GTN Gray Television Inc

For the Three-Month and Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2009 ATLANTA, Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gray Television, Inc. ("Gray," "we" or "us") (NYSE:GTN) today announced results from operations for the three-month period (the "second quarter") and six-month period ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2008. Highlights: Three Months Ended June 30, -------- 2009 2008 % Change ---- ---- -------- (in thousands except for percentages) Revenues (less agency commissions) $65,057 $78,743 (17)% Broadcast expense (before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets) $45,167 $48,460 (7)% The current economic recession continues to challenge the television broadcast industry. We are committed to operating our stations in a manner that generates maximum revenue while minimizing operating expenses during these difficult times. Although our operating results are down compared to the prior year, we believe that our operating results compare favorably to other television broadcast companies. Comments on Results of Operations for the Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2009: Revenue. Total net revenue decreased $13.7 million, or 17%, to $65.1 million due primarily to decreased local, national, political and internet advertising revenue and decreased production and other revenue. These decreases were partially offset by increased retransmission consent revenue in the current period. Retransmission consent revenue reflects the more profitable terms of our recently renewed contracts. Local and national advertising revenue decreased due to reduced spending by advertisers in the current economic recession. Historically, our industry's largest advertiser category has been the automotive industry. The current recession has significantly reduced the automotive industry's advertising expenditures. Our automotive advertising revenue decreased approximately 48% compared to the prior year. Internet advertising revenue decreased due to the same factors that affected our local and national advertising revenue but to a lesser extent. Political advertising revenue decreased reflecting decreased advertising from political candidates during the "off year" of the two-year political advertising cycle. Local advertising revenue decreased $6.2 million, or 13%, to $43.3 million. National advertising revenue decreased $6.1 million, or 33%, to $12.4 million. Internet advertising revenue decreased $0.3 million, or 11%, to $2.7 million. Political advertising revenue decreased $4.0 million, or 81%, to $0.9 million. Retransmission consent revenue increased $3.2 million, or 394%, to $4.0 million. Production and other revenue decreased $0.1 million, or 8%, to $1.6 million. Operating expenses. Broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets) decreased $3.3 million, or 7%, to $45.2 million. This decrease was primarily due to a reduction in compensation expense of $2.3 million, facility fees of $0.3 million and professional services of $0.3 million partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense of $0.6 million. Payroll expense decreased primarily due to a reduction in the number of employees. As of June 30, 2009 and 2008, we employed 2,216 and 2,331 total employees, respectively, in our broadcast operations which included full-time and part-time employees. Professional services decreased primarily due to lower national representation fees which are paid based upon a percentage of our lower national revenue. Facility fees decreased primarily due to lower electricity expense resulting from the discontinuance of our analog broadcasts. Bad debt expense increased primarily due to an increased reserve for receivables due from Chrysler LLC. Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets) increased $0.9 million, or 32%, to $3.6 million due primarily to an increase in compensation expense of $0.6 million and an increase in professional services expense of $0.4 million. This increase in compensation expense was primarily due to increased incentive compensation related expenses. During the first five months of 2008, we accrued compensation expense for executive officer bonuses. During the three-month period ended June 30, 2008, we determined that these executive bonuses would not be paid and as a result the associated accrued expenses were reversed which resulted in a reduction of compensation expense of $780,000. Executive bonuses have not been accrued in 2009 and as a result we did not have a reduction in 2009 which was similar to that of 2008. Professional services increased primarily due to an increase in legal expenses of $145,000 and an increase in consulting expenses of $100,000 resulting from a consulting agreement with our former Chairman. We recorded non-cash stock-based compensation expense during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 of $345,000 and $395,000, respectively. Comments on Results of Operations for the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2009: Revenue. Total net revenue decreased $23.3 million, or 16%, to $126.4 million due primarily to decreased local, national, political and internet advertising revenue and decreased production and other revenue. These decreases were partially offset by increased retransmission consent revenue in the current period. Retransmission consent revenue reflects the more profitable terms of our recently renewed contracts. Local and national advertising revenue decreased due to reduced spending by advertisers in the current economic recession. Historically, our industry's largest advertiser category has been the automotive industry. The current recession has significantly reduced the automotive industry's advertising expenditures. Our automotive advertising revenue decreased approximately 45% compared to the prior year. The negative effects of the recession were partially offset by increased advertising during the 2009 Super Bowl. Net advertising revenue associated with the broadcast of the 2009 Super Bowl on our ten NBC affiliated stations approximated $750,000 which is an increase from the approximate $130,000 of Super Bowl revenue earned in 2008 on our then six Fox affiliated channels. Internet advertising revenue decreased due to the same factors that affected our local and national advertising revenue but to a lesser extent. Political advertising revenue decreased due to reduced advertising from political candidates during the "off year" of the two-year political advertising cycle. Local advertising revenue decreased $12.7 million, or 13%, to $82.6 million. National advertising revenue decreased $9.6 million, or 27%, to $25.2 million. Internet advertising revenue decreased $0.4 million, or 7%, to $5.3 million. Political advertising revenue decreased $6.1 million, or 76%, to $2.0 million. Retransmission consent revenue increased $6.2 million, or 425%, to $7.6 million. Production and other revenue decreased $0.7 million, or 17%, to $3.5 million. Operating expenses. Broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets) decreased $7.7 million, or 8%, to $90.8 million. This decrease was primarily due to a reduction in compensation expense of $4.5 million, professional services of $0.7 million, facility fees of $0.2 million and supply fees of $0.4 million partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense of $0.1 million. Compensation expense decreased primarily due to a reduction in the number of employees. As of June 30, 2009 and 2008, we employed 2,216 and 2,331 total employees, respectively, in our broadcast operations which included full-time and part-time employees. Professional services decreased primarily due to lower national representation fees which are paid based upon a percentage of our lower national revenue. Facility fees decreased primarily due to lower electricity expense resulting from the discontinuance of our analog broadcasts. Supply fees decreased due to lower gasoline costs and controls on supply purchases. Bad debt expense increased primarily due to an increased reserve for receivables due from Chrysler LLC. Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets) increased $1.4 million, or 22%, to $7.6 million. The increase was due primarily to increases in compensation expense and professional service expense. This increase in compensation expense was primarily due to an increase in severance expense of $135,000 and an increase in relocation expense of $350,000. Professional services increased primarily due to an increase in legal expenses of $547,000 and an increase in consulting expense of $200,000 resulting from a consulting agreement with our former Chairman. We recorded non-cash stock-based compensation expense during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 of $698,000 and $689,000, 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 websites as illustrated below by the aggregate page views reported by our websites in the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 compared to the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2008. Gray Websites - Aggregate Page Views Three Months Ended June 30, -------- % 2009 2008 Change ---- ---- ------ (in millions) Total Aggregate Page Views (including video plays and cell phone page views) 181.3 150.3 21% Six Months Ended June 30, -------- % 2009 2008 Change ---- ---- ------ (in millions) Total Aggregate Page Views (including video plays and cell phone page views) 366.8 312.5 17% We attribute the increase in our website traffic to increased posting of local content and public awareness of our websites as the result of our on-air promotion of our websites. The aggregate internet revenues discussed above are derived from two sources. The first source is advertising or sponsorship opportunities directly on our websites. We call this "direct internet revenue." The other source is television advertising time purchased by our clients to directly promote their involvement in our websites. 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 faster pace relative to our internet related commercial time sales. Detailed table of operating results: Gray Television, Inc. Selected Operating Data (Unaudited) (in thousands except for per share data and percentages) Three Months Ended June 30, -------- % 2009 2008 Change ---- ---- ------ Revenues (less agency commissions) $65,057 $78,743 (17)% Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets, net: Broadcast 45,167 48,460 (7)% Corporate and administrative 3,592 2,722 32 % Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 8,398 8,907 (6)% Gain on disposals of assets, net (1,098) (84) 1207 % ------ --- 56,059 60,005 (7)% ------ ------ Operating income 8,998 18,738 (52)% Other income (expense): Miscellaneous income, net 1 63 (98)% Interest expense (20,007) (13,402) 49 % ------- ------- (Loss) income before income tax (11,008) 5,399 Income tax (benefit) expense (4,360) 2,184 ------ ----- Net (loss) income (6,648) 3,215 Preferred dividends (includes accretion of issuance cost of $301 and $0, respectively) 4,051 125 3141 % ----- --- Net (loss) income available to common stockholders $(10,699) $3,090 ======== ====== Basic per share information: Net (loss) income available to common stockholders $(0.22) $0.06 ====== ===== Weighted-average shares outstanding 48,506 48,235 1 % ====== ====== Diluted per share information: Net (loss) income available to common stockholders $(0.22) $0.06 ====== ===== Weighted-average shares outstanding 48,506 48,273 0 % ====== ====== Political revenue (less agency commission) $942 $4,951 (81)% Gray Television, Inc. Selected Operating Data (Unaudited) (in thousands except for per share data and percentages) Six Months Ended June 30, -------- % 2009 2008 Change ---- ---- ------ Revenues (less agency commissions) $126,411 $149,742 (16)% Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets, net: Broadcast 90,821 98,476 (8)% Corporate and administrative 7,638 6,261 22 % Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 16,808 17,991 (7)% Gain on disposals of assets, net (2,620) (1,005) 161 % ------- ------- 112,647 121,723 (7)% ------- ------- Operating income 13,764 28,019 (51)% Other income (expense): Miscellaneous income, net 13 90 (86)% Interest expense (30,120) (29,201) 3 % Loss on early extinguishment of debt (8,352) - ------- --- Loss before income tax benefit (24,695) (1,092) Income tax benefit (9,127) (457) ------- ---- Net loss (15,568) (635) Preferred dividends (includes accretion of issuance cost of $602 and $0, respectively) 8,101 125 6381% ----- --- Net loss available to common stockholders $(23,669) $(760) ======== ===== Basic per share information: Net loss available to common stockholders $(0.49) $(0.02) ======= ======= Weighted-average shares outstanding 48,498 48,194 1 % ====== ====== Diluted per share information: Net loss available to common stockholders $(0.49) $(0.02) ======= ======= Weighted-average shares outstanding 48,498 48,194 1 % ====== ====== Political revenue (less agency commission) $1,951 $8,024 (76)% Other Financial Data: --------------------- June 30, 2009 December 31, 2008 ------------- ----------------- (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $9,786 $30,649 Long-term debt including current portion $795,849 $800,380 Preferred stock $92,785 $92,183 Borrowing ability under our senior credit facility $27,134 $12,262 Six Months Ended June 30, ------------------------- 2009 2008 ---- ---- (in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $377 $17,237 Net cash used in investing activities (9,598) (6,277) Net cash used in financing activities (11,642) (3,730) ------- ------ Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents $(20,863) $7,230 ======== ====== Guidance for the Third Quarter of 2009 We currently anticipate that our broadcast results of operations for the three months ending September 30, 2009 (the "third quarter of 2009") will approximate the ranges presented in the table below. % % 2009 Change 2009 Change Guidance From Guidance From Low Actual High Actual Actual Selected operating data: Range 2008 Range 2008 2008 ------------------------ -------- ------ -------- ------ ------ (dollars in thousands) OPERATING REVENUE: Revenue (less agency commissions) $63,000 (24)% $64,000 (23)% $82,631 OPERATING EXPENSES: (before depreciation, amortization and other expenses) Broadcast $46,000 (8)% $46,500 (7)% $49,907 Corporate and administrative $3,300 (12)% $3,600 (4)% $3,754 OTHER SELECTED DATA: Broadcast political revenues (less agency commissions) $500 $600 $13,065 Expense for corporate non-cash stock-based compensation $325 $350 $399 Comments on Guidance: Net Revenue: The current national economic recession has severely impacted our short-term revenue generation and has made revenue forecasting more difficult than in prior periods. Based on advertising orders received to date, pending advertising orders and advertising orders expected to be received in the future, we currently believe our third quarter 2009 local revenue and national revenue, excluding political revenue, will decrease from 2008 results by approximately 9% and 30%, respectively. The decline is expected to be reflected in most advertising categories. Political revenues reflect the off-year of the political cycle. We anticipate that our retransmission consent revenues during the third quarter of 2009 will increase approximately $3.0 million, to a total of approximately $3.8 million, reflecting the successful retransmission negotiations concluded in December 2008. For the full year 2009, we currently anticipate retransmission consent revenues will range between $15.0 million and $16.0 million compared to $3.0 million for full year 2008. Broadcast Operating Expense (before depreciation, amortization and gain/loss on disposal of assets) The anticipated decline in third quarter 2009 broadcast expense reflects an approximate $1.2 million, or 4%, reduction in payroll and related expenses reflecting in part the staff reductions discussed above. At this time it is unclear as to how the bankruptcy filings by Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp. will affect our accounts receivable bad debt reserves. Therefore, our anticipated third quarter 2009 broadcast expenses do not include additional expenses for increased bad debt reserves for either company's bankruptcy. For the full year 2009, we currently anticipate that our broadcast operating expenses will decrease by approximately $16.0 million, or 8.0%, compared to 2008. Corporate Expense (before depreciation, amortization and gain/loss on disposal of assets) The anticipated decrease in corporate expense for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008 is due primarily to a reduction in research expense and compensation expense. Net Revenue By Category: The table below presents our net revenue by type for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, --------------------------- 2009 2008 ---- ---- Percent Percent Amount of Total Amount of Total ------ -------- ------ -------- Broadcasting net revenues: Local $43,272 66.5% 49,495 62.9% National 12,373 19.0% 18,479 23.4% Internet 2,711 4.2% 3,048 3.9% Political 942 1.4% 4,951 6.3% Retransmission consent 3,959 6.1% 801 1.0% Production and other 1,628 2.5% 1,763 2.2% Network compensation 172 0.3% 206 0.3% --- --- --- --- Total $65,057 100.0% $78,743 100.0% ======= ===== ======= ===== Six Months Ended June 30, ------------------------- 2009 2008 ---- ---- Percent Percent Amount of Total Amount of Total ------ -------- ------ -------- Broadcasting net revenues: Local $82,558 65.3% 95,214 63.6% National 25,248 20.0% 34,816 23.2% Internet 5,275 4.2% 5,677 3.8% Political 1,951 1.5% 8,024 5.4% Retransmission consent 7,599 6.0% 1,447 1.0% Production and other 3,470 2.7% 4,184 2.8% Network compensation 310 0.3% 380 0.2% --- --- --- --- Total $126,411 100.0% $149,742 100.0% ======== ===== ======== ===== The aggregate internet revenues presented above are derived from two sources: (i) direct internet revenue and (ii) internet related commercial time sales. Conference Call Information We will host a conference call to discuss our second quarter operating results on August 7, 2009. The call will begin at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. The live dial-in number is 1 (888) 215-7030 and the confirmation code is 9007245. 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, Confirmation Code: 9007245 until September 5, 2009. Reconciliations: Reconciliation of net income (loss) to the non-GAAP terms (in thousands): As Reported Three Months Ended June 30, -------- 2009 2008 ---- ---- Net (loss) income $(6,648) $3,215 Adjustments to reconcile to Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses: Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 8,398 8,907 Amortization of non-cash stock based compensation 345 395 Gain on disposals of assets, net (1,098) (84) Miscellaneous (income) expense, net (1) (63) Interest expense 20,007 13,402 Loss on early extinguishment of debt - - Income tax (benefit) expense (4,360) 2,184 Amortization of program broadcast rights 3,761 3,821 Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan excluding corporate 401(k) contributions 7 641 Network compensation revenue recognized (172) (206) Network compensation per network affiliation agreement (30) 30 Payments for program broadcast rights (3,801) (2,666) ------ ------ Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses 16,408 29,576 Corporate and administrative expenses excluding amortization of non-cash stock-based compensation 3,247 2,327 ----- ----- Broadcast Cash Flow $19,655 $31,903 ======= ======= As Reported Six Months Ended June 30, -------- 2009 2008 ---- ---- Net loss $(15,568) $(635) Adjustments to reconcile to Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses: Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 16,808 17,991 Amortization of non-cash stock based compensation 698 689 Gain on disposals of assets, net (2,620) (1,005) Miscellaneous (income) expense, net (13) (90) Interest expense 30,120 29,201 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 8,352 - Income tax benefit (9,127) (457) Amortization of program broadcast rights 7,531 7,672 Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan excluding corporate 401(k) contributions (34) 1,267 Network compensation revenue recognized (310) (380) Network compensation per network affiliation agreement - 60 Payments for program broadcast rights (7,656) (6,441) ------ ------ Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses 28,181 47,872 Corporate and administrative expenses excluding amortization of non-cash stock-based compensation 6,940 5,572 ----- ----- Broadcast Cash Flow $35,121 $53,444 ======= ======= 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), impairment, 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, 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 loss calculated in accordance with GAAP. 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 38 digital second channels including 1 ABC, 4 Fox, 7 CW, 16 MyNetworkTV and 1 Universal Sports Network affiliates plus 8 local news/weather channels and 1 "independent" channel 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 third quarter of 2009 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 and its attachments is as of August 7, 2009. 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, 2008 which is on file with the SEC and 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 Web Site: http://www.gray.tv/

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