gtn20241106_8k.htm
false 0000043196 0000043196 2024-11-08 2024-11-08 0000043196 gtn:ClassACommonStockNoParValueCustomMember 2024-11-08 2024-11-08 0000043196 gtn:CommonStockNoParValueCustomMember 2024-11-08 2024-11-08
 
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) November 8, 2024 (November 8, 2024)
 
Gray Television, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
Georgia
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
 
001-13796
 
58-0285030
(Commission File Number)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
4370 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia
 
30319
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
404-504-9828
(Registrant’s 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):
 
 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the act:
 
Title of each Class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A common stock (no par value)
GTN.A
New York Stock Exchange
common stock (no par value)
GTN
New York Stock Exchange
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
 
Emerging growth company
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
 
 

 
 
Item 2.02 - Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
On November 8, 2024, Gray Television, Inc. issued a press release reporting its financial results for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
 
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, 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.
 
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d)
Exhibits
 
99.1
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
 
 

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities 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.
 
     
November 8, 2024
By:  
/s/ Jeffrey R. Gignac
 
   
Name:  
Jeffrey R. Gignac
 
   
Title:  
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
ex_743978.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 https://cdn.kscope.io/7b36aacaa788efb8330886ac3eb7ce31-logosml.jpg

NEWS RELEASE

 

Gray Announces Third Quarter Financial Results, Additional Cost Containment Initiatives,

Approximately $500 Million of Full-Year 2024 Political Ad Revenue and Projected $500 Million Full-Year 2024 Net Debt Reduction

 

Atlanta, Georgia – November 8, 2024. . . Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray,” “Gray Media,” “we,” “us” or “our”) (NYSE: GTN) today announced a strong third quarter ended September 30, 2024. Gray also projected full-year 2024 political advertising revenue of $500 million, as well as full-year 2024 Net Debt reduction of $500 million.

 

Summary of Third Quarter Results

 

Operating Highlights:

 

 

Total revenue in the third quarter of 2024 was $950 million, an increase of 18% from the third quarter of 2023.

 

Core advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2024 was $365 million, an increase of 1% from the third quarter of 2023.

 

Retransmission consent revenue in the third quarter of 2024 was $369 million, a decrease of 2% from the third quarter of 2023.

 

Political advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2024 was $173 million, an increase of 565% from the third quarter of 2023.

 

Total operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets) in the third quarter of 2024 was $617 million, which was 2% below the low end of our previously announced guidance for the quarter.

 

Net income attributable to common stockholders was $83 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $53 million in the third quarter of 2023.

 

Adjusted EBITDA was $338 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 61% from the third quarter of 2023, due primarily to the cyclical increase in political advertising revenue.

 

Other Key Metrics:

 

 

Through September 30, 2024, we reduced the principal amount of our debt by $241 million in 2024 and expect full-year 2024 Net Debt reduction of approximately $500 million.

 

As of September 30, 2024, calculated as set forth in our Senior Credit Agreement, our First Lien Leverage Ratio and Leverage Ratio, which are net of $69 million of cash, were 3.00 to 1.00 and 5.67 to 1.00, respectively.

 

Currently, we have $674 million of borrowing availability under our undrawn Revolving Credit Facility.

 

Non-cash stock-based compensation was $5 million during each of the third quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

Financial Results and Expectations

 

Our results in the third quarter were largely in line with our guidance, with the exception of political advertising revenues, which, while strong, were slightly below our expectations. Our broadcast and corporate operating expenses were much lower than expectations.

 

Our total revenue and our Core advertising revenue were within our guidance range at $950 million and $365 million, respectively, with Core advertising revenue up 1% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Our local television stations in several Southeastern markets experienced reductions in Core and political advertising revenues during late September, due to their extensive, often round-the-clock and commercial-free coverage of Hurricane Helene to support those affected communities in the third quarter.

 

For the fourth quarter of 2024, we currently expect that Core advertising revenue will be down approximately 11% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, due primarily to political advertising revenue displacement and the movement of SEC college football games in our Southeastern markets from the CBS Network to the ABC Network. In addition, the continuing impact of Hurricane Helene and the added impact of Hurricane Milton in the fourth quarter is expected to adversely impact Core advertising revenue in several of our Southeastern markets. We now anticipate Core advertising revenues within a range of $1.475 billion to $1.488 billion for full-year 2024, which is down approximately 3% from our earlier guidance of $1.525 billion and down approximately 2% compared to full-year 2023.

 

4370 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 | P 404.504.9828 F 404.261.9607 | www.graymedia.com


 

Our political advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2024 was $173 million, compared to the $190 million of political advertising revenue during the third quarter of 2020 that was recorded by our current television station portfolio. We anticipate that political advertising revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024 will be within a range of $248 million to $253 million, and for full-year 2024 within a range of $495 million to $500 million. Our political advertising revenue was impacted by fewer competitive non-presidential races in some of our markets during the second half of this year as well as the same significant factors affecting core advertising that are identified above.

 

Our retransmission consent revenue in the third quarter of 2024 was $369 million, which was within our guidance range. We currently expect retransmission consent revenues in the range of $355 million to $360 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 and, in a range of approximately $1.476 billion to $1.481 billion, for full-year 2024.

 

For the third quarter of 2024, our broadcasting operating expenses and corporate operating expenses were $14 million and $3 million below the low end of the expense guidance ranges, respectively. For full-year 2024, we currently expect broadcasting operating expenses and corporate operating expenses will be within the range of $2.324 billion to $2.334 billion, and $110 million to $115 million, respectively. These updated full-year expense estimates reflect significant decreases from the initial full-year guidance, provided in February of this year, of approximately $2.4 billion and $125 million, respectively. In addition, we currently anticipate capital expenditures for full-year 2024 of $135 million, which includes approximately $35 million, net of reimbursements, related to Assembly Atlanta. We expect additional reimbursements of approximately $18 million in the first quarter of 2025 related to 2024 capital expenditures at Assembly Atlanta.

 

Cost Containment Initiatives

 

Starting in August 2024, we began identifying and implementing various measures throughout the company that we expect will further reduce our operating expense run-rate by at least $60 million on an annualized basis. As part of our routine budgeting process, we are carefully evaluating our capital expenditure needs for 2025.

 

We have taken several steps to reduce personnel expenses in 2025. These steps include streamlining workflows at our television stations and other business units, closing certain unfilled positions for which we were recruiting, eliminating certain positions that will not be filled following normal attrition throughout the second half of this year, and, for the first time in many years, eliminating certain positions in a handful of television stations and certain business units. Importantly, despite these staffing changes, we will continue to produce local newscasts with local journalists and local meteorologists in all of our existing local news markets, including small markets.

 

In terms of non-operating expenses, we anticipate a significant amount of interest savings due to lower debt balances resulting from open market debt repurchases and debt paydowns that have already occurred, and we anticipate will continue on an ongoing basis. We also anticipate that our cash income tax payments, net of refunds, for full-year 2024 will be approximately $133 million, approximately $49 million less than estimated in August of this year, due in part to interest expense deductibility in connection with Gray’s real estate assets, driven primarily by our Assembly Atlanta development.

 

Debt Repurchases and Repayments

 

We continue to focus on improving our balance sheet. From January 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024, we have reduced our principal amount of debt outstanding by $241 million. During the third quarter of 2024, we:

 

 

Repurchased and retired $29 million of our outstanding 2027 Notes on the open market at an average price of approximately 92.1% of par value, thereby reducing the remaining par value of our 2027 Notes to $671 million;

 

Repaid all amounts outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility; and

 

Repurchased and retired approximately $16 million of our outstanding 2021 Term Loan on the open market at an average price of approximately 90.8% of par value.

 

In addition to the amounts above, we have previously entered into agreements to further reduce our 2021 Term Loan by an additional $39 million at an average price of approximately 92.6% of par value, which transactions will close in November 2024. We anticipate that upon completion of all of the above transactions, the remaining 2021 Term Loan principal outstanding at par value will be $1.400 billion.

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024

Page 2 of 10

 

 

 

We project, including actions taken to date, a reduction of our Net Debt (also referred to herein as Adjusted Total Indebtedness) during the full-year 2024 of $500 million.

 

On November 7, 2024, our Board of Directors approved an increase in our debt repurchase authorization to repurchase additional debt in the open market, which replenished the previous authorization, bringing the total current authorization to $250 million. The extent of such repurchases, including the amount and timing of any repurchases, will depend on general market conditions, regulatory requirements, alternative investment opportunities and other considerations. This repurchase program supersedes any previous repurchase authorization, does not require us to repurchase a minimum amount of debt, and it may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time without prior notice.

 

Taxes

 

 

During the nine-months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $130 million and $43 million, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2024, based on our current forecasts, we anticipate making income tax payments, net of refunds, of approximately $3 million.

 

As of September 30, 2024, we have an aggregate of $282 million of various state operating loss carryforwards, of which we expect that approximately $201 million will not be utilized.

 

Guidance for the Three Months and Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2024

 

Based on our current forecasts for the quarter ending December 31, 2024, we anticipate the following key financial results, as outlined below in approximate ranges and as compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2023, as well as certain currently anticipated full-year financial results. As always, guidance may change in the future based on several factors and therefore may not reflect actual results:

 

   

Quarter Ending

   

Year Ending

 
    December 31,    

December 31, 2024

   

December 31, 2024

 
   

2023

   

(Guidance)

   

(Guidance)

 
   

(Actual)

   

Low

   

High

   

Low

   

High

 
   

(in millions)

 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                       

Core advertising

  $ 415     $ 365     $ 378     $ 1,475     $ 1,488  

Political

    33       248       253       495       500  

Retransmission consent

    365       355       360       1,476       1,481  

Production companies

    32       38       39       106       107  

Other

    19       16       17       69       70  

Total revenue

  $ 864     $ 1,022     $ 1,047     $ 3,621     $ 3,646  
                                         

Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets):

                 

Broadcasting:

                                       

Station expenses

  $ 371     $ 374     $ 382     $ 1,388     $ 1,396  

Network affiliation fees

    232       230       231       931       932  

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    1       1       2       5       6  

Total broadcasting expense

  $ 604     $ 605     $ 615     $ 2,324     $ 2,334  
                                         

Production companies

  $ 27     $ 29     $ 30     $ 86     $ 87  
                                         

Corporate and administrative:

                                       

Corporate expenses

  $ 28     $ 26     $ 30     $ 93     $ 97  

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    5       4       5       17       18  

Total corporate and administrative expense

  $ 33     $ 30     $ 35     $ 110     $ 115  

 

   

Year Ending

 
   

December 31,

 
   

2024

 

Estimated supplemental information (in millions):

 

(Guidance)

 

Interest expense, excluding amortization of deferred financing costs

  $ 470  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

  $ 14  

Preferred stock dividends

  $ 52  

Common stock dividends

  $ 32  

Total capital expenditures, excluding Assembly Atlanta

  $ 100  

Capital expenditures for Assembly Atlanta, net of anticipated reimbursements

  $ 35  

Income tax payments, net of refunds

  $ 133  

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024

Page 3 of 10

 

 

Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
                   

% Change

           

% Change

 
                   

2024 to

           

2024 to

 
   

2024

   

2023

   

2023

   

2022

   

2022

 
   

(dollars in millions)

 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                       

Core advertising

  $ 365     $ 363       1 %   $ 359       2 %

Political

    173       26       565 %     144       20 %

Retransmission consent

    369       378       (2 )%     368       0 %

Other

    17       16       6 %     18       (6 )%

Total broadcasting revenue

    924       783       18 %     889       4 %

Production companies

    26       20       30 %     20       30 %

Total revenue

  $ 950     $ 803       18 %   $ 909       5 %
                                         

Operating expenses (1):

                                       

Broadcasting:

                                       

Station expenses

  $ 336     $ 322       4 %   $ 309       9 %

Retransmission expense

    234       234       0 %     226       4 %

Transaction Related Expenses

    -       -       0 %     1       (100 )%

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    1       1       0 %     1       0 %

Total broadcasting expense

  $ 571     $ 557       3 %   $ 537       6 %
                                         

Production companies

  $ 22     $ 18       22 %   $ 16       38 %
                                         

Corporate and administrative:

                                       

Corporate expenses

  $ 20     $ 19       5 %   $ 22       (9 )%

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    4       4       0 %     5       (20 )%

Total corporate and administrative expense

  $ 24     $ 23       4 %   $ 27       (11 )%
                                         

Net income (loss)

  $ 96     $ (40 )     340 %   $ 108       (11 )%
                                         

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 338     $ 210       61 %   $ 335       1 %

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
                   

% Change

           

% Change

 
                   

2024 to

           

2024 to

 
   

2024

   

2023

   

2023

   

2022

   

2022

 
   

(dollars in millions)

 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                       

Core advertising

  $ 1,110     $ 1,099       1 %   $ 1,090       2 %

Political

    247       46       437 %     260       (5 )%

Retransmission consent

    1,121       1,167       (4 )%     1,143       (2 )%

Other

    53       51       4 %     55       (4 )%

Total broadcasting revenue

    2,531       2,363       7 %     2,548       (1 )%

Production companies

    68       54       26 %     56       21 %

Total revenue

  $ 2,599     $ 2,417       8 %   $ 2,604       0 %
                                         

Operating expenses (1):

                                       

Broadcasting

                                       

Station expenses

  $ 1,014     $ 955       6 %   $ 909       12 %

Retransmission expense

    701       705       (1 )%     678       3 %

Transaction Related Expenses

    -       -       0 %     5       (100 )%

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    4       4       0 %     3       33 %

Total broadcasting expense

  $ 1,719     $ 1,664       3 %   $ 1,595       8 %
                                         

Production companies

  $ 57     $ 88       (35 )%   $ 56       2 %
                                         

Corporate and administrative:

                                       

Corporate expenses

  $ 67     $ 68       (1 )%   $ 65       3 %

Transaction Related Expenses

    -       -       0 %     1       (100 )%

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    13       11       18 %     14       (7 )%

Total corporate and administrative expense

  $ 80     $ 79       1 %   $ 80       0 %
                                         

Net income (loss)

  $ 206     $ (67 )     407 %   $ 269       (23 )%
                                         

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 760     $ 600       27 %   $ 890       (15 )%

 

(1)

Excludes depreciation, amortization, impairment and (gain) loss on disposal of assets.

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024

Page 4 of 10
 

 

 

Detail Table of Operating Results (Unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

   

September 30,

 
                                 
   

2024

   

2023

   

2024

   

2023

 
   

(in millions, except for per share information)

 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                               

Broadcasting

  $ 924     $ 783     $ 2,531     $ 2,363  

Production companies

    26       20       68       54  

Total revenue (less agency commissions)

    950       803       2,599       2,417  

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, impairment and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net:

                               

Broadcasting

    571       557       1,719       1,664  

Production companies

    22       18       57       88  

Corporate and administrative

    24       23       80       79  

Depreciation

    36       36       108       106  

Amortization of intangible assets

    31       48       94       147  

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets

    -       43       -       43  

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net

    16       (6 )     15       20  

Operating expenses

    700       719       2,073       2,147  

Operating income

    250       84       526       270  

Other income (expense):

                               

Miscellaneous income (expense), net

    2       (10 )     114       (13 )

Interest expense

    (130 )     (111 )     (363 )     (324 )

Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt

    6       -       (1 )     (3 )

Income (loss) before income taxes

    128       (37 )     276       (70 )

Income tax expense (benefit)

    32       3       70       (3 )

Net income (loss)

    96       (40 )     206       (67 )

Preferred stock dividends

    13       13       39       39  

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

  $ 83     $ (53 )   $ 167     $ (106 )
                                 

Basic per share information:

                               

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

  $ 0.87     $ (0.57 )   $ 1.76     $ (1.15 )

Weighted-average shares outstanding

    95       93       95       92  
                                 

Diluted per share information:

                               

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

  $ 0.86     $ (0.57 )   $ 1.74     $ (1.15 )

Weighted-average shares outstanding

    97       93       96       92  

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024

Page 5 of 10

 

 

 

 

Other Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2024

   

2023

 
   

(in millions)

 
                 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 383     $ 565  

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    10       (259 )

Net cash used in financing activities

    (345 )     (346 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash

  $ 48     $ (40 )

 

   

As of

 
   

September 30, 2024

   

December 31, 2023

 
   

(in millions)

 
                 

Cash

  $ 69     $ 21  

Long-term debt, including current portion, less deferred financing costs

  $ 5,893     $ 6,160  

Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock

  $ 650     $ 650  

Borrowing availability under Revolving Credit Facility

  $ 674     $ 494  

 

The Company

 

We are a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. The portfolio includes 77 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station, as well as the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 43 markets totaling nearly 1.5 million Hispanic TV households. We also own Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. Gray also owns a majority interest in Swirl Films.

 

Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

 

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based largely on our current expectations and reflect various estimates and assumptions by us. These statements are statements other than those of historical fact and may be identified by words such as “estimates,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will,” “implied,” “assume” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond our control, include: estimates of future revenue, future expenses, future capital expenditures, future income tax payments, future workforce reductions and other future events. We are subject to additional risks and uncertainties described in our quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including in the “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections contained therein, which reports are made publicly available via our website, www.graymedia.com. Any forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. This press release reflects management’s views as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Gray undertakes no obligation to update or revise any information contained in this press release beyond the published date, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information about certain potential factors that could affect our business and financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any 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, 2023, and may be contained in reports subsequently filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov.

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024

Page 6 of 10

 

 

 

Conference Call Information:

 

We will host a conference call to discuss our third quarter operating results on November 8, 2024. The call will begin at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. The live dial-in number is 1 (800) 285-6670. The call will be webcast live and available for replay at www.graymedia.com. The taped replay of the conference call will be available at 1 (888) 556-3470, Confirmation Code: 898476# until December 8, 2024.

 

Gray Contacts

 

Web site: www.graymedia.com

 

 

Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, (404) 266-5513

 

Pat LaPlatney, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, (334) 206-1400

 

Jeffrey R. Gignac, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, (404) 504-9828

 

Kevin P. Latek, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Development Officer, (404) 266-8333

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024

Page 7 of 10

 

 

 

 


Non-GAAP Terms


 

In addition to results prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), this earnings release discusses “Adjusted EBITDA” a non-GAAP performance measure that management uses to evaluate the performance of the business. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss), adjusted for income tax expense (benefit), interest expense, loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock-based compensation costs, non-cash 401(k) expense, depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, impairment of investments, loss (gain) on asset disposals and certain other miscellaneous items. We consider Adjusted EBITDA to be an indicator of our operating performance.

 

In addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, “Leverage Ratio Denominator” is a metric that management uses to calculate our compliance with our financial covenants in our indebtedness agreements. This metric is calculated as specified in our Senior Credit Agreement and is a significant measure that represents the denominator of a formula used to calculate compliance with material financial covenants within the Senior Credit Agreement that govern our ability to incur indebtedness, incur liens, make investments and make restricted payments, among other limitations usual and customary for credit agreements of this type. Accordingly, management believes this metric is a very material metric to our debt and equity investors. Leverage Ratio Denominator gives effect to the revenue and broadcast expenses of all completed acquisitions and divestitures as if they had been acquired or divested, respectively, on October 1, 2022. It also gives effect to certain operating synergies expected from the acquisitions and related financings and adds back professional fees incurred in completing the acquisitions. Certain of the financial information related to the acquisitions, if applicable, has been derived from, and adjusted based on, unaudited, un-reviewed financial information prepared by other entities, which Gray cannot independently verify. We cannot assure you that such financial information would not be materially different if such information were audited or reviewed and no assurances can be provided as to the accuracy of such information, or that our actual results would not differ materially from this financial information if the acquisitions had been completed on the stated date. In addition, the presentation of Leverage Ratio Denominator as determined in the Senior Credit Agreement and the adjustments to such information, including expected synergies, if applicable, resulting from such transactions, may not comply with GAAP or the requirements for pro forma financial information under Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933. Leverage Ratio Denominator, as determined in the Senior Credit Agreement, represents an average amount for the preceding eight quarters then ended.

 

We define Transaction Related Expenses as incremental expenses incurred specific to acquisitions and divestitures, including but not limited to legal and professional fees, severance and incentive compensation, and contract termination fees. We present certain line items from our selected operating data, net of Transaction Related Expenses, in order to present a more meaningful comparison between periods of our operating expenses and our results of operations.

 

Our “Adjusted Total Indebtedness” or “Net Debt”, “First Lien Adjusted Total Indebtedness” and “Secured Adjusted Total Indebtedness” in each case net of all cash, represents the amount of outstanding principal of our long-term debt, plus certain other obligations as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement for the applicable amount of indebtedness.

 

These non-GAAP terms are not defined in GAAP and our definitions may differ from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies, thereby limiting their usefulness. Such terms are used by management 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 and cash flows reported in accordance with GAAP.

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024

Page 8 of 10

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited):

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

 
   

2024

   

2023

   

2022

 
   

(in millions)

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 96     $ (40 )   $ 108  

Adjustments to reconcile from net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA

                       

Depreciation

    36       36       33  

Amortization of intangible assets

    31       48       52  

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    5       5       6  

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net

    16       (6 )     (1 )

Miscellaneous (income) expense, net

    (2 )     10       1  

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets

    -       43       -  

Interest expense

    130       111       94  

Gain from early extinguishment of debt

    (6 )     -       -  

Income tax expense

    32       3       42  

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 338     $ 210     $ 335  
                         

Supplemental Information:

                       

Contributions to pension plan

  $ -     $ 4     $ 4  

Amortization of deferred loan costs

    4       3       4  

Preferred stock dividends

    13       13       13  

Common stock dividends

    8       8       7  

Purchases of property and equipment (1)

    23       33       52  

Reimbursements of property and equipment purchases

    -       -       2  

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

    45       19       9  

 

(1)

Excludes $17 million, $42 million and $87 million related to the Assembly Atlanta project in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

 
   

2024

   

2023

   

2022

 
   

(in millions)

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 206     $ (67 )   $ 269  

Adjustments to reconcile from net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA

                       

Depreciation

    108       106       96  

Amortization of intangible assets

    94       147       156  

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    17       14       17  

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net

    15       20       (6 )

Miscellaneous (income) expense, net

    (114 )     13       3  

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets

    -       43       -  

Interest expense

    363       324       254  

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

    1       3       -  

Income tax expense (benefit)

    70       (3 )     101  

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 760     $ 600     $ 890  
                         

Supplemental Information:

                       

Pension benefit

  $ -     $ 1     $ 2  

Contribution to pension plan

    -       4       4  

Amortization of deferred loan costs

    11       10       12  

Preferred stock dividends

    39       39       39  

Common stock dividends

    24       22       23  

Purchases of property and equipment (2)

    64       78       119  

Reimbursements of property and equipment purchases (3)

    -       -       7  

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

    130       43       128  

 

(2)

Excludes $39 million, $210 million and $179 million related to the Assembly Atlanta project in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

(3)

Excludes $6 million and $38 million related to the Assembly Atlanta project in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024

Page 9 of 10

 

 

 

 

Calculation of Leverage Ratio, First Lien Leverage Ratio and Secured Leverage Ratio, as each is defined in our Senior Credit Agreement (Unaudited):

 

   

Eight Quarters Ended

 
   

September 30, 2024

 
   

(in millions)

 

Net income

  $ 316  

Adjustments to reconcile from net income to Leverage Ratio

       

Denominator as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement:

       

Depreciation

    287  

Amortization of intangible assets

    339  

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    42  

Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan

    19  

Loss on disposal of assets, net

    39  

Gain on disposal of investment, not in the ordinary course

    (110 )

Interest expense

    903  

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

    4  

Income tax expense

    122  

Impairment of investment

    90  

Amortization of program broadcast rights

    69  

Payments for program broadcast rights

    (71 )

Pension benefit

    (5 )

Contributions to pension plans

    (4 )

Adjustments for unrestricted subsidiaries

    37  

Adjustments for stations acquired or divested, financings and expected synergies during the eight quarter period

    (1 )

Transaction Related Expenses

    3  

Other

    3  

Total eight quarters ended September 30, 2024

  $ 2,082  

Leverage Ratio Denominator (total eight quarters ended

       

September 30, 2024, divided by 2)

  $ 1,041  

 

   

September 30, 2024

 
   

(dollars in millions)

 
         

Total outstanding principal, including current portion

  $ 5,969  

Letters of credit outstanding

    6  

Cash

    (69 )

Adjusted Total Indebtedness

  $ 5,906  

Leverage Ratio (maximum permitted incurrence is 7.00 to 1.00)

    5.67  
         

Total outstanding principal secured by a first lien

  $ 3,188  

Cash

    (69 )

First Lien Adjusted Total Indebtedness

  $ 3,119  

First Lien Leverage Ratio (maximum permitted incurrence is 3.5 to 1.00) (1)

    3.00  
         

Total outstanding principal secured by a lien

  $ 3,188  

Cash

    (69 )

Secured Adjusted Total Indebtedness

  $ 3,119  

Secured Leverage Ratio (maximum permitted incurrence is 5.50 to 1.00)

    3.00  

 

(1) At any time any amounts are outstanding under our revolving credit facility, our maximum First Lien Leverage Ratio cannot exceed 4.25 to 1.00.

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024

Page 10 of 10