(Exact
names of registrants as specified in their charters)
(FOR CO-REGISTRANTS, PLEASE SEE TABLE OF CO-REGISTRANTS
ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE)
Georgia
2711
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Numbers)
58-1445060
20-0183044
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Numbers)
725
Broad Street
Augusta, Georgia 30901
(706) 724-0851
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
registrants principal executive offices)
William S. Morris IV
President and Chief Executive Officer
Morris Publishing Group, LLC
725 Broad Street
Augusta, Georgia
30901
(706) 724-0851
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
Mark S. Burgreen, Esq.
Hull, Towill,
Norman, Barrett & Salley, P.C.
801 Broad Street, 7
th
Floor
Augusta, Georgia 30901
(706) 722-4481
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement
becomes effective.
If the securities being registered on this
form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.
¨
If this form is filed to
register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.
¨
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.
¨
The Registrants hereby amend this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrants
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on
such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until
the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer of sale is not
permitted.
Subject to Completion Dated May 10, 2004
Preliminary Prospectus
Morris Publishing Group, LLC
Morris Publishing Finance Co.
OFFER TO
EXCHANGE
ALL OUTSTANDING
Series A 7% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2013
FOR
Series B 7% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2013
OF
Morris Publishing Group, LLC and
Morris Publishing Finance Co.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT
5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME
ON
[ ], 2004, UNLESS EXTENDED
Morris Publishing Group, LLC and Morris Publishing Finance Co. hereby offer to exchange for their unregistered 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, of which
$250.0 million aggregate principal amount were issued on August 7, 2003 and another $50.0 million aggregate principal amount were issued on September 24, 2003, an equal face amount of registered 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013. The terms of
the Series B registered notes, also referred to as exchange notes, are identical in all material respects to the Series A unregistered notes, also referred to as the original notes, except that the exchange notes are registered under the Securities
Act of 1933 and the transfer restrictions and registration rights applicable to the original notes generally do not apply to the exchange notes.
The exchange notes will mature on August 1, 2013. Interest on the exchange notes is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year.
The exchange notes will be our unsecured senior subordinated obligations and will be
subordinated to all of our existing and future senior debt, rank equally with all of our existing and future senior subordinated debt and rank senior to all of our future subordinated debt. The exchange notes will be unconditionally guaranteed, on a
senior subordinated basis, with joint and several liability, by each of our existing and future restricted subsidiaries other than the co-issuer Morris Publishing Finance Co.
Original notes may be tendered only in multiples of $1,000. All original notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn
will be exchanged. Tenders of original notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, including the condition that the exchange offer not violate applicable
law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The exchange of original notes for exchange notes will not be a taxable sale for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
See
Risk factors
beginning on page 14 for a discussion of certain risks that you should consider before you tender your original notes.
The exchange notes will not be listed on any securities exchange.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This summary highlights the
information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. Because this is only a summary, it does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. For a more complete understanding of this offering, we encourage you to read this entire
prospectus and the documents to which this prospectus refers. You should read the following summary together with the more detailed information and consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this
prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, financial information included in this prospectus is presented on an historical basis.
Overview
Morris Publishing is a private company beneficially owned by the William S. Morris III family as part of their Morris Communications group of companies. The Morris Publishing Group consists of 26 daily, ten
non-daily, and 23 free community newspapers. Our primary sources of revenue are advertising, which accounted for 79.6% of our 2003 total operating revenues, and circulation, which accounted for 16.3% of our 2003 total operating revenues. We publish
newspapers in the United States ranging from Texas to Michigan and Georgia to Alaska. In 2003 our newspapers had unaudited average daily and Sunday paid circulation aggregating 686,754 and 765,871, respectively. Our largest newspapers are
The
Florida Times-Union
, Jacksonville, Florida,
The Augusta Chronicle
, Augusta, Georgia,
The Topeka Capital-Journal
, Topeka, Kansas,
Savannah Morning News
, Savannah, Georgia,
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
, Lubbock, Texas, and
Amarillo Globe-News
, Amarillo, Texas.
We have historically been
consistently profitable in varying economic climates, with generally stable operating results. Our total operating revenues for 2003 were $438.3 million and have ranged between $433.4 million and $455.4 million since 1999. Operating income was $79.6
million in 2003 and has ranged between $68.4 million and $88.3 million since 1999. Our operating margin was 18.2% in 2003 and has ranged between 15.6% and 20.4% since 1999.
Morris Publishing Group, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morris Communications Company, LLC, a privately held media company.
Morris Publishing Finance Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morris Publishing Group, LLC, was incorporated in 2003 for the sole purpose of serving as a co-issuer of the notes in order to facilitate the offering. Morris Publishing Finance Co. does
not have any operations or assets of any kind and will not have any revenues. Prospective investors in the exchange notes should not expect Morris Publishing Finance Co. to have the ability to service the interest and principal obligations on the
exchange notes. Our principal executive offices are located at 725 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901, and our telephone number at that address is (706) 724-0851. Our parent companys web site is located at http://www.morris.com. The
information on our parents web site is not part of this prospectus.
In this prospectus, Morris Publishing, we, us and our refer to Morris Publishing Group, LLC and its subsidiaries, except in the section Description of the exchange notes and
where the context otherwise excludes subsidiaries. Morris Communications refers to Morris Communications Company, LLC. Morris Publishing Group was formed in 2001 and assumed the operations of the newspaper business segment of our parent,
Morris Communications. Discussions of Morris Publishing and our results of operations include the business as previously conducted by the Morris Communications newspaper business segment.
Our strategy to increase our revenues and cash flows is to grow our market share and operate efficiently. Towards this end, we are pursuing the following
initiatives:
·
Being a leader in providing local information and advertising
. We believe we are the trusted source of local news, information, and advertising
in each of the communities we serve in both the print and online formats.
·
Increasing readership.
We conduct extensive market research and strive to deliver the service and content each of our markets demand. Positioning
ourselves as an essential part of our customers lives is particularly critical as we face increasing competition for their free time from other sources.
·
Growing advertising revenues.
Through targeted market research we attempt to understand the needs of our advertisers so that we may develop
programs to meet those specific needs. While our newspapers generally do not directly compete in their communities with other daily newspapers, competition for advertising comes from a variety of other sources.
·
Enhancing online initiatives.
We have made a substantial commitment to enhancing our websites that complement all of our daily newspapers. Over
the last four years, our newspapers have won 21 national Digital Edge awards from the Newspaper Association of America.
·
Centralizing operations to support multiple publications.
We create synergies and cost savings by producing our weekly newspapers, free
distribution shoppers and additional niche or regional publications using the facilities of our daily newspapers.
·
Focusing on cost control.
We continue to focus on managing our operating costs by creating, beginning in 2002, a Shared Services Center and
participating in a newsprint purchasing consortium.
·
Investing in strategic technologies.
We continue to explore technologies that will enable us to more efficiently print, produce, and deliver our
newspapers in addition to streamlining our back office operations.
Our operating strategy may not successfully increase revenues and cash flows, based upon a number of factors. For example, a decline in economic conditions, the effects of competition from newspapers or other forms of advertising, or
a decrease in the price of local or national advertising could adversely impact our advertising revenues. Our circulation may be adversely effected by competition from other publications and other forms of media and a declining number of regular
newspapers buyers. A decline in circulation could adversely impact both our circulation revenue and our advertising revenue, because advertising rates are dependent upon readership. Further, our efforts to control costs, especially newsprint costs,
and to create operating synergies may not be as successful as we anticipate. For further discussion of these and other risks relating to our business and operating strategy, see Risk factors beginning on page 14.
Purpose
The purpose of this offering is to exchange the original notes (issued and sold on August 7 and September 24, 2003) for exchange
notes. The original notes were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. We and the initial purchasers of the original notes entered into registration rights agreements in which we agreed to file a registration statement with the SEC
to exchange the original notes for exchange notes. We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of these exchange notes and our indebtedness
will not change as a result of this exchange. The proceeds of the initial issuance of $250.0 million of the original notes together with the proceeds of our new credit facility were used to repay our debt to Morris Communications, our parent
company, and to fund our general corporate activities. The proceeds of the additional $50.0 million of the original notes were used to reduce existing indebtedness under the new revolving credit facility.
We are offering to exchange $1,000 principal amount of exchange notes for each $1,000
principal amount of original notes. We have agreed to pay the expenses of this exchange offer.
Strategic acquisitions
We may, from time
to time, seek strategic or targeted investments, including newspaper acquisitions and dispositions and, in that regard, we periodically review newspaper and other acquisition candidates that we believe are underperforming in terms of operating cash
flows, are in the same geographic region as one of our existing newspapers where we can achieve an efficient operating cluster of newspapers, or otherwise present us with strategic opportunities for growth. Morris Publishing currently has no present
commitments with respect to any material acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures.
Morris Publishing is a private company owned by the William S. Morris III family, as a part of their Morris Communications
group of companies. In 1929, William S. Morris, Jr., the father of todays chairman, became a bookkeeper at
The Augusta Chronicle
. In the 1940s William S. Morris, Jr. and another investor purchased
The Augusta Chronicle
. While
Morris Communications principal business is newspaper publishing conducted by Morris Publishing, Morris Communications has other investments and operations including outdoor advertising, magazines and specialized publications, book publishing
and distribution, radio broadcasting, visitor publications, event management and online services. The chart below is a summary of the organizational structure (with intermediate holding companies and lower tier subsidiaries eliminated):
Financing developments
On
August 7, 2003, we issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7% senior subordinated notes due 2013. On September 24, 2003, we issued an additional $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7% senior subordinated notes due 2013.
Collectively, these notes constitute a single series of Series A notes in an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million, and are the original notes for which the registered exchange notes are offered in exchange pursuant to this exchange offer.
On August 7, 2003, we also entered into new senior secured credit
facilities, consisting of a $225.0 million term loan facility and a $175.0 million revolving loan facility. The proceeds of the
initial issuance of $250.0 million of the original notes together with the proceeds of our new credit facility, were used to (i) repay our debt to
Morris Communications, which repaid its existing credit facilities, the proceeds of which were used in large part to fund our business, and (ii) to fund our general corporate activities, including working capital requirements and capital
expenditures. The proceeds of the subsequent issuance of the additional $50.0 million of the original notes were used to reduce existing indebtedness (but not available borrowings) under the new revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2003, we
had no outstanding balance on our $175.0 million revolving credit facility.
In August and September, 2003, we completed two private offerings aggregating $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7%
senior subordinated notes due 2013. In connection with the offerings of those original notes, we entered into registration rights agreements with the initial purchasers of those original notes in which we agreed to deliver this prospectus to you and
to complete an exchange offer for those original notes. Below is a summary of the exchange offer.
Securities offered
$300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7% senior subordinated notes due 2013.
Exchange offer
We are offering to exchange an aggregate of $300,000,000 principal amount of exchange notes for an aggregate of $300,000,000 principal amount of original notes. The original notes may be
exchanged only in multiples of $1,000.
Expiration date
This exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on [ ], 2004, unless we
extend the offer.
Procedures for tendering original notes
The procedures for exchanging original notes involve notifying the exchange agent before the expiration date of the exchange offer of your intention to do so. The procedures for properly
providing notice are described on page 67 of this prospectus under the heading The exchange offer Exchange offer procedures How to tender.
In order to participate in the exchange offer, you will be required to make specified representations in a letter of transmittal, including that:
·
you are not an affiliate of ours, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act of 1933;
·
you are not a broker-dealer who owns original notes acquired directly from us;
·
you will acquire the exchange notes in the ordinary course of business;
and
·
you have not agreed with anyone to distribute the exchange notes.
If you are a broker-dealer that purchased original notes for your own account as part of market-making or other trading activities, you
may represent to us that you have not agreed with us or our affiliates to distribute the exchange notes. If you make this representation, you must agree to deliver a prospectus in
connection with any resale of the exchange notes and you need not make the last representation provided for above.
Guaranteed delivery procedures
If you wish to accept the exchange offer and time will not permit a letter of transmittal or original notes to reach the exchange agent before the date on which the exchange offer expires,
you must deliver to the exchange agent a letter, telegram or facsimile transmission from a bank, broker, dealer, credit union, savings association, clearing agency or other institution that is a member of a recognized guarantee medallion program in
the time and manner described in The exchange offerExchange offer proceduresGuaranteed delivery procedures.
Acceptance of original notes and delivery of exchange notes
We will accept any original notes that are properly tendered for exchange before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the day this exchange offer
expires. The exchange notes will be delivered promptly after expiration of this exchange offer.
Exchange date
We will notify the exchange agent of the date of acceptance of the original notes for exchange.
Withdrawal rights
If you tender your original notes for exchange in this exchange offer and later wish to withdraw them, you may do so at any time before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the day this
exchange offer expires.
Effect on holders of original notes
Any original notes that remain outstanding after this exchange offer will continue to be subject to restrictions on their transfer. After the expiration of this exchange offer, holders of
original notes will not (with limited exceptions) have any further rights under the registration rights agreements. Any market for original notes that are not exchanged could be adversely affected by the completion of this exchange offer. See
Risk factors The original notes are, and will continue to be, subject to restrictions on transfer, and the
trading market, if any, for original notes may be adversely affected by completion of this exchange offer on page 25.
Resale of the exchange notes
Based on the position of the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the SEC as stated in certain interpretive letters issued to third parties in other transactions, we believe
that the exchange notes acquired in this exchange offer may be freely traded without compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that call for registration and delivery of a prospectus, except as described in the
following paragraphs. See Plan of distribution on page 127.
Accrued interest on the original notes
Any interest that has accrued on an original note before its exchange in this exchange offer will be payable on the exchange note on the first interest payment date after the completion of
this exchange offer. If your original notes are accepted for exchange, then you will receive interest on the exchange notes and not on the original notes.
Tax consequences
The exchange of the original notes for the exchange notes will not be a taxable exchange for United States federal income tax purposes. See Material U.S. federal income tax
considerations on page 121.
Exchange agent
Wachovia Bank is serving as the exchange agent. Its address and telephone number are provided in this prospectus under the heading The exchange offer Exchange agent on
page 72.
Use of proceeds
We will not receive any cash proceeds from this exchange offer.
Please review the information in
the section The exchange offer for more detailed information concerning the exchange offer.
The following summary contains basic information about the exchange notes and is not intended to be complete. It does not contain
all the information that is important to you. For a more complete understanding of the exchange notes, please refer to the section of this prospectus entitled Description of the exchange notes.
Issuers
Morris Publishing Group, LLC and Morris Publishing Finance Co.
Securities offered
$300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7% senior subordinated notes due 2013.
Maturity date
August 1, 2013.
Interest rate
7% per year.
Interest payment dates
February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on February 1, 2004.
Guarantees
Each of our existing and future restricted subsidiaries, other than the co-issuer Morris Publishing Finance Co., will jointly, severally and unconditionally guarantee the notes on a
senior subordinated basis. All of our existing subsidiaries are restricted subsidiaries. We may designate a restricted subsidiary as an unrestricted subsidiary, and terminate its guarantee, under procedures set forth in the indenture, including
compliance with the Limitation on Restricted Payments covenant.
Ranking
The exchange notes will be our unsecured senior subordinated obligations and will be subordinated to all of our existing and future senior debt, including secured indebtedness under our
new credit facilities, rank equally with all of our existing and future senior subordinated debt and rank senior to all of our future subordinated debt.
The guarantees by our restricted subsidiaries will be subordinated to existing and future senior debt of such subsidiaries, including each
such subsidiarys guarantee of the indebtedness under our new credit facilities. The guarantees will rank equally with all of the guarantors existing and future senior subordinated debt, and rank senior to all of the guarantors
future subordinated debt.
The notes will be effectively subordinated to
all of our and our subsidiaries existing and
future secured debt to the extent of the value of collateral securing each debt. The notes will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities, including trade
payables, of any subsidiary that is not a guarantor. As of December 31, 2003, after giving effect to our new credit facilities and the sale of the notes and the application of the proceeds therefrom, the notes and the subsidiary guarantees would
have been subordinated to $225.0 million of senior debt, not including $175.0 million of additional borrowing capacity we have available under our new credit facilities.
Optional redemption
We may redeem some or all of the notes at any time on or after August 1, 2008. We may also redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes using the proceeds of certain
public equity offerings on or before August 1, 2006. The redemption prices are described under Description of the exchange notes Redemption.
Change of control and asset sales
If we experience specific kinds of changes of control or we sell assets under certain circumstances, we will be required to make an offer to
purchase the notes at the prices listed in Description of the exchange notes Redemption. We may not have sufficient funds available at the time of any change of control, to effect the purchase.
Certain covenants
The indenture restricts our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:
·
incur additional debt and issue preferred stock;
·
make certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments;
·
create certain liens;
·
enter into transactions with affiliates;
·
limit the ability of restricted subsidiaries to make payments to us;
·
merge, consolidate or sell substantially all of our assets;
·
issue preferred stock of a restricted subsidiary;
·
sell certain assets; and
·
enter into new lines of business.
These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications, which are described under the heading Description of the exchange notes in this
prospectus.
Exchange offer; registration rights
Under registration rights agreements with the initial purchasers, we and the guarantors agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to cause to become effective a registration statement
with respect to an offer to exchange the notes for the exchange notes. If we are not able to effect the exchange offer, we will use our commercially reasonable efforts to file and cause to become effective a shelf registration statement relating to
resales of the notes. We will be obligated to pay additional interest on the notes if we do not complete the exchange by May 3, 2004 or, if required, the shelf registration statement is not declared effective by May 3, 2004.
Risk factors.
See
Risk factors on page 14 of this prospectus for a discussion of certain factors that you should carefully consider before investing in the notes.
The summary historical financial data of Morris Publishing set forth below should be
read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, and Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included elsewhere in this prospectus. The
consolidated statement of income and other operating and financial information data for each of the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 are derived from our audited
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus . We do not have audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 and, therefore, the consolidated statement of income and other operating and
financial information data for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 are derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements. See Risk factors. Net
cash flow information for 1999 is not available.
Morris Publishing was
formed in late 2001 as part of a corporate reorganization of our parent, Morris Communications and, therefore, does not have a recent operating history as an independent company. Our historical consolidated financial statements contained in this
prospectus reflect periods during which we did not operate as an independent company. See Note 1 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The financial information we have included in this prospectus reflects the historical results of operations and cash flows of Morris Publishing with allocations
made for corporate and other services provided to us by Morris Communications. Operating costs and expenses reflect our direct costs together with certain allocations by Morris Communications for corporate services, debt and other shared services
that have been charged to us based on usage or other methodologies we believe are appropriate for such expenses. In the opinion of management, these allocations have been made on a reasonable basis and approximate all the material incremental costs
we would have incurred had we been operating on a stand-alone basis; however, there has been no independent study or any attempt to obtain quotes from third parties to determine what the costs of obtaining such services would have been.
Interest expense, including amortization of debt issuance costs
26,088
25,056
33,424
45,230
37,737
Loss on extinguishment of debt
5,957
1,578
Other, net
(59
)
187
285
(103
)
(266
)
Total other expenses
31,986
25,243
35,287
45,127
37,471
Income before income taxes and minority interest
47,589
63,078
33,125
32,200
47,053
Provision for income taxes
18,744
24,758
15,039
15,795
21,413
Minority interest, net
282
400
Net income
$
28,845
$
38,320
$
18,086
$
16,123
$
25,240
Consolidated balance sheet data at period end
Total assets
$
445,828
$
437,287
$
443,352
$
455,466
$
466,714
Goodwill and other intangibles
210,643
215,680
220,802
233,196
248,580
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations
525,000
516,000
538,046
566,128
544,627
Members deficit
(170,758
)
(153,909
)
(163,913
)
(189,431
)
(171,699
)
Other operating and financial information data
Earnings to fixed charges (a)
2.8
x
3.5
x
2.0
x
1.7
x
(b
)
Pro forma earnings to fixed charges (c)
2.5
x
3.0
x
Operating margin (d)
18.2
%
20.4
%
15.6
%
17.0
%
19.0
%
(a)
Earnings to fixed charges is defined as income before income taxes and minority interest plus fixed charges, divided by fixed charges. Fixed charges are interest expense
including amortization of debt issuance costs, plus one-third of rent expense.
(b)
Not
available.
(c)
Our interest expense would have increased by $4,669 and $6,742, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, assuming we had issued our
$300.0 million of 7% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2013 at the beginning of such periods. Pro forma earnings to fixed charges assumes issuance of said Notes at January 1, 2002.
(d)
Operating margin is operating income as a percentage of total operating revenues.
(e)
We restated our financial statements as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for the years then ended. See note 10 to the financial statements. The financial statements as of and
for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 also give effect to the restatement adjustments.
In deciding whether to
participate in the exchange offer, you should carefully consider the risks described below, which could cause our operating results and financial condition to be materially adversely affected, as well as other information and data included in this
prospectus.
Risks relating to our business and our
industry
A decline in advertising revenue, our largest
source of revenue, would adversely affect us.
A primary source of
our revenue is advertising. For both 2002 and 2003, advertising revenues, which include retail, national and classified advertising revenues, constituted approximately 79% and 80%, respectively, of our total operating revenues. A reduction in demand
for advertising could result from:
·
a general decline in economic conditions;
·
a decline in economic conditions in particular markets where we conduct business, and in particular the Jacksonville, Florida market where we derived approximately 26.2% of
our revenues for the year ending December 31, 2003;
·
a decline in the circulation of our newspapers;
·
a decline in the popularity of our editorial content;
·
a change in the demographic makeup of the population where our newspapers are sold;
·
a decrease in the price of local and national advertising;
·
the activities of our competitors, including increased competition from other forms of advertising-based mediums, including local, regional and national newspapers, shoppers,
radio and television broadcasters, cable television (national and local), direct mail and electronic media (including the internet); and
·
a decline in the amount spent on advertising in general.
Our revenues are cyclical and may decrease due to an economic downturn.
Newspaper companies tend to follow a distinct and recurring seasonal pattern. The first quarter of the year tends to be the weakest
quarter because advertising volume is then at its lowest level. The fourth quarter tends to be the strongest quarter as it includes holiday season advertising. As a result, our consolidated results may not be comparable from quarter to quarter.
Our advertising revenues, as well as those of the newspaper industry in
general, may be cyclical and dependent upon general economic conditions. We cannot assure you that the demand for our services will continue at current levels. The newspaper industry in general, like other media, has suffered from the continued
downturn in the national economy. Historically, advertising revenues have increased with the beginning of an economic recovery, principally with increases in classified advertising for employment, real estate and automobiles. Decreases in
advertising revenues have historically corresponded with general economic downturns and regional and local recessionary conditions. While we believe that the geographic diversity of our operations mitigates, to some degree, the effects of regional
and local economic downturns, a decline in the national economy generally may adversely affect our operating results.
A decline in circulation revenue would adversely affect us.
We also rely on circulation revenue, which is affected by, among other things,
competition and consumer trends, including declining consumer spending on newspapers. Circulation is a significant source of our revenue. Circulation revenue and our ability to achieve price increases for our print products are affected by:
·
competition from other publications and other forms of media available in our various markets, including network, cable and satellite television, the internet and radio;
·
declining consumer spending on discretionary items like newspapers;
·
competing uses of free time; and
·
declining number of regular newspaper buyers.
Fluctuations in newsprint costs, or increases in labor or health care costs could adversely affect our financial results.
Newsprint, ink and supplements are the major components of our cost of raw materials.
Newsprint, ink and supplements were 11.5%, 11.3% and 14.2% of our total operating revenues in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Historically newsprint prices have fluctuated substantially. Accordingly, our earnings are sensitive to changes in
newsprint prices. We have no long-term supply contracts and 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. In addition, substantial increases in labor or health care costs could also affect our operating results.
Competition could have a material adverse effect on us.
Revenue generation in the newspaper industry is dependent primarily upon the sale of advertising and paid circulation. Competition and
pricing are largely based on readership, market penetration, quality and servicing the specialized needs of advertisers and readers. Currently, our daily newspapers generally do not directly compete in their respective communities with other daily
newspapers covering local news. Competition for advertising and circulation, however, also comes from regional and national newspapers, radio and television broadcast, cable television (national and local), non-daily newspapers, direct mail,
electronic media (including the internet) and other communications and advertising media that operate in our markets. Certain of our competitors are larger and have greater financial resources than we have. The extent and nature of such competition
is, in large part, determined by the location and demographics of the market and the number of media alternatives in those markets. For more information on our competition and factors that could affect our competitive position, see
BusinessCompetition.
We must constantly expand and
develop new publications and services to compete for advertising dollars against competitors who may target the specific needs of advertisers.
In recent years, newspapers have faced competition for advertising dollars from publishers of specialized publications targeted to specific groups of readers. To
meet this competition, our future success depends in part on our ability to continue offering new publications and services that successfully gain market acceptance by addressing the needs of specific audience groups within our target markets. The
process of internally researching, developing, launching, gaining
acceptance and establishing profitability for a new publication or service, is inherently risky and costly. We cannot assure you that our efforts to
introduce new publications or services will be successful.
We are
subject to legal proceedings that, if determined adversely to us, could adversely affect our financial results.
We are subject to legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. We do not expect that the outcome of any pending legal proceedings will have
a material adverse impact upon our business. However, the damages that may be claimed in these legal proceedings could be substantial, including claims for punitive or extraordinary damages. It is possible that, if the outcomes of these legal
proceedings are not favorable to us, it could adversely affect our future financial results. In addition, our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity may be adversely affected if in the future our insurance coverage proves to be
inadequate or unavailable or there is an increase in liabilities for which we are self-insured.
The interests of our parent, Morris Communications, and its ultimate owners, the Morris family, may be different than yours, and they may take actions that may be viewed as adversely affecting our business or the notes.
Morris Communications, its ultimate parent company, Shivers Trading
& Operating Company, and the Morris family have interests in other businesses that may have conflicting business interests. Other subsidiaries of Morris Communications operate businesses that also derive revenue from advertising, including
broadcast radio stations, outdoor advertising, magazines, book publishing and specialized publications. These other subsidiaries may compete with us for advertising revenues. Because the Morris familys interests as an equity holder may
conflict with the interests of holders of the notes, Morris Communications may cause us to take actions that, in their judgment, could enhance their equity investment, even though such actions might involve risks to you as a holder of the notes.
There can be no assurance that Morris Communications or the Morris
family will exercise control in our best interests as opposed to their own best interests.
The Morris family, including William S. Morris III, our chairman, and his son, William S. Morris IV, our president and chief executive officer, beneficially own all of the equity interests in Morris Communications, our
parent company, through their ownership of the stock of Shivers Trading & Operating Company. By virtue of such equity ownership, the Morris family has the sole power to:
·
elect the entire board of directors of Shivers Trading & Operating Company, Morris Communications and each of their subsidiaries, including us;
·
control all of our management and policies, including as to the making of payments to Morris family members or other affiliates, whether by way of dividend, stock repurchase,
compensation or otherwise or the entering into other transactions with Morris Communications, its subsidiaries or other affiliates, or other transactions that could result in a change of control of Morris Communications or Morris Publishing; and
·
determine the outcome of any corporate matter or transaction, including mergers, joint ventures, consolidations and asset sales, equity issuances or debt incurrences.
We have no independent directors and no independent audit committee to review the actions of management or the
Morris family.
Currently five of the six directors on the boards of
directors of Shivers Trading & Operating Company, Morris Communications and each of their subsidiaries (including our board) are members of the Morris family and the sixth is Craig S. Mitchell who is also the Senior Vice President
Finance, Secretary and Treasurer of Shivers Trading & Operating Company, Morris Communications and each of their subsidiaries. Mr. Mitchell serves at the pleasure of the Morris family. None of these boards has a separate audit committee and will
not necessarily have as a member a financial expert as defined under the rules of the Commission as a result of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We have been advised that the Morris family does not plan to appoint any non-family members
to any such boards, other than the current single existing non-family member director, or any independent directors. No member of any such board of directors has been elected, or is anticipated to be elected, to represent the interests
of the holders of the notes.
In addition, as private companies, Shivers
Trading & Operating Company, Morris Communications and its subsidiaries, including Morris Publishing, have not been required to comply with the corporate governance or other provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or any of the corporate governance
or other rules and regulations of any stock exchange or national stock quotation system. Morris Publishing will become subject to certain provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act when this exchange offer is completed, but those provisions will not
require Morris Publishing to have independent directors or an audit committee.
We depend upon the Morris family for management, leadership and general policy-making.
The unavailability for any reason of the managerial services presently provided by the Morris family (particularly our chairman William S. Morris III and our chief executive officer William S. Morris IV) to
Morris Publishing, could be disruptive to our business for some period of time. While we have been advised that the Morris family has no intention to engage in a transaction that would lead to a change of control of Shivers Trading & Operating
Company, Morris Communications or Morris Publishing, no assurances can be given that future events or other circumstances may arise that would lead to a possible change of control.
Various entities which are affiliated with Morris Communications and the Morris family have engaged, and may in the future engage,
in transactions with us some of which may be viewed, from the perspective of a holder of the notes, as disadvantageous to us or an inappropriate use of our resources.
These transactions may not necessarily be consummated on an arms-length basis and therefore may not be as favorable to us as
those that could be negotiated with non-affiliated third parties. See Certain relationships and related transactions for a description of such transactions, including the following:
·
We are managed by Morris Communications pursuant to a management agreement and also participate in its Shared Services Center operated by its subsidiary, MStar Solutions, LLC.
·
In addition to the management services, we may share other facilities and costs with Morris Communications and its other subsidiaries. Shared costs may
include joint promotions or the use of facilities, equipment, supplies or employees of one division for
the benefit of an affiliate and the costs will be allocated among the various entities by Morris Communications.
·
Rental arrangements with a company controlled by Morris family members for the use of our Savannah, Georgia newspaper operation.
·
In the ordinary course of our business, we may sell or purchase goods and services from our affiliates, such as radio or outdoor advertising and promotions, space in hotels
owned by affiliates, or farm products from farms owned by affiliates, on terms that we determine to be comparable to transactions with unrelated third parties.
·
We may provide loans to Morris Communications or its subsidiaries. Any such loans may utilize borrowing capacity under our new credit facilities that may otherwise have been
available for our business purposes.
It is expected that the principal external source of liquidity for Morris Communications and its other subsidiaries will be loans by or distributions from Morris Publishing.
·
We are a single member limited liability company that is disregarded for federal income tax purposes and we are part of the consolidated tax return of our ultimate parent
corporation and its subsidiaries. We participate in a tax sharing agreement with our affiliates whereby we are required to pay to Morris Communications an amount equal to the taxes we would have been required to pay as if we were a separate taxable
corporation. We may become jointly and severally liable for all income tax liability of the group in the event other subsidiaries are unable to pay the taxes attributable to their operations.
Because of the FCCs cross-ownership limitations and Morris
Communications ownership of radio stations, we may not be able to make acquisitions that would be favorable, or we may be required to dispose of existing newspapers.
Rules of the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, limit the cross-ownership of a broadcast radio station and a newspaper in the
same market. Morris Communications owns other subsidiaries which own radio broadcast licenses that are subject to regulation by the FCC. These subsidiaries currently hold, under waivers granted by the FCC, radio broadcast licenses in two of Morris
Publishings newspaper markets: Amarillo, Texas and Topeka, Kansas. A subsidiary of Morris Communications has also received from the FCC a twelve month waiver to hold a radio broadcast license for a station it expects to acquire with a service
contour that includes Newton, Kansas, which is also one of our newspaper markets. The FCC recently adopted ownership rules that would permit cross-ownership of a broadcast radio station and a newspaper in the same market in many instances, but these
rules have been challenged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which has stayed the rules effective date pending outcome of the litigation. Should the new rules become effective, we believe that the radio broadcast licenses
held for these locations will be able to continue to be held without waivers. If, however, the court challenge seeking to overturn the rules is successful, or if Congress were to overturn the new ownership rules or to impose new limitations on
newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership, Morris Communications and Morris Publishing might need to divest either their radio broadcast licenses for these markets or their newspaper interests in these markets. Further, FCC cross-ownership rules may have
the effect of preventing us from pursuing or consummating a newspaper acquisition that our management would have otherwise pursued in markets in which Morris Communications owns radio stations.
If we fail to implement our business strategy, our business will be adversely affected.
Our future financial performance and success are dependent in large part upon our
ability to successfully implement our business strategy. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully implement our business strategy or be able to improve our operating results. In particular, we cannot assure you that we will be able
to maintain circulation of our publications, obtain new sources of advertising revenues, generate additional revenues by building on the brand names of our publications or raise the cover prices of our publications without causing a decline in
circulation.
Implementation of our business strategy could be affected
by a number of factors beyond our control, such as increased competition, general economic conditions, legal developments or increased operating costs or expenses. In particular, there has been a recent trend of increased consolidation among major
retailers, including as a result of bankruptcies of certain retailers. This trend may adversely affect our results of operations by reducing the number of advertisers using our products and increasing the purchasing power of the consolidated
retailers, thereby leading to a decline in our advertising revenues. Any failure by us to successfully implement our business strategy may adversely affect our ability to service our indebtedness, including our ability to make principal and interest
payments on the notes. We may, in addition, decide to alter or discontinue certain aspects of our business strategy at any time.
Consolidation in the markets in which we operate could place us at a competitive disadvantage.
Recently, some of the markets in which we operate have experienced significant consolidation. In particular, the combinations of
traditional media content companies and new media distribution companies have resulted in new business models and strategies. Should the revised ownership rules adopted by the FCC withstand court and Congressional challenges, they will increase the
potential of consolidation for our sector. We cannot predict with certainty the extent to which these types of business combinations may occur or the impact that they may have. These combinations could potentially place us at a competitive
disadvantage with respect to negotiations, sales, resources and our ability to develop and to take advantage of new media technologies.
We may pursue acquisitions, but we may not be able to identify attractive acquisition candidates, successfully integrate acquired operations or realize the
intended benefits of our acquisitions and we may enter into joint ventures.
We may pursue growth in part through the acquisition of additional newspapers or certain other businesses and assets and we may enter into joint ventures. This strategy is subject to numerous risks, including:
·
an inability to obtain sufficient financing to complete our acquisitions;
·
increases in purchase prices for newspaper assets due to increased competition for acquisition opportunities;
·
an inability to negotiate definitive purchase agreements on satisfactory terms;
·
difficulty in obtaining regulatory approval;
·
difficulty in integrating the operations, systems and management of acquired assets and absorbing the increased demands on our administrative, operational and financial
resources;
the diversion of our managements attention from their other responsibilities;
·
the loss of key employees following completion of our acquisitions;
·
the failure to realize the intended benefits of our acquisitions;
·
our being subject to unknown liabilities; and
·
participation in joint ventures may limit our access to the cash flow of assets contributed to the joint venture.
Our inability to effectively address these risks could force us to revise our business
plan, incur unanticipated expenses or forego additional opportunities for expansion.
The financial data presented in this prospectus for the year ended December 31, 1999 have not been audited and you will not be able to recover damages from an auditor under Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 for any untrue
statements of material facts or omissions to state a material fact, if any, contained in audited financial statements.
We have not obtained audits of our business for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999. The unaudited financial information for the years ended December 31,
2000 and 1999 are based upon the financial records of the Morris Communications newspaper business segment and reflect certain adjustments and allocations that our management believes are reasonable. However, the financial data provided for the
years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 have not been subjected to the independent testing and procedures of an auditor designed to provide assurances of their accuracy and comparability to subsequent audited years.
We are subject to extensive environmental regulations.
We are subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations concerning, among
other things, emissions to the air, waste water and storm water discharges, handling, storage and disposal of wastes, recycling, remediation of contaminated sites, or otherwise relating to protection of the environment. Environmental laws and
regulations and their interpretation have changed rapidly in recent years and may continue to do so in the future. Failure to comply with present or future requirements could result in material liability to us. Some environmental laws impose strict,
and under certain circumstances joint and several, liability for costs of remediation of soil and groundwater contamination at our facilities or those where our wastes have been disposed. Our current and former properties may have had historic uses
which may require investigation or remedial measures. We believe we are in substantial compliance with all applicable environmental requirements. However, we cannot guarantee that material costs and/or liabilities will not occur in the future
including those which may arise from discovery of currently unknown conditions.
The new FTC Do Not Call rule will adversely effect our ability to sell newspaper subscriptions by telephone marketing
.
We utilize telephone direct marketing efforts to maintain and increase our newspaper circulation. This has accounted for an estimated 30% of our new starts in
subscriptions. Pursuant to the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, has issued the Telemarketing Sales Rule prohibiting a telemarketer from calling persons who
have registered on the recently-created National Do Not Call Registry. As of October, 2003 the FTC, the Federal Communications Commission and state law
enforcement officials may enforce violations. Once consumers register online or by telephone with the registry, most telemarketers, generally other than those calling to solicit political or charitable contributions, will be required to remove
telephone numbers on the registry from their call lists. Persons who have registered by August 31, 2003 must be removed from telemarketer lists by October 1, 2003 and covered telemarketers may not call persons who register after September 1,
2003 within three months of the date of registration. Thus, the issuance of the Telemarketing Sales Rule will limit our ability to engage in telephone marketing efforts.
Risks relating to the notes
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the notes.
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2003, we had $525.0
million of debt outstanding, consisting of approximately $225.0 million of senior debt and $300.0 million of senior subordinated notes. In addition, the indenture governing the notes and our new credit facilities allow us to incur substantial
additional indebtedness in the future. As of December 31, 2003, we had $175.0 million available to borrow under our new credit facilities. Our substantial indebtedness may have important consequences, including:
·
making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the notes;
·
limiting cash flow available to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions or other general corporate requirements;
·
increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
·
limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions or other general corporate requirements;
·
limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry;
·
placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with less indebtedness; and
·
making it more difficult for us to comply with financial covenants in our new credit facilities.
We may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt service obligations.
Our ability to generate cash flow from operations to make principal and interest
payments on our debt, including the notes, will depend on our future performance, which will be affected by a range of economic, competitive and business factors. We cannot control many of these factors, including general economic conditions, the
reallocation of advertising expenditures to other available media and a decline in the amount spent on advertising in general. If our operations do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy our debt service obligations, we may
need to seek additional capital to make these payments or undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling assets or reducing or delaying capital investments and acquisitions. We cannot assure you that
such additional capital or alternative financing will be available on favorable terms, if at all. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain additional capital or alternative financing on acceptable terms
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Restrictions in our debt agreements reduce our operating flexibility and contain
covenants and restrictions that create the potential for defaults.
The terms of our new credit facilities and the indenture relating to the notes restrict, among other things, our ability to:
·
incur or repay debt;
·
dispose of assets;
·
create liens;
·
make investments;
·
enter into affiliate transactions; and
·
pay dividends.
Under our new credit facilities we are required to maintain specified financial ratios and levels including:
·
a minimum interest coverage ratio;
·
a minimum fixed charges coverage ratio; and
·
a maximum cash flow ratio.
If we fail to comply with any of these tests, the lenders have the right to cause all amounts outstanding under our new credit facilities to become immediately due.
If this were to occur, and the lenders decide to exercise their right to accelerate the indebtedness, it would create serious financial problems for us and could lead to an event of default under the indenture governing the notes. In such an event,
we cannot assure you that we would have sufficient assets to pay amounts due on the notes. As a result, you may receive less than the full amount you would be otherwise entitled to receive on the notes. Any of these events could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to comply with these restrictions, and any similar restrictions in future agreements, depends on our operating performance. Since our performance is subject
to prevailing economic, financial and business conditions and other factors that are beyond our control, we may be unable to comply with these restrictions in the future. See Description of other indebtedness and Description of the
exchange notes for additional information.
Your right to
receive payments on the notes is junior to our existing senior indebtedness and the existing senior indebtedness of the subsidiary guarantors and possibly all of our and their future indebtedness and our new credit facility will have the benefit of
guarantees by Morris Communication and certain of its subsidiaries.
The notes and the subsidiary guarantees will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of our and the subsidiary guarantors respective current and future senior indebtedness, including our and their
obligations under our new credit facilities. As of December 31, 2003, the notes were subordinated to approximately $225.0 million of senior indebtedness, not including $175.0 million of senior debt that is available for borrowing under our new
credit facilities. As a result of the subordination provisions of the notes, in the event of the bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of us or any subsidiary guarantor, our assets or the assets of the
applicable subsidiary guarantor would be available to pay obligations under the notes and our other senior subordinated obligations only after all
payments had been made on our senior indebtedness or the senior indebtedness of the applicable subsidiary guarantor. Sufficient assets may not remain after all of these payments have been made to make any payments on the notes and our other senior
subordinated obligations, including payments of interest when due. In addition, all payments on the notes and the subsidiary guarantees will be prohibited in the event of a payment default on our new revolving credit facilities, and may be
prohibited in any future senior indebtedness.
All obligations under the
senior credit facilities are guaranteed by Morris Communications and certain of its subsidiaries, and such guarantees are secured with substantially all of their assets.
The notes and the subsidiary guarantees are effectively subordinated to all of our and our subsidiary guarantors secured
indebtedness and all indebtedness of our non-guarantor subsidiaries.
The notes will not be secured. The lenders under our new credit facilities are secured by liens on substantially all of our and our subsidiaries assets and by a pledge of the stock of all of the subsidiary guarantors. If we,
Morris Communications or any of the subsidiary guarantors declare bankruptcy, liquidate or dissolve, or if payment under the new credit facilities or any of our other secured indebtedness is accelerated, our secured lenders would be entitled to
exercise the remedies available to a secured lender under applicable law and will have a claim on those assets before the holders of the notes. As a result, the notes are effectively subordinated to our and our subsidiaries secured
indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing that indebtedness, and the holders of the notes would in all likelihood recover ratably less than the lenders of our and our subsidiaries secured indebtedness in the event of our
bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution. As of December 31, 2003, we had $225.0 million of secured indebtedness outstanding, not including $175.0 million of additional secured indebtedness that would have been available for borrowing under
our new credit facilities.
Some of our future subsidiaries may not be
guarantors on the notes and some of our existing subsidiaries may be released from their guarantees upon becoming an unrestricted subsidiary in the manner provided in the indenture. Payments on the notes will only be required to be made by us and
the subsidiary guarantors. As a result, no payments are required to be made from assets of subsidiaries which do not guarantee the notes. The notes will be structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee
the notes. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of any non-guarantor subsidiary, holders of its indebtedness, its trade creditors and holders of its preferred equity will generally be entitled to payment on their claims from
assets of that subsidiary before any assets are made available for distribution to us. However, under some circumstances, the terms of the notes will permit our non-guarantor subsidiaries to incur additional specified indebtedness. Initially, we
will have no non-guarantor subsidiaries.
We may not be able to
purchase the notes upon a change of control.
Upon the occurrence of
certain specific kinds of change of control events, we will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. However, it
is possible that we will
not have sufficient funds at the time of the change of control to make the required repurchase of notes or that restrictions in our senior credit
facilities would not allow such repurchase.
Federal and state
statutes allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void the guarantees of the notes by our subsidiaries and require the holders of the notes to return payments received from the subsidiary guarantors.
Under the federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer
laws, the subsidiary guarantees could be voided, or claims in respect of the subsidiary guarantees could be subordinated to all other debts of a subsidiary guarantor if, either, the subsidiary guarantee was incurred with the intent to hinder, delay
or defraud any present or future creditors of the subsidiary guarantor or the subsidiary guarantor, at the time it incurred the indebtedness evidenced by its subsidiary guarantee, received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration
for the incurrence of such indebtedness and the subsidiary guarantor either:
·
was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of such incurrence;
·
was engaged in a business or transaction for which such subsidiary guarantors remaining assets constituted unreasonably small capital; or
·
intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature.
The measures of insolvency for purposes of these fraudulent transfer laws will vary
depending upon the law applied in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent transfer has occurred. Generally, however, a subsidiary guarantor would be considered insolvent if:
·
the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, were greater than the fair saleable value of all of its assets;
·
the present fair saleable value of its assets were less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent
liabilities, as they become absolute and mature; or
·
it could not pay its debts as they become due.
On the basis of historical financial information, recent operating history and other factors, we and each subsidiary guarantor believe that, after giving effect to
the indebtedness incurred in connection with this offering, no subsidiary guarantor will be insolvent, will have unreasonably small capital for the business in which it is engaged or will have incurred debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as
they mature. There can be no assurance, however, as to what standard a court would apply in making such determinations or that a court would agree with our or the subsidiary guarantors conclusions in this regard.
An active trading market may not develop for the exchange notes.
The exchange notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market and
will not be listed on any securities exchange. The initial purchasers have informed us that they currently intend to make a market in the exchange notes. However, the initial purchasers are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any such market
making at any time without notice. The liquidity of any market for the notes will depend upon various factors, including:
·
the number of holders of the notes;
·
the interest of securities dealers in making a market for the notes;
the prospects for companies in our industry generally.
Accordingly, we cannot assure you that a market or liquidity will develop for the exchange notes. Historically, the market for non-investment grade debt has been
subject to disruptions that have caused substantial volatility in the prices of securities similar to the exchange notes. We cannot assure you that the market for the exchange notes, if any, will not be subject to similar disruptions. Any such
disruptions may adversely affect you as a holder of the exchange notes.
The original notes are, and will continue to be, subject to restrictions on transfer, and the trading market, if any, for original notes may be adversely affected by completion of this exchange offer.
The original notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or any
state securities laws and therefore may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred except in compliance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and any other applicable securities laws, or pursuant to an exemption from
those laws or in a transaction not subject to those laws. We do not intend to register under the Securities Act of 1933 the original notes that remain outstanding after completion of this exchange offer, and agreed to do so only in the event that
original notes are not eligible for exchange in the exchange offer. We are not aware of any reason that original notes would not be eligible for exchange. Original notes that remain outstanding after the completion of this exchange offer will
continue to bear a legend reflecting those restrictions on transfer, and holders of those original notes will not be entitled to any rights to have those original notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or to any similar rights under the
registration rights agreements (subject to the limited exception noted above). To the extent that original notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the trading market, if any, for remaining original notes may be adversely affected.
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. These are statements that relate to future periods and include statements regarding our anticipated performance. You may find discussions containing such forward-looking statements
in Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, in our vision statement on the inside front cover, and within this prospectus generally.
Generally, the words anticipates, believes,
expects, intends, estimates, projects, plans and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These
risks, uncertainties and other important factors are disclosed under Risk factors and elsewhere in this prospectus, including, without limitation, in conjunction with the forward-looking statements included in this prospectus.
Although we believe that these statements are based upon reasonable
assumptions, we can give no assurance that these statements will be realized. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made
as of the date of this prospectus. We assume no obligation to update or revise them or provide reasons why actual results may differ. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, without
limitation:
·
delay in any economic recovery or the recovery not being as robust as might otherwise have been anticipated;
·
increases in financing, labor, health care and/or other costs, including costs of raw materials, such as newsprint;
·
general economic or business conditions, either nationally, regionally or in the individual markets in which we conduct business (and, in particular, the Jacksonville, Florida
market), may deteriorate and have an adverse impact on our advertising or circulation revenues or on our business strategy; and
·
other risks and uncertainties, including those listed under the caption Risk factors.
This exchange offer is
intended to satisfy some of our obligations under the registration rights agreements. We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes in this exchange offer. In exchange for issuing the exchange notes as described in
this prospectus, we will receive an equal principal amount of original notes, which will be canceled. Accordingly, issuance of the exchange notes will not result in any increase or decrease in the amount of our indebtedness. We have agreed to pay
the expenses of the exchange offer.
The proceeds of the initial issuance
of $250.0 million of the original notes together with the proceeds of our new credit facility, were used to (i) repay our debt to Morris Communications, which repaid its existing credit facilities, the proceeds of which were used in large part to
fund our business, and (ii) to fund our general corporate activities, including working capital requirements and capital expenditures. The proceeds of the subsequent issuance of the additional $50.0 million of the original notes were used to reduce
existing indebtedness (but not available borrowings) under the new revolving credit facility. We use our revolving credit facility to fund our general corporate activities including future acquisitions, working capital requirements, capital
expenditures and loans to affiliates.
The following table sets
forth the capitalization of Morris Publishing as of December 31, 2003 and the capitalization as of such date as adjusted to reflect the consummation of the exchange offer. This table should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto included in this prospectus. See Use of proceeds.
The
selected historical financial data of Morris Publishing set forth below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, and Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition
and results of operations included elsewhere in this prospectus. The consolidated statement of income and other operating and financial information data for each of the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the consolidated balance
sheet data as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. We do not have audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 and,
therefore, the consolidated statement of income and other operating and financial information data for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 are derived from our unaudited
consolidated financial statements. See Risk factors. Net cash flow information for 1999 is not available.
Morris Publishing was formed in late 2001 as part of a corporate reorganization of our parent, Morris Communications and, therefore, does not have a recent
operating history as an independent company. Our historical consolidated financial statements contained in this prospectus reflect periods during which we did not operate as an independent company. See Note 1 to Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.
The financial information we have included in this
prospectus reflects the historical results of operations and cash flows of Morris Publishing with allocations made for corporate and other services provided to us by Morris Communications. Operating costs and expenses reflect our direct costs
together with certain allocations by Morris Communications for corporate services, debt and other shared services that have been charged to us based on usage or other methodologies we believe are appropriate for such expenses. In the opinion of
management, these allocations have been made on a reasonable basis and approximate all the material incremental costs we would have incurred had we been operating on a stand-alone basis; however, there has been no independent study or any attempt to
obtain quotes from third parties to determine what the costs of obtaining such services would have been.
Interest expense, including amortization of debt issuance costs
26,088
25,056
33,424
45,230
37,737
Loss on extinguishment of debt
5,957
1,578
Other, net
(59
)
187
285
(103
)
(266
)
Total other expenses
31,986
25,243
35,287
45,127
37,471
Income before income taxes and minority interest
47,589
63,078
33,125
32,200
47,053
Provision for income taxes
18,744
24,758
15,039
15,795
21,413
Minority interest, net
282
400
Net income
$
28,845
$
38,320
$
18,086
$
16,123
$
25,240
Consolidated balance sheet data at period end
Total assets
$
445,828
$
437,287
$
443,352
$
455,466
$
466,714
Goodwill and other intangibles
210,643
215,680
220,802
233,196
248,580
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations
525,000
516,000
538,046
566,128
544,627
Members deficit
(170,758
)
(153,909
)
(163,913
)
(189,431
)
(171,699
)
Other operating and financial information data
Earnings to fixed charges (a)
2.8
x
3.5
x
2.0
x
1.7
x
(b
)
Pro forma earnings to fixed charges (c)
2.5
x
3.0
x
Operating margin (d)
18.2
%
20.4
%
15.6
%
17.0
%
19.0
%
(a)
Earnings to fixed charges is defined as income before income taxes and minority interest plus fixed charges, divided by fixed charges. Fixed charges are interest expense
including amortization of debt issuance costs, plus one-third of rent expense.
(b)
Not
available.
(c)
Our interest expense would have increased by $4,669 and $6,742, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, assuming we had issued our
$300.0 million of 7% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2013 at the beginning of such periods. Pro forma earnings to fixed charges assumes issuance of said Notes at January 1, 2002.
(d)
Operating margin is operating income as a percentage of total operating revenues.
(e)
We restated our financial statements as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for the years then ended. See note 10 to the financial statements. The financial statements as of and
for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 also give effect to the restatement adjustments.
Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition
and results of operations
Overview
Morris Publishing was formed in 2001 as MCC Newspapers, LLC to own and
operate the newspaper business historically operated by our parent, Morris Communications. Discussions of Morris Publishing and our results of operations include the business as previously conducted by the Morris Communications newspaper business
segment. We changed our name to Morris Publishing Group, LLC in July 2003.
Morris Publishing is in the business of owning and operating newspapers in mid-sized to small markets across the United States. Our newspapers derive their revenues primarily from advertising and circulation. We also print and
distribute periodical publications and operate commercial printing operations as part of our newspaper operations in some of our markets. Other revenues consist primarily of commercial printing revenues. Our primary operating expenses are personnel
costs and newsprint, ink and supplements. Newsprint costs have represented 10 - 15% of total operating expenses. For 2003, consumption was approximately 83,000 metric tons of newsprint. Based on the current level of operations, expected annual
consumption for 2004 is estimated to be 84,000 metric tons.
Historically, newsprint has been subject to significant price fluctuations from year to year, unrelated in many cases to general economic trends. Supply and demand has typically controlled pricing. Since 1990, quarterly average
newsprint costs ranged from $420.0 to $740.0 per metric ton and averaged $534.0 per metric ton during the same period. Newsprint prices were down 20% on average in 2002 compared to 2001. Newsprint prices increased by almost 20% on average in 2003
compared to 2002.
Morris Publishing was formed in late 2001 as part of a
corporate reorganization of our parent, Morris Communications and, therefore, does not have a recent operating history as an independent company. Our historical consolidated financial statements contained in this document reflect periods during
which we did not operate as an independent company. See Note 1 to Notes to consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
The financial information we have included in this prospectus reflects the historical results of operations and cash flows of Morris
Publishing with allocations made for corporate and other services provided to us by Morris Communications. Operating costs and expenses reflect our direct costs together with certain allocations by Morris Communications for corporate services, debt
and other shared services that have been charged to us based on usage or other methodologies we believe are appropriate for such expenses. In the opinion of management, these allocations have been made on a reasonable basis and approximate all the
material incremental costs we would have incurred had we been operating on a stand-alone basis; however, there has been no independent study or any attempt to obtain quotes from third parties to determine what the costs of obtaining such services
would have been. See Notes 1 and 8 to consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
We restated our financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999. See note 10 to our consolidated financial statements.
This managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operation gives effect to this restatement.
On August 7, 2003, Morris Publishing and Morris Communications realigned various aspects of their debt and capital structure, including the following:
·
Morris Publishing issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7% senior subordinated notes due 2013, which constitute some of the original notes.
·
Morris Publishing entered into new $400.0 million senior secured credit facilities, which rank senior to the notes, and are guaranteed by Morris Communications and its
restricted subsidiaries, including all of our existing subsidiaries.
·
Morris Publishing repaid its intercompany debt due to its parent, Morris Communications, which in turn repaid its senior secured credit facilities. As a result, we incurred a
non-cash financing loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $6.0 million related to the write off of the unamortized deferred loan costs. Prior to this repayment, Morris Publishings debt due to its parent increased by $18.1 million,
which borrowings were used to repay other indebtedness of its parent. As a result, we recorded an $18.1 million distribution to our parent.
·
Morris Communications contributed various real estate and trademarks owned by Morris Communications but primarily used in the newspaper business to Morris Publishing (or the
appropriate Morris Publishing subsidiary). Morris Publishing distributed to Morris Communications various parcels of real estate and related personal property (or interests in subsidiaries owning such property) that are not part of the newspaper
business of Morris Publishing. These contributions and distributions will not effect the consolidated financial statements of Morris Publishing, which treat Morris Publishing historically as the owner of the property received and do not treat Morris
Publishing as the owner of the property distributed.
·
Morris Publishing entered into a management agreement with Morris Communications, whereby Morris Communications and its subsidiary, MStar Solutions, provide a wide range of
management and general corporate services to Morris Publishing for certain fees payable by us. See Certain relationships and related transactions.
On September 24, 2003, we issued an additional $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7% senior subordinated notes due 2013,
which constitute some of the original notes. These notes were issued as part of the same series as the original notes issued on August 7, 2003 (and accrue interest from that same date). The net proceeds from the issuance of these notes were used to
reduce existing indebtedness (but not available borrowings) under our new revolving credit facility.
Critical accounting policies and estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue,
and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We continually evaluate our estimates, including those related to allowances for doubtful accounts, intangible assets, management fees, income taxes and post-retirement
benefits. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
We believe the following critical accounting policies are our most significant
judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
The cost of newsprint inventory is determined by the last-in-first out method. At year end, the newsprint inventory is evaluated and adjusted to the lower of cost or market. Newsprint purchases are combined with those of
other newspaper companies to obtain the best price
available. The company considers its relationship with newsprint producers to be good. The company has not entered into any derivative contracts for
newsprint.
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated
losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances could be required.
We assess, at least annually, the adequacy of our allowances for losses on accounts receivable using a combination of specific identification and the aging of accounts receivable. Payment in advance for some advertising and circulation revenue and
credit background checks, have assisted us in maintaining historical bad debt losses of less than 1.0% of revenue.
We have significant intangible assets recorded on our balance sheet. Certain of our newspapers operate in highly competitive markets. Prior to January 1, 2002, we
amortized our goodwill and identifiable intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Upon the adoption, effective January 1, 2002, of a new accounting standard (Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142) we
ceased amortizing goodwill and now test goodwill and indefinite-lived assets for impairment on an annual basis. Inability to sustain profitable operations in our newspapers could result in a material impairment of our intangible assets in the
future.
Operating costs and expenses reflect our direct charges,
together with certain allocations by Morris Communications for corporate services, debt and employee benefits that have been charged to us based on usage or other methodologies deemed by management to be appropriate for such expenses. In the opinion
of management, these allocations have been made on a reasonable basis and approximate all the material incremental costs we would have incurred had we been operating on a stand-alone basis; however, there has been no independent study or any attempt
to obtain quotes from third parties to determine what costs of obtaining such services would have been. Beginning in August 2003, the costs for these services, debt and employee benefits are based on new agreements and could result in a change in
expenses incurred (see Recent events). For 2003, the management expenses allocated to us through August 7, 2003 totaled $7.8 million. The management fee under our new management agreement from August 7, 2003 through the end of the
year totaled $7.8 million, for total management fees and expenses for the year of $15.6 million. On a pro forma basis, had the management agreement been in place at the beginning of the years 2002 and 2003, our management fees would have been $17.5
million in 2003, an increase of $1.9 million over our actual 2003 results, and $17.4 million in 2002, which was the same as our actual results.
On August 7, 2003, we refinanced substantially all of our long term indebtedness and issued $250 million of our 7% senior subordinated notes due 2013. In September
2003, we issued an additional $50 million of these notes. The fixed interest rate on these long term notes is higher than the floating rates we were previously paying on our floating rate indebtedness. On a pro forma basis, had the refinancing been
in place at the beginning of the years 2003 and 2002, our interest expense would have increased by $4.7 million and $6.7 million, respectively. The interest rate on these notes will temporarily increase to 7.25% per annum on May 4, 2004, and will
increase an additional 0.25% per annum each 90 days thereafter, to a maximum of 8%, until this exchange offer is completed.
We have significant retiree health care and health and disability plan benefit costs and obligations that are allocated from Morris Communications. Inherent in
these allocations are key assumptions including projected costs, discount rates and expected return on plan assets. We are required to consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in selecting these assumptions. Changes
in the related retiree health care and health and disability costs or obligations may occur in the future because of changes resulting from fluctuations in our employee headcount and/or changes in the various assumptions.
Results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002
Operating revenues.
The table below presents operating revenue and related statistics for newspaper
operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002:
Years ended
December 31,
Change
over same
period in
2002
Percentage
change over
same period
in 2002
(Dollars in thousands)
2003
2002
Operating revenues:
Advertising
Retail
$
189,533
$
188,339
$
1,194
0.6
%
Classified
134,450
130,204
4,246
3.3
%
National
24,753
24,433
320
1.3
%
Total
348,736
342,976
5,760
1.7
%
Circulation
71,518
71,906
(388
)
(0.5
%)
Other
18,093
18,480
(387
)
(2.1
%)
Total operating revenues
$
438,347
$
433,362
$
4,985
1.2
%
Operating revenues increased by
$5.0 million, or 1.2%, to $438.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $433.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. This was primarily due to an increase in advertising revenue of $5.8 million, or 1.7%. All categories of
advertising revenue showed gains. The increase in advertising revenue was partially offset by $0.4 million, or 0.5% decrease in circulation revenue.
Operating Expenses.
The table below presents operating costs for newspaper operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002:
Operating expenses increased by $13.7 million, to $358.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $345.0
million during the year ended December 31, 2002. Labor and employee benefits increased $9.7 million, or 6.0%, primarily due to higher salaries and rising health care costs. Labor costs accounted for $5.0 million and 51.2% of the overall increase.
This represents an overall 3.6% increase in labor costs. The remaining increase is due to the increased costs of health care. Year over year we experienced approximately an 18.4% increase in health care costs. Newsprint, ink and supplements
increased by $1.8 million, or 3.7%. This increase was driven largely by a 6.3% increase in the average cost per ton of newsprint, (significantly lower than the overall market increase due to our participation in group purchases with other newspapers
beginning in late 2002) offset by a 3.5% decrease in consumption. During 2004, we expect the price of newsprint to increase 10%15%. Other operating costs increased by $5.3 million, or 4.9%, primarily due to increased costs relating to our
shared services initiative. Depreciation and amortization declined $3.1 million, or 13.1%, due primarily to assets that became fully depreciated.
Interest expense
. Interest expense, including amortization of debt issuance cost, net of interest income, increased $1.0 million, or
4.1% to $26.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. While there was a general decline in short-term interest rates, these were offset by the $300.0 million of indebtedness represented by our 7% senior subordinated notes due 2013. Our
interest expenses will continue to rise as we cycle the partial year effect of these notes.
Provision for income taxes
. The provision for income taxes decreased by $6.0 million, or 24.3%, to $18.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The decrease in the provision was caused by
a decrease in taxable income.
Net
income
. As a result of the factors described above and a loss of $6.0 million on extinguishment of debt, our net income decreased by $9.5 million, or 24.7%, from $38.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002.
Results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2002 and
December 31, 2001
Operating revenues
. Operating revenues decreased by $4.1 million, or 0.9%, to $433.4
million in 2002 from $437.5 million in 2001. An increase in advertising revenue of $1.0 million was more than offset by decreases in circulation revenue of $2.9 million and decreases in other revenue of $2.3 million. The decrease in circulation
revenue primarily resulted from a shift in sales to independent contractors resulting in lower rates. Circulation declines of 1.2% also contributed to the decrease. The decreases in other revenue resulted from decreases in commercial printing
revenue of $1.2 million and revenue from other products of $1.1 million.
Years ended
December 31,
Change
over same
period in
2001
Percentage
change over
same period
in 2001
(Dollars in thousands)
2002
2001
Operating expenses:
Labor and employee benefits
$
162,540
$
163,097
$
(557
)
(0.3
)%
Newsprint, ink and supplements
48,815
62,193
(13,378
)
(21.5
)%
Other operating costs
110,059
106,219
3,840
3.6
%
Depreciation and amortization
23,627
37,563
(13,936
)
(37.1
)%
Total Operating Expenses
$
345,041
$
369,072
$
(24,031
)
(6.5
)%
Operating
expenses
. Operating expenses decreased by $24.0 million, or 6.5%, to $345.0 million in 2002 from $369.1 million in 2001. This decrease was the result of newsprint, ink and supplements being $13.4 million, or 21.5%, less
than the previous year primarily due to decreased newsprint pricing. Other operating costs increased by $3.8 million, or 3.6%, primarily due to our costs associated with the shared services initiative and, to a lesser extent, due to increased costs
relating to retiree health care benefits from $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Additionally, depreciation and amortization of intangibles decreased by $13.9 million, or 37.1%, to
$23.6 million in 2002 from $37.6 million in 2001. The decrease in depreciation and amortization was primarily the result of our adoption of SFAS No. 142 on January 1, 2002, which resulted in a reduction of $10.7 million in intangibles amortization.
The remaining decrease primarily resulted from a reduction of depreciation expense as a result of assets that became fully depreciated.
Interest expense
. Interest expense decreased by $8.4 million, or 25.0%, to $25.1 million in 2002 from $33.4 million in 2001. The
decrease is attributed to a decrease in average interest rates and a reduction in average debt outstanding.
Provision for income taxes
. The provision for income taxes increased by $9.7 million, or 64.6%, to $24.8 million in 2002 from $15.0 million in 2001. The increase in provision for
income taxes was caused primarily by an increase in taxable income of $20.2 million.
Net income
. As a result of the factors described above we increased our net income by $20.2 million, or 111.9%, to $38.3 million in 2002 from $18.1 million in 2001.
Liquidity and capital resources
Cash flow generated from operations is the companys primary source of liquidity.
Net cash provided by operations was $ 68.7 million in 2003, up from $ 64.8 million in 2002, and from $60.8 million in 2001. The company expects to fund capital expenditures and other operating requirements with net cash provided by operations. The
company has pursued, and will continue to pursue, a business strategy that includes selective acquisitions and new product development.
New product development and acquisitions are financed by available cash flow from operations and, if necessary, by borrowing under our $175.0 million
revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2003, we had no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility.
Until August 7, 2003, our revolving credit facilities consisted of a borrowing arrangement with our parent, Morris Communications, which made available to us its
borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility. On August 7, 2003, concurrently with the sale of our 7% senior subordinated notes due 2013 in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million, our borrowing arrangement with Morris
Communications was replaced by new credit facilities totaling $400.0 million, including a $175.0 million revolving credit facility. See Description of other indebtedness. The Term Loan Facility bears interest at (i) LIBOR plus 2.25% or
(ii) the applicable federal funds rate plus 0.5% (ABR) plus 1.25%. The Revolving Loan Facility bears interest (i) at a spread above a base rate equal to the higher of (x) JPMorgan Chase Banks prime lending rate or (y) the ABR, or
(ii) at a spread above the Eurodollar rate. The spread applicable to borrowings under the revolving facility will be determined by reference to our total debt to cash flow ratio. The spread applicable for ABR borrowings will range from 1.0% to 1.5%.
The spread applicable for Eurodollar rate borrowings will range from 2.0% to 2.5%. We have agreed that, for a period of six months after the August 7, 2003 closing date of the senior secured credit facilities, the spread on ABR borrowing will be
1.25% and the spread on Eurodollar rate borrowings will be 2.25%.
The
Term Loan Facility requires the following principal amortization: 2003- none; 2004,-$562,500; 2005-2010,-$2.25 million per year, and the remaining principal amount of $210.9 million in 2011.
On September 24, 2003, we issued an additional $50.0 million aggregate principal amount
of our 7% senior subordinated notes due 2013.
We believe that cash on
hand, cash flows provided from operating activities and amounts available as revolving credit under our new credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our operating requirements for the next three years.
Our primary needs for cash are funding operating expenses, debt service on the new
credit facilities and these notes, capital expenditures, income taxes, dividends and loans to affiliates, acquisitions and working capital. We have pursued, and will continue to pursue, a business strategy that includes selective acquisitions and
new product development. However, we cannot assure you that we will not require additional financing and may need additional funds to pursue our strategy of selected acquisitions, to respond to competitive pressures or to respond to unanticipated
circumstances. We cannot assure you that additional funding will be available on attractive terms or at all.
In past periods, we have paid significant distributions to Morris Communications. Future distributions will be limited by the terms of the indenture for our 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013. We expect to
pay distributions or make loans to affiliates as permitted by the indenture to fund cash needs for general business purposes, capital expenditures and acquisitions by Morris Communications and its other operating subsidiaries. Morris Communications
anticipates capital expenditures of approximately $15.0 million and $10.0 million in 2004 and 2005 for MStar Solutions Shared Services Center and technology infrastructure. Although near term costs will increase as Morris Communications brings
the Shared Services Center online, all of these initiatives, which are anticipated to be fully implemented by the end of 2005, are expected to result in aggregate annual cost savings of up to $10.0 million for the company. Any loans to
Morris Communications or its operating subsidiaries are expected to be made at interest rates equal to our cost of borrowing under our new credit
facilities. Any such loans may utilize borrowing capacity under our new credit facilities that may otherwise have been available for our business purposes. As of December 31, 2003, we had outstanding loans due from Morris Communications of $4.5
million.
We expect that our capital expenditures will approximate $20.0
to $25.0 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. These amounts will be used primarily to upgrade existing production facilities and for new technology infrastructure at those locations.
Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
The following table presents our net cash flows provided by (used in) operating,
investing and financing activities for the years 2003, 2002 and 2001.
Percentage
change over
prior year
(Dollars in thousands)
Years ended December 31:
Years ended
December 31:
2003
2002
2001
2003
2002
Operating activities
68.7
64.8
60.8
6.0
%
6.6
%
Investing activities
(22.3
)
(16.8
)
(36.9
)
32.7
%
(54.5
)%
Financing activities
(47.0
)
(48.2
)
(27.6
)
(2.5
)%
74.6
%
Operating
activities.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities increased by $3.9 million to $68.7 million in 2003. The increase was primarily due to increases in accrued interest, accounts payable, post-retirement
obligations, other liabilities and a decrease in inventories offset by increases in accounts receivable and other assets. Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $64.8 million and $60.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2002 and
December 31, 2001, respectively. The $4.0 million increase in net cash flows was attributable to an increase in net income of $20.2 million caused primarily by a decrease in newsprint, ink and supplements expenses and interest expense, partially
offset by a $13.9 million decrease in depreciation and amortization expense.
Investing activities.
Net cash flows used in investing activities increased by $5.5 million to $22.3 million in 2003. During 2003, cash required for investing activities was primarily for the purchase of
$17.7 million of property, plant and equipment, and a loan to our parent of $4.5 million. Net cash flows used in investing activities were $16.8 million and $36.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively. The
decrease in net cash flows used of $20.1 million primarily resulted from proceeds of $11.9 million from the sale and subsequent leaseback of our Savannah production facility in 2002 compared to our 2001 purchase of the minority stake in Athens
Newspapers, Inc. for $11.3 million. Our capital expenditures increased by $1.7 million in 2002, from $26.8 million in 2001.
Financing activities.
Net cash flows used in financing activities decreased by $1.2 million from $48.2 million in 2002 to $47.0
million in 2003. During 2003, the company repaid $516.0 million of debt due Morris Communications, and issued $525.0 million of long term debt. Additional debt issuance cost amounted to $12.7 million. We also made distributions to our parent of
$43.3 million.
As of December 31, 2003, our total debt was $525.0
million and our annualized cost of debt capital was approximately 4.6%. Approximately $125.0 million could be borrowed and used for
general corporate purposes under the most restrictive covenants in our debt arrangements. As of December 31, 2003, our parent and we were in compliance
with all covenants under our debt arrangements.
Net cash flows used in
financing activities were $48.2 million and $27.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively. The change in net cash flows resulted from reduced repayments of long-term borrowings to our parent, which was more
than offset by increased distributions to our parent.
As of December 31,
2002, our total debt was $516.0 million and our cost of debt capital was approximately 4.5%. Approximately $84.0 million could be borrowed and used for general corporate purposes under the most restrictive covenants in our debt arrangements. As of
December 31, 2002, we and our parent were in compliance with all covenants under our debt arrangements.
Inflation
The impact of inflation on our operations was immaterial for all periods presented. In the past the effects of inflation on operating expenses have been
substantially offset by our ability to increase advertising rates. No assurances can be given that we can pass such cost increases through to our customers in the future.
Seasonality
Newspaper companies tend to follow a distinct and recurring seasonal pattern. The first quarter of the year tends to be the weakest quarter because advertising
volume is then at its lowest level. Correspondingly, the fourth quarter tends to be the strongest quarter as it includes heavy holiday season advertising. As a result, our consolidated results may not be comparable from quarter to quarter.
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
We are exposed to the impact of changes in interest rates. In the
normal course of business, we have insured against spikes in interest rates through the use of interest rate caps. The table below provides the expected maturity and fair value of the our debt (dollars in thousands) as of December 31, 2003. See Note
5 to our consolidated financial statements for December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
Contractual obligations
At December 31, 2003 the aggregate maturities on our long term debt for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Payments due by period
Contractual obligations
Balance at
December 31,
2003
Less
than
1 year
1-3
years
4-5
years
Over
5 years
Long-term debt at variable rates
$
225,000
$
563
$
4,500
$
4,500
$
215,437
Interest rate at December 31, 2003
3.4
%
3.4
%
3.4
%
3.4
%
3.4
%
Long-term debt at fixed rate
$
300,000
$
300,000
Interest rate
7
%
7
%
Operating leases to Morris Communications and affiliates
At December 31, 2003, under our $400.0 million bank credit facilities, we had a $225.0 million term loan
outstanding and had no outstanding amounts under the $175.0 million revolving credit facility. The interest rates on loans under our bank credit facilities are determined with reference to a spread above either LIBOR, the federal funds rate or
JPMorgan Chase Banks prime lending rate. The spread applicable to any borrowings under our revolving credit facility is determined by reference to our trailing total debt to cash flow ratio. For further details on the interest rate
alternatives and spreads, see Description of other indebtedness.
Because LIBOR, the federal funds rate or the JPMorgan Chase Prime Rate may increase or decrease at any time, we are exposed to market risk as a result of the impact that changes in these base rates may have on the interest rate
applicable to borrowings under the bank credit facilities. Increases in the interest rates applicable to borrowings under the bank credit facilities would result in increased interest expense and a reduction in our net income. As of December 31,
2003, the interest rate on our term loan was 3.4375%, base upon a spread above LIBOR. For each 100-basis point increase in LIBOR, the annual interest payable on our $225.0 variable rate term loan would increase $2.25 million (assuming that the
applicable federal funds rate would not produce a lower effective interest rate).
Under the terms of our senior secured credit facility, we must maintain certain levels of interest rate protection. The following interest rate caps were owned or held for our benefit as of December 31, 2003 (dollars in thousands):
Notional
Expiring
Strike
$ 45,000
January 2004
Three-month LIBOR 8%
100,000
February 2004
Three-month LIBOR 7%
25,000
April 2005
One-month LIBOR 7%
$170,000
Although these interest rate
caps are effective as hedges from an economic perspective, they do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended. The fair value of these interest rate caps
as of December 31, 2003 was nominal, and the losses recorded for the three year period ended December 31, 2003 was nominal.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect
Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others an Interpretation of SFAS No. 5, 57, and 107, and rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34. The interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its financial statements. It also
requires a guarantor to recognize a liability for the fair market value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee at the inception of the guarantee. The initial recognition and measurement provisions are effective for guarantees issued
or modified after December 31, 2002. This interpretation is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In January 2003, as revised in December 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46,
Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51.
The interpretation requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the
entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support from other parties. This interpretation is effective
for the periods ending after December 15, 2003 for certain types of entities and after March 15, 2004 for other types of entities. This interpretation is not expected to have a material effect on the Companys financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
Morris Publishing is a private company owned by the William S. Morris III family as
part of their Morris Communications group of companies. The Morris Publishing Group consists of 26 daily, ten non-daily and 23 free community newspapers in the United States. For the year 2003, our newspapers had unaudited average daily and Sunday
paid circulation aggregating 686,754 and 765,871, respectively. Our largest newspapers (with their respective average daily circulations in parentheses) are
The Florida Times-Union,
Jacksonville, Florida (167,229),
The Augusta
Chronicle
, Georgia (74,291),
The Topeka Capital-Journal,
Kansas (58,684),
Savannah Morning News
, Georgia (55,119),
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
, Texas (54,178)
and Amarillo Globe-News,
Texas (51,800). For the year of
2003, we also had weekly circulation of 51,538 non-daily newspapers and 390,588 free community newspapers or shoppers, in communities in or near our daily newspapers.
Our newspapers are geographically diverse, primarily serving mid-sized to small communities in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Kansas,
Nebraska, Oklahoma, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Alaska, Arkansas, South Dakota, Tennessee and South Carolina. The majority of our daily newspapers have no significant competition from other local daily newspapers in their respective communities.
We have been consistently profitable in varying economic climates, with
generally stable operating results. Our total operating revenues for 2003 were $438.3 million and have ranged between $433.4 million and $455.4 million for each year since 1999. Operating income was $79.6 million in 2003 and has ranged between $68.4
million and $88.3 million since 1999. Our operating margin was 18.2% in 2003 and has ranged between 15.6% and 20.4% since 1999.
We have one reporting segment with two primary sources of revenue: Advertising and Circulation. In 2003, the advertising segment represented 79.6% of total
operating revenues. Retail, Classified and National advertising revenue represented 43.2%, 30.7%, and 5.7%, respectively, of total advertising revenue. Circulation revenue comprised 16.3% of total operating revenue.
Advertising revenue is primarily determined by the linage, rate and mix of
advertisement. The advertising rate depends largely on our market reach, primarily through circulation, and market dominance. Circulation revenue is based on the number of copies sold
History
Morris Publishing was formed in 2001 as MCC Newspapers, LLC to own and operate the newspaper business historically operated by our parent, Morris
Communications. Discussions of Morris Publishing and our results of operations include the business as previously conducted by the Morris Communications newspaper business segment. We changed our name to Morris Publishing Group, LLC in July 2003.
William S. Morris III joined our business in the 1950s and has been our
chairman for more than three decades. William S. Morris IV, his elder son, is president and CEO of Morris Publishing. The Morris family became involved with
The Augusta Chronicle
in 1929, when William S. Morris, Jr., father of todays
chairman, became a bookkeeper at the daily newspaper, which was started in 1785 as the
Augusta Gazette
, the towns first newspaper. Mr. Morris, Jr. purchased
The Augusta Chronicle
in the early 1940s with a partner, and later
purchased his partners half interest.
With the Augusta newspapers as a base, our expansion commenced in the 1950s with the purchase of a television
station in Augusta and an initial public offering of common shares, which were re-purchased in 1959. In the 1960s, we sold the television station and purchased two other daily newspapers in Georgiaone in Savannah and one in Athens. In 1972, we
purchased our Texas newspapers in Amarillo and Lubbock. In 1983, we acquired The Florida Publishing Company, which included
The Florida Times-Union
and other Florida newspapers.
Our expansion continued in 1995 with the purchase of all of the outstanding stock of Stauffer Communications, Inc. This purchase
included 20 daily newspapers, non-daily newspapers and shoppers, as well as television and radio stations and other properties that are owned, or have been disposed of, by Morris Communications or its other operating subsidiaries.
Operating strategy
Our strategy is to increase our revenues and cash flows by growing market share and operating efficiently. Achieving this strategy is
based upon the following initiatives:
·
Being a leader in providing local information and advertising
. We believe we are the trusted source of local news and information and local
advertising in the communities we serve. As the leading provider of local news and information in print and online formats in our markets, we believe we can both maintain and increase our readership and our share of local advertising expenditures.
·
Increasing readership
. We are committed to maintaining the high quality of our newspapers and their editorial integrity to assure continued
reader loyalty. Through extensive market research we strive to deliver the service and content each of our markets demand. Our newspapers have won various editorial awards in many of our markets. Furthermore, by introducing niche publications that
address the needs of targeted groups and by offering earlier delivery times, we continue to create opportunities to introduce new readers to our newspapers.
·
Growing advertising revenue.
Through targeted market research we attempt to understand the needs of our advertisers. This market understanding
enables us to develop programs that address the individual needs of our advertisers and to appeal to targeted groups of advertisers and readers with niche publications addressing specific areas such as real estate, automobiles, employment, farming,
nursing, antiques, college student guides, foreign language and other items of local interest. In addition, we are dedicated to establishing a better trained and focused sales staff.
We expect these initiatives, combined with our focus on increasing readership, to
enhance our opportunities to increase our revenues.
·
Enhancing online initiatives.
To further support our readership and revenue growth initiatives, we have made a substantial commitment to
enhancing our local web sites that complement all of our daily newspapers. Over the last four years, our newspapers have won 21 national Digital Edge awards from the Newspaper Association of America. We continue to pursue various initiatives to
attract new readers and grow revenues.
·
Centralizing operations to support multiple publications.
We create synergies and cost savings, including through cross-selling
of advertising, centralizing news gathering and consolidating printing, production and back-office activities. This involves producing our weekly newspapers, free distribution shoppers and additional niche or regional
publications using the facilities of our daily newspapers. We can thereby improve distribution, introduce new products and services in a cost-effective
manner and increase readership, offering advertisers expanded reach both geographically and demographically.
·
Focusing on cost control.
We continue to focus on managing our operating costs. Recent initiatives to further reduce costs include creation,
beginning in 2002, of a Shared Services Center, established by Morris Communications, serving Morris Publishing as well as other Morris Communications companies, which we expect over time to create cost synergies by leveraging technologies and
simplifying, standardizing and centralizing most administrative functions, thereby reducing our headcount. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2002 we began participation in a newsprint purchasing consortium. While initially near term costs will
increase as we bring the Shared Services Center online, all of these initiatives, which are anticipated to be fully implemented by the end of 2005, are expected to result in aggregate annual cost savings of up to $10.0 million.
·
Investing in strategic technologies.
In conjunction with the Shared Services Center initiative, we will utilize technology to help streamline our
back-office operations, improve efficiency and reduce employee headcount. Additionally, we continue to explore technologies that will enable us to more efficiently print, produce and deliver our newspapers.
Our operating strategy may not successfully increase revenues and cash flows, based
upon a number of factors. For example, a decline in economic conditions, the effects of competition from newspapers or other forms of advertising, or a decrease in the price of local or national advertising could adversely impact our advertising
revenues. Our circulation may be adversely effected by competition from other publications and other forms of media and a declining number of regular newspapers buyers. A decline in circulation could adversely impact both our circulation revenue and
our advertising revenue, because advertising rates are dependent upon readership. Further, our efforts to control costs, especially newsprint costs, and to create operating synergies may not be as successful as we anticipate. For further discussion
of these and other risks relating to our business and operating strategy, see Risk factors beginning on page 14.
Strategic acquisitions
We may, from time to time, seek strategic or targeted investments, including newspaper acquisitions and dispositions and, in that regard, we periodically review
newspaper and other acquisition candidates that we believe are underperforming in terms of operating cash flows, are in the same geographic region as one of our existing newspapers where we can achieve an efficient operating cluster of newspapers,
or otherwise present us with strategic opportunities for growth. Acquisitions would be made only in circumstances in which management believes that such acquisitions would contribute to our overall growth strategy, whether through revenue growth or
cost reduction opportunities, and represent attractive values based on price. In addition, we may, in connection with such acquisitions, or otherwise, dispose of or realign our newspapers and this could be accomplished by dispositions, swaps, the
exchange of one newspaper for another newspaper, or joint ventures in which we and others may contribute newspaper properties to be owned and operated through a joint venture. We may not control such joint ventures and any contribution of assets to
a joint venture may reduce our ability to access cash from those assets contributed to the joint venture. Morris Publishing currently has no present commitments with respect to any material acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures.
The newspaper industry is reported to generate annual revenues of approximately $60.0 billion primarily based on advertising and circulation. For typical
newspapers, 70-75% of their total revenue is derived from advertising, while 15-20% comes from circulation. Other sources account for 5-15%. Other revenue streams may include commercial printing, shoppers and magazines, direct marketing and online
revenues, including advertising and website development.
While newspaper
revenue is directly impacted by the level of advertising, it is indirectly impacted by market conditions and factors like demand and interest rates. Newspaper companies can affect, to some extent, the demand for advertising by influencing
circulation and readership, and by adjusting advertising rates, sales efforts and customer service.
There are three major classifications of newspaper advertising: retail, classified, and national.
·
Retail advertising, also called local advertising, makes up approximately 48% of total newspaper advertising. Department and discount stores, grocery and drug stores, and
furniture and appliance stores are the main advertisers in this category.
·
Classified advertising includes employment, real estate, automotive and other categories, and comprises approximately 36% of total advertising; it is the most cyclical type of
newspaper advertising.
·
National advertising, also known as general advertising, includes manufacturers product advertising and travel and resorts. This category is the smallest, comprising
approximately 16% of the total, and carries the highest rates.
Of rising importance across these classifications, is the preprint insert advertising. Preprints have become the dominant form of display advertising in the industry, with preprint revenue surpassing revenue from in-paper or
Run of Press advertising in the late 1990s.
In the past
decade, newspapers in general have been reported to have increased advertising revenue but lost advertising market share. In 1990, the newspaper industry was reported to capture $32.0 billion in advertising revenue and to have garnered a 24.8% share
of advertising market expenditures; revenue was reported to rise to $44.0 billion in 2002, but advertising market share was reported to decline to 18.6% in 2002. While newspapers may continue to lose advertising market share to other media, we
believe newspapers should remain competitive. Local newspapers still reach 54% of adults and there is one daily newspaper in most markets.
Key cost drivers
The two largest costs of a newspaper are labor and newsprint.
Labor:
Labor costs represent approximately 30-40% of total revenues. Total industry employment steadily declined in the 1990s, as significant investment in more automated production methods has
led to efficiencies and higher productivity per worker. However, industry-wide medical health care insurance and pension benefit costs are rising.
Newsprint:
Newsprint costs represent approximately 10-15% of newspapers total revenues, and supply and demand have typically controlled
pricing. Since 1990, quarterly average newsprint costs ranged from $420.0 to $740.0 per metric ton and averaged $534.0 per metric ton during the same period. Newsprint prices were down 20% on average in 2002 compared to 2001. Newsprint prices
increased by almost 20% on average in 2003 compared to 2002.
Newspapers continue to face volatile newsprint prices. In the first half of 2001, newsprint prices in the U.S. were
at their highest point since mid-1996. Prices dropped to their lowest level in a decade in mid-2002, but have trended upward since then. Much of the newsprint consumed in the U.S. comes from Canada and a rise in the value of the Canadian dollar
combined with production curtailments may offset stable demand and drive prices higher in the near term.
Circulation
Circulation is important to the newspaper industry in two ways. From an editorial perspective, increased circulation demonstrates the quality of the editorial
product and the demand for the paper from readers. From a revenue perspective, advertisers are willing to pay higher rates for greater reach.
The newspaper industry has faced circulation and readership declines since the 1980s. Over the past 20 years, the total number of daily newspapers has decreased
from 1,745 in 1980 to 1,468 in 2001. The drop is largely due to a 49% decline in evening newspapers, principally because of the emergence of nightly news broadcasts, 24-hour news channels, and the internet. The total number of morning newspapers has
doubled and Sunday newspapers have increased by 24%.
The advertising
recession over the past two years has driven publishing companies to significantly reduce their operating costs. Consequently, the industry is experiencing a trend towards consolidation. By owning multiple properties in specific markets, newspaper
publishers can spread costs and achieve greater efficiencies. The 25 largest U.S. newspapers (in terms of largest reported circulation) are reported to have accounted for approximately 40% of circulation in 2002. The top 10 newspaper companies are
reported to own more than 280 newspapers, whose combined circulation accounts for roughly 57% of the industrys total.
Recently enacted telemarketing rules adopted by the Federal Trade commission and Federal Communications Commission, including the National Do-Not-Call Registry and
regulations will have an impact on our ability to source subscriptions through telemarketing. This has accounted for an estimated 30% of our new starts in circulation. We have begun several programs to offset the effect of this legislation. We are
focusing on retaining current customers through stronger retention efforts. Our retention efforts include increased customer service, lengthening the subscriptions periods for new and existing customers, and enhanced payment methods. Additionally,
we are focusing our circulation sales efforts on kiosk sales, newspaper in education programs, and third party sales. While we know that the legislation will have an impact on our ability to source subscriptions through telemarketing, we have yet to
determine the extent.
Online
The internet provides an additional medium through which newspapers reach audiences,
and newspapers have ventured online to increase readership and leverage their local brands.
Forty-nine percent of internet users looking for local news are reported to turn to online newspapers; this has helped newspapers secure a reported 40% of local online advertising spending. Broadcast television and direct
mail are reported to have collected 3% and less than 1%, respectively, of internet revenues last year.
The majority of local online advertising dollars comes from classifieds. While online employment classifieds have taken share from newspaper classifieds, the number of those who read newspaper employment
advertisements is reported to still exceed web job classified visitors by a factor of
three. Though the largest online employment classified player, Monster.com, made a strong entry into the recruitment market, newspapers have the
ability to combine print and online ads into one package, while Monster.com offers only an online component. This dual product offering, in addition to newspapers ties to local communities, gives newspapers a distinct advantage in local
markets.
Industry and market data
Unless otherwise
indicated, information contained in this prospectus concerning the newspaper industry, our general expectations concerning the industry and its segments and our market position and market share within the industry and its segments are derived from
data from various third party sources as well as management estimates. Managements estimates are derived from third party sources as well as data from our internal research and from assumptions made by us, based on such data and our knowledge
of the newspaper industry which we believe to be reasonable. We have not independently verified any information from third party sources and cannot assure you of its accuracy or completeness. Our internal research has not been verified by any
independent source. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry or similar data presented herein, such data involves risks and uncertainties, and is subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under
the caption Risk factors in this prospectus.
Data on our
market position and market share within our industry is based, in part, on independent industry publications, government publications, reports by market research firms or other published independent sources, including Newspaper Association of
America and Audit Bureau of Circulation statistics. Unless otherwise indicated, all readership information contained in this prospectus for non-daily newspapers and free community newspapers is based upon our internal records, and represents
approximate current or average readership.
Unless otherwise indicated,
all circulation information contained in this prospectus represents unaudited approximate three month average daily or non-daily circulation, as the case may be, for the third quarter of 2003 derived from our internal records. Certain of our
circulation figures for most of our daily newspapers and one of our weekly newspapers are subject to audit by the Audit Bureau of Circulation or Verified Audit Circulation. Our circulation figures for our other daily and weekly newspapers are not
subject to audit by the Audit Bureau of Circulation or any other independent source, but we attempt to internally measure their circulation figures under the same guidelines as if they were audited by the Audit Bureau of Circulation or Verified
Audit Circulation.
The following table sets forth our non-daily newspapers with circulation statistics:
Unaudited circulationat
December 31, 2003
Newspaper markets
Publication
Weekly
Alaska
Homer
Homer News
3,553
Georgia
Augusta(a)
The Columbia County News Times
26,950
Louisville
The News & Farmer
4,544
Thomson(b)
McDuffie Mirror
1,499
Kansas
Dodge City
La Estrella
4,100
Minnesota
Pequot Lakes
Lake Country Echo
4,624
Pine River
Pine River Journal
1,878
South Carolina
Ridgeland
Hardeeville Times
Jasper County Sun
800
1,600
South Dakota
Vermillion
Vermillion Plain Talk
1,990
Total
51,538
(a)
On Wednesdays, 27,000 copies of
The Columbia County News-Times
are inserted into
The Augusta Chronicle
and distributed in Columbia County. On Sundays, 36,000
copies of
The Columbia County News-Times
are inserted into the Chronicle and distributed in Columbia and McDuffie Counties.
(b)
The
McDuffie Mirror
is a new publication that did not exist as of March 31, 2003. Paid circulation as of December 31, 2003 was 1,499 with an additional 2,843
copies delivered with
The Augusta Chronicle
home delivery in McDuffie County.
Daily circulation and household penetration (average city-zone circulation divided by the number of city-zone
households in the defined market area) in each of our newspaper markets is outlined in the table below:
Total circulation at
December 31, 2003
Household penetration at
December 31, 2003
Newspaper markets
Daily
Sunday
Daily
Sunday
Alaska
Juneau
6,206
6,937
36%
37%
Kenai
6,090
6,320
34%
34%
Arkansas
Conway
10,465
11,894
34%
40%
Florida
Jacksonville
167,229
229,926
33%
48%
St. Augustine
16,046
17,237
41%
46%
Winter Haven
9,009
8,939
14%
15%
Georgia
Athens
27,681
32,124
31%
35%
Augusta
74,291
93,880
43%
57%
Savannah
55,119
67,892
45%
54%
Kansas
Dodge City
7,284
45%
Newton
7,747
60%
Pittsburgh
8,751
9,184
53%
54%
Topeka
58,684
66,704
59%
58%
Michigan
Hillsdale
7,565
29%
Holland
18,979
20,267
39%
41%
Minnesota
Brainerd
13,719
17,591
57%
73%
Missouri
Hannibal
8,475
60%
Independence/Blue Springs
14,362
21%
Nebraska
Grand Island
22,896
24,562
74%
78%
York
4,332
61%
Oklahoma
Ardmore
10,851
12,891
48%
52%
Shawnee
9,832
10,830
38%
43%
South Dakota
Yankton
7,911
40%
Tennessee
Oak Ridge
7,072
41%
Texas
Amarillo
51,800
65,344
41%
54%
Lubbock
54,178
63,259
40%
48%
Sources: Individual newspaper circulation reports; Morris Communications Corporate
Circulation Department reports; Household counts from SRC 2003.
Jacksonville.
The Florida Times-Union
, which we have operated since 1983, is our largest newspaper with average daily circulation of 167,229 and serves the Jacksonville, Florida community of
approximately 441,000 households with a population total of approximately 1.1 million. Moreover, an estimated 414,765 north Floridians read
The Florida Times-Union
daily, 560,065 read
The Florida Times-Union
on Sunday and 699,713 read
The Florida Times-Union
at least once in seven days. In this market, we publish various niche publications such as
Jacksonville
, a newcomers guide; and
Waters Edge
, a lifestyle publication for affluent readers. We
also publish three contract military publications, two of which have been awarded the highest Navy awards for excellence.
Augusta.
The Augusta Chronicle
, which we have operated since the early 1940s, is our second largest newspaper with an average daily
circulation of 74,291 and serves the Augusta, Georgia
community of approximately 182,000 households with a population total of approximately 488,000. We expect continued growth in Augusta, through a city
magazine, and a variety of targeted niche publications, as well as in the surrounding communities, through the purchase in 2003 of
The
News and Farmer,
a weekly newspaper serving Louisville, Georgia, and the launch of the
McDuffie
Mirror
, a new weekly publication serving Thomson, Georgia. In addition, we expect to launch new publications, including a womens magazine and a youth publication.
The Augusta Chronicle
website has won awards for quality and
creativity.
Topeka.
The Topeka
Capital-Journal
, which we have operated since 1995, has an average daily circulation of 58,684 and serves the Topeka, Kansas community of approximately 69,000 households with a population total of approximately 171,000. Through marketing
partnerships with other Morris Communications subsidiaries, and through the development of more products such as
Hers Kansas
and
Rock Kansas
,
The Topeka Capital-Journal
has increased its daily and Sunday circulation.
The Topeka Capital-Journal
also publishes a wide variety of books aimed at
serving the community and its visitors, including a pictorial history of Topeka as well as several publications devoted to the University of Kansas sports teams.
CJ Online
, our online counterpart to
The Topeka Capital-Journal
, records
over 48 million page views annually and has generated over $1.0 million in advertising revenues.
CJ Online
has won several prestigious awards, including being named the best newspaper internet site by the Newspaper Association of America and
Editor and Publisher Magazine
.
Savannah.
The Savannah Morning News
, which we have operated since the 1960s, has an average daily circulation of 55,119 and serves the Savannah, Georgia community of approximately 114,000 households with
a population total of approximately 299,000.
Lubbock.
The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
, which we have operated since 1972, has an average daily circulation of 54,178 and serves the Lubbock, Texas community of approximately 94,000 households with a
total population of approximately 245,000.
Lubbock Online
, our online counterpart to
The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
, records over 50 million page views annually and has generated over $1.0 million in advertising revenue annually.
Amarillo.
The Amarillo Globe-News
, which
we have operated since 1972, has an average daily circulation of 51,800 and serves the Amarillo, Texas community of approximately 84,000 households with a population total of approximately 217,000.
The following table sets forth Morris Publishings free community newspapers and circulation:
Newspaper markets
Publication
Circulation
Florida
Bartow
Bartow Shopper
2,100
Haines City
Auburndale Shopper
5,050
Haines City
Ridge Shopper
16,350
Lake Wales
Lake Whales Shopper
17,025
Lakeland
Lakeland Shopper
15,600
Winter Haven
Winter Haven Shopper
9,000
Kansas
Dodge City
The Shoppers Weekly
21,000
Michigan
Allegan
Flashes Shopping Guide
15,502
Holland
Flashes Shopping Guide
27,775
Lakeshore
Flashes Shopping Guide
8,793
Kalamazoo
Flashes Shopping Guide
78,581
Quad Cities
Flashes Shopping Guide
8,065
Zeeland
Flashes Shopping Guide
17,002
Jonesville
Tip-Off Shopping Guide
19,000
Minnesota
Pequot Lakes
Echoland Shopper
24,500
Pine River
Piper Shopper
14,000
Missouri
Oak Grove
Town & Country
10,000
Nebraska
Grand Island
Mid-Nebraska Connections
15,000
York
Trade & Transactions
22,995
South Carolina
Bluffton
The Okatie Sun
3,000
Ridgeland
The Jasper Shopper
6,850
South Dakota
Yankton
Missouri Valley Shopper
23,400
Vermillion
The Broadcaster
10,000
Total
390,588
Morris Publishing circulates
free community papers to maximize penetration in certain communities.
Morris Publishing management
Morris
Communications, our parent, provides management and related services to us, as well as its other operating subsidiaries. Currently, a significant portion of Morris Communications time is devoted to our affairs.
Morris Communications provides senior executive management services and personnel
(including the services of Mr. Morris III, Mr. Morris IV, Craig S. Mitchell and Steve K. Stone), as well as general and administrative services such as legal, accounting, finance and treasury, tax, merger and acquisition, risk management, human
resources/personnel, employee benefits, travel and aircraft usage, corporate communications, real estate, online services, architectural and engineering, and external and internal audit functions, purchasing and participation in the Shared Services
Center operated by MStar Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of Morris Communications.
As compensation for these services, beginning August 7, 2003, Morris Communications is entitled to receive annual
management fees (payable monthly) equal to the greater of 4.0% of our annual total operating revenues or the amount of actual expenses allocable to the management of our business (such allocations to be based upon time and resources spent on the
management of our business by Morris Communications). Prior to August 7, 2003, Morris Communications costs of providing these services has been allocated among its operating divisions and our allocated share is reflected in our financial
statements. From the year 2000 through August 7, 2003, our allocable costs for the services provided by Morris Communications have ranged from approximately 3.9% to 4.4% of our annual total operating revenues. In addition, as part of the initiatives
commenced in 2002 to develop the Shared Services Center and technological platform, we also pay our allocable share (based upon usage) of the actual costs of operations of MStar Solutions.
The management agreement is for a term of 10 years. Morris Communications may terminate
the agreement if Morris Publishing fails to pay the fees or experiences a change in control. We may terminate the agreement if Morris Communications fails to cure a material breach, performs dishonestly, files bankruptcy, or in certain other events.
Employee Relations
Morris Publishing employs approximately 3,950 full-time and 1,100 part-time employees,
none of whom are covered by collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our relations with our employees are generally good.
Seasonality
Newspaper companies tend to follow a distinct and recurring seasonal pattern. The first quarter of the year tends to be the weakest quarter because advertising volume is then at its lowest level.
Correspondingly, the fourth quarter tends to be the strongest quarter as it includes holiday season advertising.
Competition
While most of our daily newspapers are the only daily newspapers of general circulation published in their respective communities, they do compete within their own geographic areas with other weekly newspapers
in their own or adjacent communities, other daily newspapers of general circulation published in adjacent or nearby cities and towns, as well as regional and national newspapers. Competition for advertising and paid circulation comes from local,
regional and national newspapers, shoppers, radio and television broadcasters, cable television (national and local), direct mail, electronic media, including the internet, and other forms of communication and advertising media that operate in our
markets. Competition for advertising revenue (the aggregate amounts of which is largely driven by national and regional general economic conditions) is largely based upon advertiser results, readership, advertising rates, demographics and
circulation levels, while competition for circulation and readership is based largely upon the content of the newspaper, its price and the effectiveness of its distribution. Our non-daily publications, including shoppers, compete primarily with
direct mail advertising, shared mail packages and other private advertising delivery services.
Management believes that all of our properties are in generally good condition and suitable for current operations. Our executive
offices are located in Augusta, Georgia. Our main facilities are shown on the following table. Our production facilities, which are indicated by the presence of a press line, are in most cases, newspaper office facilities as well. We own all of the
following facilities except the facilities located on Chatham Parkway in Savannah, Georgia, which are operated under a long-term operating lease with an affiliate. See Certain relationships and related transactions.
From time to time, we are involved in litigation in the ordinary course of our business. In our opinion, the outcome of any pending legal proceedings will not
have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Regulatory matters
FCC ownership
rules.
Morris Communications, our parent, owns other subsidiaries which in turn own radio broadcast licenses which are subject to regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the Communications Act). The ownership by such entities of radio broadcast licenses may limit our opportunity to acquire additional newspapers in certain geographic locations.
FCC rules include restrictions on the common ownership or control of interests in radio
stations and certain other media interests in the same market, including television and radio broadcast stations, as well as daily newspapers.
On June 2, 2003, the FCC by a three-to-two vote adopted new ownership rules, which make significant changes to the previous rules. The United States Court of
Appeals for the Third Circuit has stayed the effective date of these new rules, however, pending the outcome of litigation concerning them. In the interim, the ban on common ownership of radio stations and newspapers in the same market remains in
effect, as do the FCC restrictions on same-market radio and television combinations. Should they take effect, the new rules will include the following generally less restrictive provisions:
·
Cross-Media Limits
The new FCC rules eliminate the prior prohibition on broadcast-newspaper cross ownership and radio-television cross ownership rules and adopt the following less restrictive cross-media limits:
- In markets with nine or more TV stations, there will
be no FCC restriction on newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership or television-radio cross-ownership.
- In markets with four to eight TV stations, combinations will be limited so as to permit ownership of the following: a) daily newspapers, one TV
station and up to one-half of the radio station limit for that market; or b) daily newspapers and up to the radio station limit for that market (but no TV stations); or c) two TV stations (if permitted under the local TV ownership rule), and up to
the radio station limit for that market (but no daily newspapers).
- In markets with three or fewer TV stations, no cross-ownership will be permitted among TV, radio and newspapers, but a company may seek a waiver of the ban if it can show that the cross-owned properties do not serve the same area.
In addition, waivers may be available if it can be shown that the combination will increase the availability of local news.
Morris Communications subsidiaries currently hold, under waivers granted by the FCC, radio broadcast licenses in two of Morris Publishings newspaper
markets: Amarillo, Texas and Topeka, Kansas. A subsidiary of Morris Communications has also received from the FCC a twelve month waiver to hold a radio broadcast license for a station it expects to acquire with a service contour that includes
Newton, Kansas, which is also one of our newspaper markets. Should the revised ownership rules adopted by the FCC withstand court and Congressional challenges and become effective, we believe that the radio broadcast licenses held for these
locations will be able to
continue to be held without waivers. If, however, the court challenge seeking to overturn the rules is successful or if Congress were to overturn the
new ownership rules or to impose new limitations on newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership, Morris Communications and Morris Publishing might need to divest either their radio broadcast licenses for these markets or their newspaper interests in these
markets. Further, FCC cross-ownership rules may have the effect of preventing us from pursuing or consummating a newspaper acquisition that our management would have otherwise pursued in markets in which Morris Communications owns radio stations.
·
Local Radio Ownership Limit
With respect to local radio ownership, the FCC limits the number of radio stations that a single entity may own in a single market. The new rule retains the current
limits on local radio ownership, but modifies the methodology for defining a radio market. The signal contour method of defining local radio markets would be replaced with a geographic approach assigned by Arbitron. The FCC has initiated a
rulemaking proceeding seeking comment on how to define, under its new rules, radio markets not ranked by Arbitron.
Numerous parties filed appeals of the FCCs new rules, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has issued a stay pending the outcome of litigation.
Thus, it could be some time, if ever, before the FCCs new rules take effect. In addition, legislation has been proposed in Congress to codify certain of the existing FCC ownership rules and/or to overturn certain of the new FCC ownership rules
and/or to impose new limitations on newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership.
The U.S. Congress and the FCC currently have under consideration, and may in the future adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, materially adversely affect the
operation and ownership of Morris Publishing. Morris Publishing is unable to predict the outcome of future federal legislation or the impact of any such laws or regulations on our operations.
Environmental matters
Our newspapers use inks, photographic chemicals, solvents and fuels. The use,
management and disposal of these substances and our operations in general are regulated by federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations including those regarding the discharge, emission, storage, treatment, handling and
disposal of hazardous or toxic substances as well as remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. These laws and regulations impose significant capital and operating costs on our business and there are significant penalties for violations.
Certain environmental laws hold current owners or operators of land or
businesses liable for their own and for previous owners or operators releases of hazardous or toxic substances. Because of our operations, the long history of industrial operations at some of our facilities, the operations of predecessor
owners or operators of certain of our businesses, and the use, production and release of regulated materials at these sites and at surrounding sites, we may be subject to liability under these environmental laws. Many of our facilities have never
been subjected to phase I environmental audits. Various facilities of ours have experienced some level of regulatory scrutiny in the past and are, or may become, subject to further regulatory inspections, future requests for investigation or
liability for past practices.
The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation & Liability Act of 1980 as amended
(CERCLA) and similar state counterpart acts, provide for strict, and under certain circumstances, joint and several liability, for among other things, generators of hazardous substances disposed of at contaminated sites. We have received
requests for information or notifications of potential liability from the United States Environmental Protection Agency under CERCLA and states under counterpart acts for a few off-site locations. We have not incurred any significant costs relating
to these matters and we have no information to suggest that we will incur material costs in the future in responding to conditions at these sites.
The nature of our operations exposes us to certain risks of liabilities and claims with respect to environmental matters. We believe our operations are currently in
material compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. In many jurisdictions, environmental requirements may be expected to become more stringent in the future which could affect our ability to obtain or maintain necessary
authorizations and approvals or result in increased environmental compliance costs.
We do not believe that environmental compliance requirements are likely to have a material effect on us. We cannot predict what additional environmental legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future or how existing or
future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted, or the amount of future expenditures that may be required in order to comply with these laws. There can be no assurance that future environmental compliance obligations or discovery of
new conditions will not arise in connection with our operations or facilities and that these would not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The following table sets forth certain information with
respect to our directors and executive officers:
Name
Age
Years in
newspaper
business
Title
William S. Morris III
69
47
Chairman of the Board of Directors
William S. Morris IV
44
14
CEO, President and Director
Craig S. Mitchell
45
10
Director, Senior Vice PresidentFinance, Secretary and Treasurer
Carl N. Cannon
60
39
Executive Vice President
James C. Currow
60
40
Executive Vice President
Steve K. Stone
51
25
Senior Vice PresidentChief Financial Officer
Susie Morris Baker
36
11
Director, Vice President
J. Tyler Morris
41
15
Director
Mary E. Morris
70
8
Director
Our directors and executive
officers are elected by, and serve at the discretion of, Morris Communications, which can add, remove and replace them at any time. References to service as directors and executive officers for periods prior to the formation of Morris Publishing in
2001 are to positions with our corporate predecessors in the newspaper business. These individuals also hold the same positions in the co-issuer, Morris Publishing Finance Co. The board of directors does not have any committees.
William S. Morris III
Mr. Morris has served as chairman of our board of
directors for at least 30 years. Mr. Morris is the chairman of Morris Communications, Shivers Trading & Operating Company, our ultimate parent, and its other subsidiaries and is also the chief executive officer of all of these companies
except Morris Publishing and its subsidiaries. Mr. Morris is active in community and state affairs, as well as in the newspaper and outdoor advertising industry and has recently completed a tenor as Chairman of the Newspaper Association of America.
Mr. Morris has a journalism degree from the University of Georgia and has been in the newspaper business all of his working career.
William S. Morris IV
Mr. Morris has been our president since 1996, our chief executive officer since 2001, and a director since 1996 and is also a
director and the president of Morris Communications, Shivers Trading & Operating Company, our ultimate parent, and its other subsidiaries. He joined the family business in 1990 and prior to becoming our president has served as assistant to the
president. Prior to that he served as assistant to the general manager, general manager and publisher of various of our newspapers and magazines. Prior to joining us, Mr. Morris worked for United Yellow Pages, Inc., selling independent telephone
advertising and Gannett Outdoor Group in the leasing department and as national sales manager. He graduated from Emory University in 1983 with a degree in economics.
Craig S. Mitchell
Mr. Mitchell became senior vice president-finance in November 2003 and has served as vice
president-finance, secretary and treasurer since 1999 and as a director since 1999.
He holds similar positions with Morris Communications, Shivers Trading & Operating Company, our ultimate parent, and its other subsidiaries. Prior
to joining Morris Publishing, Mr. Mitchell was employed by Deloitte Haskins & Sells in its tax department and by President Baking Company as its treasurer. Mr. Mitchell holds an accounting degree from Augusta College and a Master of Accountancy
(tax option) from the University of Georgia.
Carl N.
Cannon
Mr. Cannon became executive vice president in November 2003 and has served as vice president-newspapers with responsibility for our Florida publishing group and our eastern community newspapers division, including
The Florida
Times-Union
, our largest publication, since 1991. Prior to that Mr. Cannon held numerous management positions with us in Georgia, Texas, and Florida. He has a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and has spent his entire business
career with Morris Publishing.
James C. Currow
Mr.
Currow became executive vice president in November 2003 and has served as vice president-newspapers with responsibility for our metro newspapers outside of Florida and for our western community newspapers since 1998. Prior to joining us, Mr. Currow
started a newspaper management consulting firm and also served as vice president of Sales and Marketing at
The Miami Herald
, and as president and chief executive officer of
Milwaukee Journal and Sentinel
. In April 1997, he was named
senior vice president and chief marketing officer of the Newspaper Association of America. Mr. Currow serves on the Board of the Newspaper Association of America, chairs the Marketing Committee and serves on the Executive Committee. Mr. Currow holds
a B.S. degree in management from Charleston Southern University and is a 1992 graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.
Steve K. Stone
Mr. Stone became senior vice president in November 2003 and has served as our vice president and chief financial officer-newspapers and
has been the head of MStar Solutions, LLC, the Morris Communications subsidiary operating the Shared Services Center since 2002. Mr. Stone has 24 years experience in the newspaper industry and prior to joining us in 2002, Mr. Stone was Assistant
Vice President/Shared Services for Knight Ridder, Inc. He has also served as Vice President/Chief Financial Officer for the
Charlotte Observer
, Director of Finance/Controller for
The Miami Herald
, and held various financial positions
at the
San Jose Mercury News
,
Columbus Ledger-Inquirer
and the
Wichita Eagle Beacon
. Mr. Stone holds a BBA degree from Southwestern College.
Susie Morris Baker
Mrs. Baker has been a director and vice president of newspapers since 1999 and is also a director of
Morris Communications, Shivers Trading & Operating Company, our ultimate parent, and its other subsidiaries. She has also served as vice president of the Alaska newspapers for Morris Publishing, with responsibility for the
Juneau Empire
,
the
Peninsula Clarion
in Kenai, and
The Alaska Journal of Commerce
and Alaskan Equipment Trader in Anchorage. Prior to that, Mrs. Baker was the publisher of the Quarter Horse News and Barrel Horse News in Fort Worth, Texas and
publisher of the
Peninsula Clarion
. Mrs. Baker received a B.A. from Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia in 1990 and received a masters degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas in 1998.
J. Tyler Morris
J. Tyler Morris has been a director since
1996 and is also a director of Morris Communications, Shivers Trading & Operating Company, our ultimate parent, and its other subsidiaries. He has served as the vice president of the Morris Communications Cowboy Publishing Group in the
magazine division. He is currently chairman, president and chief executive officer of Texas Aerospace Services in Abilene, Texas. Prior to that he worked at
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
and Grays Sporting Journal and at the
Fort Worth
Star-Telegram
. Mr. Morris graduated from the University of Georgia in 1987 with a degree in journalism.
Mary E. Morris
Mrs. Morris has been a director of Morris Publishing since 1996 and is also a director
of Morris Communications, Shivers Trading & Operating Company, our ultimate parent, and its other subsidiaries. She is active in volunteer work with church and civic organizations and has served on many boards including the board of the Morris
Museum of Art and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.
William Morris
III and Mary Morris are husband and wife. William Morris IV, J. Tyler Morris and Susie Morris Baker are their children.
Executive compensation
Some of our executive officers serve in similar capacities for our parent, Morris Communications, its ultimate parent, Shivers Trading & Operating Company, and
their other subsidiaries. Historically, we have allocated a portion of their services and compensation to Morris Publishing. Commencing August 7, 2003, compensation for services rendered by William S. Morris III, William S. Morris IV, Susie M.
Baker, Craig S. Mitchell and Steve K. Stone will not be payable directly by us but their services will be provided under the management agreement. See Certain relationships and related transactions. The following table sets forth all
compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid for services rendered to Morris Publishing in all capacities during the three years ended December 31, 2003 for our chief executive officer, our four other most highly compensated executive officers and
our executive officer director.
Name and principal position
Year
Annual compensation
All other
compensation
Salary ($)
Bonus($)
William S. Morris IV(g)
2003
315,000
$
267,034
17,079
(a)
President and Chief
Executive Officer
2002
2001
510,000
450,000
60,000
63,000
31,199
25,732
Carl C. Cannon
2003
700,000
114,763
366,123
(b)
Executive Vice President
2002
2001
650,000
600,000
108,447
1,480
233,349
225,800
James C. Currow
2003
566,667
60,794
139,695
(c)
Executive Vice President
2002
2001
500,000
475,000
96,332
44,923
33,439
30,218
Craig S. Mitchell(g)
2003
105,000
210,000
5,044
(d)
Senior Vice President-Finance,
Treasurer and Secretary
2002
2001
165,000
150,000
60,000
8,879
Steve K. Stone(g)
2003
87,500
71,292
3,500
(e)
Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
2002
2001
109,650
8,416
Susie M. Baker(g)
2003
85,313
48,000
18,969
(f)
Vice President
2002
2001
131,262
120,000
27,000
27,904
21,624
(a)
Includes (a) imputed income for use of company vehicle in the amount of $4,717, $4,717 and $2,752 for 2001, 2002 and 2003 (b) employer contributions to the Morris
Communications 401(k) Plan in the amounts of $5,100, $6,000 and $3,500 for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively and (c) other fringe benefits for the use of company facilities and participation in the executive medical reimbursement plan in the amounts
of $15,915, $20,482 and $10,827 for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
(b)
Includes (a) employer contributions and earnings under Morris Communications deferred compensation plan of $200,000 , $200,000 and $331,706 for 2001, 2002 and
2003, respectively (b) imputed income for use of company vehicle in the amount of $9,924 for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively (c) employer contributions to the Morris Communications 401(k) Plan in the
amounts of $8,500, $10,000 and $10,000 for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively and (d) other fringe benefits for the use of company facilities and
participation in the executive medical reimbursement plan in the amounts of $7,360, $13,515 and $14,493 for 2001 and 2002 and 2003, respectively.
(c)
Includes (a) imputed income for use of company vehicle in the amount of $16,718 each year for 2001 and 2002, and $21,236 for 2003 (b) employer contributions to the Morris
Communications 401(k) Plan in the amounts of $8,500, $10,000 and $10,000 for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively; (c) employer contributions and earnings under Morris Communications deferred compensation plan of $102,891 for 2003, and (d) other fringe
benefits such as the executive medical reimbursement plan in the amounts of and of $5,000, $9,961 and $5,568 for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
(d)
Includes (a) employer contributions to the Morris Communications 401(k) Plan in the amounts of $5,100, $6,000 and $3,500 for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively (b) other fringe
benefits such as participation in the executive medical reimbursement plan in the amount of $2,934, $2,879 and $1,544 for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
(e)
Includes (a) employer contributions to the Morris communications 401(k) Plan in the amount of $3,500 for 2003 and (b) other fringe benefits such as reimbursement of taxable
moving expenses in the amount of $8,416 for 2002.
(f)
Includes (a) imputed income for use of company vehicle in the amount of $11,657 for 2001 and $11,657 for 2002 and $6,800 for 2003 (b) employer contributions to the Morris
Communications 401(k) Plan in the amounts of $5,100, $6,000 and $3,500 for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively and (c) other fringe benefits for the use of company facilities and participation in the executive medical reimbursement plan in the amounts
of $4,867, $10,247 and $8,669 for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
(g)
For each year, this table does not include compensation paid to this individual for services to Morris Communications or its other affiliates. For 2003, this table includes
compensation paid to this individual for services through August 7, 2003, but includes no compensation for services provided to us by such individual under the management agreement with Morris Communications after such date (because their services
were covered by the management fee). Taking into account the compensation paid to these individuals after August 7, 2003 by Morris Communications, with respect to their services for our benefit under the management agreement, the salaries and other
compensation, would have totaled (a) for Mr. Morris $540,000 salary and $29,278 other, (b) for Mr. Mitchell $180,000 salary and $8,647 other, (c) for Mr. Stone $150,000 salary and $6,000 other, and (d) for Mrs. Baker $146,250 salary and $32,519
other.
No information is presented for options,
restricted stock awards, long term incentive or other compensation because no such compensation has been awarded. We have not granted any options or stock appreciation rights in the last fiscal year or otherwise.
Employment agreements
Morris Publishing has no employment agreements with its executive officers. We have
designed our incentive and compensation programs to retain key employees, but no such programs obligate any employee to continue to work for us, nor commit Morris Publishing to continue to employ any officer.
Compensation of directors
Our directors received no compensation for their services as such in 2003, and received
less than $500 per year in 2002 and 2001.
Compensation committee
interlocks and insider participation
Our board of directors does not
maintain a compensation committee. No executive officer or member of our board of directors also serves as an officer or on the compensation committee of any other entity with an executive officer on our board of directors. The Morris family,
including William S. Morris III, our chairman, and his son, William S. Morris IV, our president and chief executive officer, beneficially own all of the equity interests in Morris Communications, our parent company. By virtue of such equity
ownership, the Morris family has the sole power to determine the outcome of any company matter or transaction, including compensation matters.
Beneficial ownership
Morris Communications
and Morris Publishing are lower tier subsidiaries of Shivers Trading & Operating Company, which is beneficially owned 100% by William S. Morris III and members of his immediate family. Mr. Morris III and his wife, Mary E. Morris, together
directly own over 50% of the voting stock of Shivers and together beneficially own approximately 66% of the total common stock of Shivers. Their three adult children, including Mr. Morris IV, each directly own approximately 16% of the voting stock
and each beneficially own approximately 11% of the total common stock of Shivers.
Various entities which are affiliated with Morris Communications and the Morris family have engaged, and will in the future engage, in transactions with us some of which may be viewed, from the perspective of a note holder of Morris
Publishing, as significant. These transactions may not necessarily be consummated on an arms-length basis and therefore may not be as favorable to us as those that could be negotiated with non-affiliated third parties.
We receive certain services from, and have entered into certain transactions with,
Morris Communications. Costs of the services that have been allocated to us are based on actual direct costs incurred or on Morris Communications estimate of the proportion of expenses incurred by Morris Communications that related to the
services provided to us. Morris Communications made the allocations based on usage or other factors such as percentage of revenues, number of employees and other applicable factors in estimating the proportion of corporate expenses to allocate to
us. We believe that these allocations have been made on a reasonable basis, and approximate all of the material incremental costs we would have incurred had we been operating on a stand-alone basis; however, there has been no independent study or
any attempt to obtain quotes from third parties to determine what the costs of obtaining such services from third parties would have been. Management fees and technology and shared services fees aggregated $28.2 million for the year ended December
31, 2002 and $33.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. These fees do not include other transactions between Morris Publishing, on the one hand, and Morris Communications and its other subsidiaries, on the other hand, including cash
management, employer 401(k) contributions, workers compensation expense and intercompany borrowings. See Notes 1 and 8 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
While historically balances between Morris Publishing, on the one hand, and Morris
Communications, and its other subsidiaries, on the other hand, were settled primarily through members deficit (as distributions or contributions), it is expected that such amounts in the future will be settled through payment. While
historically Morris Communications provided cash management for Morris Publishing, at and after August 1, 2003 Morris Publishings cash and investment management activities have been segregated from those of Morris Communications and its other
subsidiaries and all cash and investments are held in separate accounts of Morris Publishing.
Historically borrowing capacity for Morris Publishing was provided in large part through borrowings by Morris Communications under its credit facility, the proceeds of which were then lent to Morris Publishing through
intercompany loans. On August 7, 2003, Morris Publishing repaid its indebtedness to Morris Communications and entered into the new credit facilities described in Description of other indebtedness. It is expected that the principal
external source of liquidity for Morris Communications and its other subsidiaries will be loans by or distributions from Morris Publishing. We may provide loans to Morris Communications or its operating subsidiaries for general business purposes or
to make acquisitions in the future, at interest rates equal to our cost of borrowing under our new credit facilities. Any such loans may utilize borrowing capacity under our new credit facilities that may otherwise have been available for our
business purposes. As of December 31, 2003, we had $4.5 million of outstanding loans due from Morris Communications.
We will continue to be managed by Morris Communications pursuant to a management agreement and as compensation for
these services, Morris Communications will be entitled to receive annual management fees (payable monthly) equal to the greater of 4.0% of our annual total operating revenues or the amount of actual expenses allocable to the management of our
business by Morris Communications (such allocations to be based upon time and resources spent on the management of our business by Morris Communications). Historically, Morris Communications costs of providing these services has been allocated
among its operating divisions and our allocated share is reflected in our financial statements. For the last four years, our allocable costs for the services provided by Morris Communications have been approximately 4.2% of our annual total
operating revenues, ranging from 4.4% in 2000 to 3.9% in 2003 through August 7, 2003. In addition, as part of the initiatives commencing in 2002 to develop the Shared Services Center and technological platform, we will also pay our allocable share
(based upon usage) of the actual costs of operations of MStar Solutions.
In addition to the management services, we may share other miscellaneous facilities and costs with Morris Communications and its other subsidiaries. Shared costs may include joint promotions or the use of facilities, equipment,
supplies or employees of one division for the benefit of an affiliate and the costs will be allocated among the various entities by Morris Communications. Shared facilities include the home office complex of buildings in Augusta, Georgia, which we
own for use of
The Augusta Chronicle
, but which will also be used as the home office and principal place of business of Morris Communications.
In December 2002, we sold our recently completed facility in Savannah, Georgia to an affiliated party at carrying value for cash of $11.9 million, and entered into
a 10 year operating lease expiring on December 31, 2012. We are required to make equal monthly payments of $92,000 beginning January 1, 2003, and continuing on the first date of each subsequent month during the term of this lease. Beginning on
January 1, 2004 and January 1 of each subsequent year during the lease term the annual base rent shall increase by the lesser of (i) four percent, and (ii) the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for the preceding calendar year.
As chairman, Mr. Morris III received aggregate compensation in 2003 of
less than $60,000.
In the ordinary course of our business, we may sell
goods and services to affiliates, including newspaper advertising, and we may purchase goods and services from affiliates, such as radio or outdoor advertising and promotions or space in hotels owned by affiliates.
We participate in a tax sharing agreement with our affiliates whereby we are required
to pay to our parent an amount equal to the taxes we would have been required to pay as a separate corporation. We are a single member limited liability company that is disregarded for federal income tax purposes and are part of the consolidated tax
return of our ultimate parent corporation and its subsidiaries. We may become jointly and severally liable for all income tax liability of the group in the event other subsidiaries are unable to pay the taxes attributable to their operations.
See Risk factors and ManagementExecutive
compensation.
The original notes were initially issued and sold on
August 7 and September 24, 2003. Those sales were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 144A under the Securities Act. We and the initial
purchasers of the original notes entered into registration rights agreements on the issuance dates of the original notes. Under the registration rights agreements, we agreed to file and cause to become effective with the SEC the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part to effect the exchange of original notes for exchange notes.
The sole purpose of this exchange offer is to fulfill our obligations under the registration rights agreements.
Conditions to exchange offer
Completion of the exchange offer is subject to the conditions that the exchange offer not violate any applicable law or interpretation of the staff of the Division
of Corporation Finance of the SEC and that no injunction, order or decree has been issued that would prohibit, prevent or materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer. The exchange offer is also subject to various procedural
requirements discussed below with which holders must comply. We reserve the right, in our absolute discretion, to waive compliance with these requirements subject to applicable law, however, all conditions must be satisfied or waived prior to the
expiration of the exchange offer in order for exchange notes to be issued in exchange for original notes.
In addition, we will not accept for exchange any original notes tendered, and no exchange notes will be issued in exchange for any such original notes, if at such time any stop order shall be threatened or in
effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
Terms of the exchange offer
We are offering to exchange, upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in this prospectus and the accompanying letter of transmittal, $1,000 principal
amount of exchange notes for each $1,000 principal amount of original notes. Based on the position of the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the SEC as stated in certain interpretive letters issued to third parties in other
transactions, we believe that the exchange notes will generally be freely transferable by holders thereof. See Plan of distribution on page 127. However, we have not asked for an interpretive letter from the SEC with respect to the
exchange offer. Otherwise, the terms of the exchange notes are identical in all respects to the terms of the original notes for which they may be exchanged pursuant to this exchange offer. The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the
original notes and will be entitled to the benefits of the indenture. See Description of the exchange notes on page 76.
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for original notes, where those original notes were acquired by such broker-dealer
as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of those exchange notes. See Plan of distribution on page 127.
If you are an affiliate of ours or if you intend to participate in the exchange offer
for the purpose of distributing the exchange notes, or if you are a broker-dealer that purchased original notes
from us to resell pursuant to Rule 144A or any other available exemption under the Securities Act, you will not be permitted or entitled to tender
those original notes in the exchange offer and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any sale or transfer of those original notes unless that sale is made pursuant to an
exemption from such requirements. See Plan of distribution on page 127.
The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of original notes being tendered or accepted for exchange.
Holders of original notes do not have any appraisal or dissenters rights in connection with this exchange offer.
Neither we nor our board of directors makes any recommendation to you as to whether to
tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of your original notes in this exchange offer. In addition, no one has been authorized to make any recommendation as to whether you should tender notes in this exchange offer. You must make your
own decision whether to tender original notes in the exchange offer and, if so, the aggregate amount of original notes to tender based on your own financial positions and requirements.
If any tendered original notes are not accepted for exchange because of an invalid tender, global securities for any such unaccepted
original notes will be returned, without expense, to the tendering holder promptly after completion of this exchange offer.
Holders who tender original notes in connection with this exchange offer will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions
in the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of original notes in connection with this exchange offer. We will pay all charges and expenses in connection with this exchange offer. See Fees and expenses
on page 73.
The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
[ ], 2004 unless we, in our sole discretion, extend the period during which the exchange offer is open by giving written notice to the exchange agent and by timely public
announcement communicated no later than 9:00 a.m. on the next business day following the date for expiration, unless otherwise required by applicable law or regulation, by making a press release. During any extension of the exchange offer, all
original notes previously tendered pursuant to the exchange offer will remain subject to the exchange offer.
We expressly reserve the right to:
·
terminate the exchange offer and not accept for exchange any original notes if we reasonably determine that the conditions to the exchange offer have not been satisfied, and
·
amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner permitted by applicable law, whether before or after any tender of original notes.
If any such termination or amendment occurs, we will notify the exchange agent in
writing and will either issue a press release or give written notice to the holders of original notes as promptly as practicable. Unless we terminate the exchange offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date of expiration, we will
exchange the exchange notes for original notes on the first business day following the expiration date.
If we waive any material condition to the exchange offer, or amend the exchange offer in any other material
respect, we will promptly disclose such waiver or amendment by means of a prospectus supplement that will be distributed to the holders of the original notes, and if at the time that such prospectus supplement is first sent or given to holders of
original notes, the exchange offer is scheduled to expire at any time earlier than the expiration of a period ending on the fifth business day from, and including, the date that such prospectus supplement is first so sent or given, then the exchange
offer will be extended until the expiration of such period of five business days.
We will mail this prospectus and the related letter of transmittal and other relevant materials to record holders of original notes and to brokers, banks and similar persons whose names, or the names of whose nominees, appear on the
lists of holders for subsequent transmittal to beneficial owners of original notes.
Exchange offer procedures
How
to tender
Your tender to us of original notes pursuant to one of the
procedures set forth below will constitute an agreement between you and us in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions stated below and in the letter of transmittal.
General procedures
You may tender your original note by:
·
properly completing and signing the letter of transmittal and delivering it, together with the certificate or certificates representing the original notes being tendered and
any required signature guarantees (or a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer pursuant to the procedure described below), to the exchange agent at its address set forth below on or prior to the date the exchange offer expires, or
·
complying with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for original notes, where those original notes were acquired by such broker-dealer
as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of those exchange notes. See Plan of distribution on page 127.
If tendered original notes are registered in the name of the signer of the letter of
transmittal and the exchange notes to be issued in exchange for those original notes are to be issued (and any untendered original notes are to be reissued) in the name of the registered holder, the signature of such signer need not be guaranteed.
In any other case, the tendered original notes must be endorsed or accompanied by written instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to us and duly executed by the registered holder and the signature on the endorsement or instrument of transfer
must be guaranteed by a bank, broker, dealer, credit union, savings association, clearing agency or other institution that is a member of a recognized signature guarantee medallion program within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. If the exchange notes and/or original notes not exchanged are to be delivered to an address other than that of the registered holder appearing on the note register for the original notes, the signature on the letter
of transmittal must be guaranteed by one of the institutions just described.
If your original notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other
nominee and you wish to tender those original notes, you should contact that holder promptly and instruct that holder to tender those original notes on your behalf. If you wish to tender those original notes yourself, you must, prior to completing
and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering those original notes, make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of those original notes in your name and follow the procedures described in the immediately preceding paragraph. The
transfer of record ownership may take considerable time due to the transfer procedures the broker must follow to register the transfer.
Book-entry transfer
The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account with respect to the original notes at The Depository Trust Company (DTC) for purposes of the exchange
offer within two business days after receipt of this prospectus, and any financial institution that is a participant in DTCs system may make book-entry delivery of original notes by causing DTC to transfer such original notes into the exchange
agents account at DTC in accordance with DTCs procedures for transfer. Although delivery of original notes may be effected through book-entry transfer at DTC, you must send the letter of transmittal, with any required signature
guarantees and any other required documents, to the exchange agent at the address specified below and it must be received by the exchange agent on or prior to the date the exchange offer expires or you must comply with the guaranteed delivery
procedures described below.
The exchange agent and DTC have confirmed
that any financial institution that is a participant in DTCs system may use the Automated Tender Offer Program procedures to tender original notes.
Any participant in DTCs system may make book-entry delivery of original notes by causing DTC to transfer such original notes into the exchange agents
account in accordance with the Automated Tender Offer Program procedures for transfer. However, the exchange for original notes so tendered will be made only after a book-entry confirmation of such book-entry transfer of original notes into the
exchange agents account, and timely receipt by the exchange agent of an agents message and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal. An agents message is a message, transmitted by DTC and received by the exchange
agent and forming part of a book-entry confirmation, that states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant tendering original notes that are the subject of such book-entry confirmation that such participant has received and
agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal, and that we may enforce that agreement against that participant.
Letters of transmittal and original notes must be sent only to the exchange agent. Do not send letters of transmittal or original notes to us or DTC.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF ORIGINAL NOTES AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING DELIVERY
THROUGH DTC AND ANY ACCEPTANCE OF AN AGENTS MESSAGE THROUGH THE AUTOMATED TENDER OFFER PROGRAM, IS AT YOUR ELECTION AND RISK. IF YOU SEND THESE DOCUMENTS BY MAIL, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, THAT YOU
OBTAIN PROPER INSURANCE, AND THAT YOU MAIL THOSE DOCUMENTS SUFFICIENTLY IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE ON WHICH THE EXCHANGE OFFER EXPIRES TO PERMIT DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR BEFORE SUCH DATE.
If you wish to accept the exchange offer and time will not permit a letter of transmittal or original notes to reach the exchange
agent before the date on which the exchange offer expires, you must deliver to the exchange agent a letter, telegram or facsimile transmission from a bank, broker, dealer, credit union, savings association, clearing agency or other institution that
is a member of a recognized guarantee medallion program within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, stating:
·
the name and address of the tendering holder,
·
the principal amount of the original notes being tendered,
·
the names in which the original notes are registered,
·
if possible, the certificate numbers of the original notes to be tendered, and
·
that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the date of execution of such letter, telegram or facsimile
transmission by the appropriate submitting institution, the original notes, in proper form for transfer, will be delivered by such appropriate submitting institution together with a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal (and any
other required documents).
Such a tender will be effective
only if such notice is received by the exchange agent before the exchange offer expires.
Unless original notes being tendered by the above-described method (or a timely book-entry confirmation) are deposited with the exchange agent within the time period set forth above (accompanied or preceded by a properly completed
letter of transmittal and any other required documents), we may, at our option, reject the tender. Copies of a notice of guaranteed delivery which may be used by appropriate submitting institutions for the purposes described in the paragraphs above
are available from the exchange agent.
A tender will be deemed to have
been received as of the date when your properly completed and duly signed letter of transmittal or agents message accompanied by the original notes (or a timely book-entry confirmation) is received by the exchange agent. Issuances of exchange
notes in exchange for original notes tendered pursuant to a notice of guaranteed delivery or letter, telegram or facsimile transmission to similar effect (as provided above) by an appropriate submitting institution will be made only against deposit
of the letter of transmittal (and any other required documents) and the tendered original notes (or a timely book-entry confirmation).
All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance for exchange of any tender of original notes will be determined by
us, which determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all tenders not in proper form or the acceptances for exchange of which may, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute
right to waive any of the conditions of the exchange offer or any defect or irregularities in tenders; provided any such waivers, if made, shall apply to all tenders. Neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person will be under any duty to give
notification of any defects or irregularities in tenders or shall incur any liability for failure to give any such notification. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer (including the letter of transmittal and the
instructions thereto) will be final and binding.
The letter of transmittal contains, among other things, the following terms and
conditions, which are part of the exchange offer.
By tendering your
original notes for exchange, you thereby exchange, assign and transfer the original notes to us and irrevocably constitute and appoint the exchange agent as your agent and attorney-in-fact to cause the original notes to be assigned, transferred and
exchanged. You will be required to represent and warrant that you have full power and authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer the original notes and to acquire exchange notes issuable upon the exchange of those tendered original notes,
and that, when the same are accepted for exchange, we will acquire good and unencumbered title to the tendered original notes, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim or proxy. You
will also warrant that you will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by us to be necessary or desirable to complete the exchange, assignment and transfer of tendered original notes by us, and the issuance of exchange
notes in exchange for those notes shall constitute performance in full by us of our obligations under the registration rights agreements and that we will have no further obligations or liabilities under that agreement (except in certain limited
circumstances). All authority conferred by you will survive your death or incapacity, and all of your obligations will be binding upon your heirs, legal representatives, successors, assigns, executors and administrators.
By tendering original notes and executing the letter of transmittal, or transmitting an
agents message, as the case may be, you represent that:
·
you are not an affiliate of ours as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933;
·
you are not a broker-dealer that owns original notes acquired directly from us or from an affiliate of ours;
·
you are acquiring the exchange notes offered hereby in the ordinary course of business; and
·
you have not agreed with anyone to distribute the exchange notes.
If you are a broker-dealer that purchased original notes for your own account as part of market-making or other trading activities, you represent that you have not
agreed with us or our affiliates to distribute the exchange notes and agree to deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes; and you may exclude the representation in the last bullet point above.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations in
connection with the exchange offer other than those contained in this prospectus. If given or made, such information or representations should not be relied upon as having been authorized by us. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any
exchange made hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in our business since the respective dates as of which information is given herein. We are not making the exchange offer to (nor will
tenders be accepted from or on behalf of) holders of original notes in any jurisdiction in which the making of the exchange offer or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. However, we may, at our
discretion, take such action as we may deem necessary to make the exchange offer in any such jurisdiction and extend the exchange offer to holders of original notes in such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction the securities laws or blue sky laws of
which require the exchange offer to be made by a licensed
broker or dealer, the exchange offer may be made on our behalf by one or more registered brokers or dealers which are licensed under the laws of such
jurisdiction.
Withdrawal rights
You may withdraw any original notes you have tendered pursuant to the exchange offer,
in multiples of $1,000, at any time prior to the date on which the exchange offer expires.
For a withdrawal to be effective, a written or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be timely received by the exchange agent at its address set forth below in the Exchange agent section prior to the
date on which the exchange offer expires. Any such notice of withdrawal must state:
·
the person named in the letter of transmittal as having tendered original notes to be withdrawn;
·
if possible, the certificate numbers of original notes to be withdrawn;
·
the principal amount of original notes to be withdrawn;
·
a statement that such holder is withdrawing its election to have those original notes exchanged, and
·
the name of the registered holder of those original notes.
The withdrawal notice must be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on the letter of transmittal (including any required signature
guarantees) or be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to us that the person withdrawing the tender has succeeded to the beneficial ownership of the original notes being withdrawn.
The exchange agent will return the properly withdrawn original notes promptly following receipt of the notice of withdrawal. We will
determine all questions as to the validity of notices of withdrawal, including time of receipt, and such determinations will be final and binding on all persons.
Acceptance of original notes for exchange; delivery of exchange notes
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the exchange offer, we will choose and
notify the exchange agent of the date on which the acceptance for exchange of original notes validly tendered and not withdrawn and the issuance of the exchange notes will be made. For the purposes of the exchange offer, we will be deemed to have
accepted for exchange validly tendered original notes when we have given written notice thereof to the exchange agent.
The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders of original notes for the purposes of receiving exchange notes from us and causing the original notes
to be assigned, transferred and exchanged. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the exchange offer, delivery of the exchange notes to be issued in exchange for accepted original notes will be made by the exchange agent promptly after
acceptance of the tendered original notes. Original notes not accepted for exchange by us will be returned without expense to the tendering holders (or in the case of original notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agents
account at DTC pursuant to the procedures described above, such non-exchanged original notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC) promptly following the date on which the exchange offer expires, or, if we terminate the exchange offer
prior to such date, promptly after the exchange offer is so terminated.
You will not receive accrued but unpaid interest on original notes at the time you tender them. Rather, that interest will be payable
on the exchange notes delivered in exchange for the original notes on the first interest payment date after the exchange date.
Accounting treatment
The exchange notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the original notes for which they are exchanged, which is the aggregate principal amount of the
original notes, as reflected in our accounting records on the date of exchange. Accordingly, no gain or loss for accounting purposes will be recognized in connection with the exchange offer. The cost of the exchange offer will be amortized over the
term of the exchange notes.
Exchange agent
Wachovia Bank, National Association has been appointed as the exchange agent for the
exchange offer. You should direct questions and requests for assistance and requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal to the exchange agent as follows:
By Regular, Registered or Certified Mail, or by Hand:
Wachovia Bank, National Association
Customer Information Center
Corporate Trust Operations
1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd., 3C3
Charlotte, NC
28288-1153
Attention: Carrie Garris
or
By Overnight Courier:
Wachovia Bank, National
Association
Customer Information Center
Corporate
Trust Operations
1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd., 3C3
Charlotte, NC 28262
Attention: Carrie Garris
Telephone:
704-590-7415
Alternatively, if a New York address is preferred, please send to:
Delivery to an address other than as stated above, or transmissions of instructions to a facsimile number other
than the one stated above, will not constitute a valid delivery.
Fees and expenses
We have not retained any dealer-manager or similar agent in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any payments to brokers, dealers or others for soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We
will, however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with its services. We will also pay brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding tenders for their customers. We will pay the expenses to be incurred in connection with the exchange offer, including the fees and expenses of the exchange agent,
printing, accounting and legal fees.
Holders who tender their original
notes for exchange notes will not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes in connection with the exchange. If, however, exchange notes are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the
original notes tendered, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of the original notes in connection with the exchange offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any
other person) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption from such taxes is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of such taxes will be billed directly to such tendering
holder.
Our $400.0 million senior Secured Credit
Facilities (Senior Secured Credit Facilities), for which JPMorgan Chase Bank serves as administrative agent, consist of (1) a term loan facility that will mature on March 31, 2011, in an aggregate principal amount of $225.0 million (the
Term Loan Facility) and (2) a revolving credit facility that will mature on September 30, 2010, in an aggregate principal amount of $175.0 million (the Revolving Loan Facility). As of December 31, 2003, we had no amount
outstanding on the Revolving Loan Facility.
In addition, at any time
after the closing of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, Morris Publishing may solicit any or all of the lenders to provide, in one or more series, additional term loans in an aggregate amount of up to $300.0 million, less the principal amount of
any future senior unsecured notes (not including these notes).
Interest rate
The Term Loan Facility bears
interest at (i) LIBOR plus 2.25% or (ii) the applicable federal funds rate plus 0.5% (ABR) plus 1.25%.
The Revolving Loan Facility bears interest (i) at a spread above a base rate equal to the higher of (x) JPMorgan Chase Banks prime lending rate or (y) the
ABR, or (ii) at a spread above the Eurodollar rate. The spread applicable to borrowings under the Revolving Loan Facility is determined by reference to our trailing total debt to cash flow ratio. The spread applicable for ABR borrowings ranges from
1.0% to 1.5%. The spread applicable for Eurodollar rate borrowings ranges from 2.0% to 2.5%. For the period of six months after the closing date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the spread on ABR borrowings is 1.25% and the spread on
Eurodollar rate borrowings is 2.25%.
Amortization Schedule
The Term Loan Facility requires the following principal
amortization: 2003none; 2004,$562,500; 20052010,$2.25 million per year; and the remaining principal amount in 2011.
There is no required amortization of the Revolving Loan Facility prior to its maturity on September 30, 2010.
Guarantees
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities are guaranteed by Morris Communications and most of its subsidiaries (existing or thereafter
acquired) including subsidiaries with operations in outdoor advertising, radio broadcasting and book publishing. Morris Communications and its subsidiaries with operations in outdoor advertising, radio broadcasting and book publishing will not be
guarantors of the notes.
Collateral
The term loan facility and the revolving facility are secured by perfected
first-priority security interests in, and (as applicable) mortgages on:
(1)
all equity capital of Morris Communications held by its direct parent, Morris Communications Holding Company, LLC;
all of the equity capital of each of the credit parties under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities;
(3)
certain intercompany notes; and
(4)
substantially all tangible and intangible assets of Morris Communications and each guarantor (including but not limited to accounts receivable, inventory, intellectual
property, all material real property, rental agreements and other contractual rights, permits and authorizations, and proceeds of the foregoing, subject to customary exceptions).
Representations and warranties, events of default, covenants and other terms
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities:
(1)
require us to meet certain financial tests on an on-going basis, including minimum interest coverage ratio, minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, and maximum cash flow ratios;
(2)
include customary representations and warranties, customary events of default (including an event of default resulting from a change of control), and other customary covenants
including, among others, covenants that limit our and our subsidiaries ability to:
(a)
incur additional debt or guarantees;
(b)
create, or permit to exist, liens on our property or grant negative pledges;
(c)
merge with other entities;
(d)
make asset sales;
(e)
pay dividends or other amounts in respect of equity capital;
(f)
make investments, loans or advances;
(g)
engage in transactions with affiliates; and
(h)
change our fiscal year or the nature of our business.
Optional prepayments
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities may be prepaid and commitments may be reduced by Morris Publishing in certain minimum amounts. Optional prepayments of the Term
Loan Facility and any incremental loan facility shall be applied to the Term Loan Facility and any incremental loan facility ratably in accordance with the principal amounts thereof, and to the installments thereof ratably in accordance with the
respective amounts thereof, and may not be reborrowed.
Mandatory
prepayments
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities will be mandatorily
prepayable with:
(1)
the net proceeds from equity offerings, above designated amounts in the event of offerings to affiliates of Morris Communications; and
(2)
the net proceeds from certain non-ordinary course asset sales.
In addition, in the event that there is a change of control pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the notes, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities must be
paid in full and all commitments under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities shall terminate.
The
Exchange Notes will be issued under an indenture dated August 7, 2003 (the
Indenture
), among Morris Publishing Group, LLC (
Morris Publishing
), Morris Publishing Finance Co. (
Morris Finance
),
the Guarantors and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee (the
Trustee
). The following is a summary of the material provisions of the Indenture. It does not include all of the provisions of the Indenture. We urge you to
read the Indenture because it defines your rights. The terms of the Exchange Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the
TIA
). A
copy of the Indenture is available upon request.
You can find
definitions of certain capitalized terms used in this description under Certain definitions. In this section of the prospectus:
·
references to
Morris Publishing
,
we
,
us
,
our
or similar terms refer only to Morris Publishing and
not to any of its Subsidiaries;
·
references to
Morris Finance
, a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of Morris Publishing, shall refer only to Morris Finance;
·
references to the
Issuers
shall mean Morris Publishing and Morris Finance together;
·
references to the
Guarantors
shall mean our direct and indirect Restricted Subsidiaries that guarantee the Notes; and
·
references to
Morris Communications
shall mean our parent, Morris Communications Company, LLC, and its successors.
Brief description of the notes and the guarantees
The Exchange Notes
The Exchange Notes will be:
·
general unsecured obligations of the Issuers;
·
ranked subordinate in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Debt of the Issuers;
·
ranked equally in right of payment with any future senior subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuers;
·
ranked senior in right of payment to any future subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuers;
·
ranked effectively junior to all debt and other liabilities (including trade payables) of the Issuers Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors, all debt and other
liabilities (including trade payables) of any Guarantor if such Guarantors Guarantee is subordinated or avoided by a court of competent jurisdiction and all secured obligations of the Issuers to the extent of the collateral securing such
obligations, including the Issuers obligations under the Credit Agreement; and
·
unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantors.
The Exchange Notes will be issued in fully registered form only, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The Trustee will
initially act as Paying Agent and Registrar for the Exchange Notes. The Exchange Notes may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the offices of the Registrar. The Issuers may change any
Paying Agent and Registrar without notice to holders of the Exchange Notes (the
Holders
). The Issuers will pay principal (and
premium, if any) on the Exchange Notes at the Trustees corporate office in New York, New York. At the Issuers option, interest may be paid at the Trustees corporate trust office or by check mailed to the registered address of
Holders.
The Guarantees
The Exchange Notes will be guaranteed by the Guarantors, which currently include all of
the Issuers direct and indirect Restricted Subsidiaries. The Guarantees will be:
·
general unsecured obligations of each Guarantor;
·
ranked subordinate in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Debt of such Guarantor;