GTN Gray Television Inc

Gray Reports Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 ATLANTA, May 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gray Television, Inc. ("Gray") (NYSE:GTN) today announced results from operations for the three months ("first quarter") ended March 31, 2005 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2004. Significant items to note for the three months ended March 31, 2005: The results for the three months ended March 31, 2005 generally exceeded previously issued guidance for the first quarter of 2005. Three Months Ended Change from Same Period March 31, 2005 of Prior Year Net local broadcast Increased 5% or $1.8 million advertising revenue, excluding political advertising revenue of $39.1 million Net political advertising Decreased $3.2 million revenue of $293,000 reflecting the "off-year" of the political election cycle Total net revenue of $71.6 Decreased 4%, or $3.2 million, million reflecting the decrease in net political revenues Broadcast net revenue of Decreased 6%, or $3.6 million, $58.3 million reflecting the decrease in net political revenues As of March 31, December 31, 2005 2004 Cash on Hand $36.7 million $50.6 million Total Debt(1) $655.0 million $655.9 million Gray purchased a combined total of 367,700 shares of Gray Common Stock ("GTN") and Gray Class A Common Stock ("GTNA") for $5.2 million during the first quarter of 2005. In addition, since April 1, 2005, Gray has repurchased approximately $11.3 million aggregate principal amount of the company's 9-1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 for a total cost of approximately $12.7 million including accrued interest. Comments on Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005: Revenues. Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005 decreased 4% to $71.6 million as compared to the same period of the prior year. * Broadcasting revenues decreased 6% over the same period of the prior year to $58.3 million. The decrease in broadcasting revenues reflects a 5% increase in non-political local broadcast advertising revenues offset by decreased political advertising revenues, national advertising revenues and network compensation. Excluding political advertising revenues, local broadcasting advertising revenues increased 5% to $39.1 million from $37.4 million. Approximately 40% of this increase, or 2% compared to the prior period, is attributable to results from Gray's launch of three UPN second channels in three of its existing television markets during the second half of 2004, results of WCAV, Charlottesville, VA which began operations in August 2004 and the acquisition of KKCO on January 31, 2005, offset in part by the sale of the Company's satellite uplink operations on December 31, 2004. We attribute the remaining increase of approximately 3% in non-political local broadcasting advertising revenues to a moderate increase in demand for commercial time by local advertisers. Political advertising revenues decreased to $293,000 from $3.5 million reflecting the cyclical influence of the 2004 Presidential election. National broadcasting advertising revenues decreased 6% to $15.3 million from $16.2 million due to a decrease in demand from national advertisers. Network compensation revenue decreased 32% to $1.6 million due to lower revenue recorded from newly renewed network affiliation agreements. However, under the terms of the affiliation agreements, Gray's cash payments received or receivable in excess of revenue recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles approximated $459,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005. In the prior period, the network compensation revenue and the related cash payments received or receivable were approximately equal in their respective amounts. * Publishing and other revenues consists primarily of Gray's newspaper publishing and paging operations. Publishing revenues increased 5% to $11.5 million. Retail advertising revenue and classified advertising revenue were the primary contributors to the increase in publishing revenues with both increasing 10% over the prior period. Operating expenses. Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets increased 4% over the same period of the prior year to $51.2 million. The increase in expenses for the first quarter of 2005 included non-cash charges of approximately $613,000 for common stock contributed to Gray's 401(k) plan compared to $560,000 for the same period of 2004. * Broadcasting expenses, before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets increased 3% to $38.7 million. Approximately 50% of this increase, is attributable to operating expenses relating to Gray's launch of three UPN second channels in three of its existing television markets during the second half of 2004, expenses of WCAV, Charlottesville, VA which began operations in August 2004 and expenses of KKCO, acquired on January 31, 2005, offset, in part, by the sale of the Company's satellite uplink operations on December 31, 2004. The remaining increase is attributable primarily to routine increases in payroll and benefits costs. Balance Sheet: Gray's cash balance was $36.7 million at March 31, 2005 compared to $50.6 million at December 31, 2004. The decrease in cash reflects $18.8 million of net cash generated by Gray's operations during the first quarter of 2005 compared to $23.9 million for first quarter of 2004. The 2005 net cash generated from operations was offset by the return of $13.4 million of capital to Gray's common and preferred shareholders through the payment of dividends and the purchase of its common stock, as well as $6.7 million of cash used for capital expenditures. Gray also used $13.9 million in the purchase of KKCO- TV. Total debt outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was $655.0 million and $655.9 million(1), respectively. Detailed table of operating results follows on the next page. Gray Television, Inc. (in thousands, except per share data and percentages) Three Months Ended Selected operating data: March 31, % 2005 2004 Change OPERATING REVENUES Broadcasting (less agency commissions) $58,309 $61,910 (6)% Publishing and other 13,241 12,819 3 % TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES 71,550 74,729 (4)% EXPENSES Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets: Broadcasting 38,694 37,398 3 % Publishing and other 9,817 9,402 4 % Corporate and administrative 2,646 2,373 12 % Depreciation 5,814 5,801 0 % Amortization of intangible assets 209 283 (26)% Amortization of restricted stock awards 98 94 4 % Loss on disposal of assets, net 34 4 750 % TOTAL EXPENSES 57,312 55,355 4 % Operating income 14,238 19,374 (27)% Miscellaneous income (expense), net 295 143 106 % Interest expense (11,113) (10,461) 6 % INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE 3,420 9,056 (62)% Income tax expense 1,345 3,554 (62)% NET INCOME 2,075 5,502 (62)% Preferred dividends 815 822 (1)% NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS $1,260 $4,680 (73)% Diluted per share information: Net income per share available to common stockholders $0.03 $0.09 (67)% Weighted average shares outstanding 49,045 50,503 (3)% Political revenue (less agency commission) $293 $3,534 (92)% Guidance for the Second Quarter of 2005 We currently anticipate that Gray's results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2005 will approximate the ranges presented in the table below (dollars in thousands). Three Months Ended June 30, 2005 % 2005 % Guidance Change Guidance Change Actual Low Range From High Range From 2004 Selected operating 2004 2004 data: OPERATING REVENUES Broadcasting (less agency commissions) $68,500 (4)% $69,250 (3)% $71,235 Publishing and other 13,625 4 % 13,725 5 % 13,118 TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES 82,125 (3)% 82,975 (2)% 84,353 OPERATING EXPENSES Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and other expenses: Broadcasting 39,700 7 % 39,850 8 % 37,053 Publishing and other 9,900 7 % 9,975 8 % 9,278 Corporate and administrative 2,600 20 % 2,750 27 % 2,163 Depreciation and amortization of intangibles 6,000 (2)% 6,200 2 % 6,107 Amortization of restricted stock 90 (4)% 100 6 % 94 Loss on disposal of assets 50 (108)% 50 (108)% (626) TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 58,340 8 % 58,925 9 % 54,069 OPERATING INCOME $23,785 (21)% $24,050 (21)% $30,284 Other Selected Data Political revenues (less agency commissions) $475 (91)% $550 (90)% $5,422 The above guidance for Broadcasting includes the current period impact of Gray's launch of three UPN second channels in three of its existing television markets during the second half of 2004, results of WCAV, Charlottesville, VA which began operations in August 2004 and the acquisition of KKCO on January 31, 2005 offset in part by the sale of the Company's satellite uplink operations on December 31, 2004. For television stations continuously operated since the beginning of the second quarter of 2004, Gray currently anticipates that its local revenue, excluding political revenue, will increase between 6% and 8% over the second quarter of 2004, national revenue, excluding political revenue, is currently expected to be generally consistent with the results from the second quarter of 2004 and operating expenses, before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets, will increase approximately 3% over the results from the second quarter of 2004. Also included within the operating expense estimates presented above, we currently estimate that non-cash 401(k) plan expense will range between $450,000 and $500,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2005 compared with $392,000 for the same period of 2004. Conference Call Information Gray Television, Inc. will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter operating results on May 5, 2005. The call will begin at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. The live dial-in number is 1-888-789-0150 and the reservation number is T564347G. The call will be webcast live and available for replay at http://www.graytvinc.com/ . The taped replay of the conference call will be available at 1-888-509-0081 until May 19, 2005. For information contact: Bob Prather Jim Ryan President and Chief Operating Senior V. P. and Chief Officer Financial Officer (404) 266-8333 (404) 504-9828 Web site: http://www.graytvinc.com/ Reconciliations: Reconciliation of Net Income to the Non-GAAP term "EBITDA" ($ in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 2004 Net income $2,075 $5,502 Add: Income tax expense 1,345 3,554 Interest expense 11,113 10,461 Amortization of restricted stock awards 98 94 Amortization of intangible assets 209 283 Depreciation 5,814 5,801 EBITDA $20,654 $25,695 Reconciliation of Net Income to the Non-GAAP term "Adjusted Media Cash Flow" ($ in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 2004 Net income $2,075 $5,502 Add (subtract): Income tax expense 1,345 3,554 Interest expense 11,113 10,461 Miscellaneous (income) expense, net (295) (143) Loss on disposal of assets, net 34 4 Amortization of restricted stock awards 98 94 Amortization of intangible assets 209 283 Depreciation 5,814 5,801 Amortization of program license rights 2,815 2,756 Common Stock contributed to 401(k) Plan excluding corporate 401(k) contributions 578 530 Network compensation revenue recognized (1,643) n/a Network compensation per network affiliation agreement 2,102 n/a Payments on program broadcast obligations (2,815) (2,697) Adjusted Media Cash Flow $21,430 $26,145 Reconciliations -continued: Adjusted Media Cash Flow and EBITDA are non-GAAP terms the Company uses as a measure of performance. Adjusted Media Cash Flow and EBITDA are used by the Company to approximate the amount used to calculate key financial performance covenants including, but not limited to, limitations on debt, interest coverage, and fixed charge coverage ratios as defined in the Company's senior credit facility and/or subordinated note indenture. Adjusted Media Cash Flow is defined as operating income, plus depreciation and amortization (including amortization of program broadcast rights), non-cash compensation and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, and cash payments received or receivable under network affiliation agreements less payments for program broadcast obligations and less network compensation revenue. Accordingly, the Company has provided a reconciliation of Adjusted Media Cash Flow to net income. EBITDA is defined as net income before income tax expense, interest expense, amortization of restricted stock awards, amortization of intangible assets and depreciation expense. Notes (1) Total debt as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 does not include $1.0 million, respectively, of unamortized debt discount on Gray's 9-1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due March 2011. The Company Gray Television, Inc. is a communications company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and currently owns 31 television stations serving 27 television markets. The stations include 16 CBS affiliates, eight NBC affiliates and seven ABC affiliates. Gray Television, Inc. has 23 stations ranked #1 in local news audience and 22 stations ranked #1 in overall audience within their respective markets based on the average results of the 2004 Nielsen ratings reports. The TV station group reaches approximately 5.5% of total U.S. TV households. Gray also owns five daily newspapers, four in Georgia and one in Indiana. Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The following comments on Gray's current expectations of operating results for the first quarter of 2005 are "forward looking" for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results of operations are subject to a number of risks and may differ materially from the current expectations discussed in this press release. See Gray's Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of risk factors that may affect its ability to achieve the results contemplated by such forward looking statements. DATASOURCE: Gray Television, Inc. CONTACT: Bob Prather, President and Chief Operating Officer, +1-404-266-8333, or Jim Ryan, Senior V. P. and Chief Financial Officer, +1-404-504-9828, both of Gray Television, Inc. Web site: http://www.graytvinc.com/

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