Postmedia Network Reports First Quarter Results

Postmedia Network Reports First Quarter Results

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Postmedia Network Canada Corp. ("Postmedia" or the "Company") today released financial information for the three months ended November 30, 2012.

First Quarter Operating Results
Net earnings in the quarter ended November 30, 2012 were $8.3 million compared to net earnings of $28.3 million in the same period in the prior year. The decrease in net earnings is primarily due to lower revenue partially offset by operating cost reductions and the gain on sale of the Times Colonist in Victoria and British Columbia based community newspaper assets in the same period in the prior year.

Operating income of $26.7 million in the quarter decreased $7.5 million compared to operating income of $34.2 million in the same period in the prior year.

Operating income before depreciation, amortization and restructuring of $49.1 million in the quarter represents a decrease of $5.5 million, relative to the same period in the prior year.

Revenue for the quarter totaled $211.7 million, a decrease of $19.4 million (8.4%) relative to the same period in the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in print advertising revenue of $16.6 million (11.1%) with declines occurring in classified, national, retail and insert advertising categories. Print circulation revenue decreased $5.0 million (9.2%) due to declines in circulation volumes. Digital revenue increased $2.2 million (9.7%) relative to the same period in the prior year.

Total operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and restructuring decreased $13.9 million (7.9%) relative to the same period in the prior year. Expense reductions occurred in all operating expense categories including compensation, newsprint, distribution and other operating expenses.

Business Transformation Initiatives
As previously announced, the Company is implementing a three-year transformation program that is targeted to result in operating cost savings of 15%-20%. As of November 30, 2012 the Company has implemented initiatives which will result in net annualized cost savings of approximately $42 million.

Redemption of Notes
On October 12, 2012, the Company completed the sale of 1450 Don Mills Road in Don Mills, Ontario for gross proceeds of approximately $24 million. On November 12, 2012, the net proceeds from the sale were used for a mandatory redemption of $23.2 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 ("First-Lien Notes") at par in accordance with the terms and conditions of the First-Lien Notes indenture.

Management Commentary
"We are pleased with the progress of our transformation program and continued cost reductions remain a top priority," said Paul Godfrey, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our revenue outlook remains challenging; however, we are confident we can continue to evolve as an industry leader in multi-platform product and audience development and continue to deliver solid results and innovative programs for advertisers and marketers."

Note: All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.

Additional Information
Additional information, including financial statements and management's discussion and analysis can be found on the Company's website at www.postmedia.com/investors/financial-reports, on SEDAR at www.sedar.comor on the website maintained by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") at www.sec.gov.

About Postmedia Network Canada Corp.
Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (TSX:PNC.A, PNC.B), is the holding company that owns Postmedia Network Inc., the largest publisher by circulation of paid English-language daily newspapers in Canada, representing some of the country's oldest and best known media brands. Reaching millions of Canadians every week, Postmedia engages readers and offers advertisers and marketers integrated solutions to effectively reach target audiences through a variety of print, online, digital, and mobile platforms.

Forward-Looking Information
This news release may include information that is "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. By their nature, forward-looking information and statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, statements regarding the implementation and results of the Company's transformation initiatives, including the realization of anticipated cost savings; competition from other newspapers and alternative forms of media; the effect of economic conditions on advertising revenue; the ability of the Company to build out its digital media and online businesses; the failure to maintain current print and online newspaper readership and circulation levels; possible damage to the reputation of the Company's brands or trademarks; possible labor disruptions; possible environmental liabilities, litigation and pension plan obligations; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and the prices of newsprint and other commodities. For a complete list of our risk factors please refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" contained in our annual management's discussion and analysis for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011. Although the Company bases such information and statements on assumptions believed to be reasonable when made, they are not guarantees of future performance and actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developments in the industry in which the Company operates, may differ materially from any such information and statements in this press release. Given these risks and uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of such information or statements. Other than as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and specifically declines, any obligation to update such information or statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such information or statements.

Postmedia Network Canada Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011
(UNAUDITED)

Postmedia Network Canada Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(UNAUDITED)

Postmedia Network Canada Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011
(UNAUDITED)

Media Contact
Phyllise Gelfand, (416) 442-2936
Vice President, Communications
pgelfand@postmedia.com
or
Investor Contact
Doug Lamb, (416) 383-2325
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
dlamb@postmedia.com

KEYWORDS: North America Canada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

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