Lee Enterprises, Inc. - LEE STOCK NEWS

Lee Enterprises (NASDAQ: LEE) has scheduled a conference call and audio webcast for February 3, 2022, at 9 a.m. Central Time. This event will provide preliminary financial results for the first fiscal quarter ending December 26, 2021. Interested participants can access the live webcast via lee.net, with a replay available after 24 hours. The conference call will be available through a toll-free number, although listen-only participants will not be able to ask questions. Lee Enterprises operates in 77 markets and serves a wide audience through various news platforms.

Lee Enterprises (NASDAQ: LEE) announced the filing of definitive proxy materials for its 2022 Annual Meeting on March 10, 2022. Shareholders as of January 12, 2022, can vote to support the Board’s three nominees amidst a hostile bid from Alden Global Capital, valuing Lee at only $24 per share—33% below the market price. Lee urges shareholders to vote 'FOR' its nominees to preserve strong Board leadership and ensure fair evaluation of any proposals. Additional information and proxy materials are available at Lee's investor website.

Lee Enterprises, Incorporated has unanimously rejected Alden Global Capital's unsolicited proposal to purchase the company for $24.00 per share, deeming it significantly undervalued. The Board, supported by financial and legal advisors, emphasized the robust growth of Lee's digital subscription platform and its compelling future prospects, highlighting a 37% increase in digital revenue and 65% growth in digital-only subscriptions in their latest quarter. The company remains committed to its Three Pillar Digital Growth Strategy aimed at driving further value creation.

Lee Enterprises reported fourth quarter results for 2021, showing a 193.9 million total operating revenue, a 37% increase in digital revenue, and a 65% growth in digital-only subscribers to over 402,000. Net income reached 5.3 million, with Adjusted EBITDA at 25.8 million, both up year-over-year. The company achieved significant cost synergies of 112 million from the BH Media acquisition and reduced debt by 55.7 million, improving financial stability. Subscription revenue was 87.8 million, a slight 1.6% decline compared to last year.

Lee Enterprises announced that Alden Global Capital's notice to nominate three candidates for the 2022 Board of Directors election is invalid. The Board cited that Alden failed to meet essential requirements outlined in Lee's bylaws, particularly proving eligibility as a shareholder. As a result, Alden’s nominations will not be recognized, and any votes for its candidates will be disregarded. The Board emphasized the importance of fulfilling nomination procedures to maintain order in shareholder rights. Lee is evaluating Alden’s recent unsolicited acquisition proposal of $24.00 per share.

Lee Enterprises (NASDAQ: LEE) has announced an audio webcast and conference call scheduled for December 9, 2021, at 9 a.m. Central Time. The company will release preliminary results for its fourth fiscal quarter and year ending September 26, 2021, prior to market opening on that day. The live webcast will be available at lee.net and can be replayed 24 hours later. Lee, a leading provider of local news and information, serves 77 markets and reaches over 47 million digital visitors, with an average daily newspaper circulation of 1 million.

Lee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: LEE) announced its response to Alden Global Capital's nomination of three candidates for the Board of Directors at the 2022 Annual Meeting. Lee denied Alden's initial request for nomination materials due to non-compliance with company bylaws. Alden later submitted a purported notice of nominations just before the November 26 deadline. The Board is reviewing Alden's proposal to purchase the company for $24.00 per share in cash, with no immediate action required from shareholders.

Alden Global Capital has nominated three independent candidates for Lee Enterprises' board in response to the company's rejection of a prior request for nominee forms. Alden, which holds a 6.3% stake in Lee (NASDAQ: LEE), reiterates its $24.00 per share acquisition offer, emphasizing long-term commitments to the newspaper industry. The nominations aim to engage with Lee's management and avoid a proxy contest at the 2022 Annual Meeting, despite Lee's adoption of a poison pill strategy.

Lee Enterprises has adopted a limited-duration shareholder rights plan in response to an unsolicited proposal by Alden Global Capital to acquire the company. Effective immediately, this plan aims to protect long-term shareholder value and ensure fair treatment during potential takeover attempts. The rights will trigger if any individual acquires over 10% of the company's shares. The plan is set to expire on November 23, 2022, and aims to provide the board time to assess Alden's proposal without undue pressure.