LEE ENTERPRISES INC
10-Q, 1998-05-14
NEWSPAPERS: PUBLISHING OR PUBLISHING & PRINTING
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q
[ x ]   Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of the
        Securities Exchange Act of 1934
        For Quarter Ended March 31, 1998
                                       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

A Delaware Corporation                                          I.D. #42-0823980
215 N. Main Street, Davenport, Iowa  52801
Phone:  (319) 383-2100

Indicate  by a 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 the number of shares  outstanding  of each of the  issuer's  classes of
common stock, as of the latest practical date.

              Class                                Outstanding at March 31, 1998
- ---------------------------------------            -----------------------------

Common stock, $2.00 par value                              32,909,821
Class "B" Common Stock, $2.00 par value                    11,931,324




<PAGE>


                          PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item. 1.
                          LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                      (In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
<TABLE>

                                                     Three Months Ended        Six Months Ended
                                                          March 31,               March 31,
                                                     --------------------    --------------------
                                                       1998        1997        1998        1997
                                                     --------------------    --------------------
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>   
Operating revenue:
   Publishing:
      Daily newspaper:
        Daily advertising ........................   $ 43,224    $ 40,035    $ 95,229    $ 88,328
        Circulation ..............................     20,227      19,826      41,018      40,020
      Other ......................................     25,337      14,306      50,396      28,194
   Broadcasting ..................................     30,947      26,039      62,202      61,420
   Equity in net income of associated companies ..      1,610       1,581       3,759       3,493
                                                     --------------------------------------------
                                                      121,345     101,787     252,604     221,455
                                                     --------------------------------------------
Operating expenses:
   Compensation costs ............................     47,174      40,466      94,842      81,789
   Newsprint and ink .............................      9,574       6,936      20,136      14,900
   Depreciation ..................................      4,700       3,974       9,320       7,955
   Amortization of intangibles ...................      4,473       2,702       8,929       5,405
   Other .........................................     31,676      28,709      65,531      59,994
                                                     --------------------------------------------
                                                       97,597      82,787     198,758     170,043
                                                     --------------------------------------------

          Operating income .......................     23,748      19,000      53,846      51,412
                                                     --------------------------------------------
Financial (income) expenses, net
   Financial (income) ............................     (1,188)     (1,454)     (1,718)     (1,998)
   Financial expense .............................      4,344       2,027       8,050       3,769
                                                     --------------------------------------------
                                                        3,156         573       6,332       1,771
                                                     --------------------------------------------
          Income from continuing operations before
          taxes on income ........................     20,592      18,427      47,514      49,641
Income taxes .....................................      7,981       7,187      18,319      19,293
                                                     --------------------------------------------
          Income from continuing operations ......     12,611      11,240      29,195      30,348
Income from discontinued operations, net
   of income tax effect ..........................        - -       1,000         - -       1,000
                                                     --------------------------------------------
          Net income .............................   $ 12,611    $ 12,240    $ 29,195    $ 31,348
                                                     ============================================

Average outstanding shares:
   Basic .........................................     44,990      46,467      45,153      46,668
                                                     ============================================
   Diluted .......................................     45,783      47,354      45,904      47,555
                                                     ============================================

Earnings per share:
   Basic:
      Income from continuing operations ..........   $  0.28     $  0.24     $   0.65    $  0.65
      Income from discontinuing operations .......       - -        0.02          - -       0.02
                                                     -------------------------------------------
          Net income .............................   $  0.28     $  0.26     $   0.65    $  0.67
                                                     ===========================================

   Diluted:
      Income from continuing operations ..........   $  0.28     $  0.24     $   0.64    $  0.64
      Income from discontinuing operations .......       - -        0.02          - -       0.02
                                                     -------------------------------------------
          Net income .............................   $  0.28     $  0.26     $   0.64    $  0.66
                                                     ===========================================

Dividends per share ..............................   $  0.14     $  0.13     $   0.28    $  0.26
                                                     ===========================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>



                         LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (In Thousands)

<TABLE>

                                                                                       March 31, September 30,
ASSETS                                                                                     1998      1997 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>       <C>   

Cash and cash equivalents ............................................................  $165,727  $ 14,163
Accounts receivable, net .............................................................    60,001    58,397
Newsprint inventory ..................................................................     1,378     3,716
Program rights and other .............................................................    12,372    17,691
                                                                                        ------------------
          Total current assets .......................................................   239,478    93,967

Investments ..........................................................................    25,220    24,691
Property and equipment, net ..........................................................   123,210   120,026
Intangibles and other assets .........................................................   403,621   412,279
                                                                                        ------------------
                                                                                        $791,529  $650,963
                                                                                        ==================

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current liabilities ..................................................................  $234,727  $248,908
Long-term debt, less current maturities ..............................................   185,546    26,174
Deferred items .......................................................................    56,569    56,491
Stockholders' equity .................................................................   314,687   319,390
                                                                                        ------------------
                                                                                        $791,529  $650,963
                                                                                        ==================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>


                         LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (In Thousands)
<TABLE>

                                                                        1998        1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>
Six Months Ended March 31:
   Cash Provided by Operations:
      Net income ..................................................   $ 29,195    $ 31,348
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
        by operations:
        Depreciation and amortization .............................     18,249      14,637
        Distributions in excess of earnings of associated companies      1,287       1,643
        Adjustment of estimated loss on disposition of discontinued
           operations .............................................        - -      (1,000)
        Other balance sheet changes ...............................       (245)      7,122
                                                                      --------------------
          Net cash provided by operations .........................     48,486      53,750
                                                                      --------------------

   Cash Provided by (Required For) Investing Activities:
      Purchase of property and equipment ..........................    (12,518)     (7,727)
      Proceeds from sale of subsidiary ............................        - -      55,000
      Other .......................................................       (629)       (939)
                                                                      --------------------
          Net cash provided by (required for) investing activities     (13,147)     46,334
                                                                      --------------------

   Cash Provided by (Required For) Financing Activities:
      Purchase of common stock ....................................    (32,888)    (16,833)
      Cash dividends paid .........................................     (6,383)     (6,104)
      Proceeds from long-term borrowings ..........................    185,000         - -
      Principal payments on long-term debt ........................    (25,000)    (20,000)
      Principal payments on short-term notes payable, net .........     (5,000)    (15,000)
      Other .......................................................        496       1,101
                                                                      --------------------
          Net cash provided by (required for) financing activities.    116,225     (56,836)
                                                                      --------------------

          Net increase in cash and cash equivalents ...............    151,564      43,248

   Cash and cash equivalents:
      Beginning ...................................................     14,163      19,267
                                                                      --------------------
      Ending ......................................................   $165,727    $ 62,515
                                                                      ====================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>



LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Note 1.  Basis of Presentation

The  information  furnished  reflects  all  adjustments,  consisting  of  normal
recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair
presentation  of the financial  position as of March 31, 1998 and the results of
operations  for the three- and  six-month  periods ended March 31, 1998 and 1997
and cash flows for the six-month periods ended March 31, 1998 and 1997.


Note 2.  Investment in Associated Companies

Condensed  operating  results  of  unconsolidated  associated  companies  are as
follows (dollars in thousands):

                                               Three Months       Six Months
                                              Ended March 31,   Ended March 31,
                                              ----------------  ----------------
                                               1998     1997      1998     1997
                                              ----------------  ----------------

Revenues ...................................  $20,242  $19,029  $42,027  $38,806
Operating expenses, except
   depreciation and amortization ...........   14,427   13,469   28,672   26,658
Income before depreciation and amortization,
   interest, and taxes .....................    5,815    5,560   13,355   12,148
Depreciation and amortization ..............      717      502    1,430    1,003
Operating income ...........................    5,098    5,058   11,925   11,145
Financial income ...........................      291      237      623      554
Income before income taxes .................    5,389    5,295   12,548   11,699
Income taxes ...............................    2,169    2,132    5,030    4,710
Net income .................................    3,220    3,163    7,518    6,989

a.  Madison Newspapers, Inc. (50% owned)
b.  Quality Information Systems (50% owned)
c.  INN Partnership, LC (an effective 50% owned)


Note 3. Cash Flows  Information  

The components of other balance sheet changes are:

                                                                  Six Months
                                                                Ended March 31,
                                                               -----------------
                                                                1998      1997
                                                               -----------------
                                                                (In Thousands)
                                                                  Unaudited)

(Increase) in receivables ..................................   $(3,035) $(1,762)
Decrease in inventories, film rights and other .............     3,986    3,809
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses
   and unearned income .....................................    (1,689)   4,473
Increase in income taxes payable ...........................       433    1,244
Other, primarily deferred items ............................        60     (642)
                                                               ----------------
                                                               $  (245) $ 7,122
                                                               ================


Note 4.  Change in Accounting Principles

In 1997, the Financial  Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting  Standards No. 128  "Earnings per Share".  Statement No. 128 replaced
the previously  reported primary and fully diluted earnings per share with basic
and  diluted  earnings  per share.  Unlike  primary  earnings  per share,  basic
earnings  per share  excludes  any dilutive  effects of options,  warrants,  and
convertible  securities.  Diluted  earnings  per  share is very  similar  to the
previously  reported  fully diluted  earnings per share.  All earnings per share
amounts for all periods have been presented,  and where  necessary,  restated to
conform to Statement No. 128 requirements.
<PAGE>


The American  Institute  of Certified  Public  Accountants  issued  Statement of
Position (SOP) 98-1 "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed for
Internal  Use". In accordance  with SOP 98-1,  the Company has  capitalized  the
costs of certain software developed for internal use.


Note 5.  Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basis and diluted earnings per
share (in thousands except per share amounts):

<TABLE>
                                                  Three Months         Six Months
                                                 Ended March 31,     Ended March 31,
                                                -----------------   -----------------
                                                  1998      1997     1998       1997
                                                -----------------   -----------------
<S>                                             <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Numerator income applicable to common shares:
   Income from continuing operations ........   $12,611   $11,240   $29,195   $30,348
   Income from discontinued operations ......       - -     1,000       - -     1,000
                                                -------------------------------------
          Net income ........................   $12,611   $12,240   $29,195   $31,348
                                                =====================================

Denominator:
   Basic-weighted average common shares
      outstanding ...........................    44,990    46,467    45,153    46,668
   Dilutive effect of employee stock options        793       887       751       887
                                                -------------------------------------
   Diluted outstanding shares ...............    45,783    47,354    45,904    47,555
                                                =====================================

Basic earnings per share:
   Income from continuing operations ........   $  0.28   $  0.24   $  0.64   $  0.65
   Income from discontinuing operations .....       - -      0.02       - -      0.02
                                                -------------------------------------
          Net income ........................   $  0.28   $  0.26   $  0.64   $  0.67
                                                =====================================

Diluted earnings per share:
   Income from continuing operations ........   $  0.28   $  0.24   $  0.64   $  0.64
   Income from discontinuing operations .....       - -      0.02       - -      0.02
                                                -------------------------------------
          Net income ........................   $  0.28   $  0.26   $  0.64   $  0.66
                                                =====================================
</TABLE>

Note 6.  Subsequent Event

On March 31, 1998 the Company  received  $185,000,000 in proceeds from a private
placement of long-term  debt. On April 6, 1998 the Company  repaid  $140,000,000
borrowed under a $200,000,000 unsecured revolving loan agreement associated with
the Pacific Northwest Publishing Group acquisition and the revolving loan credit
facility was reduced to  $50,000,000.  The debt has an average  maturity of nine
years and a weighted  average  interest rate of 6.36%.  Covenants under the loan
agreement  are not  expected to be  restrictive  to  operations  or  stockholder
dividends.

<PAGE>





Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
          Results of Operations

Operating results (dollars in thousands, except per share data):
<TABLE>

                                                  Three Months Ended March 31,          Six Months Ended March 31,
                                                ----------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                  1998         1997        1997       1998       1997        1997
                                                ----------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                                       (Pro Forma)                        (Pro Forma)
<S>                                             <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
Revenue .................................       $121,345     $101,787    $114,006   $252,604   $221,455    $247,087
   Percent change .......................          19.2%                               14.1%
   Percent change, pro forma ............           6.4%                                2.2%

Income before depreciation and
   amortization, interest and taxes
   (EBITDA) .............................         32,921        25,676     28,728     72,095    64,772       71,979
   Percent change .......................          28.2%                               11.3%
   Percent change, pro forma ............          14.6%                                0.2%

Operating income ........................         23,748        19,000     19,787     53,846    51,412       54,261
   Percent change .......................          25.0%                                4.7%
   Percent change, pro forma ............          20.0%                              (0.8)%

Income from continuing operations .......         12,611        11,240      9,862     29,195    30,348       28,365
   Percent change .......................          12.2%                              (3.8)%
   Percent change, pro forma ............          27.9%                                2.9%

Net income ..............................         12,611        12,240     10,862     29,195    31,348       29,365
   Percent change .......................           3.0%                              (6.9)%
   Percent change, pro forma ............          16.1%                              (0.6)%

Earnings per share:
   Basic:
      Income from continuing operations         $   0.28     $   0.24    $   0.21   $   0.65   $  0.65     $   0.61
        Percent change ..................          16.7%                                - -%
        Percent change, pro forma .......          33.3%                                6.6%

      Net income ........................           0.28         0.26        0.23       0.65      0.67         0.63
        Percent change ..................           7.7%                              (3.0)%
        Percent change, pro forma .......          21.7%                                3.2%

   Diluted:
      Income from continuing operations .       $   0.28     $   0.24    $   0.21   $   0.64   $  0.64     $   0.60
        Percent change ..................          16.7%                                 - %
        Percent change, pro forma .......          33.3%                                6.7%

      Net income ........................           0.28         0.26        0.23       0.64      0.66         0.62
        Percent change ..................           7.7%                              (3.0)%
        Percent change, pro forma .......          21.7%                                3.2%

</TABLE>
<PAGE>


Operations by line of business are as follows (dollars in thousands,  except per
share data):
<TABLE>
                                            Three Months Ended March 31,      Six Months Ended March 31,
                                           -------------------------------  --------------------------------
                                             1998       1997       1997       1998       1997       1997
                                           -------------------------------  --------------------------------
                                                               (Pro Forma)                       (Pro Forma)
<S>                                        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenue:
   Publishing ..........................   $ 90,398   $ 75,748   $ 87,967   $190,402   $160,035   $185,667
   Broadcasting ........................     30,947     26,039     26,039     62,202     61,420     61,420
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                           $121,345   $101,787   $114,006   $252,604   $221,455   $247,087
                                           ===============================================================

Income before depreciation and
   amortization, interest and taxes
   (EBITDA):
   Publishing ..........................   $ 27,132   $ 24,016   $ 27,068   $ 61,838   $ 54,135   $ 61,342
   Broadcasting ........................      8,394      4,863      4,863     16,817     17,788     17,788
   Corporate ...........................     (2,605)    (3,203)    (3,203)    (6,560)    (7,151)    (7,151)
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                           $ 32,921   $ 25,676   $ 28,728   $ 72,095   $ 64,772   $ 71,979
                                           ===============================================================

Operating income:
   Publishing ..........................   $ 21,110   $ 20,337   $ 21,124   $ 49,720   $ 46,724   $ 49,573
   Broadcasting ........................      5,579      2,012      2,012     11,259     12,134     12,134
   Corporate ...........................     (2,941)    (3,349)    (3,349)    (7,133)    (7,446)    (7,446)
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                           $ 23,748   $ 19,000   $ 19,787   $ 53,846   $ 51,412   $ 54,261
                                           ===============================================================

Capital expenditures:
   Publishing ..........................   $  5,696   $  2,120              $ 8,327    $  3,708
   Broadcasting ........................      1,755      1,305                3,205       3,833
   Corporate ...........................        720        - -                  986         186
                                           -------------------              -------------------
                                           $  8,171   $  3,425              $12,518    $  7,727
                                           ===================              ===================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>


QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1998

PUBLISHING

The following  daily newspaper  revenue  information is presented on a pro forma
basis to include The Pacific Northwest Group as if the acquisition  had occurred
October 1, 1996.

Pro forma wholly-owned daily newspaper advertising revenue increased $1,535,000,
3.7%.  Advertising  revenue from local merchants  decreased  $(119,000),  (.5%).
Local "run-of-press" advertising decreased $(471,000),  (2.9%), as a result of a
(3.1%)  decrease  in  advertising  inches.   Local  preprint  revenue  increased
$352,000, 5.0%. Classified advertising revenue increased $1,647,000, 11.7%, as a
result of higher averages rates and a 4.3% increase in advertising  inches.  The
employment  category was the biggest  contributor  to the increase.  Circulation
revenue decreased $(100,000), (.5%), as a result of a 1.1% decrease in volume.

Other  revenue  consists  of revenue  from  weekly  newspapers,  classified  and
specialty  publications,  commercial  printing,  products  delivered outside the
newspaper  (which include  activities such as target marketing and special event
production) and editorial service contracts with Madison Newspapers, Inc.

Other revenue by category and by property is as follows:

                                                              1998       1997
                                                             ------------------
                                                               (In Thousands)
Weekly newspapers, classified and specialty publications:
   Properties owned for entire period .....................  $ 6,370   $ 6,160
   Acquired since December 31, 1996 .......................   10,393       - -
Commercial printing:
   Properties owned for entire period .....................    3,157     3,384
   Acquired since December 31, 1996 .......................      203       - -
Products delivered outside the newspaper:
   Properties owned for entire period .....................    2,826     2,511
   Acquired since December 31, 1996 .......................        5       - -
Editorial service contracts ...............................    2,383     2,251
                                                             -----------------
                                                             $25,337   $14,306
                                                             =================

The following table sets forth the percentage of revenue of certain items in the
publishing segment.

                                                                  1998     1997
                                                                 ---------------

Revenue ....................................................     100.0%   100.0%
                                                                 ---------------

Compensation costs .........................................      36.1     34.7
Newsprint and ink ..........................................      10.6      9.2
Other operating expenses ...................................      23.3     24.4
                                                                 ---------------
                                                                  70.0     68.3
                                                                 ---------------

Income before depreciation, amortization, interest and taxes      30.0     31.7
Depreciation and amortization ..............................       6.6      4.9
                                                                 ---------------
Operating margin wholly-owned properties ...................      23.4%    26.8%
                                                                 ===============

Exclusive  of the effects of  acquisitions,  costs other than  depreciation  and
amortization   increased  $2,046,000,   4.0%.   Compensation  expense  increased
$1,312,000,  5.0%, due primarily to increase in average compensation.  Newsprint
and ink costs increased  $1,076,000,  15.5%,  due primarily to higher prices for
newsprint.  Other operating costs  exclusive of  depreciation  and  amortization
decreased  $(342,000), (1.9%), due to favorable  insurance claims experience and
reduced losses on an alternative publishing venture which was terminated.


BROADCASTING

Revenue for the quarter increased $4,908,000,  18.8%, as local/regional/national
advertising  increased  $4,525,000,  20.8%,  primarily  due to  Winter  Olympics
advertising on our  CBS-affiliated  stations.  Political  advertising  increased
$39,000,  41.5%,  and  production  revenue  and  revenues  from  other  services
increased $511,000,  22.0%. Advertising revenue growth may be favorably affected
later in the year due to primary elections.
<PAGE>


The following table sets forth the percentage of revenue of certain items in the
broadcasting segment.
                                                                  1998     1997
                                                                 ---------------

Revenue ....................................................     100.0%   100.0%
                                                                 ---------------

Compensation costs .........................................      42.2     47.5
Programming costs ..........................................       6.7      7.1
Other operating expenses ...................................      24.0     26.7
                                                                 ---------------
                                                                  72.9     81.3
                                                                 ---------------

Income before depreciation, amortization, interest and taxes      27.1     18.7
Depreciation and amortization ..............................       9.1     11.0
                                                                 ---------------
Operating margin wholly-owned properties ...................      18.0%     7.7%
                                                                 ===============

Compensation costs increased  $700,000,  5.7%, due to incentive  compensation on
higher revenue and to increases in average  compensation.  Programming costs for
the quarter increased $223,000, 12.1%, primarily due to accelerated amortization
on new  programming.  Other operating  expenses,  exclusive of depreciation  and
amortization,  increased  $454,000,  6.5%,  due to  increased  costs for  Winter
Olympics coverage, audience research and helicopter rental.

CORPORATE COSTS

Corporate costs decreased by $(408,000),  (12.2%),  primarily as a result of the
capitalization  of  computer  software  developed  for  internal  use  which was
previously   expensed  as  incurred.   Reductions   in   community   development
contributions and incentive compensation offset other cost increases.


FINANCIAL EXPENSE AND INCOME TAXES

Interest expense  increased due to short-term  borrowings to finance The Pacific
Northwest Group acquisition.

Income taxes were 38.8% and 39.0% of pretax income for the quarters  ended March
31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998

PUBLISHING

The following  daily newspaper  revenue  information is presented on a pro forma
basis to include The Pacific  Northwest Group as if the acquisition had occurred
October 1, 1996.

Pro forma wholly-owned daily newspaper advertising revenue increased $3,391,000,
3.7%.  Advertising  revenue from local merchants  decreased  $(238,000),  (.4%).
Local "run-of-press" advertising decreased $(1,181,000),  (3.1%), as a result of
a (4.3%)  decrease in  advertising  inches.  Local  preprint  revenue  increased
$943,000, 5.6%. Classified advertising revenue increased $3,504,000, 12.4%, as a
result of higher averages rates and a 4.8% increase in advertising  inches.  The
employment  category was the biggest  contributor  to the increase.  Circulation
revenue  was even as a result of higher  rates which  offset a 1.4%  decrease in
volume.

Other  revenue  consists  of revenue  from  weekly  newspapers,  classified  and
specialty  publications,  commercial  printing,  products  delivered outside the
newspaper  (which include  activities such as target marketing and special event
production) and editorial service contracts with Madison Newspapers, Inc.

Other revenue by category and by property is as follows:

                                                               1998       1997
                                                              ------------------
                                                                (In Thousands)
Weekly newspapers, classified and specialty publications:
   Properties owned for entire period .....................   $12,185   $11,622
   Acquired since September 30, 1996 ......................    21,120       - -
Commercial printing:
   Properties owned for entire period .....................     6,736     7,382
   Acquired since September 30, 1996 ......................       444       - -
Products delivered outside the newspaper:
   Properties owned for entire period .....................     5,400     4,893
   Acquired since September 30, 1996 ......................         9       - -
Editorial service contracts ...............................     4,502     4,297
                                                              -----------------
                                                              $50,396   $28,194
                                                              =================
<PAGE>


The following table sets forth the percentage of revenue of certain items in the
publishing segment.

                                                                  1998     1997
                                                                 ---------------

Revenue ....................................................     100.0%   100.0%
                                                                 ---------------

Compensation costs .........................................      34.4     33.3
Newsprint and ink ..........................................      10.6      9.3
Other operating expenses ...................................      22.5     23.6
                                                                 ---------------
                                                                  67.5     66.2
                                                                 ---------------

Income before depreciation, amortization, interest and taxes      32.5     33.8
Depreciation and amortization ..............................       6.4      4.6
                                                                 ---------------
Operating margin wholly-owned properties ...................      26.1%    29.2%
                                                                 ===============

Exclusive  of the effects of  acquisitions,  costs other than  depreciation  and
amortization   increased  $3,785,000,   3.6%.   Compensation  expense  increased
$2,487,000,  4.7%, due primarily to increase in average compensation.  Newsprint
and ink costs increased  $1,990,000,  13.4%,  due primarily to higher prices for
newsprint.  Other operating costs  exclusive of  depreciation  and  amortization
decreased $(692,000), (1.8%), due to favorable  insurance claims experience and
reduced losses on an alternative publishing venture which was terminated.


BROADCASTING

Revenue  increased  $782,000,  1.3%,  as   local/regional/national   advertising
increased $5,289,000, 11.0%, primarily due to Winter Olympics advertising in the
second quarter.  Production  revenue and revenues from other services  increased
$422,000,  9.0%.  Advertising  revenue growth may be favorably affected later in
the year due to primary elections. Political advertising decreased $(4,810,000),
(88.1%), principally in the first fiscal quarter.

The following table sets forth the percentage of revenue of certain items in the
broadcasting segment.

                                                                  1998     1997
                                                                 ---------------

Revenue ....................................................     100.0%   100.0%
                                                                 ---------------

Compensation costs .........................................      41.5     40.6
Programming costs ..........................................       6.9      6.3
Other operating expenses ...................................      24.6     24.1
                                                                 ---------------
                                                                  73.0     71.0
                                                                 ---------------

Income before depreciation, amortization, interest and taxes      27.0     29.0
Depreciation and amortization ..............................       8.9      9.2
                                                                 ---------------
Operating margin wholly-owned properties ...................      18.1%    19.8%
                                                                 ===============

Compensation  costs  increased  $870,000,  3.5%,  due to  increases  in  average
compensation.  Programming  costs  for the  period  increased  $442,000,  11.4%,
primarily due to accelerated  amortization on new  programming.  Other operating
expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization,  increased $441,000, 3.0%,
as previously discussed.


CORPORATE COSTS

Corporate costs decreased by $(313,000),  (4.2%).  The decrease  occurred in the
second quarter as previously discussed.


FINANCIAL EXPENSE AND INCOME TAXES

Interest expense  increased due to short-term  borrowings to finance The Pacific
Northwest Group acquisition.

Income  taxes  were 38.6% and 38.9% of pretax  income  for the six months  ended
March 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
<PAGE>


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash provided by operations, which is the Company's primary source of liquidity,
generated  $48,486,000  for the six month period ended March 31, 1998.  On March
31, 1998 the  Company  received  $185,000,000  of  proceeds  from new  long-term
borrowings.  At  that  date,  the  Company  had  $140,000,000  borrowed  under a
$200,000,000  unsecured  revolving  loan  agreement.  The  borrowings  under the
revolving  loan agreement were repaid in full by April 6, 1998 and the revolving
loan credit  facility was reduced to  $50,000,000.  Available  cash balances and
cash flow from operations provide adequate  liquidity.  Covenants related to the
Company's  credit  agreement are not  considered  restrictive  to operations and
anticipated stockholder dividends.


SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This  report  contains  forward-looking   statements  and  includes  assumptions
concerning  the  Company's  operations,  future  results  and  prospects.  These
forward-looking  statements are based on current expectations and are subject to
risks and uncertainties.  In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the
Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform Act of 1995,  the Company  provides  the
following cautionary statements identifying important economic,  political,  and
technological  factors  which,  among others,  could cause the actual results or
events  to  differ   materially   from   those  set  forth  or  implied  by  the
forward-looking statements or assumptions.

Such  factors  include  the  following:  (i)  changes in the  current and future
business  environment,   including  interest  rates  and  capital  and  consumer
spending; (ii) prices for newsprint products;  (iii) the availability of quality
broadcast  programming  at competitive  prices;  (iv) the quality and ratings of
network  over-the-air  broadcast  programs;  and (v)  legislative  or regulatory
initiatives affecting the cost of delivery of over-the-air broadcast programs to
the Company's  customers.  Further  information  concerning  the Company and its
businesses,  including  additional  factors that  potentially  could  materially
affect the Company's  financial  results,  is included in the  Company's  annual
report on Form 10-K.


<PAGE>


                                                LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

                                                 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


Item 4.  Submission of matters a vote of security holders

         (a) The annual meeting of the Company was held on January 20, 1998.

         (b) Andrew E. Newman and Ronald L. Rickman were re-elected directors of
             three-year  terms  expiring  at the 2001 annual  meeting.  Lloyd G.
             Schermer and Richard W.  Sonnenfeldt  were  re-elected as directors
             for one-year terms expiring at the 1999 annual  meeting.  Directors
             whose terms of office  continued  after the meeting  include:  J.P.
             Guerin,  Charles E.  Rickershauser,  Jr.,  Mark  Vittert,  Rance E.
             Crain, Richard D. Gottlieb, and Phyllis Sewell.

         (c) Votes  were  cast,  all by proxy,  for  nominees  for  director  as
             follows:

                                          Vote
                                           For          Withheld
                                       -------------------------

               Andrew E. Newman .....   114,522,654     1,664,734
               Ronald L. Rickman ....   114,542,634     1,644,754
               Lloyd G. Schermer ....   114,576,460     1,610,928
               Richard W. Sonnenfeldt   113,939,445     2,247,943

         (d) Abstentions and broker non-votes were not significant.

         (e) Not applicable

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

         (a) Exhibits:

              Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule

         (b) There were no reports on Form 8-K  required to be filed  during the
             quarter for which this report is filed.



<PAGE>


                                   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



DATE   May 14, 1998                       /s/ G. C. Wahlig
      ------------------------------     ---------------------------------------
                                         G. C. Wahlig, Chief Accounting Officer








<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE MARCH
31, 1998 FORM 10-Q OF LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1998
<CASH>                                         165,727
<SECURITIES>                                    12,885
<RECEIVABLES>                                   64,601
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,600
<INVENTORY>                                      1,378
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               239,478
<PP&E>                                         284,766
<DEPRECIATION>                                 161,556
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 791,529
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          234,727
<BONDS>                                        185,546
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        89,670
<OTHER-SE>                                     225,017
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   791,529
<SALES>                                        248,845
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               252,604
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               198,758
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               8,050
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 47,514
<INCOME-TAX>                                    18,319
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             29,195
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    29,195
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .65
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .64
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THESE SCHEDULES CONTAIN SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE 10-Q'S
AND 10-K'S OF LEE ENTERPRISES INCORPORATED AND ARE QUALIFIED IN THIER ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                   3-MOS                   YEAR                   YEAR
YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1996             SEP-30-1997             SEP-30-1995             SEP-30-1996
             SEP-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995             DEC-31-1996             SEP-30-1995             SEP-30-1996
             SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                          30,107                  30,590                  10,883                  19,267
                  14,163
<SECURITIES>                                     9,877                  11,105                   8,946                  10,668
                  12,506
<RECEIVABLES>                                   69,597                  58,752                  62,684                  52,773
                  62,997
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,300                   4,398                   4,100                   4,000
                   4,600
<INVENTORY>                                     16,848                   1,441                  18,355                   3,668
                   3,716
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               127,592                 159,457                 104,509                 146,708
                  93,967
<PP&E>                                         257,481                 246,110                 253,463                 241,887
                 272,441
<DEPRECIATION>                                 148,720                 141,084                 145,267                 137,182
                 152,415
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 579,426                 537,913                 559,929                 527,416
                 650,963
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          126,253                 103,387                 116,527                  97,777
                 248,908
<BONDS>                                         75,109                  52,103                  75,511                  52,290
                  26,174
                                0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
                                          0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<COMMON>                                        94,796                  93,381                  94,732                  94,044
                  91,017
<OTHER-SE>                                     225,910                 235,975                 216,310                 230,910
                 228,373
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   579,426                 537,913                 559,929                 527,416
                 650,963
<SALES>                                        108,860                 117,756                 375,463                 420,361
                 439,110
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               110,781                 119,668                 383,740                 427,369
                 446,686
<CGS>                                                0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                84,718                  87,256                 292,335                 332,628
                 342,535
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0                   1,525                   2,560
                   2,934
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,555                   1,742                  11,902                   9,648
                   8,321
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 24,035                  31,214                  83,207                  87,708
                 101,222
<INCOME-TAX>                                     9,343                  12,106                  30,975                  34,032
                  38,477
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             14,692                  19,108                  52,232                  53,670
                  62,745
<DISCONTINUED>                                   1,248                       0                   6,227                 (8,223)
                   1,485
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0                       0                       0
                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                    15,940                  19,108                  58,459                  45,447
                  64,230
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .34                     .41                    1.27                     .97
                    1.38
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .33                     .40                    1.25                     .95
                    1.36
        

</TABLE>


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