GTN Gray Television Inc

ATLANTA, March 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gray Television, Inc. ("Gray," "we" or "us") (NYSE:GTN) today announced results from operations for the three months ("fourth quarter") and year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the three months and year ended December 31, 2006. Comments on As Reported Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2007: For the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we did not complete any acquisitions or disposals of properties; therefore, the following comments are on our "as reported" results. Revenues. On an as reported basis, total net revenue for all stations decreased $17.6 million, or 17%, to $84.3 million due primarily to decreased political advertising revenues partially offset by increased local advertising revenue and national advertising revenue in the current period. On an as reported basis: Political advertising revenues decreased $23.0 million, or 90%, to $2.6 million reflecting the influence of the 2006 elections. Local advertising revenue increased $3.1 million, or 6%, to $54.2 million and national advertising revenue increased $0.8 million, or 4%, to $21.2 million. Internet advertising revenue increased $0.7 million, or 36%, to $2.7 million and retransmission consent revenue increased $0.5 million, or 112%, to $1.0 million. In our previous disclosures, we had included internet advertising revenue with local advertising revenue and retransmission consent revenue was included with production and other revenue. We are now presenting internet advertising revenue and retransmission consent revenue separately. Operating expenses. On an as reported basis, total broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets) decreased $1.2 million, or 2%, to $52.2 million. The decrease primarily reflects reduced national sales representative commissions on the reduced political revenues. On an as reported basis, corporate and administrative expenses, before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets, decreased $1.4 million, or 29%, to $3.5 million due primarily to incremental decrease in legal expense and non-cash stock based compensation expense. We recorded non- cash stock based compensation expense for the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 of $134,000 and $511,000, respectively. Comments on Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2007: Due to the significance of WNDU to our results of operations, Gray's pro forma broadcast results for the year ended December 31, 2006 have been presented to include the results of WNDU as if the station had been acquired on January 1, 2006. The acquisition of WNDU did not significantly affect corporate and administrative expenses. Therefore, corporate and administrative expenses are presented on an "as reported" basis. Revenues. On a pro forma(1) basis, total net revenue for all stations decreased $27.4 million, or 8%, to $307.3 million due primarily to decreased political advertising revenues and decreased national advertising revenues partially offset by increased local advertising revenue in the current period. On a pro forma(1) basis: Political advertising revenues decreased $35.0 million, or 82%, to $7.8 million reflecting the influence of the 2006 elections. Local advertising revenue increased $6.7 million, or 3%, to $200.7 million and national advertising revenue decreased $1.8 million, or 2%, to $77.4 million. Internet advertising revenue increased $1.9 million, or 25%, to $9.5 million and retransmission consent revenue increased $0.9 million, or 56%, to $2.4 million. In our previous disclosures, we had included internet advertising revenue with local advertising revenue and retransmission consent revenue was included with production and other revenue. We are now presenting internet advertising revenue and retransmission consent revenue separately. Operating expenses. On a pro forma(1) basis, total broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets) increased $6.0 million, or 3%, to $199.7 million. On a pro forma(1) basis, operation of our digital second channels is attributed for $3.1 million of the overall increase and reflects the expansion of the number of digital second channels to 40 as of December 31, 2007. On a pro forma(1) basis, the remaining $2.9 million of the overall increase is attributable to the operation of our primary channels and reflects routine increases in payroll, programming and promotion. On an as reported basis, corporate and administrative expenses, before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets, remained consistent with that of the prior year at $15.1 million. We recorded non-cash stock based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 of $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Internet Initiatives: We have continued to expand our internet initiatives in each of our markets. Our focus has been to expand local content to attract traffic to our web sites. This strong revenue growth reflects the significantly increased traffic to our websites as illustrated below by the aggregate page views reported by our web sites in 2007 compared to 2006. Gray Websites - Aggregate Page Views Year Ended December 31, % 2007 2006 Change (in millions) Total Aggregate Page Views (including video plays and cell phone page views) 424.4 251.9 68% Video Plays Only 32.5 13.5 141% Cell Phone Page Views Only 25.6 7.7 232% We attribute the increase in our web traffic to increased posting of local content and to increased public awareness of our sites as the result of our on-air promotion of our sites. The aggregate internet revenues discussed above are derived from two sources. The first source is advertising or sponsorship opportunities directly on our web sites. We call this "direct internet revenue." The other source is television advertising time purchased by our clients to directly promote their involvement in our web sites. We refer to this internet revenue source as "internet related commercial time sales." In the future we anticipate our direct internet revenue will grow at a significantly faster pace relative to our internet related commercial time sales. Other Financial Data on an "as reported" basis (in thousands): December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 Cash $15,338 $4,741 Total debt(2) 925,000 851,654 Preferred stock - 37,451 Available credit under senior credit facility 100,000 97,000 Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 Net cash provided by operating activities $28,360 $79,860 Net cash used in investing activities (25,662) (129,305) Net cash provided by financing activities 7,899 44,871 For the year ended December 31, 2007, we repurchased 647,800 shares of our common stock for $5.5 million at an average price per share of $8.49. For the year ended December 31, 2006, we repurchased 902,200 shares of our common stock for $5.6 million at an average price per share of $6.21. The repurchased common stock is held in treasury. A detailed table of operating results follows. Gray Television, Inc. Selected Operating Data (Unaudited) (in thousands, except for per share data and percentages) As Reported Three Months Ended December 31, % 2007 2006 Change Revenues (less agency commissions) $84,272 $101,920 (17)% Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets, net: Broadcast 52,238 53,444 (2)% Corporate and administrative 3,513 4,956 (29)% Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 9,335 9,698 (4)% (Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net (370) 528 (170)% 64,716 68,626 (6)% Operating income 19,556 33,294 (41)% Other income (expense): Miscellaneous income (expense), net (13) 181 (107)% Interest expense (16,580) (17,123) (3)% Income (loss) before income tax 2,963 16,352 Income tax expense 1,478 7,765 Net income 1,485 8,587 Preferred dividends (includes accretion of issuance cost of $0 and $21, respectively) - 778 Net income available to common stockholders $1,485 $7,809 Basic per share information: Net income available to common stockholders $0.03 $0.16 Weighted average shares outstanding 47,969 48,040 0 % Diluted per share information: Net income available to common stockholders $0.03 $0.16 Weighted average shares outstanding 48,034 48,076 0 % Political revenue (less agency commission) $2,627 $25,605 (90)% Gray Television, Inc. Selected Operating Data (Unaudited) (in thousands, except for per share data and percentages) As Reported Years Ended December 31, % 2007 2006 Change Revenues (less agency commissions) $307,288 $332,137 (7)% Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets, net: Broadcast 199,687 191,502 4 % Corporate and administrative 15,090 15,097 0 % Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 39,383 36,526 8 % (Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net (248) 1,021 (124)% 253,912 244,146 4 % Operating income 53,376 87,991 (39)% Other income (expense): Miscellaneous income, net 972 677 44 % Interest expense (67,189) (66,787) 1 % Loss on early extinguishment of debt (22,853) (347) Income (loss) before income tax benefit (35,694) 21,534 Income tax expense (benefit) (12,543) 9,823 Net income (loss) (23,151) 11,711 Preferred dividends (includes accretion of issuance cost of $439, $111, $439, $111, respectively) 1,626 3,247 Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $(24,777) $8,464 Basic per share information: Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $(0.52) $0.17 Weighted average shares outstanding 47,788 48,408 (1)% Diluted per share information: Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $(0.52) $0.17 Weighted average shares outstanding 47,788 48,425 (1)% Political revenue (less agency commission) $7,808 $42,682 (82)% Pro Forma(1) Years Ended December 31, % 2007 2006 Change Revenues (less agency commissions) $307,288 $334,722 (8)% Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets, net: Broadcast 199,687 193,639 3 % Corporate and administrative 15,090 15,097 0 % Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 39,383 37,194 6 % (Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net (248) 1,021 (124)% 253,912 246,951 3 % Operating income 53,376 87,771 (39)% Other income (expense): Miscellaneous income, net 972 677 44 % Interest expense (67,189) (67,212) 0 % Loss on early extinguishment of debt (22,853) (347) Income (loss) before income tax benefit (35,694) 20,889 Income tax expense (benefit) (12,543) 9,588 Net income (loss) (23,151) 11,301 Preferred dividends (includes accretion of issuance cost of $439, $111, $439, $111, respectively) 1,626 3,247 Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $(24,777) $8,054 Basic per share information: Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $(0.52) $0.17 Weighted average shares outstanding 47,788 48,408 (1)% Diluted per share information: Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $(0.52) $0.17 Weighted average shares outstanding 47,788 48,425 (1)% Political revenue (less agency commission) $7,808 $42,762 (82)% Guidance for the First Quarter of 2008: We currently anticipate that our broadcasting results of operations for the three months ending March 31, 2008 (the "first quarter") will approximate the ranges presented in the table below. % % 2008 Change 2008 Change Guidance From Guidance From Low Actual High Actual Actual Selected operating data: Range 2007 Range 2007 2007 (in thousands, except for percentages) OPERATING REVENUES: Revenues (less agency commissions) $69,700 0 % $70,500 1 % $69,681 OPERATING EXPENSES: (before depreciation, amortization and other expenses) Broadcast $49,800 2 % $50,500 3 % $48,818 Corporate and administrative $3,600 (11)% $3,900 (4)% $4,061 OTHER SELECTED DATA: Broadcast political revenues (less agency commissions) $2,500 $2,600 $1,097 Expense for non-cash contributions to 401(k) plan $575 $625 $671 Expense for corporate non-cash stock based compensation $275 $350 $520 Comments on Guidance: The total revenue results anticipated for the first quarter of 2008 reflect the incremental increase in political revenues. Local non-political advertising for first quarter 2008 is currently anticipated to be comparable to the results for 2007. National non-political advertising revenue is currently anticipated to be down 3% to 5% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to first quarter 2007. Internet revenue for the first quarter of 2008 is currently anticipated to increase approximately 20% over the first quarter of 2007. The increase in broadcast operating expenses, before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets, primarily reflects routine increases in payroll costs. For the full year of 2008, broadcast operating expenses, before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets are currently anticipated to increase less than 3% over full year 2007 results with national sales representative commissions on anticipated political revenue being a significant component of any overall increase. Revenue on an "as reported" basis by quarter (in thousands): In our previous disclosures, we had included internet advertising revenue with local advertising revenue and retransmission consent revenue was included with production and other revenue. We are now presenting internet advertising revenue and retransmission consent revenue separately. The table below presents our expanded disclosure by quarter for 2007 and 2006 (in thousands): 2007 Fiscal Quarters Ended 2007 Fiscal March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Year Revenues: Local $46,697 $52,009 $47,761 $54,219 $200,686 National 17,093 19,862 19,237 21,173 77,365 Internet 2,058 2,267 2,505 2,676 9,506 Political 1,097 2,634 1,450 2,627 7,808 Retransmission consent 454 488 501 993 2,436 Production and other 2,094 2,294 1,951 2,380 8,719 Network compensation 188 196 180 204 768 Total $69,681 $79,750 $73,585 $84,272 $307,288 2006 Fiscal Quarters Ended 2006 Fiscal March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Year Revenues: Local $44,902 $50,387 $45,942 $51,117 $192,348 National 17,202 21,382 19,508 20,400 78,492 Internet 1,620 2,231 1,794 1,962 7,607 Political 1,776 4,706 10,595 25,605 42,682 Retransmission consent 365 339 390 469 1,563 Production and other 2,149 1,986 2,104 2,117 8,356 Network compensation 220 360 259 250 1,089 Total $68,234 $81,391 $80,592 $101,920 $332,137 The aggregate internet revenues presented above are derived from two sources. The first source is advertising or sponsorship opportunities directly on our web sites. We call this "direct internet revenue." The other source is television advertising time purchased by our clients to directly promote their involvement in our web sites. We refer to this internet revenue source as "internet related commercial time sales." Conference Call Information: We will host a conference call to discuss our fourth quarter operating results on March 13, 2008. The call will begin at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. The live dial-in number is 1 (888) 211-4495 and the confirmation code is 9283465. The call will be webcast live and available for replay at http://www.gray.tv/. The taped replay of the conference call will be available at 1 (888) 203-1112 until April 12, 2008. The confirmation code for the taped replay is 9283465. Reconciliations: Reconciliation of net income (loss) to the Non-GAAP terms (in thousands): As Reported Three Months Ended December 31, 2007 2006 Net income $1,485 $8,587 Adjustments to reconcile to Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses: Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 9,335 9,698 Amortization of non-cash stock based compensation 134 511 (Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net (370) 528 Miscellaneous (income) expense, net 13 (181) Interest expense 16,580 17,123 Income tax expense 1,478 7,765 Amortization of program broadcast rights 3,849 3,803 Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan excluding corporate 401(k) contributions 400 556 Network compensation revenue recognized (204) (250) Network compensation per network affiliation agreement 66 539 Payments for program broadcast rights (2,594) (4,482) Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses 30,172 44,197 Corporate and administrative expenses excluding amortization of non-cash stock based compensation 3,379 4,445 Broadcast Cash Flow $33,551 $48,642 As Reported Pro Forma(1) Year Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2007 2006 2007 2006 Net income $(23,151) $11,711 $(23,151) $11,301 Adjustments to reconcile to Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses: Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 39,383 36,526 39,383 37,194 Amortization of non-cash stock based compensation 1,248 1,092 1,248 1,092 (Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net (248) 1,021 (248) 1,021 Miscellaneous (income), net (972) (677) (972) (677) Interest expense 67,189 66,787 67,189 67,212 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 22,853 347 22,853 347 Income tax expense (benefit) (12,543) 9,823 (12,543) 9,588 Amortization of program broadcast rights 15,194 14,234 15,194 14,234 Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan excluding corporate 401(k) contributions 2,150 2,234 2,150 2,234 Network compensation revenue recognized (768) (1,089) (768) (1,089) Network compensation per network affiliation agreement 301 2,216 301 2,216 Payments for program broadcast rights (14,101) (14,839) (14,101) (14,839) Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses 96,535 129,386 96,535 129,834 Corporate and administrative expenses excluding amortization of non-cash stock based compensation 13,842 14,005 13,842 14,005 Broadcast Cash Flow $110,377 $143,391 $110,377 $143,839 See the definition of Non-GAAP terms below. Non-GAAP Terms: This press release includes the non-GAAP financial measure of Broadcast Cash Flow and Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses. These non- GAAP amounts are used by us to approximate the amount used to calculate a key financial performance covenant as defined in our senior credit facility. Broadcast Cash Flow is defined as operating income, plus corporate expense, 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, less network compensation revenue and less income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes. Corporate expenses (excluding depreciation, amortization and non-cash stock based compensation) are deducted from Broadcast Cash Flow to calculate "Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses." These non-GAAP terms are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and should be considered as supplements to, and not as substitutes for, net income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP. Notes: (1) The pro forma presentation gives effect to the results of operations for the acquisition of television station WNDU, South Bend, IN on March 3, 2006 as if the station had been acquired on January 1, 2006. (2) Total debt as of December 31, 2006 does not include $653,000 of unamortized debt discount on our 9.25% Notes. The 9.25% Notes were redeemed on April 18, 2007. Gray Television, Inc.: Gray Television, Inc. is a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, GA. We currently operate 36 television stations serving 30 markets. Each of the stations are affiliated with either CBS (17 stations), NBC (10 stations), ABC (8 stations) or FOX (1 station). In addition, we currently operate 40 digital second channels including 1 ABC, 5 Fox, 8 CW and 16 MyNetworkTV affiliates plus 8 local news/weather channels and 2 "independent" channels in certain of our existing markets. Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act: The comments on our current expectations of operating results for the first quarter of 2008 and other future events are "forward looking statements" for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results of operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and may differ materially from the current expectations discussed in this press release. All information set forth in this release is as of March 13, 2008. We do not intend, and undertake no duty, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances. Information about potential factors that could affect our business and financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are included under the captions, "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 which was filed with the SEC and is available at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/. 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.gray.tv/

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