gtn20180226_8k.htm

 

 

 

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) February 27, 2018 (February 27, 2018)

 

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 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))

 

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 February 27, 2018, Gray Television, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release reporting its financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017. 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 7.01 - Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

 Also on February 27, 2018, the Company published on its corporate website certain unaudited selected historical operating data for the three month and year-to-date periods ended March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014. A copy of such unaudited selected historical operating data is furnished as Exhibit 99.2 to this Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

 

The information set forth under this item 7.01 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 to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as may be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)     Exhibits

 

99.1

Press release issued by Gray Television, Inc., on February 27, 2018

99.2

Unaudited selected historical operating data published on its corporate website by Gray Television, Inc., on February 27, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

February 27, 2018

By:  

 /s/ James C. Ryan

 

 

 

Name:  

James C. Ryan 

 

 

 

Title:  

Executive Vice President  and

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

ex_106175.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

Gray Reports Record Operating Results

 

Atlanta, Georgia February 27, 2018. . . Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray,” “we,” “us” or “our”) (NYSE: GTN and GTN.A) today announces record results of operations for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2017, including record revenue and net income.

 

Gray’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hilton Howell declared, “We are extremely pleased by all that we have accomplished in 2017 and look forward to an even more successful 2018.” In particular, several important measures of performance stood out:

 

 

our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 was a new record, increasing by approximately $70.3 million, or 9%, to $882.7 million compared to 2016;

 

 

our combined local and national advertising revenue increased by approximately $20.9 million, or 16%, in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. For all of 2017, our combined local and national advertising revenue increased $68.4 million, or 14%, compared to 2016;

 

 

our fourth quarter of 2017 political advertising revenue was $7.5 million, significantly exceeding our guidance;

 

 

our fourth quarter of 2017 broadcast operating expense was $150.7 million and was near the low end of our guidance;

 

 

our fourth quarter of 2017 corporate and administrative expense was $7.1 million, which was below our guidance;

 

 

our fully diluted net income per share for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017 was $2.13 and $3.55, respectively;

 

 

as of December 31, 2017, our Total Leverage Ratio, Net of all Cash (as defined below) improved to 4.16 times, on a trailing eight-quarter basis and our cash balance increased to $462.4 million;

 

 

our net income of $165.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2017 was our highest net income for any fourth quarter in our history. Our Broadcast Cash Flow was $85.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. Our Free Cash Flow was $40.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2017;

 

 

included in our net income for the fourth quarter of 2017 was a net income tax benefit of $134.4 million, resulting primarily from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “TCJA”); and

 

 

in December 2017, we completed an underwritten public offering of 17.25 million shares of our common stock at a price to the public of $14.50 per share. The net proceeds of the offering, after discounts and expenses, were approximately $238.9 million.

 

4370 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 | P 404.504.9828 F 404.261.9607 | www.gray.tv

 


 

 

Selected Operating Data on As-Reported Basis (unaudited):

 

   

Three Months Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

% Change

2017 to

2016

   

2015

   

% Change

2017 to

2015

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                           

Total

  $ 233,609     $ 237,619       (2)%       $ 169,487       38%    

Political

  $ 7,464     $ 48,519       (85)%       $ 9,213       (19)%    
                                             

Operating expenses (1):

                                           

Broadcast

  $ 150,670     $ 128,511       17%       $ 101,969       48%    

Corporate and administrative

  $ 7,105     $ 8,922       (20)%       $ 11,030       (36)%    
                                             

Net income

  $ 165,570     $ 35,834       362%       $ 14,987       1005%    
                                             

Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):

                                           

Broadcast Cash Flow

  $ 85,864     $ 109,469       (22)%       $ 67,849       27%    

Broadcast Cash Flow Less

                                           

Cash Corporate Expenses

  $ 79,938     $ 101,515       (21)%       $ 57,609       39%    

Free Cash Flow

  $ 40,383     $ 68,486       (41)%       $ 28,996       39%    

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

% Change

2017 to

2016

   

2015

   

% Change

2017 to

2015

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                           

Total

  $ 882,728     $ 812,465       9%       $ 597,356       48%    

Political

  $ 16,498     $ 90,095       (82)%       $ 17,163       (4)%    
                                             

Operating expenses (1):

                                           

Broadcast

  $ 557,116     $ 475,131       17%       $ 374,182       49%    

Corporate and administrative

  $ 31,541     $ 40,347       (22)%       $ 34,343       (8)%    
                                             

Net income

  $ 261,952     $ 62,273       321%       $ 39,301       567%    
                                             

Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):

                                           

Broadcast Cash Flow

  $ 329,503     $ 338,801       (3)%       $ 224,484       47%    

Broadcast Cash Flow Less

                                           

Cash Corporate Expenses

  $ 302,369     $ 302,332       0%       $ 193,261       56%    

Free Cash Flow

  $ 171,005     $ 148,126       15%       $ 93,984       82%    

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2) Non-GAAP terms and related reconciliations to net income are included below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 2 of 19
 

 

 

Selected Operating Data on Combined Historical Basis (unaudited):

 

   

Three Months Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

% Change

2017 to

2016

   

2015

   

% Change

2017 to

2015

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                           

Total

  $ 233,609     $ 275,529       (15)%       $ 224,708       4%    

Political

  $ 7,464     $ 63,369       (88)%       $ 12,088       (38)%    
                                             

Operating expenses (1):

                                           

Broadcast

  $ 150,670     $ 146,465       3%       $ 138,817       9%    

Corporate and administrative

  $ 7,105     $ 8,922       (20)%       $ 11,030       (36)%    
                                             

Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):

                                           

Broadcast Cash Flow

  $ 85,831     $ 129,968       (34)%       $ 91,501       (6)%    

Broadcast Cash Flow Less

                                           

Cash Corporate Expenses

  $ 79,905     $ 122,014       (35)%       $ 81,261       (2)%    

Operating Cash Flow as Defined in our Senior Credit Agreement

  $ 77,384     $ 122,758       (37)%       $ 81,794       (5)%    

Free Cash Flow

  $ 40,453     $ 87,872       (54)%       $ 50,089       (19)%    

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

% Change

2017 to

2016

   

2015

   

% Change

2017 to

2015

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                           

Total

  $ 895,081     $ 946,001       (5)%       $ 821,599       9%    

Political

  $ 16,539     $ 117,538       (86)%       $ 21,934       (25)%    
                                             

Operating expenses (1):

                                           

Broadcast

  $ 570,131     $ 553,118       3%       $ 524,285       9%    

Corporate and administrative

  $ 31,541     $ 40,347       (22)%       $ 34,343       (8)%    
                                             

Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):

                                           

Broadcast Cash Flow

  $ 331,874     $ 400,877       (17)%       $ 325,963       2%    

Broadcast Cash Flow Less

                                           

Cash Corporate Expenses

  $ 304,740     $ 364,408       (16)%       $ 294,740       3%    

Operating Cash Flow as Defined in our Senior Credit Agreement

  $ 302,257     $ 369,967       (18)%       $ 300,014       1%    

Free Cash Flow

  $ 173,772     $ 213,526       (19)%       $ 173,748       0%    

 

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

(2) Non-GAAP terms and related reconciliations to net income are included below.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017  Page 3 of 19
 

 

 

Results of Operations for the Fourth Quarter of 2017 on As-Reported Basis:

 

Revenue (Less Agency Commissions).

 

The table below presents our revenue (less agency commissions) by type for the fourth quarter of 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):

 

   

Three Months Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

Amount

   

Percent

 
           

Percent

           

Percent

   

Increase

   

Increase

 
   

Amount

   

of Total

   

Amount

   

of Total

   

(Decrease)

   

(Decrease)

 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                                     

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

  $ 120,714       51.7%       $ 107,083       45.1%       $ 13,631       13%    

National

    31,995       13.7%         24,776       10.4%         7,219       29%    

Political

    7,464       3.2%         48,519       20.4%         (41,055 )     (85)%    

Retransmission consent

    69,509       29.8%         51,965       21.9%         17,544       34%    

Other

    3,927       1.6%         5,276       2.2%         (1,349 )     (26)%    

Total

  $ 233,609       100.0%       $ 237,619       100.0%       $ (4,010 )     (2)%    

 

 

The 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions (each as defined below) collectively accounted for approximately $64.4 million of our total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2017, and the 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $42.5 million of our total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2016.

 

Excluding the revenue contributed by the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, our total revenue decreased by $25.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. This was primarily the result of a decrease in political advertising revenue of approximately $34.5 million due to 2017 being the “off-year” of the two-year election cycle. This decrease was partially offset by increases in national advertising revenue of $1.8 million and retransmission consent revenue of approximately $7.9 million, primarily due to higher retransmission consent rates.

 

Broadcast Operating Expenses.

 

Broadcast operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $22.2 million, or 17%, to $150.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. The 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions collectively accounted for approximately $40.5 million of our broadcast operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2017, and the 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $22.0 million of our broadcast operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2016. Including the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, total retransmission expense increased $9.3 million, or 35%, to $35.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, consistent with increases in retransmission consent revenue.

 

Excluding the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, in the fourth quarter of 2017:

 

 

Total non-compensation expenses increased $1.8 million, or 3%, primarily due to retransmission expense (reverse network compensation) increases of $3.6 million, partially offset by decreases in professional fees of $1.2 million.

 

 

Total compensation expenses increased $1.8 million, or 3%. Non-cash share-based compensation expenses were $2.8 million and $0.3 million in the fourth quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 4 of 19
 

 

 

Corporate and Administrative Operating Expenses.

 

Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) decreased $1.8 million, or 20%, to $7.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. This decrease reflects the following:

 

 

Non-compensation expenses decreased $1.0 million, or 24%, in the fourth quarter of 2017 due primarily to decreases of $0.7 million in legal and other professional fees related to the acquisitions completed in 2017 compared to those completed in 2016.

 

 

Compensation expenses decreased $0.8 million, or 17%, in the fourth quarter of 2017 due primarily to decreases in incentive compensation. Non-cash share-based compensation expenses were $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $1.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

 

Taxes.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2017, we made aggregate federal and state income tax payments of $0.8 million. We did not make any federal or state income tax payments in the fourth quarter of 2016. The TCJA, that was signed into law on December 22, 2017, reduced the value of our deferred tax liabilities, with a credit to earnings for a reduction of those liabilities. Accordingly, we recorded a tax benefit of $134.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to a tax expense of $24.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. In addition, the TCJA is expected to materially affect our income tax obligations in 2018 and subsequent years. Among other things, the new law should result in a positive effect on our net earnings and earnings per share. It will also limit or eliminate certain deductions, to which we have been entitled in past years, likely increasing our federal and state income tax payment obligations beginning in 2018.

 

 

Results of Operations for the Fourth Quarter of 2017 on Combined Historical Basis:

 

Revenue (Less Agency Commissions).

 

On a Combined Historical Basis, total revenue decreased $41.9 million, or 15%, to $233.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. The changes in Combined Historical Basis revenue were approximately as follows:

 

 

Local advertising revenue (including internet/digital/mobile) was unchanged.

 

 

National advertising revenue increased $2.5 million, or 8%, to $32.0 million.

 

 

Political advertising revenue decreased $55.9 million, or 88%, to $7.5 million.

 

 

Retransmission consent revenue increased $11.5 million, or 20%, to $69.5 million.

 

 

Other revenue increased $0.1 million, or 2%, to $3.9 million.

 

Broadcast Operating Expenses.

 

On a Combined Historical Basis, broadcast operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $4.2 million, or 3%, to $150.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. The net increase was primarily the result of:

 

 

Retransmission expense (reverse network compensation) increased $6.0 million, or 20%, to $35.6 million, consistent with increases in retransmission consent revenue.

 

 

Compensation expense decreased by approximately $0.5 million, or 1%, to $76.9 million.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 5 of 19
 

 

 

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 on As-Reported Basis:

 

Revenue (Less Agency Commissions).

 

The table below presents our revenue (less agency commissions) by type for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively (dollars in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

Amount

   

Percent

 
           

Percent

           

Percent

   

Increase

   

Increase

 
   

Amount

   

of Total

   

Amount

   

of Total

   

(Decrease)

   

(Decrease)

 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                                     

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

  $ 451,261       51.1%       $ 403,336       49.6%       $ 47,925       12%    

National

    118,817       13.5%         98,351       12.1%         20,466       21%    

Political

    16,498       1.9%         90,095       11.1%         (73,597 )     (82)%    

Retransmission consent

    276,603       31.3%         200,879       24.7%         75,724       38%    

Other

    19,549       2.2%         19,804       2.5%         (255 )     (1)%    

Total

  $ 882,728       100.0%       $ 812,465       100.0%       $ 70,263       9%    

 

 

The 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions collectively accounted for approximately $232.2 million of our total revenue in the year ended December 31, 2017, and the 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $130.4 million of our total revenue in the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

Excluding the revenue contributed by the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, our total revenue decreased by $31.6 million. This was primarily the result of a decrease in political advertising revenue of approximately $63.4 million, due to 2017 being the “off-year” of the two-year election cycle. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in retransmission consent revenue of approximately $36.8 million primarily due to higher retransmission consent rates.

 

Broadcast Operating Expenses.

 

Broadcast operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $82.0 million, or 17%, to $557.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions collectively accounted for approximately $135.6 million of our broadcast operating expenses in the year ended December 31, 2017, and the 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $74.6 million of our broadcast operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016. Including the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, total retransmission expense increased $38.7 million, or 40%, to $136.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, consistent with increases in retransmission consent revenue.

 

Excluding the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions, in the year ended December 31, 2017:

 

 

Non-compensation expenses increased by $20.3 million, or 9%, primarily due to retransmission expense (reverse network compensation) increases of $19.3 million and professional fee increases of $2.7 million.

 

 

Compensation expenses increased $0.7 million, or less than 1%.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 6 of 19
 

 

 

Corporate and Administrative Operating Expenses.

 

Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) decreased $8.8 million, or 22%, to $31.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. This decrease reflects in part the following:

 

 

Non-compensation expense decreased $7.3 million, or 31%, due primarily to decreases of $8.5 million of legal and other professional fees related to the acquisitions completed in 2017 compared to those completed in 2016.

 

 

Compensation expenses decreased $1.5 million, or 9%, primarily as a result of decreases in incentive compensation. Non-cash share-based compensation expenses were $4.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $3.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

Gain or Loss on Disposal of Assets, net.

 

We recorded a gain on disposal of assets of $74.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 and a loss on disposal of assets of $0.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2016. On May 30, 2017, we tendered two of our broadcast licenses and made other modifications to our broadcast spectrum related to our participation in the FCC’s reverse auction for broadcast spectrum. Proceeds from this auction, which we received on August 7, 2017, were $90.8 million while the combined cost of the assets disposed of was $13.1 million. Due to planning in connection with this transaction and our recently completed acquisitions, we have been able to defer any related income tax obligations on a long-term basis.

 

Loss from Early Extinguishment of Debt.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.9 million, or approximately $1.7 million after tax, related to the amendment and restatement of our senior credit facility. In the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $32.0 million, or approximately $19.5 million after tax, related to the tender offer and redemption of our 7½% senior notes due 2020.

 

Taxes.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we made aggregate federal and state income tax payments totaling $2.0 million compared to $14.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Primarily as a result of the enactment of the TCJA, in the year ended December 31, 2017 we recorded a tax benefit of $68.7 million, compared a tax provision of $43.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 7 of 19
 

 

 

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 on Combined Historical Basis:

 

Revenue (Less Agency Commissions).

 

On a Combined Historical Basis, revenue decreased $50.9 million, or 5%, to $895.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The changes in Combined Historical Basis revenue were approximately as follows:

 

 

Local advertising revenue (including internet/digital/mobile) decreased $6.0 million, or 1%, to $459.6 million.

 

 

National advertising revenue increased $2.6 million, or 2%, to $122.1 million.

 

 

Political advertising revenue decreased $101.0 million, or 86%, to $16.5 million.

 

 

Retransmission consent revenue increased $53.3 million, or 24%, to $279.8 million.

 

 

Other revenue increased $0.1 million, or less than 1%, to $17.1 million.

 

Local and national advertising revenue decreased $3.4 million, or 1%, in part, as a result of the impact of the broadcast of the 2017 Super Bowl on our FOX-affiliated stations generating approximately $0.6 million of local and national advertising revenue, compared to $2.1 million that we earned from the broadcast of the 2016 Super Bowl on our CBS-affiliated stations, and the lack of revenue from Olympic Games in 2017 compared with $8.2 million of revenue from the Olympic Games in 2016.

 

Broadcast Operating Expenses.

 

On a Combined Historical Basis, broadcast operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $17.0 million, or 3%, to $570.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase reflects, in part:

 

 

Retransmission expense (reverse network compensation) increased $26.9 million, or 24%, to $138.8 million, consistent with increases in retransmission consent revenue.

 

 

Syndicated programming and licensing expenses decreased approximately $1.7 million, or 7%, to $22.3 million.

 

 

Compensation expense decreased approximately $4.7 million, or 2%, to $284.4 million.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 8 of 19
 

 

 

Detailed table of operating results on As-Reported Basis:

Gray Television, Inc.

 

Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands except for net income per share data)

 
                                 
   

Three Months Ended

   

Year Ended

 
   

December 31,

   

December 31,

 
                                 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

 
                                 

Revenue (less agency commissions)

  $ 233,609     $ 237,619     $ 882,728     $ 812,465  

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

                               

Broadcast

    150,670       128,511       557,116       475,131  

Corporate and administrative

    7,105       8,922       31,541       40,347  

Depreciation

    13,418       11,686       51,973       45,923  

Amortization of intangible assets

    6,388       4,231       25,072       16,596  

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net

    939       395       (74,200 )     329  

Operating expenses

    178,520       153,745       591,502       578,326  

Operating income

    55,089       83,874       291,226       234,139  

Other income (expense):

                               

Miscellaneous income, net

    126       35       162       775  

Interest expense

    (24,070 )     (23,766 )     (95,259 )     (97,236 )

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

    -       -       (2,851 )     (31,987 )

Income before income tax

    31,145       60,143       193,278       105,691  

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (134,425 )     24,309       (68,674 )     43,418  

Net income

  $ 165,570     $ 35,834     $ 261,952     $ 62,273  
                                 

Basic per share information:

                               

Net income

  $ 2.15     $ 0.50     $ 3.59     $ 0.87  

Weighted-average shares outstanding

    76,869       71,845       73,061       71,848  
                                 

Diluted per share information:

                               

Net income

  $ 2.13     $ 0.49     $ 3.55     $ 0.86  

Weighted-average shares outstanding

    77,826       72,889       73,836       72,764  
                                 

Political advertising revenue (less agency commissions)

  $ 7,464     $ 48,519     $ 16,498     $ 90,095  
                                 

Revenue related to Olympic broadcasts (less agency commissions)

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 8,192  

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 9 of 19
 

 

 

Other Financial Data:

 

   

December 31, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 
   

(in thousands)

 
                 

Cash

  $ 462,399     $ 325,189  

Long-term debt including current portion

  $ 1,837,428     $ 1,756,747  

Borrowing availability under our senior credit facility

  $ 100,000     $ 60,000  

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
   

(in thousands)

 
                 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 180,015     $ 210,085  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (349,799 )     (479,334 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

    306,994       497,120  

Net increase in cash

  $ 137,210     $ 227,871  

 

 

Guidance for the Quarter Ending March 31, 2018:   

 

Based on our current forecasts for the quarter ending March 31, 2018 (the “first quarter of 2018”), we anticipate changes from the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (the “first quarter of 2017”) as outlined below. Our estimates for the first quarter of 2018 include approximately $9.8 million of revenues and $6.8 million of broadcast operating expenses estimated to be contributed by the stations acquired after the first quarter of 2017.

 

   

Low End

   

% Change

   

High End

   

% Change

         
   

Guidance for

   

From

   

Guidance for

   

From

   

As-Reported

 
   

the First

   

As-Reported

   

the First

   

As-Reported

   

First

 
   

Quarter of

   

First Quarter of

   

Quarter of

   

First Quarter of

   

Quarter of

 

Selected operating data:

 

2018

   

2017

   

2018

   

2017

   

2017

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 

OPERATING REVENUE:

                                           

Revenue (less agency commissions)

  $ 223,000       10%       $ 228,000       12%       $ 203,461  
                                             

OPERATING EXPENSES:

                                           

(before depreciation, amortization and loss (gain) on disposals of assets):

                                           

Broadcast

  $ 152,000       14%       $ 156,000       17%       $ 133,471  

Corporate and administrative

  $ 8,750       14%       $ 9,500       23%       $ 7,709  
                                             

OTHER SELECTED DATA:

                                           

Political advertising revenue

                                           

(less agency commissions)

  $ 5,000       279%       $ 5,500       316%       $ 1,321  

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 10 of 19
 

 

 

Comments on First Quarter 2018 Guidance:

 

We are currently negotiating two large MVPD agreement renewals and, while we cannot assure the outcome of the negotiations, we currently anticipate that the renewals will be retroactive to January 1, 2018.

 

Revenue.

 

Based on our current forecasts for the first quarter of 2018, we anticipate changes from the first quarter of 2017 as outlined below:

 

 

We believe our first quarter of 2018 local advertising revenue (including internet/digital/mobile) will increase by 1% to 2%.

 

 

We expect our first quarter of 2018 national advertising revenue will change by -3% to +1%.

 

 

We believe our first quarter of 2018 political advertising revenue will range between approximately $5.0 to $5.5 million, reflecting 2018 being an on-year of the political advertising revenue cycle.

 

 

We believe our first quarter of 2018 retransmission consent revenue will range between $85 million and $87.5 million, an increase of 26% to 29%.

 

For the first quarter of 2018, we anticipate our revenue will reflect a $13.2 million incremental increase from the 2017 Acquisitions.

 

Included in our forecast of local and national advertising revenue above, we anticipate that the revenue from the broadcast of the 2018 Super Bowl on our NBC-affiliated stations will be approximately $2.3 million, compared to $0.6 million that we earned from the broadcast of the 2017 Super Bowl on our FOX-affiliated stations. Our portfolio of NBC-affiliated stations is much larger and these NBC-affiliated stations serve larger television markets than our portfolio of FOX-affiliated stations. In addition, we anticipate that our revenue from the broadcast of the Winter Olympic Games on our NBC-affiliated stations will approximate $5.0 million to $5.8 million; there were no Olympic broadcasts in the first quarter of 2017.

 

Broadcast Operating Expenses (before depreciation, amortization and loss (gain) on disposal of assets).

 

For the first quarter of 2018, we anticipate our broadcast operating expenses will reflect a $8.4 million incremental increase from the 2017 Acquisitions, as well as the anticipated increases in payroll and related employee benefits. Included in our first quarter 2018 broadcast operating expenses are network programming fees currently estimated to range between $42.5 million and $43.7 million, compared to $32.3 million in the first quarter of 2017. Non-cash stock based compensation expenses expected to be included in broadcast operating expenses are $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2017.

 

Corporate and Administrative Operating Expenses (before depreciation, amortization and loss (gain) on disposal of assets).

 

For the first quarter of 2018, we anticipate our corporate and administrative operating expenses will increase to within a range of approximately $8.8 million to $9.5 million, reflecting an anticipated increase from the first quarter of 2017 of approximately $1.1 million to $1.8 million as a result of routine compensation increases and higher legal and other professional fees in 2018 related to potential acquisitions. Non-cash stock based compensation expenses expected to be included in expenses are $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2018, unchanged from the first quarter of 2017.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 11 of 19
 

 

 

The Company

 

We are a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that owns and operates over 100 television stations across 57 television markets that collectively broadcast over 200 program streams including over 100 channels affiliated with the CBS Network, the NBC Network, the ABC Network and the FOX Network. Our portfolio includes the number-one or number-two ranked television station for both overall audience and news audience in all 57 of our 57 markets, which collectively cover approximately 10.4 percent of total United States television households.

 

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

 

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the federal securities laws. These “forward-looking statements” are not statements of historical facts, and may include, among other things, statements regarding our current expectations and beliefs of operating results for the first quarter of 2018 or other periods, the impact of recently completed transactions, future operating expenses, future income tax payments and other future events. Actual results are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and may differ materially from the current expectations and beliefs discussed in this press release. All information set forth in this release is as of the date hereof. We do not intend, and undertake no duty, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances. 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, 2017 and may be contained in reports subsequently filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

 

Conference Call Information

 

We will host a conference call to discuss our fourth quarter operating results on February 27, 2018. The call will begin at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The live dial-in number is 1 (800) 946-0716 and the confirmation code is 6165505. 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: 6165505 until

March 29, 2018.

 

Gray Contacts

 

Web site: www.gray.tv

 

 

Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, 404-266-5512

 

Jim Ryan, 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-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 12 of 19

 

 

 

 

Effects of Acquisitions and Divestitures on Our Results of Operations and Non-GAAP Terms

 

From October 31, 2013 through December 31, 2017, we completed 23 acquisition transactions and three divestiture transactions. As more fully described in our Form 10-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today and in our prior disclosures, these transactions added a net total of 51 television stations in 31 television markets, including 26 new television markets, to our operations.

 

We refer to the eight stations we acquired (excluding the stations acquired in the Clarksburg Acquisition) during 2017 and the stations we commenced operating under an LMA during that period as the “2017 Acquisitions.” We refer to the 13 stations acquired in 2016, and that we retained in those transactions, as well as the stations in the Clarksburg Acquisition that we commenced operating under an LMA on June 1, 2016, as the “2016 Acquisitions.” During 2015, we completed six acquisitions, which collectively added seven television stations in six markets (four new markets) to our operations, and we refer to those stations as the “2015 Acquisitions.” Unless the context of the following discussion requires otherwise, we refer to the stations acquired in the 2017 Acquisitions, the 2016 Acquisitions and the 2015 Acquisitions, collectively, as the “Acquisitions.”

 

Due to the significant effect that our acquisitions and divestitures have had on our results of operations, and in order to provide more meaningful period over period comparisons, we present herein certain financial information on a “Combined Historical Basis.” Unless otherwise defined, Combined Historical Basis reflects financial results that have been compiled by adding Gray’s historical revenue and broadcast expenses to the historical revenue and broadcast expenses of the Acquisitions and subtracting the historical revenues and broadcast expenses of divested stations as if they had been acquired or divested, respectively, on January 1, 2015 (the beginning of the earliest period presented) (the “Completed Transactions”).

 

Combined Historical Basis financial information does not include any adjustments for other events attributable to the Completed Transactions except “Broadcast Cash Flow,” “Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses,” “Operating Cash Flow as Defined in the Senior Credit Agreement” and “Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash” each give effect to expected synergies, and “Free Cash Flow” on a Combined Historical Basis gives effect to the financings and certain expected operating synergies related to the Completed Transactions. “Operating Cash Flow as Defined in the Senior Credit Agreement” and “Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash” on a Combined Historical Basis also reflect the add-back of legal and other professional fees incurred in completing acquisitions. Certain of the Combined Historical Basis financial information has been derived from, and adjusted based on, unaudited, unreviewed 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 the Combined Historical Basis financial information if the Completed Transactions had been completed at the stated date. In addition, the presentation of Combined Historical Basis, “Broadcast Cash Flow,” “Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses,” “Operating Cash Flow as Defined in the Senior Credit Agreement,” “Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash” and “Free Cash Flow,” and the adjustments to such information, including expected synergies 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.

 

From time to time, Gray supplements its financial results prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) by disclosing the non-GAAP financial measures Broadcast Cash Flow, Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses, Operating Cash Flow as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement, Free Cash Flow and Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash. These non-GAAP amounts are used by us to approximate the amount used to calculate key financial performance covenants contained in our debt agreements and are used with our GAAP data to evaluate our results and liquidity. These non-GAAP amounts may be provided on an As-Reported Basis as well as a Combined Historical Basis.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 13 of 19
 

 

 

We define Broadcast Cash Flow as net income plus loss from early extinguishment of debt, corporate and administrative expenses, broadcast non-cash stock based compensation, depreciation and amortization (including amortization of intangible assets and program broadcast rights), any gain or loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous expense, interest expense, any income tax expense, non-cash 401(k) expense less any gain on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income, any income tax benefits, payments for program broadcast obligations and network compensation revenue.

 

We define Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses as net income plus loss from early extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock based compensation, depreciation and amortization (including amortization of intangible assets and program broadcast rights), any gain or loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous expense, interest expense, any income tax expense, and non-cash 401(k) expense, less any gain on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income, any income tax benefits, payments for program broadcast obligations and network compensation revenue.

 

We define Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement as Combined Historical Basis net income plus loss from early extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock based compensation, depreciation and amortization (including amortization of intangible assets and program broadcast rights), any loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous expense, interest expense, any income tax expense, non-cash 401(k) expense and pension expenses less any gain or loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income, any income tax benefits, payments for program broadcast obligations, network compensation revenue and cash contributions to pension plans.

 

We define Free Cash Flow as net income plus loss from early extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock based compensation, depreciation and amortization (including amortization of intangible assets and program broadcast rights), any loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous expense, amortization of deferred financing costs, any income tax expense, non-cash 401(k) expense and pension expense, less any gain or loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income, any income tax benefits, payments for program broadcast obligations, network compensation revenue, contributions to pension plans, amortization of original issue discount on our debt, capital expenditures (net of any insurance proceeds) and the payment of income taxes (net of any refunds received).

 

Our Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash is the total outstanding principal of our long-term debt and certain other obligations as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement less all cash divided by our average Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement for the preceding eight quarters. This average is calculated by dividing the sum of our Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement for the preceding eight quarters by two.

 

These non-GAAP terms are not defined in GAAP and our definitions may differ from, and therefore 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-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 14 of 19
 

 

 

Reconciliation on As-Reported Basis, in thousands:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 
                         

Net income

  $ 165,570     $ 35,834     $ 14,987  

Depreciation

    13,418       11,686       9,806  

Amortization of intangible assets

    6,388       4,231       3,267  

Non-cash stock based compensation

    4,001       1,274       1,009  

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net

    939       395       (482 )

Miscellaneous income, net

    (126 )     (36 )     (1 )

Interest expense

    24,070       23,766       18,649  

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (134,425 )     24,309       10,262  

Amortization of program broadcast rights

    5,589       4,975       4,123  

Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan excluding corporate 401(k) contributions

    -       8       7  

Payments for program broadcast rights

    (5,486 )     (4,927 )     (4,018 )

Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock based compensation

    5,926       7,954       10,240  

Broadcast Cash Flow

    85,864       109,469       67,849  

Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock based compensation

    (5,926 )     (7,954 )     (10,240 )

Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses

    79,938       101,515       57,609  

Pension (income) expense

    (124 )     45       17  

Contributions to pension plans

    (2,500 )     (10 )     (1,505 )

Interest expense

    (24,070 )     (23,766 )     (18,649 )

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    1,158       1,220       798  

Net amortization of original issue (premium) discount on senior notes

    (152 )     (153 )     (216 )

Purchase of property and equipment

    (13,090 )     (10,366 )     (8,972 )

Income taxes received (paid), net of refunds

    (777 )     1       (86 )

Free Cash Flow

  $ 40,383     $ 68,486     $ 28,996  

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 15 of 19
 

 

 

Reconciliation on As-Reported Basis, in thousands:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 
                         

Net income

  $ 261,952     $ 62,273     $ 39,301  

Depreciation

    51,973       45,923       36,712  

Amortization of intangible assets

    25,072       16,596       11,982  

Non-cash stock based compensation

    8,304       5,101       4,020  

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net

    (74,200 )     329       80  

Miscellaneous income, net

    (162 )     (775 )     (103 )

Interest expense

    95,259       97,236       74,411  

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

    2,851       31,987       -  

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (68,674 )     43,418       26,448  

Amortization of program broadcast rights

    21,033       19,001       14,960  

Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan excluding corporate 401(k) contributions

    16       29       26  

Payments for program broadcast rights

    (21,055 )     (18,786 )     (14,576 )

Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock based compensation

    27,134       36,469       31,223  

Broadcast Cash Flow

    329,503       338,801       224,484  

Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock based compensation

    (27,134 )     (36,469 )     (31,223 )

Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses

    302,369       302,332       193,261  

Pension (income) expense

    (495 )     165       4,207  

Contributions to pension plans

    (3,124 )     (3,048 )     (5,421 )

Interest expense

    (95,259 )     (97,236 )     (74,411 )

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    4,624       4,884       3,194  

Net amortization of original issue (premium) discount on senior notes

    (610 )     (779 )     (863 )

Purchase of property and equipment

    (34,516 )     (43,604 )     (24,222 )

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

    (1,984 )     (14,588 )     (1,761 )

Free Cash Flow

  $ 171,005     $ 148,126     $ 93,984  

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 16 of 19
 

 

 

Reconciliation on Combined Historical Basis, in thousands:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 
                         

Net income

  $ 165,570     $ 53,440     $ 21,288  

Depreciation

    13,418       12,793       13,352  

Amortization of intangible assets

    6,388       4,341       5,150  

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    4,001       1,274       1,009  

Loss on disposal of assets, net

    939       416       678  

Miscellaneous (income) loss, net

    (126 )     (77 )     1,365  

Interest expense

    24,070       25,588       24,287  

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (134,425 )     23,641       8,744  

Amortization of program broadcast rights

    5,589       5,351       5,875  

Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan excluding corporate 401(k) contributions

    -       8       7  

Payments for program broadcast rights

    (5,486 )     (5,303 )     (5,770 )

Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock-based compensation

    5,926       7,954       10,240  

Other

    (33 )     542       5,276  

Broadcast Cash Flow

    85,831       129,968       91,501  

Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock-based compensation

    (5,926 )     (7,954 )     (10,240 )

Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses

    79,905       122,014       81,261  

Pension (income) expense

    (124 )     45       17  

Contributions to pension plans

    (2,500 )     (10 )     (1,505 )

Other

    103       709       2,021  

Operating Cash Flow as Defined in Senior Credit Facility

    77,384       122,758       81,794  

Interest expense

    (24,070 )     (25,588 )     (24,287 )

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    1,158       1,220       798  

Net amortization of original issue (premium) discount on senior notes

    (152 )     (153 )     (216 )

Purchase of property and equipment

    (13,090 )     (10,366 )     (6,750 )

Income taxes received (paid), net of refunds

    (777 )     1       (1,250 )

Free Cash Flow

  $ 40,453     $ 87,872     $ 50,089  

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 17 of 19
 

 

 

Reconciliation on Combined Historical Basis, in thousands:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 
                         

Net income

  $ 260,133     $ 105,523     $ 65,202  

Depreciation

    52,710       51,829       52,056  

Amortization of intangible assets

    25,098       17,904       19,261  

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    8,304       5,101       4,020  

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net

    (74,250 )     595       1,736  

Miscellaneous (income) expense, net

    (171 )     119       5,729  

Interest expense

    95,999       102,354       96,597  

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

    2,851       31,987       -  

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (68,960 )     42,225       22,391  

Amortization of program broadcast rights

    21,296       21,349       21,799  

Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan excluding corporate 401(k) contributions

    16       29       26  

Payments for program broadcast rights

    (21,318 )     (21,134 )     (21,415 )

Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock-based compensation

    27,134       36,469       31,223  

Other

    3,032       6,527       27,338  

Broadcast Cash Flow

    331,874       400,877       325,963  

Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock-based compensation

    (27,134 )     (36,469 )     (31,223 )

Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses

    304,740       364,408       294,740  

Pension (income) expense

    (495 )     165       4,207  

Contributions to pension plans

    (3,124 )     (3,048 )     (5,421 )

Other

    1,136       8,442       6,488  

Operating Cash Flow as Defined in Senior Credit Facility

    302,257       369,967       300,014  

Interest expense

    (95,999 )     (102,354 )     (96,597 )

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    4,624       4,884       3,194  

Net amortization of original issue (premium) discount on senior notes

    (610 )     (779 )     (863 )

Purchase of property and equipment

    (34,516 )     (43,604 )     (27,000 )

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

    (1,984 )     (14,588 )     (5,000 )

Free Cash Flow

  $ 173,772     $ 213,526     $ 173,748  

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 18 of 19
 

 

 

Reconciliation of Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash, in thousands except for ratio:

 

 

Combined Historical Basis Operating Cash Flow

 

Eight Quarters

Ended

 

as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement:

 

December 31, 2017

 
         

Net income

  $ 365,656  

Depreciation

    104,539  

Amortization of intangible assets

    43,002  

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    13,405  

Gain on disposal of assets, net

    (73,655 )

Miscellaneous income, net

    (52 )

Interest expense

    198,353  

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

    34,838  

Income tax benefit

    (26,735 )

Amortization of program broadcast rights

    42,645  

Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan excluding corporate 401(k) contributions

    45  

Payments for program broadcast rights

    (42,452 )

Corporate and administrative expenses before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock-based compensation

    63,603  

Other

    9,559  

Broadcast Cash Flow

    732,751  

Corporate and administrative expenses before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock-based compensation

    (63,603 )

Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses

    669,148  

Pension income

    (330 )

Contributions to pension plans

    (6,172 )

Other

    9,578  

Operating Cash Flow as defined in Senior Credit Agreement

  $ 672,224  

Operating Cash Flow as defined in Senior Credit Agreement, divided by two

  $ 336,112  

 

   

December 31, 2017

 

Adjusted Total Indebtedness:

       

Long term debt, including current portion

  $ 1,837,427  

Capital leases and other debt

    739  

Total deferred financing costs, net

    27,993  

Premium on subordinated debt, net

    (5,187 )

Cash

    (462,399 )

Adjusted Total Indebtedness, Net of All Cash

  $ 1,398,573  

Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash

    4.16  

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.  
Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2017 Page 19 of 19
ex_106176.htm

Exhibit 99.2

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

As Reported Basis

 

   

2017

 
   

Three Months Ended

   

Year To Date Ended

 
   

March 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

 
                                                         

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                                       

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

  $ 102,597     $ 117,917     $ 110,033     $ 120,714     $ 220,514     $ 330,547     $ 451,261  

National

    24,814       30,981       31,027       31,995       55,795       86,822       118,817  

Political

    1,321       3,708       4,005       7,464       5,029       9,034       16,498  

Retransmission consent

    67,573       69,371       70,150       69,509       136,944       207,094       276,603  

Other

    7,156       4,704       3,762       3,927       11,860       15,622       19,549  

Total revenue

  $ 203,461     $ 226,681     $ 218,977     $ 233,609     $ 430,142     $ 649,119     $ 882,728  
                                                         

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets, net:

                                                       

Broadcast:

                                                       

Payroll, programming and other

  $ 101,206     $ 99,787     $ 104,697     $ 115,080     $ 200,993     $ 305,690     $ 420,770  

Retransmission

    32,265       33,758       34,733       35,590       66,023       100,756       136,346  

Total broadcast expenses

  $ 133,471     $ 133,545     $ 139,430     $ 150,670     $ 267,016     $ 406,446     $ 557,116  
                                                         

Corporate and administrative

  $ 7,709     $ 8,409     $ 8,318     $ 7,105     $ 16,118     $ 24,436     $ 31,541  

 

 

   

2016

 
   

Three Months Ended

   

Year To Date Ended

 
   

March 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

 
                                                         

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                                       

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

  $ 89,354     $ 104,727     $ 102,172     $ 107,083     $ 194,081     $ 296,253     $ 403,336  

National

    22,079       26,070       25,426       24,776       48,149       73,575       98,351  

Political

    9,655       9,649       22,272       48,519       19,304       41,576       90,095  

Retransmission consent

    47,269       50,549       51,096       51,965       97,818       148,914       200,879  

Other

    5,366       5,638       3,524       5,276       11,004       14,528       19,804  

Total revenue

  $ 173,723     $ 196,633     $ 204,490     $ 237,619     $ 370,356     $ 574,846     $ 812,465  
                                                         

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets, net:

                                                       

Broadcast:

                                                       

Payroll, programming and other

  $ 86,230     $ 93,385     $ 95,659     $ 102,173     $ 179,615     $ 275,274     $ 377,447  

Retransmission

    22,338       23,950       25,058       26,338       46,288       71,346       97,684  

Total broadcast expenses

  $ 108,568     $ 117,335     $ 120,717     $ 128,511     $ 225,903     $ 346,620     $ 475,131  
                                                         

Corporate and administrative

  $ 15,678     $ 8,524     $ 7,223     $ 8,922     $ 24,202     $ 31,425     $ 40,347  

 

Page 1 of 4

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

As Reported Basis

 

   

2015

 
   

Three Months Ended

   

Year To Date Ended

 
   

March 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

 
                                                         

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                                       

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

  $ 74,865     $ 83,091     $ 83,972     $ 94,543     $ 157,956     $ 241,928     $ 336,471  

National

    17,767       18,949       20,889       23,505       36,716       57,605       81,110  

Political

    1,159       2,197       4,594       9,213       3,356       7,950       17,163  

Retransmission consent

    36,251       36,909       39,329       39,468       73,160       112,489       151,957  

Other

    3,261       2,318       2,318       2,758       5,579       7,897       10,655  

Total revenue

  $ 133,303     $ 143,464     $ 151,102     $ 169,487     $ 276,767     $ 427,869     $ 597,356  
                                                         

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets, net:

                                                       

Broadcast:

                                                       

Payroll, programming and other

  $ 69,898     $ 69,467     $ 80,949     $ 83,603     $ 139,365     $ 220,314     $ 303,917  

Retransmission

    16,949       16,978       17,972       18,366       33,927       51,899       70,265  

Total broadcast expenses

  $ 86,847     $ 86,445     $ 98,921     $ 101,969     $ 173,292     $ 272,213     $ 374,182  
                                                         

Corporate and administrative

  $ 6,847     $ 6,444     $ 10,022     $ 11,030     $ 13,291     $ 23,313     $ 34,343  

 

 

   

2014

 
   

Three Months Ended

   

Year To Date Ended

 
   

March 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

 
                                                         

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                                       

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

  $ 57,083     $ 63,884     $ 69,460     $ 83,586     $ 120,967     $ 190,427     $ 274,013  

National

    13,348       14,826       16,158       20,626       28,174       44,332       64,958  

Political

    2,792       8,616       22,029       48,538       11,408       33,437       81,975  

Retransmission consent

    16,117       17,659       19,674       21,444       33,776       53,450       74,894  

Other

    1,957       2,264       4,381       3,692       4,221       8,602       12,294  

Total revenue

  $ 91,297     $ 107,249     $ 131,702     $ 177,886     $ 198,546     $ 330,248     $ 508,134  
                                                         

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets, net:

                                                       

Broadcast:

                                                       

Payroll, programming and other

  $ 56,439     $ 61,768     $ 67,959     $ 80,201     $ 118,207     $ 186,166     $ 266,367  

Retransmission

    3,945       4,234       5,259       6,185       8,179       13,438       19,623  

Total broadcast expenses

  $ 60,384     $ 66,002     $ 73,218     $ 86,386     $ 126,386     $ 199,604     $ 285,990  
                                                         

Corporate and administrative

  $ 6,499     $ 9,848     $ 5,271     $ 7,585     $ 16,347     $ 21,618     $ 29,203  

 

Page 2 of 4

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

Combined Historical Basis(1)

 

   

2017

 
   

Three Months Ended

   

Year To Date Ended

 
   

March 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

 
                                                         

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                                       

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

  $ 109,096     $ 119,757     $ 110,033     $ 120,714     $ 228,853     $ 338,886     $ 459,600  

National

    27,091       31,948       31,027       31,995       59,039       90,066       122,061  

Political

    1,346       3,723       4,005       7,464       5,069       9,074       16,539  

Retransmission consent

    70,215       69,938       70,150       69,509       140,153       210,303       279,812  

Other

    5,435       3,947       3,762       3,927       9,382       13,143       17,069  

Total revenue

  $ 213,183     $ 229,313     $ 218,977     $ 233,609     $ 442,496     $ 661,472     $ 895,081  
                                                         

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets, net:

                                                       

Broadcast:

                                                       

Payroll, programming and other

  $ 109,352     $ 102,185     $ 104,697     $ 115,080     $ 211,537     $ 316,234     $ 431,313  

Retransmission

    34,268       34,227       34,733       35,590       68,495       103,227       138,818  

Total broadcast expenses

  $ 143,620     $ 136,412     $ 139,430     $ 150,670     $ 280,032     $ 419,461     $ 570,131  
                                                         

Corporate and administrative

  $ 7,709     $ 8,409     $ 8,318     $ 7,105     $ 16,118     $ 24,436     $ 31,541  

 

 

   

2016

 
   

Three Months Ended

   

Year To Date Ended

 
   

March 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

 
                                                         

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                                       

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

  $ 110,190     $ 119,764     $ 114,796     $ 120,812     $ 229,954     $ 344,750     $ 465,562  

National

    28,547       31,261       30,112       29,493       59,808       89,920       119,413  

Political

    14,770       11,218       28,181       63,369       25,988       54,169       117,538  

Retransmission consent

    55,529       56,024       56,928       58,002       111,553       168,481       226,483  

Other

    5,469       3,903       3,781       3,852       9,372       13,153       17,005  

Total revenue

  $ 214,505     $ 222,170     $ 233,798     $ 275,528     $ 436,675     $ 670,473     $ 946,001  
                                                         

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets, net:

                                                       

Broadcast:

                                                       

Payroll, programming and other

  $ 110,304     $ 106,254     $ 107,845     $ 116,841     $ 216,558     $ 324,403     $ 441,244  

Retransmission

    27,126       27,159       27,965       29,624       54,285       82,250       111,874  

Total broadcast expenses

  $ 137,430     $ 133,413     $ 135,810     $ 146,465     $ 270,843     $ 406,653     $ 553,118  
                                                         

Corporate and administrative

  $ 15,678     $ 8,524     $ 7,223     $ 8,922     $ 24,202     $ 31,425     $ 40,347  

 

See following page for note

 

Page 3 of 4

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

Combined Historical Basis(1)

 

   

2015

 
   

Three Months Ended

   

Year To Date Ended

 
   

March 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

 
                                                         

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                                       

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

  $ 107,486     $ 119,452     $ 113,776     $ 126,298     $ 226,938     $ 340,714     $ 467,012  

National

    29,641       31,785       32,175       33,648       61,426       93,601       127,249  

Political

    1,372       2,939       5,535       12,088       4,311       9,846       21,934  

Retransmission consent

    45,524       46,423       47,983       48,660       91,947       139,930       188,590  

Other

    5,201       3,845       3,754       4,014       9,046       12,800       16,814  

Total revenue

  $ 189,224     $ 204,444     $ 203,223     $ 224,708     $ 393,668     $ 596,891     $ 821,599  
                                                         

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets, net:

                                                       

Broadcast:

                                                       

Payroll, programming and other

  $ 105,627     $ 105,181     $ 111,961     $ 115,716     $ 210,808     $ 322,769     $ 438,485  

Retransmission

    20,477       20,671       21,551       23,101       41,148       62,699       85,800  

Total broadcast expenses

  $ 126,104     $ 125,852     $ 133,512     $ 138,817     $ 251,956     $ 385,468     $ 524,285  
                                                         

Corporate and administrative

  $ 6,847     $ 6,444     $ 10,022     $ 11,030     $ 13,291     $ 23,313     $ 34,343

 

 

 

   

2014

 
   

Three Months Ended

   

Year To Date Ended

 
   

March 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

 
                                                         

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                                       

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

  $ 104,591     $ 113,891     $ 105,662     $ 119,303     $ 218,482     $ 324,144     $ 443,447  

National

    29,117       30,926       30,013       34,658       60,043       90,056       124,714  

Political

    5,537       16,517       41,110       79,548       22,054       63,164       142,712  

Retransmission consent

    27,826       29,445       28,515       30,188       57,271       85,786       115,974  

Other

    7,317       5,427       6,004       5,104       12,744       18,748       23,852  

Total revenue

  $ 174,388     $ 196,206     $ 211,304     $ 268,801     $ 370,594     $ 581,898     $ 850,699  
                                                         

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets, net:

                                                       

Broadcast:

                                                       

Payroll, programming and other

  $ 106,908     $ 109,505     $ 109,829     $ 122,961     $ 216,413     $ 326,242     $ 449,203  

Retransmission

    8,170       8,123       8,123       9,209       16,293       24,416       33,625  

Total broadcast expenses

  $ 115,078     $ 117,628     $ 117,952     $ 132,170     $ 232,706     $ 350,658     $ 482,828  
                                                         

Corporate and administrative

  $ 6,499     $ 9,848     $ 5,271     $ 7,585     $ 16,347     $ 21,618     $ 29,203  
                                                         

 

(1) Due to the significant effect that our acquisitions and divestitures have had on our results of operations, and in order to provide more meaningful period over period comparisons, we present herein certain financial information on a “Combined Historical Basis.” Combined Historical Basis reflects financial results that have been compiled by adding Gray’s historical revenue and broadcast expenses to the historical revenue and broadcast expenses of stations acquired and removing the historical revenues and historical broadcast expenses of divested stations as if they had been acquired or divested, respectively, on January 1, 2014 (the beginning of the earliest period presented). Combined Historical Basis financial information reflects station acquisition and divestitures ocurring between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2017. Combined Historical Basis financial information does not reflect all purchase accounting and other adjustments required to comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), and includes certain other amounts not included, in pro forma financial information under Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.

 

 

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