Lee Enterprises Inc. (LEE)
NASDAQ:LEE
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Earnings Data
Report Date
Jul 30, 2026Before Open (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q3)Consensus EPS Forecast
―Last Year’s EPS
-0.31Same Quarter Last Year
Based on 0 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call emphasized strong operational progress and measurable financial improvement driven by digital transformation and disciplined cost management: substantial adjusted EBITDA expansion, a majority-digital revenue mix (56%), meaningful cost reductions, a stronger cash position ($53M), reduced interest expense and clear strategic initiatives (Hudl partnership, Community Center, Amplified Digital Agency). Counterbalancing these positives were residual effects from last year’s cyber event that hindered subscriber starts and comparisons, modest near-term advertising revenue pressure due in part to exiting lower-margin business, inclusion of a $4M insurance recovery as a one-time uplift, and limited debt paydown in the quarter. On balance, the positives—sizable margin improvement, digital mix gains, cost savings, and improved liquidity—outweigh the challenges.Company Guidance
Adjusted EBITDA Growth and Margin Expansion
Adjusted EBITDA of $57 million over the last 12 months; second quarter adjusted EBITDA nearly doubled year over year to $15 million (95% YoY increase) with margin expanding 670 basis points. Excluding $4 million in business interruption insurance proceeds, Q2 adjusted EBITDA grew 45% YoY. Year-to-date through March, adjusted EBITDA improved 78% (an increase of $12 million YoY); excluding insurance proceeds, first-half adjusted EBITDA grew 40% (approximately $6 million).
Digital Revenue Mix and Growth
Digital revenue now represents 56% of total company revenue (up 270 basis points YoY) and accounts for 74% of total advertising revenue. Total digital revenue was $290 million over the last 12 months, representing ~4% annualized growth over the past three years. Digital subscription revenue has grown ~25% annually over the last three years and the digital agency business has grown ~5% annually.
Subscriber Base and Digital Subscription Revenue
Ended the quarter with 591,000 digital-only subscribers generating $22 million in revenue; digital-only subscription revenue grew 7% over the past 12 months. Management is focused on improving conversion, retention, and customer lifetime value via product enhancements and AI-enabled workflows.
Cost Reductions and Operational Efficiency
Quarter cash costs declined 15% (about $19 million). For fiscal 2026, cash costs declined $37 million or ~14% YoY. SG&A decreased approximately $23 million, and legacy print costs declined approximately $13 million YoY. Management emphasized disciplined cost actions as a primary driver of margin expansion.
Improved Balance Sheet and Lower Interest Costs
Cash balance increased to $53 million after a strategic investment mid-Q2. Debt reduced by $121 million since March 2020. Interest expense decreased $2.4 million YoY following an interest rate reduction from 9% to 5%; company expects approximately $18 million in annual interest savings (up to $90 million over five years). Noncore assets of roughly $20 million identified for monetization.
Strategic Partnerships and Product Initiatives
Announced partnership with Hudl to expand local sports coverage and video content. Launched products and initiatives such as Community Center, Amplified Digital Agency, Vidmax and other integrated offerings to drive higher-margin, recurring digital advertising and improve advertiser solutions.
LEE Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
LEE Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Feb 10, 2026 | $5.25 | $5.59 | +6.48% |
Nov 26, 2025 | $4.35 | $3.95 | -9.20% |
Aug 07, 2025 | $4.85 | $4.46 | -8.04% |
May 08, 2025 | $8.11 | $7.80 | -3.82% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Lee Enterprises Inc. (LEE) report earnings?
Lee Enterprises Inc. (LEE) is schdueled to report earning on Jul 30, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
What is Lee Enterprises Inc. (LEE) earnings time?
Lee Enterprises Inc. (LEE) earnings time is at Jul 30, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
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What companies are reporting earnings today?
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What is LEE EPS forecast?
Currently, no data Available