Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (LEE) Earnings
Lee Enterprises, Incorporated is expected to report next earnings on August 6, 2026 (in NaN days), with a consensus EPS estimate of $-0.16. LEE has beaten EPS estimates in 2 of its last 12 reported quarters (average surprise -494.8% over the last four).
| Report date | EPS est | EPS actual | Surprise | Revenue | Rev. surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 2026 | $-0.94 | $-0.16 | +83.0% | $122M | +0.0% |
| Nov 26, 2025 | $-0.06 | $-1.06 | -1666.7% | $139M | -9.1% |
| Aug 7, 2025 | $-0.13 | $-0.31 | -138.5% | $141M | -4.2% |
| May 8, 2025 | $-0.58 | $-2.07 | -256.9% | $147M | +2.8% |
| Feb 6, 2025 | $-0.40 | $-2.80 | -600.0% | $145M | -4.0% |
| Dec 12, 2024 | $0.65 | $-1.69 | -360.0% | $159M | -6.7% |
| Aug 1, 2024 | $0.68 | $-0.73 | -207.4% | $151M | -11.4% |
| May 2, 2024 | $-0.22 | $-2.06 | -836.4% | $147M | -6.9% |
| Feb 1, 2024 | $-0.02 | $0.12 | +700.0% | $156M | -6.2% |
| Dec 7, 2023 | $1.40 | $-0.32 | -122.9% | $164M | -5.4% |
| Aug 3, 2023 | $0.93 | $0.25 | -73.1% | $171M | -1.2% |
| May 4, 2023 | $-0.51 | $-1.01 | -98.0% | $171M | -1.7% |
Source: company filings + earnings calendar. For informational purposes only — not investment advice.
Earnings call summary
Q2 FY2026 · May 7, 2026
AI summary of management’s prepared remarks and analyst Q&A. For informational purposes only — not investment advice.
Management highlights
Key managerial messages include reconnecting with communities through town hall meetings and adding reporters; shifting compensation structure to 100% equity-based; reducing corporate overhead and simplifying operating model; launching Community Center and expanding local sports coverage via partnership with Hudl; developing a disciplined acquisition strategy; prioritizing local journalism and digital transformation, and focusing on profitable advertising growth by prioritizing higher-margin, sustainable revenue
Guidance
Reaffirmed full-year outlook of adjusted EBITDA growth in the mid-single digits, confident of delivering based on first-half performance. Disciplined approach to cost and focus on profitability were key drivers of strong first-half results, and will maintain operational rigor. Strategy is to accelerate digital growth, strengthen the balance sheet, and continue delivering sustainable value for shareholders
Segment performance
Digital revenue now represents 56% of total company revenue, up 270 basis points year over year, and accounts for 74% of total advertising revenue. Second quarter adjusted EBITDA grew 95% year over year. Excluding business interruption insurance proceeds, adjusted EBITDA grew 45% year over year. Digital subscription revenue grew 7% over the past 12 months, ending the quarter with 591 thousand digital-only subscribers and $22 million in revenue. Digital advertising revenue saw sequential improvement for the second consecutive quarter, with a 2 percentage point improvement in same-store revenue trends compared to the prior quarter. Cash costs declined 15%, or $19 million, with meaningful reductions across SG&A and print-related expenses
Risks & headwinds
Risks related to forward-looking statements subject to certain risks, trends, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ, including the continued impact of prior cyber event
Analyst Q&A
Q: Were there any debt principal payments made in the second quarter?
A: In the second quarter, we did not make any debt payments. However, we did have two real estate sales of noncore assets, and we made a $1 million debt payment just into the third quarter. But that would not be reflected in our second quarter debt