FORM 8-K
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) March 16, 2009
Gray Television, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Georgia
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
|
|
|
1-13796
|
|
58-0285030 |
|
(Commission File Numbers)
|
|
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
|
|
|
4370 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, Georgia
|
|
30319 |
|
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
|
|
(Zip Code) |
404-504-9828
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy
the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General
Instruction A.2. below):
o |
|
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
|
|
o |
|
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
|
o |
|
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17
CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
|
o |
|
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17
CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
The information set forth under this Item 2.02 is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed
for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall it be
deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be
expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
On March 16, 2009, Gray Television Inc. issued a press release reporting its financial results for
the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008. A copy of the press release is hereby
attached as Exhibit 99 and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
|
|
|
99
|
|
Press Release issued by Gray Television Inc. on March 16, 2009 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gray Television Inc.
|
|
March 16, 2009 |
By: |
/s/ James C. Ryan
|
|
|
|
Name: |
James C. Ryan |
|
|
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer and
Senior Vice President |
|
|
Exhibit Index
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
99
|
|
Press release issued by Gray Television Inc. on March 16, 2009 |
EX-99
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit 99 |
NEWS RELEASE
Gray Reports Operating Results
For the Three-Month Period and Year Ended December 31, 2008
Atlanta, Georgia March 16, 2009. . . Gray Television, Inc. (Gray, we or us) (NYSE: GTN)
today announced results from operations for the three-month period (the fourth quarter) and year
ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2007.
Highlights:
For the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008, Gray is pleased to report that total
net revenue and Broadcast expenses were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three-month Period Ended |
|
Year Ended |
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Change |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Change |
|
|
(in thousands except for percentages) |
Revenues (less agency commissions) |
|
$ |
94,803 |
|
|
$ |
84,272 |
|
|
|
12 |
% |
|
$ |
327,176 |
|
|
$ |
307,288 |
|
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broadcast expense (before |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
depreciation, amortization, impairment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and gain on disposal of assets) |
|
|
51,189 |
|
|
|
52,238 |
|
|
|
(2 |
)% |
|
|
199,572 |
|
|
|
199,687 |
|
|
|
0 |
% |
While the current national recession makes for a difficult operating environment, we believe our
operating results validate our long-term strategy of focusing on leading local television stations
in midsize to smaller markets.
Comments on Results of Operations for the Three-Month Period Ended December 31, 2008:
Revenues.
Total net revenue increased $10.5 million, or 12%, to $94.8 million due primarily to increased
political and internet advertising revenue, partially offset by decreased local and national
advertising revenue in the fourth quarter of 2008. The increase in political advertising revenue
reflects increased advertising from political candidates in the 2008 general elections. Increased
internet advertising revenue reflects our internet sales initiatives in each of our markets. The
decrease in local and national revenue was largely due to the general weakness in the economy.
Political advertising revenue increased $24.7 million, or 942%, to $27.4 million.
Internet advertising revenue increased $0.6 million, or 21%, to $3.2 million.
Local advertising revenue decreased $9.2 million, or 17%, to $45.0 million.
National advertising revenue decreased $5.1 million, or 24%, to $16.1 million.
Operating expenses.
Broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization, impairment and gain on disposal of assets)
decreased $1.0 million, or 2%, to $51.2 million. This decrease primarily reflects the impact of
decreased payroll related costs partially offset by increased bad debt expense, consulting services
and syndicated programming costs.
4370 Peachtree Road, NE * Atlanta, GA 30319
(404) 504-9828 * Fax (404) 261-9607
Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization, impairment and gain on
disposal of assets) increased $0.6 million, or 16%, to $4.1 million primarily reflecting an
increase in legal and other professional services partially offset by decreased employee payroll
and related expenses. The legal and professional services expenses increased partially due to fees
associated with the negotiation of retransmission revenue agreements. We recorded non-cash
stock-based compensation expense during the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 of
$362,000 and $134,000, respectively.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a non-cash impairment expense of $338.7 million
resulting from a write down of $98.6 million in the carrying value of our goodwill and a write down
of $240.1 million in the carrying value of our broadcast licenses. We did not record a similar
impairment expense in the prior year. This non-cash impairment charge does not affect our cash
flows, liquidity, debt covenants or impact our future operations.
Comments on Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2008:
Revenues.
Total net revenue increased $19.9 million, or 6%, to $327.2 million due primarily to increased
political and internet advertising revenue, partially offset by decreased local and national
advertising revenue in the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase in political advertising
revenue reflects increased advertising from political candidates in the 2008 primary and general
elections. Spending on political advertising was the strongest at our stations in Colorado, West
Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan and North Carolina, accounting for a significant portion of the total
political net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008. Increased internet advertising revenue
reflects our internet sales initiatives in each of our markets. The decrease in local and national
revenue was largely due to the general weakness in the economy and due to the change in networks
broadcasting the Super Bowl. During 2008, we earned approximately $130,000 of net revenue relating
to the 2008 Super Bowl broadcast on our six Fox channels compared to approximately $750,000 of net
revenue relating to the 2007 Super Bowl broadcast on our 17 CBS channels during 2007. The decrease
in local and national revenue was offset in part by $3.4 million of net revenue earned during 2008
attributable to the broadcast of the 2008 Summer Olympics on our ten NBC stations.
Political advertising revenue increased $40.6 million, or 521%, to $48.5 million.
Internet advertising revenue increased $2.4 million, or 25%, to $11.9 million.
Local advertising revenue decreased $14.2 million, or 7%, to $186.5 million.
National advertising revenue decreased $8.9 million, or 12%, to $68.4 million.
Operating expenses.
Broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization, impairment and gain on disposal of assets)
decreased $0.1 million, or approximately 0%, to $199.6 million. This modest decrease primarily
reflects the impact of
increased national sales representative commissions on the incremental political advertising
revenues and increased syndicated programming expenses offset partially by decreases in payroll and
other operating expenses. We recorded an non-cash impairment expense related to our syndicated
television programming
of $601,400 in 2008. Employee payroll and related expenses decreased $1.7 million, or 1%, to
$122.0 million due to a reduction in our number of employees in 2008 compared to 2007. As of
December 31, 2008 and 2007, we employed 2,253 and 2,425 total employees in our broadcast operations
which included full-time and part-time employees. This reduction in total employees is a decrease
of 7.1% or 172 total employees.
Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization, impairment and gain on
disposal of assets) decreased $1.0 million, or 7%, to $14.1 million. During 2008, corporate payroll
expenses decreased by $950,000 compared to 2007 due primarily to a decrease in incentive based
compensation. We recorded non-cash stock-based compensation expense during the years ended December
31, 2008 and 2007 of $1,450,000 and $1,248,000, respectively.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. |
|
|
Earnings Release for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
Page 2 of 12 |
During the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a non-cash impairment expense of $338.7 million
resulting from a write down of $98.6 million in the carrying value of our goodwill and a write down
of $240.1 million in the carrying value of our broadcast licenses. We did not record a similar
impairment expense in the prior year. This non-cash impairment charge does not affect our cash
flows, liquidity, debt covenants, or impact our future operations.
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.
This strong revenue growth reflects the significantly increased traffic to our websites as
illustrated below by the aggregate page views reported by our websites in the year ended December
31, 2008 compared to the year ended December 31, 2007.
Gray Websites Aggregate Page Views
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Change |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Total Aggregate Page Views (including video plays
and cell phone page views) |
|
|
617.7 |
|
|
|
424.4 |
|
|
|
46 |
% |
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 significantly faster pace
relative to our internet related commercial time sales.
Retransmission Revenue Negotiations:
During the fourth quarter of 2008, we successfully completed agreements in principle or completed
long-form retransmission agreements with substantially all cable operators for all systems within
our markets. These cable retransmission agreements, when combined with our existing satellite
retransmission agreements, are anticipated to generate aggregate
revenues in year ending December
31, 2009 of between $15.0 million and $16.0 million compared to the $3.0 million earned during the
year ended December 31, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. |
|
|
Earnings Release for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
Page 3 of 12 |
Other Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
30,649 |
|
|
$ |
15,338 |
|
Total debt |
|
|
800,380 |
|
|
|
925,000 |
|
Preferred stock |
|
|
92,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowing ability under our senior credit facility |
|
|
12,262 |
|
|
|
38,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
|
(in thousands) |
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
$ |
73,675 |
|
|
$ |
28,360 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(16,340 |
) |
|
|
(25,662 |
) |
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
|
|
(42,024 |
) |
|
|
7,899 |
|
Debt Reduction:
Gray reduced outstanding balances under our senior credit facility during 2008 by $124.6 million.
During 2008, we issued a total of 1,000 shares of Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock (the Series D
Preferred Stock) having an aggregate liquidation value of $100.0 million in privately placed
transactions to qualified investors. We received approximately $91.6 million in aggregate net
proceeds after issuance discounts and transaction expenses and we utilized $88.0 million of those
net proceeds to voluntarily pre-pay on our term loan under our senior credit facility. We retained
the remaining $3.6 million of the net proceeds for general corporate purposes.
Also, in the fourth quarter of 2008, we used cash on hand to make voluntary prepayments totaling
$28.0 million on our term loan under our senior credit facility. Including these voluntary
prepayments totaling
$116.0 million and an additional $8.6 million of required payments, the total reduction in the
outstanding balance of our senior credit facility during 2008 was $124.6 million.
A detailed table of operating results follows on the next page.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. |
|
|
Earnings Release for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
Page 4 of 12 |
Gray Television, Inc.
Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)
(in thousands except for per share data and percentages)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three-month Period Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Change |
|
Revenues (less agency commissions) |
|
$ |
94,803 |
|
|
$ |
84,272 |
|
|
|
12 |
% |
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization,
impairment and gain on disposal of assets, net: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broadcast |
|
|
51,189 |
|
|
|
52,238 |
|
|
|
(2 |
)% |
Corporate and administrative |
|
|
4,082 |
|
|
|
3,513 |
|
|
|
16 |
% |
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
8,565 |
|
|
|
9,335 |
|
|
|
(8 |
)% |
Impairment of goodwill and broadcast licenses |
|
|
338,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on disposals of assets, net |
|
|
(289 |
) |
|
|
(370 |
) |
|
|
(22 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
402,228 |
|
|
|
64,716 |
|
|
|
522 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(307,425 |
) |
|
|
19,556 |
|
|
|
(1672 |
)% |
Other income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Miscellaneous expense net |
|
|
(179 |
) |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
1277 |
% |
Interest expense |
|
|
(12,252 |
) |
|
|
(16,580 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income tax |
|
|
(319,856 |
) |
|
|
2,963 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
(113,831 |
) |
|
|
1,478 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
|
(206,025 |
) |
|
|
1,485 |
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred dividends (includes accretion of issuance
cost of $301 and $0, respectively) |
|
|
3,301 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders |
|
$ |
(209,326 |
) |
|
$ |
1,485 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic per share information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders |
|
$ |
(4.32 |
) |
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding |
|
|
48,450 |
|
|
|
47,969 |
|
|
|
1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted per share information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders |
|
$ |
(4.32 |
) |
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding |
|
|
48,450 |
|
|
|
48,034 |
|
|
|
1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Political revenue (less agency commission) |
|
$ |
27,366 |
|
|
$ |
2,627 |
|
|
|
942 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. |
|
|
Earnings Release for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
Page 5 of 12 |
Gray Television, Inc.
Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)
(in thousands except for per share data and percentages)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Change |
|
Revenues (less agency commissions) |
|
$ |
327,176 |
|
|
$ |
307,288 |
|
|
|
6 |
% |
Operating expenses before depreciation,
amortization,
impairment and gain on disposal of assets, net: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broadcast |
|
|
199,572 |
|
|
|
199,687 |
|
|
|
0 |
% |
Corporate and administrative |
|
|
14,097 |
|
|
|
15,090 |
|
|
|
(7 |
)% |
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
35,353 |
|
|
|
39,383 |
|
|
|
(10 |
)% |
Impairment of goodwill and broadcast licenses |
|
|
338,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on disposals of assets, net |
|
|
(1,632 |
) |
|
|
(248 |
) |
|
|
558 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
586,071 |
|
|
|
253,912 |
|
|
|
131 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(258,895 |
) |
|
|
53,376 |
|
|
|
(585 |
)% |
Other income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Miscellaneous income (expense), net |
|
|
(53 |
) |
|
|
972 |
|
|
|
(105 |
)% |
Interest expense |
|
|
(54,079 |
) |
|
|
(67,189 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
)% |
Loss on early extinguishment of debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22,853 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income tax benefit |
|
|
(313,027 |
) |
|
|
(35,694 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Income tax benefit |
|
|
(111,011 |
) |
|
|
(12,543 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
|
(202,016 |
) |
|
|
(23,151 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Preferred dividends (includes accretion of issuance
cost of $576 and $439, respectively) |
|
|
6,593 |
|
|
|
1,626 |
|
|
|
305 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss available to common stockholders |
|
$ |
(208,609 |
) |
|
$ |
(24,777 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic per share information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss available to common stockholders |
|
$ |
(4.32 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding |
|
|
48,302 |
|
|
|
47,788 |
|
|
|
1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted per share information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss available to common stockholders |
|
$ |
(4.32 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding |
|
|
48,302 |
|
|
|
47,788 |
|
|
|
1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Political revenue (less agency commission) |
|
$ |
48,455 |
|
|
$ |
7,808 |
|
|
|
521 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. |
|
|
Earnings Release for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
Page 6 of 12 |
Guidance for the First Quarter of 2009
We currently anticipate that our broadcast results of operations for the three months ending March
31, 2009 (the first 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 REVENUES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues (less agency
commissions) |
|
$ |
58,500 |
|
|
|
(18 |
)% |
|
$ |
60,000 |
|
|
|
(15 |
)% |
|
$ |
70,999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING EXPENSES:
(before depreciation, amortization
and other expenses) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broadcast |
|
$ |
46,000 |
|
|
|
(8 |
)% |
|
$ |
46,500 |
|
|
|
(7 |
)% |
|
$ |
50,016 |
|
Corporate and administrative |
|
$ |
4,100 |
|
|
|
16 |
% |
|
$ |
4,300 |
|
|
|
22 |
% |
|
$ |
3,539 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER SELECTED DATA: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broadcast political revenues
(less agency commissions) |
|
$ |
700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,073 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retransmission revenue |
|
$ |
3,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
646 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expense for corporate non-cash
stock-based compensation |
|
$ |
350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
294 |
|
Comments on Guidance
Net Revenues:
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 first quarter 2009 local revenue and national revenue, excluding
political revenue, will decrease from 2008 results by approximately 15% and 25%, respectively.
While the decline is expected to be reflected in most advertising categories, the automotive
advertising category is expected to be particularly challenged during the first quarter of 2009.
Net advertising revenue associated with the broadcast of the 2009 Super Bowl on our ten NBC
affiliated stations is expected to approximate $750,000 which is an increase from the approximate
$130,000 of Super Bowl revenues earned in 2008 on our five Fox affiliated channels. Internet
revenues are currently anticipated to approximate 2008 results. Political revenues reflect the
off-year of the political cycle.
We anticipate that our retransmission consent revenues during first quarter 2009 will increase
approximately $2.9 million, to a total of approximately $3.5 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. |
|
|
Earnings Release for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
Page 7 of 12 |
Comments on Guidance (Continued)
Broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization, impairment and gain/loss on disposal of
assets)
The anticipated decline in first quarter 2009 broadcast expenses reflects an approximate $2.1
million, or 7%, reduction in payroll and related expenses reflecting in part the staff reductions
discussed above. In addition, we have suspended employer matching contributions for our 401(k)
plan participants.
For the full year of 2009, we currently anticipate that our broadcast operating expenses will
decrease by approximately $15.0 million, or 7.5%, compared to 2008.
Corporate Expenses (before depreciation, amortization, impairment and gain/loss on disposal of
assets)
The increase in corporate expense for the first quarter of 2009 compared to 2008 reflects
approximately $700,000 of one-time-only expenses relating to legal costs associated with finalizing
certain definitive retransmission consent contracts as well as costs related to our relocation of
certain individuals to fill general manager positions which became open due to routine turnover.
Comments on Dividends:
Our Board of Directors did not declare a dividend, in cash or in stock, for our common stock or
Class A common stock for the fourth quarter of 2008 or for the first quarter of 2009. We can
provide no assurances when, or if, any future dividends will be declared on either class of common
stock.
We did not fund the Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock cash dividend payment due on January 15,
2009 that had accumulated for the fourth quarter of 2008. If three consecutive cash dividend
payments with respect to the Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock remain unfunded, the dividend rate
will increase from 15% per annum to 17% per annum. While any Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock
dividend payments are in arrears, we are prohibited from repurchasing, declaring and/or paying any
cash dividend with respect to any equity securities having liquidation preferences equivalent to or
junior in ranking to the liquidation preferences of the Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock
including our common stock and Class A common stock. We can provide no assurances when any future
cash payments will be made on any accumulated and unpaid Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock cash
dividends presently in arrears or that become in arrears in the future.
Comments on Senior Credit Facility:
As of December 31, 2008, we were in compliance with all covenants under our senior credit facility.
We presently intend to seek an amendment and/or waiver of certain senior credit facility
covenants, including our leverage test covenant, for certain periods beginning on or after March
31, 2009. We anticipate, but can provide no assurance, that an amendment and/or waiver will be
obtained before March 31, 2009. Accordingly, as allowed under SEC rules, we intend to extend the
filing date of our Form 10-K until March 31, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. |
|
|
Earnings Release for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
Page 8 of 12 |
Net Revenue by Category:
The table below presents our net revenue by type for the three-month periods and years ended
December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
of Total |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
of Total |
|
Broadcasting net
revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local |
|
$ |
44,999 |
|
|
|
47.5 |
% |
|
$ |
54,219 |
|
|
|
64.3 |
% |
National |
|
|
16,055 |
|
|
|
16.9 |
% |
|
|
21,173 |
|
|
|
25.1 |
% |
Internet |
|
|
3,228 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
% |
|
|
2,676 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
% |
Political |
|
|
27,366 |
|
|
|
28.9 |
% |
|
|
2,627 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
% |
Retransmission consent |
|
|
837 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
% |
|
|
993 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
% |
Production and other |
|
|
2,130 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
% |
|
|
2,380 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
% |
Network compensation |
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
% |
|
|
204 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
94,803 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
84,272 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
of Total |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
of Total |
|
Broadcasting net
revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local |
|
$ |
186,492 |
|
|
|
57.0 |
% |
|
$ |
200,686 |
|
|
|
65.3 |
% |
National |
|
|
68,417 |
|
|
|
20.9 |
% |
|
|
77,365 |
|
|
|
25.2 |
% |
Internet |
|
|
11,859 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
% |
|
|
9,506 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
% |
Political |
|
|
48,455 |
|
|
|
14.8 |
% |
|
|
7,808 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
% |
Retransmission consent |
|
|
3,046 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
% |
|
|
2,436 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
% |
Production and other |
|
|
8,155 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
% |
|
|
8,719 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
% |
Network compensation |
|
|
752 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
% |
|
|
768 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
327,176 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
307,288 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate internet revenue presented above are derived from two sources: (i) direct internet
revenue, and (ii) internet related commercial time sales.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. |
|
|
Earnings Release for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
Page 9 of 12 |
Conference Call Information
We will host a conference call to discuss our fourth quarter operating results on March 16,
2009. The call will begin at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. The live dial-in number is 1-877-681-3377 and
the confirmation code is 8484368. The call will be webcast live and available for replay at
www.gray.tv. The taped replay of the conference call will be available at 1-888-203-1112,
Confirmation Code: 8484368 until April 15, 2009.
|
|
|
For information contact:
|
|
Website: www.gray.tv |
Bob Prather
|
|
Jim Ryan |
President and Chief Operating Officer
|
|
Senior V.P. and Chief Financial Officer |
(404) 266-8333
|
|
(404) 504-9828 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. |
|
|
Earnings Release for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
Page 10 of 12 |
Reconciliations:
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to the non-GAAP terms (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(206,025 |
) |
|
$ |
1,485 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile to Broadcast Cash Flow Less |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Corporate Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
8,565 |
|
|
|
9,335 |
|
Amortization of non-cash stock based compensation |
|
|
362 |
|
|
|
134 |
|
Impairment of goodwill and broadcast licenses |
|
|
338,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
(Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net |
|
|
(289 |
) |
|
|
(370 |
) |
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net |
|
|
179 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
12,252 |
|
|
|
16,580 |
|
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
(113,831 |
) |
|
|
1,478 |
|
Amortization of program broadcast rights |
|
|
4,472 |
|
|
|
3,849 |
|
Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan
excluding corporate 401(k) contributions |
|
|
(110 |
) |
|
|
400 |
|
Network compensation revenue recognized |
|
|
(188 |
) |
|
|
(204 |
) |
Network compensation per network affiliation agreement |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
Payments for program broadcast rights |
|
|
(3,819 |
) |
|
|
(2,594 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses |
|
|
40,280 |
|
|
|
30,172 |
|
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding
amortization of non-cash stock-based compensation |
|
|
3,720 |
|
|
|
3,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broadcast Cash Flow |
|
$ |
44,000 |
|
|
$ |
33,551 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(202,016 |
) |
|
$ |
(23,151 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile to Broadcast Cash Flow Less |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Corporate Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
35,353 |
|
|
|
39,383 |
|
Amortization of non-cash stock based compensation |
|
|
1,450 |
|
|
|
1,248 |
|
Impairment of goodwill and broadcast licenses |
|
|
338,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
(Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net |
|
|
(1,632 |
) |
|
|
(248 |
) |
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net |
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
(972 |
) |
Interest expense |
|
|
54,079 |
|
|
|
67,189 |
|
Loss on early extinguishment of debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,853 |
|
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
(111,011 |
) |
|
|
(12,543 |
) |
Amortization of program broadcast rights |
|
|
16,070 |
|
|
|
15,194 |
|
Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan
excluding corporate 401(k) contributions |
|
|
1,641 |
|
|
|
2,150 |
|
Network compensation revenue recognized |
|
|
(752 |
) |
|
|
(768 |
) |
Network compensation per network affiliation agreement |
|
|
121 |
|
|
|
301 |
|
Payments for program broadcast rights |
|
|
(13,968 |
) |
|
|
(14,101 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses |
|
|
118,069 |
|
|
|
96,535 |
|
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding
amortization of non-cash stock-based compensation |
|
|
12,647 |
|
|
|
13,842 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broadcast Cash Flow |
|
$ |
130,716 |
|
|
$ |
110,377 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See the next page for the definition of Non-GAAP terms.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. |
|
|
Earnings Release for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
Page 11 of 12 |
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, 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
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, 1
Universal Sports Network, 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 first 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 March 16, 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 Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2007, which was filed with the SEC and is available at the SECs website at
www.sec.gov.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gray Television, Inc. |
|
|
Earnings Release for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2008
|
|
Page 12 of 12 |