gtn20190227_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 28, 2019 (February 28, 2019)

 

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))

 

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 28, 2019, Gray Television, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release reporting its financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018. 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 28, 2019, 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016. 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 28, 2019

99.2

Unaudited selected historical operating data

 

 

 

 

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 28, 2019

By:  

 /s/ James C. Ryan

 

 

 

Name:  

James C. Ryan 

 

 

 

Title:  

Executive Vice President  and

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

ex_136012.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

Gray Reports Record Operating Results

 

Atlanta, Georgia – February 28, 2019. . . Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray,” “we,” “us” or “our”) (NYSE: GTN) today announces record results of operations for the three-months and full year ended December 31, 2018, including strong net income and record revenue and Broadcast Cash Flow (a non-GAAP financial measure, defined below). Our diluted net income per share for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $1.00. Excluding the $8.5 million of transaction costs discussed below, our adjusted diluted net income per share would have been $1.06 in the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

Financial Highlights, Selected Operating Data and Other Recent Developments:

 

 

Strong Net Income and Record Fourth Quarter Revenue and Broadcast Cash Flow - Our net income was $88.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, and was our second best fourth quarter net income. Our revenue and Broadcast Cash Flow for the fourth quarter of 2018 were each record results. Our revenue was $328.2 million, increasing $94.6 million, or 40%, from the fourth quarter of 2017, and was our all-time best quarterly revenue. Our Broadcast Cash Flow was $172.8 million, increasing $87.1 million, or 102%, from the fourth quarter of 2017, and was our all-time best quarterly result.

 

 

Political Revenue – Our political advertising revenue was $83.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. For comparison, after giving effect to stations acquired and divested from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2018, we earned $79.5 million of political advertising revenue in the fourth quarter of 2014, which was the most recent non-presidential election year. Our political advertising revenue for the fourth quarter of 2018 was approximately 5% greater than that of the fourth quarter of 2014, on this adjusted basis.

 

 

Retransmission Revenue, Expense and Net - Our gross retransmission revenue for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $93.0 million, and our retransmission expense was $42.7 million. Therefore, our retransmission revenue, net of retransmission expense, was $50.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. For calendar year 2018, gross retransmission revenue was $355.4 million and retransmission revenue net of retransmission expense, was $190.4 million.

 

 

Total Leverage Ratio, Net of all Cash - As of December 31, 2018, our total leverage ratio, as defined in our senior credit facility (as discussed further below), was 3.01 times on a trailing eight-quarter basis after netting our total cash (excluding restricted cash) balance of $667.0 million.

 

 

Merger with Raycom Media, Inc. – On January 2, 2019, we completed the merger with Raycom Media, Inc. (“Raycom”), the related acquisitions of stations KYOU-TV and WUPV-TV and the divestiture of eight Raycom stations due to market overlaps (together, the “Raycom Merger”). Giving effect to the Raycom Merger, we own and/or operate television stations in 91 markets broadcasting almost 400 affiliates including nearly 150 affiliates of the ABC/NBC/CBS/FOX networks, as well as other networks and program streams. These stations are the number-one or number-two ranked stations in 86 of the 91 markets. In addition to the high quality television stations acquired as part of the merger, we also acquired businesses that provide sports marketing and production services, that we believe has made us a more diversified media company.

 

 

Financing for the Raycom Merger– In connection with the Raycom Merger, we completed several financing transactions:

 

 

o

On November 16, 2018, we completed the offering of $750.0 million of 7.0% unsecured notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”) by our special purpose wholly-owned subsidiary. We assumed all obligations of the 2027 Notes upon completion of the Raycom Merger on January 2, 2019. As of December 31, 2018, the proceeds from this offering were held in escrow.

 

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

 

 

 

 

o

On January 2, 2019:

 

 

We amended our senior credit facility, pursuant to which we borrowed $1.4 billion of additional secured term loan financing and increased our un-drawn revolving credit facility to $200.0 million,

 

 

We issued $650.0 million of our 8.0% Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock, and

 

 

We issued 11.5 million shares of our common stock valued at $169.5 million.

 

 

Network Affiliation Renewals. Coincident with and in the weeks after the Raycom Merger, we entered into agreements with the ABC network, CBS network and NBC network that extend the terms of the affiliation agreements for all ABC, CBS and NBC affiliated stations acquired in the Raycom Merger as well as the ABC affiliations for all of the legacy Gray stations.

 

 

United Acquisition. On February 8, 2019, we announced that we entered into an agreement with United Communications, Inc. to acquire all three of its television stations for $45.0 million. Those stations are WWNY-TV (CBS) and WNYF-CD (FOX) in Watertown, New York (DMA 178) and KEYC-TV (CBS/FOX) in Mankato, Minnesota (DMA 199).

 

 

Key Vendor Agreements. In January 2019, we expanded our relationship with Comscore, Inc. for local audience measurement for the entire legacy Gray footprint and for the majority of Raycom’s legacy footprint. Conversely, Gray’s stations in the Comscore markets will no longer acquire audience measurement services from Nielsen Co. In addition, we entered into an agreement to terminate the national advertising sales representation agreements that cover all television stations that we acquired in the Raycom Merger. As a result of this termination, we incurred a termination expense of approximately $27.6 million in the first quarter of 2019. Beginning on February 25, 2019, the former Raycom stations will join the legacy Gray stations in handling all local, regional, and national business directly with their buyers.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 2 of 18
 

 

 

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

 

   

Three Months Ended December 31,

 
   

2018

   

2017

   

% Change

2018 to

2017

 

2016

   

% Change

2018 to

2016

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

   

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                         

Total

  $ 328,220     $ 233,609       40 %   $ 237,619       38 %  

Political

  $ 83,211     $ 7,464       1015 %   $ 48,519       72 %  
                                           

Operating expenses (1)(3):

                                         

Broadcast

  $ 159,739     $ 150,782       6 %   $ 128,476       24 %  

Corporate and administrative

  $ 10,776     $ 7,117       51 %   $ 8,912       21 %  
                                           

Net income

  $ 88,267     $ 165,570       (47 )%   $ 35,834       146 %  
                                           

Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):

                                         

Broadcast Cash Flow (3)

  $ 172,844     $ 85,755       102 %   $ 109,502       58 %  

Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses (3)

  $ 163,526     $ 79,814       105 %   $ 101,560       61 %  

Free Cash Flow

  $ 97,836     $ 40,383       142 %   $ 68,486       43 %  

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2018

   

2017

   

% Change

2018 to

2017

 

2016

   

% Change

2018 to

2016

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

   

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                         

Total

  $ 1,084,132     $ 882,728       23 %   $ 812,465       34 %  

Political

  $ 155,074     $ 16,498       840 %   $ 90,095       72 %  
                                           

Operating expenses (1)(3):

                                         

Broadcast

  $ 596,403     $ 557,563       7 %   $ 474,994       26 %  

Corporate and administrative

  $ 40,910     $ 31,589       30 %   $ 40,319       1 %  
                                           

Net income

  $ 210,803     $ 261,952       (20 )%   $ 62,273       239 %  
                                           

Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):

                                         

Broadcast Cash Flow (3)

  $ 493,359     $ 329,057       50 %   $ 338,938       46 %  

Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses (3)

  $ 457,392     $ 301,873       52 %   $ 302,497       51 %  

Free Cash Flow

  $ 262,554     $ 171,004       54 %   $ 148,126       77 %  

 

 

(1)

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

(2)

See definition of non-GAAP terms and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP amounts to net income included elsewhere herein.

(3)

Amounts in 2017 and 2016 have been reclassified to give effect to the implementation of Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) – Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”).

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 3 of 18
 

 

 

Results of Operations for the Fourth Quarter of 2018:

 

Revenue (Less Agency Commissions).

 

The table below presents our revenue (less agency commissions) by type for the fourth quarter of 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands):

 

   

Three Months Ended December 31,

 
   

2018

 

2017

 

Amount

   

Percent

 
           

Percent

         

Percent

 

Increase

   

Increase

 
   

Amount

   

of Total

 

Amount

   

of Total

 

(Decrease)

   

(Decrease)

 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                                 

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

  $ 117,409       35.8 %   $ 120,714       51.7 %   $ (3,305 )     (3 )%  

National

    30,608       9.3 %     31,995       13.7 %     (1,387 )     (4 )%  

Political

    83,211       25.4 %     7,464       3.2 %     75,747       1015 %  

Retransmission consent

    92,962       28.3 %     69,509       29.8 %     23,453       34 %  

Other

    4,030       1.2 %     3,927       1.6 %     103       3 %  

Total

  $ 328,220       100.0 %   $ 233,609       100.0 %   $ 94,611       40 %  

 

Total revenue increased by $94.6 million or 40% in the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017. Total revenue increased primarily as a result of increased political advertising revenue due to 2018 being the “on-year” of the two-year election cycle and increased retransmission consent revenue, due primarily to increased retransmission consent rates.

 

Broadcast Operating Expenses.

 

Broadcast operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $9.0 million, or 6%, to $159.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the fourth quarter of 2017. The increase reflects, in part, the following:

 

 

Non-compensation expenses increased $10.8 million, or 15%, in the 2018 period primarily as a result of an increase in retransmission expense of $7.1 million or 20%, to $42.7 million and increases in bank fees, related to credit card collections, of $1.5 million and bad debt expense of $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

 

Compensation expense decreased $1.8 million in the 2018 period, primarily due to reductions in staffing. Non-cash stock-based compensation expenses were $0.3 million and $2.8 million in the fourth quarters of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Corporate and Administrative Operating Expenses.

 

Corporate and administrative operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $3.7 million, or 51%, to $10.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the fourth quarter of 2017. The increase reflects the following:

 

 

Non-compensation expenses increased $3.0 million, or 91%, in the fourth quarter of 2018 primarily as a result of an increase in professional fees of $2.4 million related to acquisition activities.

 

 

Compensation expenses increased $0.6 million, or 17%, in the fourth quarter of 2018 due primarily to increases in incentive compensation costs. Non-cash stock-based compensation expenses were $1.3 million and $1.2 million in the fourth quarters of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 4 of 18
 

 

 

Gain or Loss on Disposal of Assets, net.

 

 

We reported gains on disposals of assets of $11.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 that included a $4.8 million gain related to the divestiture of WSWG-TV and $6.4 million primarily related to the on-going FCC Repack process. As WSWG-TV was in a market that overlapped with the operations of a Raycom owned television station, its divestiture was required for regulatory approval of the Raycom Merger.

 

Taxes.

 

We made aggregate federal and state income tax payments, net of refunds, of $7.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $0.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

 

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2018:

 

Revenue (Less Agency Commissions).

 

The table below presents our revenue (less agency commissions) by type for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively (dollars in thousands):

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2018

 

2017

 

Amount

   

Percent

 
           

Percent

         

Percent

 

Increase

    Increase  
   

Amount

   

of Total

 

Amount

   

of Total

 

(Decrease)

   

(Decrease)

 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

                                                 

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

  $ 442,728       40.8 %   $ 451,261       51.1 %   $ (8,533 )     (2 )%  

National

    114,192       10.5 %     118,817       13.5 %     (4,625 )     (4 )%  

Political

    155,074       14.3 %     16,498       1.9 %     138,576       840 %  

Retransmission consent

    355,423       32.8 %     276,603       31.3 %     78,820       28 %  

Other

    16,715       1.6 %     19,549       2.2 %     (2,834 )     (14 )%  

Total

  $ 1,084,132       100.0 %   $ 882,728       100.0 %   $ 201,404       23 %  

 

Total revenue increased $201.4 million or 23% to $1.1 billion in the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Total revenue increased primarily as a result of increased political advertising revenue due to 2018 being the “on-year” of the two-year election cycle and increased retransmission consent revenue, due primarily to increased retransmission consent rates. Local and national advertising revenue decreased slightly, in spite of the $2.3 million of revenue we earned from the broadcast of the 2018 Super Bowl on our NBC-affiliated stations, compared to $0.6 million that we earned from the broadcast of the 2017 Super Bowl on our FOX-affiliated stations. In addition, revenue from the broadcast of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games on our NBC-affiliated stations was approximately $5.5 million.

 

Broadcast Operating Expenses.

 

Broadcast operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $38.8 million, or 7%, to $596.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase reflects, in part, the following:

 

 

Non-compensation expenses increased by $37.5 million, or 13%, in 2018, primarily as the result of increased retransmission expense of $28.5 million, or 21%, to $165.0 million in 2018 and net increases in several other expense categories including programming, professional fees and credit and collection costs. Our programming costs related to the broadcast of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games were $1.5 million.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 5 of 18
 

 

 

 

Compensation expenses increased $1.3 million, or less than 1%, in 2018. Including the effect of a $0.5 million adjustment related to forfeitures, our non-cash stock-based compensation expenses were $1.9 million and $3.9 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Corporate and Administrative Operating Expenses.

 

Corporate and administrative operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $9.3 million, or 30%, to $40.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase reflects in part the following:

 

 

Non-compensation expense increased $7.6 million, or 46%, due primarily to increases of $7.3 million of professional fees related to acquisition activities in 2018.

 

 

Compensation expenses increased $1.8 million, or 12%, primarily as a result of increases in incentive compensation. Non-cash stock-based compensation expenses were $4.8 million in 2018 compared to $4.4 million in 2017.

 

Gain or Loss on Disposal of Assets, net.

 

We reported gains on disposals of assets of $16.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2018 that included a gain of $4.8 million related to the divestiture of WSWG-TV and $14.2 million related to the on-going FCC Repack process. In the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a net gain of $74.2 million. This gain was primarily related to the FCC Spectrum Auction, in which we tendered two of our television broadcast licenses and made other modifications to our broadcast spectrum. Our proceeds from this auction were $90.8 million and the cost of the assets disposed was $13.1 million.

 

Loss from Early Extinguishment of Debt.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded an approximately $2.9 million loss from early extinguishment of debt related to the amendment and restatement of our senior credit facility.

 

Taxes.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we made aggregate federal and state income tax payments totaling $34.2 million compared to $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. We recorded a provision for income taxes of $76.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2018. In the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a tax benefit of $68.7 million, primarily as a result of U.S. tax reform legislation known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 6 of 18
 

 

 

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,

 
                                 
   

2018

   

2017

   

2018

   

2017

 
                                 

Revenue (less agency commissions)

  $ 328,220     $ 233,609     $ 1,084,132     $ 882,728  

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

                               

Broadcast (1)

    159,739       150,782       596,403       557,563  

Corporate and administrative (1)

    10,776       7,117       40,910       31,589  

Depreciation

    13,296       13,418       53,883       51,973  

Amortization of intangible assets

    4,983       6,388       20,570       25,072  

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net

    (11,218 )     939       (16,405 )     (74,200 )

Operating expenses

    177,576       178,644       695,361       591,997  

Operating income

    150,644       54,965       388,771       290,731  

Other income (expense):

                               

Miscellaneous income (expense), net (1)

    3,315       250       5,507       657  

Interest expense

    (32,443 )     (24,070 )     (106,628 )     (95,259 )

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

    -       -       -       (2,851 )

Income before income tax

    121,516       31,145       287,650       193,278  

Income tax (benefit) expense

    33,249       (134,425 )     76,847       (68,674 )

Net income

  $ 88,267     $ 165,570     $ 210,803     $ 261,952  
                                 

Basic per share information:

                               

Net income

  $ 1.01     $ 2.15     $ 2.39     $ 3.59  

Weighted-average shares outstanding

    87,765       76,869       88,084       73,061  
                                 

Diluted per share information:

                               

Net income

  $ 1.00     $ 2.13     $ 2.37     $ 3.55  

Weighted-average shares outstanding

    88,685       77,826       88,778       73,836  
                                 

Political advertising revenue (less agency commissions)

  $ 83,211     $ 7,464     $ 155,074     $ 16,498  

 

(1) Amounts in 2017 have been reclassified to give effect to the implementation of ASU 2017-07.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 7 of 18
 

 

 

Other Financial Data:

 

   

December 31, 2018

   

December 31, 2017

 
   

(in thousands)

 
                 

Cash

  $ 666,980     $ 462,399  

Restricted cash

  $ 751,963     $ -  

Long-term debt including current portion

  $ 2,549,224     $ 1,837,428  

Borrowing availability under our senior credit facility

  $ 100,000     $ 100,000  

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2018

   

2017

 
   

(in thousands)

 
                 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 323,316     $ 180,015  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (47,377 )     (349,799 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

    680,605       306,994  

Net increase in cash and restricted cash

  $ 956,544     $ 137,210  

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 8 of 18
 

 

 

Guidance for the Three-Months Ending March 31, 2019:   

 

Based on our current forecasts for the quarter ending March 31, 2019 (the “first quarter of 2019”), we anticipate changes from the quarter ended March 31, 2018 (the “first quarter of 2018”) as outlined below.

 

 

As Reported Basis:

 

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:

 

2019

   

2018

 

2019

   

2018

 

2018

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 

OPERATING REVENUE (less agency commissions):

                                       

Broadcast

  $ 460,000       103 %   $ 465,000       106 %   $ 226,258  

Production companies

  $ 35,000             $ 37,000             $ -  

Total revenue

  $ 495,000       119 %   $ 502,000       122 %   $ 226,258  
                                         

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

                                       

Broadcast

  $ 355,000       137 %   $ 358,000       139 %   $ 149,654  

Production companies

  $ 34,000             $ 36,000             $ -  

Corporate and administrative

  $ 45,000       445 %   $ 50,000       505 %   $ 8,260  
                                         

OTHER SELECTED DATA:

                                       

Political advertising revenue (less agency commissions)

  $ 750       (87 )%   $ 1,000       (83 )%   $ 5,775  

 

Combined Historical Basis:

 

Low End

   

% Change

 

High End

   

% Change

       
   

Guidance for

   

From

 

Guidance for

   

From

 

CHB

 
   

the First

   

CHB

 

the First

   

CHB

 

First

 
   

Quarter of

   

First Quarter of

 

Quarter of

   

First Quarter of

 

Quarter of

 

Selected operating data:

 

2019

   

2018

 

2019

   

2018

 

2018

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 

OPERATING REVENUE (less agency commissions):

                                       

Broadcast

  $ 460,000       3 %   $ 465,000       4 %   $ 448,619  

Production companies

  $ 35,000       (1 )%   $ 37,000       5 %   $ 35,363  

Total revenue

  $ 495,000       2 %   $ 502,000       4 %   $ 483,982  
                                         

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

                                       

Broadcast

  $ 355,000       18 %   $ 358,000       19 %   $ 300,014  

Production companies

  $ 34,000       2 %   $ 36,000       8 %   $ 33,390  

Corporate and administrative

  $ 45,000       169 %   $ 50,000       199 %   $ 16,738  
                                         

OTHER SELECTED DATA:

                                       

Political advertising revenue (less agency commissions)

  $ 750       (92 )%   $ 1,000       (89 )%   $ 8,858  
                                         

Broadcast operating expenses (excluding transaction related expenses)

  $ 322,000       7 %   $ 324,000       8 %   $ 300,014  

Corporate and administrative operating expenses (excluding transaction related expenses)

  $ 16,000       (4 )%   $ 20,000       19 %   $ 16,738  

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 9 of 18
 

 

 

Comments on First Quarter 2019 Guidance:

 

First Quarter of 2019 on As-Reported Basis

 

Our results of operations in the first quarter of 2019 will be materially impacted by the Raycom Merger and are generally not comparable to the first quarter of 2018 on an as-reported basis. Accordingly, our comments on the expected first quarter of 2019 selected operating data are only presented on a Combined Historical Basis, as defined herein.

 

First Quarter of 2019 on Combined Historical Basis

 

Based on our current forecasts for the first quarter of 2019, we anticipate the following changes from the Combined Historical Basis results for the first quarter of 2018 as outlined below.

 

Revenue on Combined Historical Basis:

 

 

We believe our first quarter of 2019 total revenue will be within a range of approximately $495.0 million to $502.0 million (or increase approximately +2% to +4% from $484.0 million in the first quarter of 2018).

 

 

We believe our first quarter of 2019 local advertising revenue (including internet/digital/mobile) will be within a range of approximately $202.0 million to $205.0 million (or decrease approximately -5% to -4% from $213.8 million in the first quarter of 2018).

 

 

We believe our first quarter of 2019 national advertising revenue will be within a range of approximately $48.0 million to $49.0 million (or decrease approximately -10% to -8% from $53.1 million in the first quarter of 2018).

 

 

We believe our first quarter of 2019 political advertising revenue will be within a range of approximately $750,000 to $1.0 million. Our political advertising revenue was approximately $8.9 million in the first quarter of 2018 and approximately $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2017.

 

 

We believe our first quarter of 2019 retransmission consent revenue will be within a range of approximately $197.0 million to $200.0 million (or increase approximately +22% to +23% from $162.1 million in the first quarter of 2018). We currently anticipate full year 2019 retransmission consent revenue will increase by approximately 20% compared to the full year of 2018.

 

Our 2018 local and national revenue included approximately $12.7 million of advertising revenue associated with the broadcast of the Winter Olympics (including approximately $3.6 million from automotive advertising customers). There were no Olympic broadcasts in the first quarter of 2019. Excluding the advertising revenue from the 2018 Winter Olympics, we believe that our first quarter of 2019 combined local and national advertising revenue will be approximately unchanged from the first quarter of 2018.

 

In the first quarter of 2019 we anticipate approximately $4.7 million of revenue from the broadcast of the Super Bowl in our 44 CBS markets compared to approximately $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2018 when the Super Bowl was broadcast in our 42 NBC markets.

 

Broadcast Operating Expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) on Combined Historical Basis

 

 Our total broadcast operating expenses for the first quarter of 2019 are anticipated to increase from the first quarter of 2018 on a Combined Historical Basis by a range of approximately $55.0 million to $58.0 million (or increase approximately +18% to +19% from $300.0 million in the first quarter of 2018).

 

This increase reflects an expected increase in retransmission expense by a range of approximately $19.0 million to $20.0 million (or increase approximately +22% to +23% from $85.3 million in the first quarter of 2018). Compensation expenses will include non-cash stock-based compensation expenses of approximately $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to $1.2 million for the first quarter of 2018.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 10 of 18
 

 

 

In addition, broadcast expenses in the first quarter of 2019 are anticipated to include between $33.0 million and $34.0 million of transaction related expenses associated with the Raycom Merger including, but not limited to, approximately $27.6 million of expense associated with termination of Raycom’s national sales representation agreement and approximately $5.3 million of severance or other transaction related compensation. Excluding these transaction related expenses, we expect that our broadcast operating expenses on a Combined Historical Basis will increase to within a range of approximately $322.0 million to $324.0 million compared to $300.0 million for the first quarter of 2018.

 

 Corporate and Administrative Operating Expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) on Combined Historical Basis

 

Our total corporate and administrative operating expenses for the first quarter of 2019 are anticipated to increase from the first quarter of 2018 on a Combined Historical Basis by a range of approximately $28.0 million to $33.0 million (or increase approximately +169% to +199% from $16.7 million in the first quarter of 2018). Compensation expenses will include non-cash stock-based compensation expenses of approximately $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2018.

 

In addition, corporate and administrative operating expenses in the first quarter of 2019 are anticipated to include between $29.0 million and $30.0 million of transaction related expenses associated with the Raycom Merger including, but not limited to, advisor fees, legal and accounting fees and severance or other transaction related compensation. Excluding these transaction related expenses, we expect that our corporate and administrative operating expenses on a Combined Historical Basis will be within a range of approximately $16.0 million to $20.0 million compared to $16.7 million for the first quarter of 2018.

 

Other comments Related to the Raycom Merger

 

We have not yet completed the preparation and audit of carve-out financial statements for Raycom as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018. However, based on preliminary internal forecasts for 2018 and after giving effect to the Raycom Merger as if completed on January 1, 2016 (the first day of the earliest period presented), we can provide below certain preliminary unaudited estimates. These estimates as of December 31, 2018 and for the periods indicated incorporate certain non-GAAP financial measures that are dependent on financial results that are not yet determinable with certainty. We are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of the estimated non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures because such information is not yet available and management cannot reliably estimate all of the necessary components of such GAAP measures without unreasonable effort or expense. In addition, we believe such reconciliation would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors.

 

 

Outstanding Debt - Gray’s aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding would have been approximately $3.97 billion as of December 31, 2018.

 

 

Cash on Hand - our available cash on hand would have been approximately $200 million as of December 31, 2018.

 

 

Operating Cash Flow as Defined in our Senior Credit Facility we currently estimate that our Operating Cash Flow as defined under our senior credit facility on a trailing eight quarter basis for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been within a range of $780 million and $795 million. Operating Cash Flow is as defined under our senior credit facility, and includes the previously announced $80 million of anticipated annualized synergies expected from the Raycom Merger and excludes associated transaction costs. We have previously estimated that our Operating Cash Flow as defined in our senior credit facility would have been:

 

 

o

$803.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016

 

 

o

$685.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 11 of 18
 

 

 

 

Leverage Ratio - our debt to Operating Cash Flow leverage ratio, net of all cash on hand, is currently estimated to have been within a range of approximately 4.75 and 4.85 times as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018. This ratio is as defined under our senior credit facility. It includes the previously announced $80 million of anticipated annualized synergies expected from the Raycom Merger and excludes associated transaction costs.

 

 

Free Cash Flow – we have previously estimated that our Free Cash Flow would have been:

 

 

o

$401.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016

 

 

o

$299.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017

 

  Based upon the preliminary information we have available currently, we estimate that Free Cash Flow for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been within a range of $500 million and $525 million.
     
 

Common Stock Outstanding – after giving effect to the Raycom Merger and related financing, Gray would have had approximately 6.7 million shares of class A common stock outstanding and 93.8 million shares common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2018 for a combined total of approximately 100.5 million shares.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 12 of 18
 

 

 

The Company

 

We are a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that is one of the largest owners of television stations in 91 television markets broadcasting almost 400 affiliates including nearly 150 affiliates of the CBS/NBC/ABC/FOX networks, as well as other networks and program streams. Our portfolio includes the number-one or number-two ranked television station for both overall audience and news audience in 86 markets, which collectively cover approximately 24% of total United States television households. In addition, our operations include video program production, marketing, and digital businesses including Raycom Sports, Tupelo-Raycom, and RTM Studios, the producer of PowerNation programs and content. For further information, please visit www.gray.tv.

 

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 2019 or other periods 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, 2018 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 28, 2019. The call will begin at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The live dial-in number is 1-855-493-3489 and the confirmation code is 5292298. 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 1-855-859-2056, Confirmation Code: 5292298 until

March 28, 2019.

 

Gray Contacts

 

Web site: www.gray.tv

 

 

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

 

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

 

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, 2018   Page 13 of 18
 

 

 

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

 

From October 31, 2013 through December 31, 2018, we completed 23 acquisition transactions and four 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 television stations in 28 new television markets, to our operations. We refer to the stations acquired and the divestiture of WSWG-TV collectively, as the “Acquisitions” or the “Acquired Stations.” On January 2, 2019, we completed the Raycom Merger that resulted in the addition of television stations in 34 new television markets to our operations.

 

Due to the significant effect that the Acquisitions and the Raycom Merger 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” (or “CHB”). Unless otherwise defined, Combined Historical Basis reflects financial results that have been compiled by adding Gray’s historical revenue, broadcast expenses and corporate and administrative expenses to the historical revenue, broadcast expenses and corporate and administrative expenses of the Acquisitions and the net stations acquired in the Raycom Merger and subtracting the historical revenues and broadcast expenses of divested stations as if they had been acquired or divested, respectively, on January 1, 2018, the beginning of the earliest period that CHB information is presented. Gray is providing these estimates which incorporate certain non–GAAP financial measures that are dependent on financial results that are not yet determinable with certainty. Therefore, we are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of the estimated non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures because such information is not available and management cannot reliably estimate all of the necessary components of such GAAP measures without unreasonable effort or expense. In addition, we believe such reconciliations would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors.

 

Combined Historical Basis financial information does not include any adjustments for other events attributable to the Acquisitions and the Raycom Merger. 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 Acquisitions had been completed at the stated date. In addition, the presentation of Combined Historical Basis, may not comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“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 GAAP by disclosing the non-GAAP financial measures Broadcast Cash Flow, Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses, Free Cash Flow, Operating Cash Flow as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement and Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash. These non-GAAP amounts are used by us to approximate amounts 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.

 

We define Broadcast Cash Flow as net income plus loss from early extinguishment of debt, corporate and administrative expenses, 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 and non-cash 401(k) expense, less any gain on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income, any income tax benefits and payments for program broadcast rights.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 14 of 18
 

 

 

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 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 and any payments for program broadcast rights.

 

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 and non-cash 401(k) expense, less any gain on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income, any income tax benefits, payments for program broadcast rights, contributions to pension plans, amortization of original issue premium on our debt, purchases of property and equipment (net of reimbursements) and the payment of income taxes (net of any refunds received).

 

We define Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement 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, interest expense, any income tax expense, non-cash 401(k) expense and trade expense less any gain on disposal of assets, any income tax benefits, payments for program broadcast rights, trade income, and contributions to pension plans. Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement gives effect to the revenue and broadcast expenses of the Acquisitions as if they had been acquired or divested, respectively, on January 1, 2017. 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 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 at the stated date. In addition, the presentation of Operating Cash Flow as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement 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.

 

Our Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash is determined by dividing our Adjusted Total Indebtedness, Net of All Cash by our Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement, divided by two. Our Adjusted Total Indebtedness, Net of All Cash represents the total outstanding principal of our long-term debt, plus certain other obligations as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement, less all cash (excluding restricted cash). Our Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement, divided by two, represents our average annual Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement for the preceding eight quarters.

 

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, 2018   Page 15 of 18
 

 

 

Reconciliation on As-Reported Basis, in thousands:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

December 31,

 
   

2018

   

2017

   

2016

 
                         

Net income

  $ 88,267     $ 165,570     $ 35,834  

Depreciation

    13,296       13,418       11,686  

Amortization of intangible assets

    4,983       6,388       4,231  

Non-cash stock based compensation

    1,645       4,001       1,274  

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net

    (11,218 )     939       395  

Miscellaneous (income) expense, net (1)

    (3,315 )     (250 )     9  

Interest expense

    32,443       24,070       23,766  

Income tax (benefit) expense

    33,249       (134,425 )     24,309  

Amortization of program broadcast rights

    5,503       5,589       4,975  

Non-cash 401(k) expense

    4,285       -       8  

Payments for program broadcast rights

    (5,612 )     (5,486 )     (4,927 )

Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash compensation (1)

    9,318       5,941       7,942  

Broadcast Cash Flow (1)

    172,844       85,755       109,502  

Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash compensation (1)

    (9,318 )     (5,941 )     (7,942 )

Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses (1)

    163,526       79,814       101,560  

Contributions to pension plans

    -       (2,500 )     (10 )

Interest expense

    (32,443 )     (24,070 )     (23,766 )

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    1,158       1,158       1,220  

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

    (152 )     (152 )     (153 )

Purchase of property and equipment

    (35,081 )     (13,090 )     (10,366 )

Reimbursements of property and equipment purchases

    7,979       -       -  

Income taxes received (paid), net of refunds

    (7,151 )     (777 )     1  

Free Cash Flow

  $ 97,836     $ 40,383     $ 68,486  

 

(1) Amounts in 2017 have been reclassified to give effect to the implementation of ASU 2017-07.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 16 of 18
 

 

 

Reconciliation on As-Reported Basis, in thousands:

 

   

Year Ended

 
   

December 31,

 
   

2018

   

2017

   

2016

 
                         

Net income

  $ 210,803     $ 261,952     $ 62,273  

Depreciation

    53,883       51,973       45,923  

Amortization of intangible assets

    20,570       25,072       16,596  

Non-cash stock based compensation

    6,661       8,303       5,101  

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net

    (16,405 )     (74,200 )     329  

Miscellaneous (income) expense, net (1)

    (5,507 )     (657 )     (610 )

Interest expense

    106,628       95,259       97,236  

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

    -       2,851       31,987  

Income tax (benefit) expense

    76,847       (68,674 )     43,418  

Amortization of program broadcast rights

    21,416       21,033       19,001  

Non-cash 401(k) expense

    4,285       16       29  

Payments for program broadcast rights

    (21,789 )     (21,055 )     (18,786 )

Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash compensation (1)

    35,967       27,184       36,441  

Broadcast Cash Flow (1)

    493,359       329,057       338,938  

Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash compensation (1)

    (35,967 )     (27,184 )     (36,441 )

Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses (1)

    457,392       301,873       302,497  

Contributions to pension plans

    (2,500 )     (3,124 )     (3,048 )

Interest expense

    (106,628 )     (95,259 )     (97,236 )

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    4,630       4,624       4,884  

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

    (610 )     (610 )     (779 )

Purchase of property and equipment

    (69,975 )     (34,516 )     (43,604 )

Reimbursements of property and equipment purchases

    14,217       -       -  

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

    (33,972 )     (1,984 )     (14,588 )

Free Cash Flow

  $ 262,554     $ 171,004     $ 148,126  

 

(1) Amounts in 2017 have been reclassified to give effect to the implementation of ASU 2017-07.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 17 of 18
 

 

 

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

 

   

Eight Quarters Ended

 
   

December 31, 2018

 
         

Net income

  $ 472,755  

Adjustments to reconcile from net income to operating cash flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement:

       

Depreciation

    105,856  

Amortization of intangible assets

    45,642  

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    14,965  

(Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net

    (90,605 )

Interest expense

    201,887  

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

    2,851  

Income tax expense

    8,173  

Amortization of program broadcast rights

    42,449  

Non-cash 401(k) expense

    4,301  

Payments for program broadcast rights

    (42,844 )

Pension expense

    (1,538 )

Contributions to pension plans

    (5,624 )

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

    (1,940 )

Professional fees related to acquisitions and divestitures

    9,594  

Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement

  $ 765,922  

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

  $ 382,961  

 

   

December 31, 2018

 

Adjusted Total Indebtedness:

       

Total outstanding principal, including current portion (1)

  $ 1,820,026  

Capital leases and other debt

    648  

Cash (unrestricted) (1)

    (666,980 )

Adjusted Total Indebtedness, Net of All Cash

  $ 1,153,694  
         

Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash

    3.01  

 

(1) Total outstanding principal, including current portion excluded $750.0 million of our 2027 Notes and Cash (unrestricted) excluded $752.0 million of restricted cash, each held by our special purpose wholly-owned subsidiary, that is an unrestricted subsidiary under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility.

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Earnings Release for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2018   Page 18 of 18
ex_136013.htm

EXHIBIT 99.2

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

As Reported Basis

   

2018

 
   

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)

  $ 105,469     $ 112,921     $ 106,929     $ 117,409     $ 218,390     $ 325,319     $ 442,728  

National

    24,512       29,873       29,199       30,608       54,385       83,584       114,192  

Political

    5,775       18,070       48,018       83,211       23,845       71,863       155,074  

Retransmission consent

    85,551       85,307       91,603       92,962       170,858       262,461       355,423  

Other

    4,951       4,173       3,561       4,030       9,124       12,685       16,715  

Total revenue

  $ 226,258     $ 250,344     $ 279,310     $ 328,220     $ 476,602     $ 755,912     $ 1,084,132  
                                                         

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

                                                       

Broadcast:

                                                       

Payroll, programming and other (1)

  $ 107,941     $ 102,748     $ 103,676     $ 117,004     $ 210,689     $ 314,365     $ 431,369  

Retransmission

    41,713       39,171       41,415       42,735       80,884       122,299       165,034  

Total broadcast expenses

  $ 149,654     $ 141,919     $ 145,091     $ 159,739     $ 291,573     $ 436,664     $ 596,403  
                                                         

Corporate and administrative (1)

  $ 8,260     $ 10,833     $ 11,041     $ 10,776     $ 19,093     $ 30,134     $ 40,910  

 

   

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 (1)

  $ 101,291     $ 99,925     $ 104,809     $ 115,192     $ 201,216     $ 306,025     $ 421,217  

Retransmission

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

Total broadcast expenses

  $ 133,556     $ 133,683     $ 139,542     $ 150,782     $ 267,239     $ 406,781     $ 557,563  
                                                         

Corporate and administrative (1)

  $ 7,710     $ 8,432     $ 8,330     $ 7,117     $ 16,142     $ 24,472     $ 31,589  
                                                         

See last page of exhibit for note

                                                       

 

Page 1 of 4

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

As Reported Basis

   

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 (1)

  $ 86,198     $ 93,349     $ 95,625     $ 102,138     $ 179,547     $ 275,172     $ 377,310  

Retransmission

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

Total broadcast expenses

  $ 108,536     $ 117,299     $ 120,683     $ 128,476     $ 225,835     $ 346,518     $ 474,994  
                                                         

Corporate and administrative (1)

  $ 15,670     $ 8,520     $ 7,217     $ 8,912     $ 24,190     $ 31,407     $ 40,319  
                                                         

See last page of exhibit for note

                                                       

 

Page 2 of 4

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

Combined Historical Basis(2)

   

2018

 
   

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)

  $ 213,800     $ 227,900     $ 218,491     $ 240,568     $ 441,700     $ 660,191     $ 900,759  

National

    53,068       60,356       59,439       64,206       113,424       172,863       237,069  

Political

    8,858       31,049       67,199       124,695       39,908       107,107       231,801  

Retransmission consent revenue

    162,077       162,253       168,775       175,362       324,330       493,105       668,467  

Other

    10,816       11,693       10,386       9,614       22,509       32,895       42,509  

Broadcast Revenue

    448,619       493,252       524,290       614,444       941,871       1,466,161       2,080,605  

Production Companies

    35,363       9,278       18,978       22,496       44,641       63,619       86,115  

Other

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total revenue

  $ 483,982     $ 502,530     $ 543,268     $ 636,940     $ 986,512     $ 1,529,780     $ 2,166,720  
                                                         

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

                                                       

Broadcast:

                                                       

Payroll, Benefits and Payroll Taxes

  $ 139,393     $ 139,697     $ 135,330     $ 153,418     $ 279,090     $ 414,420     $ 567,838  

Retransmission reverse expense

    85,262       83,174       87,940       89,794       168,436       256,376       346,170  

Other

    75,359       72,330       77,234       85,200       147,689       224,923       310,123  

Total broadcast expenses

    300,014       295,201       300,504       328,412       595,215       895,719       1,224,131  

Production Companies

    33,390       8,831       15,145       16,281       42,221       57,366       73,647  

Other

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total expenses

  $ 333,404     $ 304,032     $ 315,649     $ 344,693     $ 637,436     $ 953,085     $ 1,297,778  
                                                         
Corporate and administrative   $ 16,738     $ 17,867     $ 19,241     $ 31,051     $ 34,605     $ 53,846     $ 84,897  

 

 

   

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)

  $ 220,038     $ 240,297     $ 224,643     $ 243,869     $ 460,335     $ 684,978     $ 928,848  

National

    57,381       64,057       64,363       65,913       121,438       185,801       251,713  

Political

    2,006       6,435       8,454       14,322       8,440       16,894       31,216  

Retransmission consent revenue

    130,247       131,231       135,021       137,413       261,478       396,499       533,912  

Other

    13,507       11,113       9,987       9,596       24,620       34,607       44,203  

Broadcast Revenue

    423,179       453,132       442,468       471,113       876,311       1,318,779       1,789,892  

Production Companies

    35,121       7,975       16,942       24,712       43,096       60,038       84,750  

Other

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total revenue

  $ 458,300     $ 461,107     $ 459,410     $ 495,825     $ 919,407     $ 1,378,817     $ 1,874,642  
                                                         

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

                                                       

Broadcast:

                                                       

Payroll, Benefits and Payroll Taxes

  $ 141,825     $ 137,816     $ 138,382     $ 154,592     $ 279,641     $ 418,023     $ 572,615  

Retransmission reverse expense

    68,627       68,742       69,988       70,913       137,369       207,357       278,270  

Other

    77,311       75,647       75,502       80,372       152,958       228,460       308,832  

Total broadcast expenses

    287,763       282,205       283,872       305,877       569,968       853,840       1,159,717  

Production Companies

    32,568       7,335       12,883       18,111       39,903       52,786       70,897  

Other

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total expenses

  $ 320,331     $ 289,540     $ 296,755     $ 323,988     $ 609,871     $ 906,626     $ 1,230,614  
                                                         
Corporate and administrative   $ 13,317     $ 14,686     $ 15,143     $ 20,831     $ 28,003     $ 43,146     $ 63,977  

 

Page 3 of 4

 

 

Gray Television, Inc.

Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

Combined Historical Basis(2)

   

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)

  $ 219,902     $ 239,287     $ 232,141     $ 240,764     $ 459,189     $ 691,329     $ 932,093  

National

    60,241       65,569       64,180       62,880       125,810       189,991       252,871  

Political

    25,628       16,810       46,071       96,326       42,438       88,509       184,835  

Retransmission consent revenue

    106,262       106,743       110,435       113,934       213,005       323,440       437,374  

Other

    12,313       9,367       9,825       10,719       21,680       31,505       42,224  

Broadcast Revenue

    424,346       437,776       462,652       524,623       862,122       1,324,774       1,849,397  

Production Companies

    34,380       8,503       16,339       23,398       42,883       59,222       82,620  

Other

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total revenue

  $ 458,726     $ 446,279     $ 478,991     $ 548,021     $ 905,005     $ 1,383,996     $ 1,932,017  
                                                         

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

                                                       

Broadcast:

                                                       

Payroll, Benefits and Payroll Taxes

  $ 141,713     $ 141,279     $ 140,085     $ 152,282     $ 282,992     $ 423,077     $ 575,359  

Retransmission reverse expense

    49,101       49,109       50,723       53,610       98,210       148,933       202,543  

Other

    78,768       76,507       80,394       80,654       155,275       235,669       316,323  

Total broadcast expenses

    269,582       266,895       271,202       286,546       536,477       807,679       1,094,225  

Production Companies

    32,022       7,922       12,672       17,827       39,944       52,616       70,443  

Other

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total expenses

  $ 301,604     $ 274,817     $ 283,874     $ 304,373     $ 576,421     $ 860,295     $ 1,164,668  
                                                         
Corporate and administrative   $ 21,570     $ 13,985     $ 12,632     $ 20,081     $ 35,555     $ 48,187     $ 68,268  

 

(1) Amounts in 2017 and 2016 have been reclassified to give effect to the implementation of Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) – Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”).

 

(2) 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 (or "CHB") 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 (or other businesses as applicable) acquired by Gray and acquired businesses and removing the historical revenues and historical broadcast expenses of divested by Gray and acquired businesses (or other businesses as applicable) as if they had been acquired or divested, respectively, on January 1, 2016 (the beginning of the earliest period presented). Combined Historical Basis financial information reflects station (or other businesses as applicable) acquisition and divestitures occurring between January 1, 2016 and February 28, 2019. 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.  Combined Historical Basis information also does not include expected synergies from any transaction during the periods presented.     

 

Page 4 of 4