Sinclair Reports Second Quarter 2008 Results

Sinclair Reports Second Quarter 2008 Results

Net Broadcast Revenues Grow 2.8%

BALTIMORE, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SBGI) , the "Company" or "Sinclair," today reported financial results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008.

Commenting on the quarter, David Smith, President and CEO of Sinclair, stated, "During the second quarter, we grew our net broadcast revenues 2.8%. We believe that this growth is among the highest reported by television broadcasters and is due primarily to revenues from our retransmission consent agreements and political advertising revenues, both of which we expect to reach record levels this year. While our revenues came in below our May 6, 2008 guidance of 3.6% to 4.9% growth, this was due to the current economic conditions and their impact on advertising spending levels. In particular, we experienced a decline in automotive ad spending beginning about halfway through May, largely due to the record-high oil prices and a decline in SUV and truck sales.

"We are anticipating continued economic weakness for the remainder of 2008 and into 2009, which we expect to result in a slowdown in advertising spending levels. In response, we are reviewing our operating expenses and capital expenditures for potential savings or deferrals, as well as evaluating our sales incentive plans to increase the top line."

Mr. Smith continued, "The economic challenges, while impacting advertising revenues, also give rise to opportunities for us to put our cash flow and balance sheet to work in alternative ways. We believe that the depressed real estate market and tight credit markets allow us to invest in what we believe to be under-valued non-television assets to drive future cash flows. In addition to the continuation of our dividend given current capital gains tax rates and assuming the economy does not slip further into recession, we expect to pursue opportunities to strengthen our television portfolio's competitive position, and evaluate opportunistic repurchases of our debt and common stock."

Financial Results:

Net broadcast revenues from continuing operations were $163.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of 2.8% versus the prior year period result of $159.2 million. Operating income was $43.3 million in the three-month period as compared to $41.6 million in the prior year period, an increase of 4.0%. The Company had net income available to common shareholders of $13.3 million in the three-month period versus net income available to common shareholders of $2.2 million in the prior year period. The Company reported diluted earnings per common share of $0.15 for the three-month period versus diluted earnings per common share of $0.03 in the prior year period.

Net broadcast revenues from continuing operations were $324.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of 5.6% versus the prior year period result of $307.5 million. Operating income was $89.5 million in the six-month period, an increase of 13.0% versus the prior year period result of $79.2 million. The Company had net income available to common shareholders of $29.7 million in the six-month period versus a net loss to common shareholders of $0.2 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2007. Diluted earnings per common share were $0.34 in the six-month period versus diluted earnings per common share of $0.00 in the prior year period.

Operating Statistics and Income Statement Highlights:

-- Political revenues were $3.6 million in the second quarter 2008 versus $1.1 million in the second quarter 2007.

-- Local advertising revenues were up 3.3% in the quarter while national advertising revenues declined 2.9% versus the second quarter 2007. Excluding political revenues, local advertising revenues were up 2.0% and national advertising revenues were down 5.6%. Advertising spending by the automotive, retail, movies, schools, and medical categories were down while fast food, services, media spending, home products, and pharmacy/cosmetics were up. Automotive, which represented approximately 20.6% of time sales, was down 3.7% in the quarter. Local revenues, excluding political revenues, represented 68.1% of advertising revenues in the quarter.

-- Time sales on our ABC and CW stations were down 5.2% and 0.4% in the quarter, respectively. Stations affiliated with FOX, MyNetworkTV, CBS and NBC were up 2.7%, 0.7%, 34.2% and 1.0%, respectively. Excluding political revenues, our ABC and CW stations were down 10.6% and 1.1%, respectively, while our FOX, MyNetworkTV, CBS and NBC stations were up 1.8%, 0.3%, 31.0%, and 0.2%, respectively.

-- On June 3, 2008, the Company entered into an economic three-year extension of the analog and digital carriage agreement with Insight Communications, Inc. covering four stations in three markets.

-- On June 24, 2008, the Company agreed to buy the assets of WTVR-TV (CBS 6) in the Richmond-Petersburg, Virginia market from Raycom Media, Inc. for $85.0 million and simultaneously sell the license assets of WRLH-TV (FOX 35) to Carma Broadcasting, LLC. The transactions are subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department. The agreement allows for up to twelve months to close on the transactions.

-- The Company's FOX affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa, KDSM-TV, entered into a news share arrangement with WHO-TV, the NBC affiliate in that market, in which WHO-TV will produce a 9:00 pm newscast for KDSM-TV. The newscast is expected to begin airing in September, 2008.

-- During the second quarter 2008, the Company invested $35.1 million, net of cash distributions, in various ventures, of which $19.0 million related to developmental land in Frederick County, Maryland, a suburb of Washington D.C. For the first six months of 2008, we have invested, net of cash distributions received, $79.7 million and another $42.6 million in 2007, for a total of $122.3 million in non-television assets.

-- The Company reported a $1.6 million non-cash impairment of goodwill charge related to Acrodyne Communications, Inc., a broadcast equipment and transmitter company.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights:

-- Debt on the balance sheet, net of $10.9 million in cash, was $1,376.0 million at June 30, 2008 versus net debt of $1,357.5 million at March 31, 2008.

-- As of June 30, 2008, 53.2 million Class A common shares and 34.4 million Class B common shares were outstanding, for a total of 87.6 million common shares outstanding.

-- Capital expenditures in the second quarter were $8.7 million.

-- Common stock dividends paid in cash in the second quarter were $17.4 million.

-- Program contract payments for continuing operations were $20.5 million in the second quarter.

Forward-Looking Statements:

The matters discussed in this press release, particularly those in the section labeled "Outlook," include forward-looking statements regarding, among other things, future operating results. When used in this press release, the words "outlook," "intends to," "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "achieves," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results in the future could differ materially and adversely from those described in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including and in addition to the assumptions identified in this release, the impact of changes in national and regional economies, successful execution of outsourcing agreements, pricing and demand fluctuations in local and national advertising, volatility in programming costs, the market acceptance of new programming, the CW Television Network and MyNetworkTV programming, our news share strategy, our local sales initiatives, the execution of retransmission consent agreements, our ability to identify and consummate investments in attractive non-television assets and to achieve anticipated returns on those investments once consummated, and the other risk factors set forth in the Company's most recent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurances that the assumptions and other factors referred to in this release will occur. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Outlook:

In accordance with Regulation FD, Sinclair is providing public dissemination through this press release of its expectations for certain of its third quarter 2008 and full year 2008 financial performance. The Company assumes no obligation to update its expectations. All matters discussed in the "Outlook" section are forward-looking and, as such, persons relying on this information should refer to the "Forward-Looking Statements" section above.

All assumptions and historical periods have been adjusted to exclude WGGB-TV in Springfield, MA, which was sold November 1, 2007, and which was accounted for as discontinued operations. The forward looking assumptions and the February through June 2008 historical results include the Cedar Rapids station of KGAN-TV, which was accounted for under a Joint Sales Agreement, and KFXA-TV, both of which are now consolidated.

"Although we expect the weakness in the economy to continue to impact advertising spending levels for the remainder of 2008, we still expect to grow net broadcast revenues on the strength of political advertising levels," commented David Amy, EVP and CFO. "Our cable, satellite and telecom retransmission consent agreements are expected to result in approximately $68 million in revenues this year as compared to $59 million in 2007. On the expense side, we are evaluating cost cutting measures, the savings from which are not included in the expense guidance provided below."

-- The Company expects third quarter 2008 station net broadcast revenues from continuing operations, before barter, to be approximately $152.5 to $154.5 million, an increase of 2.0% to 3.4%, as compared to third quarter 2007 station net broadcast revenues, before barter, of $149.4 million. This assumes $9.7 million in political revenues versus $1.1 million received in the third quarter last year.

-- The Company expects barter revenue and barter expense each to be approximately $14.5 million in the third quarter.

-- The Company expects continuing operations station production expenses and station selling, general and administrative expenses (together, "television expenses"), before barter expense, and including stock-based compensation expense, in the quarter to be approximately $72.6 million, a 4.5% increase from third quarter 2007 television expenses of $69.5 million. On a full year basis, television expenses are expected to be approximately $298.1 million, or up 3.2%, as compared to 2007 television expenses of $288.7 million. The 2008 television expense forecast includes $0.4 million of stock- based compensation expense for the quarter and $1.6 million for the year, as compared to the 2007 actuals of $0.3 million and $1.5 million for the quarter and year, respectively.

-- The Company expects program contract amortization expense to be approximately $23.7 million in the quarter and $86.5 million for the year, as compared to the 2007 actuals of $29.2 million and $96.4 million for the quarter and year, respectively.

-- The Company expects program contract payments to be approximately $19.8 million in the quarter and $82.3 million for the year, as compared to the 2007 actuals of $18.2 million and $77.7 million for the quarter and year, respectively.

-- The Company expects corporate overhead, including stock-based compensation expense, to be approximately $6.6 million in the quarter and $27.3 million for the year, as compared to the 2007 actuals of $5.5 million and $24.3 million for the quarter and year, respectively. The 2008 corporate overhead forecast includes $0.2 million of stock-based compensation expense for the quarter and $1.8 million for the year, as compared to the 2007 actuals of $0.1 million and $2.2 million for the quarter and year, respectively.

-- The Company expects other operating division revenues less other operating division expenses to be approximately $1.8 million in the third quarter and $1.9 million for the year, assuming current equity interests.

-- The Company expects depreciation on property and equipment to be approximately $12.2 million in the third quarter and $46.4 million for the year, assuming the capital expenditure assumptions below, and as compared to the 2007 actuals of $10.6 million and $43.1 million for the third quarter and year, respectively.

-- The Company expects amortization of acquired intangibles to be approximately $4.6 million in the third quarter and $18.3 million for the year, as compared to the 2007 actuals of $4.5 million and $17.6 million for the third quarter and year, respectively.

-- The Company expects net interest expense to be approximately $19.9 million in the quarter and $79.2 million for the year, assuming no changes in the current interest rate yield curve and changes in debt levels based on the assumptions discussed in this "Outlook" section. This is compared to the 2007 actuals of $21.8 million and $93.6 million for the quarter and year, respectively.

-- The Company expects the third quarter effective tax rate for continuing operations to be approximately 44.7%, including a current tax benefit from continuing operations of approximately $1.3 million in the quarter based on the assumptions discussed in this "Outlook" section. For the year, the effective tax rate on continuing operations is expected to be approximately 42.5%, including a current tax provision of $5.3 million.

-- The Company expects dividends paid on the Class A and Class B common shares to be approximately $17.5 million in the third quarter and $67.5 million for the year, assuming current shares outstanding and an $0.80 per share annual dividend rate. This is compared to total dividends paid in 2007 of $49.5 million.

-- The Company expects to spend approximately $9.7 million in capital expenditures in the quarter and approximately $27.0 million for the year, which is down from the previous outlook of $33.0 million. Of the 2008 full year amount, approximately $6.8 million represents timing of 2007 budgeted projects.

Sinclair Conference Call:

The senior management of Sinclair will hold a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2008 results on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. ET. After the call, an audio replay will be available at http://www.sbgi.net/ under "Investor Information/Earnings Webcast." The press and the public will be welcome on the call in a listen-only mode. The dial-in number is (877) 407-9205.

About Sinclair:

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies, owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 58 television stations in 35 markets. Sinclair's television group reaches approximately 22% of U.S. television households and is affiliated with all major networks. Sinclair owns equity interests in various non-broadcast related companies.

Notes:

"Discontinued Operations" accounting has been adopted in the financial statements for all periods presented in this press release for the sale of WGGB-TV, our ABC affiliate in Springfield, MA, which was sold November 1, 2007. As such, the results from operations, net of related income taxes, have been reclassified from income from continuing operations and reflected as net income from discontinued operations.

Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year GAAP presentation.

   Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries   Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations   (in thousands, except per share data)                                         Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended                                              June 30,           June 30,                                         2008     2007       2008      2007   REVENUES:    Station broadcast revenues, net     of agency commissions             $163,747  $159,213  $324,639  $307,547    Revenues realized from station     barter arrangements                 15,848    15,717    30,486    29,432    Other operating divisions' revenues  14,020     3,466    25,147     6,353      Total revenues                    193,615   178,396   380,272   343,332    OPERATING EXPENSES:    Station production expenses          40,412    38,268    79,267    73,815    Station selling, general and     administrative expenses             34,020    33,993    68,631    67,646    Expenses recognized from station     barter arrangements                 14,117    14,248    27,634    26,678    Amortization of program contract     costs and net realizable value     adjustments                         21,794    23,040    41,503    44,356    Other operating divisions' expenses  14,745     4,079    26,679     7,625    Depreciation of property and     equipment                           11,559    11,456    22,112    22,106    Corporate general and administrative     expenses                             7,483     7,427    14,204    13,391    Amortization of definite-lived     intangible assets and other assets   4,547     4,242     9,086     8,486    Impairment of goodwill                1,626        -      1,626        -      Total operating expenses          150,303   136,753   290,742   264,103      Operating income                   43,312    41,643    89,530    79,229    OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):    Interest expense and amortization     of debt discount and deferred     financing costs                    (19,482)  (25,887)  (39,684) (52,269)    Interest income                         194     1,701       375    2,089    Gain (loss) from sale of assets          13         4        51       (8)    Loss from extinguishment of debt         -    (14,967)     (286) (30,648)    (Loss) gain from derivative instruments  -     (1,654)      999     (597)    Loss from equity and cost method     investments                         (1,471)     (880)     (776)    (892)    Other income, net                     1,024       454     1,391      676      Total other expense               (19,722)  (41,229)  (37,930) (81,649)      Income (loss) from continuing       operations before income taxes    23,590       414    51,600   (2,420)   INCOME TAX (PROVISION ) BENEFIT      (10,490)    1,289   (21,956)   2,010      Income (loss) from continuing       operations                        13,100     1,703    29,644     (410)   DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:    Income from discontinued operations,     net of related income tax benefit    (provision)of $94, $278, ($45)    and $261, respectively                  178       494         47     218   NET INCOME (LOSS)                    $13,278    $2,197    $29,691   $(192)    BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS    PER COMMON SHARE:     Earnings per share from continuing     operations                           $0.15     $0.02      $0.34   $-    Earnings per share from discontinued     operations                           $-        $0.01      $-      $-    Earnings per share                    $0.15     $0.03      $0.34   $-    Weighted average common shares     outstanding                         87,459    87,122     87,353  86,634    Weighted average common and common     equivalent shares outstanding       87,463    87,282     94,063  86,634    Dividends declared per share          $0.20     $0.15      $0.40   $0.30      Unaudited Consolidated Historical Selected Balance Sheet Data:   (In thousands)                                                    June 30,      March 31,                                                       2008           2008   Cash & cash equivalents                         $ 10,911       $ 12,594   Total current assets                             195,176        207,585   Total long term assets                         2,068,851      2,051,377   Total assets                                   2,264,027      2,258,962    Current portion of debt                           55,105         47,851   Total current liabilities                        213,460        210,181   Long term portion of debt                      1,331,805      1,322,272   Total long term liabilities                    1,781,165      1,776,924   Total liabilities                              1,994,625      1,987,105    Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries    18,200         17,721    Total stockholders' equity                       251,202        254,136   Total liabilities & stockholders' equity      $2,264,027     $2,258,962       Unaudited Consolidated Historical Selected Statement of Cash Flows Data:   (In thousands)                                                Three Months     Six Months                                                      Ended          Ended                                                   June 30,       June 30,                                                       2008           2008    Net cash flow from operating activities         $ 41,725        $89,765   Net cash flow used in investing activities      (41,685)      (105,066)   Net cash flow (used in) from financing    activities                                      (1,723)         5,232   Net decrease in cash & cash equivalents          (1,683)       (10,069)   Cash & cash equivalents, beginning of period      12,594         20,980   Cash & cash equivalents, end of period           $10,911        $10,911  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.

CONTACT: David Amy, EVP & Chief Financial Officer or Lucy Rutishauser,
VP-Corporate Finance & Treasurer, both of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.,
+1-410-568-1500

Web site: http://www.sbgi.net/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/110203.html

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Profile: International Entertainment