10-Q 1 lee10q2017q23262017.htm 10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Quarterly Period Ended March 26, 2017
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-6227
LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

Delaware | 42-0823980
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

201 N. Harrison Street, Suite 600, Davenport, Iowa 52801
(Address of principal executive offices)
(563) 383-2100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “ large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

| Large accelerated filer | [ ] | Accelerated filer | [X]
| Non-accelerated filer | [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company | [ ]
|  |  | Emerging growth company | [ ]

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes [X] No [ ]
As of April 30, 2017, 56,650,387 shares of Common Stock of the Registrant were outstanding.

Table Of Contents |  | PAGE
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS |  | 1
PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |  | 2
| Item 1. | Financial Statements (Unaudited) |  | 2
|  | Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 26, 2017 and September 25, 2016 |  | 2
|  | Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Operations - 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 |  | 4
|  | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 |  | 5
|  | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |  | 6
| Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |  | 18
| Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |  | 32
| Item 4. | Controls and Procedures |  | 33
PART II | OTHER INFORMATION |  | 33
| Item 1. | Legal Proceedings |  | 33
| Item 6. | Exhibits |  | 33
SIGNATURES |  |  | 33

Table of Contents
References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout this document refer to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (the "Company"). Reference s to "2017", "2016" a nd the like refer to the fiscal years ended the last Sunday in September.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This report contains information that may be deemed forward-looking that is based largely on our current expectations, and is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Among such risks, trends and other uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond our control, are:
•Our ability to generate cash flows and maintain liquidity sufficient to service our debt;
•Our ability to comply with the financial covenants in our credit facilities;
•Our ability to refinance our debt as it comes due;
•That the warrants issued in our refinancing will not be exercised;
•The impact and duration of adverse conditions in certain aspects of the economy affecting our business;
•Changes in advertising and subscription demand;
•Changes in technology that impact our ability to deliver digital advertising;
•Potential changes in newsprint, other commodities and energy costs;
•Interest rates;
•Labor costs;
•Legislative and regulatory rulings;
•Our ability to achieve planned expense reductions;
•Our ability to maintain employee and customer relationships;
•Our ability to manage increased capital costs;
•Our ability to maintain our listing status on the NYSE;
•Competition; and
•Other risks detailed from time to time in our publicly filed documents.
Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “considers” and similar expressions) generally should be considered forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this report. We do not undertake to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
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PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

(Thousands of Dollars) | March 26 2017 |  | September 25 2016 |
ASSETS |  |
Current assets: |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | 16,003 |  | 16,984 |
Accounts receivable, net | 47,089 |  | 51,334 |
Inventories | 4,452 |  | 4,252 |
Other | 4,053 |  | 4,683 |
Total current assets | 71,597 |  | 77,253 |
Investments: |  |
Associated companies | 29,464 |  | 29,716 |
Other | 10,434 |  | 9,488 |
Total investments | 39,898 |  | 39,204 |
Property and equipment: |  |
Land and improvements | 20,761 |  | 21,028 |
Buildings and improvements | 173,453 |  | 174,164 |
Equipment | 278,277 |  | 279,770 |
Construction in process | 1,052 |  | 823 |
| 473,543 |  | 475,785 |
Less accumulated depreciation | 351,982 |  | 347,223 |
Property and equipment, net | 121,561 |  | 128,562 |
Goodwill | 243,729 |  | 243,729 |
Other intangible assets, net | 145,765 |  | 158,354 |
Medical plan assets, net | 14,916 |  | 14,063 |
Other | 1,582 |  | 1,690 |
Total assets | 639,048 |  | 662,855 |

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) | March 26 2017 |  | September 25 2016 |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |  |
Current liabilities: |  |
Current maturities of long-term debt | 29,500 |  | 25,070 |
Accounts payable | 14,342 |  | 18,143 |
Compensation and other accrued liabilities | 20,098 |  | 23,884 |
Accrued interest | 2,043 |  | 2,895 |
Income taxes payable | 751 |  | 665 |
Unearned revenue | 29,266 |  | 28,361 |
Total current liabilities | 96,000 |  | 99,018 |
Long-term debt, net of current maturities | 530,997 |  | 565,826 |
Pension obligations | 53,913 |  | 55,148 |
Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations | 5,509 |  | 10,717 |
Deferred income taxes | 45,215 |  | 38,308 |
Income taxes payable | 5,482 |  | 5,016 |
Warrants and other | 9,353 |  | 16,363 |
Total liabilities | 746,469 |  | 790,396 |
Equity (deficit): |  |
Stockholders' equity (deficit): |  |
Serial convertible preferred stock, no par value; authorized 500 shares; none issued | — |  | — |
Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 120,000 shares; issued and outstanding: | 566 |  | 558 |
March 27, 2017: 56,634 shares; |  |
September 25, 2016: 55,771 shares |  |
Class B Common Stock, $2 par value; authorized 30,000 shares; none issued | — |  | — |
Additional paid-in capital | 250,585 |  | 249,740 |
Accumulated deficit | (337,704 | ) | (356,005 | )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (21,829 | ) | (22,778 | )
Total stockholders' deficit | (108,382 | ) | (128,485 | )
Non-controlling interests | 961 |  | 944 |
Total deficit | (107,421 | ) | (127,541 | )
Total liabilities and deficit | 639,048 |  | 662,855 |

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

| 13 Weeks Ended |  | 26 Weeks Ended |
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Common Share Data) | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |  | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |
Operating revenue: |  |  |  |
Advertising and marketing services | 77,533 |  | 88,731 |  | 170,568 |  | 194,368 |
Subscription | 45,009 |  | 46,658 |  | 93,896 |  | 97,089 |
Other | 10,845 |  | 11,446 |  | 22,912 |  | 23,783 |
Total operating revenue | 133,387 |  | 146,835 |  | 287,376 |  | 315,240 |
Operating expenses: |  |  |  |  |
Compensation | 52,414 |  | 58,850 |  | 107,470 |  | 117,514 |
Newsprint and ink | 6,200 |  | 6,053 |  | 13,093 |  | 12,738 |
Other operating expenses | 48,756 |  | 54,107 |  | 101,533 |  | 112,977 |
Depreciation | 4,008 |  | 4,325 |  | 8,079 |  | 8,652 |
Amortization of intangible assets | 6,310 |  | 6,616 |  | 12,619 |  | 13,232 |
Gain on sales of assets and other, net | (3,783 | ) | (438 | ) | (3,716 | ) | (1,409 | )
Workforce adjustments | 2,405 |  | 588 |  | 2,470 |  | 1,192 |
Total operating expenses | 116,310 |  | 130,101 |  | 241,548 |  | 264,896 |
Equity in earnings of associated companies | 1,729 |  | 2,009 |  | 4,417 |  | 4,808 |
Operating income | 18,806 |  | 18,743 |  | 50,245 |  | 55,152 |
Non-operating income (expense): |  |  |  |
Financial income | 109 |  | 110 |  | 184 |  | 185 |
Interest expense | (14,637 | ) | (16,281 | ) | (29,588 | ) | (33,423 | )
Debt financing and administrative costs | (1,075 | ) | (2,034 | ) | (2,026 | ) | (3,367 | )
Gain on insurance settlement | — |  | 30,646 |  | — |  | 30,646 |
Other, net | 4,318 |  | 688 |  | 7,413 |  | 1,333 |
Total non-operating income (expense), net | (11,285 | ) | 13,129 |  | (24,017 | ) | (4,626 | )
Income before income taxes | 7,521 |  | 31,872 |  | 26,228 |  | 50,526 |
Income tax expense | 1,144 |  | 12,389 |  | 7,410 |  | 19,535 |
Net income | 6,377 |  | 19,483 |  | 18,818 |  | 30,991 |
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | (249 | ) | (255 | ) | (517 | ) | (526 | )
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated | 6,128 |  | 19,228 |  | 18,301 |  | 30,465 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes | 894 |  | (43 | ) | 949 |  | (86 | )
Comprehensive income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated | 7,022 |  | 19,185 |  | 19,250 |  | 30,379 |
Earnings per common share: |  |  |  |
Basic: | 0.11 |  | 0.36 |  | 0.34 |  | 0.57 |
Diluted: | 0.11 |  | 0.36 |  | 0.33 |  | 0.57 |

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

| 26 Weeks Ended |
(Thousands of Dollars) | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |
Cash provided by operating activities: |  |
Net income | 18,818 |  | 30,991 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 20,698 |  | 21,884 |
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets and insurance settlement | 25 |  | (32,055 | )
Curtailment gains | (3,741 | ) | — |
Stock compensation expense | 1,083 |  | 1,164 |
Distributions greater than earnings of MNI | 650 |  | 2,172 |
Deferred income tax expense | 6,181 |  | 18,208 |
Debt financing and administrative costs | 2,025 |  | 3,367 |
Gain on extinguishment of debt | — |  | (1,250 | )
Pension contributions | — |  | (1,488 | )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |  |
Decrease in receivables | 4,245 |  | 6,951 |
Decrease (Increase) in inventories and other | 433 |  | (199 | )
Decrease in accounts payable, compensation and other accrued liabilities and unearned revenue | (7,677 | ) | (8,511 | )
Decrease in pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations | (1,880 | ) | (2,374 | )
Change in income taxes receivable or payable | 552 |  | 1,056 |
Other, net | (8,027 | ) | 1,635 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 33,385 |  | 41,551 |
Cash provided by (required for) investing activities: |  |
Purchases of property and equipment | (2,079 | ) | (3,271 | )
Insurance settlement | — |  | 30,646 |
Proceeds from sales of assets | 1,078 |  | 3,776 |
Distributions greater than earnings of TNI | (397 | ) | 749 |
Other, net | (489 | ) | — |
Net cash provided by (required for) investing activities | (1,887 | ) | 31,900 |
Cash provided by (required for) financing activities: |  |
Proceeds from long-term debt | — |  | 5,000 |
Payments on long-term debt | (32,249 | ) | (73,124 | )
Debt financing costs paid | — |  | (44 | )
Common stock transactions, net | (230 | ) | 51 |
Net cash required for financing activities | (32,479 | ) | (68,117 | )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | (981 | ) | 5,334 |
Cash and cash equivalents: |  |
Beginning of period | 16,984 |  | 11,134 |
End of period | 16,003 |  | 16,468 |

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1 | BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited, interim, Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for quarterly reports. In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 26, 2017 and their results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the Company. References to “2017”, “2016” and the like refer to the fiscal years ended the last Sunday in September.
The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, except for our 50% interest in TNI Partners (“TNI”), 50% interest in Madison Newspapers, Inc. (“MNI”) and 82.5% interest in TownNews.com.
Investments in TNI and MNI are accounted for using the equity method and are reported at cost, plus our share of undistributed earnings since acquisition less, for TNI, amortization of intangible assets.
In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a new going concern standard. The new standard provides guidance on how management evaluates and discloses the Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a look-forward period of one year from the financial statement issuance date. We adopted the new standard in 2017, as required. The adoption of this standard did not impact our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.
2 INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES
TNI Partners
In Tucson, Arizona, TNI, acting as agent for our subsidiary, Star Publishing Company (“Star Publishing”), and Citizen Publishing Company (“Citizen”), a subsidiary of Gannett Co. Inc., is responsible for printing, delivery, advertising, and subscription activities of the Arizona Daily Star as well as the related digital platforms and specialty publications. TNI collects all receipts and income and pays substantially all operating expenses incident to the partnership's operations and publication of the newspapers and other media.
Income or loss of TNI (before income taxes) is allocated equally to Star Publishing and Citizen.
Summarized results of TNI are as follows:

| 13 Weeks Ended |  | 26 Weeks Ended |
(Thousands of Dollars) | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |  | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |
Operating revenue | 12,507 |  | 14,039 |  | 25,821 |  | 28,821 |
Operating expenses | 9,770 |  | 11,102 |  | 19,770 |  | 22,443 |
Operating income | 2,737 |  | 2,937 |  | 6,051 |  | 6,378 |
Company's 50% share of operating income | 1,368 |  | 1,468 |  | 3,026 |  | 3,189 |
Less amortization of intangible assets | 104 |  | 104 |  | 209 |  | 209 |
Equity in earnings of TNI | 1,264 |  | 1,364 |  | 2,817 |  | 2,980 |

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TNI makes weekly distributions of its earnings and for the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 we received $1,437,000 and $2,251,000 in distributions, respectively. In the 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 we received $2,420,000 and $3,729,000 in distributions, respectively.
Star Publishing's 50% share of TNI depreciation and certain general and administrative expenses (income) associated with its share of the operation and administration of TNI are reported as operating expenses (benefit) in our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. These amoun ts totaled $159,000 and $(43,000) in the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016, respectively and $301,000 and $(162,000) in the 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016, respectively.
Annual amortization of intangible assets is estimated to be $418,000 for the 52 or 53 weeks ending March 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Madison Newspapers, Inc.
We have a 50% ownership interest in MNI, which publishes daily and Sunday newspapers, and other publications in Madison, Wisconsin, and other Wisconsin locations, and operates their related digital platforms. Net income or loss of MNI (after income taxes) is allocated equally to us and The Capital Times Company (“TCT”). MNI conducts its business under the trade name Capital Newspapers.
Summarized results of MNI are as follows:

| 13 Weeks Ended |  | 26 Weeks Ended |
(Thousands of Dollars) | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |  | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |
Operating revenue | 14,382 |  | 15,550 |  | 31,424 |  | 33,339 |
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization | 12,548 |  | 13,047 |  | 25,928 |  | 26,660 |
Workforce adjustments | 129 |  | 19 |  | 155 |  | 19 |
Depreciation and amortization | 348 |  | 483 |  | 696 |  | 893 |
Operating income | 1,357 |  | 2,001 |  | 4,645 |  | 5,767 |
Net income | 929 |  | 1,290 |  | 3,200 |  | 3,648 |
Equity in earnings of MNI | 465 |  | 645 |  | 1,600 |  | 1,828 |

MNI makes quarterly distributions of its earnings and in the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 we received dividends of $1,000,000 and $2,250,000, respectively. In the 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 we received dividends of $2,250,000 and $4,000,000, respectively.

3 | GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

| 26 Weeks Ended |
(Thousands of Dollars) | March 26 2017 |
Goodwill, gross amount | 1,532,458 |
Accumulated impairment losses | (1,288,729 | )
Goodwill, beginning of period | 243,729 |
Goodwill, end of period | 243,729 |

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Identified intangible assets consist of the following:

(Thousands of Dollars) | March 26 2017 |  | September 25 2016 |
Nonamortized intangible assets: |  |
Mastheads | 23,644 |  | 23,644 |
Amortizable intangible assets: |  |
Customer and newspaper subscriber lists | 687,212 |  | 687,182 |
Less accumulated amortization | 565,091 |  | 552,472 |
| 122,121 |  | 134,710 |
Noncompete and consulting agreements | 28,524 |  | 28,524 |
Less accumulated amortization | 28,524 |  | 28,524 |
| — |  | — |
Other intangible assets, net | 145,765 |  | 158,354 |

Annual amortization of intangible assets for the 52 or 53 weeks ended March 2018 to March 2022 is estimated to be $20,788,000, $16,546,000, $15,382,000, $15,119,000 and $12,469,000, respectively.
In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a new standard simplifying the assessment of a goodwill impairment. The new standard maintains a qualitative and quantitative assessment but eliminates the Step 2 of the quantitative assessment. The new standard also changes the way a goodwill impairment is calculated. For companies with zero or negative carrying value, the new standard requires disclosure of the amount of goodwill for those reporting units. The adoption of the new standard is required in 2019. Early adoption of the standard is permitted for impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company has elected to early adopt this standard for its 2017 goodwill impairment test.

4 | DEBT

On March 31, 2014, we completed a comprehensive refinancing of our debt (the"2014 Refinancing"), which included the following:

• | $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.5% Senior Secured Notes (the “Notes”), pursuant to an Indenture dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Indenture”).

• | $250,000,000 first lien term loan (the "1 st Lien Term Loan") and $40,000,000 revolving facility (the "Revolving Facility") under a First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (together the “1 st Lien Credit Facility”).

• | $150,000,000 second lien term loan under a Second Lien Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “2 nd Lien Term Loan”).

Debt is summarized as follows:

|  |  | Interest Rates (%)
(Thousands of Dollars) | March 26 2017 |  | September 26 2016 |  | March 26 2017
Revolving Facility | — |  | — |  | 6.48
1 st Lien Term Loan | 70,234 |  | 101,304 |  | 7.25
Notes | 385,000 |  | 385,000 |  | 9.50
2 nd Lien Term Loan | 129,684 |  | 130,863 |  | 12.00
| 584,918 |  | 617,167 |  |
Unamortized debt issue costs | (24,421 | ) | (26,271 | ) |
Less current maturities of long-term debt | 29,500 |  | 25,070 |  |
Total long-term debt | 530,997 |  | 565,826 |  |

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Our weighted average cost of debt, excluding amortization of debt financing costs at March 26, 2017, is 9.8%.
At March 26, 2017, aggregate minimum required maturities of debt excluding amounts required to be paid from future excess cash flow computations total $16,988,000 for the remainder of 2017, $25,000,000 in 2018, $32,734,000 in 2019, zero in 2020, zero in 2021 and $510,196,000 thereafter.
In April 2015, the FASB issued a new standard for the presentation of debt issuance costs. The new standard streamlined the balance sheet presentation of debt related valuations. Debt issuance costs were previously recognized as deferred charges and presented as an asset while debt discounts and premiums are treated as adjustments to the related debt. Under the new standard, debt issuance costs are now recognized as reductions to the related debt. The adoption of this standard reclassified certain amounts within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We adopted the new standard in 2017, as required, and adopted this standard retrospectively. As a result, we have reclassified $26,271,000 of Other long-term assets to a reduction of long-term debt, net of current maturities in the September 25, 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Notes
The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company and mature on March 15, 2022. At March 26, 2017, the principal balance of the Notes totaled $385,000,000.
Interest
The Notes require payment of interest semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, at a fixed annual rate of 9.5%.
Redemption
We may redeem some, or all, of the principal amount of the Notes at any time. Prior to March 15, 2018, we may redeem the Notes subject to a make whole provision for the interest through March 15, 2018. On or after March 15, 2018, we may redeem the Notes as follows:

Period Beginning | Percentage of Principal Amount
March 15, 2018 | 104.75
March 15, 2019 | 102.38
March 15, 2020 | 100.00

If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, we must, subject to certain exceptions, offer to purchase the Notes at 101% of the principal amount. Any redemption of the Notes must also satisfy any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
We may repurchase Notes in the open market at any time. In the 13 weeks ended March 27, 2016, we purchased $10,000,000 principal amount of Notes in a privately negotiated transaction. In the 26 weeks ended March 27, 2016, we purchased $15,000,000 principal amount of Notes in a privately negotiated transaction. The transactions resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt totaling $725,000 and $1,250,000 respectively, in the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 27, 2016 which is recorded in Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
Covenants and Other Matters
The Indenture and the 1 st Lien Credit Facility contains restrictive covenants as discussed more fully below. However, certain of these covenants will cease to apply if the Notes are rated investment grade by either Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group and there is no default or event of default under the Indenture.
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1 st Lien Credit Facility
The 1 st Lien Credit Facility consists of the $250,000,000 1 st Lien Term Loan that matures in March 2019 and the $40,000,000 Revolving Facility that matures in December 2018. The 1 st Lien Credit Facility documents the primary terms of the 1 st Lien Term Loan and the Revolving Facility. The Revolving Facility may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes (including letters of credit). At March 26, 2017, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $33,318,000 available for future use under the Revolving Facility.
Interest
Interest on the 1 st Lien Term Loan, which has a principal balance of $70,234,000 at March 26, 2017, accrues, at our option, at either (A) LIBOR plus 6.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%) or (B) 5.25% plus the higher of (i) the prime rate at the time, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.0% (with a floor of 2.0%). Interest is payable quarterly.
The 1 st Lien Term Loan was funded with an original issue discount of 2.0%, or $5,000,000, which is being amortized as debt financing and administration costs over the life of the 1 st Lien Term Loan.
Interest on the Revolving Facility, which has a principal balance of zero at March 26, 2017, accrues, at our option, at either (A) LIBOR plus 5.5%, or (B) 4.5% plus the higher of (i) the prime rate at the time, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.0%.
Principal Payments
Quarterly principal payments of $6,250,000 are required under the 1 st Lien Term Loan, with additional payments required to be made based on 90% of excess cash flow of Lee Legacy ("Lee Legacy Excess Cash Flow"), as defined, or from proceeds of asset sales, which are not reinvested, as defined, from our subsidiaries other than Pulitzer Inc. ("Pulitzer") and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Pulitzer Subsidiaries"). For excess cash flow calculation purposes Lee Legacy constitutes the business of the Company, including MNI, but excluding Pulitzer and TNI. We may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding or reduce commitments under the 1 st Lien Credit Facility at any time without premium or penalty, upon proper notice and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments.
Quarterly, the Company is required to prepare a Lee Legacy Excess Cash Flow calculation, which is generally determined as the cash earnings of our subsidiaries other than the Pulitzer Subsidiaries and includes adjustments for changes in working capital, capital spending, pension contributions, debt principal payments and income tax payments or refunds. Any excess cash flow as calculated is required to be paid to the 1 st Lien lenders 45 days after the end of the quarter. For the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2017, the required Lee Legacy Excess Cash Flow payment was $0.
2017 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the 1 st Lien Term Loan are summarized as follows:

| 13 Weeks Ended | 13 Weeks Ending |
(Thousands of Dollars) | December 25 2016 |  | March 26 2017 |  | June 25 2017 |  | September 24 2017 |
Mandatory | 6,250 |  | 6,250 |  | 6,250 |  | 6,250 |
Voluntary | 11,000 |  | 7,500 |  | — |  | — |
Excess cash flow payment | 70 |  | — |  | — |  | — |
| 17,320 |  | 13,750 |  | 6,250 |  | 6,250 |

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Covenants and Other Matters
The 1 st Lien Credit Facility requires that we comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for financing of this nature, including a maximum total leverage ratio, which is only applicable to the Revolving Facility.
The 1 st Lien Credit Facility restricts us from paying dividends on our Common Stock. This restriction no longer applies if Lee Legacy leverage is below 3.25x before and after such payments. Further, the 1 st Lien Credit Facility restricts or limits, among other things, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to: (i) incur indebtedness, (ii) enter into mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (iii) incur or create liens and (iv) enter into transactions with certain affiliates. The 1 st Lien Credit Facility contains various representations and warranties and may be terminated upon occurrence of certain events of default. The 1 st Lien Credit Facility also contains cross-default provisions tied to the terms of each of the Indenture and 2 nd Lien Term Loan.
2 nd Lien Term Loan
The 2 nd Lien Term Loan, which has a balance of $129,684,000 at March 26, 2017, bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 12.0%, payable quarterly, and matures in December 2022.
Principal Payments
There are no scheduled mandatory amortization payments required under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan.
Quarterly, we are required to prepare a calculation of excess cash flow of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries ("Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow"). Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow is generally determined as the cash earnings of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries including adjustments for changes in working capital, capital spending, pension contributions, debt principal payments and income tax payments. Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow also includes a deduction for interest costs incurred under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan.
Prior to March 31, 2017, we were required to offer the Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow to the 2nd Lien Lenders to prepay the 2nd Lien Term Loan at par, which payment the 2nd Lien Lenders could accept or reject. After March 31, 2017, Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow is used to prepay the 2nd Lien Term Loan, at par. Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow payments are required to be paid 45 days after the end of the quarter. For the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2017, Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow totaled $4,488,000, which will be used to repay the 2 nd Lien Term Loan in May 2017, at par.
Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow and the related payments on the 2 nd Lien Term Loan for the previous four quarters are as follows:

For the Period Ending (Thousands of Dollars) | Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow |  | Payment Date | Payment Amount (not rejected) |
March 27, 2016 | 2,730 |  | Q3 2016 | 525 |
June 26, 2016 | 1,583 |  | Q4 2016 | 299 |
September 25, 2016 | — |  | Q1 2017 | — |
December 25, 2016 | 930 |  | Q2 2017 | 174 |

Subject to certain other conditions in the 2 nd Lien Term Loan, the balance of the 2 nd Lien Term Loan will be repaid at par from proceeds from asset sales by the Pulitzer Subsidiaries that are not reinvested. For the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016, we repaid $575,000 and $1,246,000, respectively, on the 2 nd Lien Term Loan, at par, with net proceeds from the sale of Pulitzer assets.
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Voluntary payments under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan are subject to call premiums as follows:

Period Beginning | Percentage of Principal Amount
March 31, 2017 | 106
March 31, 2018 | 103
March 31, 2019 | 100

Covenants and Other Matters
The 2 nd Lien Term Loan requires that we comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for financing of this nature, including the negative covenants under the 1 st Lien Credit Facility discussed above. The 2 nd Lien Term Loan contains various representations and warranties and may be terminated upon occurrence of certain events of default. The 2 nd Lien Term Loan also contains cross-default provisions tied to the terms of the Indenture and 1 st Lien Credit Facility.
In connection with the 2 nd Lien Term Loan, we entered into a Warrant Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Warrant Agreement”). Under the Warrant Agreement, certain affiliates or designees of the 2 nd Lien Lenders received on March 31, 2014 their pro rata share of warrants to purchase, in cash, an initial aggregate of 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment pursuant to anti-dilution provisions (the “Warrants”). The Warrants represent, when fully exercised, approximately 10.1% of shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 30, 2014 on a fully diluted basis. The exercise price of the Warrants is $4.19 per share.
The Warrant Agreement contains a cash settlement provision in the event of a change of control prior to March 31, 2018 as well as other provisions requiring the Warrants to be measured at fair value and included in other liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We remeasure the fair value of the liability each reporting period, with changes reported in other, net non-operating income (expense). The initial fair value of the Warrants was $16,930,000. See Note 9.
In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The Registration Rights Agreement requires, among other matters, that we use our commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness for certain specified periods of a shelf registration statement related to the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of the Warrants.
Security
The Notes and the 1 st Lien Credit Facility are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several first-priority basis by each of the Company's material domestic subsidiaries, excluding MNI, the Pulitzer Subsidiaries and TNI (the "Lee Legacy Assignors"), pursuant to a first lien guarantee and collateral agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the "1 st Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement").
The Notes, the 1 st Lien Credit Facility and the subsidiary guarantees are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities and limitations, by perfected security interests in all property and assets, including certain real estate, of the Lee Legacy Assignors, other than the capital stock of MNI and any property and assets of MNI (the “Lee Legacy Collateral”), on a first-priority basis, equally and ratably with all of the Lee Legacy Assignors' existing and future obligations. The Lee Legacy Collateral includes, among other things, equipment, inventory, accounts receivables, depository accounts, intellectual property and certain of their other tangible and intangible assets.
Also, the Notes and the 1 st Lien Credit Facility are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities and limitations in the various agreements, by first-priority security interests in the capital stock of, and other equity interests owned by, the Lee Legacy Assignors (excluding the capital stock of MNI). The Notes and 1 st Lien Credit Facility are subject to a Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement dated March 31, 2014.
The Notes, the 1 st Lien Credit Facility and the subsidiary guarantees are also secured, subject to permitted liens, by a second-priority security interest in the property and assets of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries that become subsidiary guarantors (the "Pulitzer Assignors") other than assets of or used in the operations or business of
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TNI (collectively, the “Pulitzer Collateral”). In June 2015 the Pulitzer Assignors became a party to the 1 st Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement on a second lien basis.
Also, the Notes and the 1 st Lien Credit Facility are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities, and limitations in the various agreements, by second-priority security interests in the capital stock of, and other equity interests in, the Pulitzer Assignors and Star Publishing’s interest in TNI.
The 2 nd Lien Term Loan is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several first-priority basis by the Pulitzer Assignors, pursuant to a Second Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “2 nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement”) among the Pulitzer Assignors and the 2 nd Lien collateral agent.
Under the 2 nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, the Pulitzer Assignors have granted (i) first-priority security interests, subject to certain priorities and limitations in the various agreements, in the Pulitzer Collateral and (ii) have granted first-priority lien mortgages or deeds of trust covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan.
Also, under the 2 nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, the Lee Legacy Assignors have granted (i) second-priority security interests, subject to certain priorities and limitations in the various agreements, in the Lee Legacy Collateral, and (ii) have granted second-priority lien mortgages or deeds of trust covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan. Assets of, or used in the operations or business of, MNI are excluded.
The rights of each of the collateral agents with respect to the Lee Legacy Collateral and the Pulitzer Collateral are subject to customary intercreditor and intercompany agreements.
Other
In connection with the 2014 Refinancing, we capitalized $37,819,000 of debt financing costs. Amortization of debt financing costs totaled $952,000 and $1,852,000 in the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017, respectively, and $1,844,000 and $3,080,000 in the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 27, 2016, respectively. Amortization of such costs is estimated to total $4,114,000 in 2017, $4,206,000 in 2018, $4,051,000 in 2019, $4,103,000 in 2020 and $4,300,000 in 2021. At March 26, 2017, we have $24,421,000 of unamortized debt financing costs recorded as a reduction of Long-term debt in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Liquidity
At March 26, 2017, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $33,318,000 available for future use under our Revolving Facility. Including cash, our liquidity at March 26, 2017 totals $49,321,000. This liquidity amount excludes any future cash flows. We expect all interest and principal payments due in the next twelve months will be satisfied by existing cash and our cash flows, which will allow us to maintain an adequate level of liquidity. The Warrants, if and when exercised, would provide additional liquidity in an amount up to $25,140,000 subject to a reduction for any amounts the Company may elect to use to repay our 1 st Lien Term Loan and/or the Notes.
Final maturities of our debt range from December 2018 through December 2022.
There are numerous potential consequences under the Notes, 1 st Lien Credit Facility and 2 nd Lien Term Loan, if an event of default, as defined, occurs and is not remedied. Many of those consequences are beyond our control. The occurrence of one or more events of default would give rise to the right of the applicable lender(s) to exercise their remedies under the Notes, 1 st Lien Credit Facility and 2 nd Lien Term Loan, respectively, including, without limitation, the right to accelerate all outstanding debt and take actions authorized in such circumstances under applicable collateral security documents.
Our ability to operate as a going concern is dependent on our ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants and to repay, refinance or amend our debt agreements as they become due. The Notes, 1 st Lien Credit Facility and 2 nd Lien Term Loan have only limited affirmative covenants with which we are required to maintain compliance. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at March 26, 2017.
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5 | PENSION, POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS

We have several noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that together cover selected employees. Benefits under the plans were generally based on salary and years of service. Effective in 2012, substantially all benefits are frozen and only a small amount of additional benefits are being accrued. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the plans are recorded over the service period of employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. Plan funding strategies are influenced by government regulations. Plan assets consist primarily of domestic and foreign corporate equity securities, government and corporate bonds, hedge fund investments and cash.
In addition, we provide retiree medical and life insurance benefits under postretirement plans at several of our operating locations. The level and adjustment of participant contributions vary depending on the specific plan. In addition, St. Louis Post-Dispatch LLC, provides postemployment disability benefits to certain employee groups prior to retirement. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the postretirement plans are recorded over the service period of active employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. We accrue postemployment disability benefits when it becomes probable that such benefits will be paid and when sufficient information exists to make reasonable estimates of the amounts to be paid.
We use a fiscal year end measurement date for all of our pension and postretirement medical plan obligations.
The net periodic postretirement cost (benefit) components for our postretirement plans are as follows:

PENSION PLANS | 13 Weeks Ended |  | 26 Weeks Ended |
(Thousands of Dollars) | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |  | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |
Service cost for benefits earned during the period | 21 |  | 49 |  | 42 |  | 98 |
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 1,349 |  | 1,515 |  | 2,698 |  | 3,030 |
Expected return on plan assets | (1,969 | ) | (2,174 | ) | (3,938 | ) | (4,348 | )
Amortization of net loss | 736 |  | 599 |  | 1,472 |  | 1,198 |
Amortization of prior service benefit | (34 | ) | (34 | ) | (68 | ) | (68 | )
Pension expense (benefit) | 103 |  | (45 | ) | 206 |  | (90 | )
POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS | 13 Weeks Ended |  | 26 Weeks Ended |
(Thousands of Dollars) | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |  | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |
Service cost for benefits earned during the period | 9 |  | 16 |  | 12 |  | 32 |
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 110 |  | 156 |  | 232 |  | 312 |
Expected return on plan assets | (264 | ) | (331 | ) | (528 | ) | (662 | )
Amortization of net gain | (243 | ) | (273 | ) | (480 | ) | (546 | )
Amortization of prior service benefit | (365 | ) | (365 | ) | (730 | ) | (730 | )
Curtailment gains | (3,741 | ) | — |  | (3,741 | ) | — |
Postretirement medical benefit | (4,494 | ) | (797 | ) | (5,235 | ) | (1,594 | )

Amortization of net gains (losses) and prior service benefits are recorded as compensation in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
In March 2017, we notified certain participants in one of our post employment medical plans of changes to their plans. These changes resulted in a non-cash curtailment gain of $3,741,000, which is recorded in gain on sales of assets and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of income and Comprehensive Income. These changes also reduced the postemployment benefit obligation by $5,158,000 and also reduced accumulated other comprehensive loss by $1,417,000.
Based on our forecast at March 26, 2017, we do not expect to make contributions to our pension trust and postretirement medical plans for the reminder of 2017.
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6 | INCOME TAXES

We recorded income tax expense of $1,144,000 and $7,410,000 related to income before taxes of $7,521,000 and $26,228,000 for the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017, respectively. For the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 27, 2016, we recorded $12,389,000 and $19,535,000 in income tax expense related to income before taxes of $31,872,000 and $50,526,000, respectively. The effective income tax rates for the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 were 15.2% and 38.9%, respectively. The effective income tax rates for the 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 were 28.3% and 38.7%, respectively. The primary differences between these rates and the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% are due to the effect of state income taxes, non-deductible expenses, adjustments to reserves for uncertain tax positions, including any related interest, and mark-to-market adjustments to value the Warrants.
We file a consolidated federal tax return, as well as combined and separate tax returns in approximately 27 state and local jurisdictions. We have various income tax examinations ongoing which are at different stages of completion, but generally our income tax returns have been audited or closed to audit through 2009. See Note 10 for a discussion of our tax audits.
At September 25, 2016, we had approximately $57,392,000 of state net operating loss tax benefits and a federal net operating loss carryforward of approximately $58,618,000. Due to our federal and state net operating loss carryforwards and based on historical levels of performance, we do not expect to make any significant income tax payments in the current fiscal year.

7 | EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

| 13 Weeks Ended |  | 26 Weeks Ended |
(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |  | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated: | 6,128 |  | 19,228 |  | 18,301 |  | 30,465 |
Weighted average common shares | 56,607 |  | 55,610 |  | 56,268 |  | 55,231 |
Less weighted average restricted Common Stock | (2,552 | ) | (2,434 | ) | (2,479 | ) | (2,073 | )
Basic average common shares | 54,055 |  | 53,176 |  | 53,789 |  | 53,158 |
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock | 1,415 |  | 575 |  | 1,631 |  | 619 |
Diluted average common shares | 55,470 |  | 53,751 |  | 55,420 |  | 53,777 |
Earnings per common share: |  |  |  |
Basic | 0.11 |  | 0.36 |  | 0.34 |  | 0.57 |
Diluted | 0.11 |  | 0.36 |  | 0.33 |  | 0.57 |

For the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017, 6,823,500 weighted average shares were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the exercise prices of the related stock options and Warrants were in excess of the fair market value of our Common Stock. For the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 27, 2016, 7,658,000 weighted average shares were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the exercise prices of the related stock options and Warrants were in excess of the fair market value of our Common Stock.
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8 | STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS

A summary of stock option activity during the 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017 follows:

(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) | Shares |  | Weighted Average Exercise Price |  | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
Outstanding, September 25, 2016 | 1,698 |  | 2.42 |  |  |
Exercised | (286 | ) | 1.52 |  |  |
Cancelled | (62 | ) | 18.99 |  |  |
Outstanding, March 26, 2017 | 1,350 |  | 1.85 |  | 4.1 | 1,016 |
Exercisable, March 26, 2017 | 1,350 |  | 1.85 |  | 4.1 | 1,016 |

Restricted Common Stock
The table below summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017:

(Thousands of Shares, Except Per Share Data) | Shares |  | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value |
Outstanding, September 27, 2016 | 2,462 |  | 2.74 |
Vested | (719 | ) | 3.60 |
Granted | 812 |  | 3.35 |
Cancelled | (9 | ) | 2.34 |
Outstanding, March 2, 2017 | 2,546 |  | 2.70 |

Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted Common Stock at March 26, 2017 is $3,879,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

9 | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

We utilize FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to measure and report fair value. FASB ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy of fair value measurements based on whether the inputs to those measurements are observable or unobservable, which consists of the following levels:
Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.
The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate value.
The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. Investments totaling $6,818,000, including our 17% ownership of the nonvoting common stock of TCT and a private equity investment, are carried at cost. As of March 31, 2017, based on the most recent data available, the approximate fair value of the private equity investment is $8,164,000, which is a level 3 fair value measurement.
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The fair value of floating rate debt, which consists of our 1 st Lien Term Loan, is $70,277,000, based on an average of private market price quotations. Our fixed rate debt consists of $385,000,000 principal amount of the Notes and $129,684,000 principal amount under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan. At March 26, 2017, based on private market price quotations, the fair values were $399,437,000 and $136,492,000 for the Notes and 2 nd Lien Term Loan, respectively. These represent level 2 fair value measurements.
As discussed more fully in Note 4, we recorded a liability for the Warrants issued in connection with the Warrant Agreement. The liability was initially measured at its fair value and we remeasure the liability to fair value each reporting period, with changes reported in other non-operating income (expense). The initial fair value of the Warrants was $16,930,000. The fair value of Warrants at March 26, 2017, December 25, 2016 and September 25, 2016 is $4,382,000, $8,665,000 and $11,760,000, respectively. Fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. These represent level 2 fair value measurements.

10 | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Income Taxes
Commitments exclude unrecognized tax benefits to be recorded in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. We are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities for such matters. See Note 6.
We file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and various state tax jurisdictions. From time to time, we are subject to routine audits by those agencies and those audits may result in proposed adjustments. We have considered the alternative interpretations that may be assumed by the various taxing agencies, believe our positions taken regarding our filings are valid, and that adequate tax liabilities have been recorded to resolve such matters. However, the actual outcome cannot be determined with certainty and the difference could be material, either positively or negatively, to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the periods in which such matters are ultimately determined. We do not believe the final resolution of such matters will be material to our consolidated financial position or cash flows.
We have various income tax examinations ongoing and at various stages of completion, but generally our income tax returns have been audited or closed to audit through 2009.
Legal Proceedings
We are involved in a variety of legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these matters. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these legal actions, it is our opinion that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.
Multiemployer Pension Plans
One of our enterprise's bargaining units withdrew from representation, and as a result we are subject to a future claim from the multiemployer pension plan for a withdrawal liability. The amount and timing of such liability will be dependent on actions taken, or not taken, by the Company and the pension plan, as well as the future investment performance and funding status of the pension plan. Any withdrawal liability determined to be due under this plan will be funded over a period of 20 years.
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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion includes comments and analysis relating to our results of operations and financial condition as of and for the 13 w eeks and 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto, included herein, and our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
We use non-GAAP financial performance measures for purposes of evaluating our performance and liquidity. We believe that each of the non-GAAP measures presented provides useful information to investors by allowing them to view our businesses through the eyes of our management and Board of Directors, facilitating comparison of results across historical periods, and providing a focus on the underlying ongoing operating performance and liquidity of our businesses. The non-GAAP financial measures we use are as follows:
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that enhances a financial statement user's overall understanding of the operating performance of the Company. The measure isolates unusual, infrequent or non-cash transactions from the operating performance of the business. This allows users to easily compare operating performance among various fiscal periods and understand how management measures the performance of the business. This measure also provides users with a benchmark that can be used when forecasting future operating performance of the Company that excludes unusual, nonrecurring or one time transactions. Adjusted EBITDA is also a component of the calculation used by stockholders and analysts to determine the value of our business when using the market approach, which applies a market multiple to financial metrics. It is also a measure used to calculate the leverage ratio of the Company, which is a key financial ratio monitored and used by the Company and its investors. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus nonoperating expenses (income), net, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation, amortization, loss (gain) on sale of assets, impairment charges, workforce adjustment costs, stock compensation and our 50% share of EBITDA from TNI and MNI, minus equity in earnings of TNI and MNI and curtailment gains.
Adjusted Income (Loss) and Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share are non-GAAP financial performance measures that we believe offer a useful metric to evaluate overall performance of the Company by providing financial statement users the operating performance of the Company on a per share basis excluding the impact of changes in the warrant valuation as well as unusual and infrequent transactions. It is defined as income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and earnings (loss) per common share adjusted to exclude the impact of the warrant valuation, unusual matters and those of a substantially non-recurring nature.
Cash Costs is a non-GAAP financial performance measure of operating expenses that are settled in cash and is useful to investors in understanding the components of the Company’s cash operating costs. Generally, the Company provides forward-looking guidance of Cash Costs, which can be used by financial statement users to assess the Company's ability to manage and control its operating cost structure. Cash Costs is defined as compensation, newsprint and ink, other operating expenses and certain unusual matters, such as workforce adjustment costs. Depreciation, amortization, impairment charges, other non-cash operating expenses and other unusual matters are excluded. Cash Costs are also presented excluding workforce adjustments, which are paid in cash.
We also present revenue and certain operating expense trends on a Same Property basis which excludes the operating results of the Daily Herald in Provo, UT, which was sold in August 2016. Same Property results are useful to investors in understanding the revenue and operating expense trends excluding the impact of changes due to operations no longer owned by the Company.
A table reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable measure under GAAP, is set forth in Item 2, included herein, under the caption "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
Reconciliations of adjusted income (loss) and adjusted earnings (loss) per common share to income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and earnings (loss) per common share, respectively, the most directly comparable measures under GAAP, are set forth in Item 2, included herein, under the caption “Overall Results”.
The subtotals of operating expenses representing cash costs can be found in tables in Item 2, included herein, under the captions “13 Weeks Ended March 26, 2017" and "26 Weeks Ended March 26, 2017".
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Same Property trends can be found in tables in Item 2, included herein, under the captions "13 Weeks Ended March 26, 2017" and "26 Weeks Ended March 26, 2017".
These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the related consolidated GAAP measures, and should be read together with financial information presented on a GAAP basis.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(UNAUDITED)
The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial performance measure of adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure:

| 13 Weeks Ended |  | 26 Weeks Ended |
(Thousands of Dollars) | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |  | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |
Net Income | 6,377 |  | 19,483 |  | 18,818 |  | 30,991 |
Adjusted to exclude |  |  |  |
Income tax expense | 1,144 |  | 12,389 |  | 7,410 |  | 19,535 |
Non-operating expenses (income), net | 11,285 |  | (13,129 | ) | 24,017 |  | 4,626 |
Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI | (1,729 | ) | (2,009 | ) | (4,417 | ) | (4,808 | )
Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net | (3,783 | ) | (438 | ) | (3,716 | ) | (1,409 | )
Depreciation and amortization | 10,318 |  | 10,941 |  | 20,698 |  | 21,884 |
Workforce adjustments | 2,405 |  | 588 |  | 2,470 |  | 1,192 |
Stock compensation | 559 |  | 594 |  | 1,083 |  | 1,164 |
Add: |  |  |  |
Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%) | 2,220 |  | 2,711 |  | 5,696 |  | 6,519 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 28,796 |  | 31,130 |  | 72,059 |  | 79,694 |

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis.
We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Our critical accounting policies include the following:
•Goodwill and other intangible assets;
•Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit plans;
•Income taxes;
•Revenue recognition; and
•Uninsured risks.
Additional information regarding these critical accounting policies can be found under the caption “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a new standard to improve the presentation of pension and postretirement benefit expense. The new standard requires that the service cost component of pension and postretirement benefits expense is recognized as compensation expense, while the remaining components of the expense are presented outside of operating income. The current presentation includes all components of the expense as Compensation in our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The adoption of the new standard is required in 2019.
In August 2016, the FASB issued a new standard to conform the presentation in the statement of cash flows for certain transactions, including cash distribution from equity method investments, among others. The adoption of the new standard is required in 2020. The adoption of this standard will reclassify certain cash receipts within the Consolidation Statements of Cash Flows.
In March 2016, the FASB issued a new standard with improvements to the accounting for employee share-based payments. The new standard simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The adoption of the new standard is required in 2018. We have not determined the potential effects on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued a new standard for the accounting treatment of leases. The new standard is based on the principle that entities should recognize assets and liabilities arising from leases. The new standard does not significantly change the lessees’ recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from the previous accounting standard. Leases are classified as finance or operating. The new standards primary change is the requirement for entities to recognize a lease liability for payments and a right of use asset representing the right to use the leased asset during the term on operating lease arrangements. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. Lessors’ accounting under the new standard is largely unchanged from the previous accounting standard. In addition, the new standard expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Lessees and lessors will use a modified retrospective transition approach, which includes a number of practical expedients. The adoption of this new standard is required in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 with early adoption permitted. We have not determined the potential effects on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting requirements for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The new requirements include additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In April and May 2016, the FASB also issued clarifying updates to the new standard specifically to address certain core principles including the identification of performance obligations, licensing guidance, the assessment of the collectability criterion, the presentation of taxes collected from customers, noncash considerations, contract modifications, and completed contracts at transition. The adoption of these requirements is required in 2019.
We currently anticipate adopting the new revenue recognition standard in the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact that the updated guidance will have on our financial statements and related disclosures.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Lee Enterprises, Incorporated is a leading provider of local news and information, and a major platform for advertising, in the markets we serve, which are located primarily in the Midwest, Mountain West and West regions of the United States. With the exception of St. Louis, Missouri, our 49 daily newspaper markets, across 22 states, are principally midsize or small. Through our print and digital platforms, we reach an overwhelming majority of adults in our markets.
Our products include:

• | 46 daily and 34 Sunday newspapers with print and digital subscribers totaling 0.9 million and 1.2 million, respectively, for the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2017. We estimate that almost three million people read our printed daily newspapers each day; and

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• | Nearly 300 weekly newspapers and classified and niche publications.

Our markets have established retail bases, and most are regional shopping hubs. We are located in four state capitals. Six of our top ten markets by revenue include major universities, and seven are home to major corporate headquarters. We believe that all of these factors have had a positive impact on advertising revenue. Community newspapers and their associated digital media remain a valuable source of local news and information attracting large local audiences and are an effective means for local advertisers to reach their customers. We believe our audiences across these communities tend to be loyal readers who actively seek our content and serve as an attractive target for our advertisers.
We do not face significant competition from other local daily newspapers in most of our markets, although there is competition for audience in those markets from other media. In our top ten markets by revenue, only two have significant local daily print competition.
Our primary source of revenue is advertising and marketing services, followed by subscription revenue. Over the last several years, the advertising industry has experienced a shift from print and other traditional media towards digital advertising as readership has also shifted from print to digital. In addition, our printed newspaper paid subscription and single copy unit sales have declined. We have offset some of our declines in print advertising and marketing services revenue by growing our digital advertising revenue. Subscription revenue has been maintained by increasing subscription rates which includes full access, selling premium day sections and increasing the number of paid digital subscribers.
We have a full access subscription model, which provides subscribers with complete digital access, including desktop, mobile, tablet and replica editions. These are offered as packages with print home delivery or as digital-only subscriptions, with subscription rates reflective of the expanded access.
We continue to transform our business model and carefully manage our costs to maintain strong cash flows and margins.
IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
We have significant amounts of goodwill and identified intangible assets. Since 2007 we have recorded impairment charges totaling almost $1.3 billion to reduce the value of certain of these assets. Should general economic, market or business conditions decline, and have a negative impact on our stock price or projected future cash flows, we may be required to record additional impairment charges in the future. Such impairment charges would not impact our reported cash flows or debt covenant compliance.
DEBT AND LIQUIDITY
We have a substantial amount of debt, as discussed more fully in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein. Since February 2009, we have satisfied all interest payments and substantially all principal payments due under our debt facilities with our cash flows and asset sales.
As of March 26, 2017, our debt consists of the following:

• | $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.5% Senior Secured Notes (the “Notes”), pursuant to an Indenture dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Indenture”), of which $385,000,000 is outstanding at March 26, 2017;

• | $250,000,000 first lien term loan (the "1st Lien Term Loan") and $40,000,000 revolving facility (the "Revolving Facility") under a First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (together, the “1 st Lien Credit Facility”), of which $70,234,000 is outstanding at March 26, 2017; and

• | $150,000,000 second lien term loan under a Second Lien Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “ 2 nd Lien Term Loan”), of which $129,684,000 is outstanding at March 26, 2017.

Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate future cash flows from operations. Cash generated from future asset sales could serve as an additional source of repayment. This ability, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
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At March 26, 2017, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $33,318,000 available for future use under our Revolving Facility. Including cash, our liquidity at March 26, 2017 totals $49,321,000. This liquidity amount excludes any future cash flows. Our adjusted EBITDA has been strong for the last seven years and has exceeded $145,000,000 in each year from 2011 through the trailing twelve months ended March 26, 2017, but there can be no assurance that such performance will continue. We expect all interest and principal payments due in the next twelve months will be satisfied by our cash flows from operations and certain asset sales, which will allow us to maintain an adequate level of liquidity.
At March 26, 2017, the principal amount of our outstanding debt totaled $584,918,000. The March 26, 2017 principal amount of our debt, net of cash, is 3.89 times our trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA, compared to a ratio of 4.0 at March 27, 2016.
Final maturities of our debt range from December 2018 through December 2022.
There are numerous potential consequences under the Notes, 1 st Lien Credit Facility and 2 nd Lien Term Loan, if an event of default, as defined, occurs and is not remedied. Many of those consequences are beyond our control. The occurrence of one or more events of default would give rise to the right of the applicable lender(s) to exercise their remedies under the Notes, 1 st Lien Credit Facility and 2 nd Lien Term Loan, respectively, including, without limitation, the right to accelerate all outstanding debt and take actions authorized in such circumstances under applicable collateral security documents.
Our ability to operate as a going concern is dependent on our ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants and to repay, refinance or amend our debt agreements as they become due, if necessary. The Notes, 1 st Lien Credit Facility and 2 nd Lien Term Loan have only limited affirmative covenants with which we are required to maintain compliance. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at March 26, 2017.
Due to our federal and state net operating loss carryforwards and based on historical levels of performance, we do not expect to make any significant income tax payments in the current year.
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13 WEEKS ENDED MARCH 26, 2017
Operating results, as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements, are summarized below.

| 13 Weeks Ended |
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data) | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |  | Percent Change |  | Same Property |
Advertising and marketing services revenue: |  |  |  |
Retail | 49,005 |  | 55,682 |  | (12.0 | ) | (10.3 | )
Classified | 21,786 |  | 24,721 |  | (11.9 | ) | (10.7 | )
National | 4,405 |  | 5,492 |  | (19.8 | ) | (18.8 | )
Niche publications and other | 2,337 |  | 2,836 |  | (17.6 | ) | (16.4 | )
Total advertising and marketing services revenue | 77,533 |  | 88,731 |  | (12.6 | ) | (11.1 | )
Subscription | 45,009 |  | 46,658 |  | (3.5 | ) | (2.5 | )
Digital services | 3,481 |  | 3,414 |  | 2.0 |  | 2.0 |
Commercial printing | 2,523 |  | 3,043 |  | (17.1 | ) | (15.8 | )
Other | 4,841 |  | 4,989 |  | (3.0 | ) | (2.8 | )
Total operating revenue | 133,387 |  | 146,835 |  | (9.2 | ) | (7.9 | )
Operating expenses: |  |  |  |
Compensation | 52,414 |  | 58,850 |  | (10.9 | ) | (9.9 | )
Newsprint and ink | 6,200 |  | 6,053 |  | 2.4 |  | 2.4 |
Other operating expenses | 48,756 |  | 54,107 |  | (9.9 | ) | (7.6 | )
Workforce adjustments | 2,405 |  | 588 |  | NM |  | NM |
Cash costs | 109,775 |  | 119,598 |  | (8.2 | ) | (6.6 | )
| 23,612 |  | 27,237 |  | (13.3 | ) | (13.4 | )
Depreciation and amortization | 10,318 |  | 10,941 |  | (5.7 | ) |
Gain on sales of assets and other, net | (3,783 | ) | (438 | ) | NM |  |
Equity in earnings of associated companies | 1,729 |  | 2,009 |  | (13.9 | ) |
Operating income | 18,806 |  | 18,743 |  | 0.3 |  |
Non-operating income (expense), net | (11,285 | ) | 13,129 |  | NM |  |
Income before income taxes | 7,521 |  | 31,872 |  | (76.4 | ) |
Income tax expense | 1,144 |  | 12,389 |  | (90.8 | ) |
Net income | 6,377 |  | 19,483 |  | (67.3 | ) |
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | (249 | ) | (255 | ) | (2.4 | ) |
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated | 6,128 |  | 19,228 |  | (68.1 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes | 894 |  | (43 | ) | NM |  |
Comprehensive income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated | 7,022 |  | 19,185 |  | (63.4 | ) |
Earnings per common share: |  |  |  |
Basic | 0.11 |  | 0.36 |  | (69.4 | ) |
Diluted | 0.11 |  | 0.36 |  | (69.4 | ) |

References to the "2017 Quarter" refer to the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2017. Similarly, references to the "2016 Quarter" refer to the 13 weeks ended March 27, 2016. Due to the disposition of the Daily Herald in Provo, UT in August of 2016, all of the revenue and operating expense trends discussed below are on a same property basis, unless otherwise noted.
Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue
In the 2017 Quarter, advertising and marketing services revenue decreased $9,721,000, or 11.1%, compared to the 2016 Quarter. Retail advertising decreased 10.3%. The decrease in advertising and marketing services revenue is due to reduced advertising volume primarily from large retailers, big box stores and classifieds. Dig ital retail advertising on a stand-alone basis, which is the largest digital advertising category, increa sed 14.1%, par tially offsetting print declines.
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Classified revenue decreased $2,617,000, or 10.7%, in the 2017 Quarter as we continue to experience a reduction in print advertising in automotive, employment and real estate in most of our markets. Digital classified revenue on a stand-alone basis increased 12.1%.
National advertising decreased $1,020,000, or 18.8%, and digital national advertising on a stand-alone basis decreased 6.9%.
On a stand alone basis, digital advertising and marketing services revenue increased 11.3% to $22,235,000 in the 2017 Quarter, representing 28.7% of total advertising and marketing services re venue. Total digital revenue, including advertising and marketing services and all other digital business, totaled $25,716,000 in the 2017 Quarter, an increase of 10.0% over the 2016 Quarter. Print advertising, including preprints and print marketing services revenue, decreased 17.8%.
Subscription and Other Revenue
Subscription revenue decreased $1,154,000, or 2.5%, in the 2017 Quarter. Revenue declines were due to lower volumes partially offset by higher subscription rates and charges for premium content. During the 2017 Quarter, we implemented rate increases in most of our markets that we believe will have a favorable impact on subscription revenue in the second half of 2017.
Our average daily newspaper circulation, including TNI, MNI and digital subscribers, totaled 0.9 million in the 2017 Quarter. Sunday circulation totaled 1.2 million.
Digital services revenue increased $67,000, or 2.0%, largely due to TownNews.com, which generates the majority of its revenue from content management services at our properties as well as 1,600 other newspapers, and media operations. Commercial printing revenue decreased $473,000, or 15.8%, in the 2017 Quarter due to decreased volume for existing customers at several of our largest markets.
In the 2017 Quarter, our mobile, tablet, desktop and app sites, including TNI and MNI, attracted an average of 26.7 million unique visitors with 228.9 million page views; a 4.4% and 6.2% increase, respectively, compared to the 2016 Quarter. Research in our larger markets indicates we continue to reach over 76% of all adults in the market through the combination of digital audience growth and strong print newspaper readership.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for the 2017 Quarter decreased 9.2%. Cash costs decreased $7,770,000, or 6.6%, in the 2017 Quarter.
Compensation expense decrea sed $5,729,000, or 9.9%, in the 2017 Quarter, driven by lower self-insured medical costs and a decline of 7.2% in average full-time equivalent employees.
Newsprint and ink costs increased $147,000, or 2.4%, in the 2017 Quarter, as a result of newsprint price increases offset by an 13.1% reduction in newsprint volume. See Item 3, “Commodities”, included herein, for further discussion and analysis of the impact of newsprint prices on our business.
Other operating expenses, which are comprised of all operating costs not considered to be compensation, newsprint, depreciation, amortization, or unusual matters including delivery, postage, outsourced printing, digital cost of goods sold, facility expenses among others, decreased $4,005,000, or 7.6%, in the 2017 Quarter. Cost reductions were primarily related to the impact of both subscriber delivery cost and a decrease in postage costs primarily related to a reduction in direct mail advertising volumes.
Excluding workforce adjustments, cash costs decreased 8.2% in the 2017 Quarter.
Reductions in staffing resulted in workforce adjustment costs totaling $2,405,000 and $588,000 in the 2017 Quarter and 2016 Quarter, respectively.
For fiscal 2017, we expect cash cost excluding workforce adjustments, to decrease between 6.0% to 6.5%.
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Results of Operations
On a GAAP basis, depre ciation expense decreased $317,000, or 7.3%, and amortization expense decreased $306,000, or 4.6%, in the 2017 Quarter. Gain on sales of assets and other, net including a $3,741,000 curtailment gain resulted in a net gain of $3,783,000 in the 2017 Quarter and $438,000 in the 2016 Quarter.
Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI decreased $280,000 in the 2017 Quarter.
The factors noted above resulted in operating income of $18,806,000 in the 2017 Quarter compared to $18,743,000 in the 2016 Quarter.
Nonoperating Income and Expense
Interest expense decreased $1,644,000, or 10.1%, to $14,637,000 in the 2017 Quarter due to lower debt balances. Our weighted average cost of debt, excluding amortization of debt financing costs, increased to 9.8% at the end of the 2017 Quarter compared to 9.6% at the end of the 2016 Quarter, as our Notes and 2 nd Lien Term Loan balances are now a greater percentage of our outstanding debt due to the ongoing reduction of the 1 st Lien Term Loan, our lowest cost of debt.
We recognized $1,075,000 of debt financing and administrative costs in the 2017 Quarter compared to $2,034,000 in the 2016 Quarter.
Due to the fluctuation in the price of our Common Stock, we recorded non-operating income of $4,283,000 in 2017 Quarter and a non-operating expense of $62,000 in the 2016 Quarter, related to the changes in the value of the Warrants.
In the 2016 Quarter, we recognized a $30,646,000 gain on an insurance settlement. The settlement represents our share of a subrogation recovery arising from the settlement of claims for damages suffered as a result of a 2009 loss at one of the Lee Legacy production facilities.
In the 2016 Quarter, we also recorded a $725,000 gain on extinguishment of debt purchased at a discount.
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Overall Results
We recognized income tax expense of $1,144,000, resulting in an effective tax rate of 15.2% in the 2017 Quarter compared to 38.9% in the 2016 Quarter. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein, for a discussion of the difference between the expected federal income tax rate and the actual tax rates.
As a result of the factors noted above, income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated totaled $6,128,000 in the 2017 Quarter compared to $19,228,000 in the 2016 Quarter. We recorded earnings per diluted common share of $0.11 in the 2017 Quarter and $0.36 in the 2016 Quarter. Excluding unusual matters, as detailed in the table below, we recognized a loss of $0.01 per diluted common share, as adjusted, in the 2017 Quarter, the same as the 2016 Quarter. Per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

| 13 Weeks Ended |
| March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data) | Amount |  | Per Share |  | Amount |  | Per Share |
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as reported | 6,128 |  | 0.11 |  | 19,228 |  | 0.36 |
Adjustments: |  |  |  |
Warrants fair value adjustment | (4,283 | ) |  | 62 |  |
Gain on insurance settlement | — |  |  | (30,646 | ) |
Curtailment gains | (3,741 | ) |  | — |  |
| (8,024 | ) |  | (30,584 | ) |
Income tax effect of adjustments, net | 1,309 |  |  | 10,726 |  |
| (6,715 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (19,858 | ) | (0.37 | )
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as adjusted | (587 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (630 | ) | (0.01 | )

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26 WEEKS ENDED MARCH 26, 2017
Operating results, as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements, are summarized below. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

| 26 Weeks Ended |
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data) | March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |  | Percent Change |  | Same Property |
Operating revenue: |  |  |  |
Retail | 110,876 |  | 125,363 |  | (11.6 | ) | (9.8 | )
Classified | 44,023 |  | 50,842 |  | (13.4 | ) | (12.4 | )
National | 10,705 |  | 12,380 |  | (13.5 | ) | (12.4 | )
Niche publications and other | 4,964 |  | 5,783 |  | (14.2 | ) | (13.5 | )
Total advertising and marketing services revenue | 170,568 |  | 194,368 |  | (12.2 | ) | (10.7 | )
Subscription | 93,896 |  | 97,089 |  | (3.3 | ) | (2.2 | )
Digital services | 6,955 |  | 6,730 |  | 3.3 |  | 3.3 |
Commercial printing | 5,297 |  | 6,269 |  | (15.5 | ) | (14.4 | )
Other | 10,660 |  | 10,784 |  | (1.1 | ) | (1.0 | )
Total operating revenue | 287,376 |  | 315,240 |  | (8.8 | ) | (7.5 | )
Operating expenses: |  |  |  |
Compensation | 107,470 |  | 117,514 |  | (8.5 | ) | (7.5 | )
Newsprint and ink | 13,093 |  | 12,738 |  | 2.8 |  | 2.8 |
Other operating expenses | 101,533 |  | 112,977 |  | (10.1 | ) | (7.8 | )
Workforce adjustments | 2,470 |  | 1,192 |  | NM |  | NM |
Cash costs | 224,566 |  | 244,421 |  | (8.1 | ) | (6.5 | )
| 62,810 |  | 70,819 |  | (11.3 | ) | (10.9 | )
Depreciation and amortization | 20,698 |  | 21,884 |  | (5.4 | ) |
Gain on sales of assets and other, net | (3,716 | ) | (1,409 | ) | NM |  |
Equity in earnings of associated companies | 4,417 |  | 4,808 |  | (8.1 | ) |
Operating income | 50,245 |  | 55,152 |  | (8.9 | ) |
Non-operating expense, net | (24,017 | ) | (4,626 | ) | NM |  |
Income before income taxes | 26,228 |  | 50,526 |  | (48.1 | ) |
Income tax expense | 7,410 |  | 19,535 |  | (62.1 | ) |
Net income | 18,818 |  | 30,991 |  | (39.3 | ) |
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | (517 | ) | (526 | ) | (1.7 | ) |
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated | 18,301 |  | 30,465 |  | (39.9 | ) |
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes | 949 |  | (86 | ) | NM |  |
Comprehensive income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated | 19,250 |  | 30,379 |  | (36.6 | ) |
Earnings per common share: |  |  |  |
Basic | 0.34 |  | 0.57 |  | (40.4 | ) |
Diluted | 0.33 |  | 0.57 |  | (42.1 | ) |

References to the "2017 Period" refer to the 26 weeks ended March 26, 2017. Similarly, references to the "2016 Period" refer to the 26 weeks ended March 27, 2016. Due to the disposition of the Daily Herald in Provo, UT in August of 2016, all of the revenue and operating expense trends discussed below are on a same property basis, unless otherwise noted.
Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue
In the 2017 Period, advertising and marketing services revenue decreased $20,497,000, or 10.7%, compared to the 2016 Period. Retail advertising decreas ed 9.8%. The decrease in retail advertising revenue is due to reduced advertising volume primarily from large retail, big box stores and classifieds. Digital retail advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 10.7%, partially offsetting print declines.
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Classified revenue decreased $6,213,000, or 12.4%, in the 2017 Period as we continue to experience a reduction in print advertising from automotive, employment and real estate in most of our markets. Digital classified revenue on a stand-alone basis increased 8.0%.
National advertising decreased $1,521,000, or 12.4%. Digital national advertising on a stand-alone basis increased 2.5%.
On a stand-alone basis, digital advertising and marketing services revenue increased 9.0% to $45,172,000, in the 2017 Period, representing 26.5% of total advertising and marketing services re venue. Mobile advertising revenue, which is included in digital advertising, increased 9.7% in the 2017 Period. Total digital revenue for the 2017 Period, including advertising and marketing services and all other digital business, totaled $52,127,000, an increase of 8.2% from a year ago, representing 18.1% of total operating revenue. Print advertising, including preprints and print marketing services revenue, decreased 16.2%.
Subscription and Other Revenue
Subscription revenue decreased $2,115,000, or 2.2%, in the 2017 Period. Revenue declines were due to lower volume which were not offset by higher subscription rates.
Our average daily newspaper circulation, including TNI, MNI and digital subscribers, totaled 0.9 million in the 2017 Period. Sunday circulation totaled 1.2 million.
Digital services revenue increased $225,000, or 3.3%, largely due to TownNews.com, which generates the majority of its revenue from content management services at our properties as well as 1,600 other newspapers, and media operations. Commercial printing revenue decreased $891,000, or 14.4%, in the 2017 Perio d due to decreased volume for existing customers at several of our largest markets.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for the 2017 Period decreased 7.3%. Cash costs decreased $15,684,000, or 6.5%, in the 2017 Period.
Compensation expense decreased $8,669,000, or 7.5%, in the 2017 Period, driven by a decline of 7.2% in average full time equivalent employees and lower self-insured medical costs.
Newsprint and ink costs increased $355,000, or 2.8%, in the 2017 Period, as a result of newsprint price increases offset by a 12.4% reduction in newsprint volume. See Item 3, “Commodities”, included herein, for further discussion and analysis of the impact of newsprint on our business.
Other operating expenses, which are comprised of all operating costs not considered to be compensation, newsprint, depreciation, amortization, or unusual matters including delivery, postage, outsourced printing, digital cost of goods sold, facility expenses among others, decreased $8,648,000, or 7.8%, in the 2017 Period. Cost reductions were primarily related to the impact of both subscriber delivery cost and a decrease in postage costs primarily related to a reduction in direct mail advertising volumes.
Excluding workforce adjustments, cash costs decreased 7.1% in the 2017 Period.
Reduction in staffing resulted in workforce adjustment costs totaling $2,470,000 and $1,192,000 in the 2017 Period and 2016 Period, respectively.
Results of Operations
On a GAAP basis, depreciation expense decreased $573,000, or 6.6%, and amortization expense decreased $613,000, or 4.6%, in the 2017 Period. Sales of operating assets and other, net including a $3,741,000 curtailment gain resulted in a net gain of $3,716,000 in the 2017 Period compared to a net gain of $1,409,000 in the 2016 Period.
Equity in earnings in associated companies decreased $391,000 in the 2017 Period.
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The factors noted above resulted in operating income of $50,245,000 in the 2017 Period compared to $55,152,000 in the 2016 Period.
Nonoperating Income and Expense
Interest expense decreased $3,835,000, or 11.5%, to $29,588,000 in the 2017 Period due to lower debt balances.
Due to the fluctuation in the price of our Common Stock, we recorded non-operating income of $7,378,000 in 2017 Period and non-operating income of $11,000 in the 2016 Period, related to the changes in the value of the Warrants.
In the 2016 Period, we recognized a $30,646,000 gain on an insurance settlement. The settlement represents our share of a subrogation recovery arising from the settlement of claims for damages suffered as a result of a 2009 loss at one of the Lee Legacy production facilities.
We recognized $2,026,000 of debt financing costs in the 2017 Period compared to $3,367,000 in the 2016 Period related to our 2014 refinancing. We also recognized $1,250,000 gain on extinguishment of debt in the 2016 Period.
Overall Results
We recognized income tax expense of $7,410,000, resulting in an effective tax rate of 28.3% in the 2017 Period compared to 38.7% in the 2016 Period. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein, for a discussion of the difference between the expected federal income tax rate and the actual tax rates.
As a result of the factors noted above, income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated totaled $18,301,000 in the 2017 Period compared to $30,465,000 in the 2016 Period. We recorded earnings per diluted common share of $0.33 in the 2017 Period and $0.57 in the 2016 Period. Excluding unusual matters, as detailed in the table below, diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted, were $0.15 in the 2017 Period and $0.20 in the 2016 Period. Per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

|  |  | 26 Weeks Ended |
| March 26 2017 |  | March 27 2016 |
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data) | Amount |  | Per Share |  | Amount |  | Per Share |
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as reported | 18,301 |  | 0.33 |  | 30,465 |  | 0.57 |
Adjustments: |  |  |  |
Warrants fair value adjustment | (7,378 | ) |  | (11 | ) |
Gain on insurance settlement | — |  |  | (30,646 | ) |
Curtailment gains | (3,741 | ) |  | — |  |
| (11,119 | ) |  | (30,657 | ) |
Income tax effect of adjustments, net | 1,309 |  |  | 10,726 |  |
| (9,810 | ) | (0.18 | ) | (19,931 | ) | (0.37 | )
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated, as adjusted | 8,491 |  | 0.15 |  | 10,534 |  | 0.20 |

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $33,385,000 in the 2017 Period and $41,551,000 in the 2016 Period. We recorded net income of $18,818,000 in the 2017 Period and $30,991,000 in the 2016 Period. Non-cash debt financing costs charged to expense totaled $2,025,000 in the 2017 Period compared to $3,367,000 in the 2016 Period. Changes in depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, and operating assets and liabilities accounted for the bulk of the change in cash provided by operating activities in the 2017 Quarter.
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Investing Activities
Cash required for investing activities totaled $1,887,000 in the 2017 Period compared to cash provided by investing activities of $31,900,000 in the 2016 Period. Capital spending totaled $2,079,000 in the 2017 Period compared to $3,271,000 in the 2016 Period. We received $1,078,000 and $3,776,000 of proceeds from sales of assets in the 2017 Period and the 2016 Period, respectively. In the 2016 Period, we received $30,646,000 related to an insurance settlement.
We anticipate that funds necessary for capital expenditures, which are expected to total up to $10,000,000 in 2017, and other requirements, will be available from internally generated funds or availability under our Revolving Facility.
Financing Activities
Cash required for financing activities totaled $32,479,000 in the 2017 Period and $68,117,000 in the 2016 Period. Debt reduction accounted for the majority of the usage of funds in both the 2017 Period and the 2016 Period.
Liquidity
At March 26, 2017, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $33,318,000 available for future use under our Revolving Facility. Including cash, our liquidity at March 26, 2017 totals $49,321,000. This liquidity amount excludes any future cash flows. We expect all interest and principal payments due in the next twelve months will be satisfied by our cash flows, which will allow us to maintain an adequate level of liquidity. The Warrants, if and when exercised, would provide additional liquidity in an amount up to $25,140,000.
At March 26, 2017, the principal amount of our outstanding debt totals $584,918,000. The March 26, 2017 principal amount of debt, net of cash, is 3.89 times our trailing 12 months adjusted EBITDA, compared to a ratio of 4.0 at March 27, 2016.
The 2014 Refinancing significantly extended our debt maturity profile with final maturity of the majority of our debt in 2022. As a result, refinancing risk has been substantially reduced for the next several years.
There are numerous potential consequences under the Notes, 1 st Lien Credit Facility and 2 nd Lien Term Loan, if an event of default, as defined, occurs and is not remedied. Many of those consequences are beyond our control. The occurrence of one or more events of default would give rise to the right of the applicable lender(s) to exercise their remedies under the Notes, 1 st Lien Credit Facility and 2 nd Lien Term Loan, respectively, including, without limitation, the right to accelerate all outstanding debt and take actions authorized in such circumstances under applicable collateral security documents.
Our ability to operate as a going concern is dependent on our ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants and to refinance or amend our debt agreements as they become due, or earlier if available liquidity is consumed. The Notes, 1 st Lien Credit Facility and 2 nd Lien Term Loan have only limited affirmative covenants with which we are required to maintain compliance. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at March 26, 2017.
In February 2017 our filing of a replacement Form S-3 registration statement ("Shelf") with the SEC, was declared effective and expires February 2020. The Shelf registration gives us the flexibility to issue and publicly distribute various types of securities, including preferred stock, common stock, warrants, secured or unsecured debt securities, purchase contracts and units consisting of any combination of such securities, from time to time, in one or more offerings, up to an aggregate amount of $750,000,000. SEC issuer eligibility rules require us to have a public float of at least $75,000,000 in order to use the Shelf. Subject to maintenance of the minimum level of equity market float and the conditions of our existing debt agreements, the Shelf may enable us to sell securities quickly and efficiently when market conditions are favorable or financing needs arise. Under our existing debt agreements, net proceeds from the sale of any securities may be used generally to reduce debt.
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CHANGES IN LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Energy Costs
Energy costs can be volatile, and may increase in the future as a result of carbon emissions and other regulations being considered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Health Care Costs
The Affordable Care Act was enacted into law in 2010.
We expect the requirements under the Affordable Care Act will continue to evolve and may ultimately be repealed and/or replaced. We expect our future health care costs to increase based on analysis published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, input from independent advisors and our understanding of the current provisions of the Affordable Care Act, such as:
•Certain preventive services provided without additional charge to employees;
•Automatic enrollment of new employees;
•Higher maximum age for dependent coverage;
•Elimination of lifetime benefit caps; and
•Free choice vouchers for certain lower income employees.
We do not expect the Affordable Care Act will have a significant impact on our postretirement medical benefit obligation liability.
Pension Plans
In 2012, the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012 (“STEA”) was signed into law. STEA provides for changes in the determination of discount rates that result in a near-term reduction in minimum funding requirements for our defined benefit pension plans. STEA will also result in an increase in future premiums to be paid to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation ("PBGC").
In 2014, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act ("HATFA") was signed into law. HATFA generally extends the relief offered under STEA and further increases premiums to be paid to the PBGC.
Income Taxes
Certain states in which we operate periodically consider changes to their corporate income tax rates. Until such changes are enacted, the impact of such changes cannot be determined.
Wage Laws
In 2016, the Department of Labor ("DOL") published its final rule updating overtime regulations and minimum pay regulations for exempt employees. Among other things, the final rule establishes a minimum weekly rate for all exempt employees of $913 per week, more than double the previous limit. The final rule was scheduled to be effective beginning December 1, 2016. However, a federal district court issued a preliminary injunction on the rule becoming final. Until a final ruling is issued, the Company cannot determine what impact this rule will have, if any.
The United States and various state and local governments are considering increasing their respective minimum wage rates. Most of our employees earn an amount in excess of the current United States or state minimum wage rates. However, until changes to such rates are enacted, the impact of the changes cannot be determined.
INFLATION
Price increases (or decreases) for our products or services are implemented when deemed appropriate by us. We continuously evaluate price increases, productivity improvements, sourcing efficiencies and other cost reductions to mitigate the impact of inflation.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk stemming from changes in interest rates and commodity prices. Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in earnings and cash flows. In the normal course of business, exposure to certain of these market risks is managed as described below.
INTEREST RATES ON DEBT
Our debt structure, which is predominantly fixed rate, significantly reduces the potential impact of an increase in interest rates. At March 26, 2017, 12.0% of the principal amount of our debt is subject to floating interest rates. Our primary exposure is to LIBOR. A 100 basis point increase to LIBOR would, if in excess of LIBOR minimums discussed more fully below, decrease income before income taxes on an annualized basis by approximately $702,340 based on $70,234,000 of floating rate debt outstanding at March 26, 2017.
Our debt under the 1 st Lien Term Loan is subject to minimum interest rate levels of 1.0%. Based on the difference between interest rates in March 2017 and our 1.0% minimum rate, LIBOR would need to increase approximately 2 basis points for one month borrowing before our borrowing cost would begin to be impacted by an increase in interest rates.
We regularly evaluate alternatives to hedge our interest rate risk, but have no hedging instruments in place.
COMMODITIES
Annualized newsprint capacity reductions in North America since the beginning of 2017 and scheduled newsprint reductions in Asia and West Europe tonnes may not be sufficient to reduce the current downward pricing pressure on newsprint.
Price change announcements are influenced primarily by the balance between supply capacity and demand, domestic and export, and the producer's ability to mitigate input cost pressures taking the U. S. dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rate into consideration. The extent to which future price changes occur is subject to negotiations with each newsprint producer at the time newsprint is ordered. Average cost per metric ton was approximately 18% higher during the second fiscal quarter 2017 compared to the same quarter a year ago.
Our long term supply strategy takes potential capacity closures into consideration and aligns the Company with suppliers most likely to continue to supply the North American newsprint market and our print locations.
A $10 per tonne price increase for 30 pound newsprint would result in an annualized reduction in income before income taxes of approximately $483,000, based on anticipated consumption in 2017, excluding consumption of TNI and MNI and the impact of LIFO accounting. Such prices may also decrease. We manage significant newsprint inventories, which will temporarily mitigate the impact of future price increases.
SENSITIVITY TO CHANGES IN VALUE
At March 26, 2017, the fair value of floating rate debt, which consists primarily of our 1 st Lien Term Loan, is $70,277,000, based on an average of private market price quotations. Our fixed rate debt consists of $385,000,000 principal amount of the Notes and $129,684,000 principal amount under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan. At March 26, 2017, based on an average of private market price quotations, the fair values were $399,437,000 and $136,492,000 for the Notes and 2nd Lien Term Loan, respectively.
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our senior management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded as of the Evaluation Date that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information relating to the Company, including our consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in our SEC reports (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are involved in a variety of legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these matters. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these legal actions, it is our opinion that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.
Item 6. Exhibits

Number |  | Description
31.1 |  | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification
31.2 |  | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification
32 |  | Section 1350 certification

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED |  |
/s/ Ronald A. Mayo |  | May 5, 2017
Ronald A. Mayo |  |
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |  |
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |  |

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