UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

Commission File No. 1-14164

 

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

(212) 586-5666

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large Accelerated Filer  þ  Accelerated Filer   o  Non-accelerated Filer  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o     No  þ

 

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

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INDEX

 

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future events or the Company’s future financial performance with respect to its financial condition, results of operations, business plans and strategies, operating efficiencies, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management, capital expenditures, growth and other matters. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements of the Company or the newspaper industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” or “continue” or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and such expectations may prove to be incorrect. Some of the things that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ substantially from its current expectations are:

 

 

 

The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by federal securities laws. The Company does not, nor does any other person, assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of those statements. All of the forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 (the “2005 10-K”).

 

The Company operates in a continually changing business environment, and new risks emerge from time to time. Management cannot predict such new risks, nor can it assess either the impact, if any, of such risks on the Company’s businesses or the extent to which any risk or combination of risks may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, it should be kept in mind that future events or conditions described in any forward-looking statement made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q might not occur.

 

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1 — Unaudited Financial Statements

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Hollinger International Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in comprehensive annual financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations.

 

Management believes that the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the SEC on March 31, 2006 (the “2005 10-K”).

 

Note 2 — Principles of Presentation and Consolidation

 

At March 31, 2006, Hollinger Inc., a Canadian corporation, held, directly or indirectly, approximately 17.4% of the combined equity and approximately 66.8% of the combined voting power of the outstanding common stock of the Company. Due to matters discussed in the 2005 10-K, particularly “Risk Factors,” Hollinger Inc. is not able to exercise control over the Company.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries.

 

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. See Note 6 for a discussion of revisions in the 2005 financial statements related to discontinued operations.

 

Certain amounts in the 2005 financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

 

Note 3 — Reorganization Activities

 

In January 2006, the Company announced a reorganization of its operations aimed at accelerating and enhancing its strategic growth and improving its operating results. The plan included a targeted 10% reduction in full-time staffing levels. Certain of the costs directly associated with the reorganization included voluntary and involuntary termination benefits. Such costs, amounting to $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 (and an additional $0.3 million in severance not related directly to the reorganization) are included in “Compensation” expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and are included in the Sun-Times News Group operating segment. These estimated costs have been recognized in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 88 (as amended) “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits” related to incremental voluntary termination severance benefits and SFAS No. 112 “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits” for the involuntary, or base, portion of termination benefits under the Company’s established termination plan and practices.

 

By the end of 2006, it is anticipated there will be a net workforce reduction of approximately 260 full-time employees. As of March 31, 2006, 160 employees had accepted voluntary termination and approximately 65 positions have been identified for involuntary separation to occur through December 31, 2006. The separation costs

 

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited) — (Continued)

for these employees are included in the $9.0 million charge discussed above. The Company expects to achieve most of the remaining workforce reduction through attrition and some additional unidentified involuntary terminations.

 

Approximately $8.3 million of the $9.0 million total charges mentioned above will be paid during 2006. The remaining $0.7 million is expected to be paid by December 31, 2007. Amounts to be paid in 2007 largely relate to certain involuntary terminations expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2006 and the continuation of certain benefit coverage under the Company’s termination plan and practices. The restructuring accrual is included in “Accounts payable and accrued expenses” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2006.

 

Incremental depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $0.3 million has also been recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2006 related to a facility the Company expects to close during the fourth quarter of 2006. Similar amounts are expected to be recognized in each of the second, third and fourth quarters of 2006. The additional depreciation and amortization is expected to reduce the net book value of the related assets (largely building and improvements) to their expected salvage or net fair values at the time of the expected closing.

 

The following summarizes the termination benefits recorded and reconciles such charges to accrued expenses at March 31, 2006 (in thousands).

 

 

Note 4 — Stock-based Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”), requiring that share-based compensation payments, including grants of employee stock options, be recognized in the consolidated financial statements over the service period (generally the vesting period) based on their fair value. The Company elected to use the modified prospective transition method, therefore, prior results were not restated. Under the modified prospective method, share-based compensation is recognized for new awards, the modification, repurchase or cancellation of awards and the remaining portion of service under previously granted, unvested awards outstanding as of adoption. The Company treats all share-based awards as a single award for recognition and valuation purposes and recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

 

As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company recognized pre-tax compensation expense of $0.2 million or $nil per basic and diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2006 for the unvested portion of previously issued stock options that were outstanding at January 1, 2006, adjusted for the impact of estimated forfeitures. The Company recognized pre-tax share-based compensation expense for options and deferred stock units (“DSU’s”) of $0.6 million as a component of compensation costs for the three months ended March 31, 2006.

 

  Stock Options

 

In 1999, the Company adopted the Hollinger International Inc. 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (“1999 Stock Plan”) which provides for awards of up to 8,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. The 1999 Stock Plan authorizes the grant of incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options. The exercise price for stock options must be at least equal to 100% of the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock on the date of grant of such option. The maximum term of the options granted under the 1999 Stock Plan is 10 years and the options vest evenly, over two or four years.

 

Effective May 1, 2004, the Company suspended option exercises under its stock option plans until such time that the Company’s registration statement with respect to these shares would again become effective (the

 

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited) — (Continued)

“Suspension Period”). The suspension does not affect the vesting schedule with respect to previously granted options. In addition, the terms of the option plans generally provide that participants have 30 days following the date of termination of employment with the Company to exercise options that are exercisable on the date of termination. If the employment of a participant is terminated during the Suspension Period, the Company extends the 30-day exercise period to provide participants with 30 days after the conclusion of the Suspension Period to exercise vested options. The extension of the exercise period constitutes a modification of the awards, but does not affect, or extend, the contractual life of the options. See Note 11(b) regarding the lifting of the Suspension Period.

 

Stock option activity with respect to the Company’s stock option plans was as follows:

 

 

The fair value of stock options was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period of such awards. As the Company has not granted any new stock options after 2003, the expense recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2006 represents the service expense related to previously granted, unvested awards. At March 31, 2006, the Company had $0.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based option compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized through January 2007.

 

SFAS 123R requires the recognition of stock-based compensation for the number of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company recognized an immaterial one-time gain based on SFAS No. 123R’s requirement to apply an estimated forfeiture rate to unvested awards. As a result, stock compensation expense was reduced for estimated forfeitures expected prior to vesting. Estimated forfeitures are based on historical forfeiture rates and approximated 8%. Estimated forfeitures will be reassessed in subsequent periods and the estimate may change based on new facts and circumstances. Prior to January 1, 2006, actual forfeitures were included in pro forma stock compensation disclosures as they occurred.

 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company accounted for stock options and DSU’s granted to employees and directors using the intrinsic value-based method of accounting. Stock options granted to employees of The Ravelston Corporation Limited, the parent company of Hollinger, Inc., were accounted for in accordance with Financial Interpretation No. 44, “Accounting for Certain Transactions Involving Stock Compensation — an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25”, using the fair value based method and recorded as dividends in-kind. If the

 

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited) — (Continued)

Company had used the fair value-based method of accounting, net earnings and earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2005 would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts listed in the table below.

 

 

Tax benefits with respect to the stock-based compensation expense are not material as, generally, either: (i) related compensation exceeds certain deductibility limits for income tax purposes; or, (ii) the grantees are non-U.S. former employees for which the Company cannot reliably determine the amount or timing of any earnings reported by the grantee to taxing authorities (which must be determined in order for the company to derive a tax benefit).

 

  Deferred Stock Units

 

Pursuant to the 1999 Stock Plan, the Company issues DSU’s that are convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock. The value of the DSU’s on the date of issuance is recognized as employee compensation expense over the vesting period or through the grantee’s eligible retirement date, if shorter. The DSU’s are reflected in the basic earnings per share computation upon vesting. As of March 31, 2006, 292,382 DSU’s are fully vested and the Company has $2.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested DSU’s. All non-vested DSU’s have a vesting period of four years and the remaining unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized through 2009.

 

Non-vested deferred stock unit activity was as follows:

 

 

  Long-term Incentive Plan

 

Beginning in December 2005, the Company maintains a long-term cash incentive award plan (“LTIP”) for key executives. Awards under the plan are based on the Company’s equity return versus a broad-based market index over a three year period. These awards are therefore subject to fair value adjustments for changes in the underlying market value and dividend performance of the Company’s common stock versus companies within the market index, until the performance levels have been determined at the end of the three year period. The amount of expense related to the LTIP for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was $nil.

 

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Note 5 — Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net earnings (loss) after assumed conversion of dilutive securities by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares had been issued. In certain periods, diluted earnings (loss) per share is the same as basic net earnings (loss) per share due to the anti-dilutive effect (i.e. the effect of reducing basic loss per share) or immaterial effect of the Company’s stock options.

 

The following tables reconcile the numerator and denominator for the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

 

 

The effect of stock options has been excluded from the calculations because they are anti-dilutive as a result of the loss from continuing operations. The number of potentially dilutive securities comprised of shares issuable in respect of stock options and DSU’s at March 31, 2006 and 2005, was approximately 4.5 million and 4.7 million, respectively.

 

Note 6 — Segment Information and Discontinued Operations

 

The Company operates principally in the business of publishing, printing and distributing newspapers and magazines. The Sun-Times News Group includes the Chicago Sun-Times, Post Tribune, Daily Southtown and other city and suburban newspapers in the Chicago metropolitan area.

 

On December 19, 2005, the Company announced that its subsidiary, Hollinger Canadian Publishing Holdings Co. (“HCPH Co.”), entered into agreements to sell its 70% interest in Great West Newspaper Group Ltd. and its 50% interest in Fundata Canada Inc. (“Fundata”) for approximately $40.5 million. The transaction closed on December 30, 2005. Great West Newspaper Group Ltd. is a Canadian community newspaper publishing company which publishes 16 titles, mostly in Alberta. Fundata is a Toronto-based provider of mutual fund data and analysis.

 

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

On February 6, 2006, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of its remaining Canadian operating assets, consisting of, among other things, approximately 87% of the outstanding equity units of Hollinger L.P. and all of the shares of Hollinger Canadian Newspapers GP Inc., Eco Log Environmental Risk Information Services Ltd. and KCN Capital News Company, for an aggregate sale price of $106.0 million, of which approximately $17.5 million has been placed in escrow. In addition, the Company expects to receive approximately $6.7 million related to working capital settlement and other adjustments. A majority of the escrow may be held up to seven years, and will be released to either the Company, Glacier Ventures International Corp. (the purchaser) or CanWest Global Communications Corp. (“CanWest”) upon a final award, judgment or settlement being made in respect of certain pending arbitration proceedings involving the Company, its related entities and CanWest. The Company recognized a gain on sale of approximately $14.7 million, net of taxes, which is included in “Gain from disposal of business segment” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period ended March 31, 2006. For the one month ended January 31, 2006 and the three months ended March 31, 2005, revenue for the Canadian Newspaper Group was $5.6 million and $22.0 million, respectively, and income before taxes and minority interest was $0.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively.

 

The Company has reflected the Canadian operating assets sold on December 19, 2005 and February 6, 2006, representing substantially all of the remaining Canadian newspaper assets, or the “Canadian Newspaper Operations”, as discontinued operations in accordance with SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS No. 144”). Remaining administrative activities and assets and liabilities, largely related to pension, post-employment and post-retirement plans, are reflected in continuing operations under the “Canadian Administrative Group” segment.

 

The following is a summary of the segmented financial data of the Company:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Note 7 — Other Income (Expense), Net

 

 

Note 8 — Disputes, Investigations and Legal Proceedings with Former Executive Officers and Directors

 

The Company is involved in a series of disputes, investigations and legal proceedings relating to transactions between the Company and certain former executive officers and directors of the Company and their affiliates. The potential impact of these disputes, investigations and legal proceedings on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations cannot currently be estimated. Costs incurred as a result of the investigation of the Special Committee and related litigation involving Conrad M. Black (“Black”), F. David Radler (“Radler”) and others are reflected in “Other operating costs” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. These costs primarily consist of legal and other professional fees as summarized in the following table.

 

 

 

 

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited) — (Continued)

 

Note 9 — Pension and Post-retirement Benefits

 

 

 

 

Defined Benefit Plans

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2006, $0.3 million of contributions have been made to both domestic and foreign defined benefit plans, all in cash. The Company contributed a total of $6.1 million to fund its defined benefit pension plans in 2005 and expects to contribute approximately $3.1 million in 2006.

 

Defined Contribution Plans

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2006, $2.5 million of contributions have been made to the Company’s domestic defined contribution benefit plans, all in cash, with no further contributions expected in 2006. The Company contributed approximately $2.5 million to its domestic defined contribution plans in 2005.

 

Post-Retirement Plans

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2006, $0.6 million of contributions have been made to the Company’s post-retirement plans, all in cash. The Company contributed a total of $2.4 million to fund its post-retirement plans in 2005 and expects to contribute approximately $2.5 million in 2006.

 

Note 10 — Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company becomes involved from time to time in various claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of business, including such matters as libel, defamation and privacy actions. In addition, the Company is involved from time to time in various governmental and administrative proceedings with respect to employee terminations and other labor matters, environmental compliance, tax and other matters. Management believes that the outcome of any such pending claims or proceedings incidental to the ordinary course of business will not have a material adverse effect on the Company taken as a whole.

 

As discussed in Note 8, the Company is also subject to numerous disputes, investigations and legal proceedings with former executive officers and certain current and former directors. For a detailed discussion of these legal proceedings, see Note 11 and “Item 3 — Legal Proceedings” of the Company’s 2005 10-K.

 

Primarily in connection with the Company’s insurance programs, letters of credit are required to support certain projected workers’ compensation obligations and reimbursement of claims paid by a third party

 

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited) — (Continued)

administrator. At March 31, 2006, letters of credit in the amount of $10.6 million were outstanding for which the Company maintained compensating deposits with the issuer of $8.3 million.

 

Note 11 — Subsequent Events

 

(a) On March 15, 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to an aggregate value of $50.0 million of the Company’s Common Stock in the open market and privately negotiated transactions. The stock purchase program began following the filing of the 2005 10-K on March 31, 2006. As of May 5, 2006, the Company completed its program, purchasing an aggregate of approximately 6.2 million shares for approximately $50.0 million, including related transaction fees.

 

(b) On April 27, 2006, the Company filed a Form S-8 registering shares to be issued under the 1999 Stock Plan and the registration statements for the Company’s stock incentive plans were effective as of that date. The Company notified option grantees that the Suspension Period would end on May 1, 2006 related to vested options under the Company’s stock incentive plans. Participants of the stock incentive plans whose employment has been terminated have 30 days following the lifting of the Suspension Period to exercise options that were vested at the termination of their employment.

 

(c) Hollinger Inc. v. American Home Assurance Company and Chubb Insurance Company of Canada

 

As previously disclosed in the Company’s 2005 10-K, on March 4, 2005, Hollinger Inc. commenced an application in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against American Home Assurance Company and Chubb Insurance Company of Canada. The relief originally sought by Hollinger Inc. included an injunction to restrain the insurers from paying out the limits of their respective policies (which collectively amounts to $50.0 million) to fund a settlement of the claims against the independent directors of the Company that was brought by Cardinal Value Equity Partners. Hollinger Inc. subsequently modified its position and supported the Company’s position that the Ontario Court should authorize the funding of the settlement. In a decision dated January 13, 2006, the Ontario Court provisionally endorsed the funding of the settlement by American Home Assurance Company and Chubb Insurance Company of Canada, but stated that it would conduct further proceedings to resolve certain remaining issues concerning approval of this funding.

 

On April 28, 2006, the Court reaffirmed its approval of the funding of the $50.0 million settlement, but ruled that approximately $300,000 in defense costs that had been submitted to the insurance carriers for reimbursement prior to the execution of settlement on May 3, 2005, and that was in excess of the $2.5 million retention under the policies, could not be passed on to the insurance carriers providing coverage in excess of the American Home Assurance Company and Chubb Insurance Company of Canada policies. The settlement is also subject to approval by the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the Company has not reflected any amounts related to the settlement or reimbursement of defense costs in its consolidated financial statements.

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

OVERVIEW

 

The Company’s advertising revenue experiences seasonality with the first quarter typically being the lowest and the fourth quarter being the highest. The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from the sale of advertising space within the Company’s publications. Advertising revenue accounted for approximately 77% of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Advertising revenue is comprised of three primary sub-groups: retail, national and classified. Advertising revenue is subject to changes in the economy on both a national and local level and in individual business sectors. Advertising revenue is recognized upon publication of the advertisement.

 

Approximately 20% of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was generated by circulation of the Company’s publications. This includes sales of publications to individuals on a single copy or subscription basis and to sales outlets, which then re-sell the publications. The Company recognizes circulation revenue from subscriptions on a straight-line basis over the subscription term and single-copy sales at the time of distribution. The Company also generates revenue from job printing and other activities which are recognized upon delivery.

 

Significant expenses for the Company are compensation and newsprint. Compensation expense, which includes benefits, was approximately 45% of the Company’s total operating costs for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Compensation costs are recognized as employment services are rendered. Newsprint costs represented approximately 13% of the Company’s total operating costs for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Newsprint prices are subject to fluctuation as newsprint is a commodity. Newsprint costs are recognized upon consumption.

 

RECENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS

 

Significant Developments in 2006

 

In January 2006, the Company announced a reorganization of its operations aimed at accelerating and enhancing its strategic growth and improving its operating results. The plan included a targeted 10% reduction in full-time staffing levels. Certain of the costs directly associated with the reorganization included voluntary and involuntary termination benefits. Such costs, amounting to $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 (and an additional $0.3 million in severance not related directly to the reorganization) are included in “Compensation” expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and are included in the Sun-Times News Group operating segment. These estimated costs have been recognized in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 88 (as amended) “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits” related to incremental voluntary termination severance benefits and SFAS No. 112 “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits” for the involuntary, or base, portion of termination benefits under the Company’s established termination plan and practices.

 

By the end of 2006, it is anticipated there will be a net workforce reduction of approximately 260 full-time employees. As of March 31, 2006, 160 employees had accepted voluntary termination and approximately 65 positions have been identified for involuntary separation to occur through December 31, 2006. The Company expects to achieve most of the remaining workforce reduction through attrition and some additional unidentified involuntary terminations.

 

On February 6, 2006, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of its remaining Canadian operating assets (“Canadian Newspaper Operations”), consisting of, among other things, approximately 87% of the outstanding equity units of Hollinger L.P. and all of the shares of Hollinger Canadian Newspapers GP Inc., Eco Log Environmental Risk Information Services Ltd. and KCN Capital News Company, for an aggregate sale price of $106.0 million, of which approximately $17.5 million has been placed in escrow. In addition, the Company expects to receive approximately $6.7 million related to working capital and other adjustments. A majority of the

escrow may be held up to seven years, and will be released to either the Company, Glacier Ventures International Corp. (the purchaser) or CanWest Global Communications Corp. (“CanWest”) upon a final award, judgment or settlement being made in respect of certain pending arbitration proceedings involving the Company, its related entities and CanWest. The Company recognized a gain on sale of approximately $14.7 million, net of taxes, which is included in “Gain from disposal of business segment” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2006.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates in the three-month period ended March 31, 2006. For a discussion of these policies and estimates, refer to the Company’s 2005 10-K.

 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

General

 

During December 2005 and February 2006, the Company sold its Canadian Newspaper Operations. In this quarterly report, the Canadian Newspaper Operations are reported as discontinued operations. All amounts in this “Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations” relate to continuing operations, unless otherwise noted. See Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Loss from Continuing Operations

 

Loss from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2006 amounted to $26.6 million, or a loss of $0.29 per share compared to a loss of $20.5 million in the first quarter of 2005, or a loss of $0.23 per share. During the three month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company incurred costs of $8.0 million and $12.0 million, respectively, with respect to the Special Committee and its investigation and related litigation. Special Committee costs include: 1) costs and expenses arising from the Special Committee’s work; 2) legal and professional fees to defend the Company in litigation as a result of the Special Committee’s investigation; and 3) costs the Company has been required to advance to indemnified parties. See Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of 2006, the Company recorded $9.0 million related to separation costs as part of its reorganization effort. See Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Operating Revenue and Operating Loss

 

Operating revenue and operating loss in the first quarter of 2006 were $102.4 million and $24.3 million, respectively, compared with operating revenue of $109.4 million and an operating loss of $15.8 million in the first quarter of 2005. The decrease in operating revenue of $7.0 million over the prior year is principally a reflection of a $5.1 million decrease in advertising revenue due to lower classified revenue of $2.7 million, lower retail advertising revenue of $2.2 million and lower national revenue of $1.1 million, partially offset by increased internet revenue of $0.9 million. In addition, the $1.7 million decrease in circulation revenue at the Sun-Times News Group reflects lower home delivery revenue of $1.0 million and lower single copy revenue of $0.7 million. The $8.4 million increase in operating loss in the first quarter of 2006 is primarily due to the decreased revenue of $7.0 mentioned above, $9.7 million in severance costs largely associated with the Company’s reorganization program, partially offset by lower costs incurred with respect to the Special Committee and related litigation costs of $4.0 million, lower circulation costs of $0.7 million, lower distribution costs of $0.7 million and decreases in non-separation wages and benefits at the Sun-Times News Group of approximately $0.6 million and the Investment and Corporate Group of approximately $1.3 million.

 

Operating Costs and Expenses

 

Total operating costs and expenses increased by $1.5 million to $126.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from $125.2 million for the same period in 2005. The increase is primarily related to the increase in overall compensation costs of $7.2 million partially offset by the $4.0 million decrease in costs incurred with respect to the Special Committee and lower circulation and distribution costs of $1.4 million. Newsprint decreased

by $0.3 million due to lower consumption, largely offset by a 14% increase in average cost per metric ton. Other operating costs decreased due to the effect of the previously mentioned Special Committee costs, lower circulation and distribution costs with a decrease in insurance costs of $0.9 million, primarily directors and officers liability, partially offset by increases in legal and professional fees of $0.2 million.

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

Interest and dividend income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was $4.2 million compared with $4.4 million for the same period in 2005. This decrease of $0.2 million is largely due to slightly lower average short-term investment balances.

 

Other income (expense), net, in the first quarter of 2006 improved by $1.7 million to income of $0.5 million from an expense of $1.2 million in the same period in 2005, primarily due to a reduction in foreign currency transaction losses of $1.0 million and a reduction of equity in losses of affiliates of $0.5 million.

 

Income taxes were $6.9 million and $7.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company’s income tax expense varies substantially from the U.S. Federal statutory rate primarily due to provisions for contingent liabilities to cover additional interest the Company may be required to pay in various tax jurisdictions. Such provisions amounted to $14.8 million and $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

SEGMENT RESULTS

 

The Company divides its business into one operating and two administrative segments: the Sun-Times News Group, the Canadian Administrative Group, and the Investment and Corporate Group.

 

A discussion of the results of operations of the Company by segment follows.

 

Sun-Times News Group

 

The following table summarizes certain results of operations for the periods indicated.

 

 

Advertising revenue was $78.9 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared with $84.0 million in the first quarter of 2005. The $5.1 million decrease in advertising revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2006 primarily reflects decreases in classified advertising of $2.7 million, retail advertising of $2.2 million and national advertising of $1.1 million, partially offset by increased internet advertising of $0.9 million.

 

Circulation revenue decreased by approximately $1.7 million to $21.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from $22.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005, largely due to lower home delivery revenue of $1.0 million, reflecting competitive discounting of subscription rates, and lower single copy revenue of $0.7 million.

 

Newsprint expense in the first quarter of 2006 was $16.2 million compared with $16.5 million in the first quarter of 2005. Total newsprint consumption for the three month period ended March 31, 2006 decreased approximately 14%, with the average cost per metric ton of newsprint approximately 14% higher in the quarter. Suppliers instituted newsprint increases of approximately $30 per metric ton during each of June and September 2005, and $25 per metric ton in February 2006.

 

Compensation costs increased $8.7 million to $53.9 million in the first quarter of 2006 from $45.2 million in the first quarter of 2005 largely due to separation costs of $9.3 million, primarily due to the reorganization program, partially offset by a decrease in employee benefit costs of $0.6 million. In addition, annual wage increases were offset by lower headcount due to attrition.

 

Other operating costs were $31.3 million and $32.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The $1.1 million decrease in other operating costs for the quarter was largely due to lower distribution costs of $0.7 million and circulation costs of $0.7 million.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense in the first quarter of 2006 was $7.9 million compared with $7.2 million in 2005. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense reflects incremental depreciation costs of $0.3 million related to a facility the Company expects to close in the fourth quarter of 2006 and $0.4 million of incremental depreciation related to information technology projects.

 

Operating loss in the first quarter of 2006 totaled $6.8 million compared with an operating income of $8.1 million in 2005, a decline of $15.0 million. The decline primarily results from the lower revenue of $7.0 million

previously noted and 2006 separation costs of $9.3 million, partially offset by lower distribution and circulation costs associated with lower volume.

 

Canadian Administrative Group

 

The following table summarizes certain results of operations for the periods indicated.

 

 

The operating loss of the Canadian Administrative Group was $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared with an operating loss of $1.1 million in 2005. Compensation costs decreased approximately $0.7 million due to an improvement in pension and post-retirement expense in 2006 largely reflecting increased expected returns on plan assets. See Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The pension and post-retirement obligations largely relate to retired employees not assumed by the purchasers of the related businesses in prior years.

 

Investment and Corporate Group

 

The following table summarizes certain results of operations for the periods indicated.

 

 

Operating costs and expenses of the Investment and Corporate Group were $17.3 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared with $22.9 million in 2005, a decrease of $5.6 million. The decrease in operating costs and expenses in the quarter is largely a result of the $4.0 million decrease related to the Special Committee investigation, lower wages and benefits of approximately $0.8 million, lower director and officer liability insurance of $1.0 million and an increase in other legal and professional fees of $0.4 million largely reflecting increases in internal audit and compliance activity. The decrease in compensation is reflective of the transition of the finance function from Toronto to Chicago, resulting in duplicative costs into the second quarter of 2005, partially offset by an increase in stock-based compensation of $0.1 million and severance expense of $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2006.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

The Company is a holding company and its assets consist primarily of investments in its subsidiaries and affiliated companies. As a result, the Company’s ability to meet its future financial obligations is dependent upon the availability of cash flows from its United States and foreign subsidiaries through dividends, intercompany advances, and other payments. The Company’s right to participate in the distribution of assets of any subsidiary or

affiliated company in the event of liquidation or reorganization will be subject to the prior claims of the creditors of such subsidiary or affiliated company, including trade creditors, except to the extent that the Company may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against such subsidiary or affiliated company.

 

The Company is heavily dependent upon the Sun-Times News Group for cash flow. That cash flow in turn is dependent on the Sun-Times News Group’s ability to sell advertising in its market. The Company’s cash flow is expected to continue to be cyclical, reflecting changes in economic conditions.

 

The following table outlines the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, short-term investment and debt positions as of the dates indicated. Such amounts exclude escrow deposits and restricted cash of $31.0 million and $13.4 million at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments increased to $317.3 million at March 31, 2006 from $256.0 million at December 31, 2005, an increase of $61.2 million. This increase was primarily the result of cash received from the sale of the remaining Canadian Newspaper Operations (net of restricted cash) of $79.9 million, partially offset by payments of $4.5 million in dividends, $7.4 million in income taxes and the loss from continuing operations.

 

The Company has the following income tax liabilities recorded in its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

 

There may be significant cash requirements in the future regarding certain currently unresolved tax issues (both U.S. and foreign). The Company has recorded accruals to cover contingent liabilities related to additional taxes and interest it may be required to pay in various tax jurisdictions. Such accruals, included in the amounts listed above, reflect additional interest and penalties that may become payable in respect to the contingent liabilities. At December 31, 2005 accruals to cover contingent liabilities aggregated approximately $920.5 million.

 

A substantial portion of the accruals to cover contingent liabilities for income taxes relate to the tax treatment of gains on the sale of a portion of the Company’s non-U.S. operations. Strategies have been and may be implemented that may also defer and/or reduce these taxes but the effects of these strategies have not been reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The accruals to cover contingent tax liabilities also relate to management fees, “non-competition” payments and other items that have been deducted in arriving at taxable income that may be disallowed by taxing authorities. If those deductions were to be disallowed, the Company would be required to pay additional taxes and interest from the dates such taxes would have been paid had the deductions not been taken, and the Company may be subject to penalties. The timing and amounts of any payments the Company may be required to make are uncertain although the Company is in the process of resolving a significant portion of the contingent liabilities with the relevant taxing authorities.

The Company is currently involved in several legal actions as both plaintiff and defendant. These actions are in various stages and it is not yet possible to determine their ultimate outcome. At this time the Company cannot estimate the impact these actions and the related legal and other fees may have on its future cash position.

 

Discussions are underway for a new credit facility to be used for general corporate purposes and to provide continued liquidity. Based on responses to date and historical access to bank and bond markets, the Company expects that it can complete financing to meet its needs in the event those needs exceed currently available liquidity, particularly as a possible result of the resolution of the contingent tax liabilities.

 

Cash Flows and Working Capital

 

Working capital consists of current assets less current liabilities. At March 31, 2006, working capital, excluding current debt obligations and restricted cash and escrow deposits and assets and liabilities of operations to be disposed of, was a deficiency of $294.9 million compared to a deficiency of $369.6 million at December 31, 2005. The $74.7 million change is primarily due to net proceeds and receivables from the sale of the remaining Canadian Newspaper Operations, partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expense of $16.7 million.

 

Cash used in continuing operating activities was $21.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, compared with $188.6 million provided by continuing operating activities for the three month period ended March 31, 2005. The use of cash for the three months ended March 31, 2006 is largely due to the loss from continuing operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, the use of cash as reflected in changes in working capital accounts, net was $175.4 million, principally due to income tax payments of $181.7 million. Loss from continuing operations worsened by $6.1 million to a loss of $26.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 compared to $20.5 million for the same period in 2005.

 

Cash provided by investing activities was $94.9 million in 2006 compared with $483.2 million in 2005. The decrease of $388.3 million largely reflects the cash received of $79.9 million from the sale of the Canadian Newspaper Operations in 2006, the redemption of short-term investments of $10.7 million and proceeds of $8.2 million from the sale of investments. In 2005, the redemption of short-term investments, net of $487.8 million was used to partially fund the special dividends and tax payments.

 

Cash used in financing activities was $6.2 million in 2006, compared to $509.4 million used in financing activities in 2005, a decrease of $503.2 million. The period to period change in cash used in financing activities largely reflects the payment of the special dividends in 2005 of $498.7 million and lower repayment of debt of $5.1 million largely related to the repayment of 8.625% Senior Notes in 2005.

 

Debt

 

Long-term debt, including the current portion, was $8.0 million at March 31, 2006 compared with $8.1 million at December 31, 2005.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

The Company does not have material commitments to acquire capital assets and expects its cash on hand and future cash flow provided by its operating subsidiaries to be sufficient to fund its recurring capital expenditures.

 

Dividends and Other Commitments

 

The Company expects its internal cash flow and cash on hand to be adequate to meet its foreseeable regular dividend expectations.

 

Commercial Commitments and Contractual Obligations

 

Primarily in connection with the Company’s insurance program, letters of credit are required to support certain projected workers’ compensation obligations and reimbursement of claims paid by a third party claims

administrator. At March 31, 2006, letters of credit in the amount of $10.6 million were outstanding for which the Company maintained compensating balances with the issuer of $8.3 million.

 

Set out below is a summary of the amounts due and committed under contractual cash obligations at March 31, 2006 (unless otherwise noted):

 

 

 

 

In addition to amounts committed under contractual cash obligations, the Company has also assumed a number of contingent obligations by way of guarantees and indemnities in relation to the conduct of its business and disposition of assets. The Company is also involved in various matters in litigation. For more information on the Company’s contingent obligations, see Notes 8 and 10 to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements herein.

 

Newsprint.  Newsprint expense amounted to $16.2 million in the first three months of 2006 and $16.5 million during the same period in 2005. Management believes that newsprint prices may continue to show significant price variation in the future. Suppliers implemented newsprint price increases of $30 per metric ton in each of June and September 2005 and $25 in February 2006. Operating divisions take steps to ensure that they have sufficient supply of newsprint and have mitigated cost increases by adjusting pagination and page sizes and printing and distributing practices. Based on levels of usage during the three months ended March 31, 2006, a change in the price of newsprint of $50 per metric ton would have increased or decreased the loss from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 by approximately $0.7 million. The average price per metric ton of newsprint was approximately $660 for the three months ended March 31, 2006 versus approximately $580 for the same period in 2005.

 

Labor Relations.  As of March 31, 2006, approximately 35% of the Company’s employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Contracts covering approximately 23% of union employees will expire or are being negotiated during the next twelve months. There have been no strikes or work stoppages at any of the Sun-Times News Group’s newspapers in the past 5 years.

 

Inflation.  During the past three years, inflation has not had a material effect on the Company’s newspaper businesses.

 

Interest Rates.  At March 31, 2006, the Company has no debt that is subject to interest calculated at floating rates and a change in interest rates would not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations.

 

Foreign Exchange Rates.  A portion of the Company’s results are generated outside of the United States in currencies other than the United States dollar (primarily the Canadian dollar). As a result, the Company’s operations are subject to changes in foreign exchange rates. Increases in the value of the United States dollar against other currencies can reduce net earnings and declines can result in increased earnings. Based on earnings and ownership

levels for the three months ended March 31, 2006, a $0.05 change in the Canadian dollar exchange rate would have the following effect on the Company’s reported net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2006:

 

 

Reference should be made to “Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2005 10-K for a discussion on the potential impact changes in foreign exchange rates may have related to taxes that may be paid to foreign jurisdictions.

 

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed to reasonably assure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Disclosure controls include components of internal control over financial reporting, which consists of control processes designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

As reported in the 2005 10-K, as of December 31, 2005, the Company’s management identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting relating to 1) an ineffective control environment that did not sufficiently promote effective internal control over financial reporting throughout the organization, 2) ineffectively designed information technology general controls over program development, program changes, computer operations, and access to programs and data, 3) ineffective information and communication controls that did not sufficiently promote effective internal control over financial reporting throughout the organization, and 4) ineffective policies and procedures relating to the preparation of current and deferred income tax provisions and related balance sheet accounts. Largely as a result of material weaknesses in these areas, management concluded in its 2005 Form 10-K that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of December 31, 2005.

 

During 2006, and as discussed further below, the Company has taken actions to remediate the material weaknesses discussed above, and it is continuing to assess additional controls that may be required to remediate these weaknesses. The Company’s management, under the supervision of and with the participation of the CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2006, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). As part of its evaluation, management has evaluated whether the control deficiencies related to the reported material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting continue to exist. As of March 31, 2006, the Company has not completed implementation and testing of the changes in controls and procedures that it believes are necessary to conclude that the material weaknesses have been remediated and therefore, the Company’s management has concluded that it cannot assert that the control deficiencies relating to the reported material weaknesses have been effectively remediated. As a result, the Company’s CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of March 31, 2006.

 

Procedures were undertaken in order that management could conclude that reasonable assurance exists regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this filing. Accordingly, management believes that the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q fairly present, in all material respects, the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

 

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  During 2006, management has taken the following actions that materially affect, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and to remediate the material weaknesses described in the Company’s 2005 Form 10-K.

During the three months ended March 31, 2006:

 

 

Subsequent to March 31, 2006:

 

 

In addition to the above changes in internal control over financial reporting, management believes that inadequate staffing in the accounting, finance and tax departments, which contributed to the material weaknesses described above, will abate with the passage of time in part due to decreasing complexity as a result of the sale of significant components of the Company’s operations, the completion or winding down of investigations, the resolution of certain complex tax matters, the expected simplification of the Company’s corporate structure, and the progression of legal matters into phases that are less time consuming for Company personnel.

 

Other than as discussed above, there have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

The following is a discussion of developments since March 31, 2006 in the legal proceedings the Company has reported in its 2005 10-K. For a detailed discussion of these legal proceedings see “Item 3 — Legal Proceedings” in the Company’s 2005 10-K.

 

Hollinger Inc. v. American Home Assurance Company and Chubb Insurance Company of Canada

 

As previously disclosed in the Company’s 2005 10-K, on March 4, 2005, Hollinger Inc. commenced an application in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against American Home Assurance Company and Chubb Insurance Company of Canada. The relief originally sought by Hollinger Inc. included an injunction to restrain the insurers from paying out the limits of their respective policies (which collectively amounts to $50.0 million) to fund a settlement of the claims against the independent directors of the Company that was brought by Cardinal Value Equity Partners. Hollinger Inc. subsequently modified its position and supported the Company’s position that the Ontario Court should authorize the funding of the settlement. In a decision dated January 13, 2006, the Ontario Court provisionally endorsed the funding of the settlement by American Home Assurance Company and Chubb Insurance Company of Canada, but stated that it would conduct further proceedings to resolve certain remaining issues concerning approval of this funding.

 

On April 28, 2006, the Court reaffirmed its approval of the funding of the $50.0 million settlement, but ruled that approximately $300,000 in defense costs that had been submitted to the insurance carriers for reimbursement prior to the execution of settlement on May 3, 2005, and that was in excess of the $2.5 million retention under the policies, could not be passed on to the insurance carriers providing coverage in excess of the American Home Assurance Company and Chubb Insurance Company of Canada policies. The settlement is also subject to approval by the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the Company has not reflected any amounts related to the settlement or reimbursement of defense costs in its consolidated financial statements.

 

None.

 

None.

 

On January 24, 2006, the Company held its 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, at which the following directors were elected to serve until the Company’s 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

 

 

None.

 

 

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

 

HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL INC.
Registrant

 

Gordon A. Paris

Chairman and President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: May 10, 2006

 

Gregory A. Stoklosa

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: May 10, 2006