramento Bee, The Fresno Bee and The Modesto Bee — were the core of our business until 1979,
when we began to diversify geographically outside of California. At that time, we purchased two newspapers in the
Northwest, the Anchorage Daily News and the Tri-City Herald in southeastern Washington. In 1986, we purchased The
(Tacoma) News Tribune and in 1987, we reincorporated in Delaware. We expanded into the Carolinas when we purchased
newspapers in South Carolina in 1990 and The News and Observer Publishing Company in North Carolina in 1995. In
2006, we acquired Knight-Ridder, Inc., retaining 20 daily papers and significant digital assets. In May 2014, we sold the
Anchorage Daily News to an assignee of Alaska Dispatch Publishing, LLC.
Today our operations include 29 local media businesses in 28 growth markets across the United States that are comprised
of daily newspapers, websites and mobile apps, mobile news and advertising, niche publications, direct marketing, direct
mail services and nearby community newspapers. Our newspapers range from large dailies serving metropolitan areas to
non-daily newspapers serving small communities. For the year ended December 28, 2014, we had an average aggregate
paid daily circulation of 1.7 million and Sunday circulation of 2.6 million. Our local websites and newspaper apps in each
of our markets complement our newspapers and are an integral platform to extend our journalism and advertising products
to our audience in each market.
Our business is operated across six operating regions: California, Florida, Texas, Southeast, Midwest and Northwest. For
the year ended December 28, 2014, no region represented more than 31% of total revenues and no single newspaper and
its related businesses represented more than 12.5% of total revenues.
In addition to our media companies, we also own 15.0% of CareerBuilder, LLC, which operates the nation’s largest online
job website, CareerBuilder.com; 33.3% of HomeFinder, LLC, which operates the online real estate website
HomeFinder.com; as well as certain other digital company investments. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2014,
Classified Ventures, LLC sold its Apartments.com business and during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, we sold our
ownership interest in Classified Ventures, LLC, which operated the classified website Cars.com. See the Recent
Developments discussion below in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.”
2
For purposes of presentation only, we changed the term “circulation” to “audience” as it relates to our description of
revenues. The term “circulation” was used in prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and no other
changes were made in conjunction with this language change.
Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December. The year ended December 28, 2014 (“fiscal year 2014”) and
December 29, 2013 (“fiscal year 2013”) both consisted of 52-week periods. The year ended on December 30, 2012 (“fiscal
year 2012”) consisted of a 53-week period.
Strategy
We are committed to a three-pronged strategy to grow our businesses and total revenues as a leading local media company:
• First, to operate high-quality newspapers in growth markets;
• Second, to operate the leading local digital business in each of our daily newspaper markets, including
websites, mobile apps, e-mail products, mobile services and other electronic media; and
• Third, to extend these franchises by supplementing the mass reach of the newspaper and digital businesses
with direct marketing and direct mail products so that advertisers can capture both mass and targeted
audiences with one-stop shopping.
Business Initiatives
Our local media businesses continue to undergo tremendous structural and cyclical change. In order to maintain our
position as a leading local media company and implement our strategies, we are focused on the following five major
business initiatives:
Increasing and Broadening Total Revenues
We continue to grow our revenues from areas other than traditional in-newspaper print advertising. Digital and direct
marketing advertising coupled with audience and other revenues generated outside of traditional print and preprinted insert
advertising represented 62.4%, 59.2% and 55.4% of total revenues in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our
strategy has been to focus on growing revenue sources that include digital and direct marketing advertising, audience and
other non-traditional revenues. Management expects newspaper print advertising to be a smaller share of overall
advertising, due in part to expected strong growth in digital-only advertising revenues and solid performance in both direct
marketing advertising and audience revenues.
Overall, advertising revenues comprise a large majority of our revenues, making the quality of our sales forces of utmost
importance. Total advertising revenues were approximately 63.8% of consolidated revenues in fiscal year 2014 and 67.7%
in fiscal year 2013. We have a local sales force in each of our markets and believe that these sales forces are generally
larger than those of other local media outlets and websites in those markets. Our sales forces are responsible for delivering
to advertisers the broad array of our advertising products, including print, digital and direct marketing. Our advertisers
range from large national retail chains to local automobile dealerships to small businesses and classified advertisers.
Increasingly, our emphasis has been on growing the breadth of products offered to advertisers, particularly our digital
products and our direct marketing products, while expanding our relationships with smaller advertisers. For example, over
the last several years we have expanded our “Sunday Select” program, which delivers a package of preprinted
advertisements on Sunday to non-newspaper subscribers upon their request. For fiscal year 2014, total digital and direct
marketing advertising revenues represented 41.1% of total advertising revenues on a combined basis compared to 39.6%
and 36.3% in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively.
In fiscal year 2015, we are expanding our sponsorship of special events programs to our markets designed for advertisers
to connect with their customers. Our digital products and business are discussed in more detail below.
Audience revenues approximated 32.0% of consolidated total revenues in fiscal year 2014 and 28.5% in fiscal year 2013.
Our introduction of subscription packages (discussed below) in prior years to drive digital audience revenues has also
helped diversify our revenues.
3
Expanding McClatchy’s Digital Business
We continue to be a newspaper industry leader in digital advertising revenues from newspaper websites as a percent of
total advertising with 23.7% of advertising revenues coming from digital products in both fiscal years 2014 and 2013. For
fiscal year 2014, 59.4% of our digital advertising revenues came from advertisements where online was the primary buy
(that is, the online sale was not tied to an “up-sale” of a joint print buy), compared to 59.1% in fiscal year 2013. We believe
this independent advertising revenue stream bodes well for the future of our digital business and is evidence of its
importance as a delivery channel for advertisers.
In addition, our advertising revenues from digital advertising have increased for 11 of the past 13 years, excluding the
53rd week in fiscal year 2012 and a change to net revenue accounting for certain digital advertising contracts in fiscal year
2014 and despite weak economic conditions and structural changes in the delivery of advertising products to digital media.
In fiscal year 2014 we have begun reporting the wholesale fees associated with sales of certain third party digital
advertising products and services on a net basis, as a reduction of the associated digital classified advertising revenues,
rather than in other operating expenses, in our consolidated statements of operations. During fiscal year 2014, digital
revenues declined 10.9% compared to fiscal year 2013, largely as a result of the change to net revenue accounting in fiscal
year 2014 for certain digital advertising contracts and our Apartments.com affiliation agreement being terminated in
connection with Classified Ventures, LLC’s sale of that business in April 2014. Our newspaper websites and mobile apps,
e-mail projects, mobile services and other electronic media enable us to engage our readers with real-time news and
information that matters to them. During fiscal year 2014, our newspaper websites attracted an average of approximately
43.2 million unique visitors per month, up 13.7% compared to fiscal year 2013.
During fiscal year 2014, our websites offered classified digital advertising products provided by companies in which we
hold or held a minority investment (as discussed above), including CareerBuilder.com for employment and Cars.com for
autos. We continue to pursue additional new digital products and offerings. Starting in mid-2012 and continuing through
2013, we launched impressLOCAL®, our proprietary comprehensive digital marketing solution for local small and
medium-size businesses, to all of our markets. By offering advertisers integrated packages including website
customization, search engine marketing and optimization, social media presence and marketing services, and other
multi-platform advertising opportunities, impressLOCAL® helps businesses improve the effectiveness of their marketing
and advertising efforts.
In fiscal year 2014, we expanded our advertising efforts on ad exchanges. This real-time programmatic buying and selling
of digital advertising inventory – often targeting very specific audiences at very specific times – grew 57% in fiscal year
2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. It has been bolstered by our participation in the Local Media Consortium (“LMC”)
and its more than 1,000 daily newspapers and broadcast members. The LMC has created a private advertising exchange
that includes inventory of 27 member companies as of the end of fiscal year 2014 and the entire collective digital ad
inventory for participating companies. LMC’s goal is to offer access to all 57 member companies and their 12 billion
monthly advertising impressions to advertisers, improving the results for all member companies.
In fiscal year 2014, our mobile traffic was up 45.4% as compared to fiscal year 2013 and accounted for 46.6% of all digital
traffic we received on a monthly basis. We work hard to appeal to our mobile audience. We have invested in new digital
publishing systems to better serve this mobile audience and we have rebuilt all of our news websites to be responsive –
that is to automatically resize to best fit a user’s screen, be it a smartphone or a tablet or desktop computer, and provide
the optimal viewing experience.
Our news and information can follow readers throughout their day. We reach them before work, as we long have, with the
morning newspaper, and our readers often check our latest headlines and stories on their mobile phones to start their day.
Our news websites, updated frequently throughout the day, are available to readers via their desktop computers at work
and optimized for all of their different mobile devices.
Video is another area that is increasing significantly, particularly with local media. In fiscal year 2015, we will continue
to expand the use of video in all of our digital products to both enhance the content that we bring to readers and viewers
and also to compete for a growing advertising stream.
All of our markets now offer subscription packages for digital content. The packages include a combined digital and print
subscription and a digital-only subscription. Digital-only subscriptions grew to approximately 47,200 subscriptions, an
increase of 46.0% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013.
4
Maintaining Our Commitment to Public Service Journalism
We believe that high-quality news content is the foundation of the mass reach necessary for the press to play its role in a
democratic society. It is also the underpinning of our success in the marketplace.
We are committed to developing best-in-class journalism and local content. The goal at each of our newspapers is to be
the best newspaper for its audience size in the country. Every newspaper is expected to improve annually as evidenced by
peer awards, readership studies in its market, maintenance of readership (both print and electronic) and review of its
content and quality. A President’s Award is regularly given to selected newspapers who exhibit these goals in a story or
series in that newspaper.
Our journalism continues to receive the highest accolades. The Charlotte Observer’s cartoonist was awarded the 2014
Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning, bringing the total Pulitzer count won by our newspapers to 51. The Sacramento
Bee finished as a 2014 Pulitzer finalist for an investigative series about a Nevada hospital that shipped scores of mental
patients out of state with little more than a bus ticket. The investigation – which changed lives and Nevada state policy –
received widespread recognition and won several national honors, including the prestigious George Polk Award in
Journalism, the sixth Polk Award we have won in the last eight years.
Broadening Newspapers’ Audiences in Their Local Markets
Each of our daily newspapers has the largest print circulation of any newspaper serving its respective community, and
coupled with a local website and other digital platforms, reaches a broad audience in each market. We believe that our
broad reach in each market is of primary importance in attracting advertising, which is our principal source of revenues.
Daily newspaper paid circulation volumes were down 6.5% compared to fiscal year 2013 reflecting the fragmentation of
audiences faced by all media, including our own digital-only subscriptions, as available media outlets proliferate and
readership trends change. Our Sunday circulation volumes remain strong and were only down 2.4% in fiscal year 2014
compared to fiscal year 2013.
Our digital audience continues to grow. During fiscal year 2014, average monthly unique visitors to our digital sites grew
13.7%; growth that was achieved despite the lowering of the current monthly free view limitation for desktop readers
down to five news stories from 15 stories since launching the digital subscription program in 2013. In addition, all our
websites offer mobile-friendly versions for smartphones, and our newspapers’ content is available on e-readers, tablets
and other mobile devices.
We also reach audiences through our direct marketing products. In fiscal year 2014, we distributed approximately 680,000
Sunday Select packages per week, which are packages of preprinted advertisements generally delivered on Sunday to
non-newspaper subscribers upon their request. We also distribute thousands of e-mail alerts, including editorial and
advertising content, dealsaver® alerts and other alerts to subscribers and non-subscribers in our markets which supplement
the reach of our print and digital subscriptions.
To remain the leading local media company for the communities we serve and a must-buy for advertisers, we are focused
on maintaining a broad reach of print and digital audiences in each of our markets. We will continue to refine and
strengthen our print platform, but our growth increasingly comes from our digital products and the beneficial impact those
products have on the total audience we deliver for our advertisers.
Focusing on Cost Efficiencies While Investing for the Future
While continuing to maintain our core business in news, advertising sales and digital, we are also focused on cost
efficiencies. The ongoing structural and cyclical changes in our markets demand that we respond by reengineering and
restructuring our operations to achieve an efficient and sustainable cost structure. Over the past several years, we have
substantially lowered our cost structure through reducing our workforce, optimizing technology and maximizing printing,
distribution and content efficiencies, all while maintaining profitability at each of our newspapers.
We are focused on reducing legacy costs tied to our print newspaper products, primarily production and distribution
expenses. In fiscal year 2014, we began regionalizing our audience distribution operations, certain human resource
functions and certain administrative functions. We will continue to outsource, regionalize and consolidate legacy
operations to achieve a more streamlined and efficient cost structure. In January 2015, we named a new corporate director
of production responsible for all production services across the Company. The corporate production manager will work to
5
continue to further regionalize production operations. These moves are expected to result in cost savings, but equally as
important, they are also designed to develop the infrastructure needed to efficiently support our growing digital and direct
marketing media businesses.
As of December 28, 2014, almost half of our newspapers are printed through outsourcing arrangements with nearby
newspapers owned by us or other companies. In other cases we in-source the printing of nearby newspapers to maximize
the use of our existing press capacity and generate additional revenues.
We also believe using technology is an important component of our ability to continue to operate cost-effectively and to
invest in our business for the future. Much of that technology is employed behind the scenes with a digital publishing
system that can distribute news content to any number of platforms and new systems to support audience and advertising
in the digital environment. We are in the third year of a several-year process of rolling out these new systems at our
newspapers.
Other Operational Information
Each of our newspapers is largely autonomous in its local advertising and editorial operations in order to meet most
effectively the needs of the particular community it serves. However, our newspapers often coordinate with one another
to place advertising in multiple nearby markets where the extended audience helps our advertisers reach their customers.
We have two operating segments that are aggregated into a single reportable segment. Each operating segment consists
primarily of a group of newspapers and related businesses reporting to a vice president of operations. One operating
segment consists primarily of our newspaper operations in California, the Northwest and Texas while the other operating
segment consists primarily of newspaper operations in the Southeast, Florida and the Midwest. Publishers of each of the
newspapers make the day-to-day decisions and report to the vice presidents, operations, who are responsible for
implementing the operating and financial plans at each of the newspapers within their respective operating segment. The
corporate managers, including executive officers, set the basic business, accounting, financial and reporting policies.
As noted previously under “Focusing on Cost Efficiencies While Investing for the Future,” our newspapers also work
together to consolidate functions and share resources regionally and across operating segments that lend themselves to
such efficiencies, such as certain regional or national sales efforts, accounting functions, digital publishing systems and
products, information technology functions and others. Our corporate advertising department is headed by a vice president
of advertising who works with our largest advertisers in placing advertising across our operating segments’ newspapers
and online products. These efforts are often coordinated through the vice presidents of operations and corporate personnel.
Our newspaper business is somewhat seasonal, with peak revenues and profits generally occurring in the second and fourth
quarters of each year, reflecting the spring holidays and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, respectively. The first
and third quarters, when holidays are not prevalent, are historically the slowest quarters for revenues and profits.
6
The following table summarizes the circulation of each of our daily newspapers. These circulation figures are reported as
of the end of our fiscal year and are not meant to reflect Alliance for Audited Media (“AAM”) reported figures.
2014
2013
Circulation by Newspaper
The Sacramento Bee
(Fort Worth) Star-Telegram
The Kansas City (Missouri) Star
The Charlotte Observer
Miami Herald
The (Raleigh) News & Observer
The Fresno Bee
Lexington Herald-Leader
The (Tacoma) News Tribune
The Wichita Eagle
The (Columbia, SC) State
The Modesto Bee
El Nuevo Herald (Miami, FL)
Idaho Statesman (Boise)
Belleville (Illinois) News-Democrat
The (Macon, GA) Telegraph
The (Myrtle Beach, SC) Sun News
The (San Luis Obispo, CA) Tribune
(Biloxi, MS) Sun Herald
The Bradenton (Florida) Herald
(Columbus, GA) Ledger-Enquirer
Tri-City (Washington) Herald
The Island Packet (Hilton Head, SC)
The Olympian (Washington)
The (Rock Hill, SC) Herald
(State College, PA) Centre Daily Times
The Bellingham (Washington) Herald
Merced (California) Sun-Star
The Beaufort (South Carolina) Gazette
Sunday
Sunday Daily
Daily
181,249 298,096 193,570 311,329
295,269
265,320
184,224
193,596
171,678
154,530
97,458
117,318
84,183
121,690
64,878
67,145
63,292
65,231
54,081
43,774
40,806
37,795
39,900
36,601
31,649
22,649
34,903
21,853
23,198
19,695
—
8,750
188,342
177,073
133,651
131,665
119,923
100,945
75,833
67,517
61,029
59,500
58,084
51,627
44,875
38,168
36,681
32,402
30,745
28,942
28,616
28,093
26,244
20,022
19,921
18,117
17,372
16,333
14,132
8,475
287,698
253,750
170,602
181,965
159,566
145,037
92,256
122,037
100,797
117,841
83,271
65,032
58,256
65,986
48,665
41,835
40,188
39,120
38,970
34,427
35,708
22,200
35,158
20,760
21,721
20,533
—
7,694
179,496
164,110
123,679
121,285
112,551
92,257
67,716
61,451
56,243
55,266
55,934
48,338
42,865
35,740
33,783
31,305
28,734
27,239
27,398
26,223
24,974
19,738
18,768
17,207
16,021
16,667
15,123
7,354
Our print newspapers are delivered primarily by large distributors, although we do utilize independent delivery contractors
at certain newspapers.
Other Operations
We also have ownership interests and investments in unconsolidated companies and joint ventures. This includes
ownership interests in digital assets, including 15.0% of CareerBuilder, LLC, which operates the nation’s largest online
job website, CareerBuilder.com; 33.3% of HomeFinder, LLC, which operates the online real estate website
HomeFinder.com; as well as certain other digital company investments.
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, Classified Ventures, LLC sold its Apartments.com business. During the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, we sold our ownership interest in Classified Ventures, LLC, which operated the
classified website Cars.com. Upon closing this transaction, we entered into a new, five-year affiliate agreement with
Cars.com that will allow us to continue to sell Cars.com products and services exclusively in our local markets. See the
Recent Developments discussion below in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.”
We own 49.5% of the voting stock and 70.6% of the nonvoting stock of The Seattle Times Company. The Seattle Times
Company owns The Seattle Times newspaper, weekly newspapers in the Puget Sound area and daily newspapers located
in Walla Walla and Yakima, Washington, and all of their related websites and mobile applications.
In addition, we own a 27.0% interest in Ponderay Newsprint Company (“Ponderay”), a general partnership, that owns and
operates a newsprint mill in the state of Washington.
Our ownership interests and investments in unconsolidated companies and joint ventures provided us with $162.3 million
of cash distributions in fiscal year 2014, which includes $146.9 million from Classified Ventures, LLC when they sold
7
Apartments.com. See discussion above and the Recent Developments discussion below in Item 7, “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Raw Materials
During fiscal year 2014, we consumed approximately 121,000 metric tons of newsprint for our operations compared to
136,000 metric tons in fiscal year 2013. The decrease in tons consumed was primarily due to lower print advertising sales
and print circulation volumes. We estimate that we will use approximately 106,000 metric tons of newsprint in fiscal year
2015, depending on the level of print advertising, circulation volumes and other business considerations.
We currently obtain a majority of our supply of newsprint from Ponderay and SP Fiber Technologies, as well as a number
of other suppliers, primarily under long-term contracts. We purchased approximately 69,500 metric tons of newsprint from
Ponderay and SP Fiber Technologies in fiscal year 2014. We have a purchase commitment for 2015 of 30,000 metric tons
of newsprint from SP Fiber Technologies.
Our earnings are sensitive to changes in newsprint prices. Newsprint expense accounted for 7.0% of total operating
expenses in fiscal year 2014 and 7.7% in fiscal year 2013. However, because we have an ownership interest in Ponderay,
an increase in newsprint prices, while negatively affecting our operating expenses, would increase the earnings from our
share of this investment, therefore partially offsetting the increase in our newsprint expense. A decline in newsprint prices
would have the opposite effect. Ponderay is also impacted by fluctuations in the cost of energy and fiber used in the
paper-making process.
We fully support recycling efforts. In fiscal year 2014, 90.1% of the newsprint used by our newspapers was made up of
some recycled fiber; the average content was 48.5% recycled fiber. This translates into an overall recycled newsprint
average of 43.8%. During fiscal year 2014, all of our newspapers collected and recycled press waste, newspaper returns
and printing plates.
Competition
Our newspapers, direct marketing programs, websites and mobile content compete for advertising revenues and readers’
time with television, radio, other websites, direct mail companies, free shoppers, suburban neighborhood and national
newspapers and other publications, and billboard companies, among others. In some of our markets, our newspapers also
compete with other newspapers published in nearby cities and towns. Competition for advertising is generally based upon
print readership levels and demographics, advertising rates, internet usage and advertiser results, while competition for
circulation and readership is generally based upon the content, journalistic quality, service, competing news sources and
the price of the newspaper.
Our major daily newspapers are the primary general circulation newspaper in each of their respective markets. However,
in recent years, newspapers have experienced difficulty maintaining or increasing print circulation levels because of a
number of factors, including increased competition from other publications and other forms of media technologies
available in various markets, including the internet and other new media formats that are often free for users and the
proliferation of news outlets that fragments audiences. In addition, while our newspaper internet sites are generally the
leading local sites in each of our major daily newspaper markets, based upon research conducted by us and various
independent sources, we have noted changes in readership trends, including a shift of readers to digital media and mobile
devices, and have experienced a continued shift of advertising to digital advertising. We face greater competition,
particularly in the areas of employment, automotive and real estate advertising, from online competitors. To address the
structural shift to digital media, our daily newspapers provide editorial content on a wide variety of platforms and
formats from our daily newspaper to leading local websites; on social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter; on
smartphones and on e-readers; on websites and blogs; in niche online publications and in e-mail newsletters; through RSS
(rich site summary) feeds and mobile applications. More upgrades to our mobile apps and websites are planned in fiscal
year 2015. In addition, our websites offer leading digital classified products such as CareerBuilder.com, Cars.com and
HomeFinder.com. We also operate dealsaver®, our proprietary daily deals service, in all of our markets.
Employees — Labor
As of December 28, 2014, we had approximately 6,200 full and part-time employees (equating to approximately 5,780
full-time equivalent employees), of whom approximately 6.8% were represented by unions. Most of our union-represented
employees are currently working under labor agreements with expiration dates through 2016. We have no unions at 23 of
our 29 daily newspapers.
8
While our newspapers have not had a strike for decades, and we do not currently anticipate a strike occurring, we cannot
preclude the possibility that a strike may occur at one or more of our newspapers when future negotiations take place. We
believe that in the event of a newspaper strike we would be able to continue to publish and deliver to subscribers, a
capability that is critical to retaining revenues from advertising and audience, although there can be no assurance that we
will be able to continue to publish in the event of a strike.
Compliance with Environmental Laws
We use appropriate waste disposal techniques for items such as ink and other hazardous materials. As of December 28,
2014, we have $1.0 million in a letter of credit shared among various state environmental agencies and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency to provide collateral related to existing or previously removed storage tanks. However,
we do not currently have any significant environmental issues and in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 had no significant
expenses or capital expenditures related to environmental control facilities.
Available Information
the SEC are available free of charge on
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to
reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”), are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We are subject to the informational
requirements of the Exchange Act and file or furnish reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Other
information includes, among other things, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, charters for each committee of the Board
of Directors, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and Senior Officers Code of Ethics. Such reports and other information
the SEC’s website and on our website at
we file with
www.mcclatchy.com/investor_relations/. The SEC also maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. If
the documents or records are not available via the SEC website, the public may request a copy of any materials we have
filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Office of FOIA/PA Operations at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public
may obtain information on the operation of the Office of FOIA/PA Operations by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
Paper copies of any such filings and corporate governance documents are available free of charge upon request to The
McClatchy Company, 2100 Q Street, Sacramento, CA 95816, Attn: Investor Relations. The contents of these websites are
not incorporated into this filing. Further, our references to the URLs for these websites are intended to be an inactive
textual reference only.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
We have significant competition in the market for news and advertising, which may reduce our advertising and
audience revenues in the future.
Our primary source of revenues is advertising, followed by audience. The advertising industry generally has experienced
a secular shift toward digital advertising and away from traditional print media. Circulation volumes have also declined,
reflecting general trends in the newspaper industry, including consumer migration toward digital media for news and
information. The increasing number of digital media options available on the internet, through social networking tools and
through mobile and other devices distributing news and other content, is expanding advertiser and consumer choices
significantly. Faced with a multitude of media choices and a dramatic increase in accessible information, consumers may
place greater value on when, where, how and at what price they consume digital content than they do on the source or
reliability of such content. News aggregation websites and customized news feeds (often free to users) may reduce our
traffic levels by minimizing the need for the audience to visit our websites or use our digital applications directly. Online
traffic is also driven by internet search results; therefore, such results are critical to our ability to compete successfully.
Search engines frequently update and change the methods for directing search queries to web pages or change
methodologies and metrics for valuing the quality and performance of internet traffic on delivering cost-per-click
advertisements. The failure to successfully manage search engine optimization efforts across our businesses could result
in significant decreases in traffic to our various websites, which could result in substantial decreases in conversion rates
and repeat business, as well as increased costs if we were to replace free traffic with paid traffic, any or all of which could
adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If traffic levels stagnate or decline, we may not
be able to create sufficient advertiser interest in our digital businesses or to maintain or increase the advertising rates of
the inventory on our digital platforms. This increased competition for our advertisers and consumers has had and is
expected to continue to have an adverse effect on our business and financial results, including negatively impacting
9
revenues and operating income.
Our advertising revenues may decline due to weak general economic and business conditions.
Certain aspects of the U.S. economy, including employment and real estate, remain uneven and challenging in some of
our markets. Many traditional retail companies also face greater competition from online retailers and have faced
uncertainty in their businesses, affecting their advertising spending. These challenging economic and business conditions
have had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our advertising revenues. To the extent these economic conditions
continue or worsen our business and advertising revenues will be further adversely affected, which could negatively impact
our operations and cash flows and our ability to meet the covenants in our debt agreements. Our advertising revenues will
be particularly adversely affected if advertisers respond to weak and uneven economic conditions or online competition
by continuing to reduce their budgets or shift spending patterns or priorities, or if they are forced to consolidate or cease
operations. Consolidation across various industries, particularly large department stores and telecommunications
companies, may also reduce our overall advertising revenues. In addition, seasonal variations in consumer spending cause
our quarterly advertising revenues to fluctuate. Advertising revenues in the second and fourth quarters, which contain more
holidays, are typically higher than in the first and third quarters, in which economic activity is generally slower. If general
economic conditions and other factors cause a decline in revenues, particularly during the second or fourth quarters, we
may not be able to increase or maintain our revenues for the year, which would have an adverse effect on our business and
financial results.
To remain competitive, we must be able to respond to and exploit changes in technology, services and standards and
changes in consumer behavior, and significant capital investments may be required.
Technology in the media industry continues to evolve rapidly. Advances in technology have led to an increasing number
of methods for delivery of news and other content and have resulted in a wide variety of consumer demands and
expectations, which are also rapidly evolving. For example, the number of people who access online services through
devices other than personal computers, including smartphones, handheld tablets and mobile devices has increased
dramatically in the past few years and is projected to continue to increase. If we are unable to exploit new and existing
technologies to distinguish our products and services from those of our competitors or adapt to new distribution methods
that provide optimal user experiences, our business and financial results may be adversely affected.
Technological developments also pose other challenges that could adversely affect our revenues and competitive position.
New delivery platforms may lead to pricing restrictions, the loss of distribution control and the loss of a direct relationship
with consumers. We may also be adversely affected if the use of technology developed to block the display of advertising
on websites proliferates. We have noted changes in readership trends, including a shift of readers to mobile devices. A
continued shift of readership to mobile devices without a corresponding increase in mobile advertising revenues could
adversely affect our results in the future
Technological developments and any changes we make to our business model may require significant capital investments.
We may be limited in our ability to invest funds and resources in digital products, services or opportunities and we may
incur costs of research and development in building and maintaining the necessary and continually evolving technology
infrastructure. Some of our existing competitors and new entrants may have greater operational, financial and other
resources or may otherwise be better positioned to compete for opportunities and as a result, our digital businesses may be
less successful, which could adversely affect our business and financial results.
If we are not successful in growing and managing our digital businesses, our business, financial condition and
prospects will be adversely affected.
Our future growth depends to a significant degree upon the development and management of our digital businesses. The
growth of our digital businesses over the long term depends on various factors, including, among other things, the ability
to:
•
•
•
continue to increase digital audiences;
attract advertisers to our websites;
tailor our product for mobile devices;
10
• maintain or increase the advertising rates on our websites;
•
•
exploit new and existing technologies to distinguish our products and services from those of competitors and
develop new content, products and services; and
invest funds and resources in digital opportunities.
In addition, we expect that our digital business will continue to increase as a percentage of our total revenues in future
periods. For both fiscal years 2014 and 2013, digital advertising revenues comprised 23.7% of total advertising revenues.
However, digital-only advertising revenues decreased 10.5% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013 due to a
change to net revenue accounting for certain digital advertising contracts in fiscal year 2014 and the sale of
Apartments.com by Classified Ventures, LLC in April 2014. Total digital-only, which includes digital-only revenues from
advertising and audience, were down 9.3% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013, also resulting from the change
to net revenue accounting for certain digital advertising contracts and the sale of Apartments.com in fiscal year 2014. As
our digital business becomes a greater portion of our overall business, we will face a number of increased risks from
managing our digital operations, including, but not limited, to the following:
•
•
structuring our sales force to effectively sell advertising in the digital advertising arena versus our historical
print advertising business;
attracting and retaining employees with skill sets and knowledge base needed to successfully operate in
digital business; and
• managing the transition to a digital business from a historical print-focused business and the need to
concurrently reduce the physical infrastructure, distribution infrastructure and related fixed costs associated
with the historical print business.
If we are unable to execute cost-control measures successfully, our total operating costs may be greater than expected,
which may adversely affect our profitability.
As a result of adverse general economic and business conditions and our operating results, we have taken steps to lower
operating costs by reducing workforce, consolidating or regionalizing operations and implementing general cost-control
measures. If we do not achieve expected savings from these initiatives, or if our operating costs increase as a result of
these initiatives, our total operating costs may be greater than anticipated. These cost-control measures may also affect our
business and our ability to generate future revenue. Because portions of our expenses are fixed costs that neither increase
nor decrease proportionately with revenues, we are limited in our ability to reduce costs in the short-term to offset any
declines in revenues. If these cost-control efforts do not reduce costs sufficiently or otherwise adversely affect our business,
income from continuing operations may decline.
Continued economic uncertainty and the impact on our business or changes to our business and operations may result
in goodwill and masthead impairment charges.
Due to business conditions, including lower revenues and operating cash flow, we recorded masthead impairment charges
of $5.2 million in fiscal year 2014. We also recorded masthead impairment charges of $5.3 million, $2.8 million and
$59.6 million in fiscal years 2013, 2011 and 2008, respectively, and $3.0 billion of goodwill and masthead impairment
charges in fiscal year 2007. We currently have goodwill of $996 million. Further erosion of general economic, market or
business conditions could have a negative impact on our business and stock price, which may require that we record
additional impairment charges in the future, which negatively affects our results of operations.
Our business, reputation and results of operations could be negatively impacted by data security breaches and other
security threats and disruptions.
Certain network and information systems are critical to our business activities. Network and information systems may be
affected by cyber security incidents that can result from deliberate attacks or system failures. Threats include, but are not
limited to, computer hackings, computer viruses, worms or other destructive or disruptive software, or other malicious
activities. Our security measures may also be breached due to employee error, malfeasance, or otherwise. As a result of
11
these breaches, an unauthorized party may obtain access to our data or our users’ data or our systems may be compromised.
These events evolve quickly and often are not recognized until after an attack is launched, so we may be unable to anticipate
these attacks or to implement adequate preventative measures. Our network and information systems may also be
compromised by power outages, fire, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, war or other similar events. There can be no
assurance that the actions, measures and controls we have implemented will be sufficient to prevent disruptions to mission
critical systems, the unauthorized release of confidential information or corruption of data. Although we have experienced
cyber security incidents, to date none has had a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Nonetheless, these types of events are likely to occur in the future and such events could disrupt our operations or other
third party information technology systems in which we are involved. A significant breakdown, invasion, corruption,
destruction or interruption of critical information technology systems, or infrastructure by employees, others with
authorized access to our systems, or unauthorized persons could result in legal or financial liability or otherwise negatively
impact our operations. They also could require significant management attention and resources, and could negatively
impact our reputation among our customers, advertisers and the public, which could have a negative impact on our financial
condition, results of operations or liquidity.
We are subject to significant financial risk as a result of our $1.0 billion in total consolidated debt.
As of December 28, 2014, we had approximately $1.0 billion in total principal indebtedness outstanding. This level of
debt increases our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions and we will likely need to refinance
our debt prior to its scheduled maturity. Higher leverage ratios, our credit ratings, adverse financial markets or other factors
outside of our control could adversely affect our future ability to refinance maturing debt on commercially acceptable
terms, or at all, or the ultimate structure of such refinancing.
Covenants in the indenture governing the notes and our other existing debt agreements will restrict our business.
The indenture governing our 9.00% Senior Secured Notes due in 2022 (the “9.00% Notes”) and our secured credit
agreement contain various covenants that limit, subject to certain exceptions, our ability and/or our restricted subsidiaries’
ability to, among other things:
•
•
•
•
incur or assume liens;
incur additional debt or provide guarantees in respect of obligations of other persons;
issue redeemable stock and preferred stock;
pay dividends or make distributions on capital stock, repurchase, redeem or make payments on capital stock
or prepay, repurchase, redeem, retire, defease, acquire or cancel certain of our existing notes or debentures
prior to the stated maturity thereof;
• make loans, investments or acquisitions;
•
•
•
•
create or permit restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to
us or to guarantee our debt, limit our or any of our subsidiaries’ ability to create liens, or make or pay
intercompany loans or advances;
enter into certain transactions with affiliates;
sell, transfer, license, lease or dispose of our or our subsidiaries’ assets, including the capital stock of our
subsidiaries; and
dissolve, liquidate, consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all the assets of us and our
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to, another person.
12
The restrictions contained in the indenture governing the 9.00% Notes and the secured credit agreement could adversely
affect our ability to:
•
finance our operations;
• make needed capital expenditures;
• make strategic acquisitions or investments or enter into alliances;
• withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general;
•
•
•
refinance our outstanding indebtedness prior to maturity;
engage in business activities, including future opportunities, that may be in our interest; and
plan for or react to market conditions or otherwise execute our business strategies.
Our ability to comply with covenants contained in the indenture for the 9.00% Notes and our secured credit agreement
may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. Even if
we are able to comply with all of the applicable covenants, the restrictions on our ability to manage our business in our
sole discretion could adversely affect our business by, among other things, limiting our ability to take advantage of
financings, mergers, acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that we believe would be beneficial to us. In addition,
our obligations under the 9.00% Notes and the secured credit agreement are secured, subject to permitted liens, on a
first-priority basis, and in the event of default such security interests could be enforced by the collateral agent for the
secured credit agreement. In the event of such enforcement, we cannot assure you that the proceeds from the enforcement
would be sufficient to pay our obligations under the 9.00% Notes or secured credit agreement or at all.
We have significant financial obligations and in the future, we will need cash to repay our existing indebtedness and
meet our other obligations. Our inability to generate sufficient cash to pay our obligations would adversely affect our
business.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash internally to repay all of our indebtedness at maturity or to meet our other
obligations. As of December 28, 2014, we had approximately $1.0 billion of total indebtedness outstanding and
approximately $33.2 million in face amount of letters of credit outstanding under the Collateralized Issuance and
Reimbursement Agreement. Of the $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount outstanding as of December 28, 2014; we have
approximately $111.3 million of notes with an interest rate of 5.750% due in 2017; $555.8 million of 9.00% Notes due in
2022; approximately $89.2 million of debentures with an interest rate of 7.150% due in 2027 and approximately
$276.2 million of debentures with an interest rate of 6.875% due in 2029.
As of December 28, 2014, the projected benefit obligations of our qualified defined benefit pension plan (“Pension Plan”)
exceeded Pension Plan assets by $444.3 million. As a result of the enacted Highway and Transportation Funding Act in
August 2014, we do not expect to have a required cash minimum contribution to the Pension Plan in fiscal years 2015 or
2016. Future contributions are subject to numerous assumptions, including, among others, changes in interest rates, returns
on assets in the Pension Plan and future government regulations. In addition, we have a limited number of supplemental
retirement plans, which provide certain key employees with additional retirement benefits. These plans have no assets;
however as of December 28, 2014, our projected benefit obligations of these plans was $128.9 million. These plans are on
a pay-as-you-go basis.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including the 9.00% Notes and our other series of
outstanding notes, to make required contributions to the Pension Plan, to fund the supplemental retirement plans and to
fund working capital needs and planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. Our
ability to generate cash, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, business, legislative,
regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations or if future borrowings are not available to us in an
amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including the 9.00% Notes and our other series of outstanding
notes or to fund our other liquidity needs, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, on or before the
13
maturity thereof, reduce or delay capital investments or seek to raise additional capital, any of which could have a material
adverse effect on our operations. In addition, we may not be able to affect any of these actions, if necessary, on
commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our ability to restructure or refinance our indebtedness will depend on the
condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher
interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business
operations or our ability to refinance our existing debt. The terms of existing or future debt instruments, including the
indenture governing the 9.00% Notes, may limit or prevent us from taking any of these actions. In addition, any failure to
make scheduled payments of interest and principal on our outstanding indebtedness would likely result in a reduction of
our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at
all. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt service obligations, or to refinance or restructure our
obligations on commercially reasonable terms or at all, would have an adverse effect, which could be material, on our
business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as on our ability to satisfy our obligations in respect of our
outstanding debt.
We require newsprint for operations and, therefore, our operating results may be adversely affected if the price of
newsprint increases or if we experience disruptions in our newsprint supply chain.
Newsprint is the major component of our cost of raw materials. Newsprint accounted for 7.0% of our operating expenses
in fiscal year 2014. Accordingly, our earnings are sensitive to changes in newsprint prices. The price of newsprint has
historically been volatile and may increase as a result of various factors, including:
•
•
•
•
declining newsprint supply from mill closures;
reduction in newsprint suppliers because of consolidation in the newsprint industry;
paper mills reducing their newsprint supply because of switching their production to other paper grades; and
a decline in the financial situation of newsprint suppliers.
We have not attempted to hedge price fluctuations in the normal purchases of newsprint or enter into contracts with
embedded derivatives for the purchase of newsprint other than the natural hedge created by our ownership interest in
Ponderay. If the price of newsprint increases materially, our operating results could be adversely affected. In addition, we
rely on a limited number of suppliers for deliveries of newsprint. If newsprint suppliers experience labor unrest,
transportation difficulties or other supply disruptions, our ability to produce and deliver newspapers could be impaired
and/or the cost of the newsprint could increase, both of which would negatively affect our operating results.
A portion of our employees are members of unions, and if we experience labor unrest, our ability to produce and deliver
newspapers could be impaired.
If we experience labor unrest, our ability to produce and deliver newspapers could be impaired in some locations. In
addition, the results of future labor negotiations could harm our operating results. Our newspapers have not experienced a
labor strike for decades. However, we cannot ensure that a strike will not occur at one or more of our newspapers in the
future. As of December 28, 2014, approximately 6.8% of full-time and part-time employees were represented by unions.
Most of our union-represented employees are currently working under labor agreements, with expiration dates through
2016. We face collective bargaining upon the expirations of these labor agreements. Even if our newspapers do not suffer
a labor strike, our operating results could be harmed if the results of labor negotiations restrict our ability to maximize the
efficiency of our newspaper operations. In addition, our ability to make short-term adjustments to control compensation
and benefits costs, rebalance our portfolio of businesses or otherwise adapt to changing business needs may be limited by
the terms and duration of our collective bargaining agreements.
We may be required to make greater contributions to our qualified defined benefit pension plans in the next several
years than previously required, placing greater liquidity needs upon our operations.
The projected benefit obligations of the Pension Plan exceeded Pension Plan assets by $444.3 million as of December 28,
2014, an increase of $141.1 million from December 29, 2013, primarily due to an unfavorable change in the discount rate
and new mortality assumptions. The value of the Pension Plan assets fluctuates based on many factors, including changes
in interest rates and market returns.
14
The excess of benefit obligations over pension assets is expected to give rise to required pension contributions over the
next several years. In August 2014, federal legislation enacted the Highway and Transportation Funding Act, which,
among other things, provides pension funding stabilization that will reduce our minimum contribution requirements for
the 2013-2017 plan years. Legislation enacted in the second quarter of 2012 mandated a change in the discount rates used
to calculate the projected benefit obligations for purposes of funding pension plans. The new legislation and calculation
uses historical averages of long-term highly-rated corporate bonds (within ranges as defined in the legislation) which have
an impact of applying a higher discount rate to determine the projected benefit obligations for funding and current
long-term interest rates. Also, the Pension Relief Act of 2010 (“PRA”) provided relief in the funding requirements of the
Pension Plan, and we elected an option that allows the funding related to our 2009 and 2011 plan years required
contributions to be paid over 15 years. However, even with the relief provided by these legislative rules, we expect future
contributions to be required. In addition, adverse conditions in the capital markets and/or lower long-term interest rates
may result in greater annual contribution requirements, placing greater liquidity needs upon our operations.
We have invested in certain digital ventures, but such ventures may not be as successful as expected, which could
adversely affect our results of operations.
We continue to evaluate our business and make strategic investments in digital ventures, either alone or with partners, to
further our digital growth. We have, among others, investments with other partners in CareerBuilder LLC, which operates
the nation’s largest online job website, CareerBuilder.com, and HomeFinder LLC, which operates the real estate website
HomeFinder.com, as well as certain other digital company investments. The success of these ventures is dependent to an
extent on the efforts of our partners. Further, our ability to monetize the investments and/or the value we may receive upon
any disposition may depend on the actions of our partners. As a result, our ability to control the timing or process relating
to a disposition may be limited, which could adversely affect the liquidity of these investments or the value we may
ultimately attain upon disposition. If the value of the companies in which we invest declines, we may be required to record
a charge to earnings. There can be no assurances that we will receive a return on these investments or that they will result
in advertising growth or will produce equity income or capital gains in future years. See the Recent Developments
discussion that follows in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.”
Circulation volume declines could adversely affect our audience and advertising revenues and audience price increases
could exacerbate declines in circulation volumes.
Advertising and audience revenues are affected by circulation volumes and readership levels of our newspapers. In recent
years, newspapers have experienced difficulty maintaining or increasing print circulation levels because of a number of
factors, including:
•
•
•
•
•
increased competition from other publications and other forms of media technologies available in various
markets, including the internet and other new media formats that are often free for users;
continued fragmentation of media audiences;
a growing preference among some consumers to receive all or a portion of their news other than from a
newspaper;
increases in subscription and newsstand rates; and
declining discretionary spending by consumers affected by negative economic conditions.
These factors could also affect our newspapers’ ability to institute circulation price increases for print products. Also, print
price increases have historically had an initial negative impact on circulation volumes that may not be mitigated with
additional marketing and promotion. A prolonged reduction in circulation volumes would have a material adverse effect
on advertising revenues. To maintain our circulation base, we may be required to incur additional costs that we may not
be able to recover through audience and advertising revenues.
15
We rely on third party vendors for various services and failure of any of those third parties to fulfill their obligations to
us with quality and timeliness we expect, or if our relationship with such vendors is damaged, our business may be
harmed.
We rely on third party vendors to provide various services such as printing, distribution and production, as well as
information technology systems. We do not control the operation of these vendors. If any of these third party vendors
terminates their relationship with us, or does not provide an adequate level of service, it would be disruptive to our business
as we seek to replace the vendor or remedy the inadequate level of service. This disruption may adversely affect our
operating results.
Developments in the laws and regulations to which we are subject, may result in increased costs and lower advertising
revenues from our digital businesses.
We are generally subject to government regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate. In addition, our websites are
available worldwide and are subject to laws regulating the internet both within and outside the United States. We may
incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure
to comply. Advertising revenues from our digital businesses could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing
or future laws and regulations relating to the use of consumer data in digital media.
Adverse results from litigation or governmental investigations can impact our business practices and operating results.
In the ordinary course of business, we and our subsidiaries are parties to litigation and regulatory, environmental and other
proceedings with governmental authorities and administrative agencies. For example, we are currently involved in two
class action lawsuits that are described further in Item 3 Legal Proceedings. Adverse outcomes in lawsuits or investigations
could result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief that could adversely affect our operating results or
financial condition as well as our ability to conduct our business as it is presently being conducted.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters are located at 2100 Q Street, Sacramento, California. At December 28, 2014, we had newspaper
production facilities in 16 markets in 12 states. Our facilities vary in size and in total occupy about 5.9 million square feet.
Approximately 2.0 million of the total square footage is leased from others, while we own the properties for the remaining
square footage. We own substantially all of our production equipment, although certain office equipment is leased.
We maintain our properties in good condition and believe that our current facilities are adequate to meet the present needs
of our newspapers.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In December 2008, carriers of The Fresno Bee filed a purported class action lawsuit against us and The Fresno Bee in the
Superior Court of the State of California in Fresno County captioned Becerra v. The McClatchy Company (“Fresno case”)
alleging that the carriers were misclassified as independent contractors and seeking mileage reimbursement. In February
2009, a substantially similar lawsuit, Sawin v. The McClatchy Company, involving similar allegations was filed by carriers
of The Sacramento Bee (“Sacramento case”) in the Superior Court of the State of California in Sacramento County. Both
courts have certified the class in these cases. The class consists of roughly 5,000 carriers in the Sacramento case and 3,500
carriers in the Fresno case. The plaintiffs in both cases are seeking unspecified damages for mileage reimbursement. With
respect to the Sacramento case, in September 2013, all wage and hour claims were dismissed and the only remaining claim
is an equitable claim for mileage reimbursement under the California Civil Code for mileage. In the Fresno case, in March
2014, all wage and hour claims were dismissed and the only remaining claim is an equitable claim for mileage
reimbursement under the California Civil Code.
The court in the Sacramento case has trifurcated the trial into three separate phases: the first phase addressed independent
contractor status, the second phase will address liability, if any, and the third phase will address damages, if any. On
16
September 22, 2014, the court in the Sacramento case issued a tentative decision following the first phase, finding that the
carriers that contracted directly with The Sacramento Bee during the period from February 2005 to July 2009 were
misclassified as independent contractors. We objected to the tentative decision but the court ultimately adopted it as final.
The court has not yet established a date for the second and third phases of trial concerning whether The Sacramento Bee
is liable to the carriers in the class for mileage reimbursement or owes any damages.
The court in the Fresno case has bifurcated the trial into two separate phases: the first phase will address independent
contractor status and liability for mileage reimbursement and the second phase will address damages, if any. The first
phase of the Fresno case began in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014 and is expected to conclude in late March 2015.
We are defending these actions vigorously and expect that we will ultimately prevail. As a result, we have not established
a reserve in connection with the cases. While we believe that a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial
position, results of operations or cash flows from these claims is unlikely, given the inherent uncertainty of litigation, a
possibility exists that future adverse rulings or unfavorable developments could result in future charges that could have a
material impact. We have and will continue to periodically reexamine our estimates of probable liabilities and any
associated expenses and make appropriate adjustments to such estimates based on experience and developments in
litigation.
Other than the cases described above, we are subject to a variety of legal proceedings (including libel, employment, wage
and hour, independent contractor and other legal actions) and governmental proceedings (including environmental matters)
that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. We are unable to estimate the amount or range of
reasonably possible losses for these matters. However, we currently believe, after reviewing such actions with counsel,
that the expected outcome of pending actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. No
material amounts for any losses from litigation that may ultimately occur have been recorded in the consolidated financial
statements as we believe that any such losses are not probable.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None
17
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
The McClatchy Company’s (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) Class A Common Stock is listed on the New York
Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “MNI.” A small amount of Class A Common Stock is also traded on other
exchanges. Our Class B Common Stock is not publicly traded. As of February 27, 2015, there were approximately 5,049
and 19 record holders of our Class A and Class B Common Stock, respectively. We believe that the total number of holders
of our Class A Common Stock is much higher since many shares are held in street names. The following table lists the
high and low prices of our Class A Common Stock as reported by the NYSE for each fiscal quarter of 2014 and 2013:
Fiscal Year 2014 Quarters Ended:
March 30, 2014
June 29, 2014
September 28, 2014
December 28, 2014
Fiscal Year 2013 Quarters Ended:
March 31, 2013
June 30, 2013
September 29, 2013
December 29, 2013
Dividends:
High
Low
7.39 $
7.00 $
5.93 $
3.95 $
3.30
4.82
3.50
2.84
High
Low
3.46 $
2.90 $
3.38 $
3.43 $
2.17
2.13
2.29
2.75
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
During fiscal year 2009, we suspended our quarterly dividend; therefore, we have not paid any cash dividends since the
first quarter of fiscal year 2009. The payment and amount of future dividends remain within the discretion of the Board of
Directors and will depend upon our future earnings, financial condition, and other factors considered relevant by the Board
of Directors. Our amended credit agreement prohibits the payment of a dividend if a payment would not be permitted
under the indenture for the 9.00% Notes (discussed below). Dividends under the indenture for the 9.00% Notes are allowed
if the consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the indenture) is less than 5.25 to 1.00 and we have sufficient amounts
under our restricted payments basket (as defined in the indenture). As of December 28, 2014, we estimated that we had
approximately $649 million available under our restricted payments basket which could be used for a variety of payments,
including dividends. However, the payment and amount of future dividends remain within the discretion of the Board of
Directors and will depend upon our future earnings, financial condition, and other factors considered relevant by the Board
of Directors.
Equity Securities:
During the year ended December 28, 2014, we did not repurchase any equity securities and we did not sell any equity
securities of the Company, which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Performance Graph:
The following graph compares the cumulative five-year total return attained by shareholders on The McClatchy
Company’s common stock versus the cumulative total returns of the S&P Midcap 400 index and a customized peer group
composed of five companies (“Peer Group”).
Our Peer Group is customized to include five companies that are publicly traded with at least 40% of their revenues from
newspaper publishing. This peer group includes: A.H. Belo Corp., E.W. Scripps Company, Gannett Co., Lee
Enterprises Inc. and New York Times Company.
18
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among The McClatchy Company, the S&P Midcap 400 Index,
and a Peer Group
$250
$200
$150
$100
$50
$0
12/27/09
12/26/10
12/25/11
12/30/12
12/29/13
12/28/14
The McClatchy Company
S&P Midcap 400
16MAR201515122905
Peer Group
*$100 invested on 12/27/09 in stock or 12/31/09 in index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Index calculated on month-end basis.
Copyright(cid:2) 2014 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
The McClatchy Company $
$
S&P Midcap 400
Peer Group (1)
$
Fiscal Years Ended:
12/27/2009 12/26/2010 12/25/2011 12/30/2012 12/29/2013 12/28/2014
98
67 $
215
124 $
201
82 $
94 $
196 $
188 $
135 $
127 $
97 $
100 $
100 $
100 $
84 $
147 $
105 $
(1)
Peer group includes: A.H. Belo Corp., E.W. Scripps Company, Gannett Co., Lee Enterprises Inc. and New York Times Company
19
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” our consolidated financial statements and the related notes,
and other financial data included elsewhere in this annual report. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the
results to be expected in future periods.
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
REVENUES — NET:
Advertising
Audience
Other
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Other operating expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Asset impairments
OPERATING INCOME
NON-OPERATING (EXPENSE) INCOME:
Interest expense
Interest income
Equity income in unconsolidated companies, net
Gains related to equity investments
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Other — primarily Miami property gain and write-downs
Other — net
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
Income tax provision (benefit)
NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
NET INCOME (LOSS)
Basic earnings per common share:
$
December 28, December 29, December 30, December 25, December 26,
2012 (1)
2011
2010
2013
2014
$
731,783 $
366,592
48,177
1,146,552
822,128 $
346,311
46,409
1,214,848
895,640 $
334,580
49,624
1,279,844
936,418 $ 1,026,782
352,959
339,504
49,627
47,955
1,429,368
1,323,877
942,364
113,638
8,227
1,064,229
82,323
955,153
121,570
17,181
1,093,904
120,944
975,525
124,348
—
1,099,873
179,971
1,005,700
120,384
2,800
1,128,884
194,993
1,066,108
132,164
—
1,198,272
231,096
(127,503)
254
19,084
705,247
(72,777)
—
579
524,884
607,207
231,230
375,977
(1,988)
373,989 $
(135,381)
53
42,651
—
(13,643)
12,938
541
(92,841)
28,103
11,659
16,444
2,359
18,803 $
(151,334)
88
31,935
—
(88,430)
—
79
(207,662)
(27,691)
(23,725)
(3,966)
3,822
(144) $
(165,434)
97
27,762
—
(1,203)
—
248
(138,530)
56,463
6,023
50,440
3,949
54,389 $
(177,641)
550
11,752
—
(10,661)
(24,447)
265
(200,182)
30,914
2,519
28,395
7,788
36,183
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss) per basic common share
Diluted earnings per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss) per diluted common share
Dividends per common share:
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets
Long-term debt
Financing obligations
Stockholders’ equity
$
$
$
$
$
4.33 $
(0.02)
4.31 $
4.26 $
(0.03)
4.23 $
— $
0.19 $
0.03
0.22 $
0.19 $
0.03
0.22 $
— $
(0.05) $
0.05
— $
(0.05) $
0.05
— $
— $
0.59 $
0.05
0.64 $
0.59 $
0.04
0.63 $
— $
0.34
0.09
0.43
0.34
0.09
0.43
—
$ 2,553,915 $ 2,617,635 $ 3,005,131 $
1,493,323
40,264
240,386
1,587,330
279,325
42,501
1,006,957
34,551
503,385
3,040,059 $ 3,146,859
1,703,339
—
215,752
1,577,476
272,795
175,187
(1) Due to our fiscal calendar, the year ended on December 30, 2012 encompassed a 53-week period as compared to the other fiscal
year ends identified in this table, which only have 52-week periods.
20
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Reference is made to Part I, Item 1 “Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 1A “Risk Factors,” which describes important
factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations and non-historical information contained herein. In
addition, the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of The McClatchy
Company (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”). MD&A should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated
financial statements and accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (“Notes”) as of and for each of the
three years ended December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 included elsewhere in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
We are a 21st century news and information publisher of well-respected publications such as the Miami Herald, The
Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The Charlotte Observer, The (Raleigh) News and Observer, and the (Fort
Worth) Star-Telegram. We operate media companies in 28 U.S. markets in 14 states, providing each of these communities
with high-quality news and advertising services in a wide array of digital and print formats. We are headquartered in
Sacramento, California, and our Class A Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MNI.
We also own 15.0% of CareerBuilder, LLC, which operates the nation’s largest online job website, CareerBuilder.com;
33.3% of HomeFinder, LLC, which operates the online real estate website HomeFinder.com; as well as certain other digital
company investments. See Recent Developments below for discussion of Classified Ventures, LLC.
Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December. The year ended December 28, 2014 (“fiscal year 2014”) and
December 29, 2013 (“fiscal year 2013”) both consisted of 52-week periods. The year ended on December 30, 2012 (“fiscal
year 2012”) consisted of a 53-week period.
The following table reflects our sources of revenues as a percentage of total revenues for the periods presented:
Revenues:
Advertising
Audience
Other
Total revenues
Years Ended
December 28,
2014
December 29,
2013
December 30,
2012
63.8 %
32.0 %
4.2 %
100.0 %
67.7 %
28.5 %
3.8 %
100.0 %
70.0 %
26.1 %
3.9 %
100.0 %
Our primary sources of revenues are print and digital advertising. All categories (retail, national and classified) of
advertising discussed below include both print and digital advertising. Retail advertising revenues include advertising
carried as a part of newspapers (run of press (“ROP”) advertising), advertising inserts placed in newspapers (“preprint
advertising”) and/or advertising delivered digitally. Audience revenues include print and digital subscriptions or a
combination of both. Our print newspapers are primarily delivered by large distributors and certain newspapers utilize
independent contractors. Other revenues include primarily commercial printing and distribution revenues.
See “Results of Operations” section below for a discussion of our revenue performance and contribution by category for
the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Sale of Anchorage Daily News, Inc.
Recent Developments
On May 5, 2014, we completed the sale of the outstanding capital stock of Anchorage Daily News, Inc. (“Anchorage”) for
$34.0 million in cash. In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification
205-20, “Discontinued Operations,” the financial results of Anchorage have been reported as a discontinued operation in
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our consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. For a more complete discussion of the transaction, refer to
Note 2, Divestiture.
Investments in Unconsolidated Companies Activity
Classified Ventures
On April 1, 2014, Classified Ventures, LLC sold its Apartments.com business for $585 million. Accordingly, during fiscal
year 2014, we recorded our share of the gain on the sale of approximately $144.2 million, before taxes. On April 1, 2014,
we received a cash distribution of approximately $146.9 million from Classified Ventures, LLC, which is equal to our
share of the net proceeds from the sale.
On October 1, 2014, we, along with Tribune Media Company, Graham Holdings Company and A. H. Belo Corporation
(the “Selling Partners”) completed the sale of all of the Selling Partners’ ownership interests in Classified Ventures, LLC
to Gannett Co., Inc. for a price that valued Classified Ventures, LLC at $2.5 billion. We recorded a gain on sale of our
ownership interest in Classified Ventures, LLC of $559.3 million, before taxes, during fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014.
Our portion of the cash proceeds, net of transaction costs, was approximately $631.8 million, or approximately $406
million net of taxes. Pursuant to the sale agreement, $25.6 million of net proceeds is being held in escrow until October 1,
2015. Prior to the transaction closing Classified Ventures, LLC distributed $6.0 million, representing our portion of their
earnings. On October 1, 2014, we received our portion of the net cash proceeds, less the escrow amount, of $606.2 million.
Upon the closing of the transaction, we entered into a new, five-year affiliate agreement with Cars.com that will allow us
to continue to sell Cars.com products and services exclusively in our local markets.
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
On May 7, 2014, we transferred our partnership interest in McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (“MCT”) to TCA
News Service LLC (“TCA”) for cash and future newswire content. Concurrently, we entered into a contributor agreement
with MCT pursuant to which we will continue to be a contributor of newswire content to MCT for an agreed upon rate,
and we will receive newswire content from MCT or its successor at no cost for approximately 10 years. During fiscal year
2014, we recognized a $3.1 million intangible asset with respect to the content we will receive from MCT at no cost under
these agreements and a $1.7 million gain on sale of the equity investment.
Amended Credit Agreement and LC Agreement
On October 21, 2014, we amended our Credit Agreement (“Amended Credit Agreement”) to, among other things, reduce
the lending banks’ commitments from $75 million to $65 million, amend or eliminate certain covenant requirements and
extend the maturity date by two years to December 18, 2019. In addition, on October 21, 2014, we entered into a
Collateralized Issuance and Reimbursement Agreement (“LC Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the LC Agreement,
we may request letters of credit to be issued on our behalf in an aggregate face amount not to exceed $35.0 million. We
are required to provide cash collateral equal to 101% of the aggregate undrawn stated amount of each outstanding letter of
credit.
Debt Repurchases/Retirements and Extinguishment of Debt
In November 2014, in privately-negotiated transactions, we repurchased approximately $344.2 million in aggregate
principal amount of our 9.00% Senior Secured Notes due in 2022 (“9.00% Notes”) and approximately $150.0 million in
aggregate principal amount of our 5.75% Notes due in 2017, for a total amount of $494.2 million in cash plus accrued and
unpaid interest. We repurchased these notes at a price higher than par value and wrote off historical discounts and
unamortized issuance costs related to these notes, which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $72.8 million in
fiscal year 2014. Also in November 2014, we retired the 4.625% notes for $29.0 million that were due at maturity.
Non-Cash Impairment Charges
Our financial operating results for fiscal year 2014 include $8.2 million of non-cash impairment charges to reduce the
carrying value of mastheads, real property, land and non-newsprint inventory. The non-cash impairment charges consist
of $5.2 million for masthead impairments resulting from our annual impairment testing, $2.0 million write-down of non-
newsprint inventory and $1.0 million for a write-down of buildings and land at one of our newspapers. In addition, we
incurred $7.8 million of non-cash impairment charges for write-downs of certain unconsolidated investments, primarily
our interest in the Ponderay Newsprint Company.
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Accounting for Sales of Third party Digital Advertising Products
In fiscal year 2014 we began reporting the wholesale fees associated with sales of certain third party digital advertising
products and services on a net basis, as a reduction of the associated digital classified advertising revenues, rather than in
other operating expenses, in our consolidated statements of operations. There is no impact to operating income, operating
cash flows, net income or net income per common share amounts associated with this change.
The following table reflects our financial results on a consolidated basis for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012:
Results of Operations
December 28,
Years Ended
December 29, December 30,
2014
2013
2012
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss)
$ 375,977 $ 16,444 $ (3,966)
3,822
(144)
(1,988)
$ 373,989
$ 18,803 $
2,359
Net income (loss) per diluted common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income (loss) per share
$
$
4.26
(0.03)
4.23
$
$
0.19 $
0.03
0.22 $
(0.05)
0.05
—
The increase in income from continuing operations in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013 is primarily related
to gains related to equity investments, offset by a loss on extinguishment of debt. See previous discussion in Recent
Developments regarding the equity investment related transactions and losses on extinguishment of debt.
We had income from continuing operations in fiscal year 2013 compared to a net loss in fiscal year 2012. The net loss in
fiscal year 2012 primarily resulted from the recognition of a loss on extinguishment of debt related to the refinancing of
debt in December 2012. In addition, revenues and expenses were higher in fiscal year 2012 as a result of the extra week
in the year.
Fiscal Year 2014 Compared to Fiscal Year 2013
Revenues
The following table summarizes our revenues by category, which compares fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2013:
(in thousands)
Advertising:
Retail
National
Classified:
Auto
Real estate
Employment
Other
Total classified
Direct marketing and other
Total advertising
Audience
Other
Total revenues
Years Ended
December 28,
2014
December 29,
2013
$
Change
%
Change
$
374,425 $
50,796
414,482 $ (40,057)
(11,762)
62,558
(9.7)
(18.8)
53,025
30,240
34,378
61,227
178,870
127,692
731,783
366,592
48,177
(23,213)
(3,546)
(4,401)
(3,898)
(35,058)
(3,468)
(90,345)
20,281
1,768
$ 1,146,552 $ 1,214,848 $ (68,296)
76,238
33,786
38,779
65,125
213,928
131,160
822,128
346,311
46,409
(30.4)
(10.5)
(11.3)
(6.0)
(16.4)
(2.6)
(11.0)
5.9
3.8
(5.6)
During fiscal year 2014, total revenues decreased 5.6% compared to fiscal year 2013 primarily due to the continued decline
in demand for advertising in our industry and due to a change to net revenue accounting for certain digital advertising
contracts in fiscal year 2014 (as discussed previously). The continued volatility in consumer spending and a secular shift
in advertising demand from print to digital products, which are widely available from many media competitors and are
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generally sold at lower prices than print products, are the principal causes of the decline in total advertising revenues. The
decline in total advertising revenues was partially offset by increases in our audience revenues due primarily to the shift
of some of our newspapers to fee-for-service circulation delivery contracts and sales of our subscription products.
Advertising Revenues
Total advertising revenues decreased 11.0% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. While we experienced
declines in almost all of our revenue categories, the decrease in total advertising revenues related primarily to declines in
retail and national advertising and due to a change to net revenue accounting for certain digital advertising contracts in
fiscal year 2014. These decreases in total advertising revenues were partially offset by an increase in our digital retail
revenues. In addition, our affiliate agreement to sell products from Apartments.com terminated in connection with
Classified Ventures, LLC’s sale of that business on April 1, 2014, resulting in $0.4 million in revenues from
Apartments.com during fiscal year 2014 compared to $3.7 million in fiscal year 2013.
Newspaper advertising is typically display advertising, or in the case of classified, display and/or liner advertising, while
digital advertising can be in the form of display, coupon or banner ads, video, search advertising and/or liner ads.
Advertising printed directly in the newspaper is considered ROP advertising while preprint advertising consists of
preprinted advertising inserts delivered with the newspaper.
The following table reflects the category of advertising revenues as a percentage of total advertising revenues for the
periods presented:
Advertising:
Retail
National
Classified
Direct marketing and other
Total advertising
We categorize advertising revenues as follows:
Years Ended
December 28,
2014
December 29,
2013
51.2 %
6.9 %
24.4 %
17.5 %
100.0 %
50.4 %
7.6 %
26.0 %
16.0 %
100.0 %
• Retail – local retailers, local stores of national retailers, department and furniture stores, restaurants and
other consumer-related businesses. Retail advertising also includes revenues from preprinted advertising
inserts distributed in the newspaper.
• National – national and major accounts such as telecommunications companies, financial institutions,
movie studios, airlines and other national companies.
• Classified – local auto dealers, employment, real estate and other classified advertising, which includes
remembrances, legal advertisements and other miscellaneous advertising.
• Direct Marketing and Other – advertisements in direct mail, shared mail and niche publications, total
market coverage publications and other miscellaneous advertising not included in the daily newspaper.
Retail:
Retail advertising revenues decreased 9.7% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. The decrease in retail
advertising revenues was primarily due to decreases of 13.5% in print ROP advertising revenues and 12.5% in preprint
advertising revenues compared to fiscal year 2013. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in digital retail
advertising of 4.5% during fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. The overall decreases in retail advertising
revenues were widespread among the ROP and preprint categories, reflecting a sluggish retail advertising environment.
National:
National advertising revenues decreased 18.8% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. The industry has seen a
persistent decline in national advertising at regional newspaper companies over the last several years. We experienced a
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23.2% decrease in print national advertising and an 8.7% decrease in digital national advertising during fiscal year 2014
compared to fiscal year 2013. Decreases in total national advertising revenues during fiscal year 2014 were led by
decreases in the telecommunications category, which showed stronger performances in fiscal year 2013. Also contributing
to the decline in total national advertising revenues for fiscal year 2014, was a decrease in the entertainment category.
Classified:
Classified advertising revenues decreased 16.4% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. The print and digital
automotive, print and digital employment, print and digital real estate, and print other (primarily including legal,
remembrance and celebration notices and miscellaneous advertising) categories represented our largest declines in
classified advertising during fiscal year 2014. The decreases are partially due to a change to net revenue accounting for
certain digital advertising contracts in fiscal year 2014 and the sale of Apartments.com by Classified Ventures, LLC in
April 2014. Advertisers are increasingly using digital advertising, which is widely available from many of our competitors,
instead of print advertising. During fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013, we experienced a decrease in print
classified advertising of 10.2% and digital classified advertising decreased 23.8%. The decreases in digital classified
advertising were impacted by the lack of Apartments.com revenue in most of fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year
2013 and due to a change to net revenue accounting for certain digital advertising contracts in fiscal year 2014.
The following is a discussion of the major classified advertising categories for fiscal year 2014, as compared to fiscal year
2013:
• Automotive advertising revenues decreased 30.4% in fiscal year 2014. Print automotive advertising
revenues declined 22.2% in fiscal year 2014, while digital automotive advertising revenues were down
35.5%. The decline in print automotive advertising revenues reflects the continued migration of
automotive advertising to digital platforms, including the popularity of the Cars.com products with local
auto dealerships. The digital automotive advertising revenues results primarily reflect the change to net
revenue accounting for certain digital advertising contracts in fiscal year 2014.
• Real estate advertising revenues decreased 10.5% in fiscal year 2014. Print real estate advertising
revenues declined 6.8% and digital real estate advertising revenues decreased 16.3% in fiscal year 2014.
Real estate revenues have decreased, partially due to having no revenues from Apartments.com after the
first quarter of 2014 and also due to the continued shifts from traditional media to digital media, which
is widely available from many media competitors. We had $0.4 million in real estate revenues from
Apartments.com in fiscal year 2014 compared to $3.7 million in fiscal year 2013.
• Employment advertising revenues decreased 11.3% in fiscal year 2014 reflecting an employment market
that continues to shift from traditional media to digital media, which includes a wider array of options
and due to a change to net revenue accounting for certain digital advertising contracts in fiscal year 2014.
Print employment advertising revenues declined 6.4% in fiscal year 2014. Digital employment
advertising revenues were down 15.2% fiscal year 2014, due mostly to a change to net revenue
accounting for certain digital advertising contracts in fiscal year 2014.
• Other classified advertising revenues, which include legal, remembrance and celebration notices and
miscellaneous advertising, decreased 6.0% in fiscal year 2014. Print other classified advertising revenues
declined 5.9% and digital other classified advertising revenues were down 6.1% in fiscal year 2014.
Digital:
Digital advertising revenues, which are included in each of the advertising categories discussed above, constituted 23.7%
of total advertising revenues in both fiscal years 2014 and 2013. Total digital advertising includes digital advertising both
bundled as a print up-sale and sold on a standalone basis. Digital advertising revenues declined 10.9% to $173.4 million
in fiscal year 2014 compared to $194.7 million in fiscal year 2013 and digital-only advertising revenues decreased 10.5%
to $103.0 million in fiscal year 2014 compared to $115.2 million in fiscal year 2013. The decreases in total digital
advertising revenues and digital-only advertising reflect the change to net revenue accounting for certain digital advertising
contracts in fiscal year 2014. We had $0.4 million in revenues from sales of Apartments.com products in fiscal year 2014
compared to $3.7 million in fiscal year 2013. Digital advertising revenues sold in conjunction with print products declined
11.5% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013 as a result of fewer print advertising sales. We expect the secular
shift in advertising demand from print to digital products to continue as advertisers look for multiple advertising channels
to reach their customers.
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Direct Marketing and Other:
Direct marketing and other advertising revenues decreased 2.6% during fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013.
The decrease was partially due to the sluggish print retail environment and the elimination of certain niche products that
did not meet profit expectations. We continue to experience growth in revenues from our “Sunday Select” product, a
package of preprinted advertisements delivered to non-subscribers upon request, which grew 4.1% in fiscal year 2014
compared to fiscal year 2013.
Audience Revenues
Audience revenues increased 5.9% during fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. Contributing to the growth in
total audience revenues in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013 was an increase of $22.0 million in revenues
related to newspapers that changed to fee-for-service circulation delivery contracts. The increase in revenues related to
changing contracts also has a corresponding increase in other operating expenses as discussed below. During fiscal year
2014 we had six newspapers in various stages of transition to fee-for-service contracts for home-delivery subscribers. In
total, 27 of our 29 daily newspapers have transitioned or are in the process of transitioning to fee-for-service contracts for
home-delivery subscribers as of December 28, 2014, and the two remaining newspapers are expected to begin transitioning
in fiscal year 2015. The overall audience revenues increase was partially offset by lower circulation volumes. Daily
circulation volumes declined 6.5% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. In fiscal year 2013, daily circulation
volumes had declined 6.0% as compared to fiscal year 2012. Sunday circulation volumes declined 2.4% in fiscal year 2014
compared to fiscal year 2013. In fiscal year 2013, Sunday circulation volumes grew slightly at 0.2% as compared to fiscal
year 2012. As expected, circulation volumes continue to decline as a result of fragmentation of audiences faced by all
media as available media outlets proliferate and readership trends change. We continue to look for new opportunities to
reduce our declines in circulation volumes and increase our audience revenues.
Operating Expenses
During fiscal year 2014, total operating expenses decreased 2.7% compared to fiscal year 2013. As discussed above, during
fiscal year 2014, we changed to net revenue accounting for certain digital advertising contracts, which resulted in expenses
previously reported in other operating expenses being recorded as a reduction in the associated revenues. In addition, our
total operating expenses reflect our continued effort to reduce costs through streamlining processes to gain efficiencies, as
well as headcount reductions. However, operating expenses in fiscal year 2014 reflect increases in non-cash operating
expenses, including non-cash impairment charges and accelerated depreciation, as well as increases for newspapers that
changed to fee-for-service circulation delivery contracts as discussed in the Audience Revenues section above. Operating
expenses in all periods presented include employee severance related to headcount reductions. Fiscal year 2013 also
includes moving expenses primarily related to the relocation of our Miami newspaper operations and other production
facility moves and outsourcing.
The following table summarizes our operating expenses, which compares fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2013:
December 28,
December 29,
$
%
Years Ended
Compensation expenses
Newsprint, supplements and printing expenses
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Other operating expenses
Asset impairments
$
2014
411,881 $
114,801
113,638
415,682
8,227
2013
422,981 $ (11,100)
(5,750)
120,551
(7,932)
121,570
4,061
411,621
17,181
Change Change
(2.6)
(4.8)
(6.5)
1.0
(8,954) (52.1)
(2.7)
$ 1,064,229 $ 1,093,904 $ (29,675)
Compensation expenses, which includes the severance costs discussed above, decreased 2.6% during fiscal year 2014
compared to fiscal year 2013. Payroll expenses in fiscal year 2014 decreased 1.7% compared to fiscal year 2013, reflecting
a 6.6% decline in average full-time equivalent employees partially offset by higher severance costs in fiscal year 2014. In
addition, fringe benefits costs in fiscal year 2014 decreased 6.8% compared to fiscal year 2013, primarily as a result of
lower pension and post retirement expenses.
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Newsprint, supplements and printing expenses decreased 4.8% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. Newsprint
expense decreased by 11.7% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013, reflecting a 10.9% decrease in newsprint
usage and a 0.9% decrease in newsprint prices during fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. These decreases in
newsprint were partially offset by increases in outsourced printing costs of $7.4 million in fiscal year 2014, primarily
related to the outsourcing of our printing process at one newspaper.
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased 6.5% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. The decrease in
depreciation expense during fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013 was primarily related to approximately $5.9
million associated with assets that became fully depreciated. This decrease was partially offset by $13.5 million in
accelerated depreciation in fiscal year 2014; (i) related to the production equipment associated with outsourcing our
printing process at one newspaper and (ii) resulting from moving the printing operations for another newspaper to the
newly purchased production facility. During fiscal year 2013, we incurred $11.4 million in accelerated depreciation
(i) related to equipment formerly used in our Miami operations prior to the relocation of these operations, (ii) related to
the production equipment associated with outsourcing our printing process at one of our newspapers and (iii) moving the
printing operations for another newspaper. Amortization expense decreased $4.2 million in fiscal year 2014 compared to
fiscal year 2013 primarily due to certain circulation subscriber listing amortization schedules which became fully
amortized at the beginning of the quarter ended September 28, 2014.
Other operating expenses increased 1.0% in fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. The increase included $22.0
million in expenses related to newspapers that changed to fee-for-service circulation delivery contracts, $6.2 million net
in other sales costs for digital advertising and customer sales costs, and $1.3 million in additional professional fees. The
expenses related to changing to fee-for-service contracts also have a corresponding increase in audience revenues as
discussed previously. The increase in operating expenses was partially offset by a decrease of $6.0 million in fiscal year
2014 compared to fiscal year 2013, for moving costs related to the relocation of our Miami operations in 2013 and due to
a change to net revenue accounting for certain digital advertising contracts in fiscal year 2014.
Asset impairments for fiscal year 2014 include $8.2 million of non-cash impairment charges to reduce the carrying value
of mastheads, real property, land and non-newsprint inventory. The charges consist of $5.2 million for masthead
impairments resulting from our annual impairment testing, $2.0 million write-down of non-newsprint inventory and $1.0
million for a write-down of buildings and land at one of our newspapers. Asset impairments in fiscal year 2013 include
$17.2 million of non-cash impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of mastheads and real property, land, and
production equipment. The charges include $5.3 million for masthead impairments resulting from our annual impairment
testing and $11.9 million for impairment charges related to our existing production facilities and equipment as a result of
entering into an agreement to outsource our printing process at one of our newspapers.
Interest Expense:
Non-Operating Items
Total interest expense decreased 5.8% during fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013. Interest expense related to
debt decreased 5.5% during fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013, reflecting lower debt balances. Other
fluctuations in total interest expense were primarily due to reductions in interest expense on our financial obligations
resulting from the elimination of our Miami financial obligation in the quarter ended June 30, 2013, when we completed
our move of the Miami operation to a new facility.
Equity Income:
Total income from unconsolidated investments decreased 55.3% during fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013.
The decrease is primarily due to (i) lower results from our internet-related investments and from our newsprint mill
partnership, (ii) a $7.8 million write-down of certain unconsolidated investments, primarily our interest in the Ponderay
Newsprint Company, (iii) the sale of Apartments.com by Classified Ventures, LLC in April 2014, and (iv) the sale of our
ownership interest in the remainder of Classified Ventures, LLC on October 1, 2014.
As discussed more fully in Recent Developments previously, Classified Ventures, LLC sold its Apartments.com business
on April 1, 2014, and as a result, incurred additional legal, accounting and other transaction-related costs in fiscal year
2014 associated with the sale. We only reported our share of Classified Ventures, LLC’s income from its Apartments.com
business through the quarter ended March 30, 2014, compared to all of fiscal year 2013.
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Also, discussed more fully in Recent Developments previously, we sold our ownership interest in Classified Ventures,
LLC on October 1, 2014, and as a result, we only reported our share of Classified Ventures, LLC’s income through the
quarter ended September 28, 2014, compared to all of fiscal year 2013.
Gains related to equity investments:
We recognized $705.2 million in gains related to equity investments for fiscal year 2014, which were more fully described
in the Recent Developments section previously. Specifically we recognized (i) our $144.2 million share of the gain, when
Classified Ventures, LLC sold its Apartments.com business on April 1, 2014; (ii) a gain on the sale of $1.7 million when
we transferred our partnership interest in MCT and entered into a contributor agreement with MCT on May 7, 2014; and
(iii) a gain of $559.3 million on the sale of our ownership interest in Classified Ventures on October 1, 2014. We will no
longer receive equity income from these former investments.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt:
During fiscal year 2014, we repurchased $494.2 million aggregate principal amount of various series of our outstanding
notes. We repurchased these notes at a price higher than par value and wrote off historical discounts and unamortized
issuance costs related to these notes, which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $72.8 million in fiscal year
2014. During fiscal year 2013, we redeemed or repurchased $155.9 million aggregate principal amount of various series
of our outstanding notes. We redeemed or repurchased these notes at a price higher than par value, wrote off historical
discounts and unamortized issuance costs related to these notes, which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of
$13.6 million in fiscal year 2013.
Income Taxes:
In fiscal year 2014, we recorded an income tax provision on continuing operations of $231.2 million. For fiscal year 2014,
the income tax provision differs from the expected federal amount primarily due to state taxes, including benefits from
certain favorable state tax adjustments and certain state taxes that do not vary with net income. For fiscal year 2014, our
income tax provision includes the tax impact of certain discrete tax items, such as (i) gains related to equity investments
(ii) certain asset disposals, impairments and accelerated depreciation, (iv) loss on the repurchase of debt, and (iii)
severance.
In fiscal year 2013, we recorded an income tax provision on continuing operations of $11.7 million. The income tax
provision was lower than the expected federal amount primarily due to state taxes including benefits from certain favorable
state tax adjustments and certain state taxes that do not vary with net income. For fiscal year 2013, the income tax provision
includes the tax impact of certain discrete tax items, such as (i) loss on the refinancing of debt, (ii) certain asset disposals
and impairments, and (iii) severance.
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Fiscal Year 2013 Compared to Fiscal Year 2012
Revenues
The following table summarizes our revenues by category, which compares fiscal year 2013 to fiscal year 2012:
(in thousands)
Advertising:
Retail
National
Classified:
Auto
Real estate
Employment
Other
Total classified
Direct marketing and other
Total advertising
Audience
Other
Total revenues
Years Ended
December 29,
2013
December 30,
2012
(52 weeks)
(53 weeks)
$
%
Change Change
$ 414,482 $ 464,568 $ (50,086) (10.8)
(6,911) (9.9)
69,469
62,558
76,238
33,786
38,779
65,125
213,928
131,160
822,128
346,311
46,409
(4,222) (5.2)
80,460
(1,605) (4.5)
35,391
(5,905) (13.2)
44,684
(5,213) (7.4)
70,338
(16,945) (7.3)
230,873
430
0.3
130,730
(73,512) (8.2)
895,640
3.5
11,731
334,580
(3,215) (6.5)
49,624
$ 1,214,848 $ 1,279,844 $ (64,996) (5.1)
During fiscal year 2013, total revenues decreased 5.1% compared to fiscal year 2012 primarily due to the continued decline
in demand for advertising, and to a lesser degree the inclusion of an additional week in fiscal year 2012 compared to fiscal
year 2013. Industry-wide declines in total advertising revenues persisted during fiscal year 2013. The continued weak
economy and a secular shift in advertising demand from print to digital products, which are generally sold at lower prices
than print products, are the principal causes of the decline in total advertising revenues. The decline in advertising revenues
was partially offset by increases in our audience revenues due primarily to new digital subscription packages. Also, the
5.1% decrease in total revenues in fiscal year 2013 as compared to fiscal year 2012, was affected by the 53rd week in fiscal
year 2012. We estimate that the extra week in fiscal year 2012 provided for an additional $16.2 million in advertising
revenues, $6.3 million in audience revenues and $23.7 million in total revenues.
Advertising Revenues
Total advertising revenues decreased 8.2% in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. While we experienced
declines in all of our revenue categories, the decrease in advertising revenues related primarily to declines in retail
advertising and employment classified advertising and declines in all categories due to the extra week in 2012. These
decreases in advertising revenues in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012 were partially offset by increases in our
digital automotive classified advertising, digital real estate classified advertising and direct marketing revenues.
29
The following table reflects the category of advertising revenues as a percentage of total advertising revenues for the
periods presented:
Advertising:
Retail
National
Classified
Direct marketing and other
Total advertising
Retail:
Years Ended
December 29,
2013
December 30,
2012
50.4 %
7.6 %
26.0 %
16.0 %
100.0 %
51.9 %
7.7 %
25.8 %
14.6 %
100.0 %
Retail advertising revenues decreased 10.8% in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. The decrease reflects the
extra week in fiscal year 2012, lower print ROP revenues in general merchandise and furniture and home furnishing, and
lower preprint revenues, which were partially offset by an increase in digital-only retail advertising revenues, such as,
banner and display. In fiscal year 2013, compared to fiscal year 2012, we reported decreases in print ROP advertising
revenues of 16.9%, digital advertising revenues of 1.5% and preprint advertising revenues of 8.8%.
National:
National advertising revenues decreased 9.9% in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. For fiscal year 2013,
compared to fiscal year 2012, print national advertising decreased 13.7% but was partially offset by an increase of 0.2%
in digital national advertising revenues. The decreases in total national advertising revenues were affected by the 53rd week
in fiscal year 2012 and they were also broad-based among the categories but were partially offset by increases in the airline
segment.
Classified:
Classified advertising revenues decreased 7.3% in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. The decrease in classified
advertising revenues in fiscal year 2013 was partially a result of the weak economy, the extra week in fiscal year 2012, as
well as advertisers increasingly using digital advertising, which was widely available from many competitors and is
generally sold at lower prices than print products, instead of print advertising in the classified category. For fiscal year
2013, compared to fiscal year 2012, print classified advertising decreased 13.5%, reflecting in part, the impact of the extra
week in fiscal year 2012, which was partially offset by a 1.2% increase in digital classified advertising revenues. The
increases in digital classified advertising primarily reflect stronger digital automotive advertising sales, as well as digital
real estate advertising revenues, as discussed below. The following is a discussion of the major classified advertising
categories for fiscal year 2013, as compared to fiscal year 2012:
• Automotive advertising revenues decreased in fiscal year 2013 by 5.2%. Print automotive advertising
revenues declined 23.1% in fiscal year 2013, while digital automotive advertising revenues were up
10.3% in fiscal year 2013. These results reflect the continued migration of automotive advertising to
digital platforms as well as an increase in automobile sales in the United States during the period, and
the popularity of our Cars.com products with local auto dealerships.
• Real estate advertising revenues decreased in fiscal year 2013 by 4.5%. Real estate revenue trends reflect
single-digit declines from fiscal year 2013 to fiscal year 2012 after years of double-digit declines,
reflecting a limited recovery in the housing market. Print real estate advertising revenues declined 7.9%
in fiscal year 2013; and digital real estate advertising revenues grew 1.4% in fiscal year 2013.
• Employment advertising revenues decreased in fiscal year 2013 by 13.2%, reflecting an employment
environment that was not growing quickly and was due to the continued shift from traditional media to
digital media, which includes a wider array of options. Print employment advertising revenues declined
15.2% in fiscal year 2013 and digital employment advertising revenues were down 11.6% in fiscal year
2013.
30
• Other classified advertising revenues, which included legal, remembrance and celebration notices and
miscellaneous advertising decreased in fiscal year 2013 by 7.4%. Print other classified advertising
revenues declined 8.5% in fiscal year 2013 and digital other classified advertising revenues were down
3.8% in fiscal year 2013.
Digital:
Digital advertising revenues, which are included in each of the advertising categories discussed above, constituted 23.7%
and 21.7% of total advertising revenues in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total digital advertising included
digital advertising both bundled with print and sold on a stand-alone basis. Digital advertising revenues totaled
$194.7 million in fiscal year 2013 and were flat when compared to fiscal year 2012, which included a 53rd week of
revenues. Digital-only advertising revenues totaled $115.2 million in fiscal year 2013, representing an increase of 9.6% in
fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. Digital advertising revenues sold in conjunction with print products declined
11.2% in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012 as a result of fewer print advertising sales primarily due to the
secular shift from print to digital advertising.
Direct Marketing and Other:
Direct marketing and other advertising revenues increased 0.3% during fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012,
which included a 53rd week of revenues. The increase largely came as a result of growth in our “Sunday Select” product,
a package of preprinted advertisements delivered to non- subscribers upon request, which grew 10.3% in fiscal year 2013
compared to fiscal year 2012.
Audience Revenues
Audience revenues increased 3.5% during fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. In late 2012, our newspapers
successfully introduced new subscription packages for digital content that ended free, unlimited access to the newspapers’
websites and certain mobile content. The new subscription packages offered both a combined digital and print subscription
and a digital-only subscription. The new subscription packages provided $30.8 million in additional audience revenues
during fiscal year 2013 compared to $1.2 million in fiscal year 2012. The increase in audience revenues in fiscal year
2013, compared to fiscal year 2012 also reflected approximately $11.3 million in revenues related to newspapers that
changed to fee-for-service circulation delivery contracts during fiscal year 2013. The overall audience revenues increase
was partially offset by lower circulation volumes as well as the impact of the extra week in fiscal 2012. Daily circulation
volumes declined 6.0% in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. As expected, circulation volumes continue to
decline as a result of fragmentation of audiences faced by all media as available media outlets proliferate and readership
trends change. We continue to look for new opportunities to reduce our declines in circulation volumes and increase our
audience revenues.
Operating Expenses
During fiscal year 2013, total operating expenses decreased 0.5% compared to fiscal year 2012. Our total operating
expenses reflected our continued effort to reduce costs through streamlining processes to gain efficiencies as well as
headcount reductions. During fiscal year 2013, we incurred non-cash impairment charges and accelerated depreciation of
$17.2 million and $11.4 million, respectively. Operating expenses decreased in fiscal year 2013, in part, due to the extra
week in fiscal year 2012. Operating expenses in all periods included employee severance related to permanent headcount
reductions as we continued to optimize our operations as a more digitally focused company. Fiscal year 2013 also included
moving expenses primarily related to the relocation of our Miami newspaper operations and other production facility
moves and outsourcing.
31
The following table summarizes our operating expenses, which compares fiscal year 2013 to fiscal year 2012:
Years Ended
(in thousands)
Compensation expenses
Newsprint, supplements and printing
expenses
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Other operating expenses
Asset impairments
December 29,
2013
(52 weeks)
December 29,
2012
(53 weeks)
Change Change
$ 422,981 $ 434,059 $ (11,078) (2.6)
$
%
120,551
121,570
411,621
17,181
(17,655) (12.8)
(2,778) (2.2)
8,361
2.1
17,181 100.0
$ 1,093,904 $ 1,099,873 $ (5,969) (0.5)
138,206
124,348
403,260
—
Compensation expenses, which included the severance costs discussed previously, decreased 2.6% during fiscal year 2013
compared to fiscal year 2012. Payroll expenses in fiscal year 2013 decreased 5.2% compared to fiscal year 2012, reflecting
a 3.7% decline in average full-time equivalent headcount. Fringe benefits costs in fiscal year 2013 increased 11.8%
compared to fiscal year 2012, primarily as a result of retirement costs related to our qualified defined benefit pension plan
(“Pension Plan”). These increases were partially offset by lower medical costs and other fringe benefits.
Newsprint, supplements and printing expenses decreased 12.8% in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012.
Newsprint expense decreased by 16.3% in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012, reflecting lower newsprint usage
and to a lesser extent, lower newsprint prices. Supplement and printing expense decreased 2.5% in fiscal year 2013
compared to fiscal year 2012.
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased 2.2% in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. The decrease in
depreciation and amortization expense was partially a result of assets that became fully depreciated at the end of fiscal
year 2012 or during fiscal year 2013 and as a result of an expected $1.0 million decrease in amortization expense in fiscal
year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. The decline in depreciation expense was partially offset by the impact of
accelerated depreciation in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. During fiscal year 2013 we incurred
$11.4 million in accelerated depreciation (i) resulting from equipment formerly used in our Miami operations prior to the
relocation of these operations, (ii) relating to the production equipment associated with outsourcing our printing process
at one of our newspapers, and (iii) moving the printing operations for another newspaper. During fiscal year 2012, we
incurred $8.3 million in accelerated depreciation on retired or decommissioned Miami property assets.
Other operating costs increased 2.1% in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012 primarily reflecting approximately
$11.3 million in expenses related to newspapers that changed to fee-for-service circulation delivery contracts during fiscal
year 2013 and offset by a decrease of approximately $2.2 million in moving costs related to the relocation of our Miami
operations. While we did experience increases in other operating expenses in some categories such as costs related to
service providers for digital and direct marketing products, these increases were offset by decreases in other categories
due to company-wide efforts to reduce costs, including property taxes, insurance, marketing and professional services.
Asset impairments in fiscal year 2013 include $17.2 million of non-cash impairment charges to reduce the carrying value
of mastheads and real property, land, and production equipment. The charges include $5.3 million for masthead
impairments resulting from our annual impairment testing and $11.9 million for impairment charges related to our existing
production facilities and equipment as a result of entering into an agreement to outsource our printing process at one of
our newspapers.
Interest Expense:
Non-Operating Items
Total interest expense decreased 10.5% during fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. Interest expense related to
debt decreased 15.2% during fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012, largely reflecting lower overall interest rates
as a result of the refinancing of our indebtedness in fiscal year 2012. This decline was partially offset by the impact of the
32
reversal of $12.3 million in interest on taxes in fiscal year 2012, due to certain state tax settlements and benefits from the
expiration of statutes of limitation.
Equity Income:
Total income from unconsolidated investments increased 33.6% during fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. The
increase was primarily related to our investments in CareerBuilder and Classified Ventures, LLC, which reported greater
income in fiscal year 2013. The increase was partially offset by a $3.0 million write-down of certain unconsolidated
investments as well as a reduction in income from the other unconsolidated investments during fiscal year 2013.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt:
Loss on extinguishment of debt decreased by 84.6% during fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012. During fiscal
year 2013 we redeemed or repurchased $155.9 million aggregate principal amount of various series of our outstanding
notes. We redeemed or repurchased these notes at a price higher than par value, wrote off historical discounts and
unamortized issuance costs related to these notes, which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $13.6 million in
fiscal year 2013. During fiscal year 2012 we repurchased $70.5 million aggregate principal of outstanding notes in
privately negotiated repurchases and $762.4 million in conjunction with the refinancing of certain notes. We repurchased
most of the $70.5 million notes at a price lower than par value and wrote off historical discounts related to the notes we
repurchased, which resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt. This gain was offset by the write-off of fees related to
the refinancing of our revolving credit facility in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 and the refinancing of our notes in
the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012.
Income Taxes:
We recorded an income tax expense on continuing operations of $11.7 million for fiscal year 2013 compared to an income
tax benefit on continuing operations of $23.7 million for fiscal year 2012. The income tax expense in fiscal year 2013 was
affected by the inclusion in pre-tax income of certain discrete tax items, primarily (i) the loss on the repurchase of debt,
(ii) certain asset disposals and impairments, and (iii) severance for fiscal year 2013.
The benefit during fiscal year 2012 was partially due to the reversal of tax reserves for favorable settlements of state tax
issues and the expiration of statute of limitations. Further, the benefit was affected by the inclusion in pre-tax loss of
discrete tax items primarily (i) reduction to interest expense from the closure of statutes of limitations and audit settlements,
(ii) loss on the refinancing of our notes, (iii) certain asset disposals and impairments, and (iv) severance for fiscal year
2012.
Sources and Uses of Liquidity and Capital Resources:
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our cash and cash equivalents were $220.9 million as of December 28, 2014, compared to $80.8 million of cash at
December 29, 2013. The cash and cash equivalents balance as of December 28, 2014, reflects a $146.9 million cash
distribution from Classified Ventures, LLC, which is equal to our share of the proceeds from its sale of Apartments.com
business; the $34.0 million in cash proceeds received from the sale of Anchorage; and the $606.2 million in cash proceeds
received from the sale of our ownership interest in Classified Ventures, LLC. See Recent Developments previously for
further discussion of these transactions. The cash and cash equivalents balance as of December 28, 2014, also reflects the
partial payments of taxes on these transactions discussed previously, as well as the repurchase of debt for a total amount
of $494.2 million in cash plus accrued and unpaid interest in November 2014 (see Recent Developments previously).
We expect that most of our cash on hand and our cash generated from operations for the foreseeable future will be used to
repay debt, pay income taxes, fund our capital expenditures, invest in new revenue initiatives, digital investments and
enterprise-wide operating systems, make required contributions to the Pension Plan and other corporate uses as determined
by management and our Board of Directors. As of December 28, 2014, we had approximately $1.0 billion in total
aggregate principal amounts of debt outstanding, consisting of $111.3 million of our 5.750% notes due in 2017, $555.8
million of our 9.00% Notes due 2022 and $365.4 million of our notes maturing in 2027 and 2029. We expect that we will
need to refinance a significant portion of this debt prior to its scheduled maturity. However, we may not be able to do so
on terms favorable to us or at all. We may also be required to use cash on hand or cash from operations to meet these
33
obligations. During the first quarter of 2015, we expect to complete required payments of approximately $191 million in
income taxes, resulting from income taxes due on the gain on sale of Classified Ventures, LLC, offset by an income tax
benefit from the loss on extinguishment of debt. We believe that our cash from operations is sufficient to satisfy our
liquidity needs over the next 12 months while maintaining adequate cash and cash equivalents.
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
(in thousands)
Cash flows provided by (used in)
Operating activities:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Investing activities:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Financing activities;
Continuing operations
December 28,
2014
Years Ended
December 29, December 30,
2013
2012
$ 143,181 $ 153,581 $
(37)
2,459
47,684
5,241
552,012
32,953
(19,847)
(200)
(18,244)
(397)
(588,059)
(168,270)
(7,216)
27,068
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$ 140,050 $ (32,277) $
Operating Activities:
We generated $143.2 million of cash from continuing operations in fiscal year 2014 compared to $153.6 million in fiscal
year 2013. The decrease is primarily due to the difference in contributions we made to our Pension Plan (as discussed
below), and the timing of net income tax payments and receipts. In fiscal year 2014, we had net payments of $77.6 million
in income taxes compared to $21.0 million in fiscal year 2013.
The increase in cash provided by operating activities in fiscal year 2013 compared to fiscal year 2012 is primarily due to
the difference in contributions to our Pension Plan, equity investment distributions and the timing of accrued interest and
net income tax payments and receipts.
Pension Plan Matters
We made $25.0 million, $7.6 million and $40.0 million in cash contributions to the Pension Plan to meet our required
contributions during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
As a result of the Highway and Transportation Funding Act (discussed below), we do not expect to have a required cash
minimum contribution to the Pension Plan in fiscal years 2015 or 2016. See Note 7 for further discussion of our
contributions.
As of the end of fiscal year 2014, the projected benefit obligations of our Pension Plan exceeded plan assets by
$444.3 million compared to $303.2 million at the end of fiscal year 2013. Legislation enacted in the second quarter of
2012 mandated a change in the discount rates used to calculate the projected benefit obligations for purposes of funding
pension plans under Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) regulations. The new legislation and calculation uses historical
averages of long-term highly-rated corporate bonds (within ranges as defined in the legislation), which has resulted in the
application of a higher discount rate to determine the projected benefit obligations for funding and current long-term
interest rates.
In addition, the Pension Relief Act of 2010 (“PRA”) provided relief with respect to the funding requirements of the Pension
Plan. Under the PRA, we elected an option that allows the required contributions related to our 2009 and 2011 plan years
to be paid over 15 years.
In August 2014, the federal Highway and Transportation Funding Act was enacted, which, among other things, provides
pension funding stabilization that will reduce our minimum contribution requirements for the 2013-2017 plan years. The
application of this new requirement reduced the funding requirements going back to 2013, which provided us with over-
funded credits that can be used to reduce our cash contributions in future periods.
34
Even with the relief provided by the legislative rules discussed above, based on the current funding position of the Pension
Plan, we expect future contributions will be required. Future contributions are subject to numerous assumptions, including,
among others, changes in interest rates, returns on assets in the Pension Plan and future government regulations. The timing
and amount of payments to the Pension Plan reflect actuarial estimates we believe to be reasonable but are subject to
changes in estimates. We believe cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our contribution requirements, if
any.
Investing Activities:
We generated $552.0 million of cash in investing activities in fiscal year 2014, which was primarily due to the proceeds
received from the sale of our ownership interest in Classified Ventures, LLC (see Recent Developments previously) offset
by the purchase of $6.8 million in insurance-related deposits; the purchase of property plant and equipment (“PP&E”) for
$23.4 million, which includes the purchase of a production facility for $5.2 million; and the purchase of $33.5 million in
certificates of deposit, which collateralized our outstanding letters of credit.
We used $19.8 million of cash in investing activities in fiscal year 2013, which was primarily due to the purchase of PP&E
for $33.3 million, partially offset by the return of an insurance-related deposit of $6.4 million and distributions from our
equity investments, as discussed above.
We used $18.2 million of cash in investing activities in fiscal year 2012. We used $34.4 million for the purchase of PP&E,
including $17.5 million on the new production facility in Miami. We also received $38.6 million in distributions from our
equity investments; $19.1 million exceeded the cumulative earnings from an investee and was considered a return of
investment and, therefore, treated as an investing activity while the remaining return on investment of $19.5 million is
shown as an operating activity.
Financing Activities:
We used $588.1 million of cash in financing activities in fiscal year 2014 primarily related to exercises of stock awards
and the repurchase of debt. During fiscal year 2014, we repurchased $494.2 million of aggregate principal amount of notes
for $584.4 million in cash in privately negotiated repurchases (see Debt and Related Matters below).
We used $168.3 million of cash in financing activities in fiscal year 2013. During fiscal year 2013, we redeemed or
repurchased $155.9 million of aggregate principal amount of notes for $165.5 million in cash (see Debt and Related
Matters below).
We used $7.2 million of cash in financing activities in fiscal year 2012. During fiscal year 2012, we received $910 million
for the issuance of the 9.00% Notes, we repurchased $70.5 million aggregate principal of outstanding notes for $59.2
million in cash in privately negotiated transactions and we repurchased $762.4 million aggregate principal amount of our
notes for $862.3 million in cash in conjunction with the refinancing of our indebtedness in fiscal year 2012. In addition,
we received the final payment of $6.0 million from the sale of the Miami land and building.
Debt and Related Matters
As of December 28, 2014, we had approximately $1.0 billion in total principal indebtedness outstanding, including
$111.3 million of 5.750% notes due in 2017, $555.8 million of 9.00% Notes due in 2022, $89.2 million of 7.150%
debentures due in 2027 and $276.2 million of 6.875% debentures due in 2029.
Debt Repurchases/Retirements and Extinguishment of Debt
During fiscal year 2014, we retired $29.0 million of the 4.625% notes that matured on November 1, 2014. Additionally,
during fiscal year 2014 we repurchased a total of $494.2 million of aggregate principal amount notes through privately
negotiated transactions, as follows:
(in thousands)
9.00% senior secured notes due in 2022
5.750% notes due in 2017
Total notes repurchased
Face Value
$ 344,215
149,999
$ 494,214
35
During fiscal year 2014, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $72.8 million compared to $13.6 million in fiscal
year 2013. We repurchased these notes at a price higher than par value and wrote off historical discounts and unamortized
issuance costs related to these notes, which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $72.8 million in fiscal year
2014. During fiscal year 2013, we redeemed or repurchased $155.9 million aggregate principal amount of various series
of our outstanding notes. We redeemed or repurchased these notes at a price higher than par value and wrote off historical
discounts and unamortized issuance costs related to these notes, which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of
$13.6 million in fiscal year 2013.
Credit Agreement
In connection with the issuance of the 9.00% Notes, discussed below, we entered into the Third Amended and Restated
Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”), dated as of December 18, 2012. The Credit Agreement provided for $75.0 million
in revolving credit commitments with a $50.0 million letter of credit subfacility, and a maturity date of December 18,
2017.
On October 21, 2014, we amended our Credit Agreement (“Amended Credit Agreement”) to, among other things, reduce
the lending banks’ commitments from $75 million to $65 million, amend or eliminate certain covenant requirements and
extend the maturity date by two years to December 18, 2019. The revised maintenance covenants are discussed under
“Covenants under the Senior Debt Agreements” below. In addition, on October 21, 2014, we entered into a Collateralized
Issuance and Reimbursement Agreement (“LC Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the LC Agreement, we may request
letters of credit be issued on our behalf in an aggregate face amount not to exceed $35.0 million. We are required to provide
cash collateral equal to 101% of the aggregate undrawn stated amount of each outstanding letter of credit.
Our obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are secured by a first-priority security interest in certain of our
assets as described below. As of December 28, 2014, there were $33.2 million face amount of letters of credit outstanding
under the LC Agreement and no amounts drawn under the Amended Credit Agreement.
Under the Amended Credit Agreement, we may borrow at either the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a spread ranging
from 275 basis points to 425 basis points, or at a base rate plus a spread ranging from 175 basis points to 325 basis points,
in each case based upon our consolidated total leverage ratio. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a commitment
fee payable on the unused revolving credit ranging from 50 basis points to 62.5 basis points, based upon our consolidated
total leverage ratio.
Senior Secured Notes and Indenture
In December 2012, our 9.00% Notes were issued in a private placement. In July 2013, the original 9.00% Notes (and
associated guarantees) were exchanged for new 9.00% Notes (and associated guarantees) that had terms substantially
identical to the original notes except that the 9.00% Notes issued in the exchange are not subject to transfer restrictions.
Substantially all of our subsidiaries guarantee the obligations under the 9.00% Notes and the Amended Credit Agreement.
We own 100% of each of the guarantor subsidiaries and we have no significant independent assets or operations separate
from the subsidiaries that guarantee our 9.00% Notes and the Amended Credit Agreement. The guarantees provided by
the guarantor subsidiaries are full and unconditional and joint and several, and the subsidiaries, other than the subsidiary
guarantors, are minor.
In addition, we have granted a security interest to the banks that are a party to the Amended Credit Agreement and the
trustee under the indenture governing the 9.00% Notes that include, but are not limited to, intangible assets, inventory,
receivables and certain minority investments as collateral for the debt. The security interest does not include any PP&E,
leasehold interests and improvements with respect to such PP&E, which would be reflected on our consolidated balance
sheets or shares of stock and indebtedness of our subsidiaries.
Covenants under the Senior Debt Agreements
The financial covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement require us to comply with a maximum consolidated total
leverage ratio measured quarterly. The Amended Credit Agreement eliminated a previously required minimum
consolidated interest coverage ratio in the Credit Agreement. As of December 28, 2014, and for the remainder of the term
of the Amended Credit Agreement, we are required to maintain a consolidated total leverage ratio of not more than 6.00
36
to 1.00. For purposes of the consolidated total leverage ratio, debt is largely defined as debt, net of cash on hand in excess
of $20 million.
As of December 28, 2014, our consolidated total leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) was 3.63 to 1.00 and
we were in compliance with all financial debt covenants. Due to the significance of our outstanding debt, remaining in
compliance with debt covenants is critical to our operations. We will continue to optimize operations and/or reduce debt
to maintain compliance with our covenants.
The Amended Credit Agreement also prohibits the payment of a dividend if a payment would not be permitted under the
indenture for the 9.00% Notes (discussed below). Dividends under the indenture for the 9.00% Notes are allowed if the
consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the indenture) is less than 5.25 to 1.00 and we have sufficient amounts under our
restricted payments basket (as defined in the indenture). As of December 28, 2014, we estimated that we had approximately
$649 million available under our restricted payments basket that could be used for a variety of payments, including
dividends. However, the payment and amount of future dividends remain within the discretion of the Board of Directors
and will depend upon our future earnings, financial condition, and other factors considered relevant by the Board of
Directors.
The indenture for the 9.00% Notes and the Amended Credit Agreement include a number of restrictive covenants that are
applicable to us and our restricted subsidiaries. The covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and
qualifications set forth in those agreements. These covenants include, among other things, restrictions on our ability to
incur additional debt; make investments and other restricted payments; pay dividends on capital stock or redeem or
repurchase capital stock or certain of our outstanding notes or debentures prior to stated maturity; sell assets or enter into
sale/leaseback transactions; create specified liens; create or permit restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries
to pay dividends or make other distributions; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and consolidate or merge with
or into other companies or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s and our subsidiaries’ assets, taken as a whole.
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
As of December 28, 2014, we did not have any significant off-balance-sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii)
of Regulation S-K.
Contractual Obligations:
As of the end of fiscal year 2014, our contractual obligations were as follows:
(in thousands)
Long-term debt principal
Interest on long-term debt
Pension obligations (a)
Post-retirement obligations (a)
Workers’ compensation obligations (b)
Other long-term obligations (c)
Financing obligations (d)
Other obligations:
Purchase obligations (e)
Operating leases (f)
Total (g)
Payments Due By Period
1-3
Years
Less than
1 Year
3-5
Years
More than
5 Years
Total
$ 1,032,502 $
— $ 111,299 $
781,080
573,221
10,602
17,959
60,200
38,434
82,429
8,529
1,270
4,420
8,674
3,883
164,909
36,647
2,296
5,516
12,779
7,766
— $ 921,203
381,490
432,949
5,050
4,912
28,621
19,019
152,252
95,096
1,986
3,111
10,126
7,766
102,559
78,028
35,995
31,180
$ 2,694,585 $ 151,304 $ 383,804 $ 299,058 $ 1,860,419
13,215
15,506
22,402
20,190
30,947
11,152
(a)
(b)
(c)
Pension and Post-retirement obligations do not take into account the tax-deductibility of the payments. The timing
of the payments of these obligations reflects actuarial estimates we believe to be reasonable.
Future expected workers’ compensation payments are based on undiscounted ultimate losses and are shown net
of estimated recoveries.
Primarily deferred compensation, future lease obligations and indemnification obligation reserves related to
disposed newspapers.
37
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
Financing obligations include the obligations related to our contribution and leaseback of certain property to the
Pension Plan in fiscal year 2011. See further discussion in Note 7.
Primarily printing outsource agreements and capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment.
Excludes payments on leases included in financing obligation above.
The table excludes unrecognized tax benefits, and related penalties and interest, totaling $15.8 million because a
reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of future payments, if any, cannot be determined. The table also
excludes purchase commitments associated with the purchase of 30,000 metric tons of newsprint as the price is
not determinable because it is based on the market price at the time of purchase.
Critical Accounting Policies
The accompanying MD&A is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires
us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and
related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the
carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We base our estimates and
judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the
circumstances. However, future events are subject to change and the best estimates and judgments routinely require
adjustment. The most significant areas involving estimates and assumptions are amortization and/or impairment of
goodwill and other intangibles, pension and post-retirement expenses, insurance reserves, and our accounting for income
taxes. We believe the following critical accounting policies, in particular, affect our more significant judgments and
estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill
Goodwill consists of the excess of cost of acquired enterprises over the sum of the amounts assigned to identifiable assets
acquired less liabilities assumed. We assess goodwill for impairment on an annual basis at a reporting unit level and we
have identified two reporting units. One reporting unit primarily consists of operations in our California, Northwest and
Texas operating regions and the other reporting unit primarily consists of operations in our Southeast, Florida and Midwest
operating regions. Goodwill is assessed between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more
likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. These events or circumstances could
include a significant change in the business climate, a change in strategic direction, legal factors, operating performance
indicators, a change in the competitive environment, the sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit, or
future economic factors such as unfavorable changes in our stock price and market capitalization or unfavorable changes
in the estimated future discounted cash flows of our reporting units. Our annual test is performed at our fiscal year end.
Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment
of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of
each reporting unit. We considered both a market approach and an income approach in order to develop an estimate of the
fair value of each reporting unit for purposes of our annual impairment test. When available, and as appropriate, we use
market multiples derived from a set of competitors or companies with comparable market characteristics to establish fair
values for a particular reporting unit (market approach). We also estimate fair value using discounted projected cash flow
analysis (income approach) Potential impairment is indicated when the carrying value of a reporting unit, including
goodwill, exceeds its estimated fair value. This analysis requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash
flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, estimation of
the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital. Changes in
these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and goodwill impairment for each
reporting unit. In addition, financial and credit market volatility directly impacts our fair value measurement through our
weighted average cost of capital, used to determine our discount rate, and through our stock price, used to determine our
market capitalization. We may be required to recognize impairment of goodwill based on future economic factors such as
unfavorable changes in our stock price and market capitalization or unfavorable changes in the estimated future discounted
cash flows of our reporting units.
If we determine that the estimated fair value of any reporting unit is less than the reporting unit’s carrying value, then we
proceed to the second step of the goodwill impairment analysis to measure the potential impairment charge. An impairment
loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value. If
goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheet becomes impaired during a future period, the resulting impairment charge
could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
38
Due to the current economic environment and the uncertainties regarding potential future economic impacts on our
reporting units, there can be no assurances that estimates and assumptions made for purposes of our annual goodwill
impairment test will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If assumptions regarding forecasted revenues or margins
of certain of our reporting units are not achieved, we may be required to record goodwill impairment losses in future
periods. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment loss would occur, and if it did occur,
whether such charge would be material.
Based on our analysis, at December 28, 2014, the fair value of our reporting unit that primarily consists of operations in
California, the Northwest and Texas, exceeded the carrying value by approximately 10.8%, and the fair value of the
reporting unit that primarily consists of operations in the Southeast, Florida and the Midwest exceeded the carrying value
by approximately 3.1%. Assumptions are highly subjective and sensitive to industry and our performance. A one percent
increase or decrease in our assumptions used may cause us to perform a step two analysis.
Mastheads:
Newspaper mastheads (newspaper titles and website domain names) are not subject to amortization and are tested for
impairment annually (at year-end), or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might
be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of each newspaper masthead with its carrying
amount. We use a relief from royalty approach that utilizes discounted cash flows to determine the fair value of each
newspaper masthead. Our judgments and estimates of future operating results in determining the reporting unit fair values
are consistently applied to each newspaper in determining the fair value of each newspaper masthead.
We performed our annual impairment tests on newspaper mastheads as of December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and
December 30, 2012. As a result of our testing, we recorded a charge of $5.2 million and $5.3 million for masthead
impairments in fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively, and no impairment charges were recorded in fiscal year 2012.
Other Intangible Assets:
Long-lived assets such as other intangible assets are subject to amortization (primarily advertiser and subscriber lists) and
are tested for recoverability whenever events or change in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be
recoverable. The carrying amount of each asset group is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash
flows expected to result from the use of such asset group. No impairment loss was recognized on intangible assets subject
to amortization in fiscal years 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits:
We have significant pension and post-retirement benefit costs and credits that are developed from actuarial valuations.
Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions including discount rates and expected returns on plan assets. We are
required to consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in establishing these assumptions.
Changes in the related pension and post-retirement benefit costs or credits may occur in the future because of changes
resulting from fluctuations in our employee headcount and/or changes in the various assumptions.
Current standards of accounting for defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement benefit plans require recognition of
(1) the funded status of a pension plan (difference between the plan assets at fair value and the projected benefit obligation)
and (2) the funded status of a post-retirement plan (difference between the plan assets at fair value and the accumulated
benefit obligation), as an asset or liability on the balance sheet. At December 28, 2014, net retirement obligations in excess
of the retirement plans’ assets were $573.2 million. This amount included $128.9 million for non-qualified plans that do
not have assets and $444.3 for our qualified plan. At December 29, 2013, net retirement obligations in excess of the
retirement plans’ assets were $416.6 million. This amount included $113.4 million for non-qualified plans that do not have
assets and $303.2 for our qualified plan.
We used discount rates of 4.36% to 5.06% and an assumed long-term return on assets of 8.00% to calculate our retirement
plan expenses in 2014.
For fiscal year 2014, a change in the weighted average rates would have had the following impact on our net benefit cost:
• A decrease of 50 basis points in the long-term rate of return would have increased our net benefit cost
by approximately $6.7 million;
• A decrease of 25 basis points in the discount rate would have increased our net benefit cost by
approximately $0.4 million.
39
Income Taxes:
Our current and deferred income tax provisions are calculated based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from
the actual results reflected in income tax returns filed during the subsequent year. These estimates are reviewed and
adjusted, if needed, throughout the year. Adjustments between our estimates and the actual results of filed returns are
recorded when identified.
The amount of income taxes paid is subject to periodic audits by federal and state taxing authorities, which may result in
proposed assessments. These audits may challenge certain aspects of our tax positions such as the timing and amount of
deductions and allocation of taxable income to the various tax jurisdictions. Income tax contingencies require significant
judgment in estimating final outcomes. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates and could significantly
affect the effective tax rate and cash flows in future periods.
Insurance:
We are insured for workers’ compensation using both self-insurance and large deductible programs. We rely on claims
experience in determining an adequate provision for insurance claims.
We used a discount rate of 2.0% to calculate workers’ compensation reserves as of December 28, 2014. A decrease of 25
basis points in the discount rate would have had a $0.2 million effect on total workers’ compensation reserves. A 10%
increase in the claims would have increased the total workers’ compensation reserves, net of estimated recoveries, by
approximately $1.7 million.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For information regarding the impact of certain recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 1 “Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies”.
40
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The primary objective of the following information is to provide forward-looking quantitative and qualitative information
about our potential exposure to market risks. The term “market risk” refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes
in interest rates and credit risk. The disclosure is not meant to be a precise indicator of expected future losses but rather an
indicator of reasonably possible losses. Our exposure to market risk primarily relates to discount rates used in our pension
liabilities.
Interest Rate Risks in Our Debt Obligations
Substantially all of our outstanding debt is composed of fixed-rate bonds and, therefore, is not subject to interest rate
fluctuations.
Discount Rate Risks in Our Pension and Post-Retirement Obligations
The discount rate used to measure our obligations under our qualified defined benefit pension plan is generally based upon
long-term interest rates on highly-rated corporate bonds. Hence, changes in long-term interest rates may have a significant
impact on the funding position of our qualified defined pension plan. We estimate that a 1.0% increase or decrease in our
discount rate could decrease or increase, respectively, our pension obligations by approximately $215 million to
$225 million. Based on current interest rates, the amount of contributions due to the plan and the timing of the payments
of these obligations are included in the table of contractual obligations above and reflect actuarial estimates we believe to
be reasonable.
41
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
42
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of The McClatchy Company:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The McClatchy Company and subsidiaries (the
"Company") as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
28, 2014. We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2014, based
on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements,
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 Report on Internal Control over Financial
Reporting.” Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company's
internal control over financial reporting 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 and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control
over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk
that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based
on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's
principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's
board of directors, management, and other personnel 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 the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or
improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected
on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting
to future periods are subject to the risk that the 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Company and subsidiaries as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2014, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained,
in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2014 based on the criteria
established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway Commission.
/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Sacramento, California
March 13, 2015
43
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
Years Ended
December 28, December 29, December 30,
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
2014
(52 weeks)
REVENUES — NET:
Advertising
Audience
Other
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Compensation
Newsprint, supplements and printing expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Other operating expenses
Asset impairments (see Note 1)
OPERATING INCOME
NON-OPERATING (EXPENSE) INCOME:
Interest expense
Interest income
Equity income in unconsolidated companies, net
Gains related to equity investments
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net
Gain on sale of Miami property
Other — net
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
Income tax provision (benefit)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
$ 731,783 $
366,592
48,177
1,146,552
822,128 $
346,311
46,409
1,214,848
895,640
334,580
49,624
1,279,844
411,881
114,801
113,638
415,682
8,227
1,064,229
82,323
422,981
120,551
121,570
411,621
17,181
1,093,904
120,944
434,059
138,206
124,348
403,260
—
1,099,873
179,971
(127,503)
254
19,084
705,247
(72,777)
—
579
524,884
607,207
231,230
375,977
(135,381)
53
42,651
—
(13,643)
12,938
541
(92,841)
28,103
11,659
16,444
(151,334)
88
31,935
—
(88,430)
—
79
(207,662)
(27,691)
(23,725)
(3,966)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF
TAXES
NET INCOME (LOSS)
(1,988)
$ 373,989 $
2,359
18,803 $
3,822
(144)
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income (loss) per share
Diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income (loss) per share
Weighted average number of common shares used
to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
$
$
4.33 $
(0.02)
4.31 $
0.19 $
0.03
0.22 $
4.26 $
(0.03)
4.23 $
0.19 $
0.03
0.22 $
(0.05)
0.05
—
(0.05)
0.05
—
86,797
88,357
86,201
87,136
85,744
85,744
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
44
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Amounts in thousands)
NET INCOME (LOSS)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Pension and post retirement plans:
Unrealized net gain (loss) and other components of benefit plans,
net of taxes of $73,922, $(117,853) and $88,622
Investment in unconsolidated companies:
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes of $546, $243 and $528
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss)
Years Ended
December 28, December 29, December 30,
2013
(52 weeks)
2014
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
(144)
$ 373,989 $
18,803 $
(110,883)
176,779
(132,871)
(819)
(111,702)
(791)
(364)
(133,662)
176,415
$ 262,287 $ 195,218 $ (133,806)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
45
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except share amounts)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade receivables (net of allowances of $5,900 in 2014 and $6,040 in 2013)
Other receivables
Newsprint, ink and other inventories
Deferred income taxes
Assets held for sale
Other current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Intangible assets:
Identifiable intangibles — net
Goodwill
Investments and other assets:
Investments in unconsolidated companies
Other assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable
Accrued pension liabilities
Accrued compensation
Income taxes payable
Unearned revenue
Accrued interest
Other accrued liabilities
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt
Deferred income taxes
Pension and postretirement obligations
Financing obligations
Other long-term obligations
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock $.01 par value:
Class A (authorized 200,000,000 shares, issued 62,600,676 in 2014 and 61,544,524 in 2013)
Class B (authorized 60,000,000 shares, issued 24,585,962 in 2014 and 24,800,962 in 2013)
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Treasury stock at cost, 45,374 shares in 2014 and 11,207 shares in 2013
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
December 28, December 29,
2014
2013
$
$
$
$
220,861
144,565
36,780
19,491
1,054
173
14,945
437,869
80,811
167,490
10,757
26,539
20,033
3,504
27,386
336,520
404,238
458,705
410,915
996,115
1,407,030
465,966
1,013,002
1,478,968
230,473
74,305
304,778
2,553,915
300,569
42,873
343,442
$ 2,617,635
—
49,095
8,529
32,912
186,805
62,035
10,592
14,957
364,925
1,006,957
26,162
574,024
34,551
43,911
1,685,605
$
28,548
49,565
33,418
38,636
1,362
67,377
15,044
14,386
248,336
1,493,323
153,339
394,209
40,264
47,778
2,128,913
626
246
2,222,675
(1,303,384)
(175)
(416,603)
503,385
2,553,915
$
615
248
2,221,834
(1,677,373)
(37)
(304,901)
240,386
$ 2,617,635
46
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)
Less income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Reconciliation to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Loss on disposal of equipment
Contribution to qualified defined benefit pension plan
Retirement benefit expense
Stock-based compensation expense
Deferred income taxes
Equity income in unconsolidated companies
Gains related to equity investments
Distributions of income from equity investments
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Gain on disposal of Miami property
Asset impairments
Other
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables
Inventories
Other assets
Accounts payable
Accrued compensation
Income taxes
Accrued interest
Other liabilities
Net cash provided by continuing operations
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
Net cash provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other
Purchase of insurance-related deposits
Proceeds from redemption of certificates of deposit
Purchase of certificates of deposit
Proceeds from return of insurance-related deposit
Distributions from equity investments
Contribution to equity investments
Proceeds from sale of equity investments
Equity investments and other-net
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of notes
Repurchase of public notes and related expenses
Payment of financing costs
Proceeds from financing obligation related to Miami transaction
Other
Net cash used in financing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
December 28,
2014
Years Ended
December 29,
December 30,
2013
2012
$ 373,989
(1,988)
375,977
$
18,803
2,359
16,444
$
(144)
3,822
(3,966)
113,638
(918)
(25,000)
4,632
3,479
(32,233)
(19,084)
(705,247)
160,707
72,777
—
8,227
(4,137)
19,390
3,822
(111)
(1,870)
(6,291)
186,208
(4,452)
(6,333)
143,181
(37)
143,144
(23,441)
10,301
(6,770)
—
(33,483)
—
1,621
(4,158)
607,942
—
552,012
32,953
584,965
121,570
(1,914)
(7,600)
12,162
3,481
(9,774)
(42,651)
—
39,504
13,643
(12,938)
17,181
(3,865)
9,877
3,534
(391)
1,085
(57)
3,745
(3,631)
(5,824)
153,581
2,459
156,040
(33,273)
4,703
—
2,210
—
6,400
2,932
(1,319)
—
(1,500)
(19,847)
(200)
(20,047)
124,348
(988)
(40,000)
1,384
3,517
(9,548)
(31,935)
—
19,550
88,430
—
—
(133)
1,667
(1,467)
(4,432)
(2,029)
4,442
(58,229)
(31,011)
(11,916)
47,684
5,241
52,925
(34,391)
1,925
—
—
(2,222)
—
19,050
(2,606)
—
—
(18,244)
(397)
(18,641)
—
(584,366)
—
—
(3,693)
(588,059)
140,050
80,811
$ 220,861
—
(165,549)
—
—
(2,721)
(168,270)
(32,277)
113,088
80,811
$
910,000
(900,481)
(20,990)
6,000
(1,745)
(7,216)
27,068
86,020
$ 113,088
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
47
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Common Stock
Accumulated
Balance at December 25, 2011
$ 609 $ 248 $ 2,219,161 $ (1,696,032) $
Net loss
Other comprehensive loss
Issuance of 942,250 Class A shares
under stock plans
Stock compensation expense
Purchase of 454,860 shares of treasury
stock
Retirement of 708,996 shares of treasury
stock
Tax impact from stock plans
Balance at December 30, 2012
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Issuance of 1,030,750 Class A shares
under stock plans
Stock compensation expense
Purchase of 580,219 shares of treasury
stock
Retirement of 575,046 shares of treasury
stock
Balance at December 29, 2013
Net income
Other comprehensive loss
Conversion of 215,000 Class B shares to
Class A shares
Issuance of 2,391,100 Class A shares
under stock plans
Stock compensation expense
Purchase of 1,594,115 shares of treasury
stock
Retirement of 1,559,948 shares of
treasury stock
Balance at December 28, 2014
(7)
—
611
—
—
10
—
—
—
248
—
—
—
—
Class A
$.01 par $.01 par
Class B Additional
value
value
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
—
—
9
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
38
3,523
—
—
—
(144)
—
—
—
—
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Treasury
Stock
(347,654) $ (1,145) $ 175,187
(144)
(133,662)
—
(133,662)
—
—
Total
—
—
—
—
—
47
3,523
(1,171)
(1,171)
(2,280)
(1,279)
2,219,163
—
—
—
—
(1,696,176)
18,803
—
—
—
(481,316)
—
176,415
2,287
—
(29)
—
—
—
(1,279)
42,501
18,803
176,415
—
—
—
927
3,523
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
937
3,523
(1,793)
(1,793)
(6)
615
—
—
—
248
—
—
(1,779)
2,221,834
—
—
—
(1,677,373)
373,989
—
—
(304,901)
—
(111,702)
1,785
(37)
—
—
—
240,386
373,989
(111,702)
2
(2)
—
24
—
—
—
4,784
3,507
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
4,808
3,507
(7,603)
(7,603)
(15)
$ 626
—
$ 246
(7,450)
$ 2,222,675
—
$ (1,303,384)
—
(416,603)
7,465
(175)
$
—
$ 503,385
$
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
48
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The McClatchy Company (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a 21st century news and information publisher of well-
respected publications such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The Charlotte Observer,
The (Raleigh) News and Observer, and the (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram. We operate media companies in 28 U.S. markets
in 14 states, providing each of our communities with high-quality news and advertising services in a wide array of digital
and print formats. We are headquartered in Sacramento, California, and our Class A Common Stock is listed on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol MNI.
We also own 15.0% of CareerBuilder, LLC, which operates the nation’s largest online job website, CareerBuilder.com;
33.3% of HomeFinder, LLC, which operates the online real estate website HomeFinder.com; as well as certain other digital
company investments. See Note 3 for additional discussion.
Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December. The year ended December 28, 2014, (“fiscal year 2014”) and the
year ended December 29, 2013, (“fiscal year 2013”) both consist of 52-week periods. The year ended on December 30,
2012, (“fiscal year 2012”) consisted of a 53-week period.
Preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
and pursuant to the rules and regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements
and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from
those estimates. The consolidated financial statements include the Company and our subsidiaries. Intercompany items and
transactions are eliminated. For purposes of presentation only, we updated the term “circulation” to “audience” as it relates
to our discussion of revenues. The term “circulation” was used in prior filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and no other changes were made in conjunction with this language change.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation in our consolidated financial
statements related to the presentation of Anchorage as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.
Revenue recognition
We recognize revenues (i) from advertising placed in a newspaper, a website and/or a mobile service over the advertising
contract period or as services are delivered, as appropriate; (ii) from the sale of certain third party digital advertising
products and services on a net basis, with wholesale fees reported as a reduction of the associated revenues; and (iii) for
audience subscriptions as newspapers are delivered over the applicable subscription term. Audience revenues are recorded
net of direct delivery costs for contracts that are not on a “fee-for-service” arrangement. Audience revenues on our “fee-
for-service” contracts are recorded on a gross basis and associated delivery costs are recorded as other operating expenses.
We enter into certain revenue transactions, primarily related to advertising contracts and circulation subscriptions that are
considered multiple element arrangements (arrangements with more than one deliverable). As such we must: (i) determine
whether and when each element has been delivered; (ii) determine fair value of each element using the selling price
hierarchy of vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value, third party evidence or best estimated selling price, as
applicable and (iii) allocate the total price among the various elements based on the relative selling price method.
In fiscal year 2014 we began reporting the wholesale fees associated with sales of certain third party digital advertising
products and services on a net basis, as a reduction of the associated digital classified advertising revenues, rather than in
other operating expenses, in our consolidated statements of operations. Amounts are not material to previously issued
annual consolidated financial statements. There is no impact to operating income, operating cash flows, net income or net
income per common share amounts associated with this change.
Other revenues are recognized when the related product or service has been delivered. Revenues are recorded net of
estimated incentives, including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives and net of sales
tax collected from the customer. Revisions to these estimates are charged to revenues in the period in which the facts that
give rise to the revision become known.
49
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
Concentrations of credit risks
Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risks, are principally cash and cash
equivalents and trade accounts receivables. Cash and cash equivalents are placed with major financial institutions. As of
December 28, 2014, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents are in excess of the FDIC insured limits. We
routinely assess the financial strength of significant customers and this assessment, combined with the large number and
geographic diversity of our customers, limits our concentration of risk with respect to trade accounts receivable. We have
not experienced any losses related to amounts in excess of FDIC limits.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
We maintain an allowance account for estimated losses resulting from the risk that our customers will not make required
payments. At certain of our newspapers we establish our allowances based on collection experience, aging of our
receivables and significant individual account credit risk. At the remaining newspapers we use the aging of accounts
receivable, reserving for all accounts due 90 days or longer, to establish allowances for losses on accounts receivable,
however, if we become aware that the financial condition of specific customers has deteriorated, additional allowances are
provided.
We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts as follows:
(in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
Charged to costs and expenses
Amounts written off
Disposition of discontinued operations
Balance at end of year
Newsprint, ink and other inventories
$
Years Ended
December 28, December 29, December 30,
2013
5,920 $
8,481
(8,361)
—
6,040 $
2014
6,040 $
9,305
(9,229)
(216)
5,900 $
2012
7,341
6,089
(7,510)
—
5,920
$
Newsprint, ink and other inventories are stated at the lower of cost (based principally on the first-in, first-out method) or
current market value. During fiscal year 2014, we recorded a $2.0 million write-down of non-newsprint inventory.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) are recorded at cost. Additions and substantial improvements, as well as interest
expense incurred during construction, are capitalized. Capitalized interest was not material in fiscal year 2014, 2013 or
2012. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When PP&E is sold or retired, the
asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the associated gain or loss is recognized.
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
December 28, December 29, Estimated
(in thousands)
Land
Building and improvements
Equipment
Construction in process
Less accumulated depreciation
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
Useful Lives
2014
89,083 $
337,727
691,289
2,696
1,120,795
(716,557)
2013
97,631
356,320 5 - 60 years
741,648 2 - 25 years(1)
10,529
1,206,128
(747,423)
$ 404,238 $ 458,705
(1)
Presses are 9 - 25 years and other equipment is 2 - 15 years
50
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
We record depreciation using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives. The useful lives are estimated at the
time the assets are acquired and are based on historical experience with similar assets and anticipated technological
changes. Our depreciation expense was $60.7 million, $64.4 million and $66.3 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012,
respectively.
We review the carrying amount of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Events that result in an impairment review include the decision
to close a location or a significant decrease in the operating performance of the long-lived asset. Long-lived assets are
considered impaired if the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group are less than the carrying
amount. For impaired assets, we recognize a loss equal to the difference between the carrying amount of the asset or asset
group and its estimated fair value, which is recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
The estimated fair value of the asset or asset group is based on the undiscounted discounted future cash flows of the asset
or asset group. The asset group is defined as the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available.
During fiscal year 2014, we incurred $13.5 million in accelerated depreciation (i) related to the production equipment
associated with outsourcing our printing process at one newspaper and (ii) resulting from moving the printing operations
for another newspaper to a newly purchased production facility. During fiscal year 2013, we incurred $11.4 million in
accelerated depreciation (i) resulting from equipment formerly used in our Miami operations prior to the relocation of
these operations, (ii) related to the production equipment associated with outsourcing our printing process at one of our
newspapers and (iii) moving the printing operations for another newspaper.
Assets held for sale
During fiscal year 2014, we identified and began to actively market for sale one of our production facilities for a newspaper
at which we outsourced our printing to a third party. These assets consisted primarily of undeveloped land and an office
building. In connection with the classification to assets held for sale, the carrying value of the land and office building was
reduced to their estimated fair value less selling costs, as determined based on the current market conditions and the selling
prices. As a result, an impairment charge of $1.0 million was recorded in fiscal year 2014 and is included in asset
impairments on the consolidated statements of operations. During fiscal year 2014, we completed the sale of substantially
all of our assets previously held for sale.
Investments in unconsolidated companies
We use the equity method of accounting for our investments in, and earnings or losses of, companies that we do not control
but over which we do exert significant influence. We consider whether the fair values of any of our equity method
investments have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that
recorded values may not be recoverable. If we consider any decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors,
including historical financial results and the overall health of the investee), then a write-down would be recorded to
estimated fair value. See Note 2 for discussion of investments in unconsolidated companies.
Segment reporting
Our primary business is the publication of newspapers and related digital and direct marketing products. We have two
operating segments that we aggregate into a single reportable segment because each has similar economic characteristics,
products, customers and distribution methods. Each operating segment consists primarily of a group of newspapers
reporting to segment managers. One operating segment consists primarily of our newspaper operations in California, the
Northwest and Texas, while the other operating segment consists primarily of newspaper operations in the Southeast,
Florida and the Midwest.
Goodwill and intangible impairment
We test for impairment of goodwill annually, at year-end, or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would
more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The required two-step approach
uses accounting judgments and estimates of future operating results. Changes in estimates or the application of alternative
assumptions could produce significantly different results. Impairment testing is done at a reporting unit level. We perform
this testing on operating segments, which are also considered our reporting units. An impairment loss generally is
recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting
unit. The fair value of our reporting units is determined using a combination of a discounted cash flow model and market
based approaches. The estimates and judgments that most significantly affect the fair value calculation are assumptions
related to revenue growth, newsprint prices, compensation levels, discount rate and private and public market trading
51
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
multiples for newspaper assets for the market based approach. We consider current market capitalization, based upon the
recent stock market prices, plus an estimated control premium in determining the reasonableness of the aggregate fair
value of the reporting units. We determined that no impairment charge was required in fiscal years 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Also see Note 4.
Newspaper mastheads (newspaper titles and website domain names) are not subject to amortization and are tested for
impairment annually, at year-end, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might
be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of each newspaper masthead with its carrying
amount. We use a relief from royalty approach which utilizes a discounted cash flow model, as discussed above, to
determine the fair value of each newspaper masthead. We determined that an impairment charge of approximately $5.2
million and $5.3 million in fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively, was required. We determined that no impairment
charge was required in fiscal year 2012. Also see Note 4 for greater detail of our intangible assets.
Long-lived assets such as intangible assets (primarily advertiser and subscriber lists) are amortized and tested for
recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
The carrying amount of each asset group is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected
to result from the use of such asset group. We had no impairment of long-lived assets subject to amortization during fiscal
years 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Stock-based compensation
All stock-based payments, including grants of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and common stock under
equity incentive plans, are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. At December 28, 2014, we
had two stock-based compensation plans.
Income taxes
We account for income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are
determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured
using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
Current accounting standards in the United States prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement of a tax position
taken or expected to be taken in an enterprise’s tax returns. We recognize accrued interest related to unrecognized tax
benefits in interest expense. Accrued penalties are recognized as a component of income tax expense.
Fair value of financial instruments
We account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. The hierarchy below lists three levels of fair value based on the
extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. We categorize each of our fair value
measurements in one of these three levels based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement
in its entirety. These levels are:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting
date.
Level 2 — Observable inputs to the valuation methodology are other than Level 1 inputs and are either directly
or indirectly observable as of the reporting date and fair value can be determined through the use of
models or other valuation methodologies.
Level 3 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable inputs in situations where there is little or no
market activity for the asset or liability, and the reporting entity makes estimates and assumptions
related to the pricing of the asset or liability including assumptions regarding risk.
Our policy is to recognize significant transfers between levels at the actual date of the event or circumstance that caused
the transfer. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial
instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. The carrying amount of these items
approximates fair value.
52
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
Long-term debt. The fair value of long-term debt is determined using quoted market prices and other inputs
that were derived from available market information including the current market activity of our
publicly-traded notes and bank debt, trends in investor demand and market values of comparable
publicly-traded debt. These are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value measurements and
disclosure guidance, and may not be representative of actual. At December 28, 2014, both the estimated fair
value and carrying value of long-term debt were $1.0 billion.
Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, they are subject to fair value adjustments only in
certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Our non-financial assets measured at fair value
on a nonrecurring basis in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2014, were assets held for
sale, goodwill, intangible assets not subject to amortization and equity method investments. All of these were measured
using Level 3 inputs. We utilize valuation techniques that seek to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the
use of unobservable inputs.
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
We record changes in our net assets from non-owner sources in our consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. Such
changes relate primarily to valuing our pension liabilities, net of tax effects.
Our accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) and reclassifications from AOCL, net of tax, consisted of the
following:
Minimum
Pension and
Post-
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Related to
(in thousands)
Balance at December 30, 2012
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from AOCL
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at December 29, 2013
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from AOCL
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at December 28, 2014
Retirement
Liability
$ (473,448) $
Equity
Investments
Total
(7,868) $ (481,316)
—
176,779
176,779
$ (296,669) $
(364)
—
(364)
(364)
176,779
176,415
(8,232) $ (304,901)
—
(110,883)
(110,883)
$ (407,552) $
(819)
—
(819)
(819)
(110,883)
(111,702)
(9,051) $ (416,603)
AOCL Component
Minimum pension and post-
retirement liability
Amount Reclassified from
AOCL (in thousands)
Year Ended Year Ended
December 28,
2014
December 29,
2013
Affected Line in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations
$ (184,805) $ 294,632 Compensation
73,922
(117,853)
Provision (benefit) for income
taxes
$ (110,883) $ 176,779 Net of tax
53
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
Earnings per share (EPS)
Basic EPS excludes dilution from common stock equivalents and reflects income divided by the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of outstanding
shares of common stock and dilutive common stock equivalents in the period. Common stock equivalents arise from
dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and restricted stock and are computed using the treasury stock method. The
weighted average anti-dilutive stock options that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future, but were not included in
the weighted average share calculation consisted of the following:
(shares in thousands)
Anti-dilutive stock options
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Years Ended
December 28, December 29, December 30,
2013
4,941
2014
1,519
2012
6,814
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No.
2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting
Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” ASU 2014-08 raises the threshold
for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and
certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. It is effective for annual and interim
periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Due to the change in requirements for reporting discontinued operations
described above, presentation and disclosures of future transactions after adoption may be different than under current
standards. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU 2014-09 outlines a
new, single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and
supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. This new revenue recognition model provides a five-step analysis
in determining when and how revenue is recognized. The new model will require revenue recognition to depict the transfer
of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in
exchange for those goods or services. It is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15,
2016, and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on our
consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue
as a Going Concern.” ASU 2014-15 requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an
entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnotes disclosures in certain circumstances. It is
effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We do
not believe the adoption of this guidance will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
2. DIVESTITURE
On May 5, 2014, we completed the sale of the outstanding capital stock of Anchorage Daily News, Inc. (“Anchorage”) to
an assignee of Alaska Dispatch Publishing, LLC for $34.0 million in cash. In accordance with the FASB Accounting
Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20, “Discontinued Operations,” the financial results of Anchorage have been reported
as a discontinued operation in our consolidated financial statements for the periods presented.
54
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
As of December 29, 2013, the major classes of Anchorage’s assets and liabilities were as follows:
(in thousands)
Current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Goodwill and other assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non current liabilities
Total liabilities
December 29,
2013
$
$
$
$
5,390
8,362
17,275
31,027
2,456
54
2,510
The following table summarizes the financial information for the Anchorage’s operations for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and
2012:
(in thousands)
Revenues
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before
taxes
Income tax provision
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of
tax, before loss on sale
Year Ended
December 28, December 29, December 30,
2013
27,389 $
2012
29,795
9,071 $
2014
$
$
(203) $
251
3,956 $
1,597
6,165
2,343
$
(454) $
2,359 $
3,822
Gain on sale of discontinued operations
Income tax provision
Loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of
tax
$
5,391 $
6,925
(1,534)
— $
—
—
—
—
—
$
(1,988) $
2,359 $
3,822
3. INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED COMPANIES
Our ownership interest and investment in unconsolidated companies consisted of the following:
(in thousands)
Company
CareerBuilder, LLC
Classified Ventures, LLC (see discussion below)
Other
% Ownership December 28, December 29,
Interest
15.0
—
Various
2014
2013
$ 226,965 $ 214,579
73,692
—
12,298
3,508
$ 230,473 $ 300,569
On April 1, 2014, Classified Ventures, LLC sold its Apartments.com business for $585 million. Accordingly, during fiscal
year 2014, we recorded our share of the net gain of $144.2 million, before taxes as gains related to equity investments in
our consolidated statements of operations. On April 1, 2014, we received a cash distribution of $146.9 million from
Classified Ventures, LLC, which is equal to our share of the net proceeds.
On October 1, 2014, we, along with Tribune Media Company, Graham Holdings Company and A. H. Belo Corporation
(the “Selling Partners”) sold all of the Selling Partners’ ownership interests in Classified Ventures, LLC to Gannett Co.,
Inc. for a price that valued Classified Ventures, LLC at $2.5 billion. We recorded gain on sale of our ownership interest in
Classified Ventures, LLC of $559.3 million, before taxes, during fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014. Our portion of the cash
proceeds, net of transaction costs, was $631.8 million, or approximately $406 million, net of taxes. Pursuant to the sale
agreement, $25.6 million of net proceeds is being held in escrow until October 1, 2015. Prior to the transaction closing,
55
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
Classified Ventures, LLC distributed $6.0 million, representing our portion of their earnings. On October 1, 2014, we
received our portion of the net cash proceeds, less the escrow amount, of $606.2 million. Upon the closing of the
transaction, we entered into a new, five-year affiliate agreement with Cars.com that will allow us to continue to sell
Cars.com products and services exclusively in our local markets.
On May 7, 2014, we transferred our partnership interest in McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (“MCT”) to TCA
News Service, LLC (“TCA”) for cash and future newswire content. Concurrently, we entered into a contributor agreement
with MCT pursuant to which we both continue to be a contributor of newswire content to MCT for an agreed upon rate
and we will receive newswire content from MCT or its successor at no cost for approximately 10 years. We recognized a
$3.1 million intangible asset in the consolidated balance sheets with respect to the value of the content we will receive
from MCT at no cost under these agreements, and a $1.7 million gain on sale of the equity investment in gains related to
equity investments in the consolidated statements of operations.
During fiscal years 2014 and 2013, we wrote-down $7.8 million and $3.0 million, respectively, of certain unconsolidated
investments. The write-down in fiscal year 2014 was primarily our interest in the Ponderay Newsprint Company.
We received dividends and other equity distributions from our investments in unconsolidated companies as follows:
(in thousands)
CareerBuilder, LLC
Classified Ventures, LLC
Other
Years Ended
December 28, December 29,
2014
6,750 $
$
152,876
2,700
$ 162,326 $
2013
13,500
22,996
5,940
42,436
As described above, the $152.9 million in distributions from Classified Ventures, LLC includes distributions for $146.9
million from the sale of its Apartments.com business, as well as a distribution of $6.0 million prior to the sale of our
ownership interest in Classified Ventures, LLC.
The $162.3 million in total distributions from our equity investments included $1.6 million, which exceeded the cumulative
earnings from an investee and was considered a return of investment and therefore treated as an investing activity, and the
remaining $160.7 million, which represented a return on investment, was shown as an operating activity in our
consolidated statements of cash flows.
We have a 27% general partnership in Ponderay Newsprint Company (“Ponderay”) and we purchased some of our
newsprint supply from Ponderay during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.
We have a 49.5% ownership interest The Seattle Times Company (“STC”). Our investment in STC is zero as a result of
accumulative losses in previous years exceeding our carrying value. No future income or losses from STC will be recorded
until our carrying value on our balance sheet is restored through future earnings by STC.
We also incurred expenses related to the purchase of products and services provided by these companies, for the uploading
and hosting of online advertising on behalf of our newspapers’ advertisers. We record these expenses for CareerBuilder,
LLC and Classified Ventures, LLC as a reduction to the associated digital classified advertising revenues and expenses
related to Ponderay are recorded in operating expenses. The following table summarizes expenses incurred for products
and services provided by unconsolidated companies:
(in thousands)
CareerBuilder, LLC
Classified Ventures, LLC
Ponderay (general partnership)
Years Ended
December 28, December 29, December 30,
2013
1,109 $
2014
1,024 $
$
2012
1,159
14,159
22,358
20,299
10,433
16,642
16,313
56
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
As of both December 28, 2014, and December 29, 2013, we had approximately $1.5 million payable collectively to
CareerBuilder, LLC and Ponderay.
The tables below present the summarized financial information, as provided to us by these investees, for our investments
in unconsolidated companies on a combined basis:
(in thousands)
Current assets
Noncurrent assets
Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Equity
(in thousands)
Net revenues
Gross profit
Operating income
Net income
December 28, December 29,
2014
2013
$ 359,349 $ 479,684
608,267
320,440
277,518
489,993
577,837
247,825
180,764
508,597
Years Ended
December 28,
2014
December 29,
2013
December 30,
2012
$ 1,368,593 $ 1,512,534 $ 1,427,657
1,179,819
169,236
141,387
1,155,091
146,809
151,519
1,262,104
231,952
247,441
4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL
Changes in identifiable intangible assets and goodwill consisted of the following:
December 29, Acquired Disposition Impairment Amortization December 28,
(in thousands)
Intangible assets subject to amortization $
Accumulated amortization
Expense
2014
2013
835,461 $ 3,100 $ (5,307) $
Adjustment Adjustment Charges
— $ 833,254
(615,378)
217,876
193,039
996,115
$ 1,478,968 $ 3,100 $ (16,887) $ (5,203) $ (52,948) $ 1,407,030
— $
—
—
(5,203)
—
(567,737)
267,724
198,242
1,013,002
(52,948)
(52,948)
—
—
5,307
—
—
(16,887)
—
3,100
—
—
(in thousands)
Intangible assets subject to amortization $ 834,961 $
Accumulated amortization
2012
December 30, Acquired Disposition Impairment Amortization December 29,
Adjustment Adjustment Charges
Expense
2013
(510,546)
324,415
203,587
1,012,011
500 $
—
500
—
991
— $
—
—
(5,345)
—
— $ 835,461
— $
(567,737)
—
267,724
—
198,242
—
1,013,002
—
— $ (5,345) $ (57,191) $ 1,478,968
(57,191)
(57,191)
—
—
$ 1,540,013 $ 1,491 $
During fiscal year 2014, we sold Anchorage, resulting in the removal of the applicable intangible assets subject to
amortization, accumulated amortization and goodwill from our consolidated balance sheet. In addition, in fiscal year 2014
we acquired an intangible asset related to an agreement we entered into with MCT under which we will receive MCT
newswire content, at no cost, over approximately 10 years.
During fiscal year 2013, we completed a small acquisition, which is reflected in goodwill and intangible assets subject to
amortization.
57
Mastheads
Goodwill
Total
Mastheads
Goodwill
Total
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
Accumulated changes in indefinite lived intangible assets and goodwill as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013,
consisted of the following:
December 28, 2014
December 29, 2013
Original Gross Accumulated Carrying
Original Gross Accumulated Carrying
(in thousands)
Mastheads
Goodwill
Total
Impairment
Amount
Amount
683,000 $
$
(489,961) $ 193,039
996,115
$ 4,254,111 $ (3,064,957) $ 1,189,154
(2,574,996)
3,571,111
Impairment
Amount
$ 683,000 $
3,587,998
(484,758) $ 198,242
1,013,002
$ 4,270,998 $ (3,059,754) $ 1,211,244
(2,574,996)
Amount
Amortization expense was $52.9 million, $57.2 million and $58.1 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:
Year
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Amortization
Expense
(in thousands)
$
48,357
47,986
48,907
47,275
23,769
5. LONG-TERM DEBT
All of our long-term debt is in fixed rate obligations. As of December 28, 2014, and December 29, 2013, our outstanding
long-term debt consisted of senior secured notes and unsecured notes. If applicable, they are stated net of unamortized
discounts totaling $25.5 million and $33.8 million as of December 28, 2014, and December 29, 2013, respectively. The
unamortized discounts resulted from recording assumed liabilities at fair value during a 2006 acquisition.
The face values of the notes, as well as the carrying values are as follows:
Face Value at
December 28,
2014
Carrying Value
December 28,
2014
December 29,
2013
—
111,299
89,188
276,230
$ 555,785 $ 555,785 $ 900,000
28,548
252,259
83,684
257,380
$ 1,032,502 $ 1,006,957 $ 1,521,871
28,548
$ 1,006,957 $ 1,493,323
—
108,489
84,076
258,607
—
(in thousands)
Notes:
9.00% senior secured notes due in 2022
4.625% notes due in 2014
5.750% notes due in 2017
7.150% debentures due in 2027
6.875% debentures due in 2029
Long-term debt
Less current portion
Total long-term debt, net of current
58
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
During fiscal year 2014, we retired $29.0 million of the 4.625% notes that matured on November 1, 2014. During the year
ended December 28, 2014, we repurchased a total of $494.2 million of notes through privately negotiated transactions, as
follows:
(in thousands)
9.00% senior secured notes due in 2022
5.750% notes due in 2017
Total notes repurchased
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
Face Value
$ 344,215
149,999
$ 494,214
We recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $72.8 million, $13.6 million and $88.4 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013
and 2012, respectively. During fiscal year 2014, we repurchased $494.2 million aggregate principal amount of various
series of our outstanding notes. We repurchased these notes at a price higher than par value and wrote off historical
discounts and unamortized issuance costs related to these notes, which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of
$72.8 million in fiscal year 2014. During fiscal year 2013, we redeemed or repurchased $155.9 million aggregate principal
amount of various series of our outstanding notes. We redeemed or repurchased these notes at a price higher than par
value, wrote off historical discounts and unamortized issuance costs related to these notes, which resulted in a loss on
extinguishment of debt of $13.6 million in fiscal year 2013. During fiscal year 2012 we repurchased $70.5 million
aggregate principal of outstanding notes in privately negotiated repurchases and $762.4 million in conjunction with the
refinancing of certain notes. We repurchased most of the $70.5 million notes at a price lower than par value and wrote off
historical discounts related to the notes we repurchased, which resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt. This gain was
offset by the write-off of fees related to the refinancing of our revolving credit facility in the second quarter of fiscal year
2012 and the refinancing of our notes in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012.
Credit Agreement
In connection with the issuance of the 9.00% Senior Secured Notes due in 2022 (“9.00% Notes”) discussed below, we
entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”), dated as of December 18, 2012.
The Credit Agreement provided for $75.0 million in revolving credit commitments, with a $50.0 million letter of credit
subfacility, and had a maturity date of December 18, 2017.
On October 21, 2014, we amended our Credit Agreement (“Amended Credit Agreement”) to, among other things, reduce
the lending banks’ commitments from $75 million to $65 million, amend or eliminate certain covenant requirements and
extend the maturity date by two years to December 18, 2019. The revised maintenance covenants are discussed under
“Covenants under the Senior Debt Agreements” below. In addition, on October 21, 2014, we entered into a Collateralized
Issuance and Reimbursement Agreement (“LC Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the LC Agreement, we may request
letters of credit be issued on our behalf in an aggregate face amount not to exceed $35.0 million. We are required to provide
cash collateral equal to 101% of the aggregate undrawn stated amount of each outstanding letter of credit.
Our obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are secured by a first-priority security interest in certain of our
assets as described below. As of December 28, 2014, there were $33.2 million face amount of letters of credit outstanding
under the LC Agreement and no amounts drawn under the Amended Credit Agreement.
Under the Amended Credit Agreement, we may borrow at either the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a spread ranging
from 275 basis points to 425 basis points, or at a base rate plus a spread ranging from 175 basis points to 325 basis points,
in each case based upon our consolidated total leverage ratio. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a commitment
fee payable on the unused revolving credit ranging from 50 basis points to 62.5 basis points, based upon our consolidated
total leverage ratio.
Senior Secured Notes and Indenture
In December 2012, our 9.00% Notes were issued in a private placement. In July 2013, the original 9.00% Notes (and
associated guarantees) were exchanged for new 9.00% Notes (and associated guarantees) that had terms substantially
identical to the original notes except that the 9.00% Notes issued in the exchange are not subject to transfer restrictions.
59
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
Substantially all of our subsidiaries guarantee the obligations under the 9.00% Notes and the Amended Credit Agreement.
We own 100% of each of the guarantor subsidiaries and we have no significant independent assets or operations separate
from the subsidiaries that guarantee our 9.00% Notes and the Amended Credit Agreement. The guarantees provided by
the guarantor subsidiaries are full and unconditional and joint and several, and the subsidiaries, other than the subsidiary
guarantors, are minor.
In addition, we have granted a security interest to the banks that are a party to the Amended Credit Agreement and the
trustee under the indenture governing the 9.00% Notes that include, but are not limited to, intangible assets, inventory,
receivables and certain minority investments as collateral for the debt. The security interest does not include any PP&E,
leasehold interests and improvements with respect to such PP&E which would be reflected on our consolidated balance
sheets or shares of stock and indebtedness of our subsidiaries.
Covenants under the Senior Debt Agreements
The financial covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement require us to comply with a maximum consolidated total
leverage ratio measured quarterly. The Amended Credit Agreement eliminated a previously required minimum
consolidated interest coverage ratio in the Credit Agreement. As of December 28, 2014, and for the remainder of the term
of the Amended Credit Agreement, we are required to maintain a consolidated total leverage ratio of not more than 6.00
to 1.00. For purposes of the consolidated total leverage ratio, debt is largely defined as debt, net of cash on hand in excess
of $20 million. As of December 28, 2014, we were in compliance with all financial debt covenants.
The Amended Credit Agreement also prohibits the payment of a dividend if a payment would not be permitted under the
indenture for the 9.00% Notes (discussed below). Dividends under the indenture for the 9.00% Notes are allowed if the
consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the indenture) is less than 5.25 to 1.00 and we have sufficient amounts under our
restricted payments basket (as defined in the indenture).
The indenture for the 9.00% Notes and the Amended Credit Agreement include a number of restrictive covenants that are
applicable to us and our restricted subsidiaries. The covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and
qualifications set forth in those agreements. These covenants include, among other things, restrictions on our ability to
incur additional debt; make investments and other restricted payments; pay dividends on capital stock or redeem or
repurchase capital stock or certain of our outstanding notes or debentures prior to stated maturity; sell assets or enter into
sale/leaseback transactions; create specified liens; create or permit restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries
to pay dividends or make other distributions; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and consolidate or merge with
or into other companies or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s and our subsidiaries’ assets, taken as a whole.
Maturities
The following table presents the approximate annual maturities of outstanding long-term debt as of December 28, 2014,
based upon our required payments, for the next five years and thereafter:
Year
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Debt principal
Payments
(in thousands)
—
—
111,299
—
—
921,203
1,032,502
$
$
60
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
6. INCOME TAXES
Income tax provision (benefit) consisted of:
(in thousands)
Current:
Federal
State
Deferred:
Federal
State
Income tax provision (benefit)
Years Ended
December 28,
2014
December 29, December 30,
2013
2012
$ 233,247 $ 16,100 $
30,216
5,108
2,523
(16,636)
(29,182)
(3,051)
(4,595)
(5,017)
$ 231,230 $ 11,659 $ (23,725)
(7,262)
(2,287)
The effective tax rate expense (benefit) and the statutory federal income tax rate are reconciled as follows:
(in thousands)
Statutory rate
State taxes, net of federal benefit
Changes in estimates
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits
Settlements
Other
Stock compensation
Effective tax rate
December 28,
2014
Years Ended
December 29,
2013
December 30,
35.0 %
3.0
—
—
(0.1)
0.1
0.1
38.1 %
35.0 %
12.3
—
(6.0)
(1.5)
3.1
(1.4)
41.5 %
2012
(35.0) %
5.4
0.2
(43.8)
(25.4)
3.0
9.9
(85.7) %
The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
(in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation benefits
State taxes
State loss carryovers
Other
Total deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Net deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries
Debt discount
Deferred gain on debt
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liabilities
December 28, December 29,
2014
2013
$ 248,585 $ 187,516
3,625
5,007
4,727
200,875
(3,741)
197,134
6,061
2,266
4,508
261,420
(2,265)
259,155
195,616
52,711
9,618
26,318
284,263
213,159
71,840
12,434
33,007
330,440
$ 25,108 $ 133,306
The valuation allowance relates to state net operating loss and capital loss carryovers, and decreased by $1.5 million in
fiscal year 2014 and $0.4 million in fiscal year 2013.
As of December 28, 2014, we have net operating losses in various states totaling approximately $164.3 million. The net
operating losses expire in various years between fiscal years 2020 and 2033 if not used.
61
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
As of December 28, 2014, we had approximately $15.8 million of long-term liabilities relating to uncertain tax positions
consisting of approximately $13.0 million in gross unrecognized tax benefits (primarily state tax positions before the
offsetting effect of federal income tax) and $2.7 million in gross accrued interest and penalties. If recognized,
approximately $6.4 million of the net unrecognized tax benefits would impact the effective tax rate, with the remainder
impacting other accounts, primarily deferred taxes. It is reasonably possible that a reduction of up to $3.9 million of
unrecognized tax benefits and related interest may occur within the next 12 months as a result of the expiration of statutes
of limitations.
We record interest on unrecognized tax benefits as a component of interest expense, while penalties are recorded as part
of income tax expense. Related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted below, we recorded interest expense (benefit), of
$0.1 million, ($0.7) million and ($11.7) million for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We also recorded
penalty expense (benefit) of ($0.1) million and ($4.9) million during fiscal years 2014 and 2012, respectively. During
fiscal year 2013, our recorded penalty expense was immaterial. Accrued interest and penalties at December 28, 2014,
December 29, 2013, and December 30, 2012, were approximately $2.7 million, $2.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits consists of the following:
(in thousands)
Balance at beginning of fiscal year
Increases based on tax positions in prior year
Decreases based on tax positions in prior year
Increases based on tax positions in current year
Settlements
Lapse of statute of limitations
Balance at end of fiscal year
2014
$ 12,889 $
Years Ended
December 28, December 29, December 30,
2013
8,649 $
7,631
(935)
1,386
(259)
(3,583)
1
(363)
1,357
(49)
(789)
2012
30,463
—
(9,933)
745
(643)
(11,983)
8,649
$ 13,046 $ 12,889 $
As of December 28, 2014, the following tax years and related taxing jurisdictions were open:
Taxing Jurisdiction
Federal
California
Other States
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Open
Years Under
Exam
Tax Year
2011-2014
—
2010-2014 —
2006-2014 2011-2012
We have a qualified defined benefit pension plan (“Pension Plan”) covering substantially all of our employees who began
their employment prior to March 31, 2009. Effective March 31, 2009, the Pension Plan was frozen such that no new
participants may enter the Pension Plan and no further benefits will accrue. However, years of service continue to count
toward early retirement calculations and vesting of benefits previously earned.
We also have a limited number of supplemental retirement plans to provide key employees hired prior to March 31, 2009,
with additional retirement benefits. These plans are funded on a pay-as-you-go basis and the accrued pension obligation
is largely included in other long-term obligations. We paid $8.5 million, $8.3 million and $8.2 million in fiscal years 2014,
2013 and 2012, respectively, for these plans. We also provide or subsidize certain life insurance benefits for employees.
62
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
The following tables provide reconciliations of the pension and post- retirement benefit plans’ benefit obligations, fair
value of assets and funded status as of December 28, 2014, and December 29, 2013:
(in thousands)
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Plan participants’ contributions
Actuarial (gain)/loss
Gross benefits paid
Plan amendment
Administrative expenses
Benefit obligation, end of year
(in thousands)
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of
year
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contribution
Plan participants’ contributions
Gross benefits paid
Administrative expenses
Fair value of plan assets, end of year
Pension Benefits
Post-retirement Benefits
2014
2013
2014
2013
$ 1,849,321 $ 2,073,218 $ 12,586 $ 15,932
—
5,545
497
84,596
586
—
(754)
(214,353)
(3,289)
(94,253)
(386)
—
—
(5,432)
$ 2,051,907 $ 1,849,321 $ 10,602 $ 12,586
8,030
91,004
—
213,176
(101,441)
—
(8,183)
—
514
267
467
(1,611)
(1,621)
—
Pension Benefits
Post-retirement Benefits
2014
2013
2014
2013
$ 1,432,695 $ 1,358,877 $
122,133
33,482
—
(101,441)
(8,183)
157,614
15,889
—
(94,253)
(5,432)
$ 1,478,686 $ 1,432,695 $
— $
—
1,344
267
(1,611)
—
— $
—
—
2,703
586
(3,289)
—
—
(in thousands)
Funded Status
Fair value of plan assets
Benefit obligations
Funded status and amount
recognized, end of year
Pension Benefits
Post-retirement Benefits
2014
2013
2014
2013
$ 1,478,686 $ 1,432,695 $
(2,051,907)
(1,849,321)
(10,602)
— $
—
(12,586)
$ (573,221) $ (416,626) $ (10,602) $ (12,586)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 28, 2014, and December 29, 2013, consists of:
(in thousands)
Current liability
Noncurrent liability
Pension Benefits
Post-retirement Benefits
2014
2013
2014
2013
$ (8,529) $ (33,418) $ (1,270) $ (1,585)
(11,001)
$ (573,221) $ (416,626) $ (10,602) $ (12,586)
(564,692)
(383,208)
(9,332)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 28, 2014, and
December 29, 2013, consist of:
(in thousands)
Net actuarial loss/(gain)
Prior service cost/(credit)
Pension Benefits
Post-retirement Benefits
2014
2013
2014
2013
$ 701,408 $ 518,914 $ (9,385) $ (11,041)
(13,436)
$ 701,408 $ 518,926 $ (22,153) $ (24,477)
(12,768)
—
12
63
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
The elements of retirement and post-retirement costs are as follows:
(in thousands)
Pension plans:
Service Cost
Interest Cost
Expected return on plan assets
Prior service cost amortization
Actuarial loss
Net pension expense
Net post-retirement benefit credit
Net retirement expenses
Years Ended
December 28, December 29, December 30,
2013
2012
2014
$
8,030 $
91,004
(107,460)
12
16,009
7,595
(2,963)
4,632 $ 12,162 $
5,545 $
84,596
(101,053)
14
25,557
14,659
(2,497)
5,540
91,898
(107,760)
14
12,687
2,379
(995)
1,384
$
Our discount rate was determined by matching a portfolio of long-term, non-callable, high quality bonds to the plans’
projected cash flows.
Weighted average assumptions used for valuing benefit obligations were:
Discount rate
Weighted average assumptions used in calculating expense:
Pension Benefit
Obligations
Post-retirement
Obligations
2014 2013 2014 2013
4.24% 5.01% 3.69% 4.36 %
Expected long-term return on plan assets
Discount rate
8.00 %
5.01 %
8.00 %
4.17 %
8.25 %
5.31 %
N/A
4.36 %
N/A
3.39 % 4.26 % / 3.31%(1)
N/A
Pension Benefit Expense
Post-retirement Expense
December 28, December 29, December 30, December 28, December 29, December 30,
2014
2013
2012
2014
2013
2012
(1)
4.26% for January 2012 to September 2012; 3.31% for October 2012 to December 2012 due to plan change.
As of December 28, 2014, a 1% increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the benefit obligation
by $0.1 million and a 1% decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would decrease the benefit obligation by
$0.1 million. As of December 29, 2013, a 1% increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the benefit
obligation by $0.5 million and a 1% decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would decrease the benefit
obligation by $0.5 million.
Contributions and Cash Flows
In August 2014, the federal Highway and Transportation Funding Act was enacted, which, in addition to funding the
highway trust fund, also provided pension funding stabilization that reduced our minimum contribution requirements for
the 2013-2017 plan years. The application of this new requirement reduced the funding requirements going back to 2013,
which provided us with over funded credits that can be used to reduce our cash contributions in future periods. As a result
of the enacted Highway and Transportation Funding Act, we do not expect to have a required cash minimum contribution,
to the Pension Plan, in fiscal year 2015.
In fiscal year 2014, we contributed $25 million of cash to the Pension Plan. In fiscal year 2013, we contributed $7.6 million
of cash to the Pension Plan. In fiscal year 2012, we contributed $40.0 million of cash to the Pension Plan.
The contribution and leaseback of certain properties in fiscal year 2011 was treated as a financing transaction and,
accordingly, we continue to depreciate the carrying value of the properties in our financial statements. No gain or loss is
recognized on the contributions until the termination of the individual leases on those properties. At the time of our
64
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
contribution, our pension obligation was reduced and a long-term and short-term financing obligation was recorded. The
financing obligation is reduced by a portion of the lease payments made to the Pension Plan each month. The balance of
this obligation at December 28, 2014, was $34.6 million.
Expected benefit payments to retirees under our retirement and post-retirement plans over the next 10 years are
summarized below:
(in thousands)
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020-2024
Total
$
Plans (1)
Retirement
Post-
retirement
Plans
98,178 $ 1,270
1,188
100,455
1,108
104,703
1,031
107,539
955
112,049
3,694
603,352
$ 1,126,276 $ 9,246
(1)
Largely to be paid from the qualified defined benefit pension plan
Pension Plan Assets
Our investment policies are designed to maximize Pension Plan returns within reasonable and prudent levels of risk, with
an investment horizon of greater than 10 years so that interim investment returns and fluctuations are viewed with
appropriate perspective. The policy also aims to maintain sufficient liquid assets to provide for the payment of retirement
benefits and plan expenses, hence, small portions of the equity and debt investments are held in marketable mutual funds.
Our policy seeks to provide an appropriate level of diversification of assets, as reflected in its target allocations, as well as
limits placed on concentrations of equities in specific sectors or industries. It uses a mix of active managers and passive
index funds and a mix of separate accounts, mutual funds, common collective trusts and other investment vehicles.
Our assumed long-term return on assets was developed using a weighted average return based upon the Pension Plan’s
portfolio of assets and expected returns for each asset class, taking into account projected inflation, interest rates and
market returns. The assumed return was also reviewed in light of historical and recent returns in total and by asset class.
As of December 28, 2014, the target allocations for the Pension Plan assets were 61% equity securities, 33% debt securities
and 6% real estate securities. As of December 29, 2013, the target allocations for the Pension Plan assets were 60% equity
securities, 28% debt securities, 7% real estate securities and 5% commodities.
The table below summarizes the Pension Plan’s financial instruments that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis by
the fair value hierarchy levels discussed above, as of the year ended December 28, 2014:
(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
Mutual funds
Corporate debt instruments
Common collective trusts
Real estate
Other
Total
Pending trades
2014
Plan Assets
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Level 1
$ 1,068 $
485,488
—
—
—
—
— $
—
—
—
47,579
6,636
$ 486,556 $ 937,915 $ 54,215
— $
—
106
937,809
—
—
1,068
485,488
106
937,809
47,579
6,636
1,478,686
—
$ 1,478,686
65
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
The table below summarizes changes in the fair value of the Pension Plan’s Level 3 investment assets held for the year
ended December 28, 2014:
(in thousands)
Beginning Balance, December 29, 2013
Purchases, issuances, sales, settlements
Realized gains (losses)
Transfer in or out of level 3
Unrealized gains (losses)
Ending Balance, December 28, 2014
Total
Real Estate Private Equity (1)
$ 52,265 $
(3,312)
3,973
(3,973)
(1,374)
$ 47,579 $
7,167 $ 59,432
—
(3,312)
(16,153)
(12,180)
(483)
(4,456)
14,731
16,105
6,636 $ 54,215
(1) The activity within the unrealized gains (losses) and the realized gains (losses) relates to closing out two funds within
the private equity funds. There was no impact to the total asset value of the private equity funds as a result of these
transactions.
The table below summarizes the Pension Plan’s financial instruments that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis by
the fair value hierarchy levels discussed above, as of the year ended December 29, 2013:
(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
Mutual fund
Corporate debt instruments
U.S. Government securities
Common collective trusts
Real estate
Other
Total
Pending trades
2013
Plan Assets
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
$
844 $
— $
—
—
—
—
52,265
7,167
$ 274,294 $ 1,092,952 $ 59,432
— $
—
105
112,530
980,317
—
—
273,450
—
—
—
—
—
844
273,450
105
112,530
980,317
52,265
7,167
1,426,678
6,017
$ 1,432,695
The table below summarizes changes in the fair value of the Pension Plan’s Level 3 investment assets held for the year
ended December 29, 2013:
(in thousands)
Beginning Balance, December 30, 2012
Purchases, issuances, sales, settlements
Realized gains
Transfer in or out of level 3
Unrealized gains
Ending Balance, December 29, 2013
Real Estate Private Equity Total
6,408 $ 57,987
$ 51,579 $
—
4,817
(4,984)
1,612
7,167 $ 59,432
—
4,817
(4,817)
686
—
—
(167)
926
$ 52,265 $
Cash and cash equivalents. The carrying value of these items approximates fair value.
Mutual funds. These investments are publicly traded investments, which are valued using the Net Asset Value (NAV).
The NAV of the mutual funds is a quoted price in an active market. The NAV is determined once a day after the closing
of the exchange based upon the underlying assets in the fund, less the fund’s liabilities, expressed on a per-share basis.
Corporate debt instruments. The fair value of corporate debt instruments is based on yields currently available on
comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. When quoted prices are not available for identical or similar
debt instruments, the fair value is based upon an industry valuation model, which maximizes observable inputs.
U.S. Government securities. U.S. government securities primarily consist of investments in U.S. Treasury Bonds, Indexed
Linked Bonds and Treasury Inflation Protected Securities. The fair value of U.S. government securities is based on quoted
66
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
market prices when available or is based on yields currently available on comparable securities or on an industry valuation
model, which maximizes observable inputs. As of December 28, 2014, no funds are held in U.S. Government securities.
Common collective trusts. These investments are valued based on the NAV of the underlying investments and are provided
by the fund issuers. NAV for these funds represent the quoted price in a non-market environment. There are no restrictions
on participants’ ability to withdraw funds from the common collective trusts.
Real estate. On January 14, 2011, we contributed Company-owned real property from seven locations to our Pension
Plan. The Pension Plan obtained independent appraisals of the property, and based on these appraisals, the Pension Plan
recorded the contribution at fair value on January 14, 2011. The properties are leased by us for our newspaper operations.
The properties are managed on behalf of the Pension Plan by an independent fiduciary, and the terms of the leases between
us and the Pension Plan were negotiated with the fiduciary. The property is valued by independent appraisals conducted
under the direction of the independent fiduciary.
Other. Other includes:
Private equity fund. Private equity funds represent investments in limited partnerships, which invest in start-up
or other private companies. Fair value is estimated based on valuations of comparable public companies, recent
sales of comparable private and public companies and discounted cash flow analysis of portfolio companies.
401(k) Plan
We have a deferred compensation plans (“401(k) plan”), which enables qualified employees to voluntarily defer
compensation. The 401(k) plan includes a matching company contribution and a supplemental contribution that is tied to
our performance. We suspended our matching contributions to the 401(k) plan in fiscal year 2009 and as of December 28,
2014, we have not reinstated that benefit.
8. CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 for interest and income taxes were:
(in thousands)
Interest paid (net of amount capitalized) (1)
Income taxes paid (net of refunds)
Year Ended
December 28,
2014
December 29, December 30,
2013
2012
$ 121,375 $ 127,257 $ 173,742
37,137
21,019
77,622
(1)
The fiscal year 2013 interest paid includes $30.0 million of interest accelerated as a result of the refinance of
some of our notes, as discussed in Note 5.
Other non-cash investing activities from continuing operations, related to the recognition of an intangible asset during
fiscal year 2014, was $3.1 million.
As of December 29, 2013, other non-cash financing activities included the release of $238.1 million for the financing
obligation related to the Miami property transaction because we no longer have a continuing involvement with the Miami
property. As of December 29, 2013, other non-cash investing activities included the release of $227.7 million from
property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), which also relates to the conclusion of the Miami property transaction.
We had $1.3 million, $0.2 million and $5.7 million of non-cash financing activities related to purchases of PP&E on credit
as of the end of fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We had $1.0 million of non-cash financing activities related
to financing costs for our 9.00% Notes issuance as of the end of fiscal year 2012.
67
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We have certain other obligations for various contractual agreements that secure future rights to goods and services to be
used in the normal course of operations. These include purchase commitments for printing outsource agreements, planned
capital expenditures, lease commitments and self- insurance obligations.
The following table summarizes our minimum annual contractual obligations as of December 28, 2014:
(in thousands)
Purchase obligations (1)
Operating leases (2)
Lease obligations
Sublease income
Net lease obligation
Workers’ compensation obligations (3)
Total (4)
2015
2016
Payments Due By Period
2018
2017
$ 30,947 $ 13,526 $ 8,876 $ 6,614 $
2019
6,601 $
Thereafter
Total
35,995 $ 102,559
11,152
(2,018)
9,134
4,420
9,655
(737)
8,918
2,345
$ 44,501 $ 25,790 $ 20,139 $ 16,367 $ 14,748 $
10,535
(1,442)
9,093
3,171
7,075
(296)
6,779
1,368
8,431
(421)
8,010
1,743
78,028
31,180
(5,612)
(698)
72,416
30,482
4,912
17,959
71,389 $ 192,934
(1)
(2)
(3)
Represents our purchase obligations primarily related to printing outsource agreements and capital expenditures
for property, plant and equipment expiring at various dates through 2028. As of December 28, 2014, this table
excludes a fiscal year 2015 purchase commitment of 30,000 metric tons of newsprint from SP Fiber Technologies
because it is based on the market price at time of purchase.
Represents minimum rental commitments under operating leases with non-cancelable terms in excess of one year
and sublease income from leased space. We rent certain facilities and equipment under operating leases expiring
at various dates through 2028. Total rental expense, included in other operating expenses, from continuing
operations amounted to $12.5 million, $11.2 million and $12.5 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012,
respectively. Most of the leases provide that we pay taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other operating
expenses applicable to the leased premises in addition to the minimum monthly payments. Some of the operating
leases have built in escalation clauses. We sublease office space to other companies under noncancellable
agreements that expire at various dates through 2023. Sublease income from operating leases totaled $2.2 million,
$3.9 million and $3.8 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Represents the expected insurance payments of undiscounted ultimate losses, net of estimated insurance
recoveries of approximately $2.6 million, and is based on our historical payment patterns. We retain the risk for
workers’ compensation resulting from uninsured deductibles per accident or occurrence that are subject to annual
aggregate limits. Losses up to the deductible amounts are accrued based upon known claims incurred and an
estimate of claims incurred but not reported. For the year ended December 28, 2014, we compiled our historical
data pertaining to the self-insurance experiences and actuarially developed the ultimate loss associated with our
self-insurance programs for workers’ compensation liability. We believe that the actuarial valuation provides the
best estimate of the ultimate losses to be expected under these programs. The undiscounted ultimate losses of all
our self-insurance reserves related to our workers’ compensation liabilities, net of insurance recoveries at
December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, were $18.0 million and $18.7 million, respectively. We discount the
net amount above to present value using an approximate risk-free rate over the average life of our insurance
claims. For the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the discount rate used was 2.0% and
1.9%, respectively. The present value of all self-insurance reserves, net of estimated insurance recoveries, for our
workers’ compensation liability recorded at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, was $17.5 million and
$18.7 million, respectively.
Legal Proceedings and other contingent claims
In December 2008, carriers of The Fresno Bee filed a purported class action lawsuit against us and The Fresno Bee in the
Superior Court of the State of California in Fresno County captioned Becerra v. The McClatchy Company (“Fresno case”)
alleging that the carriers were misclassified as independent contractors and seeking mileage reimbursement. In February
2009, a substantially similar lawsuit, Sawin v. The McClatchy Company, involving similar allegations was filed by carriers
of The Sacramento Bee (“Sacramento case”) in the Superior Court of the State of California in Sacramento County. Both
courts have certified the class in these cases. The class consists of roughly 5,000 carriers in the Sacramento case and 3,500
68
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
carriers in the Fresno case. The plaintiffs in both cases are seeking unspecified damages for mileage reimbursement. With
respect to the Sacramento case, in September 2013, all wage and hour claims were dismissed and the only remaining claim
is an equitable claim under the California Civil Code for mileage. In the Fresno case, in March 2014, all wage and hour
claims were dismissed and the only remaining claim is an equitable claim for mileage reimbursement under the California
Civil Code.
The court in the Sacramento case has trifurcated the trial into three separate phases: the first phase addressed independent
contractor status, the second phase will address liability, if any, and the third phase will address damages, if any. On
September 22, 2014, the court in the Sacramento case issued a tentative decision following the first phase, finding that the
carriers that contracted directly with The Sacramento Bee during the period from February 2005 to July 2009 were
misclassified as independent contractors. We objected to the tentative decision but the court ultimately adopted it as final.
The court has not yet established a date for the second and third phases of trial concerning whether The Sacramento Bee
is liable to the carriers in the class for mileage reimbursement or owes any damages.
The court in the Fresno case has bifurcated the trial into two separate phases: the first phase will address independent
contractor status and liability for mileage reimbursement and the second phase will address damages, if any. The first
phase of the Fresno case began in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014 and is expected to be concluded in late March
2015.
We are defending these actions vigorously and expect that we will ultimately prevail. As a result, we have not established
a reserve in connection with the cases. While we believe that a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial
position, results of operations or cash flows from these claims is unlikely, given the inherent uncertainty of litigation, a
possibility exists that future adverse rulings or unfavorable developments could result in future charges that could have a
material impact. We have and will continue to periodically reexamine our estimates of probable liabilities and any
associated expenses and make appropriate adjustments to such estimates based on experience and developments in
litigation.
Other than the cases described above, we are subject to a variety of legal proceedings (including libel, employment, wage
and hour, independent contractor and other legal actions) and governmental proceedings (including environmental matters)
that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. We are unable to estimate the amount or range of
reasonably possible losses for these matters. However, we currently believe, after reviewing such actions with counsel,
that the expected outcome of pending actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. No
material amounts for any losses from litigation that may ultimately occur have been recorded in the consolidated financial
statements as we believe that any such losses are not probable.
We have certain indemnification obligations related to the sale of assets including but not limited to insurance claims and
multi-employer pension plans of disposed newspaper operations. We believe the remaining obligations related to disposed
assets will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
As of December 28, 2014, we had $33.2 million of standby letters of credit secured under the LC Agreement (see Note 5
for further discussion).
10. COMMON STOCK AND STOCK PLANS
Common Stock
We have two classes of stock; Class A and Class B Common Stock. Both classes of stock participate equally in dividends.
Holders of Class B are entitled to one vote per share and to elect as a class 75% of the Board of Directors, rounded down
to the nearest whole number. Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one-tenth of a vote per share and to elect
as a class 25% of the Board of Directors, rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Class B Common Stock is convertible at the option of the holder into Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis.
During fiscal year 2014, 215,000 Class B Common Shares were converted to Class A Common Shares at the request of a
holder.
The holders of shares of Class B Common Stock are parties to an agreement, the intent of which is to preserve control of
the Company by the McClatchy family. Under the terms of the agreement, the Class B shareholders have agreed to restrict
69
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
the transfer of any shares of Class B Common Stock to one or more “Permitted Transferees,” subject to certain exceptions.
A “Permitted Transferee” is any of our current holders of shares of Class B Common Stock; any lineal descendant of
Charles K. McClatchy (1858 to 1936); or a trust for the exclusive benefit of, or in which all of the remainder beneficial
interests are owned by, one or more lineal descendants of Charles K. McClatchy.
Generally, Class B shares can be converted into shares of Class A Common Stock and then transferred freely (unless,
following conversion, the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock would constitute less than 25% of the total number
of all our outstanding shares of common stock). In the event that a Class B shareholder attempts to transfer any shares of
Class B Common Stock in violation of the agreement, or upon the happening of certain other events enumerated in the
agreement as “Option Events,” each of the remaining Class B shareholders has an option to purchase a percentage of the
total number of shares of Class B Common Stock proposed to be transferred equal to such remaining Class B shareholder’s
ownership percentage of the total number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock. If all the shares proposed to
be transferred are not purchased by the remaining Class B shareholders, we have the option of purchasing the remaining
shares. The agreement can be terminated by the vote of the holders of 80% of the outstanding shares of Class B Common
Stock who are subject to the agreement. The agreement will terminate on September 17, 2047, unless terminated earlier
in accordance with its terms.
Stock Plans
During fiscal year 2014, we had two stock-based compensation plans, which are described below.
We have a stock incentive plan (the “2004 Plan”) that reserved 9,000,000 Class A Common shares for issuance to key
employees and outside directors. The options vested in installments over four years, and once vested are exercisable up to
10 years from the date of grant. In addition, the 2004 Plan permitted the following type of incentive awards in addition to
common stock, stock options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”): restricted stock, unrestricted stock, stock units and
dividend equivalent rights. The 2004 Plan was frozen in May 2012.
In May 2012 the shareholders approved The McClatchy Company 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“2012 Plan”) to replace
the 2004 Plan, for all future awards. The 2012 Plan provided that the Class A Common Stock available for issuance equal
to 5,000,000 shares plus the number of shares available for future awards under the 2004 Plan as of the date of May 16,
2012 (the shareholder meeting date) plus the number of shares subject to awards outstanding under the 2004 Plan as of
May 16, 2012, which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of such shares.
The 2012 Plan generally provides for granting of stock options or SARs only at an exercise price at least equal to fair
market value on the grant date; a 10-year maximum term for stock options and SARs; no repricing of stock options or
SARs without prior shareholder approval; and no reload or “evergreen” share replenishment features.
Stock Plans Activity
In fiscal year 2014, we granted 15,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to each non-employee director, resulting in the
issuance of 150,000 shares from the 2012 Plan. In fiscal year 2013, we granted 15,000 shares of Class A Common Stock
to each non-employee director, resulting in the issuance of 165,000 shares from the 2012 Plan.
We granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) at fair market value on the date of grant to certain key employees from the
2012 Plan as summarized below. The RSUs generally vest three years after grant date but terms of each grant is at the
discretion of the compensation committee of the board of directors.
70
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
The following table summarizes the RSUs stock activity:
Nonvested — December 25, 2011
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested — December 30, 2012
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested — December 29, 2013
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested — December 28, 2014
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
RSUs
1,445,000 $
1,082,000 $
(765,000) $
(660,000) $
1,102,000 $
483,150 $
(320,000) $
(33,500) $
1,231,650 $
856,950 $
(717,150) $
(41,900) $
1,329,550 $
Value
3.73
2.59
3.42
3.48
2.98
2.46
4.08
2.48
2.50
4.61
2.92
2.93
3.62
As of December 28, 2014, the total fair value of the RSUs that vested during the period was $3.4 million. As of
December 28, 2014, there were $2.9 million of unrecognized compensation costs for nonvested RSUs, which are expected
to be recognized over 2.0 years.
When SARs are granted they are granted at fair market value on the date of grant to certain key employees from the 2012
Plan. The SARs generally vest four years after grant date but terms of each grant is at the discretion of the compensation
committee of the board of directors.
Outstanding options and SARs are summarized as follows:
Outstanding December 25, 2011
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding December 30, 2012
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding December 29, 2013
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding December 28, 2014
Vested and Expected to Vest December 28, 2014
Options exercisable:
December 30, 2012
December 29, 2013
December 28, 2014
Options/
SARs
Weighted
Average
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
Exercise Price (in thousands)
6,723,250 $
1,017,500 $
(27,250) $
(1,217,750) $
(301,250) $
6,194,500 $
775,000 $
(545,750) $
(58,500) $
(254,750) $
6,110,500 $
— $
(1,678,250) $
(67,250) $
(516,250) $
3,848,750 $
3,763,184 $
3,826,250
3,983,875
2,719,750
22.01 $
2.76
1.70 $
54.52
48.33
11.45 $
2.46
1.72 $
3.30
48.97
9.69 $
—
2.86 $
3.38
35.74
9.28 $
9.43 $
$
$
$
874
33
1,846
847
2,384
3,138
1,542
1,467
1,335
1,306
716
As of December 28, 2014, there were $0.8 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to options and SARs granted
under our plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.
71
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
The following tables summarize information about stock options and SARs outstanding in the stock plans at December 28,
2014:
Average
Range of Exercise
Prices
Options/SARs
Outstanding
Remaining
Contractual
Weighted
Average
Life
Exercise Price
Options/SARs
Exercisable
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
$1.70 – $9.07
$9.73 – $35.94
$40.95 – $73.36
Total
2,578,250
951,000
319,500
3,848,750
6.17 $
2.10 $
1.57 $
4.78 $
3.05
13.19
47.93
9.28
1,449,250 $
951,000 $
319,500 $
2,719,750 $
3.22
13.19
47.93
11.96
The weighted average remaining contractual life of options exercisable at December 28, 2014, was 3.7 years. The weighted
average remaining contractual life of options vested and expected to vest at December 28, 2014, was 4.7 years. The fair
value of the stock options and SARs granted in fiscal years 2013 and 2012 were estimated on the date of grant using a
Black-Scholes option valuation model that used the assumptions noted in the following table. The expected life of the
options represents the period of time that options granted were expected to be outstanding using the historical exercise
behavior of employees. The expected dividend yield was based on historical dividends declared per year, giving
consideration for any anticipated change and the estimated stock price over the expected life of the options based on
historical experience. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility for a period equal to the stock option’s expected
life for shares granted. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option was based on the U.S. Treasury
yield curve in effect at the time of grant. We did not grant any SARs in fiscal year 2014.
Expected life in years
Dividend yield
Volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Weighted average exercise price of options/SARs granted
Weighted average fair value of options/SARs granted
2013
2012
4.51
NIL
1.08
0.76 % 1.22 %
6.52
NIL
0.9
$ 2.46
$ 1.85
$ 2.76
$ 2.09
Stock-Based Compensation
Total stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following:
Years Ended
December 28, December 30, December 30,
2013
3,481 $
2014
3,479 $
2012
3,517
$
(in thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense
72
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
11. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
Our business is somewhat seasonal with peak revenues and profits generally occurring in the second and fourth quarters
of each year as a result of increased advertising activity during the holiday seasons. The first and third quarters are
historically the slowest quarters for revenues and profits. Our quarterly results are summarized as follows:
(in thousands, except per share
amounts)
Net revenues
Operating income (loss)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income (loss)
Quarters Ended
March 30,
2014 (1) (2)
June 29,
2014 (2)
September 28, December 28,
2014 (2)
2014
$ 276,171 $ 287,391 $ 272,899 $ 310,091
18,550 $ 41,164
$ (4,698) $ 27,307 $
(2,619) $ 303,010
$ (16,062) $ 91,648 $
(368)
(2,760) $ 302,642
$ (15,842) $ 89,949 $
(1,699)
(141)
220
Income (loss) from continuing operations per share - diluted
Income (loss) from discontinued operations per share - diluted
Net income (loss) per share - diluted
$
$
(0.18) $
—
(0.18) $
1.03 $
(0.01)
1.02 $
(0.03) $
—
(0.03) $
3.45
(0.01)
3.44
(in thousands, except per share
amounts)
Net revenues
Operating income
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations
Net income (loss)
Quarters Ended
March 31,
2013 (1)
June 30,
2013
September 29, December 29,
2013
2013
$ 288,637 $ 301,608 $ 287,046 $ 337,557
26,695 $ 44,275
$ 19,817 $ 30,157 $
6,736 $ 11,944
$ (13,197) $ 10,961 $
583
7,265 $ 12,527
$ (12,741) $ 11,752 $
529
456
791
Income (loss) from continuing operations per share - diluted
Income from discontinued operations per share - diluted
Net income (loss) per share - diluted
$
$
(0.15) $
—
(0.15) $
0.13 $
0.01
0.14 $
0.07 $
0.01
0.08 $
0.13
0.01
0.14
(1) Amounts have been adjusted from those previously reported on Forms 10-Q to reflect the discontinued operations
associated with Anchorage, which was sold during the quarter ended June 29, 2014. For the quarter ended March 30,
2014, $6.4 million and $0.4 million were adjusted from those previously reported amounts for net revenues and
operating loss, respectively. For the quarter ended March 31, 2013, $6.5 million and $0.8 million were adjusted from
those previously reported amount for net revenues and operating income, respectively.
(2) Net revenues and other operating expenses included within operating income (loss) have been reduced by $4.7 million,
$4.6 million and $4.5 million for quarters ended September 28, 2014, June 29, 2014 and March 30, 2014, respectively,
to correct the presentation of advertising sales related to certain third-party digital advertising products and services
previously reported on a gross basis to a net basis, with wholesale fees reported as a reduction of the associated digital
advertising revenues instead of other operating expenses. We believe the correction is not material to our previously
issued interim and annual consolidated financial statements.
The following are significant activities in fiscal year 2014:
• During the quarter ended June 29, 2014, we recognized gains related to our sale of MCT for $1.7 million
before taxes and from our portion of the sale of Apartments.com by Classified Ventures, LLC for $144.2
million before taxes as described in Note 3.
• During the quarter ended December 28, 2014, we recognized a gain on the sale of our ownership interest in
Classified Ventures, LLC for $559.3 million before taxes as described in Note 3, write-downs of certain
73
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013 AND DECEMBER 30, 2012
equity investments for $7.8 million as described in Note 3, masthead impairment charges of $5.2 million as
described in Note 1, and loss on extinguishment of debt of $72.8 million as described in Note 5.
The following are significant activities in fiscal year 2013:
• During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, we incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt totaling $12.8 million
related to bonds that were redeemed through the completion of our debt refinancing as described in Note 5
or repurchased through privately negotiated transactions.
• During the quarter ended June 30, 2013, we recognized a gain on the sale of our Miami property for
$10.0 million.
• During the quarter ended September 29, 2013, we recognized a gain on the sale of our Miami property for
$2.9 million.
• During the quarter ended December 29, 2013, we recognized $5.3 million in masthead impairment charges,
$11.9 million in real property and land impairment charges, $11.4 million in accelerated depreciation on
production equipment and $3.0 million in write-downs of certain other unconsolidated investments. See
Notes 1 and 3.
74
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.
Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer
(“CFO”), the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Rules 13a - 15(e) or 15d - 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period
covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, our management, including the CEO and CFO,
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at that time to ensure that information we are required
to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated
to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure and that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within
the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Forms.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting.
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter of fiscal
2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting, as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended Rules 13a-15(f). The Company’s
internal control system over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation and
fair presentation of the Company’s financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States of America.
An internal control system over financial reporting has inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial
statement preparation and presentation.
Management of the Company assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of
December 28, 2014. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in the Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013 framework).
Based on management’s assessment and those criteria, management believes that the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting was effective as of December 28, 2014.
The McClatchy Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report appears in Item 8 – “Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data”
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Not Applicable.
75
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Incorporated herein by reference from the proxy statement for the annual meeting of our stockholders to be filed pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year-end of December 28, 2014.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Incorporated herein by reference from the proxy statement for the annual meeting of our stockholders to be filed pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year-end of December 28, 2014.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Incorporated herein by reference from the proxy statement for the annual meeting of our stockholders to be filed pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year-end of December 28, 2014.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
Incorporated herein by reference from the proxy statement for the annual meeting of our stockholders to be filed pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year-end of December 28, 2014.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Incorporated herein by reference from the proxy statement for the annual meeting of our stockholders to be filed pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year-end of December 28, 2014.
76
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
PART IV
(a)&(c)
(b)
Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules filed as a part of this Report are listed in Item 8 –
“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.
Exhibits listed on the accompanying Index of Exhibits are filed or furnished as part of this report,
following the signature pages.
77
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.
SIGNATURES
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
(Registrant)
/s/ Patrick J. Talamantes
Patrick J. Talamantes,
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director
March 13, 2015
78
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 and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
SIGNATURES
/s/ Patrick J. Talamantes
Patrick J. Talamantes
/s/ R. Elaine Lintecum
R. Elaine Lintecum
/s/ Lawrence D. Edgar
Lawrence D. Edgar
/s/ Kevin S. McClatchy
Kevin S. McClatchy
/s/ Elizabeth Ballantine
Elizabeth Ballantine
/s/ Leroy Barnes, Jr.
Leroy Barnes, Jr.
/s/ Molly Maloney Evangelisti
Molly Maloney Evangelisti
/s/ Kathleen Foley Feldstein
Kathleen Foley Feldstein
/s/ Craig I. Forman
Craig I. Forman
/s/ Brown McClatchy Maloney
Brown McClatchy Maloney
/s/ William B. McClatchy
William B. McClatchy
/s/ Clyde W. Ostler
Clyde W. Ostler
/s/ Frederick R. Ruiz
Frederick R. Ruiz
President, Chief Executive Officer
And Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 13, 2015
Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
March 13, 2015
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
March 13, 2015
Chairman of the Board
March 13, 2015
Director
March 13, 2015
Director
March 13, 2015
Director
March 13, 2015
Director
March 13, 2015
Director
March 13, 2015
Director
March 13, 2015
Director
March 13, 2015
Director
March 13, 2015
Director
March 13, 2015
79
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
(Item 15 (a) 3.)
Incorporated by reference herein
Exhibit
Number
3.1
3.2
10.1
Description
The Company’s Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, dated June 26, 2006
Form
10-Q
Exhibit
3.1
The Company’s Bylaws as amended and restated
8-K
effective March 20, 2012
Amended and Restated Guaranty dated as of
September 26, 2008, executed by certain
subsidiaries of The McClatchy Company in
favor of the lenders under the Credit Agreement
8-K
3.1
10.3
File Date
June 25, 2006
March 22, 2012
September 30, 2008
10.2
Security Agreement dated as of September 26,
8-K
10.2
September 30, 2008
10.3
10.4
2008, executed by The McClatchy Company and
certain of its subsidiaries in favor of Bank of
America, N.A., as Administrative Agent
Commitment Reduction and Amendment and
Restatement Agreement, dated as of June 22,
2012, among the Company and Bank of
America, N.S., as Administrative Agent
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
dated December 18, 2012, among the Company,
the lenders from time to time party thereto, and
Bank of America, N.A., Administrative Agent,
Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer
8-K
10.1
June 25, 2012
8-K
10.1
December 20, 2012
10.5
Amendment No. 1 to the Third Amended and
8-K
10.1
October 23, 2014
Restated Credit Agreement and Amendment No.
1 to the Security Agreement, dated October 21,
2014, between the Company and Bank of
America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
Collateralized Issuance and Reimbursement
Agreement, dated October 21, 2014, between the
Company and Bank of America, N.A
10.6
8-K
10.2
October 23, 2014
10.7
Indenture, dated as of November 4, 1997,
S-3
4.1
October 10, 1997
between Knight- Ridder, Inc. and The Chase
Manhattan Bank of New York, as Trustee,
[Knight-Ridder’s Registration Statement on
Form S-3]
10.8
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 1,
8-K
4
June 1, 2001
2001, Knight- Ridder, Inc.; The Chase
Manhattan Bank of New York, as original
Trustee; and The Bank of New York, as series
Trustee [Knight-Ridder, Inc. Report on
Form 8-K]
10.9
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of
8-K
4.1
November 4, 2004
November 1, 2004, among Knight-Ridder, Inc.,
JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly known as The
Chase Manhattan Bank), as trustee, and The
Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as
series trustee for the Notes [Knight-Ridder, Inc.
Report on Form 8-K]
80
Exhibit
Number
10.10
Description
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of
August 16, 2005, among Knight-Ridder, Inc.,
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly known
as The Chase Manhattan Bank), as trustee, and
The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as
series trustee for the Notes [Knight-Ridder, Inc.
Report on Form 8-K]
Incorporated by reference herein
Form
8-K
Exhibit
4.1
File Date
August 22, 2005
10.11
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated June 27,
10-Q
10.4
June 25, 2006
10.12
2006, between the Company and
Knight-Ridder Inc.
Indenture dated December 18, 2012, among The
McClatchy Company, the subsidiary guarantors
party thereto and the Bank of New York Mellon
Trust Company, N.A. relating to the 9.00%
Senior Secured Notes due 2022
8-K
4.2
December 20, 2012
10.13
Registration Rights Agreement dated
8-K
4.3
December 20, 2012
10.14
December 18, 2012, between The McClatchy
Company and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC,
relating to the 9.00% Senior Secured Notes due
2022
Purchase and Sale Agreement Between the
Company, a Delaware corporation, and
Richwood, Inc., a Florida corporation and
Bayfront 2011 Property, LLC dated May 26,
2011
10-Q
10.42
June 26, 2011
10.15
* The McClatchy Company Management
10-K
Objective Plan Description.
10.16
* Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive
10-K
Retirement Plan
10.17
* Amendment Number 1 to The McClatchy
8-K
Company Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan
10.18
* Amended and Restated McClatchy Company
Benefit Restoration Plan
10.19
* Amended and Restated McClatchy Company
Bonus Recognition Plan
8-K
8-K
10.4
10.4
10.1
10.1
10.2
December 30, 2000
December 29, 2002
February 10, 2009
July 29, 2011
July 29, 2011
10.20
* The Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as
10-Q
10.25
June 29, 2008
amended and restated
10.21
* Form of 2004 Stock Incentive Plan Nonqualified
8-K
10.22
10.23
Stock Option Agreement
* Form of Restricted Stock Agreement related to
the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan
* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
related to the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive
Plan
10.24
* The McClatchy Company 2012 Omnibus
Incentive Plan
10.25
* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under
The McClatchy Company 2012 Omnibus
Incentive Plan
8-K
8-K
DEF
14A
8-K
99.1
99.1
10.1
December 16, 2004
January 28, 2005
December 18, 2009
Appendix A
April 2, 2012
10.3
May 18, 2012
10.26
* Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement
8-K
10.2
May 18, 2012
under The McClatchy Company 2012 Omnibus
Incentive Plan
81
Exhibit
Number
10.27
10.28
Description
* Employment Agreement between the Company
and Patrick Talamantes dated February 6, 2015
* Employment Agreement between the Company
and Patrick Talamantes dated May 16, 2012
(corrected)
Incorporated by reference herein
Form
8-K
Exhibit
10.1
File Date
February 6, 2015
8-K
10.2
February 6, 2015
10.29
10.30
* 2012 Senior Executive Retention Bonus Plan
* Form of Indemnification Agreement between the
Company and each of its officers and directors
8-K
8-K
10.4
99.1
May 18, 2012
May 23, 2005
10.31
Unit Purchase Agreement by and among
8-K
10.1
August 6, 2014
Classified Ventures, LLC, Gannett Co., Inc.,
Tribune Media Company, The McClatchy
Company, Graham Holdings Company, and A.
H. Belo, and certain of their respective wholly-
owned subsidiaries, dated August 5, 2014
Purchase Agreement for 9.00% Senior Secured
Notes due 2022 and 5.75% Notes due 2017
between Chatham Asset Management, LLC and
The McClatchy Company, dated November 5,
2014
Purchase Agreement for 9.00% Senior Secured
Notes due 2022 and 5.75% Notes due 2017
between Leon G. Cooperman and Omega
Charitable Partners, L.P. and The McClatchy
Company, dated November 5, 2014
Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Subsidiaries of the Company
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of
The McClatchy Company pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act
10.32
10.33
12
21
23
23.1
23.2
31.1
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of
32.1
The McClatchy Company pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act
** Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of
The McClatchy Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350
32.2
** Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of
99.1
The McClatchy Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350
Consolidated balance sheets of Classified
Ventures, LLC as of October 1, 2014 and
December 31, 2013 and the related consolidated
statements of operations, changes in members’
equity, and cash flows for each of the period ended
October 1, 2014 and each of the two years ended
December 31, 2013 and Independent Auditor’s
Report as it relates to 2013.
82
Exhibit
Number
99.2
101.INS
101.SCH
101.CAL
101.DEF
101.LAB
101.PRE
Description
Form
Exhibit
File Date
Incorporated by reference herein
Consolidated balance sheet of CareerBuilder, LLC
as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013
and the related consolidated statements of
operations, comprehensive income, equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years ended
December 31, 2014 and Report of Independent
Auditors as it relates to 2013.
XBRL Instance Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
XBRL Extension Definition Linkbase
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
*
**
Compensation plans or arrangements for the Company’s executive officers and directors
Furnished, not filed
83
The McClatchy Company
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES RATIO
(in thousands of dollars, except ratio data)
Exhibit 12
Fixed Charge Computation
Interest expenses:
Net interest expense
Plus: capitalized interest
Gross interest
Interest on unrecognized tax benefits
Amortization of debt discount
Interest component of rent expense
Total fixed charges
December 28,
2014
December 29,
2013
Year Ended
December 30,
2012
December 25, December 26,
2011
2010
$
127,503 $
434
127,937
(131)
(6,063)
4,859
126,602
135,381 $
798
136,179
735
(6,673)
4,585
134,826
151,334 $
748
152,082
11,689
(9,821)
5,666
159,616
165,434 $
193
165,627
5,960
(11,092)
4,509
165,004
177,641
101
177,742
(1,632)
(11,327)
5,021
169,804
Earnings Computation
Income from continuing operations
before income taxes (1)
Earnings of equity investments
Impairment related charge recorded by equity
investee (2)
Interest on unrecognized tax benefits
Distributed income of equity investees (3)
Add: fixed charges
Less: capitalized interest
Total earnings as adjusted
$
607,207
(19,084)
28,103
(42,651)
(27,691)
(31,935)
56,463
(27,762)
30,914
(11,752)
—
131
162,329
126,602
(434)
876,751 $
—
(735)
42,436
134,826
(798)
161,181 $
—
(11,689)
38,600
159,616
(748)
126,153 $
—
(5,960)
31,625
165,004
(193)
219,176 $
2,947
1,632
24,274
169,804
(101)
217,718
Ratio Of Earnings to Fixed Charges
6.93
1.20
0.79
1.33
1.28
(1)
(2)
(3)
The income from continuing operations before taxes in 2014 includes a gains on sale of our equity investments
of $561.0 million.
Reflects the Company’s portion of loss related to an impairment and recorded in “Write-down of investments and
land held for sale” in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
The distributed income of equity investees in 2014 includes the Company's portion (approximately $147 million)
of Classified Ventures LLP's sale of the Apartments.com buisiness.
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY
SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 21
The following is a list of subsidiaries of the Company as of December 28, 2014, omitting subsidiaries which, considered
in the aggregate, would not constitute a significant subsidiary.
Name of Entity
Aboard Publishing, Inc.
Bellingham Herald Publishing, LLC
Belton Publishing Company, Inc.
Big Valley, Inc.
Biscayne Bay Publishing, Inc.
Cass County Publishing Company
Columbus-Ledger Enquirer, Inc.
Cypress Media, Inc.
Cypress Media, LLC
Dagren, Inc.
Double A Publishing, Inc.
East Coast Newspapers, Inc.
El Dorado Newspapers
Gulf Publishing Company, Inc.
HLB Newspapers, Inc.
Idaho Statesman Publishing, LLC
Keltatim Publishing Company, Inc.
Keynoter Publishing Company, Inc.
Lee’s Summit Journal, Inc.
Lexington H-L Services, Inc.
Macon Telegraph Publishing Company
Mail Advertising Corporation
McClatchy Interactive LLC
McClatchy Interactive West
McClatchy International, Inc.
McClatchy Investment Company
McClatchy Leasing Company, Inc.
McClatchy Management Services, Inc.
McClatchy Net Ventures, Inc.
McClatchy News Services, Inc.
McClatchy Newspaper Sales, Inc.
McClatchy Newspapers, Inc.
McClatchy Newsprint Company
McClatchy Property, Inc.
McClatchy Resources, Inc.
McClatchy Sales, Inc.
McClatchy Shared Services, Inc.
McClatchy U.S.A., Inc.
Mediastream, Inc.
Miami Herald Media Company
N&O Holdings, Inc.
Newsprint Ventures, Inc.
Nittany Printing and Publishing Company
Nor-Tex Publishing, Inc.
Oak Street Redevelopment Corporation
Olympian Publishing, LLC
Olympic-Cascade Publishing, Inc.
Pacific Northwest Publishing Company, Inc.
Quad County Publishing, Inc.
Richwood, Inc.
Runways Pub, Inc.
San Luis Obispo Tribune, LLC
Star-Telegram, Inc.
Tacoma News, Inc.
The Bradenton Herald, Inc.
The Charlotte Observer Publishing Company
The Gables Publishing Company
The News and Observer Publishing Company
The State Media Company
The Sun Publishing Company, Inc.
Tribune Newsprint Company
Wichita Eagle and Beacon Publishing Company, Inc.
Wingate Paper Company
Jurisdiction of Organization
Florida
Delaware
Missouri
California
Florida
Missouri
Georgia
New York
Delaware
Florida
Florida
South Carolina
California
Mississippi
Missouri
Delaware
Kansas
Florida
Missouri
Kentucky
Georgia
Texas
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Florida
Delaware
Delaware
Michigan
New York
Delaware
Florida
Florida
Florida
Delaware
Florida
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
California
Pennsylvania
Texas
Missouri
Delaware
Washington
Florida
Illinois
Florida
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Washington
Florida
Delaware
Florida
North Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina
Utah
Kansas
Delaware
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements No. 333-181167 on Form S-8 and
No. 333-47909 on Form S-3 of our report dated March 13, 2015 relating to the consolidated financial statements of The
McClatchy Company, and the effectiveness of The McClatchy Company’s internal control over financial reporting,
appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of The McClatchy Company for the year ended December 28, 2014.
Exhibit 23
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Sacramento, California
March 13, 2015
Exhibit 31.1
I, Patrick J. Talamantes, certify that:
CERTIFICATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The McClatchy Company;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of,
and for, the periods presented in this report;
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to
be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including
its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the
period in which this report is being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial
reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of
the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the
case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal
control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
b)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant
role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 13, 2015
/s/ Patrick J. Talamantes
Patrick J. Talamantes
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2
I, R. Elaine Lintecum, certify that:
CERTIFICATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The McClatchy Company;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of,
and for, the periods presented in this report;
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to
be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including
its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the
period in which this report is being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial
reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of
the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the
case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal
control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
b)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant
role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 13, 2015
/s/ R. Elaine Lintecum
R. Elaine Lintecum
Chief Financial Officer
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.1
In connection with the annual report of The McClatchy Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 28, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Patrick J.
Talamantes, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, that:
1.
2.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934; and
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition
and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: March 13, 2015
/s/ Patrick J. Talamantes
Patrick J. Talamantes
Chief Executive Officer
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to The McClatchy Company and
will be retained by The McClatchy Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon
request.
The foregoing certificate is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Form 10-K
and shall not be considered filed as part of the Form 10-K.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.2
In connection with the annual report of The McClatchy Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 28, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, R. Elaine
Lintecum, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, that:
1.
2.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934; and
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition
and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: March 13, 2015
/s/ R. Elaine Lintecum
R. Elaine Lintecum
Chief Financial Officer
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to The McClatchy Company and
will be retained by The McClatchy Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon
request.
The foregoing certificate is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Form 10-K
and shall not be considered filed as part of the Form 10-K.
THE MCCLATCHY COMPANY is a 21st century news and information leader, publisher of iconic
brands such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The Charlotte Observer,
The (Raleigh) News and Observer, and the (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram. McClatchy operates media
companies in 28 U.S. markets in 14 states, providing each of its communities with high-quality news
and advertising services in a wide array of digital and print formats. McClatchy is headquartered in
Sacramento, Calif., and listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MNI.
(in thousands except per share amounts)
2014
2013
% change
Income from continuing operations
Income from continuing operations per
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For the Year
Net revenues
Operating expenses
diluted share
Operating cash fl ow (1)
At Year End
Total assets
Long-term debt
Stockholders’ equity
Shares outstanding:
Class A shares
Class B shares
*Not meaningful
$1,146,552
$1,214,848
1,064,229
1,093,904
375,977
16,444
-5.6%
-2.7%
NM*
4.26
0.19
210,496
271,855
NM*
-22.6%
$2,553,915
$2,617,635
1,006,957
503,385
1,493,323
240,386
-2.4%
- 32.6%
109.4%
62,555
24,586
61,533
24,801
1.7%
- 0.9%
(1) Operating cash fl ow represents operating income ($82,323 in 2014 and $120,944 in 2013) plus severance charges ($5,488 in 2014 and
$4,847 in 2013) plus depreciation and amortization ($113,638 in 2014 and $121,570 in 2013) plus other charges ($9,047 in 2014 and
$24,494 in 2013). The company believes operating cash fl ow is commonly used as a measure of performance for newspaper companies,
however, it does not purport to represent cash provided by operating activities as shown in the company’s statement of cash fl ows, nor
is it meant as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Non-GAAP fi nancial measures are reconciled to GAAP measures in the schedule below.
RECONCILIATION OF INCOME FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS IN 2014 TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME
Income from continuing operations
$ 375,977
Add back certain items, net of tax:
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Gain related to equity investment distribution
Gain on sale of equity investments
Impairment charges related to equity investments
Intangible asset impairment charges
Severance charges
Accelerated depreciation on equipment
Net real estate related charges
Other charges
Reversal of interest on tax items
Certain discrete tax items
Adjusted income from continuing operations
46,163
(88,944)
(348,259)
4,928
3,146
3,405
8,328
310
2,043
(22)
(119)
$ 6,956
Management believes these non-GAAP measures, when read in conjunction with the company’s GAAP fi nancials, provide useful
information to investors by offering the ability to make more meaningful period-to-period comparisons of the company’s on-going
operating results and to better identify trends. These non-GAAP fi nancial measures should not be considered a substitute or an
alternative to the computations calculated in accordance with and required by GAAP.
STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION
GENERAL OFFICE
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Elizabeth Ballantine
President, EBA Associates
Leroy T. Barnes Jr.
Former Vice President and Treasurer,
PG&E Corporation
Molly Maloney Evangelisti
Former Special Projects Coordinator,
The Sacramento Bee
Kathleen Foley Feldstein
President, Economics Studies, Inc.
Craig Forman
Private Investor and Entrepreneur
Brown McClatchy Maloney
Former Owner and Publisher,
Olympic View Publishing
and Owner, Radio Pacifi c
Kevin S. McClatchy
Chairman, The McClatchy Company
Former Managing General Partner and
Chief Executive Offi cer,
Pittsburgh Pirates
William B. McClatchy
Entrepreneur, Journalist and
Co-founder of Index Investing, LLC
Kevin S. McClatchy
OFFICERS
Patrick J. Talamantes
President and Chief Executive Offi cer
Anders Gyllenhaal
Vice President,
News and Washington Editor
Christian A. Hendricks
Vice President, Interactive Media
R. Elaine Lintecum
Vice President, Chief Financial Offi cer
and Treasurer
Karole R. Morgan-Prager
Vice President, Corporate Development,
General Counsel and Secretary
Robert J. Weil
Vice President, Operations
Mark Zieman
Vice President, Operations
Lawrence D. Edgar
Controller
STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION
Clyde Ostler
Former Group Executive Vice President,
Vice Chairman of Wells Fargo Bank California
and President of Wells Fargo Family Wealth
2100 Q Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 321-1844
www.mcclatchy.com
Frederick R. Ruiz
Chairman Emeritus and Co-founder,
Ruiz Foods, Inc.
Patrick J. Talamantes
President and Chief Executive Offi cer,
The McClatchy Company
The McClatchy Company
2100 Q Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 321-1844
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Wells Fargo Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 64874
St. Paul, MN 55164-0874
www.shareowneronline.com
(800) 718-2377
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
Deloitte & Touche LLP
980 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
FORM 10-K
Upon request, the company will provide,
without charge, a copy of its report on Form
10-K fi led with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Requests should be made in
writing to:
The McClatchy Company
Attention: Assistant Treasurer
P. O. Box 15779
Sacramento, CA 95852
ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of stockholders will be
held on Thursday, May 14, 2015, at 9 a.m.
Pacifi c time at the Vizcaya Pavilion, 2019
21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95818.
CERTIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS
The company submitted its Annual CEO
Certifi cation for 2014 to the New York Stock
Exchange on June 5, 2014. The company
has fi led with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as Exhibits 31.3 and 31.2
to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fi scal year ended December 28, 2014, the
Certifi cations of its Chief Executive Offi cer
and Chief Financial Offi cer required
in connection with that report by rules
13a-14(a) and 15-d-14(a) under the Securities
Exchange Act.
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Reinventing our local media companies
2100 Q Street • Sacramento, CA 95816 • (916) 321-1844
www.mcclatchy.com