Back to GetFilings.com



Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended: December 28, 2003

 

or

 

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

 

For the transition period from                      to                     

 

Commission file number: 1-9824

 

The McClatchy Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   52-2080478
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2100 “Q” Street, Sacramento, CA   95816
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 916-321-1846

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class


 

Name of each exchange on which registered


Class A Common Stock, par value

$.01 per share

  New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). x Yes ¨ No

 

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. Based on the closing price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 29, 2003: approximately $1,191,640,921. For purposes of the foregoing calculation only, as required by Form 10-K, the Registrant has included in the shares owned by affiliates the beneficial ownership of Common Stock of officers and directors of the Registrant and members of their families, and such inclusion shall not be construed as an admission that any such person is an affiliate for any purpose.

 

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

 

Shares outstanding as of February 25, 2004:

 

Class A Common Stock

  19,981,670 Shares

Class B Common Stock

  26,339,147 Shares

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s May 19, 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (incorporated in Part II and Part III to the extent provided in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 hereof).

 



Table of Contents

INDEX TO THE McCLATCHY COMPANY

2003 FORM 10-K

 

Item No.


   Page

PART I     

1.

  

Business

   1
    

Available Information

   1
    

Overview

   1
    

Star Tribune Newspaper

   3
    

California Newspapers

   3
    

Carolina Newspapers

   5
    

Northwest Newspapers

   7
    

Other Operations

   9
    

Raw Materials

   9
    

Competition

   10
    

Employees - Labor

   10

2.

  

Properties

   10

3.

  

Legal Proceedings

   11

4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   11
PART II     

5.

  

Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters

   12

6.

  

Selected Financial Data

   13

7.

  

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

   14

7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   28

8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   29

9.

  

Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   56

9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

   56
PART III     

10.

  

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

   56

11.

  

Executive Compensation

   57

12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

   57

13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

   58

14.

  

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

   58
PART IV     

15.

  

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

   58


Table of Contents

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Available Information

 

The Company maintains a website which includes an investor relations page available to all interested parties at www.mcclatchy.com. All filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, along with any amendments thereto, are available free of charge on our website at www.mcclatchy.com/investor/. In addition, paper copies of any such filings are available free of charge by contacting us at the address listed on the cover page of this filing. The contents of this website are not incorporated into this filing. Further, our reference to the URL for this website is intended to be an inactive textual reference only.

 

Overview

 

The McClatchy Company (the “Company”) was formed in 1998 as a Delaware corporation serving as a holding company owning McClatchy Newspapers, Inc. and Cowles Media Company. All references to the “Company” in this Report include McClatchy Newspapers, Inc., the predecessor in interest to the Company prior to the acquisition of Cowles Media Company.

 

The Company dates from the California Gold Rush era of 1857. Its three original California newspapers - The Sacramento Bee, The Fresno Bee and The Modesto Bee - were the core of the Company until 1979 when the Company began to diversify geographically outside of California. At that time it purchased two newspapers in the Northwest, the Anchorage Daily News and the Tri-City Herald in Southeastern Washington. In 1986, the Company purchased The (Tacoma) News Tribune. In 1990 the Company expanded into the Carolinas when it purchased newspapers in South Carolina and The News and Observer Publishing Company in North Carolina in 1995, and into Minnesota with the 1998 acquisition of The Star Tribune Company.

 

During 2003, the Company owned and published 24 newspapers in four regions of the country – Minnesota, California, the Carolinas and the Northwest (Alaska and Washington). These newspapers range from large dailies serving metropolitan areas to non-daily newspapers serving small communities. For the calendar year 2003, the Company had an average paid daily circulation of 1,398,589, Sunday circulation of 1,864,685 and non-daily circulation of 61,077.

 

Each of the Company’s newspapers is largely autonomous in its business and editorial operations so as to meet most effectively the needs of the communities it serves. Publishers and editors of the newspapers make the day-to-day decisions and, within limits, are responsible for their own budgeting and planning. Policies on such matters as the amount and type of capital expenditures, key personnel changes, and strategic planning and operating budgets, including wage and pricing matters, are approved or established by the Company’s senior management and/or Board of Directors.

 

1


Table of Contents

Each of the Company’s daily newspapers has the largest circulation of any newspaper serving its particular community. The Company believes that this circulation advantage is of primary importance in attracting advertising, the principal source of revenues for the Company. Advertising revenues approximated 83% of consolidated net revenues from continuing operations in fiscal 2003 and 82% of consolidated net revenues from continuing operations in fiscal 2002. Circulation revenues approximated 15% of consolidated net revenues from continuing operations in fiscal 2003 and 16% of consolidated net revenues from continuing operations in fiscal 2002.

 

The Company’s newspapers supplement their newspaper publishing operations with an array of niche products and direct marketing initiatives, including direct mail. While the direct marketing programs are financially successful in their own right, they also help retain advertising in the newspapers. The newspapers also operate leading local websites in each daily newspaper market, offering users information, comprehensive news, advertising, e-commerce and other services. Online advertising, particularly classified advertising, has become one of the Company’s fastest growing revenue sources, albeit still a small part of each newspaper’s operations. Together with the mass reach of its newspaper advertising, these lines of business help each of the Company’s newspapers maintain its position as a leading media outlet in each daily newspaper market.

 

The Company’s newspaper business is somewhat seasonal, with peak revenues and profits generally occurring in the second and fourth quarters of each year as a result of increased advertising activity during first, the Easter holiday and spring advertising season, and then, the Thanksgiving and Christmas periods. The first quarter is historically the weakest quarter for revenues and profits.

 

The Company also owns Nando Media, an interactive media operation whose primary mission is to be a technology and content partner to the Company’s newspaper Internet sites. In addition, the Company is a partner (13.5% interest) in Ponderay Newsprint Company, a general partnership that owns and operates a newsprint mill in Washington State.

 

Recent Divestiture and Acquisition - On June 10, 2003, the Company sold the assets of The Newspaper Network (TNN), a national sales and marketing company (fiscal 2002 revenues of $11.9 million). The Associated Press purchased TNN’s ad processing operations and, separately, Vertis, Inc. purchased TNN’s sales and marketing assets. Total consideration from the sales was $14.2 million including the assumption of liabilities. The Company has reclassified the assets and liabilities of TNN as held for sale in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 29, 2002. The revenues and operating results of TNN are included in discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

On January 7, 2004, the Company purchased the assets of the Merced Sun-Star, a daily newspaper in Merced, California and five non-daily newspapers (Merced Group) for $40.5 million in cash from Pacific-Sierra Publishing, Inc. The Merced Sun-Star had average five-day circulation of 17,400 and weekend circulation of 21,500 for fiscal year 2003, and the Merced Group had revenues in its fiscal 2003 (ending March) of $12.6 million. The results and statistical information of the Merced Group are not included in this Report.

 

2


Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements - When used in this Report, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors that Could Affect Operating Results” in Part II, Item 7 that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Report.

 

Star Tribune

 

The Star Tribune, a morning newspaper serving Minneapolis-St. Paul and the surrounding metropolitan area, is the Company’s largest newspaper, contributing 33.1% of fiscal 2003 revenues compared to 33.6% of fiscal 2002 revenues. In fiscal 2003 the Star Tribune’s daily average paid circulation increased 0.3% to 379,234 and Sunday average paid circulation increased 0.3% to 675,512. As of December 28, 2003, approximately 74% of the daily and 74% of Sunday circulation was home delivered. The Star Tribune competes in the eastern portion of its market with the Pioneer Press, which operates in St. Paul, Minnesota, and whose circulation, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations’ September 28, 2003 Publisher’s Statement, is 190,392 daily and 253,058 Sunday.

 

The Star Tribune’s advertising volumes for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 are set forth in the following table:

 

     2003

   2002

Full Run advertising linage in thousands of six-column inches

   1,930    1904

Preprints distributed in millions

   1,176    1,130

 

The Star Tribune’s fiscal 2003 net revenues increased 1.4% to $364,288,000 from fiscal 2002.

 

California Newspapers

 

The California newspapers include the three “Bee” newspapers along with the Clovis Independent, a weekly newspaper that circulates in Clovis, California, a community east of Fresno, and two Spanish-language, non-daily newspapers. The net revenues and circulation of these newspapers are summarized below:

 

     2003 Circulation (1)

   Net Revenues

Newspaper


   Daily/Weekly

   Sunday

   2003

   2002

The Sacramento Bee

   295,917    352,861    $ 239,828,000    $ 224,212,000

The Fresno Bee

   162,530    193,006    $ 93,856,000    $ 89,505,000

The Modesto Bee

   86,542    93,180    $ 58,513,000    $ 55,570,000

Non-daily newspapers

   6,234    N/A    $ 2,077,000    $ 1,620,000

 

(1) Based on fiscal year average paid circulation.

 

3


Table of Contents

The California newspapers produced approximately 35.9% of total Company net revenues in fiscal 2003, compared to 34.7% in fiscal 2002. Fiscal 2003 net revenues at the California newspapers increased 6.3% from fiscal 2002.

 

The Sacramento Bee

 

The Sacramento Bee is a morning newspaper serving the California state capital and the surrounding region. In fiscal year 2003, The Sacramento Bee’s average paid circulation increased 0.6% daily and increased 1.3% Sunday. As of December 28, 2003, approximately 84% of the daily and 79% of Sunday circulation was home delivered.

 

The Sacramento Bee’s advertising volumes for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 are set forth in the following table:

 

     2003

   2002

Full Run advertising linage in thousands of six column inches

   2,574    2,490

Preprints distributed in millions

   705    607

 

The Sacramento Bee’s fiscal 2003 net revenues increased 7.0% from fiscal 2002 revenues.

 

The Fresno Bee

 

The Fresno Bee is a morning newspaper serving the Fresno, California metropolitan area. In 2003, The Fresno Bee’s fiscal year 2003 average paid circulation increased 0.6% daily and increased 0.8% Sunday. As of December 28, 2003, approximately 85% of The Fresno Bee’s daily and 84% of Sunday circulation was home delivered.

 

The Fresno Bee’s advertising volumes for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 are set forth in the following table:

 

     2003

   2002

Full Run advertising linage in thousands of six-column inches

   1,318    1,286

Preprints distributed in millions

   313    288

 

The Fresno Bee’s fiscal 2003 net revenues increased 4.9% from 2002.

 

The Modesto Bee

 

The Modesto Bee is a morning newspaper that serves the Modesto, California metropolitan area, located between Sacramento and Fresno. The Modesto Bee’s fiscal year 2003 average paid circulation increased 1.0% daily and 0.9% Sunday. As of December 28, 2003, approximately 83% of the daily and 84% of Sunday circulation was home delivered.

 

4


Table of Contents

The Modesto Bee’s advertising volumes for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002, are set forth in the following table:

 

     2003

   2002

Full Run advertising linage in thousands of six-column inches

   1,327    1,314

Preprints distributed in millions

   170    158

 

The Modesto Bee’s fiscal 2003 net revenues increased 5.3% from fiscal 2002.

 

Carolina Newspapers

 

The Carolina newspapers include The News & Observer, the second largest newspaper in North Carolina, and three daily newspapers in South Carolina. The Company also operates eight non-daily newspapers in North and South Carolina strategically located near its daily newspapers.

 

The net revenues and circulation of the Carolina newspapers are summarized below:

 

     2003 Circulation (1)

   Net Revenues

Newspaper


   Daily/Weekly

   Sunday

   2003

   2002

The News & Observer (Raleigh)

   170,118    210,091    $ 128,878,000    $ 130,073,000

The Herald (Rock Hill) (2)

   31,854    33,534    $ 14,747,000    $ 14,683,000

The Island Packet (Hilton Head)

   18,504    19,218    $ 15,902,000    $ 15,448,000

The Beaufort Gazette

   11,872    11,159    $ 6,475,000    $ 6,466,000

Non-daily newspapers (3)

   41,404    N/A    $ 10,694,000    $ 10,621,000

 

(1) Based on fiscal year average paid circulation.

 

(2) Four South Carolina non-daily newspapers’ revenues are consolidated with revenues of The Herald.

 

(3) Represents all non-daily circulation, but only the North Carolina non-daily revenues. See note (2) above.

 

The Carolina newspapers produced 16.1% of total Company net revenues in fiscal 2003, compared to 16.6% in 2002. Net revenues of the Carolina newspapers declined 0.3% from fiscal 2002.

 

The News & Observer

 

The News & Observer, the Company’s third largest newspaper, is a morning daily serving North Carolina’s state capital, Raleigh, and the Research Triangle, which includes Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

 

The News & Observer’s average paid circulation in fiscal year 2003 increased approximately 0.4% daily and was flat on Sunday. As of December 28, 2003, approximately 81% of the daily and 76% of Sunday circulation was home delivered.

 

5


Table of Contents

The News & Observer’s advertising volumes for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 are set forth in the following table:

 

     2003

   2002

Full Run advertising linage in thousands of six-column inches

   1,935    2,078

Preprints distributed in millions

   375    351

 

The News & Observer’s fiscal 2003 net revenues decreased 0.9% from fiscal 2002.

 

The Herald

 

The Herald is a morning newspaper serving Rock Hill and surrounding communities in York County, South Carolina. Rock Hill is approximately 25 miles southwest of Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2003, The Herald’s fiscal year 2003 average paid circulation increased 0.5% daily and decreased 0.4% on Sunday.

 

The Herald’s main competitor is a zoned edition of the Charlotte Observer, whose circulation in The Herald’s primary circulation area is estimated to be approximately a third of The Herald’s circulation. As of December 28, 2003, approximately 78% of the daily and 77% of Sunday circulation of the Herald was home delivered.

 

Advertising volumes for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 are set forth in the following table:

 

     2003

   2002

Full Run advertising linage in thousands of six-column inches

   782    815

Preprints distributed in millions

   57    54

 

The Herald’s fiscal 2003 net revenues increased 0.4% from fiscal 2002.

 

The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette

 

The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette serve Beaufort County in southeastern South Carolina. The Island Packet serves Hilton Head Island and the town of Bluffton where tourism, retirement communities and services are the economic mainstays. The Beaufort Gazette serves the city of Beaufort and northern Beaufort County encompassing surrounding islands of Lady’s, St. Helena, Fripp and Parris. The management and many business functions of the two newspapers are combined to pursue regional strategies and operational synergies.

 

From fiscal year 2002 to fiscal year 2003, the average paid circulation increased 3.4% daily and 1.4% Sunday at The Island Packet, and decreased 1.8% daily and 2.1% Sunday at The Beaufort Gazette.

 

As of December 28, 2003, approximately 64% of the daily and 62% of Sunday circulation of The Island Packet was home delivered. Comparable amounts for The Beaufort Gazette were 58% daily and 63% Sunday.

 

6


Table of Contents

Advertising volumes for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 are set forth in the following table:

 

     2003

   2002

The Island Packet:

         

Full Run advertising linage in thousands of six-column inches

   934    908

Preprints distributed in millions

   23    20

The Beaufort Gazette:

         

Full Run advertising linage in thousands of six-column inches

   403    378

Preprints distributed in millions

   17    17

 

The Island Packet’s fiscal year 2003 net revenues increased 2.9% over fiscal 2002, and The Beaufort Gazette’s net revenues increased 0.7%.

 

Carolina Non-daily Newspapers

 

The South Carolina non-daily newspapers include the Clover Herald, the Yorkville Enquirer, the Lake Wylie Magazine and the Fort Mill Times, and serve small communities generally surrounding Rock Hill, SC. Their combined paid average fiscal year 2003 non-daily circulation is 7,988.

 

The North Carolina non-dailies are newspapers that serve communities generally surrounding Raleigh. They are: Chapel Hill News, Cary News, Eastern Wake News, and Smithfield Herald. Their combined paid average fiscal year 2003 non-daily circulation is 33,416.

 

Northwest Newspapers

 

The Company publishes five newspapers in Washington State and the largest daily newspaper in Alaska. The net revenues and circulation of these newspapers are summarized below:

 

     2003 Circulation (1)

   Net Revenues

Newspaper


   Daily/Weekly

   Sunday

   2003

   2002

The News Tribune

   128,978    146,137    $ 79,306,000    $ 77,893,000

Anchorage Daily News

   71,470    84,683    $ 55,708,000    $ 56,629,000

Tri-City Herald

   41,571    45,305    $ 23,518,000    $ 22,376,000

Non-daily newspapers

   13,336    N/A    $ 4,629,000    $ 4,355,000

 

(1) Based on fiscal year average paid circulation.

 

The Company’s Northwest newspapers produced 14.8% of the Company’s total net revenues in fiscal 2003, compared to 15.1% in 2002. Net revenues in fiscal 2003 at the Northwest newspapers increased 1.2% versus fiscal 2002.

 

7


Table of Contents

The News Tribune

 

The News Tribune, a morning newspaper, primarily serves the Tacoma, Washington, metropolitan area in Pierce and South King Counties. It is the third largest newspaper in Washington State. Tacoma is approximately 30 miles south of Seattle. The News Tribune competes in the northernmost fringes of its market with the major Seattle daily newspapers. In fiscal year 2003, the average paid circulation of The News Tribune increased 0.1% daily and 0.2% Sunday. As of December 28, 2003, approximately 83% of the daily and 84% of Sunday circulation was home delivered.

 

The News Tribune’s advertising volumes for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 are set forth in the following table:

 

     2003

   2002

Full Run advertising linage in thousands of six-column inches

   1,363    1,426

Preprints distributed in millions

   263    233

 

The News Tribune’s fiscal 2003 net revenues increased 1.8% from fiscal 2002.

 

Anchorage Daily News

 

The Anchorage Daily News, a morning newspaper, is Alaska’s largest newspaper. The Anchorage Daily News circulates throughout the state of Alaska but its primary circulation is concentrated in the south central region of the state comprising metropolitan Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

 

The Daily News’ average paid daily and Sunday circulation each decreased 0.7% in fiscal year 2003. As of December 28, 2003, approximately 69% of the daily and 65% of Sunday circulation was home delivered.

 

Advertising volumes for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002, are set forth in the following table:

 

     2003

   2002

Full Run advertising linage in thousands of six-column inches

   918    973

Preprints distributed in millions

   85    89

 

Anchorage Daily News’ fiscal 2003 net revenues decreased 1.6% from fiscal 2002.

 

Tri-City Herald

 

The Tri-City Herald is a morning newspaper serving the Tri-Cities of Richland, Kennewick and Pasco in southeastern Washington. For fiscal year 2003, the Tri-City Herald’s average paid

 

8


Table of Contents

circulation increased 0.9% daily and Sunday. As of December 28, 2003 approximately 88% of the daily and 87% of Sunday circulation was home delivered.

 

The Tri-City Herald’s advertising volumes for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 are set forth in the following table:

 

     2003

   2002

Full Run advertising linage in thousands of six-column inches

   787    763

Preprints distributed in millions

   92    88

 

The Tri-City Herald’s fiscal 2003 net revenues increased 5.1% from fiscal 2002.

 

Northwestern Non-daily Newspapers

 

The Company’s other non-daily newspapers include the Peninsula Gateway in South Puget Sound and The Puyallup Herald, which circulates weekly in South Pierce County, near Tacoma.

 

Other Operations

 

The Company’s rapidly expanding Internet activities have produced robust local websites in each of its daily newspaper markets. These efforts are supported by Nando Media, the Company’s interactive media operation that provides newspapers with content, publishing tools and software development. Nando Media’s primary mission is to be a technology and content partner to the Company’s newspaper Internet sites. Nando Media also provides hosting and programming services to other newspapers, and generated net revenues of $972,000 in fiscal 2003.

 

Raw Materials

 

During fiscal 2003, the Company consumed approximately 241,700 metric tons of newsprint compared to 243,900 metric tons in fiscal 2002. The Company currently obtains its supply of newsprint from a number of suppliers primarily under long-term contracts.

 

Newsprint expense accounted for 13.9% of operating expenses in fiscal 2003 compared to 13.6% in fiscal 2002. Consequently, the Company’s earnings are sensitive to changes in newsprint prices. All other things being equal, a hypothetical $10 per metric ton change in newsprint prices affects earnings per share by three cents annually. Management believes its newsprint sources of supply under existing arrangements are adequate for its anticipated current needs. Significant increases in the price of newsprint would adversely affect the operating results of the Company to the extent that it was not offset by advertising and circulation volume and/or rate increases.

 

The Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Newsprint Ventures, Inc., and four other publishers and a major newsprint manufacturer are partners in Ponderay Newsprint Company, a general partnership, which owns and operates a newsprint mill located sixty miles northeast of Spokane, Washington. The mill became operational in late 1989 and has a production capacity in

 

9


Table of Contents

excess of 260,000 metric tons annually. The publisher partners have committed to take a total of 126,000 metric tons of this anticipated production with the balance to be sold on the open market. The Company’s annual commitment is 28,400 metric tons. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations “ and the financial statements and accompanying notes for further discussion of the impact of this investment on the Company’s business.

 

Competition

 

The Company’s newspapers, direct marketing programs and Internet sites compete for advertising revenues and readers’ time with television, radio, the Internet, direct mail companies, free shoppers, suburban neighborhood and national newspapers and other publications, and billboard companies, among others. In some of its markets (primarily Minneapolis, Minnesota; Tacoma, Washington; and Rock Hill, South Carolina), the Company’s newspapers also compete with other newspapers published in nearby cities and towns. Competition for advertising is generally based upon circulation levels, readership demographics, price and advertiser results, while competition for circulation is generally based upon the content, journalistic quality, service and the price of the newspaper. The Company’s major daily newspapers are ahead of their direct local newspaper competitors in both advertising linage and general circulation in their respective markets, and its Internet sites are leading local sites in each of the Company’s major daily newspaper markets, based upon various independent and Company research.

 

Employees – Labor

 

As of December 28, 2003, the Company had 9,093 full and part-time employees, of whom approximately 25% were represented by unions including 57% at the Star Tribune and 23% at The Sacramento Bee, the Company’s two largest newspapers. Most of the Company’s union-represented employees are currently working under labor agreements expiring in various years. Six of the Company’s 11 daily papers have no unions.

 

While the Company’s newspapers have not had a strike since 1980 and they do not currently anticipate a strike occurring, the Company cannot preclude the possibility that a strike may occur at one or more of its newspapers when future negotiations occur. The Company believes that, in the event of a newspaper strike, it would be able to continue to publish and deliver to subscribers, a capability which is critical to retaining revenues from advertising and circulation.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

The corporate headquarters of the Company are located at 2100 “Q” Street, Sacramento, California. At December 28, 2003 the Company had newspaper production facilities in 11 markets situated in six states. These facilities vary in size and in total occupy about 3.2 million square feet. Approximately 800,000 of the total square footage is leased from others. The Company owns substantially all of its production equipment, although certain office equipment is leased.

 

10


Table of Contents

The Company maintains its properties in good condition and believes that its current facilities are adequate to meet the present needs of its newspapers.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company becomes involved from time to time in claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business, including such matters as libel, invasion of privacy, intellectual property infringement, and wrongful termination actions, and complaints alleging discrimination. In addition, the Company is involved from time to time in governmental and administrative proceedings concerning employment, labor, environmental and other claims. Historically, such claims and proceedings have not had a material adverse effect upon the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

Not Applicable.

 

11


Table of Contents

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The Company’s Class A Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE symbol - MNI). A small amount of Class A Stock is also traded on the Midwest Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock Exchange. The Company’s Class B Stock is not publicly traded. The following table lists per share dividends paid on Common Stock and the prices of the Company’s Class A Common Stock as reported by these exchanges for fiscal 2003 and 2002:

 

     2003

   2002

     High

   Low

   Dividends

   High

   Low

   Dividends

1st Quarter

   $ 58.35    $ 51.39    $ 0.11    $ 61.10    $ 45.95    $ 0.10

2nd Quarter

   $ 62.39    $ 52.70    $ 0.11    $ 65.55    $ 56.00    $ 0.10

3rd Quarter

   $ 62.15    $ 55.58    $ 0.11    $ 64.20    $ 52.80    $ 0.10

4th Quarter

   $ 70.14    $ 59.35    $ 0.11    $ 63.76    $ 54.60    $ 0.10

 

The Company’s Board of Directors approved a 10% increase in the dividend for the first quarter of fiscal 2004 to $0.12 per share per quarter. The payment and amount of future dividends remain within the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon the Company’s future earnings, financial condition and requirements, and other factors considered relevant by the Board.

 

The number of record holders of Class A and Class B Common Stock at February 25, 2004 was 1,482 and 24, respectively.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

Information regarding McClatchy’s equity compensation plans, including both shareholder approved plans and non-shareholder approved plans, is set forth in the section entitled “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” in the definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which information is incorporated into Item 12 herein by reference.

 

12


Table of Contents
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     December 28,
2003


    December 29,
2002


    December 30,
2001


    December 31,
2000


    December 26,
1999


 

REVENUES - NET:

                                        

Advertising

   $ 910,628     $ 877,838     $ 871,375     $ 926,745     $ 875,299  

Circulation

     165,552       166,050       168,462       175,429       175,638  

Other

     23,211       26,072       28,302       28,915       27,775  
    


 


 


 


 


Total

     1,099,391       1,069,960       1,068,139       1,131,089       1,078,712  

OPERATING EXPENSES:

                                        

Depreciation and amortization

     70,139       73,189       109,029       109,169       106,598  

Other operating expenses

     780,311       752,966       787,092       789,698       748,265  
    


 


 


 


 


       850,450       826,155       896,121       898,867       854,863  

OPERATING INCOME

     248,941       243,805       172,018       232,222       223,849  

NON-OPERATING (EXPENSES) INCOME:

                                        

Interest expense

     (18,090 )     (26,448 )     (44,045 )     (64,677 )     (65,742 )

Partnership income (loss)

     368       (1,341 )     527       (60 )     (850 )

Loss on Internet investments

     (1,008 )     (1,000 )     (10,556 )     —         —    

Other - net

     448       652       937       1,927       2,154  
    


 


 


 


 


       (18,282 )     (28,137 )     (53,137 )     (62,810 )     (64,438 )

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION

     230,659       215,668       118,881       169,412       159,411  

INCOME TAX PROVISION

     86,462       85,119       61,944       81,407       77,355  
    


 


 


 


 


INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     144,197       130,549       56,937       88,005       82,056  

DISCONTINUED OPERATION:

                                        

Income from discontinued operation before income tax provision (including $10,224 gain on disposal in 2003)

     10,076       1,217       1,821       1,608       850  

Income tax provision

     4,051       550       761       683       374  
    


 


 


 


 


Income from discontinued operation

     6,025       667       1,060       925       476  
    


 


 


 


 


NET INCOME

   $ 150,222     $ 131,216     $ 57,997     $ 88,930     $ 82,532  
    


 


 


 


 


NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:

                                        

Basic:

                                        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 3.13     $ 2.86     $ 1.26     $ 1.95     $ 1.83  

Income from discontinued operation

     0.13       0.01       0.02       0.02       0.01  
    


 


 


 


 


Net income per share

   $ 3.26     $ 2.87     $ 1.28     $ 1.97     $ 1.84  
    


 


 


 


 


Diluted:

                                        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 3.10     $ 2.83     $ 1.25     $ 1.95     $ 1.82  

Income from discontinued operation

     0.13       0.01       0.02       0.02       0.01  
    


 


 


 


 


Net income per share

   $ 3.23     $ 2.84     $ 1.27     $ 1.97     $ 1.83  
    


 


 


 


 


DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE

   $ 0.44     $ 0.40     $ 0.40     $ 0.40     $ 0.38  
    


 


 


 


 


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:

                                        

Total Assets

   $ 1,875,298     $ 1,981,561     $ 2,104,160     $ 2,165,658     $ 2,204,028  

Long-term bank debt

     204,923       471,615       594,714       778,102       878,166  

Stockholders’ equity

     1,216,017       1,057,329       998,165       958,851       879,666  

 

On June 10, 2003, the Company sold the assets of The Newspaper Network, a national sales and marketing company. Prior year data has been reclassified for this discontinued operation. In fiscal 2002 the Company adopted SFAS No. 142 and No. 144 and in accordance with these statements, eliminated the amortization of goodwill and recorded a pre-tax charge of $1.6 million to write down the value of certain land. Amortization expense that would have been excluded had SFAS No. 142 been effective for fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 was $34.7 million, $35.4 million and $34.6 million, respectively. Results in 2001 include pre-tax charges totaling $12.0 million to write down certain Internet investments and reserve for an environmental clean up. Results in fiscal 2000 include 53 weeks while all other years include 52 weeks. This summary should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

 

13


Table of Contents
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

During 2003, the Company published 24 newspapers in four regions of the country - Minnesota, California, the Carolinas and the Northwest (Alaska and Washington). The Company’s newspapers range from large dailies serving metropolitan areas to non-daily newspapers serving small communities. The Company supplements its newspaper publishing with an array of niche products and direct marketing initiatives, including direct mail. The Company also operates leading local websites in each of its daily newspaper markets offering users information, comprehensive news, advertising, e-commerce and other services. The Company also owns and operates Nando Media, an interactive media operation that provides newspapers with content, publishing tools and software development.

 

The Company’s primary source of revenue is advertising. While percentages vary from year to year, and from newspaper to newspaper, local retail advertising carried as a part of newspapers (“run-of-press” or “ROP” advertising) or in advertising inserts placed in newspapers (preprint advertising), contributes roughly 40% of advertising revenues at the Company’s newspapers. Recent trends have been for certain national or regional retailers to use greater preprint advertising and less ROP advertising, although that trend shifts from time to time. Nonetheless, ROP advertising still makes up the majority of retail advertising. Classified advertising, primarily in automotive, employment and real estate categories, contributes about 40% and national advertising (from national telecommunications, financial, automotive manufacturers and certain other industries) contributes about 10% of such advertising. Online advertising, direct marketing and other advertising make up the remainder of the Company’s advertising revenues. Circulation revenues generally contribute from 14% to 18% of the Company’s newspaper revenues, depending upon the size and locale of the newspaper. Most newspapers are delivered by independent contractors and circulation revenues are recorded net of direct delivery costs.

 

See Results of Operations, which follow for a discussion of the Company’s revenue performance and contribution by categories in 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The accompanying discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (US GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. However, future events are subject to change and

 

14


Table of Contents

the best estimates and judgments routinely require adjustment. The most significant areas involving estimates and assumptions are revenue recognition, allowance for uncollectible accounts, amortization and/or impairment of intangibles, pension and post-retirement expenses, insurance reserves, incentive compensation, environmental reserves, the Company’s tax provision and depreciation of fixed assets. We believe the following critical accounting policies, in particular, affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition - Advertising revenues are recorded when advertisements are placed in the newspaper and circulation revenues are recorded as newspapers are delivered over the subscription term. Circulation revenues are recorded net of direct delivery costs. Other revenue is recognized when the related product or service has been delivered. Revenues are recorded net of estimated incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revisions to these estimates are charged to income in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.

 

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts - The Company maintains an allowance account for estimated losses resulting from the risk its customers will not make required payments. Generally, the Company uses the aging of accounts receivable to establish allowances for losses on accounts receivable. However, if the financial condition of a customer deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances are reserved.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Impairment - In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s goodwill and other intangibles, the Company must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. The Company analyzes its goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment. No material impairment loss was recorded in fiscal 2003, 2002 or 2001.

 

Pension and Post-retirement Benefits - The Company has significant pension and post-retirement benefit costs and credits that are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions including salary rate increases, discount rates and expected return on plan assets. The Company is required to consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in establishing these assumptions. Changes in the related pension and post-retirement benefit costs or credits may occur in the future because of changes resulting from fluctuations in the Company’s employee headcount and/or changes in the various assumptions.

 

The Company used a discount rate of 6.75%, assumed salary rate increases of 3.0% to 5.0% and an assumed long-term return on assets of 9.0% to calculate its retirement expenses in fiscal 2003. See note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for a more in-depth discussion of the Company’s policies in setting its key assumptions related to these obligations.

 

Tax Provision - The Company’s tax provision is based upon its estimated taxable income and includes assumptions and estimates it anticipates formalizing on its tax returns when subsequently prepared and are based upon existing tax laws. Deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between assets and liabilities reported for financial accounting and income tax reporting purposes.

 

15


Table of Contents

Self-Insurance - The Company is self-insured for workers’ compensation in California and Alaska, and for the majority of its group health insurance costs. The Company relies on claims experience and the advice of consulting actuaries and administrators in determining an adequate provision for self-insurance claims.

 

Recent Events and Trends

 

Recent Divestiture and Acquisition:

 

On June 10, 2003, the Company sold the assets of The Newspaper Network (TNN), a national sales and marketing company (fiscal 2002 revenues of $11.9 million). The Associated Press purchased TNN’s ad processing operations and, separately, Vertis, Inc. purchased TNN’s sales and marketing assets. Total consideration from the sales was $14.2 million including the assumption of liabilities. The Company has reclassified the assets and liabilities of TNN as held for sale in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 29, 2002. The revenues and operating results of TNN are included in discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income in 2001, 2002 and 2003, as is the gain on its sale in 2003.

 

On January 7, 2004, the Company purchased the assets of the Merced Sun-Star, a daily newspaper in Merced, California and five non-daily newspapers (Merced Group) for $40.5 million in cash from Pacific-Sierra Publishing, Inc. The Merced Sun-Star has five-day circulation of 17,400 and weekend circulation of 21,500, and the Merced Group had revenues in its fiscal 2003 (ending March) of $12.6 million. The results for the Merced Group are not reflected in the Company’s financial statements prior to January 7, 2004.

 

Operating Revenues:

 

While total advertising revenues grew 3.7% in fiscal 2003, classified advertising continued to decline, particularly in the employment category. Employment advertising, which reached $190.8 million in 2000, declined 41.6% to $111.4 million by the end of 2002. Employment advertising revenues declined an additional 12.0% to $98.0 million in fiscal 2003, but the rate of decline slowed from the second quarter of 2003 through the end of the year, with the fourth quarter declining 6.6% from fiscal 2002 fourth quarter. While print employment revenues have declined, the Company’s online revenues and particularly the employment category have experienced strong growth. When print and online employment advertising are combined, employment advertising declined only 7.2% for all of fiscal 2003. Also, the declines in employment advertising were offset by advertising revenue growth in other categories in 2003. Please see the revenue discussions below under Results of Operations.

 

Operating Costs:

 

Newsprint prices were higher than prior year levels beginning in the second quarter of 2003, resulting in higher newsprint expense for the year. An increase in newsprint prices was implemented in the fourth quarter of 2002 and was followed by three additional increases in 2003. All other things being equal, a hypothetical $10 per metric ton change in newsprint prices

 

16


Table of Contents

affects earnings per share by three cents annually. The Company’s newsprint suppliers have announced a $50 per metric ton price increase for February 2004; however, at this time it is uncertain when the price increase will be effective or whether it will be in the amount indicated by the announcement. The eventual timing and amount of any further changes in newsprint pricing is dependent on global demand and supply for newsprint. The impact of newsprint price increases on the Company’s expenses is discussed under Results of Operations below.

 

The Company’s fringe benefit costs increased 9.5% over fiscal 2002 due primarily to higher retirement and medical costs, and are expected to continue to increase in fiscal 2004. In addition, historically low long-term interest rates caused the Company to use a 6.75% discount rate to calculate its pension and post-retirement expenses in fiscal 2003 compared to a 7.5% rate used in fiscal 2002. This is the primary factor in driving up retirement expenses. Continued low interest rates have resulted in the Company using a discount rate of 6.25% to value its year-end pension obligations and to calculate its 2004 pension expense. In addition, with an economic recovery anticipated by many analysts over the next several years, the Company believes it is prudent to increase its assumed rate of salary increase from 3.0% to 5.0% used in 2003 to 3.5% to 5.0% in 2004 for its pension plans. These factors will increase the Company’s pension expense in fiscal 2004 compared to 2003. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company has contributed $60.0 million to its pension plans in fiscal 2004, and earnings on this contribution will partially offset these increases. Nonetheless, the Company expects its pension and post-retirement expense to increase between $6.0 million to $8.0 million in fiscal 2004. Medical costs also rose in 2003, and are expected to increase in fiscal 2004 between $5.0 million and $6.0 million.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

FISCAL 2003 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2002

 

The Company reported net income from continuing operations of $144.2 million, or $3.10 per share, compared to the fiscal year 2002 earnings from continuing operations of $130.5 million, or $2.83 per share. Total fiscal 2003 earnings from continuing operations included a pre-tax charge of $1.0 million to write down a certain Internet investment. Net income including the discontinued operation was $150.2 million in fiscal 2003, or $3.23 per share, compared to $131.2 million, or $2.84 per share, in fiscal 2002.

 

Revenues:

 

Revenues from continuing operations in fiscal year 2003 increased 2.8% to $1.1 billion with advertising revenues up 3.7% to $910.6 million and circulation revenues down 0.3% to $165.6 million.

 

17


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the Company’s revenue by category in 2003 (in thousands):

 

     2003

   2002

  

%

Change


 

Advertising Revenues:

                    

Retail

   $ 397,415    $ 382,467    3.9 %

National

     95,214      85,749    11.0 %

Classified:

                    

Automotive

     119,014      120,933    -1.6 %

Employment

     98,028      111,359    -12.0 %

Real Estate

     89,110      77,374    15.2 %

Other

     36,796      38,149    -3.5 %
    

  

      

Total Classified

     342,948      347,815    -1.4 %

Other

     75,051      61,807    21.4 %
    

  

      

Total Advertising

     910,628      877,838    3.7 %

Circulation

     165,552      166,050    -0.3 %

Other

     23,211      26,072    -11.0 %
    

  

      

Total Revenues

   $ 1,099,391    $ 1,069,960    2.8 %
    

  

      

 

While the Company reviews and evaluates the operations of each individual newspaper, for purposes of organization and ease of understanding, the following table summarizes fiscal 2003 revenues at its newspaper operations by region with year over year changes:

 

     Minnesota

    California

    Carolinas

    Northwest

 
     Revenues

  

%

Change


    Revenues

  

%

Change


    Revenues

  

%

Change


    Revenues

  

%

Change


 

Revenues

                                                    

Advertising

   $ 294,894    2.3 %   $ 338,485    7.3 %   $ 146,769    0.6 %   $ 130,480    1.9 %

Circulation

     66,194    -0.9 %     50,338    0.3 %     24,126    -3.4 %     24,894    3.3 %

Other

     3,200    -19.6 %     5,451    6.0 %     5,801    -10.2 %     7,787    -14.2 %
    

        

        

        

      

Total

   $ 364,288    1.4 %   $ 394,274    6.3 %   $ 176,696    -0.3 %   $ 163,161    1.2 %
    

        

        

        

      

 

Retail advertising grew $14.9 million over fiscal 2002 due primarily to growth in preprinted advertising inserts placed into the newspapers, which was up $13.5 million or 9.3%. Much of this growth was from the Company’s three daily Bee newspapers in California ($8.2 million) and from the Star Tribune in Minneapolis ($5.4 million).

 

18


Table of Contents

National advertising increased $9.5 million reflecting strong advertising from telecommunication companies at most newspapers, and banking and automotive advertising at The Sacramento Bee. In fact, $3.7 million of the increase in national advertising was at The Sacramento Bee, and the California newspapers as a group contributed $6.7 million of the increase.

 

Classified advertising declined $4.9 million, due primarily to a $13.3 million decline in employment advertising, offset somewhat by strong advertising growth of $11.7 million in classified real estate advertising. Automotive and other classified advertising declined $3.2 million with only the California newspapers showing growth in these areas. The decline in automotive is partially due to difficult comparisons to strong growth in this category in 2002.

 

Employment advertising was down at all newspapers as this industry-wide trend of lower employment advertising continued, especially at larger metropolitan newspapers. The Star Tribune in Minnesota and The Sacramento Bee recorded most of these declines by virtue of being the Company’s two largest newspapers. The News & Observer in Raleigh, NC, had significant losses of employment advertising over the last few years; however, it was one of the Company’s first newspapers to show an improving trend in the second half of fiscal 2003. Employment revenue declined $5.3 million at the Star Tribune, $3.6 million at The Sacramento Bee, and $464,000 at The News & Observer.

 

Real estate advertising was strong at all newspapers except for those in the Carolina region, where they declined nominally due to local market conditions. The increase in real estate advertising at the Company’s other newspapers reflects the national trend in this category.

 

Other advertising revenues increased $13.2 million and primarily consisted of direct marketing and Internet advertising revenues, two of the fastest growing revenue sources at the Company’s newspapers. Direct marketing revenues increased $4.4 million with much of the growth coming from the Company’s California newspapers ($3.2 million) where the three Bee newspapers have combined to offer direct mail programs to advertisers. Online advertising grew $8.7 million or 47.5% with strong growth at all newspapers, but with particularly strong growth at The Sacramento Bee (up $2.9 million) and the Star Tribune (up $2.2 million).

 

Circulation revenues declined nominally as increases at some newspapers were offset by declines at others. Each newspaper pursues its own mix of rate changes and promotional programs. The most significant declines in circulation revenues were at the Star Tribune, which reflected changes in the sales mix between single copy and home delivery and promotional programs, and at The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette, where reclassifications of certain delivery costs to a contra-revenue account decreased net circulation revenues.

 

Other revenues declined $2.9 million with much of the decline in the Northwest newspapers ($1.2 million) due to lower commercial printing revenues and at Nando Media ($437,000) due to the Company’s decision to discontinue the sale of news and information content to third parties.

 

19


Table of Contents

Operating Expense:

 

Total operating expenses from continuing operations increased by 2.9% in fiscal 2003 due primarily to higher newsprint, retirement and medical costs. Compensation costs were up 3.1% reflecting salary increases and higher fringe benefit costs. Salaries increased 1.7% reflecting merit increases which were offset somewhat by a 1.2% decline in head count. However, fringe benefit costs rose by 9.5%, largely due to $7.0 million in additional retirement and medical costs. Newsprint and supplement expense was up 5.0% for fiscal 2003, with newsprint prices up 5.3% and consumption down 0.9%. Other operating expenses increased 3.9% due primarily to higher postage costs associated with the Company’s direct mail programs and to the write-off of certain software fixed assets. Depreciation and amortization costs declined $3.1 million, or 4.2%, primarily reflecting lower capital expenditures over the last several years and the expiration of useful lives of certain assets.

 

Non-Operating (Expenses) Income – Net:

 

Interest expense was $18.1 million for the fiscal year 2003. This is a 31.6% decline from the fiscal year 2002 as the Company benefited from lower interest rates, the expiration of two interest rate swaps and debt repayment from free cash flow. The Company also recorded $368,000 as its share of Ponderay’s income for the fiscal year 2003 compared to $1.3 million of loss in the fiscal year 2002. The additional income from Ponderay primarily reflects the favorable impact of higher newsprint prices. The Company recorded losses on the writedown of an Internet investment of $1 million in fiscal 2003 as it determined that the carrying value of the investment was permanently impaired. Also, in fiscal 2002 the Company purchased a significant portion of the assets of an Internet company in which it had previously invested, and as a result of the asset purchase, the Company was required to write down its investment, recording a loss of $1 million.

 

Income Taxes:

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 37.5% for the fiscal year 2003 compared to 39.5% for fiscal year 2002. The lower effective tax rate in 2003 primarily relates to successful resolution of certain state tax positions the Company took in connection with past acquisitions.

 

FISCAL 2002 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2001

 

Net income in the fiscal year 2002 was $130.5 million, up 129.0%, or $2.83 per share compared to the fiscal year 2001 earnings from continuing operations of $56.9 million, or $1.25 per share. This increase largely reflects the adoption in fiscal 2002 of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which eliminated goodwill amortization. Fiscal 2002 earnings included a pre-tax charge of $1.6 million to write down the value of certain real property (as discussed below). The fiscal year 2001 earnings from continuing operations would have been $2.01 per share if SFAS No. 142 had been in place during that year. See the discussion under operating expenses and income tax provision

 

20


Table of Contents

below, and Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for an explanation of the impact of SFAS No. 142 on the Company’s year-to-date expenses and financial position.

 

Operating Revenues – Net:

 

Net revenues in the fiscal year 2002 remained virtually flat at $1.07 billion, with advertising revenues up 0.7% to $877.8 million, and circulation revenues down 1.4% to $166.1 million.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s revenues by category in 2002 (in thousands):

 

     2002

   2001

   Change

 

Advertising Revenues:

                    

Retail

   $ 382,467    $ 376,548    1.6 %

National

     85,749      91,492    -6.3 %

Classified:

                    

Automotive

     120,933      103,373    17.0 %

Employment

     111,359      136,908    -18.7 %

Real Estate

     77,374      67,346    14.9 %

Other

     38,149      35,325    8.0 %
    

  

      

Total Classified

     347,815      342,952    1.4 %

Other

     61,807      60,383    2.4 %
    

  

      

Total Advertising

     877,838      871,375    0.7 %

Circulation

     166,050      168,462    -1.4 %

Other

     26,072      28,302    -7.9 %
    

  

      

Total Revenues

   $ 1,069,960    $ 1,068,139    0.2 %
    

  

      

 

While the Company reviews and evaluates the operations of each individual newspaper, for purposes of organization and ease of understanding, the following table summarizes fiscal 2002 revenues at its newspaper operations by region with year over year changes:

 

     Minnesota

    California

    Carolinas

    Northwest

 
     Revenues

  

%

Change


    Revenues

  

%

Change


    Revenues

  

%

Change


    Revenues

  

%

Change


 

Revenues

                                                    

Advertising

   $ 288,343    -1.9 %   $ 315,585    2.9 %   $ 145,842    -0.4 %   $ 128,068    3.1 %

Circulation

     66,775    -1.2 %     50,181    -2.8 %     24,986    1.7 %     24,108    -2.3 %

Other

     3,982    -8.7 %     5,141    14.8 %     6,463    -1.1 %     9,077    -22.8 %
    

        

        

        

      

Total

   $ 359,100    -1.9 %   $ 370,907    2.2 %   $ 177,291    -0.1 %   $ 161,253    0.4 %
    

        

        

        

      

 

21


Table of Contents

Retail advertising revenues increased $5.9 million from fiscal 2001 as growth in preprint advertising increased $12.3 million, but was partially offset by declines in ROP advertising of $6.3 million. This change reflects an industry-wide trend toward advertising in preprinted inserts in lieu of ROP advertising. Much of the retail growth came from The Sacramento Bee, up $2.9 million, and The News & Observer in Raleigh, NC, up $1.7 million. Both newspapers had new mall openings in their markets during 2002 with the attendant grand-opening advertising. Retail was generally weak at other newspapers as effects from the economic recession impacted advertisers.

 

National advertising was down $5.7 million in fiscal 2002 compared to 2001 and declined at virtually all of the Company’s newspapers as national advertisers had not yet seen recovery in their businesses from the economic recession that began in 2001, and therefore, kept advertising at lower levels.

 

Classified advertising increased $4.9 million; however, employment advertising was down $25.6 million, or 18.7%, from 2001 levels. The decline in employment advertising was primarily offset by strong advertising in automotive, up $17.6 million, and real estate, up $10.0 million.

 

Employment advertising was down significantly at the Company’s three largest newspapers: the Star Tribune, ($12.9 million), The Sacramento Bee ($4.5 million), and The News & Observer in Raleigh, NC ($4.1 million); but was generally down at all newspapers reflecting the industry-wide trend of recent years.

 

The gains in automotive were largely the result of “zero-percent financing” programs in 2002 at automotive dealers, while low interest rates fueled growth in real estate activity which was reflected in greater advertising in the Company’s newspapers.

 

Other advertising revenues increased $1.4 million, largely reflecting a $l.1 million decline in direct marketing revenues, offset by a $2.2 million increase in online advertising. The Star Tribune reorganized its direct marketing program to focus on more profitable projects, which improved profitability, but resulted in a $3.9 million revenue decline, while The Sacramento Bee expanded its direct mail programs, generating a revenue increase of $1.1 million. The increase in online advertising was generally spread throughout the Company’s newspapers, except at The News & Observer, where lower online employment advertising pulled down total online advertising revenues slightly.

 

Circulation revenues declined $2.4 million and were down at most newspapers (only the Carolinas newspapers showed increases in circulation revenues) due primarily to the reclassification of certain circulation bad debts to a contra-revenue account. This reclassification reflected uncollected revenues for newspapers distributed free to home-delivery subscribers in an effort to regain subscriptions after their initial expiration date (known as “grace” period deliveries). This reclassification had no effect on earnings as it reduced both revenues and expenses.

 

22


Table of Contents

Other revenues declined $2.2 million, with most of the decline coming from The News Tribune in Tacoma, WA where management declined to continue commercial printing for a large customer. By declining to renew the printing contract, The News Tribune was able to forego significant capital expenditures for press equipment that would have been required but, in management’s view, offered no long-term strategic benefit to the newspaper.

 

Operating Expenses:

 

Total operating expenses from continuing operations decreased 7.8% to $826.2 million in fiscal 2002. Depreciation and amortization decreased $35.8 million in large part due to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, which eliminated the amortization of goodwill. Expenses excluding depreciation and amortization declined 4.3% despite an increase in compensation, which was up 2.4%, reflecting merit increases, incentive compensation increases and higher fringe benefit costs. Much of the decline in the expenses excluding depreciation and amortization was due to lower newsprint costs. Newsprint and supplements declined by 20.8% with newsprint prices down 18.9% and newsprint consumption down 3.0%. Other operating expenses were down 4.9%. Excluding a $1.6 million charge to write down certain real property, other operating expenses were down 5.7%, reflecting company-wide cost controls. The $1.6 million charge reflected the Company’s decision to retain certain real property it had previously held for sale, and accordingly, wrote down the property value to its historical carrying value in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for The Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”

 

Non-Operating (Expenses) Income – Net:

 

Interest expense was $26.4 million for fiscal year 2002. This is a 40.0% decrease from fiscal year 2001 as the Company continued to benefit from lower interest rates and debt repayment from the Company’s cash flow. The Company also recorded $1.3 million as its share of Ponderay’s loss in the fiscal year 2002 compared to $527,000 of income in the fiscal year 2001. The Company recorded a loss on the writedown of an Internet investment of $1 million in fiscal 2002 after it purchased a significant portion of the assets of an Internet company in which it had previously invested, and applied purchase accounting to the fair market value of the assets at the time of purchase. In 2001, the Company recorded a loss of $10.6 million related to four Internet investments whose values were determined to be permanently impaired.

 

Income Taxes:

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 39.5% versus 52.1% in fiscal year 2001. This decrease results primarily from the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 142 which eliminated the non-tax-deductible amortization of goodwill. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $3.4 million at December 28, 2003, versus $5.4 million at the end of fiscal 2002. The Company generated $183.9 million of cash from operating activities in fiscal 2003 and has generated an aggregate of $553.7 million over the

 

23


Table of Contents

last three years. The major non-operating uses of cash over the three-year period have been to repay debt, to purchase property, plant and equipment, make pension contributions and to pay dividends. In fiscal 2003, the Company repaid $149.0 million of bank debt and has repaid $432.0 million over the last three years. The Company paid $20.3 million in dividends in fiscal 2003, while proceeds from issuing Class A stock under employee stock plans totaled $10.2 million. See the Company’s Statement of Cash Flows on page 34.

 

In fiscal 2003, the Company made a voluntary contribution of $50.0 million to its defined benefit pension plans. In early fiscal 2004 it made additional voluntary contributions totaling $60.0 million in order to reduce the unfunded liability of its qualified pension plans, which totaled $14.0 million at December 28, 2003, and to help reduce pension expense with the earnings on the contributions. Given the anticipated increase in its pension obligations in 2004 resulting from pension expense, and depending on the return on pension assets and the interest rate environment, management considered the $60.0 million contribution to be prudent. The Company may be required to, or may voluntarily opt to, make additional contributions to its pension plans in future years, but does not currently anticipate any additional contributions in fiscal 2004.

 

The Company expended a total of $34.1 million in fiscal 2003 for capital projects and equipment from continuing operations to improve productivity, keep pace with new technology and maintain existing operations. Capital expenditures over the last three years from continuing operations have totaled $101.7 million and planned expenditures in fiscal 2004 are estimated to be $48.0 million at existing facilities. The Company has purchase obligations through 2011 totaling $33.2 million primarily for capital expenditures – see the table of contractual obligations below.

 

See Notes 1 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the table of contractual obligations and commitments below for a discussion of the Company’s commitments to Ponderay.

 

A syndicate of banks and financial institutions provided the bank debt financing for the 1998 acquisition of The Star Tribune Company under a Bank Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement). At December 28, 2003, the Company’s bank debt totaled $347.0 million and includes term loans consisting of Tranche A of $227.0 million bearing interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 62.5 basis points, payable in increasing quarterly installments through March 21, 2005, and Tranche B of $102.0 million bearing interest at LIBOR plus 150 basis points and payable in semi-annual installments through September 19, 2007. A revolving credit line of up to $200.0 million, of which $18.0 million was outstanding at December 28, 2003, bears interest at LIBOR plus 62.5 basis points and is payable by March 19, 2005. Interest rates applicable to debt drawn down at December 28, 2003, ranged from 1.8% to 2.7%.

 

The terms of the Credit Agreement include certain operating and financial restrictions, such as limits on the Company’s ability to incur additional debt, create liens, sell assets, engage in mergers, make investments and pay dividends. The debt is unsecured and is pre-payable without penalty.

 

24


Table of Contents

With the addition of a $1.0 million letter of credit on January 2, 2004, the Company currently has outstanding letters of credit totaling $7.0 million securing estimated obligations stemming from workers’ compensation claims and other contingent claims. The Company had $176.0 million of available credit under its current Credit Agreement at December 28, 2003. However, the Company drew down $122.0 million on its revolving credit line recently to make pension contributions, complete the Merced acquisition and to repay Tranche A debt, and has subsequently repaid a portion of this drawdown. Hence, its available credit at February 24, 2004 was $82.0 million.

 

The Company’s revolving line of credit and Tranche A debt both mature before the end of its first quarter of fiscal 2005. The Company expects that most of its cash generated from operations in the foreseeable future will be used to repay debt. Management believes that the Company’s operating cash flow and its access to credit facilities are adequate to meet its liquidity needs, including currently planned capital expenditures, pension contributions and future investments. In 2004 the Company expects to re-finance its existing debt facilities subject to market conditions being favorable. The Company has approximately $4.6 million of unamortized loan origination fees related to its current credit facilities (currently expensing $917,000 quarterly). The balance of these fees will be written off when the re-financing occurs.

 

The Company does not have, nor does it intend to enter into, derivative contracts for trading purposes. The Company has not attempted to hedge fluctuations in the normal purchases of goods and services used to conduct its business operations. Currently there is no intent to hedge or enter into contracts with embedded derivatives for the purchase of newsprint, ink, and other inventories, leases of equipment and facilities, or business insurance contracts.

 

The Company utilizes interest rate protection agreements (swaps) to help maintain the overall interest rate risk parameters set by management. None of these agreements were entered into for trading purposes. The swap instruments were entered into to match the significant terms of the underlying debt in an effort to provide highly effective hedges. The Company currently has one interest rate swap agreement designated as a cash flow hedge specifically designed to hedge interest rate fluctuations on $100.0 million of its variable rate bank debt through June 2004. The effect of this agreement is to fix the LIBOR interest rate exposure at approximately 3.8% on that portion of the Company’s term loans. Notwithstanding the debt refinancing discussed above, the Company expects to hold this swap through its maturity.

 

25


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 28, 2003 (in thousands):

 

     Payments Due By

     Total

   1 Year

   1-3 Years

   3-5 Years

   After
5 Years


Included in the Company’s balance sheet:

                                  

Long-term debt

   $ 347,000    $ 142,077    $ 204,923              

Pension obligations (a)

     34,736      1,370      2,740    $ 2,740    $ 27,886

Post-retirement obligations

     16,269      1,968      4,000      4,000      6,301

Other long-term obligations (b)

     5,339      842      3,215      800      482

Interest rate swap (c)

     1,304      1,304                     

Other obligations:

                                  

Purchase obligations (d)

     33,212      22,340      9,641      471      760

Operating leases

     20,098      5,784      8,786      4,033      1,495

Stand by letters of credit (e)

     5,985                           5,985

Guarantees (f)

     13,255      13,255                     
    

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 477,198    $ 188,940    $ 233,305    $ 12,044    $ 42,909
    

  

  

  

  

 

The Company has no material capital lease obligations.

 

(a) Includes both qualified plans ($14.0 million) and non-qualified plans ($20.7 million).

 

(b) Primarily deferred compensation obligations.

 

(c) Amount reflects the fair value should the swap be terminated; however, the Company does not currently intend to terminate its swap prior to its normal maturity date.

 

(d) Primarily capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment.

 

(e) In connection with the Company’s insurance program, letters of credit are required to support certain projected claims and obligations.

 

(f) The Company guarantees 13.5% of the debt of Ponderay. The Company also has purchase commitments that are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

26


Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS THAT COULD AFFECT OPERATING RESULTS

 

Forward-Looking Information:

 

This annual report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s actual and expected financial performance and operations. These statements are based upon our current expectations and knowledge of factors impacting our business, including, without limitation, statements about return on pension plan assets and assumed salary increases, newsprint costs, amortization expense, use of derivative instruments, prepayment of debt, capital expenditures, sufficiency of capital resources and possible acquisitions. Such statements are subject to risks, trends and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by, followed by or are a part of sentences that include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” or similar expressions. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should understand that the following important factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this document and in the documents which we incorporate by reference, could affect the future results of McClatchy, and could cause those future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements: general economic, market or business conditions, especially in any of the markets where we operate newspapers; geo-political uncertainties including the risk of war, changes in newsprint prices and/or printing and distribution costs from anticipated levels; changes in interest rates; changes in pension assets and liabilities; increased competition from newspapers or other forms of media in our principal markets; increased consolidation among major retailers in our newspaper markets or other events depressing the level of advertising; changes in our ability to negotiate and obtain favorable terms under collective bargaining arrangements with our employees; competitive actions by other companies; difficulties in servicing our debt obligations; other occurrences leading to decreased circulation and diminished revenues from both display and classified advertising; and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

 

Additional Information Regarding Certain Risks:

 

Newsprint is the major component of our cost of raw materials. Newsprint accounted for 13.9% of McClatchy’s operating expenses in fiscal 2003. Accordingly, our earnings are sensitive to changes in newsprint prices. We have not attempted to hedge fluctuations in the normal purchases of newsprint or enter into contracts with embedded derivatives for the purchase of newsprint. If the price of newsprint increases materially, our operating results could be adversely affected. For a discussion of the impact of a change in newsprint prices on the Company’s earnings per share, please see the newsprint discussion above at “Recent Events and Trends.” If our newsprint suppliers experience labor unrest, transportation difficulties or other supply disruptions, our ability to produce and deliver newspapers could be impaired and/or the cost of the newsprint could increase, both of which would negatively affect our operating results.

 

If McClatchy experiences labor unrest, our ability to produce and deliver newspapers would be impaired. The results of future labor negotiations could harm our operating results. Our newspapers have not endured a labor strike since 1980. However, we cannot ensure that a strike will not occur at one or more of our newspapers in the future. As of December 28, 2003,

 

27


Table of Contents

approximately a quarter of our full- and part-time employees were represented by unions including 57% at the Star Tribune and 23% at The Sacramento Bee, the Company’s two largest newspapers. Most of the Company’s union-represented employees are currently working under labor agreements, which expire at various times. McClatchy faces collective bargaining upon the expirations of these labor agreements. Even if our newspapers do not suffer a labor strike, the Company’s operating results could be harmed if the results of labor negotiations restrict our ability to maximize the efficiency of its newspaper operations.

 

Changes in the regulatory and technological environment are bringing about consolidation of media companies and convergence among various forms of media. These changes are expected to continue or accelerate as a result of anticipated loosening of regulatory constraints by the Federal Communications Commission. The Company faces competition with larger and more diversified entities for circulation and advertising revenues and further industry consolidation will likely increase this competition. Such consolidation could also affect the Company’s opportunities to make acquisitions.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

In addition to normal business risks discussed above, the Company utilizes interest rate protection agreements (swaps) to help maintain the overall interest rate risk parameters set by management. None of these agreements was entered into for trading purposes.

 

The Company has one interest rate swap agreement totaling $100.0 million designated as a cash flow hedge specifically designed to hedge the variability in the expected cash flows that are attributable to interest rate fluctuations on $100.0 million of its variable rate bank debt through June 2004. The effect of this agreement is to fix the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) interest rate exposure on these borrowings at approximately 3.8% on that portion of the Company’s term loans.

 

All things being equal, a hypothetical 25 basis point change in LIBOR for a fiscal year would have a $0.01 per share increase or decrease in the Company’s annual results of operations. It would also impact the fair values of its market risk-sensitive financial instrument but would not materially affect the Company’s financial position taken as a whole.

 

28


Table of Contents
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP

   30

Consolidated Statement of Income

   31

Consolidated Balance Sheet

   32

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

   34

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

   35

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   36

Financial Statement Schedule:

    

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   62

 

All other schedules are omitted as not applicable under the rules of Regulation S-X.

 

29


Table of Contents

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

 

The McClatchy Company:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The McClatchy Company and its subsidiaries as of December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2003. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules at Item 8. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The McClatchy Company and its subsidiaries at December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2002 the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

 

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Sacramento, California

February 18, 2004

 

30


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(In thousands, except for share amounts)

 

     Year Ended

 
    

December 28,

2003


   

December 29,

2002


   

December 30,

2001


 

REVENUE - NET

                        

Newspapers:

                        

Advertising

   $ 910,628     $ 877,838     $ 871,375  

Circulation

     165,552       166,050       168,462  

Other

     22,239       24,663       27,137  
    


 


 


       1,098,419       1,068,551       1,066,974  

Non-newspapers

     972       1,409       1,165  
    


 


 


       1,099,391       1,069,960       1,068,139  

OPERATING EXPENSES

                        

Compensation

     445,901       432,448       422,391  

Newsprint and supplements

     137,384       130,841       165,252  

Depreciation and amortization

     70,139       73,189       109,029  

Other operating expenses

     197,026       189,677       199,449  
    


 


 


       850,450       826,155       896,121  

OPERATING INCOME

     248,941       243,805       172,018  

NON-OPERATING (EXPENSES) INCOME

                        

Interest expense

     (18,090 )     (26,448 )     (44,045 )

Partnership income (loss)

     368       (1,341 )     527  

Loss on Internet investments

     (1,008 )     (1,000 )     (10,556 )

Other - net

     448       652       937  
    


 


 


       (18,282 )     (28,137 )     (53,137 )

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

                        

BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION

     230,659       215,668       118,881  

INCOME TAX PROVISION

     86,462       85,119       61,944  
    


 


 


INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     144,197       130,549       56,937  

DISCONTINUED OPERATION

                        

Income from discontinued operation before income tax provision (including $10,224 gain on disposal in 2003)

     10,076       1,217       1,821  

Income tax provision

     4,051       550       761  
    


 


 


Income from discontinued operation

     6,025       667       1,060  
    


 


 


NET INCOME

   $ 150,222     $ 131,216     $ 57,997  
    


 


 


NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:

                        

Basic:

                        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 3.13     $ 2.86     $ 1.26  

Income from discontinued operation

   $ 0.13     $ 0.01     $ 0.02  

Net income per share

   $ 3.26     $ 2.87     $ 1.28  

Diluted:

                        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 3.10     $ 2.83     $ 1.25  

Income from discontinued operation

   $ 0.13     $ 0.01     $ 0.02  

Net income per share

   $ 3.23     $ 2.84     $ 1.27  

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES:

                        

Basic

     46,127       45,795       45,468  

Diluted

     46,456       46,178       45,616  

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

31


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

     December 28,
2003


    December 29,
2002


 

ASSETS

                

CURRENT ASSETS

                

Cash

   $ 3,384     $ 5,357  

Trade receivables (less allowances of $3,084 in 2003 and $4,872 in 2002)

     129,066       125,037  

Other receivables

     3,859       1,201  

Newsprint, ink and other inventories

     15,518       14,611  

Deferred income taxes

     18,366       20,706  

Prepaid income taxes

     10,355       2,411  

Assets held for sale

     —         76,202  

Other current assets

     7,910       6,365  
    


 


       188,458       251,890  

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

                

Buildings and improvements

     230,502       226,868  

Equipment

     513,134       514,355  
    


 


       743,636       741,223  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (440,110 )     (423,334 )
    


 


       303,526       317,889  

Land

     51,373       53,229  

Construction in progress

     15,429       19,299  
    


 


       370,328       390,417  

INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

                

Identifiable intangibles - net

     81,921       105,020  

Goodwill - net

     1,218,047       1,218,047  
    


 


       1,299,968       1,323,067  

OTHER ASSETS

     16,544       16,187  
    


 


TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 1,875,298     $ 1,981,561  
    


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

32


Table of Contents
     December 28,
2003


    December 29,
2002


 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

CURRENT LIABILITIES

                

Current portion of bank debt

   $ 142,077     $ 24,385  

Accounts payable

     31,841       26,284  

Accrued compensation

     60,833       61,777  

Unearned revenue

     40,424       39,863  

Carrier deposits

     2,435       2,668  

Liabilities relating to assets held for sale

     —         79,361  

Other accrued liabilities

     19,044       17,412  
    


 


       296,654       251,750  

LONG-TERM BANK DEBT

     204,923       471,615  

OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

     58,702       128,826  

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     99,002       72,041  

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 7)

                

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

                

Common stock $.01 par value:

                

Class A - authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued 19,896,011 in 2003 and 19,471,307 in 2002

     199       195  

Class B - authorized 60,000,000 shares, issued 26,384,147 in 2003 and 26,544,147 in 2002

     264       266  

Additional paid-in capital

     325,599       313,320  

Retained earnings

     956,003       826,086  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (66,048 )     (82,538 )
    


 


       1,216,017       1,057,329  
    


 


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 1,875,298     $ 1,981,561  
    


 


 

33


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     Year Ended

 
     December 28,
2003


   

December 29,

2002


   

December 30,

2001


 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 144,197     $ 130,549     $ 56,937  

Reconciliation to net cash provided:

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     70,139       73,189       109,029  

Deferred income taxes

     18,313       6,060       (11,683 )

Partnership (income) losses

     (368 )     1,341       (527 )

Contribution to pension plans

     (50,000 )     (10,000 )     —    

Loss on Internet investments

     1,008       1,000       10,556  

Changes in certain assets and liabilities - net

     (4,015 )     (7,090 )     5,661  

Other

     4,593       1,631       3,103  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by continuing operations

     183,867       196,680       173,076  

Income from discontinued operation

     6,025       667       1,060  

Reconciliation to net cash used:

                        

Gain on sale of discontinued operation

     (10,224 )     —         —    

Other - net

     1,331       (31,742 )     19,288  
    


 


 


Net cash used by discontinued operation

     (2,868 )     (31,075 )     20,348  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     180,999       165,605       193,424  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                        

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (34,149 )     (31,566 )     (35,972 )

Proceeds from sale of discontinued operation

     9,785       —         —    

Other - net

     500       158       217  
    


 


 


Net cash used by investing activities

     (23,864 )     (31,408 )     (35,755 )

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                        

Repayment of long-term debt

     (149,000 )     (142,000 )     (141,000 )

Payment of cash dividends

     (20,305 )     (18,331 )     (18,197 )

Other - principally stock issuances

     10,197       12,608       9,757  
    


 


 


Net cash used by financing activities

     (159,108 )     (147,723 )     (149,440 )
    


 


 


NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (1,973 )     (13,526 )     8,229  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

     5,357       18,883       10,654  
    


 


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR

   $ 3,384     $ 5,357     $ 18,883  
    


 


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

34


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Par Value

   

Additional

Paid-In

Capital


  

Retained

Earnings


   

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Losses


    Total

 
     Class A

   Class B

          

BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 2000

   $ 180    $ 272     $ 284,998    $ 673,401             $ 958,851  

Net income

                           57,997               57,997  

Fair value of swaps January 1, 2001

                                 $ (377 )        

Change in fair value of swaps

                                   (4,008 )        

Minimum pension liability

                                   (7,327 )        
                                  


       

Other comprehensive loss

                                   (11,712 )     (11,712 )
                                          


Total comprehensive income

                                           46,285  

Dividends paid ($.40 share)

                           (18,197 )             (18,197 )

Conversion of 551,308 Class B shares to Class A

     5      (5 )                            —    

Issuance of 348,687 Class A shares under stock plans

     4              9,753                      9,757  

Tax benefit from stock plans

                    1,469                      1,469  
    

  


 

  


 


 


BALANCES, DECEMBER 30, 2001

     189      267       296,220      713,201       (11,712 )     998,165  

Net income

                           131,216               131,216  

Change in fair value of swaps

                                   471          

Minimum pension liability

                                   (71,229 )        

Other

                                   (68 )        
                                  


       

Other comprehensive loss

                                   (70,826 )     (70,826 )
                                          


Total comprehensive income

                                           60,390  

Dividends paid ($.40 share)

                           (18,331 )             (18,331 )

Conversion of 104,500 Class B shares to Class A

     1      (1 )                            —    

Issuance of 422,241 Class A shares under stock plans

     5              12,603                      12,608  

Tax benefit from stock plans

                    4,497                      4,497  
    

  


 

  


 


 


BALANCES, DECEMBER 29, 2002

     195      266       313,320      826,086       (82,538 )     1,057,329  

Income from continuing operations

                           144,197               144,197  

Income from discontinued operation

                           6,025               6,025  

Change in fair value of swaps

                                   3,132          

Minimum pension liability

                                   13,250          

Other

                                   108          
                                  


       

Other comprehensive income

                                   16,490       16,490  
                                          


Total comprehensive income

                                           166,712  

Dividends paid ($.44 share)

                           (20,305 )             (20,305 )

Conversion of 160,000 Class B shares to Class A

     2      (2 )                            —    

Issuance of 264,704 Class A shares under stock plans

     2              10,195                      10,197  

Tax benefit from stock plans

                    2,084                      2,084  
    

  


 

  


 


 


BALANCES, DECEMBER 28, 2003

   $ 199    $ 264     $ 325,599    $ 956,003     $ (66,048 )   $ 1,216,017  
    

  


 

  


 


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

35


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The McClatchy Company (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries are engaged primarily in the publication of newspapers located in Minnesota, California, the Northwest (Washington and Alaska) and the Carolinas.

 

On January 7, 2004, the Company purchased the assets of the Merced Sun-Star, a daily newspaper in Merced, California and five non-daily newspapers (Merced Group) for $40.5 million in cash. The Merced Group had revenues in its fiscal 2003 (ending March) of $12.6 million. The acquisition or results of the Merced Group are not included in the Company’s financial statements prior to January 7, 2004.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the Company and its subsidiaries. Significant inter-company items and transactions are eliminated. In preparing the financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Discontinued operation – On June 10, 2003, the Company sold the assets of The Newspaper Network (TNN), a national sales and marketing company (fiscal 2002 revenues of $11.9 million). The Associated Press purchased TNN’s ad processing operations and, separately, Vertis, Inc. purchased TNN’s sales and marketing assets. Total consideration from the sales was $14.2 million including the assumption of liabilities. The Company has reclassified the assets and liabilities of TNN as held for sale in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 29, 2002. The revenues and operating results of TNN are included in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statement of Income in 2001, 2002 and 2003, as is the gain on its sale in 2003.

 

Revenue recognition - Advertising revenues are recorded when advertisements are placed in the newspaper and circulation revenues are recorded as newspapers are delivered over the subscription term. Unearned revenues represent prepaid circulation subscriptions.

 

Cash equivalents are highly liquid debt investments with maturities of three months or less when acquired.

 

Concentrations of credit risks - Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risks are principally cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivables. Cash and cash equivalents are placed with major financial institutions. The Company routinely assesses the financial strength of significant customers and this assessment, combined with the large number and geographic diversity of its customers, limits the Company’s concentration of risk with respect to trade accounts receivable.

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (based principally on the first-in, first-out method) or current market value.

 

36


Table of Contents

Related party transactions - The Company owns a 13.5% interest in Ponderay Newsprint Company (“Ponderay”), a general partnership, which owns and operates a newsprint mill in the State of Washington. The investment is accounted for using the equity method, under which the Company’s share of earnings of Ponderay is reflected in income as earned. The Company guarantees certain bank debt used to construct the mill (see Note 7) and is required to purchase 28,400 metric tons of annual production on a “take-if-tendered” basis at prevailing market prices until the debt is repaid. The Company satisfies this obligation by direct purchase (payments made in 2003: $14,381,000, 2002: $12,546,000 and 2001: $10,802,000) or reallocation to other buyers.

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Major improvements, as well as interest incurred during construction, are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

 

Depreciation is computed generally on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of:

 

  10 to 60 years for buildings

 

  9 to 25 years for presses

 

  3 to 15 years for other equipment

 

Intangibles and goodwill consist of the unamortized excess of the cost of acquiring newspaper operations over the fair values of the newspapers’ tangible assets at the date of purchase. Identifiable intangible assets, consisting primarily of lists of advertisers and subscribers, covenants not to compete and commercial printing contracts, are amortized over three to forty years. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142 in fiscal 2002, the excess of purchase prices over identifiable assets was amortized over forty years. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of intangible assets by reviewing the current and projected cash flows of each of its newspaper operations. See Note 2.

 

Stock-based compensation – At December 28, 2003, the Company has six stock-based compensation plans, which are described more fully at Note 8. The Company accounts for stock-based awards to employees using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” No material amounts of compensation have been recorded for these plans.

 

37


Table of Contents

Had compensation costs for the Company’s stock-based compensation plans been determined based upon the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the method of SFAS Statement No. 123, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Net income:

                        

As reported

   $ 150,222     $ 131,216     $ 57,997  

Deduct stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123, net of taxes

     (4,705 )     (3,828 )     (2,416 )
    


 


 


Pro forma

   $ 145,517     $ 127,388     $ 55,581  
    


 


 


Earnings per common share:

                        

As reported

                        

Basic

   $ 3.26     $ 2.87     $ 1.28  

Diluted

   $ 3.23     $ 2.84     $ 1.27  

Pro forma

                        

Basic

   $ 3.15     $ 2.78     $ 1.22  

Diluted

   $ 3.13     $ 2.76     $ 1.22  

 

Derivative instruments - The Company records its derivative instruments, primarily interest rate protection agreements (swaps), at fair value in its financial statements. See Notes 3 and 9.

 

Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities reported for financial and income tax reporting purposes. See Note 4.

 

Comprehensive income (loss) – The Company records changes in its net assets from non-owner sources in its Statement of Stockholders’ Equity. Such changes relate primarily to valuing its pension liabilities and interest rate protection agreements, net of tax effects.

 

38


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the activity in other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):

 

     Pre-Tax

    Tax

    Net Change

 

Year Ended December 28, 2003

                        

Minimum pension liability

   $ 22,083     $ (8,833 )   $ 13,250  

Fair value of swaps

     5,220       (2,088 )     3,132  

Other

     180       (72 )     108  
    


 


 


     $ 27,483     $ (10,993 )   $ 16,490  
    


 


 


Year Ended December 29, 2002

                        

Minimum pension liability

   $ (118,715 )   $ 47,486     $ (71,229 )

Fair value of swaps

     1,197       (726 )     471  

Other

     (113 )     45       (68 )
    


 


 


     $ (117,631 )   $ 46,805     $ (70,826 )
    


 


 


Year Ended December 30, 2001

                        

Minimum pension liability

   $ (7,308 )   $ 3,300     $ (4,008 )

Fair value of swaps

     (629 )     252       (377 )
    


 


 


     $ (7,937 )   $ 3,552     $ (4,385 )
    


 


 


 

The following table summarizes the accumulated other comprehensive loss balances as of December 28, 2003 (in thousands):

 

    

December 29,

2002


   

Current
Period

Change


   December 28,
2003


 

Minimum pension liability adjustment

   $ (78,556 )   $ 13,250    $ (65,306 )

Fair value of swaps

     (3,914 )     3,132      (782 )

Other

     (68 )     108      40  
    


 

  


Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ (82,538 )   $ 16,490    $ (66,048 )
    


 

  


 

Segment reporting – The Company’s primary business is the publication of newspapers. The Company aggregates its newspapers into a single segment because each has similar economic characteristics, products, customers and distribution methods.

 

Earnings per share (EPS) - Basic EPS excludes dilution from common stock equivalents and reflects income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock and dilutive common stock equivalents in the period. Common stock equivalents arise from dilutive stock options and are computed using the treasury stock method. The antidilutive stock options that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future, but were not included in the weighted average share calculation were 85,554 in 2003, 26,754 in 2002 and 33,390 in 2001.

 

39


Table of Contents
NOTE 2. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

In fiscal 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which addresses the financial accounting and reporting standards for the acquisition of intangible assets outside of a business combination and for goodwill and other intangible assets subsequent to their acquisition. This accounting standard requires that goodwill be (1) separately disclosed from other intangible assets in the statement of financial position, (2) no longer amortized, and (3) tested for impairment on a periodic basis. The provisions of this accounting standard also require the completion of a transitional impairment test with any impairments identified treated as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. No material adjustments to the consolidated financial statements were necessary as a result of this transitional impairment test.

 

No material impairment loss or other changes have occurred in the Company’s goodwill in fiscal 2003, 2002 or 2001.

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company discontinued the amortization of goodwill effective in its fiscal year beginning December 31, 2001. A reconciliation of previously reported net income and earnings per share to the amounts adjusted for the exclusion of goodwill amortization net of related income tax follows (in thousands):

 

     Twelve Months Ended

     December 28,
2003
(As reported)


   December 29,
2002
(As reported)


   December 30,
2001
(Pro forma)


Income from continuing operations before income tax provision

   $ 230,659    $ 215,668    $ 118,881

Add: goodwill amortization

     —        —        34,735
    

  

  

Adjusted income from continuing operations before tax

     230,659      215,668      153,616

Income tax provision

     86,462      85,119      61,944
    

  

  

Adjusted net income from continuing operations

   $ 144,197    $ 130,549    $ 91,672
    

  

  

Adjusted basic earnings per share from continuing operations

   $ 3.13    $ 2.86    $ 2.02
    

  

  

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

   $ 3.10    $ 2.83    $ 2.01
    

  

  

 

40


Table of Contents

Information regarding the Company’s identifiable intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 28, 2003

     Average
Useful Life


   Carrying
Amount


   Accumulated
Amortization


   Net

Advertiser and subscriber lists

   16 Years    $ 249,971    $ 181,346    $ 68,625

Other

   8 Years      38,178      24,882      13,296
         

  

  

Identifiable intangible assets

        $ 288,149    $ 206,228    $ 81,921
         

  

  

 

     December 29, 2002

     Average
Useful Life


   Carrying
Amount


   Accumulated
Amortization


   Net

Advertiser and subscriber lists

   16 Years    $ 249,966    $ 162,193    $ 87,773

Other

   13 Years      38,804      21,557      17,247
         

  

  

Identifiable intangible assets

        $ 288,770    $ 183,750    $ 105,020
         

  

  

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $19,508,000 for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003. Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets existing at December 28, 2003, for the five succeeding fiscal years, is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Estimated
Amortization
Expense


2004

   $ 17,846

2005

     17,466

2006

     7,151

2007

     3,310

2008

     3,301

 

NOTE 3. LONG-TERM BANK DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

 

The Company’s Credit Agreement includes term loans consisting of Tranche A of $227.0 million bearing interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 62.5 basis points, payable in increasing quarterly installments through March 21, 2005, and Tranche B of $102.0 million bearing interest at LIBOR plus 150 basis points and payable in semi-annual installments through September 19, 2007. A revolving credit line of up to $200.0 million bears interest at LIBOR plus 62.5 basis points and is payable by March 19, 2005. Interest rates applicable to debt drawn down at December 28, 2003, ranged from 1.8% to 2.7%.

 

41


Table of Contents

The terms of the Credit Agreement include certain operating and financial restrictions, such as limits on the Company’s ability to incur additional debt, create liens, sell assets, engage in mergers, make investments and pay dividends. The debt is unsecured and is pre-payable without penalty.

 

At December 28, 2003 the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $6.0 million securing estimated obligations stemming from workers’ compensation claims and other contingent claims.

 

The Company does not have, nor does it intend to enter into, derivative contracts for trading purposes. The Company has not attempted to hedge fluctuations in the normal purchases of goods and services used to conduct its business operations. Currently there is no intent to hedge or enter into contracts with embedded derivatives for the purchase of newsprint, ink, and other inventories, leases of equipment and facilities, or its business insurance contracts.

 

The Company has one interest rate swap agreement designated as a cash flow hedge specifically designed to hedge the variability in the expected cash flows that are attributable to interest rate fluctuations on $100.0 million of its variable rate bank debt through June 2004. The effect of these agreements is to fix the LIBOR interest rate exposure at approximately 3.8% on that portion of the Company’s term loans.

 

The swap instrument provides for payments of interest at the fixed rates and receipt of interest at variable rates, which are reset to three-month LIBOR rates quarterly. Net payments or receipts under such agreements are recorded as adjustments to interest expense. The swaps were entered into to match the significant terms of the underlying debt in an effort to provide highly effective hedges.

 

No gain or loss has been recorded in net income as a result of ineffectiveness of these hedges. Income, net of taxes, of $3,132,000 is recorded in comprehensive income related to these hedges—see the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity. See Note 9 for a description of the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements.

 

At the end of fiscal 2003 and 2002, long-term debt consisted of (in thousands):

 

     December 28,
2003


    December 29,
2002


 

Term loans

   $ 329,000     $ 384,000  

Revolving credit line

     18,000       112,000  
    


 


Total indebtedness

     347,000       496,000  

Less current portion

     (142,077 )     (24,385 )
    


 


Long-term indebtedness

   $ 204,923     $ 471,615  
    


 


 

42


Table of Contents

Long-term debt matures as follows (in thousands):

 

2005

   $ 110,600

2006

     23,032

2007

     71,291

2008

     —  
    

     $ 204,923
    

 

Other long-term obligations consist of (in thousands):

 

     December 28,
2003


   December 29,
2002


Pension obligations

   $ 33,366    $ 101,346

Post retirement benefits obligation

     14,301      12,467

Deferred compensation and other

     11,035      15,013
    

  

Total other long-term obligations

   $ 58,702    $ 128,826
    

  

 

NOTE 4. INCOME TAXES

 

Income tax provisions related to continuing operations consist of (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended

 
    

December 28,

2003


  

December 29,

2002


  

December 30,

2001


 

Current:

                      

Federal

   $ 59,563    $ 68,466    $ 60,329  

State

     8,585      10,594      13,298  

Deferred:

                      

Federal

     13,988      4,504      (9,702 )

State

     4,326      1,555      (1,981 )
    

  

  


Income tax provision

   $ 86,462    $ 85,119    $ 61,944  
    

  

  


 

43


Table of Contents

The effective tax rate and the statutory federal income tax rate are reconciled as follows:

 

     Year Ended

 
     December 28,
2003


    December 29,
2002


    December 30,
2001


 

Statutory rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

State taxes, net of federal benefit

   2.2 %   4.2 %   6.4 %

Amortization of intangibles

   0.1 %   0.1 %   10.6 %

Other

   0.2 %   0.2 %   0.1 %
    

 

 

Effective tax rate

   37.5 %   39.5 %   52.1 %
    

 

 

 

See Note 2 for a discussion of the impact of SFAS No.142 on the amortization of non-deductible goodwill in 2002 and future years, which affect both the federal and state effective tax rates. The lower effective state tax rate in 2003 primarily relates to successful resolution of certain state tax matters in connection with past acquisitions.

 

The components of deferred tax liabilities (benefits) recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet on December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 are (in thousands):

 

     2003

    2002

 

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 82,372     $ 91,853  

Partnership losses

     3,692       4,327  

State taxes

     16,502       12,532  

Deferred compensation - primarily retirement benefits

     (19,940 )     (52,679 )

Mark-to-market of interest rate swaps

     (521 )     (2,609 )

Other

     (1,469 )     (2,089 )
    


 


Deferred tax liability (net of $18,366 in 2003 and $20,706 in 2002 reported as current assets)

   $ 80,636     $ 51,335  
    


 


 

NOTE 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans (retirement plans) which cover a majority of its employees. Benefits are based on years of service and compensation. Contributions to the plans are made by the Company in amounts deemed necessary to provide benefits. The Company made $60.0 million in voluntary contributions to its plans in early 2004 and does not anticipate any additional contributions in the remainder of fiscal 2004.

 

44


Table of Contents

The Company also has a number of supplemental retirement plans to provide key employees with additional retirement benefits. The terms of the plans are generally the same as those of the retirement plans, except that the supplemental retirement plans are limited to key employees and benefits under them are reduced by benefits received under the retirement plans. These plans are funded on a pay-as-you-go basis and the accrued pension obligation is largely included in other long-term obligations.

 

The elements of pension costs are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 28,
2003


    December 29,
2002


    December 30,
2001


 

Cost of benefits earned during the year

   $ 16,275     $ 13,808     $ 12,582  

Interest on projected benefit obligation

     30,214       28,983       28,051  

Expected return on plan assets

     (41,934 )     (39,137 )     (40,533 )

Prior service cost amortization

     632       739       940  

Actuarial loss (gain)

     747       37       (1,381 )

Transition amount amortization

     —         —         (547 )
    


 


 


Net pension expense (income)

   $ 5,934     $ 4,430     $ (888 )
    


 


 


 

The Company contributed $2,024,000 in 2003, $1,964,000 in 2002 and $1,999,000 in 2001 to multi-employer retirement plans.

 

The Company also provides or subsidizes certain retiree health care and life insurance benefits under two plans, one for employees of McClatchy Newspapers, Inc. and one for The Star Tribune Company’s employees. The elements of post-retirement expenses are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 28,
2003


    December 29,
2002


    December 30,
2001


 

Service cost

   $ 1,227     $ 622     $ 442  

Interest cost

     1,611       1,052       982  

Prior service cost amortization

     (113 )     —         —    

Actuarial loss (gain)

     753       (47 )     (775 )
    


 


 


Net post-retirement benefit expense

   $ 3,478     $ 1,627     $ 649  
    


 


 


 

45


Table of Contents

A reconciliation of the plans’ benefit obligations, fair value of assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Retirement Plans

    Post-retirement Plans

 
     2003

    2002

    2003

    2002

 

Change in projected benefit obligations:

                                

Beginning of year

   $ 461,808     $ 400,334     $ 15,799     $ 12,534  

Service cost

     16,275       13,808       1,227       622  

Interest costs

     30,214       28,983       1,611       1,052  

Plan amendments

     485       790               —    

Actuarial loss

     40,389       40,213       9,081       3,455  

Participant contributions

     —         —         —         —    

Benefits paid

     (21,206 )     (22,320 )     (1,562 )     (1,864 )
    


 


 


 


End of year

     527,965       461,808       26,156       15,799  
    


 


 


 


Change in fair market value of assets:

                                

Beginning of year

     314,912       361,713       —         —    

Return on assets

     86,308       (35,829 )     —         —    

Contributions

     51,290       11,348       1,562       1,864  

Benefit payments

     (21,206 )     (22,320 )     (1,562 )     (1,864 )
    


 


 


 


End of year

     431,304       314,912       —         —    
    


 


 


 


Funded status

     (96,661 )     (146,896 )     (26,156 )     (15,799 )

Unrecognized net loss

     170,758       175,490       10,321       1,993  

Prior service costs

     5,129       5,276       (432 )     (545 )
    


 


 


 


Prepaid (accrued) cost

   $ 79,226     $ 33,870     $ (16,267 )   $ (14,351 )
    


 


 


 


Amounts recognized:

                                

Prepaid benefit cost

   $ 97,579     $ 51,122       —         —    

Accrued benefit liability

     (18,353 )     (17,252 )   $ (16,267 )   $ (14,351 )

Additional liability

     (113,534 )     (136,070 )     —         —    

Intangible asset

     4,684       5,143       —         —    

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     108,850       130,927       —         —    
    


 


 


 


Net amount recognized

   $ 79,226     $ 33,870     $ (16,267 )   $ (14,351 )
    


 


 


 


 

46


Table of Contents

The assets of the plans are commingled in a Master Trust and, as of December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002, the measurement dates for the plans, assets and related target allocations are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Target
Allocation


    December 28,
2003


   December 29,
2002


Equity Securities

   69 %   $ 310,993    $ 203,755

Debt Securities

   28 %     105,815      98,522

Real Estate Securities

   3 %     14,496      12,359

Cash equivalents

   —         —        276
    

 

  

     100 %   $ 431,304    $ 314,912
    

 

  

 

The Company’s investment policies are designed to maximize plans returns within reasonable and prudent levels of risk, with an investment horizon of greater than ten years so that interim investment returns and fluctuations are viewed with appropriate perspective. The policy also aims to maintain sufficient liquid returns to provide for the payment of retirement benefits and plan expenses, hence, small portions of the equity and debt investments are held in marketable mutual funds.

 

The Company’s policy seeks to provide an appropriate level of diversification of assets, as reflected in its target allocations, as well as limits placed on concentrations of equities in specific sectors or industries. It uses a mix of active managers and passive index funds. The Company’s expected return on long-term assets was determined through consultation with the Company’s actuaries and investment consultants by using projected returns for each asset class, factoring in both passive and active management of funds where appropriate, and developing a weighted average return based upon its target asset allocations as discussed above. This return was also compared to 30 and 50-year market returns and the plans’ actual ten-year returns to gain additional assurance of reasonableness.

 

The Company’s discount rate was determined by a review of long-term, non-callable, high quality bonds, as well as, consultation with the Company’s actuaries. This rate was further substantiated by a cash flow analysis of the pension plans and a simulated bond portfolio to fund such cash flows, and comparison of the yield on this portfolio to existing indices of long-term high quality bonds. Finally, the rate was compared to discount rates expected to be used by peer companies in the industry, to the extent known, to gain additional assurance of its reasonableness.

 

With an economic recovery anticipated by many analysts over the next several years, the Company believes it is prudent to increase its assumed rate of salary increase from the range of 3.0% to 5.0% used in 2003 to 3.5% to 5.0% in 2004 for purposes of calculating its pension expense.

 

47


Table of Contents

Weighted average assumptions used for valuing benefit obligations were:

 

     2003

    2002

 

Retirement and Post-retirement Plans:

            

Discount rate in determining benefit obligation

   6.25 %   6.75 %

Retirement Plans:

            

Rates of salary increase

   3.5%-5.0 %   3.0%-5.0 %

 

Weighted average assumptions for pension and post-retirement expense were:

 

     2003

    2002

 

Discount rate

   6.75 %   7.50 %

Expected long-term return on assets

   9.0 %   9.0 %

Rates of salary increase

   3.0-5.0 %   3.0%-5.0 %

 

The following table summarizes data for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, (in thousands):

 

    

December 28,

2003


  

December 29,

2002


Projected benefit obligation

   $ 527,965    $ 461,808

Accumulated benefit obligation

     465,413      416,359

Fair value of plan assets

     431,304      314,912

 

For the McClatchy Newspapers, Inc. post-retirement plan (benefit obligation of $4.7 million, expense of $340,000), the medical care cost trend rates are estimated to remain at 5.8% for the year 2004. A 1.0% change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have changed the benefit obligation and the annual service cost only nominally. For the Star Tribune post-retirement plan, the medical cost trend rates are expected to decline from 10.0% in 2004 to 5.0% by the year 2009. For the Star Tribune’s plan (benefit obligation of $11.6 million and expense of $3.1 million), a 1.0% increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the benefit obligation and expense by $2.1 million and $288,000, respectively. A 1.0% decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would decrease the benefit obligation and expense by $1.8 million and $251,000, respectively.

 

The Company has deferred compensation plans (401(k) plans and other savings plans) which enable qualified employees to voluntarily defer compensation. The Company’s mandatory matching contributions to the 401(k) plans were $6,724,000 in 2003, $6,768,000 in 2002 and $6,494,000 in 2001.

 

48


Table of Contents
NOTE 6. CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

Cash paid during the years ended December 28, 2003, December 29, 2002 and

 

December 30, 2001 for interest and income taxes were (in thousands):

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

Interest paid (net of amount capitalized)

   $ 15,113    $ 26,384    $ 45,401

Income taxes paid (net of refunds)

   $ 78,059    $ 88,082    $ 68,545

 

Cash provided or used by continuing operations was affected by changes in certain assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 28,
2003


    December 29,
2002


    December 30,
2001


 

Increase (decrease) in assets:

                        

Trade receivables

   $ 4,029     $ 3,729     $ (3,994 )

Inventories

     907       494       (2,228 )

Other assets

     11,316       (80,479 )     10,736  
    


 


 


Total

     16,252       (76,256 )     4,514  
    


 


 


Increase (decrease) in liabilities:

                        

Accounts payable

     5,557       (1,293 )     2,262  

Accrued compensation

     6,687       (74,460 )     2,242  

Income taxes

     (4,051 )     (10,558 )     4,375  

Other liabilities

     4,044       2,965       1,296  
    


 


 


Total

     12,237       (83,346 )     10,175  
    


 


 


Net cash increase (decrease) from changes in certain assets and liabilities

   $ (4,015 )   $ (7,090 )   $ 5,661  
    


 


 


 

49


Table of Contents

The significant reduction in Other Assets and Accrued Compensation in 2002 is the result of two separate events:

 

At December 31, 2001, the Company had $78.2 million of prepaid pension assets related to three qualified pension plans (included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet) and separately had $34.8 million of liabilities related to a fourth qualified pension plan. During 2002 the Company merged two of its qualified pension plans. The Company had recorded a $63.4 million prepaid asset related to one plan and had an accrued liability related to the other. Given that these plans became one legal entity, the Company reduced its prepaid assets and liabilities to record a net pension prepaid asset of $33.5 million for the merged plan.

 

Other pension assets were reduced to zero at year-end 2002 when the Company recorded its additional minimum liability in accordance with SFAS No. 87. As noted in the Company’s reconciliation of its funded status to the amounts recorded in its Consolidated Balance Sheet (Note 5), the Company had net prepaid pension assets totaling $33.9 million prior to recording its unfunded accumulated benefit obligations at the end of 2002. Accordingly, when the Company recorded an additional minimum liability of $136.1 million it netted its prepaid pension assets against this minimum pension liability, resulting in a net unfunded accumulated benefit obligation of $102.2 million at December 29, 2002.

 

NOTE 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

As of December 28, 2003, the Company was a guarantor of $13.3 million of bank debt related to its interest in Ponderay, a general partnership that owns and operates a newsprint mill in Washington State. The guarantee amount represents the Company’s pro rata portion of Ponderay debt, which is guaranteed by the general partners. The partnership was formed in 1985 and began operations in 1989. The debt is secured by the assets of Ponderay and is payable by Ponderay on April 12, 2006.

 

The Company has purchase obligations primarily related to capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment expiring at various dates through 2011, totaling $33.2 million.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries rent certain facilities and equipment under operating leases expiring at various dates through March 2010. Total rental expense amounted to $6,122,885 in 2003, $6,592,000 in 2002 and $6,428,000 in 2001.

 

50


Table of Contents

Minimum rental commitments under operating leases with non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are (in thousands):

 

2004

   $ 5,784

2005

     4,881

2006

     3,905

2007

     2,619

2008

     1,414

Thereafter

     1,495
    

Total

   $ 20,098
    

 

There are libel and other legal actions that have arisen in the ordinary course of business and are pending against the Company. From time to time the Company is involved as a party in various governmental proceedings, including environmental matters. Management believes, after reviewing such actions with counsel that the outcome of pending actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.

 

NOTE 8. COMMON STOCK AND STOCK PLANS

 

The Company’s Class A and Class B common stock participate equally in dividends. Holders of Class B common stock are entitled to one vote per share and to elect as a class 75% of the Board of Directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number. Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one-tenth of a vote per share and to elect as a class 25% of the Board of Directors, rounded up to the nearest whole number. Class B common stock is convertible at the option of the holder into Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis.

 

The holders of shares of Class B Common Stock are parties to an agreement, the intent of which is to preserve control of the Company by the McClatchy family. Under the terms of the agreement, the Class B shareholders have agreed to restrict the transfer of any shares of Class B Common Stock to one or more “Permitted Transferees,” subject to certain exceptions. A “Permitted Transferee” is any current holder of shares of Class B Common Stock of the Company; any lineal descendant of Charles K. McClatchy; or a trust for the exclusive benefit of, or in which all of the remainder beneficial interests are owned by, one or more lineal descendants of Charles K. McClatchy

 

In the event that a Class B shareholder attempts to transfer any shares of Class B Common Stock in violation of the agreement, or upon the happening of certain other events enumerated in the agreement as “Option Events,” each of the remaining Class B shareholders has an option to purchase a percentage of the total number of shares of Class B Common Stock proposed to be transferred equal to such remaining Class B shareholder’s ownership percentage of the total number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock. If all the shares proposed to be transferred are not purchased by the remaining Class B shareholders, the Company has the option of purchasing the remaining shares. In general, any shares not purchased under this procedure will be converted into shares of Class A Common Stock and then transferred freely (unless, following conversion, the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock would constitute less than 25% of the total number of all outstanding shares of common stock of the

 

51


Table of Contents

Company). The agreement can be terminated by the vote of the holders of 80% of the outstanding shares of Class B common Stock who are subject to the agreement. The agreement will terminate on September 17, 2047, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms.

 

At December 28, 2003, the Company has six stock-based compensation plans, which are described below. The Company applies APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its plans. No significant amounts of compensation costs have been recognized for its stock option plans and its stock purchase plan.

 

The Company’s Amended Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the Purchase Plan) reserved 1,875,000 shares of Class A common stock for issuance to employees. Eligible employees may purchase shares at 85% of “fair market value” (as defined) through payroll deductions. The Purchase Plan can be automatically terminated by the Company at any time. As of December 28, 2003, a total of 1,274,383 shares of Class A common stock have been issued under the Purchase Plan.

 

The Company has three stock option plans which reserve 4,812,500 Class A common shares for issuance to key employees — the 1987, 1994 and 1997 plans (“Employee Plans”). Terms of each of the Employee Plans are substantially the same. Options are granted at the market price of the Class A common stock on the date of grant. The options vest in installments over four years, and once vested are exercisable up to 10 years from the date of grant. Although the plans permit the Company, at its sole discretion, to settle unexercised options by granting stock appreciation rights, the Company does not intend to avail itself of this alternative.

 

The Company’s two amended and restated stock option plans for outside directors (the 1990 Stock Option Plan and the 2001 Director Plan, together the “Directors’ Plans”) provide for the issuance of up to 687,500 shares of Class A stock. Under these plans each non-employee director is granted, at the conclusion of each regular annual meeting of stockholders, an option to purchase shares of Class A common stock at fair market value on the date of the grant. In 2003, each such director was granted an option to purchase 3,000 shares of Class A common stock.

 

52


Table of Contents

Terms of the Directors’ Plans are similar to the terms of the Employee Plans.

 

Outstanding options are summarized as follows:

 

     Options

    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


Outstanding December 31, 2000

   1,843,082     $ 33.14

Granted

   574,500     $ 45.38

Exercised

   (250,027 )   $ 25.31

Forfeited

   (111,500 )   $ 38.38
    

     

Outstanding December 30, 2001

   2,056,055     $ 37.23

Granted

   588,000     $ 57.46

Exercised

   (356,325 )   $ 27.14

Forfeited

   (37,250 )   $ 39.78
    

     

Outstanding December 29, 2002

   2,250,480     $ 44.07

Granted

   589,500     $ 66.62

Exercised

   (203,305 )   $ 35.96

Forfeited

   (50,625 )   $ 42.49
    

     

Outstanding December 28, 2003

   2,586,050     $ 49.88
    

     

Options exercisable:

            

December 30, 2001

   612,055        

December 29, 2002

   592,105        

December 28, 2003

   785,175        

 

53


Table of Contents

The following tables summarize information about stock options outstanding in the stock plans at December 28, 2003:

 

Range of Exercise

Prices


       Options
Outstanding


  

Average
Remaining

Contractual
Life


  

Weighted
Average

Exercise

Price


   Options
Exercisable


  

Weighted
Average

Exercise

Price


$17.80 - $40.38

       905,050    5.86    $ 36.62    635,800    $ 35.19

$40.88 - $57.20

       1,058,000    8.42    $ 51.49    136,625    $ 45.51

$59.58 - $68.25

       623,000    9.80    $ 66.41    12,750    $ 60.70

 

Pro forma compensation costs are calculated for the fair value of the employees’ purchase rights, which was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

Dividend yield

     .65      0.70      1.15

Expected life

     5.23      5.34      5.40

Volatility

     .1599      .2325      .2691

Risk-free interest rate

     3.07      3.29      4.40

Weighted average fair value of options granted

   $ 13.05    $ 14.80    $ 13.27

 

See Note 1 for a description of the effect of the pro forma compensation expense derived using the fair value method on the Company’s results.

 

NOTE 9. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVE DISCLOSURES

 

The following estimates were developed using available market data for instruments held as of December 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 (in thousands):

 

     2003

    2002

 
     Carrying
Amount


    Estimated
Fair Value


    Carrying
Amount


    Estimated
Fair Value


 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,384     $ 3,384     $ 5,357     $ 5,357  

Trade receivables

     129,066       129,066       125,037       125,037  

Accounts payable

     (31,841 )     (31,841 )     (26,284 )     (26,284 )

Long-term debt

     (204,923 )     (204,923 )     (471,615 )     (471,615 )

Interest rate swap agreements

     (1,304 )     (1,304 )     (6,524 )     (6,524 )

 

54


Table of Contents

The Company does not have, nor does it intend to enter into derivative contracts for trading purposes. The Company does not attempt to hedge fluctuations in the normal purchases of goods and services used to conduct its business operations. Hence, there is no intent to hedge or enter into contracts with embedded derivatives for the purchase of newsprint, ink and other inventories, leases of equipment and facilities, or its business insurance contracts.

 

The Company’s interest rate swap agreement (see Note 3) is designated as a cash flow hedge and is specifically designed to hedge the variability in the expected cash flows that is attributable to interest rate fluctuations of its variable rate bank debt on $100.0 million through June 2004. The swap was entered into to match the significant terms of the debt in an effort to provide highly effective hedges.

 

The Company does not expect any significant net gain or loss to be recognized in earnings as a result of ineffectiveness of its cash flow hedges, nor any significant impact to its consolidated statement of financial position to result from recording the fair value of its cash flow hedges in its consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 10. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 

The Company’s business is somewhat seasonal, with peak revenues and profits generally occurring in the second and fourth quarters of each year as a result of increased advertising activity during the spring holiday and Christmas periods. The first quarter is historically the weakest quarter for revenues and profits. The Company’s quarterly results are summarized as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

    

1st

Quarter


  

2nd

Quarter


  

3rd

Quarter


  

4th

Quarter


2003

                           

Net Revenues from continuing operations

   $ 257,881    $ 276,370    $ 272,100    $ 293,040

Operating income

     47,261      66,095      61,266      74,319

Net income

     25,310      43,448      35,838      45,626

Net income per common share

     0.55      0.94      0.77      0.98

2002

                           

Net Revenues from continuing operations

   $ 249,650    $ 271,462    $ 264,172    $ 284,676

Operating income

     47,432      67,339      59,610      69,424

Net income

     23,296      36,225      32,649      39,046

Net income per common share

     0.51      0.78      0.71      0.84

 

In June 2003 the Company sold the assets of The Newspaper Network, Inc., a discontinued operation, and recorded a gain equal to 13 cents per share. All revenues and operating income have been reclassified to reflect only those from continuing operations. This reclassification had no material impact on the amounts of revenues and operating income in 2002, nor was the results of the discontinued operation material to any quarterly results other than the second quarter of 2003.

 

55


Table of Contents

In fiscal 2002 the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, eliminating the amortization of goodwill. Also in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a charge to write down the value of certain real property, which reduced earnings by two cents per share.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a—15(e) or 15d—15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at that time.

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter of 2003 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

Biographical information for Class A Directors, Class B Directors and executive officers contained under the captions “Nominees for Class A Directors,” “Nominees for Class B Directors” and “Other Executive Officers” under the heading “Election of Directors” in the definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Proxy Statement) is incorporated herein by reference.

 

In addition, the names of each member of the Company’s standing Audit Committee contained under the caption “Audit Committee” under the heading “Corporate Governance and Board Matters” in the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference.

 

56


Table of Contents

Audit Committee Financial Experts - The Board of Directors of McClatchy has determined that S. Donley Ritchey, Chair of the Audit Committee, and Leroy Barnes, Audit Committee member, are audit committee financial experts as defined by Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and are independent within the meaning of Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A of the Exchange Act.

 

Codes of Conduct - The Board of Directors of McClatchy has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Officers for the Company’s senior financial and accounting officers and the CEO. In addition, the Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for all officers, directors and employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Code of Ethics for Senior Officers are available on the Company’s website at www.mcclatchy.com and are also available in print to any shareholder requesting copies. The Company will disclose on its website when there have been any waivers of, or amendments to, the Code of Ethics for Senior Officers.

 

Corporate Government Guidelines - The Board of Directors of McClatchy has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines which are available on the Company’s website at www.mcclatchy.com. The Guidelines are also available in print to any shareholder requesting a copy.

 

Policy Regarding Director Recommendations by Security Holders - Information contained under the caption “Consideration of Director Nominees” under the heading “Corporate Governance and Board Matters” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership - Information contained under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information contained under the headings “Directors Compensation,” “Executive Compensation,” “Stock Option Awards,” “Stock Option Exercises and Holdings,” “Long-Term Incentive Awards,” “Pension Plans” and “Employment Agreements and Changes-in-Control Agreement” under the “Compensation” section in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The information contained under the heading “Principal Shareholders” and under the sub-heading “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” of the section entitled “Compensation” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

57


Table of Contents
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The information contained under the headings “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

Information regarding principal accounting fees and services is set forth under the headings “Fees Billed to McClatchy by Deloitte & Touche LLP” and “Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy” under the section entitled “Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as McClatchy’s Independent Auditors” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

a)    (1)&(2)    Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules filed as a part of this Report are listed in the Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules on page 29 hereof.
     (3)    Exhibits filed as part of this Report are listed in the Exhibit Index beginning on Page 63 hereof.
b)    Reports on Form 8-K – Current Report on Form 8-K furnished on October 22, 2003 attaching the Company’s third quarter
earnings release titled “McClatchy Reports Third Quarter 2003 Earnings and Provides Fourth Quarter Outlook.”

 

58


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

The McClatchy Company
By:   /s/    GARY B. PRUITT        
   
    Gary B. Pruitt, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Principal Executive Officer:

By:   /s/    GARY B. PRUITT        
   
    Gary B. Pruitt, Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

Principal Financial Officer:

By:   /s/    PATRICK J. TALAMANTES        
   
    Patrick J. Talamantes, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

Principal Accounting Officer:

By:   /s/    ROBERT W. BERGER        
   
    Robert W. Berger, Controller and Assistant Treasurer

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

Directors:

By:   /s/    ELIZABETH BALLANTINE         
   
    Elizabeth Ballantine, Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

59


Table of Contents

Directors (continued):

 

By:   /s/    LEROY T. BARNES        
   
    Leroy T. Barnes, Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

By:   /s/    WILLIAM K. COBLENTZ        
   
    William K. Coblentz, Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

By:   /s/    MOLLY MALONEY EVANGELISTI        
   
    Molly Maloney Evangelisti, Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

By:    
   
    R. Larry Jinks, Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

By:   /s/    JOAN F. LANE        
   
    Joan F. Lane, Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

By:   /s/    JAMES B. MCCLATCHY        
   
    James B. McClatchy, Publisher and Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

By:   /s/    KEVIN MCCLATCHY        
   
    Kevin McClatchy, Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

By:   /s/    WILLIAM ELLERY MCCLATCHY        
   
    William Ellery McClatchy, Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

By:   /s/    THEODORE REED MITCHELL        
   
    Theodore Reed Mitchell, Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

60


Table of Contents

Directors (continued):

 

By:   /s/    S. DONLEY RITCHEY, JR.        
   
    S. Donley Ritchey, Jr., Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

By:   /s/    FREDERICK R. RUIZ        
   
    Frederick R. Ruiz, Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

By:   /s/    MAGGIE WILDEROTTER        
   
    Maggie Wilderotter, Director

Date:

 

February 27, 2004

 

61


Table of Contents

SCHEDULE II

 

THE McCLATCHY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

For the Three Years Ended December 28, 2003

(in thousands)

 

           Additions

  

Deductions for
purposes

for which
Accounts

were set up


      
     Balance
Beginning of
Period


    Charged to
Costs and
Expenses (1)


   

Charged to
Other

Accounts


     

Balance at

End of

Period


 

Year Ended December 30, 2001:

                                    

Deduct from assets to which they apply

                                    

Uncollectible accounts

   $ (4,068 )   $ (7,898 )   —      $ 5,501    $ (5,059 )

Year Ended December 29, 2002:

                                    

Deduct from assets to which they apply

                                    

Uncollectible accounts

   $ (5,059 )   $ (8,370 )   —      $ 8,557    $ (4,872 )

Year Ended December 28, 2003:

                                    

Deduct from assets to which they apply

                                    

Uncollectible accounts

   $ (4,872 )   $ (6,737 )   —      $ 8,525    $ (3,084 )

 

(1) Amounts written off net of bad debt recoveries.

 

62


Table of Contents

TABLE OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

      

Description


      3.1    

*

   The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated March 18, 1998, included as Exhibit 3.1 in the Company’s 1997 Form 10-K.
      3.2    

*

   The Company’s By-laws as amended on December 4, 2002 included as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s 2002 Form 10-K.
    10.1    

*

   Credit Agreement dated March 10, 1998 between The McClatchy Company (formerly MNI Newco, Inc.), the lenders party thereto, Salomon Brothers, Inc., as Arranger and Syndication Agent and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association as Swingline Lender, Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, included as Exhibit 10.2 in the Company’s 1997 Form 10-K.
    10.2    

*

   Ponderay Newsprint Company Partnership Agreement dated as of September 12, 1985 between Lake Superior Forest Products, Inc., Central Newsprint Company, Inc., Bradley Paper Company, Copley Northwest, Inc., Puller Paper Company, Newsprint Ventures, Inc., Wingate Paper Company, Tribune Newsprint Company and Nimitz Paper Company included in Exhibit 10.10 to McClatchy Newspapers, Inc. Registration Statement No. 33-17270 on Form S-1.
**10.3    

*

   The McClatchy Company Management by Objective Plan Description included as Exhibit 10.4 in the Company’s Report filed on Form 10-K for the Year ending December 31, 2000.
**10.4    

*

   Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective January 1, 2002 included as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s 2001 Form 10-K.
**10.5    

*

   Amended and Restated 1987 Stock Option Plan dated August 15, 1996 included as Exhibit 10.7 to the McClatchy Newspapers, Inc. 1996 Report on Form 10-K.
**10.6    

*

   Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan dated February 1, 1998 included as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q filed for the Quarter Ending on July 1, 2001.
**10.7    

*

   Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan included as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s 2002 Report on Form 10-K.
**10.8    

*

   Executive Performance Plan adopted on January 1, 1990 included in Exhibit 10.13 to McClatchy Newspapers, Inc. 1989 Report on Form 10-K.
**10.9    

*

   The Company’s Amended and Restated 1990 Directors’ Stock Option Plan dated February 1, 1998 included as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s 1997 Form 10-K.
**10.10        Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Gary B. Pruitt dated October 22, 2003.
**10.11  

*

   The Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan dated January 1, 1998 included as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ending on June 30, 1998.
**10.12  

*

   The Company’s Amended and Restated Chief Executive Bonus Plan, dated March 19, 2003 included as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ending June 29, 2003.
**10.13  

*

   The Company’s Amended and Restated 2001 Director Stock Option Plan included as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s 2002 Report on Form 10-K.
    21       

*

   Subsidiaries of the Company
    23             Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
    31.1          Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of The McClatchy Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
    31.2          Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of The McClatchy Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
    32.1          Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of The McClatchy Company pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
    32.2          Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of The McClatchy Company pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

* Incorporated by reference

 

** Compensation plans or arrangements for the Company’s executive officers and directors

 

63