BLC Belo Corp.

Television Company's EPS from Continuing Operations Down $0.01 Due to Weak Economy, Hurricanes Ike and Gustav DALLAS, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Belo Corp. (NYSE:BLC), one of the nation's largest pure-play, publicly-traded television companies, today reported earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.14 in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $0.15 in the third quarter of 2007. Earnings per share from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2007 exclude the results of Belo's former newspaper businesses and related assets, which were spun off on February 8, 2008. Those results are included in discontinued operations and total $0.03 per share for the third quarter of 2007. Dunia A. Shive, Belo's president and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Belo's third quarter results were impacted by worsening economic conditions that led to a total revenue decline of 6.4 percent. Third quarter results were also negatively impacted by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, which hit our Houston and New Orleans markets, respectively. The financial impact related to the hurricanes totaled approximately $3.5 million, including an estimated $2.6 million in advertising revenue displaced due to continuous news coverage and lower audience levels stemming from lengthy power outages. Excluding the effects of the hurricanes and spin-off related costs from the third quarter of 2007, the Company's earnings from operations decreased just 3.4 percent, largely due to expense reductions. In addition, the Company reduced its debt by $42 million using cash generated from operations in the third quarter." Shive continued, "Belo's operating margins and cash flows remain strong. While the difficult advertising environment is expected to continue, I'm confident we are taking the necessary steps to be an even stronger company when the eventual recovery takes hold." Third Quarter in Review Operating Results Total revenues decreased 6.4 percent in the third quarter of 2008 versus the third quarter of 2007 as declines in Belo's core local and national spot business offset incremental gains from political and Olympics revenue. Total spot revenue, including political, was down 8.8 percent with 13 percent and 18 percent decreases in local and national spot, respectively. Third quarter 2008 revenues were affected by the hurricanes and more importantly a weak advertising environment, particularly in the automotive category which was down 26 percent. Excluding the $2.6 million in displaced revenue due to the hurricanes, total revenue decreased 4.9 percent and total spot revenue, including political, decreased 7.2 percent. Approximately one-half of the 4.9 percent total revenue decline came from the Company's stations in Phoenix as that market continues to experience significant economic issues related to the housing crisis. Third quarter Olympics revenue totaled $9.7 million. Political revenues in the third quarter were $11.7 million, up $8.4 million over the third quarter of 2007. Advertising revenue associated with Belo's Web sites increased 18 percent to $7.9 million in the third quarter 2008, representing 4.6 percent of Belo's total revenues. Retransmission revenues totaled $8.4 million in the third quarter of 2008, a 41 percent increase compared to the third quarter of 2007. The Company expects to generate more than $31 million in retransmission revenue for full year 2008. Total station expenses decreased 2.4 percent in the third quarter of 2008 versus the same period last year due primarily to the freezing of open positions company wide, staff reductions in certain markets and other cost- saving measures. Station expenses decreased 3.2 percent in the third quarter of 2008 when excluding one-time costs related to Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, which totaled almost $1 million. The Company's total employment at September 30, 2008 was about 5 percent lower than at December 31, 2007. Station EBITDA for the third quarter of 2008 was down 13 percent versus the third quarter of 2007, and down 7.6 percent when excluding the effects of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav. Despite the current economic climate, the station EBITDA margin for the third quarter of 2008 was 36.1 percent, and 37.6 percent when excluding the effects of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav. Corporate Corporate operating costs were $6 million in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to $8.4 million in the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of 29 percent. The decrease was primarily due to lower share-based compensation, lower bonus expense and other cost-saving measures. Third quarter combined station and corporate operating costs declined 4.3 percent, or 5 percent when excluding the effects of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav. The Company's earnings from operations decreased 5.1 percent, or 3.4 percent when excluding the effects of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav in the third quarter of 2008 and spin-off related costs from the third quarter of 2007. Other Items Belo's depreciation and amortization expense totaled $11 million in the third quarter of 2008, a 9.6 percent decrease from the third quarter of 2007. Interest expense decreased $2.4 million, or 10 percent, in the third quarter of 2008. The Company paid down $42 million of debt during the third quarter and its total debt at September 30, 2008 was $1.138 billion. The Company's leverage and interest coverage ratios, as defined in the Company's credit facility, were 4.4 and 3.0 times, respectively, at September 30, 2008. The Company invested $3.6 million in capital expenditures in the third quarter bringing year-to-date expenditures to $20 million. The Company expects to invest a total of $25 million in capital expenditures for the year. Discontinued Operations On February 8, 2008, Belo completed the spin-off of its newspaper businesses and related assets into a separate publicly-traded company, A. H. Belo Corporation. The results of operations of the Newspaper Group and related corporate expenses are classified as discontinued operations for all periods prior to the spin-off. Non-GAAP Financial Measures A reconciliation of station EBITDA and pro forma earnings from operations to earnings from operations, and a reconciliation of earnings per share from continuing operations to earnings per share from continuing operations, before spin-off related charges, are set forth in an exhibit to this release. Other Matters The Company announced that later today it is funding the retirement of $350 million in 8 percent senior notes due November 1, 2008 from funds drawn on its credit facility. The Company's credit facility currently has a lower interest rate than the 8 percent notes. Fourth Quarter Outlook In looking to the fourth quarter, Shive said, "The lack of consumer confidence and continued weak economic indicators point to a prolonged soft advertising environment. Current pacing trends indicate about an 8 percent decline in total revenue in the fourth quarter. We expect political revenues to finish around $36 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 and $56 million for the year. "Because of these extraordinary market conditions, we will continue to focus on cost reduction and debt pay-down for the foreseeable future. We expect year-over-year fourth quarter station expense declines similar to what we experienced in the second and third quarters of this year. Full year corporate operating costs, exclusive of spin-off charges, are projected to be approximately $32 million, down from our previous guidance of $36 million, and a decrease of 21 percent from pro forma 2007 corporate operating expenses." A conference call to discuss this earnings release and other matters of interest to shareholders and analysts will follow at 1:00 p.m. CST this afternoon. The conference call will be simultaneously Webcast on the Company's Web site (http://www.belo.com/invest). Following the conclusion of the Webcast, a replay of the conference call will be archived on Belo's Web site. To access the listen-only conference lines, dial 1-800-230-1074. A replay line will be open from 3:00 p.m. CST on November 3 until 11:59 p.m. CST on November 10, 2008. To access the replay, dial 800-475-6701 or 320-365- 3844. The access code for the replay is 965609. About Belo Corp. Belo Corp. is one of the nation's largest pure-play, publicly-traded television companies, with 2007 annual revenue of $777 million. The Company owns and operates 20 television stations reaching more than 14 percent of U.S. television households, including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW and MyNetwork TV affiliates, and their associated Web sites, in 15 highly-attractive markets across the United States. Belo stations consistently deliver distinguished journalism for which they have received significant industry recognition including nine Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Silver Baton Awards; nine George Foster Peabody Awards; and 23 national Edward R. Murrow Awards -- all since 2000, and in each case more than any other commercial station group in the nation. Nearly all Belo stations rank first or second in their local market. Belo owns stations in seven of the top 25 markets in the nation, with six stations located in the fast-growing, top-14 markets of Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Seattle/Tacoma and Phoenix. Additionally, the Company has created regional cable news channels in Texas and the Northwest increasing its impact in those regions. Additional information is available at http://www.belo.com/ or by contacting Paul Fry, vice president/Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, at 214-977-6835. Statements in this communication concerning Belo's business outlook or future economic performance, anticipated profitability, revenues, expenses, dividends, capital expenditures, investments, future financings, and other financial and non-financial items that are not historical facts, are "forward- looking statements" as the term is defined under applicable federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to, uncertainties regarding the costs, consequences (including tax consequences) and other effects of the distribution of the newspaper businesses and related assets of Belo; changes in capital market conditions and prospects, and other factors such as changes in advertising demand, interest rates and programming and production costs; changes in viewership patterns and demography, and actions by Nielsen; changes in the network-affiliate business model for broadcast television; technological changes, including the transition to digital television and the development of new systems to distribute television and other audio-visual content; changes in the ability to secure, and in the terms of, carriage of Belo programming on cable, satellite, telecommunications and other program distribution methods; development of Internet commerce; industry cycles; changes in pricing or other actions by competitors and suppliers; Federal Communications Commission and other regulatory, tax and legal changes; adoption of new accounting standards or changes in existing accounting standards by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting standard-setting bodies or authorities; the effects of Company acquisitions, dispositions and co-owned ventures; general economic conditions; and significant armed conflict, as well as other risks detailed in Belo's other public disclosures and filings with the SEC including Belo's Annual Report on Form 10-K. Belo Corp. Consolidated Statements of Operations Three months ended Nine months ended In thousands, except per share September 30, September 30, amounts (unaudited) 2008 2007 2008 2007 Net Operating Revenues $170,823 $182,409 $534,619 $558,980 Operating Costs and Expenses Station salaries, wages and employee benefits 56,523 59,188 175,851 178,769 Station programming and other operating costs 52,567 52,638 156,659 160,869 Corporate operating costs 5,954 8,401 21,662 29,002 Spin-off related costs - 2,805 4,659 2,805 Depreciation 11,025 12,198 32,233 33,838 Amortization - - - 442 Total operating costs and expenses 126,069 135,230 391,064 405,725 Earnings from operations 44,754 47,179 143,555 153,255 Other income and expense Interest expense (21,188) (23,609) (65,427) (72,007) Other income, net (2) 543 1,188 1,616 6,594 Total other income and expense (20,645) (22,421) (63,811) (65,413) Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes 24,109 24,758 79,744 87,842 Income taxes 9,672 9,804 49,808 32,948 Net earnings from continuing operations 14,437 14,954 29,936 54,894 Discontinued operations, net of tax - 3,804 (4,499) 15,737 Net earnings $14,437 $18,758 $25,437 $70,631 Net earnings per share - Basic Earnings per share from continuing operations $0.14 $0.15 $0.29 $0.53 Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations - 0.03 (0.04) 0.16 Net earnings per share - Basic $0.14 $0.18 $0.25 $0.69 Net earnings per share - Diluted Earnings per share from continuing operations $0.14 $0.15 $0.29 $0.53 Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations - 0.03 (0.04) 0.16 Net earnings per share - Diluted $0.14 $0.18 $0.25 $0.69 Average shares outstanding Basic 102,204 102,228 102,224 102,240 Diluted 103,336 102,735 103,357 102,887 Cash dividends declared per share $0.15 $0.25 $0.225 $0.375 Note 1: Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation and to reflect discontinued operations Note 2: Other income (expense), net consists primarily of equity earnings (losses) from partnerships and joint ventures and other miscellaneous income (expense). In 2007, other income (expense) includes $4,000 related to an insurance settlement for losses suffered from Hurricane Katrina. Belo Corp. Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets September December 30, 31, In thousands 2008 2007 (unaudited) (unaudited) Assets Current assets Cash and temporary cash investments $5,924 $11,190 Accounts receivable, net 143,593 181,700 Other current assets 22,472 24,789 Current assets of discontinued operations - 126,710 Total current assets 171,989 344,389 Property, plant and equipment, net 223,608 226,040 Intangible assets, net 2,045,793 2,045,793 Other assets 80,188 51,650 Long-term assets of discontinued operations - 511,188 Total assets $2,521,578 $3,179,060 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities Accounts payable $19,279 $31,153 Accrued expenses 51,241 65,575 Other current liabilities 43,560 46,667 Current liabilities of discontinued operations - 106,055 Total current liabilities 114,080 249,450 Long-term debt 1,137,867 1,168,140 Deferred income taxes 440,260 425,652 Other liabilities 38,485 37,183 Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations - 46,927 Total shareholders' equity 790,886 1,251,708 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $2,521,578 $3,179,060 Note: Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation and to reflect discontinued operations. Belo Corp. Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations Station EBITDA and Pro forma Earnings from Operations In thousands (unaudited) Three months ended September 30, 2008 2008 2008 2007 As Reported Hurricanes(2) Adjusted As Reported Total spot revenue $146,221 $2,640 $148,861 $160,372 Other revenue 24,602 - 24,602 22,037 Total revenue 170,823 2,640 173,463 182,409 Station expenses 109,090 (875) 108,215 111,826 Station EBITDA (1) 61,733 3,515 65,248 70,583 Corporate operating costs 5,954 - 5,954 8,401 Depreciation 11,025 - 11,025 12,198 Amortization - - - - Earnings from operations before spin-off related costs(3) 44,754 3,515 48,269 49,984 Spin-off related costs - - - 2,805 Earnings from operations $44,754 $3,515 $48,269 $47,179 Station EBITDA margin 36.1% 37.6% 38.7% Nine months ended September 30, 2008 2008 2008 2007 As Reported Hurricanes(2) Adjusted As Reported Total spot revenue $461,589 $2,640 $464,229 $495,051 Other revenue 73,030 - 73,030 63,929 Total revenue 534,619 2,640 537,259 558,980 Station expenses 332,510 (875) 331,635 339,638 Station EBITDA (1) 202,109 3,515 205,624 219,342 Corporate operating costs 21,662 - 21,662 29,002 Depreciation 32,233 - 32,233 33,838 Amortization - - - 442 Earnings from operations before spin-off related costs(3) 148,214 3,515 151,729 156,060 Spin-off related costs 4,659 - 4,659 2,805 Earnings from operations $143,555 $3,515 $147,070 $153,255 Station EBITDA margin 37.8% 38.3% 39.2% Note 1: Belo's management uses Station EBITDA as the primary measure of profitability to evaluate operating performance and to allocate capital resources and bonuses to eligible operating company employees. Station EBITDA represents the Company's earnings from operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, corporate expense and spin-off related operating costs. Other income (expense), net is not allocated to television station earnings from operations because it consists primarily of equity in earnings (losses) from investments in partnerships and joint ventures and other non-operating income (expense). Note 2: Represents estimated revenues lost and incremental expenses incurred specifically related to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which affected Belo television stations in Houston and New Orleans. Note 3: Belo's management believes pro forma earnings from operations before the effects of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike and before spin-off related costs is a useful measure for investors as it provides a meaningful basis for comparison of core operating results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008 to the same periods in the prior year. Net Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Spin-Off Related Charges In thousands (unaudited) Nine months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2008 September 30, 2007 Earnings EPS Shares Earnings EPS Shares Net earnings from continuing operations $29,936 $0.29 103,357 $54,894 $0.53 102,887 Spin-off related operating and financing costs, net of tax 3,151 0.03 103,357 1,683 0.02 102,887 Spin-off related tax charge 18,235 0.18 103,357 - Net earnings from continuing operations before spin-off related charges $51,322 $0.50 103,357 $56,577 $0.55 102,887 Three months ended Three months ended September 30, 2008 September 30, 2007 Earnings EPS Shares Earnings EPS Shares Net earnings from continuing operations $14,437 $0.14 103,336 $14,954 $0.15 102,735 Spin-off related operating and financing costs, net of tax - 1,683 0.02 102,735 Net earnings from continuing operations before spin-off related charges $14,437 $0.14 103,336 $16,637 $0.16 102,735 DATASOURCE: Belo Corp. CONTACT: Paul Fry, vice president-Investor Relations & Corporate Communications of Belo Corp., +1-214-977-6835 Web site: http://www.belo.com/

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