Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

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: June 30, 2012

OR

 

¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File No. 1-33741

 

 

A. H. Belo Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   38-3765318
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)   identification no.)
P. O. Box 224866  
Dallas, Texas   75222-4866
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (214) 977-8200

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.

None

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether 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 website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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 the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

  

Outstanding at July 26, 2012

Common Stock, $.01 par value    * 21,957,615

 

* Consisting of 19,545,495 shares of Series A Common Stock and 2,412,120 shares of Series B Common Stock.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

A. H. BELO CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Financial Statements      3   

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      17   

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      25   

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures      25   
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings      26   

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors      26   

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      26   

Item 3.

   Defaults Upon Senior Securities      26   

Item 4.

   Mine Safety Disclosures      26   

Item 5.

   Other Information      26   

Item 6.

   Exhibits      27   
   Signatures      29   


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,          Six Months Ended June 30,  
In thousands, except per share amounts (unaudited)    2012     2011          2012     2011  

Net Operating Revenues

           

Advertising

   $ 64,173      $ 69,869         $ 124,250      $ 137,805   

Circulation

     33,757        34,899           68,412        69,950   

Printing and distribution

     11,213        9,718           21,315        18,906   
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net operating revenues

     109,143        114,486           213,977        226,661   

Operating Costs and Expenses

           

Salaries, wages and employee benefits

     42,623        48,099           88,628        98,594   

Other production, distribution and operating costs

     41,525        43,228           82,221        88,879   

Newsprint, ink and other supplies

     15,371        15,071           29,343        29,573   

Depreciation

     8,348        8,256           15,461        15,839   

Amortization

     1,310        1,310           2,620        2,620   

Pension plan withdrawal

     —          1,988           —          1,988   
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

     109,177        117,952           218,273        237,493   
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from operations

     (34     (3,466        (4,296     (10,832

Other Income (Expense), Net

           

Other income, net

     921        446           1,828        1,711   

Interest expense

     (242     (172        (378     (378
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

     679        274           1,450        1,333   
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     645        (3,192        (2,846     (9,499

Income tax expense

     383        3,630           785        4,049   
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 262      $ (6,822      $ (3,631   $ (13,548
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share:

           

Basic and diluted

   $ 0.01      $ (0.32      $ (0.17   $ (0.63

Weighted average shares outstanding:

           

Basic

     22,793        21,512           21,795        21,448   

Diluted

     22,916        21,512           21,795        21,448   

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

                                                   
     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
In thousands (unaudited)    2012     2011     2012     2011  

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 262      $ (6,822   $ (3,631   $ (13,548

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

        

Amortization of actuarial gains/losses:

        

Defined benefit pension plans

     175        —          350        —     

Other post-retirement benefit plans

     (165     (154     (330     (307
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     10        (154     20        (307
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 272      $ (6,976   $ (3,611   $ (13,855
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

                                 
In thousands, except share amounts (unaudited)    June 30,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

 

 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 41,239      $ 57,440   

Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $2,556 and $2,921
at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively)

     38,757        50,533   

Inventories

     10,626        9,918   

Deferred income taxes, net

     1,422        1,380   

Assets held for sale

     —          2,396   

Prepaids and other current assets

     8,842        6,531   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     100,886        128,198   

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

    

Land

     37,481        36,602   

Buildings and improvements

     193,625        192,810   

Publishing equipment

     270,797        276,792   

Other

     125,654        131,874   

Construction in process

     4,225        2,005   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment

     631,782        640,083   

Less accumulated depreciation

     (479,825     (476,665
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

     151,957        163,418   

Intangible assets, net

     14,331        16,950   

Goodwill

     24,582        24,582   

Investments

     7,238        6,112   

Deferred income taxes, net

     1,312        1,452   

Other assets

     3,218        4,376   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 303,524      $ 345,088   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

 

                                 
In thousands, except share amounts (unaudited)    June 30,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 12,777      $ 18,062   

Accrued compensation and benefits

     16,263        18,007   

Other accrued expenses

     8,876        12,160   

Advance subscription payments

     22,026        22,491   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     59,942        70,720   

Long-term pension liabilities

     121,958        145,980   

Other post-employment benefits

     2,976        3,115   

Other liabilities

     2,429        3,794   

Commitments and contingent liabilities

    

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued

     —          —     

Common stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 125,000,000 shares

    

Series A: issued 19,545,495 and 19,182,236 shares at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively

     196        192   

Series B: issued 2,412,120 and 2,398,017 shares at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively

     24        24   

Additional paid-in capital

     494,844        493,773   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (63,049     (63,069

Accumulated deficit

     (315,796     (309,441
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     116,219        121,479   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 303,524      $ 345,088   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 

                                               
     Common Stock      Additional    

Accumulated

Other

             
In thousands, except share amounts (unaudited)    Shares
Series A
     Shares
Series B
    Amount      Paid-in
Capital
    Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Total  

Balance at December 31, 2010

     18,896,876         2,392,074      $ 212       $ 491,542      $ 2,569      $ (294,450   $ 199,873   

Net loss

     —           —          —           —          —          (13,548     (13,548

Other comprehensive loss

     —           —          —           —          (307     —          (307

Issuance of shares for restricted stock units

     220,661         —          3         (3     —          —          —     

Issuance of shares from stock option exercises

     6,000         —          —           12        —          —          12   

Income tax on stock option activity

     —           —          —           (24     —          —          (24

Share-based compensation

     —           —          —           1,561        —          —          1,561   

Conversion of Series B to Series A

     571         (571     —           —          —          —          —     

Dividends

     —           —          —           —          —          (1,351     (1,351
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2011

     19,124,108         2,391,503      $ 215       $ 493,088      $ 2,262      $ (309,349   $ 186,216   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

     19,182,236         2,398,017      $ 216       $ 493,773      $ (63,069   $ (309,441   $ 121,479   

Net loss

     —           —          —           —          —          (3,631     (3,631

Other comprehensive income

     —           —          —           —          20        —          20   

Issuance of shares for restricted stock units

     297,536         —          3         (3     —          —          —     

Issuance of shares from stock option exercises

     63,326         16,500        1         147        —          —          148   

Income tax on stock option activity

     —           —          —           4        —          —          4   

Share-based compensation

     —           —          —           923        —          —          923   

Conversion of Series B to Series A

     2,397         (2,397     —           —          —          —          —     

Dividends

     —           —          —           —          —          (2,724     (2,724
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2012

     19,545,495         2,412,120      $ 220       $ 494,844      $ (63,049   $ (315,796   $ 116,219   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
In thousands (unaudited)    2012     2011  

Operating Activities

    

Net loss

   $ (3,631   $ (13,548

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     18,081        18,459   

Share-based compensation

     923        1,561   

Amortization of actuarial (gains)/losses

     20        (307

Earnings on equity method investments

     (1,126     (1,037

(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets

     (470     406   

Deferred income taxes

     101        279   

Provision for uncertain tax positions

     72        —     

Gain on recovery of investment

     —          (729

Pension plan withdrawal

     —          1,988   

Other non-cash items

     —          322   

Disposal (acquisition) of assets held for sale

     2,396        (2,696

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     11,776        15,997   

Funds held by Belo Corp. for future pension contributions

     —          3,410   

Inventories

     (708     (16

Prepaids and other current assets

     (2,311     (1,713

Other assets

     1,159        577   

Accounts payable

     (5,285     (15,344

Accrued compensation and benefits

     (3,183     1,125   

Pension liabilities

     (24,022     (43,630

Other accrued expenses

     (3,283     2,723   

Advance subscription payments

     (465     (252

Other post-employment benefits

     (139     (152
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in operations

     (10,095     (32,577

Investing Activities

    

Capital expenditures, net

     (4,044     (3,083

Proceeds on the recovery of an impaired investment

     —          729   

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

     514        —     

Other, net

     —          36   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (3,530     (2,318

Financing Activities

    

Dividends paid

     (2,724     (1,351

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     148        12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (2,576     (1,339
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (16,201     (36,234

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     57,440        86,291   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 41,239      $ 50,057   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures:

    

Interest paid

   $ 219      $ 137   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax paid, net of refunds

   $ 4,529      $ 1,019   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

A. H. Belo Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Description of Business. A. H. Belo Corporation (“A. H. Belo” or the “Company”), headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a distinguished newspaper publishing and local news and information company that owns and operates four metropolitan daily newspapers and several associated websites, with publishing roots that trace to The Galveston Daily News, which began publication in 1842. A. H. Belo publishes The Dallas Morning News (www.dallasnews.com), Texas’ leading newspaper and winner of nine Pulitzer Prizes; The Providence Journal (www.providencejournal.com), the oldest continuously-published daily newspaper in the United States and winner of four Pulitzer Prizes; The Press-Enterprise (www.pe.com) (Riverside, California), serving the Inland Southern California region and winner of one Pulitzer Prize; and The Denton Record-Chronicle (www.dentonrc.com), a daily newspaper serving Denton, Texas, approximately 40 miles north of Dallas. The Company publishes various niche publications targeting specific audiences, and its investments and/or partnerships include Classified Ventures, LLC, owner of cars.com, and the Yahoo! Inc. (“Yahoo!”) Newspaper Consortium. A. H. Belo also owns and operates commercial printing, distribution and direct mail service businesses. In February 2008, the Company’s former parent, Belo Corp. (“Belo”), separated its publishing operations in a spin-off transaction (the “Distribution”) and A. H. Belo became an independent registrant listed on the New York Stock Exchange (trading symbol: AHC). Unless the context requires otherwise, all dollar and share amounts in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are in thousands, except per share amounts.

 

Basis of Presentation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of A. H. Belo and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Transactions between the companies comprising A. H. Belo have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012. The Company’s operating segments are defined as its newspapers within a given market. The Company has determined that according to the applicable accounting guidance all of its operating segments meet the criteria to be aggregated into one reporting segment.

 

New Accounting Standards. In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350); Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The purpose of this update is to simplify how entities, both public and nonpublic, test goodwill for impairment. ASU No. 2011-08 permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. The update is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Unless conditions warrant an interim evaluation of goodwill, the Company performs its annual impairment test each December 31. The adoption of this ASU did not a materially affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or its liquidity.

Note 2: Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company has recorded intangible assets consisting of goodwill and subscriber lists from its previous acquisitions. The carrying value of goodwill was $24,582, net of cumulative impairment losses of $439,509, as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The remaining goodwill is recorded at The Dallas Morning News reporting unit.

 

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Table of Contents

The table below sets forth the Company’s identifiable intangible assets, consisting of subscriber lists that are amortized over an 18 year period:

 

                                                                                                   
     Total
Subscriber
Lists
    The Dallas
Morning New
s
    The Providence
Journal
    The
P ress-
Enterprise
 

Gross balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 114,824      $ 22,896      $ 78,698      $ 13,230   

Accumulated amortization

     (97,874     (22,896     (64,853     (10,125
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 16,950      $ —        $ 13,845      $ 3,105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross balance at June 30, 2012

   $ 114,824      $ 22,896      $ 78,698      $ 13,230   

Accumulated amortization

     (100,493     (22,896     (67,039     (10,558
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance at June 30, 2012

   $ 14,331      $ —        $ 11,659      $ 2,672   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 3: Investments

The Company owns investment interests in various entities and records these interests under the equity method or cost method of accounting. Under the equity method, the Company records its share of the investee’s earnings or losses each period in other income (expense), net, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Under the cost method, the Company records earnings or losses when the amounts are realized. During the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded $775 and $758, respectively, of earnings from equity method investments. During the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded $1,126 and $1,037, respectively, of earnings from equity method investments. The table below sets forth the Company’s investments as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

                                             
     June 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Equity method investments

   $ 6,156       $ 5,030   

Cost method investments

     1,082         1,082   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 7,238       $ 6,112   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investments accounted for under the equity method include the following:

 

   

Classified Ventures, LLC (“Classified Ventures”)—The Company and Belo jointly own 6.6 percent of Classified Ventures. The other owners include Gannett Co., Inc., The McClatchy Company, Tribune Company, and The Washington Post Company. The two principal online businesses Classified Ventures operates are cars.com and apartments.com.

 

   

ShopCo Holdings, LLC (“ShopCo”)—The Company owns an 11.4 percent interest in ShopCo. ShopCo owns FindnSave.com, a digital shopping platform where consumers can find national and local retail goods and services for sale. This platform uses the power of local media participation with advanced search and database technology to allow a consumer to view online sales circulars and local advertised offers or search for an item and receive a list of local advertisers and the price and terms offered for the searched item.

Note 4: Exit and Disposal Liabilities

In the second quarter of 2011, as part of cost containment measures, the Company began staffing reductions across all its operations. The staffing reductions were substantially completed in the fourth quarter of 2011, resulting in severance and other termination costs of $3,052 and the elimination of approximately 250 positions. In the second quarter of 2011, the Company recorded severance and other termination costs of $862 to salaries, wages and employee benefits and paid $300 of severance and other termination benefits, resulting in recorded liability of $562 as of June 30, 2011.

 

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Note 5: Share-Based Compensation

On February 8, 2008, A. H. Belo established a long-term incentive plan under which eight million common shares were authorized for equity awards. On the Distribution date, awards under the plan were issued to holders of Belo stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) in connection with the Distribution. Subsequent awards can be granted to A. H. Belo employees and outside directors in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted shares, RSUs, performance shares, performance units or stock appreciation rights. The Company considers these awards in the calculation of its basic and diluted earnings per share. Anti-dilutive share-based awards excluded from the calculation of earnings per share consisted of 1,382 and 3,127 stock options and RSUs for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and excluded 2,397 and 3,127 stock options and RSUs for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

A. H. Belo Stock Option Activity

The table below sets forth a summary of stock option activity under the A. H. Belo long-term incentive plan for the six months ended June 30, 2012:

 

     Number of
Options
    Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

     1,697      $ 16.99   

Exercised

     (80   $ 1.89   

Canceled

     (64   $ 15.14   
  

 

 

   

Outstanding at June 30, 2012

     1,553      $ 17.80   
  

 

 

   
  

 

 

   

Vested and exercisable at June 30, 2012

     1,553      $ 17.80   
  

 

 

   

Vested and exercisable weighted average remaining contractual terms (in years)

     3.3     

A. H. Belo RSU Activity

Under A. H. Belo’s long-term incentive plan, the Board of Directors has awarded RSUs that vest over a period of one to three years. Upon vesting, the RSUs will be redeemed 60 percent in A. H. Belo Series A common stock and 40 percent in cash. A liability of $1,128 was recorded for the portion of the RSUs to be redeemed in cash as of June 30, 2012. During the vesting period, holders of RSUs participate in A. H. Belo dividends declared by receiving payments for dividend equivalents. The RSUs do not have voting rights. The table below sets forth a summary of RSU activity under the A. H. Belo long-term incentive plan for the six months ended June 30, 2012:

 

     Total RSUs     Issuance
of
Common
Stock
     RSUs
Redeemed in
Cash
     Cash
Payments at
Closing
Price of
Stock
     Weighted-
Average Price
on Date of
Grant
 

Non-vested at December 31, 2011

     1,002               $ 6.01   

Granted

     370               $ 4.83   

Vested

     (496     298         198       $ 950       $ 5.10   

Canceled

     (32            $ 6.20   
  

 

 

            

Non-vested at June 30, 2012

     844               $ 6.02   
  

 

 

            

 

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Compensation expense related to stock awards is recorded on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award. The table below sets forth compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, related to the vesting of stock awards and the related adjustments to record the current market value to be redeemed in cash:

 

     A. H. Belo     Belo         
     Option
Expense
     RSU-Stock
Expense
     Total Equity
Awards
     RSU-Cash
Expense (Benefit)
    Equity Awards
Expense
     Total Expense
(Benefit)
 

Three months ended June 30,

                

2012

   $ —         $ 175       $ 175       $ (228   $ —         $ (53

2011

   $ 55       $ 450       $ 504       $ 34      $ —         $ 538   

Six months ended June 30,

                

2012

   $ —         $ 923       $ 923       $ 514      $ —         $ 1,437   

2011

   $ 113       $ 1,448       $ 1,561       $ 670      $ 131       $ 2,362   

In the first quarter of 2011, all pre-Distribution options and RSUs issued by Belo to Company employees were fully vested and the Company no longer recognizes expense for these awards.

Note 6: Pension and Other Retirement Plans

Defined Benefit Pension Plans. The Company sponsors two defined benefit pension plans, A. H. Belo Pension Plans I and II (collectively the “A. H. Belo Pension Plans”). A. H. Belo Pension Plan I provides benefits to certain employees primarily employed with The Dallas Morning News or the A. H. Belo corporate offices and A. H. Belo Pension Plan II provides benefits to certain employees at The Providence Journal. These plans were established on January 1, 2011, as a result of the Company’s withdrawal from The G. B. Dealey Retirement Pension Plan (the “GBD Pension Plan”), a Belo-sponsored plan. No additional benefits are accruing under the A. H. Belo Pension Plans, as future benefits were frozen prior to the plans’ establishment.

The Company contributes to its pension plans in order to meet minimum funding requirements as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) rules. If available cash resources exist, the Company also considers making discretionary contributions to these plans in order to reduce the unfunded pension liability. The table below sets forth the required and voluntary contributions made to the Company’s pension plans and the GBD Pension Plan during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

A. H. Belo Pension Plans

           

Required Contributions

   $ 8,037       $ 5,896       $ 13,472       $ 5,896   

Voluntary Contributions

     10,000         —           10,000         30,000   

GBD Pension Plan

     —           8,733         —           8,733   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 18,037       $ 14,629       $ 23,472       $ 44,629   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The contribution to the GBD Pension Plan of $8,733 represented the final amount due to this plan upon the Company’s withdrawal at January 1, 2011. Payment of this contribution was offset by $3,410 of funds held by Belo for future pension plan contributions. The contributions in the second quarter of 2012 include an accelerated contribution of $3,437 previously due in the third quarter of 2012, and a required contribution of $4,600. The Company made an additional required contribution of $4,600 in July 2012, and anticipates a final required contribution for 2012 of $4,600 to be made in the fourth quarter.

The Company estimates net periodic pension expense based on the expected return on plan assets, the interest on projected pension obligations and the amortization of actuarial gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

 

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The table below sets forth components of net periodic pension expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
             2012                     2011                     2012                     2011          

Interest cost

   $         4,325      $         4,675      $       8,650      $     9,350   

Estimated return on plan assets

     (4,600     (4,175     (9,200     (8,350

Amortization of actuarial losses

     175           —          350           —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic pension expense (benefit)

   $ (100   $ 500         $ (200   $ 1,000      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Defined Contribution Plans. Under the A. H. Belo Savings Plan, the Company provides a 401(k) plan to all eligible employees. Through the A. H. Belo Transition Supplement Plan (“PTS plan”), the Company provides transition benefits to employees affected by the curtailment of the GBD Pension Plan in 2007. The transition benefits consist of supplemental contributions for a period of up to five years to the PTS plan. The Company anticipates contributions will be made to this plan based on eligible earnings of participants through the first quarter of 2013. The table below sets forth the expense and the contributions applicable to each plan:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
             2012                      2011                      2012                      2011          

401(k) Plan

           

Company match

     1.50%         1.50%         1.50%         1.50%   

Expense recognized

   $ 96          $ 435          $ 753          $ 856      

PTS Plan

           

Expense recognized

   $         1,112          $         1,141          $ 2,248          $ 2,327      

Contributions

   $ —            $ —            $       4,508          $     5,318      

Note 7: Long-term Debt

The Company operates with a credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) that has a total commitment of $25,000. The Credit Agreement is subject to a borrowing base comprised of eligible accounts receivable and inventory, which determines the available borrowing capacity. If borrowing availability falls below $7,500, a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant of 1:1 will apply.

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had eligible collateral to secure borrowings under the Credit Agreement of $27,433 and $38,680 respectively, resulting in a borrowing base of $25,000 for both dates. When letters of credit and other required reserves are deducted from the borrowing base, the Company had $21,216 and $19,970 of borrowing capacity available under the Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The Company had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility during 2011 or 2012.

Note 8: Contingencies

On October 24, 2006, a group of former employees of The Dallas Morning News filed a lawsuit against various A. H. Belo-related parties in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The plaintiffs’ lawsuit mainly consists of claims of unlawful discrimination and ERISA violations. On March 28, 2011, the Court granted defendants summary judgment and dismissed all claims. Plaintiffs moved for reconsideration, which motion was denied by the United States Magistrate. On July 15, 2011, the plaintiffs appealed the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The appeal is scheduled to be heard on August 9, 2012. The Company believes the lawsuit is without merit and is vigorously defending against it.

In addition to the proceeding described above, a number of other legal proceedings are pending against the Company. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from these other legal proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity, or financial condition.

 

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Note 9: Fair Value Measurements

On March 3, 2011, the Company completed the purchase of the personal residence of a Company officer pursuant to a retention and relocation arrangement. The residence was initially recorded at an estimated fair value of $2,696, based on a purchase price of $3,096 and net of anticipated holding and selling costs of $400. The table below sets forth the assets and liabilities by major categories that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as required by Accounting Standards Codification No. 820, Fair Value Measurements.

 

            Fair Value Measurements Using  
            Quoted Price in      Significant                
            Active Markets      Other      Significant         
     Six Months      for Identical      Observable      Unobservable         
     Ended      Assets      Inputs      Inputs      Total Gains  
     June 30, 2011      (Level I)      (Level II)      (Level III)      (Losses)  

Assets held for sale

   $ 2,696       $ —         $ —         $ 2,696       $ (400

Subsequent to the first quarter of 2011, the Company reassessed the holding and selling costs of the residence and recorded an additional $300 of expense, resulting in a carrying value of $2,396. During June 2012, the Company sold the residence, resulting in a gain of $14.

 

The three levels of inputs to valuation techniques in the hierarchy used to measure fair value are:

Level I – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets accessible at the reporting date for identical assets and liabilities.

Level II – Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. Quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not considered active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

Level III – Prices or valuations that require inputs which are significant to the valuation and are unobservable.

Note 10: Earnings per Share

The table below sets forth the reconciliation between weighted average shares used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     June 30,     June 30,  
     2012      2011     2012     2011  

Earnings (numerator)

         

Net earnings

   $ 262       $ (6,822   $ (3,631   $ (13,548
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares (denominator)

         

Weighted average shares outstanding

     21,901         21,512        21,795        21,448   

Dilutive effect of participating securities

     892         —          —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted shares outstanding for basic EPS

     22,793         21,512        21,795        21,448   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dilutive effect of employee stock options

     123         —          —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding

     22,916         21,512        21,795        21,448   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Earnings per share:

         

Basic

   $ 0.01       $ (0.32   $ (0.17   $ (0.63

Diluted

   $ 0.01       $ (0.32   $
(0.17

  $ (0.63

 

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Table of Contents

Note 11: Dividends

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company recorded and paid dividends of $1,367 and $2,724, respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recorded and paid dividends of $1,351.

On May 17, 2012, the Company declared a dividend of $0.06 per share, to be paid on September 7, 2012, to shareholders of record and holders of outstanding RSUs as of August 17, 2012.

Note 12: Changes in Accounting Estimates

In the six month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company accelerated the depreciation of certain property, plant and equipment that was determined to have a shorter remaining useful life than previously estimated. Accordingly, the Company recorded additional depreciation expense of $2,251 and $1,017 in the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Depreciation expense over the next 18 years will increase (decrease) between $210 and $(490) as a result of these changes in estimates.

In the second quarter of 2011, the Company also revised its estimate of the unfunded projected benefit obligation it assumed in connection to the withdrawal from the GBD Pension Plan. The revision resulted in the Company recording an additional loss of $1,988.

Note 13: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss contains actuarial gains and losses associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Plans and gains and losses resulting from negative plan amendments and other actuarial experience related to other post-employment benefit plans. The Company records amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss in salaries, wages and employee benefits in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Gains and losses associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Plans are amortized over the weighted average remaining life expectancy of the participants, currently estimated to be 24 years. Gains and losses associated with the Company’s other post-employment benefit plans are amortized over periods ranging between from four to 12 years.

The table below sets forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss as presented in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  
           Defined     Other Post-           Defined      Other Post-  
           Benefit     Employment           Benefit      Employment  
           Pension     Benefit           Pension      Benefit  
     Total     Plans     Plans     Total     Plans      Plans  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 63,059      $ 64,844      $ (1,785   $ (2,415   $ —         $ (2,415

Amortization

     (10     (175     165        154        —           154   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 63,049      $ 64,669      $ (1,620   $ (2,261   $ —         $ (2,261
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  
           Defined     Other Post-           Defined      Other Post-  
           Benefit     Employment           Benefit      Employment  
           Pension     Benefit           Pension      Benefit  
     Total     Plans     Plans     Total     Plans      Plans  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 63,069      $ 65,019      $ (1,950   $ (2,569   $ —         $ (2,569

Amortization

     (20     (350     330        308        —           308   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 63,049      $ 64,669      $ (1,620   $ (2,261   $ —         $ (2,261
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Note 14: Income Taxes

Income taxes are recorded using the liability method in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The provision for income taxes reflects the Company’s estimate of the effective rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year, adjusted by any discrete events, which are reported in the period in which they occur. This estimate is re-evaluated each quarter based on the Company’s estimated tax expense for the year.

The Company recognized income tax expense of approximately $383 and $3,630 for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $785 and $4,049 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Tax expense represents effective income tax rates of 59.4 percent and (113.7) percent, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and (27.6) percent and (42.6) percent, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Tax expense for 2012 and 2011 is primarily attributable to the Texas margin tax and changes in the valuation allowance on deferred taxes.

The Company evaluates uncertain tax positions and recognizes a liability for the tax benefit associated with an uncertain position only if it is more likely than not the position will not be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions of $405 and $333 and $22 and $55 of expense for interest and penalties, respectively. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to these reserves in interest expense.

The Company currently projects taxable losses for the year 2012 for federal income tax purposes and in certain state income tax jurisdictions. Net operating losses can be carried forward to offset future taxable income. The Company’s net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in the year 2016 if not utilized.

Note 15: Subsequent Events

During July 2012, a consent judgment related to the overpayment of property taxes from prior years was executed between The Providence Journal and the City of Providence and approved by a Rhode Island court. Under this judgment, The Providence Journal will receive a credit of $2,500 to be applied against future property tax payments.

 

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Table of Contents

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

(Unless the context requires otherwise, all dollar amounts in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are in thousands, except per share amounts.)

The following information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes filed as part of this report.

Overview

A. H. Belo, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a distinguished newspaper publishing and local news and information company that owns and operates four metropolitan daily newspapers and several associated websites, with publishing roots that trace to The Galveston Daily News, which began publication in 1842. A. H. Belo publishes The Dallas Morning News (www.dallasnews.com), Texas’ leading newspaper and winner of nine Pulitzer Prizes; The Providence Journal (www.providencejournal.com), the oldest continuously-published daily newspaper in the United States and winner of four Pulitzer Prizes; The Press-Enterprise (www.pe.com) (Riverside, California), serving the Inland Southern California region and winner of one Pulitzer Prize; and The Denton Record-Chronicle (www.dentonrc.com), a daily newspaper serving Denton, Texas, approximately 40 miles north of Dallas. The Company publishes various niche publications targeting specific audiences, and its investments and/or partnerships include Classified Ventures, LLC, owner of cars.com, and the Yahoo! Newspaper Consortium. A. H. Belo also owns and operates commercial printing, distribution and direct mail service businesses.

A. H. Belo intends for the discussion of its financial condition and results of operations that follows to provide information that will assist in understanding its financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those statements from period to period, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how certain accounting principles, policies, and estimates affect its financial statements. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current presentation.

Overview of Significant Activity in the Second Quarter of 2012

 

   

During the second quarter of 2012, the Company continues to encounter strong competition for print advertising revenues from digital alternatives, but has realized improvements in printing and distribution revenues as a result of expansion of the Company’s customer base associated with its commercial printing contracts. Revenues declined by 4.7 percent when compared to the second quarter of 2011, due to weaker advertising revenues. Operating expenses decreased 7.4 percent, reflecting lower personnel and production-related expenses.

 

   

On June 1, 2012, the Company paid a dividend of $0.06 per share, or $1,367, to its shareholders of record and to holders of outstanding RSU awards at the close of business on May 11, 2012. On May 17, 2012, the Company declared a dividend of $0.06 per share payable September 7, 2012, to shareholders of record and to holders of outstanding RSU awards at the close of business on August 17, 2012.

 

   

To reduce its pension liability and related funding costs, the Company made a $10,000 voluntary contribution to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans during April 2012. The Company’s second quarter contributions also included an accelerated contribution of $3,437 previously due in the third quarter of 2012, and a required contribution of $4,600.

 

   

During June 2012, the Company received $2,410 of proceeds related to the sale of the personal residence of a Company officer that had been acquired pursuant to a retention and relocation arrangement. The Company acquired the residence in the first quarter of 2011 for $3,096, and initially recorded selling and holding costs of $400 with subsequent reserves of $300 recorded in the third quarter of 2011. Upon the sale in the second quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a gain on the sale of $14.

 

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012      Percentage
Change
     2011     2012     Percentage
Change
     2011  

Total net operating revenues

   $ 109,143         (4.7)%       $ 114,486      $ 213,977        (5.6)%       $ 226,661   

Total operating costs and expenses

     109,177         (7.4)%         117,952        218,273        (8.1)%         237,493   

Total other income (expense), net

     679         147.8%          274        1,450        8.8%          1,333   
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     645         (120.2)%         (3,192     (2,846     70.0%          (9,499

Income tax expense

     383         (89.4)%         3,630        785        (80.6)%         4,049   
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 262         (103.8)%       $ (6,822   $ (3,631     (73.2)%       $ (13,548
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Newspaper Revenues

The Dallas Morning News

The table below sets forth the components of The Dallas Morning News’ net operating revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012      Percent
of Total
Revenues
     Percentage
Change
     2011      Percent
of Total
Revenues
     2012      Percent
of Total
Revenues
     Percentage
Change
     2011      Percent
of Total
Revenues
 

Advertising

   $ 41,823         60.5%         (7.1)%       $ 45,010         60.8%       $ 81,027         59.4%         (9.7)%       $ 89,683         60.7%   

Display

     15,593            (16.7)%         18,709            30,089            (17.7)%         36,571      

Classified

     6,619            (11.2)%         7,451            13,349            (10.2)%         14,870      

Preprints

     13,974            3.8%         13,458            27,086            (0.3)%         27,176      

Digital

     5,637            4.5%         5,392            10,503            (5.1)%         11,066      

Circulation

     21,803         31.5%         (6.3)%         23,265         31.4%         44,451         32.6%         (5.0)%         46,766         31.6%   

Printing and distribution

     5,503         8.0%         (4.2)%         5,745         7.8%         10,831         8.0%         (4.9)%         11,387         7.7%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 69,129         100.0%         (6.6)%       $ 74,020         100.0%       $ 136,309         100.0%         (7.8)%       $ 147,836         100.0%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Display advertising revenues decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, as a result of a decline in retail and general advertising. Approximately $1,076 of this decline was attributable to non-recurring advertisements associated with the Super Bowl game which was held in the Dallas area in February 2011.

Classified print advertising revenues decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to a decline in automotive and employment advertising. Lower real estate advertising also contributed to the decline in the second quarter.

Preprint advertising revenues increased during the three months ended June 30, 2012, due to higher preprint home delivery mail advertisements. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, revenue associated with preprint home delivery mail advertisements increased, but was mostly offset by lower preprinted newspaper inserts, resulting in a flat revenue growth for the six month period.

Digital advertising revenues increased for the three months ended June 30, 2012, due to higher automotive classified revenue, which was partially offset by $577 of revenue decline related to a discontinued digital advertising platform. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, a decline in digital advertising revenue of $1,140 was due to the discontinued digital advertising platform and a decline of $420 represented nonrecurring revenue associated with the 2011 Super Bowl game. These declines were partially offset by higher automotive classified revenue.

 

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Advertising revenues from The Dallas Morning News niche publications was $5,620 and $5,749, for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Advertising revenues from The Dallas Morning News niche publications was $10,719 and $11,068, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in 2012 is primarily due to the Quick product ceasing publication after August 4, 2011. These revenues are a component of total display, classified, preprint and digital revenues of The Dallas Morning News discussed above.

Circulation revenues decreased due to a decline in print home delivery and single copy sales. This decline was partially offset by a price increase related to digital online delivery. The Dallas Morning News continues to assess and adjust its digital consumer content strategy and continues to focus on building high-quality print and digital audiences by improving and expanding its digital product portfolio.

Printing and distribution revenues decreased due to a decline in commercial printing volumes, as the Company focused on larger and more profitable customers.

The Providence Journal

The table below sets forth the components of The Providence Journal net operating revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012      Percent
of Total
Revenues
     Percentage
Change
     2011      Percent
of Total
Revenues
     2012      Percent
of Total
Revenues
     Percentage
Change
     2011      Percent
of Total
Revenues
 

Advertising

   $ 12,002         50.0%         (12.9)%       $ 13,772         57.3%       $ 23,228         49.8%         (11.3)%       $ 26,185         56.9%   

Display

     3,312            (3.8)%         3,444            5,906            (7.9)%         6,416      

Classified

     4,054            (17.9)%         4,937            8,374            (13.5)%         9,676      

Preprints

     3,073            (14.6)%         3,599            5,882            (11.9)%         6,676      

Digital

     1,563            (12.8)%         1,792            3,066            (10.3)%         3,417      

Circulation

     8,649         36.1%         4.5%         8,277         34.4%         17,252         37.0%         5.1%         16,413         35.6%   

Printing and distribution

     3,331         13.9%         67.8%         1,985         8.3%         6,175         13.2%         78.5%         3,460         7.5%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 23,982         100.0%         (0.2)%       $ 24,034         100.0       $ 46,655         100.0%         1.3%       $ 46,058         100.0%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Display advertising revenues decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, as a result of a decline in retail advertising.

Classified advertising revenues decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to a decline in all categories.

Preprint advertising revenues decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to a decline in preprint newspaper inserts which was partially offset by increased preprint home delivery mail advertisements.

Digital advertising revenues decreased for three months ended June 30, 2012, due to a decline in retail display. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, digital advertising revenues decreased due to a decline in retail display, partially offset by higher automotive classified.

 

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Table of Contents

Circulation revenues increased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to a change from a buy-sell arrangement with home delivery carriers to a fee for delivery arrangement. Under this new arrangement, higher revenues are recognized which are offset by higher distribution expenses.

Printing and distribution revenues increased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to The Providence Journal’s continued expansion of single copy distribution services for national and local newspapers. The Providence Journal has also increased its commercial printing services to existing customers and added a regional newspaper customer, contributing to the growth.

The Press-Enterprise

The table below sets forth the components of The Press-Enterprise net operating revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012      Percent
of Total
Revenues
     Percentage
Change
     2011      Percent
of Total
Revenues
     2012      Percent
of Total
Revenues
     Percentage
Change
     2011      Percent
of Total
Revenues
 

Advertising

   $ 10,348         64.5%         (6.7)%       $ 11,087         67.5%       $ 19,995         64.5%         (8.9)%       $ 21,937         66.9%   

Display

     2,549            (13.8)%         2,957            4,875            (15.1)%         5,740      

Classified

     2,935            (8.3)%         3,199            5,810            (10.2)%         6,473      

Preprints

     3,249            (4.8)%         3,413            6,258            (6.7)%         6,706      

Digital

     1,615            6.4%         1,518            3,052            1.1%         3,018      

Circulation

     3,305         20.6%         (1.5)%         3,357         20.4%         6,709         21.6%         (0.9)%         6,771         20.7%   

Printing and distribution

     2,379         14.9%         19.7%         1,988         12.1%         4,309         13.9%         6.2%         4,059         12.4%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 16,032         100.0%         (2.4)%       $ 16,432         100.0       $ 31,013         100.0%         (5.4)%       $ 32,767         100.0%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Display advertising revenues decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to a decline in retail and general advertising.

Classified advertising revenues decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to a decline in legal, employment and other categories.

Preprint advertising revenues decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to a decline in preprint newspaper inserts and home delivery mail advertisements.

Digital advertising revenues increased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to higher banner and automotive classified, partially offset by decreased other classified in the six months ended June 20, 2012.

Circulation revenues decreased slightly in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to volume declines in daily home delivery, and daily and Sunday single copy sales, and the discontinued publication of The Business Press at the end of the second quarter of 2011.

Printing and distribution revenues increased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to new commercial print and home delivery distribution contracts.

 

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Table of Contents

Operating Costs and Expenses

The table below sets forth the components of the Company’s operating costs and expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012      Percentage
Change
     2011      2012      Percentage
Change
     2011  

Salaries, wages and employee benefits

   $ 42,623         (11.4)%       $ 48,099       $ 88,628         (10.1)%       $ 98,594   

Other production, distribution and operating costs

     41,525         (3.9)%         43,228         82,221         (7.5)%         88,879   

Newsprint, ink and other supplies

     15,371         2.0%         15,071         29,343         (0.8)%         29,573   

Depreciation

     8,348         1.1%         8,256         15,461         (2.4)%         15,839   

Amortization

     1,310         —  %         1,310         2,620         —  %         2,620   

Pension plan withdrawal

     —           (100.0)%         1,988         —           (100.0)%         1,988   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   $ 109,177         (7.4)%       $ 117,952       $ 218,273         (8.1)%       $ 237,493   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Salaries, wages and employee benefits decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to lower expenses related to salaries, pension, employee medical and share-based compensation, resulting primarily from having fewer employees.

Other production, distribution and operating costs decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, due to continued cost control measures, particularly related to outside services. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, the decrease in outside services was primarily due to lower consulting expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the decrease in outside services was primarily due to declines in legal fees, consulting costs and lower outside temporary services.

Newsprint, ink and other supplies expense increased in the three months ended June 30, 2012, due to greater cost of supplements, partially offset by a decrease in newsprint expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, newsprint, ink and other supplies decreased due to lower newsprint expense, partially offset by increased expense for cost of supplements. During the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company’s publishing operations used approximately 16,206 metric tons at an average cost of $621 per metric ton compared to approximately 16,928 metric tons, at average cost of $646 per metric ton for the same period in 2011. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company’s publishing operations used approximately 31,247 metric tons at an average cost of $627 per metric ton compared to approximately 33,731 metric tons, at average cost of $644 per metric ton for the same period in 2011.

Depreciation expense increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to a change in the estimated life of certain production assets. The change in the estimate resulted additional depreciation expense of $370 and $1,881 in the first and second quarters of 2012, respectively. This increase was offset by lower depreciation on remaining fixed assets due to reduced capital spending.

Pension plan withdrawal loss was $1,988 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. This loss is related to the finalization of the allocation of the assets and liabilities from the GBD Pension Plan in the second quarter of 2011.

Interest expense increased for the three months ended June 30, 2012, due to $114 in interest expense recorded related to a settlement made with the Internal Revenue Service on a tax issue prior to the Distribution. Interest expense related to letters of credit and unused borrowing commitments decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

The Company reports a number of items in Other income, net, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The table below sets forth the details of these amounts:

 

                                                                             
     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012     Percentage
Change
     2011     2012      Percentage
Change
     2011  

Earnings from equity method investments

   $ 775        4.0%       $ 758      $ 1,126         8.6%       $ 1,037   

Interest income

     29        (27.5)%         40        73         (29.8)%         104   

Gain/(loss) on sale of fixed assets

     (22     (94.7)%         (419     470         —  %         (406

Recovery of investment previously written off

     —          —  %         —          —           —  %         729   

Other income

     139        107.5%         67        159         (35.6)%         247   
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total other income, net

   $      921        106.5%       $      446      $    1,828           6.8%       $    1,711   
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

 

Earnings from equity method investments increased due to higher investment income recognized from Classified Ventures. Additionally, the Company no longer owns an interest in Belo Investment, LLC, which previously resulted in the Company recognizing investment losses. During the first quarter of 2011, the Company received $729 related to the sale of an investment that had been previously written off.

Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization

In addition to the Company’s analysis of net income, the Company also evaluates earnings after adjusting for depreciation, amortization, interest and taxes (“EBITDA”) and after adding back pension expense, non-cash impairment expense and net investment-related losses, as applicable (“Adjusted EBITDA”). The table below sets forth the Company’s EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

 

                                                                             
     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012      Percentage
Change
     2011     2012     Percentage
Change
     2011  

Net income (loss)

   $ 262         (103.8)%       $ (6,822   $ (3,631     (73.2)%       $ (13,548

Depreciation and amortization

     9,658         1.0%         9,566        18,081        (2.0)%         18,459   

Interest expense

     242         40.7%         172        378        —  %         378   

Income tax expense

     383         (89.4)%         3,630        785        (80.6)%         4,049   
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

EBITDA

     10,545         61.1%         6,546        15,613        67.2%         9,338   

Addback:

               

Pension expense

     1,012         (72.1)%         3,630        2,048        (61.5)%         5,315   
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 11,557           13.6%       $ 10,176      $ 17,661        20.5       $ 14,653   
  

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Management uses EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and similar measures in internal analyses as supplemental measures of the Company’s financial performance and to assist with performance comparisons against its peer group of companies and for operating decisions. EBITDA or similar measures are also common alternative measures of performance used by investors, financial analysts and rating agencies to evaluate financial performance. Neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in isolation or as a substitute for cash flows provided by operating activities or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP, and these non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies.

 

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Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company believes it has sufficient access to liquidity from several sources, such as operations, existing liquid assets and from unused borrowing capacity under its Credit Agreement, to meet its foreseeable liquidity needs. The table below sets forth the Company’s sources of liquidity:

 

Sources of Liquidity

   June 30, 2012  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 41,239   

Accounts receivable, net

     38,757   
  

 

 

 
     79,996   
  

 

 

 

Unused borrowing capacity

   $ 21,216   
  

 

 

 

The Company operates with a $25,000 Credit Agreement, which expires in September 2014. The Credit Agreement serves as a working capital facility and is subject to a borrowing base and other covenants and restrictions, including maintenance of defined financial ratios, restrictions on capital expenditures and dividends, and limitations on indebtedness, liens, and asset sales. The borrowing base is calculated using eligible accounts receivable and inventory, as defined in the Credit Agreement. A decrease in the borrowing base could limit the Company’s borrowing capacity. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had eligible collateral to secure the Credit Agreement of $27,443 and $38,680, respectively, resulting in a borrowing base of $25,000 at both dates. When letters of credit and other required reserves are deducted from the borrowing base, the Company had $21,216 and $19,970 of borrowing capacity available under the Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement at any time during 2012 or 2011.

During the second quarter of 2011, and the first and second quarters of 2012, the Company paid dividends of $1,351, $1,357, and $1,367, respectively, to holders of outstanding RSU awards and shareholders of record on the declared record dates. On May 17, 2012, the Company declared a dividend of $0.06 per share payable September 7, 2012, to shareholders of record and to holders of outstanding RSU awards at the close of business on August 17, 2012.

Operating Cash Flows and Liquidity

Net cash flows used in operations for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, were $10,095 and $32,577, respectively. The increase in cash flows of $22,482 between years is primarily due to the Company making $17,747 lower pension contributions in 2012, improvements in recurring operating cash flow of $6,500 due to cost reduction efforts, and receipt of $2,410 in the second quarter of 2012 related to the sale of the residence which had been acquired for $3,096 in the first quarter of 2011 pursuant to an employment agreement with a Company officer. These improvements were offset by $6,510 in reduced cash flow due to tax payments of $2,961 in 2012 and tax receipts of $3,549 in the first quarter of 2011 related to a prior year’s tax returns.

Investing Cash Flows

Net cash flows used in investing activities the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, were $3,530 and $2,318, respectively, reflecting capital expenditures of $4,044 and $3,083 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Proceeds were received in the first quarter of 2012 from the sale of vacant office buildings and in the first quarter of 2011, from the recovery of a previously impaired investment.

Financing Cash Flows

Net cash flows used in financing activities were $2,576 and $1,339 in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Both periods reflect dividends paid totaling $2,724 in 2012 and $1,351 in 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations

During January 2012, the Company made a required contribution of $5,435 to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans. In an effort to reduce the pension liability and related funding costs, the Company made a $10,000 voluntary contribution to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans during April 2012 along with required contributions of $8,037. An additional required contribution of $4,600 was made in July 2012, and the Company anticipates a final required contribution for 2012 of $4,600 to be made in the fourth quarter.

Additional information related to the Company’s contractual obligations is available in Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed on March 12, 2012, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Critical Accounting and Policies and Estimates

No material changes have been made to our critical accounting policies as set forth in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this communication concerning A. H. Belo Corporation’s business outlook or future economic performance, anticipated profitability, revenues, expenses, dividends, capital expenditures, investments, impairments, business initiatives, pension plan contributions and obligations, real estate sales, future financings, and other financial and non-financial items that are not historical facts, are “forward-looking statements” as the term is defined under applicable federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those statements.

Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to, changes in capital market conditions and prospects, and other factors such as changes in advertising demand, interest rates and newsprint prices; newspaper circulation trends and other circulation matters, including changes in readership patterns and demography, and audits and related actions by the Audit Bureau of Circulations; challenges in achieving expense reduction goals in a timely manner, and the resulting potential effect on operations; technological changes; development of Internet commerce; industry cycles; changes in pricing or other actions by competitors and suppliers; consumer acceptance of new products and business initiatives; regulatory, tax and legal changes; adoption of new accounting standards or changes in existing accounting standards by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting standard-setting bodies or authorities; the effects of Company acquisitions, dispositions and co-owned ventures and investments; returns and discount rates on pension plan assets; general economic conditions; significant armed conflict; and other factors beyond our control, as well as other risks described elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and in the Company’s other public disclosures, and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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Table of Contents

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in A. H. Belo’s exposure to market risk from the disclosure included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) required by Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b), the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b) Changes in internal controls. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On October 24, 2006, a group of former employees of The Dallas Morning News filed a lawsuit against various A. H. Belo-related parties in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The plaintiffs’ lawsuit mainly consists of claims of unlawful discrimination and ERISA violations. On March 28, 2011, the Court granted defendants summary judgment and dismissed all claims. Plaintiffs moved for reconsideration, which motion was denied by the United States Magistrate. On July 15, 2011, the plaintiffs appealed the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The appeal is scheduled to be heard on August 9, 2012. The Company believes the lawsuit is without merit and is vigorously defending against it.

In addition to the proceeding described above, a number of other legal proceedings are pending against A. H. Belo. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from these other legal proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on A. H. Belo Corporation’s results of operations, liquidity, or financial condition.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Other than as set forth below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Negotiated Service Agreement between the U. S. Postal Service and One of Its Major Customers Could Have a Negative Impact on Preprint Advertising Revenue

On April 30, 2012, The United States Postal Service (“USPS”) executed a Negotiated Service Agreement (“NSA”) with one of its major customers who produces preprint advertisements distributed through direct mail and newspaper inserts by the Company and by other major newspapers across the United States. The NSA, which is subject to regulatory approval, provides the customer with discounted mailing rates and enables the customer to have a competitive advantage over newspaper companies in reaching consumers through a high saturation distribution program, which could result in the loss of preprint advertising revenue. The Company, along with other major newspapers, has responded to the Postal Regulatory Commission and believes the NSA violates federal law. The Company anticipates resolution of this matter in late 2012.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There have been no unregistered sales of the Company’s equity securities during the period covered by this report. In addition, there have been no Company purchases of securities during the period covered by this report.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

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Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) are incorporated by reference to documents previously filed by A. H. Belo Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as indicated. All other documents are filed with this report. Exhibits marked with a tilde (~) are management contracts, compensatory plan contracts or arrangements filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K.

 

Exhibit Number         Description

  2.1

   *   

Separation and Distribution Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of February 8, 2008 (Exhibit 2.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2008 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “February 12, 2008 Form 8-K”))

  3.1

   *   

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of A. H. Belo Corporation (Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 3 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Form 10 dated January 18, 2008 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “Third Amendment to Form 10”))

  3.2

   *   

Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of A. H. Belo Corporation dated January 11, 2008 (Exhibit 3.2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form 10 dated January 31, 2008 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

  3.3

   *   

Amended and Restated Bylaws of A. H. Belo Corporation, effective January 11, 2008 (Exhibit 3.3 to the Third Amendment to Form 10)

  4.1

   *   

Certain rights of the holders of A. H. Belo Corporation’s Common Stock are set forth in Exhibits 3.1-3.3 above

  4.2

   *   

Specimen Form of Certificate representing shares of A. H. Belo Corporation’s Series A Common Stock (Exhibit 4.2 to the Third Amendment to Form 10)

  4.3

   *   

Specimen Form of Certificate representing shares of A. H. Belo Corporation’s Series B Common Stock (Exhibit 4.3 to the Third Amendment to Form 10)

  4.4

   *   

Rights Agreement dated as of January 11, 2008 between A. H. Belo Corporation and Mellon Investor Services LLC (Exhibit 4.4 to the Third Amendment to Form 10)

10.1

     

Financing agreements:

     

(1)

  

*

  

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 30, 2009 (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2, 2009 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “February 2, 2009 Form 8-K”))

     

(2)

  

*

  

Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of January 30, 2009 (Exhibit 10.2 to the February 2, 2009 Form 8-K)

     

(a)

  

*

  

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated as of May 2, 2011 (Exhibit 10.1(9) to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2011 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

     

(3)

  

*

  

First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 18, 2009 (Exhibit 10.1(5) to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2009 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

     

(4)

  

*

  

Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 3, 2009 (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2009 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

     

(5)

  

*

  

Fourth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2011 (Exhibit 10.1(8) to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2011 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

     

(6)

  

*

  

Fifth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and First Amendment to Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated as of May 2, 2011 (Exhibit 10.1(9) to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2011 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

     

(7)

  

*

  

Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 18, 2010 (Exhibit 10.1(7) to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 3, 2010 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

10.2

     

Compensatory plans and arrangements:

   ~   

(1)

  

*

  

A. H. Belo Savings Plan (Exhibit 10.4 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K)

        

*

  

(a)

  

First Amendment to the A. H. Belo Savings Plan dated September 23, 2008 (Exhibit 10(2)(1)(a) to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2008 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

        

*

  

(b)

  

Second Amendment to the A. H. Belo Savings Plan effective March 27, 2009 (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2009 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “April 2, 2009 Form 8-K”))

              

*

  

(c)

  

Third Amendment to the A. H. Belo Savings Plan effective March 31, 2009 (Exhibit 10.2 to the
April 2, 2009 Form 8-K)

 

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         *   

(d)

  

Fourth Amendment to the A. H. Belo Savings Plan dated September 10, 2009, (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 10, 2009 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

  

~

   (2)    *   

A. H. Belo 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (Exhibit 10.5 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K)

         *   

(a)

  

First Amendment to A. H. Belo 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan effective July 23, 2008 (Exhibit 10 (2)(a) to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2008 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

         *   

(b)

  

Form of A. H. Belo 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan Non-Employee Director Evidence of Grant (for Non-Employee Director Awards) (Exhibit 10.2.(2)(b) to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2010 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) (the “1st Quarter 2010 Form 10-Q”))

         *   

(c)

  

Form of A. H. Belo 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan Evidence of Grant (for Employee Awards) (Exhibit 10.2.(2)(C) to the 1st Quarter 2010 Form 10-Q)

         *   

(d)

  

Form of A. H. Belo 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan Evidence of Grant (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2012 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

         *   

(e)

  

Form of A. H. Belo Cash Long-Term Incentive Evidence of Grant (Exhibit 10.2 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2012 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

  

~

   (3)    *   

A. H. Belo Pension Transition Supplement Restoration Plan effective January 1, 2008 (Exhibit 10.6 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K)

         *   

(a)

  

First Amendment to the A. H. Belo Corporation Pension Transition Supplement Restoration Plan dated March 31, 2009 (Exhibit 10.4 to the April 2, 2009 Form 8-K)

  

~

   (4)    *   

A. H. Belo Corporation Change In Control Severance Plan (Exhibit 10.7 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K)

         *   

(a)

  

Amendment to the A. H. Belo Corporation Change in Control Severance Plan dated March 31, 2009 (Exhibit 10.3 to the April 2, 2009 Form 8-K)

  

~

   (5)    *   

John C. McKeon Retention and Relocation Agreement effective September 22, 2010 (Exhibit 10.2(5) to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2011 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

  

~

   (6)    *   

John C. McKeon Severance Agreement and General Release effective January 3, 2012 (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19. 2012 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

10.3

      Agreements relating to the Distribution of A. H. Belo Corporation:
      (1)    *   

Tax Matters Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of February 8, 2008 (Exhibit 10.1 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K)

         *   

(a)

  

First Amendment to Tax Matters Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated September 14, 2009 (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 15, 2009 (Securities and Exchange Commission file No.

001-33741))

      (2)    *   

Employee Matters Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of February 8, 2008 (Exhibit 10.2 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K)

         *   

(a)

  

Amendment to Employee Matters Agreement as set forth in the Pension Plan Transfer Agreement dated as of October 6, 2010 (Exhibit 10.1 to the October 8, 2010 Form 8-K) (the “October 8, 2010 Form 8-K”))

      (3)    *   

Services Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of February 8, 2008 (Exhibit 10.3 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K)

      (4)    *   

Separation and Distribution Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of February 8, 2008 (See Exhibit 2.1 to the February 12, 2008 Form 8-K)

      (5)    *   

Pension Plan Transfer Agreement by and between Belo Corp. and A. H. Belo Corporation dated as of October 6, 2010 (Exhibit 10.1 to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 8, 2010 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741) )

      (6)    *   

Agreement among A. H. Belo Corporation, Belo Corp., and The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, effective March 9, 2011 (Exhibit 10.3(6) to A. H. Belo Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2011 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 001-33741))

31.1

      Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

      Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32

      Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

28


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SIGNATURES

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

 

    A. H. BELO CORPORATION
August 1, 2012     By:    /s/ Alison K. Engel
      Alison K. Engel
      Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer and
      Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

August 1, 2012     By:    /s/ Michael N. Lavey
      Michael N. Lavey
      Vice President/Controller
      (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number

  

Description

31.1   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2   

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

30

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION

I, Robert W. Decherd, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of A. H. Belo Corporation, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of A. H. Belo Corporation;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d)

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 1, 2012

 

/s/ Robert W. Decherd
Robert W. Decherd
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION

I, Alison K. Engel, Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer of A. H. Belo Corporation, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of A. H. Belo Corporation;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d)

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 1, 2012

 

/s/ Alison K. Engel
Alison K. Engel
Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
EX-32

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of A. H. Belo Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, Robert W. Decherd, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Alison K. Engel, Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1)

The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Robert W. Decherd
Robert W. Decherd
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
August 1, 2012
/s/ Alison K. Engel
Alison K. Engel
Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
August 1, 2012