Sinclair Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results
Sinclair Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results
BALTIMORE, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SBGI) , the "Company" or "Sinclair," today reported financial results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008.
Commenting on the quarter, David Smith, President and CEO of Sinclair, stated, "The economic recession and financial crisis have clearly impacted advertising budgets, as indicated by the number of industry sectors that advertised less in the third quarter 2008 as compared to a year ago. Despite the decline in the core advertising business, our net broadcast revenues grew $0.7 million, of which advertising time sales were down only $0.2 million on the strength of political advertising in the quarter. Furthermore, on both a political included and excluded basis, our stations grew their local market share on average, a sales effort of which we are very proud, especially considering that we did not have the benefit of the Olympics due to having only one NBC affiliate.
"It is unclear how long the economic recession will last or how deep it will be. We are, therefore, managing as though 2009 will continue to be a difficult advertising climate. In this regard, we have already begun the process of reviewing our cost structures and initiating cost reduction measures. In addition, we recently announced that we have scaled back our expectations for additional investments in non-television ventures in 2009. While our focus continues to be on maintaining our common stock dividend, a worsening of the economy or an unfavorable change in dividend tax rates could affect the dividend rate we pay."
Financial Results:
Net broadcast revenues from continuing operations were $150.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, an increase of 0.5% versus the prior year period result of $149.4 million. Operating income was $37.4 million in the three-month period which included a $2.2 million non-cash gain on asset exchange, as compared to operating income of $32.9 million in the prior year period, an increase of 13.6%. The Company had net income available to common shareholders of $11.7 million in the three-month period versus net income available to common shareholders of $9.9 million in the prior year period. The Company reported diluted earnings per common share of $0.14 for the three-month period versus diluted earnings per common share of $0.11 in the prior year period.
Net broadcast revenues from continuing operations were $474.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, an increase of 3.9% versus the prior year period result of $457.0 million. Operating income was $126.9 million in the nine-month period, an increase of 13.2% versus the prior year period result of $112.2 million. The Company had net income available to common shareholders of $41.3 million in the nine-month period versus net income available to common shareholders of $9.7 million in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007. Diluted earnings per common share were $0.48 in the nine-month period versus diluted earnings per common share of $0.11 in the prior year period.
Operating Statistics and Income Statement Highlights: -- Political revenues were $8.7 million in the third quarter 2008 versus $1.1 million in the third quarter 2007. -- Local advertising revenues were down 0.4% in the third quarter while national advertising revenues were up 0.4% versus the third quarter 2007. Excluding political revenues, local advertising revenues were down 1.7% and national advertising revenues were down 13.8% in the third quarter. Advertising spending by the automotive, retail, movies, paid programming, home products and restaurants categories were down while fast food was up. Automotive, which represented approximately 18.2% of time sales, was down 15.4% in the quarter due to crowding out from political advertisers and the economy. Local revenues, excluding political revenues, represented 68.6% of advertising revenues in the quarter. -- Time sales on our ABC and CBS stations were up 1.4% and 10.9% in the third quarter, respectively. Our NBC station was up 28.6% due to the Olympics and our FOX stations were flat. Stations affiliated with MyNetworkTV and CW were down 5.1% and 3.8%, respectively. Excluding political revenues, our ABC, FOX, CBS, CW and MyNetworkTV stations were down 11.0%, 4.5%, 18.2%, 5.3% and 6.5%, respectively, while our NBC station was up 11.1%. -- With all but three markets reporting, our stations, on average, grew their local time sales in the quarter on both an including and excluding political basis. In addition, our stations' average total market share excluding political increased from 17.8% to 18.3%, while their average total market share including political was approximately flat going from 17.6% to 17.5%. -- During the third quarter 2008, the Company invested $11.4 million, net of cash distributions, in various ventures. For the first nine months of 2008, we have invested, net of cash distributions received, $91.2 million and another $42.6 million in 2007, for a total of $133.7 million in non-television assets. The Company expects to invest approximately $25 million in various ventures in the fourth quarter 2008. -- During the quarter, the Company received digital equipment at five stations in exchange for comparable analog equipment as a result of vacating certain analog spectrum to be used for public safety. As a result, the Company recorded a $2.2 million non-cash gain on the exchange of the equipment. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights: -- Debt on the balance sheet, net of $11.6 million in cash, was $1,384.7 million at September 30, 2008 versus net debt of $1,376.0 million at June 30, 2008. -- As of September 30, 2008, 50.5 million Class A common shares and 34.4 million Class B common shares were outstanding, for a total of 84.9 million common shares outstanding. -- The Company repurchased 2.7 million shares of it class A common stock in the open market during the third quarter and another 3.8 million shares in October 2008. -- The Company repurchased $22.3 million of it 8% senior subordinated notes in the open market during the third quarter and another $1.0 million in October 2008. -- The Company repurchased $12.0 million of it 6% subordinated convertible bonds in the open market during the third quarter. -- Capital expenditures in the third quarter were $7.1 million. -- Common stock dividends paid in cash in the third quarter were $17.4 million. -- Program contract payments for continuing operations were $19.8 million in the third quarter. -- In October 2008, the Company received a $17.2 million federal income tax cash refund. 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, the volatility in the U.S. and global economies and financial credit markets which impact our ability to forecast, 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 components of its fourth 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 September 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.
"On October 13, 2008, we issued public guidance for our fourth quarter net broadcast revenues to be down mid to high single digit percents, based on our time sales pacings at that time," commented David Amy, EVP and CFO. "On October 27, 2008, we revised that outlook guiding for net broadcast revenues to be down low to mid single digit percents on the strength of political advertising which was pacing higher than expected. Our current guidance is for the fourth quarter net broadcast revenues to be down low single digit percents. For the fourth quarter, we expect political advertising to be approximately $25.6 million or $41 million for the year, a record level for us, and more than the approximate $32 million reported in the 2004 election year. Offsetting the political gains, however, are core advertising sales, which continue to pace down on the recessed economy and crowding out from political. On the retransmission revenue front, we continue to work with the cable, satellite and telecom companies whose contracts are coming up for renewal at the end of this year. For 2008, we are estimating our retransmission revenues to be approximately $72 million. On the expense side, we are initiating cost cutting measures now to address any prolonged economic recovery. We are guiding for our television expenses to be down approximately 2.5% in the fourth quarter."
-- The Company expects fourth quarter 2008 station net broadcast revenues from continuing operations, before barter, to be down approximately low single digit percents, as compared to fourth quarter 2007 station net broadcast revenues, before barter, of $165.7 million. This assumes $25.6 million in political revenues versus $2.2 million received in the fourth quarter last year. -- The Company expects barter revenue and barter expense each to be approximately $12.8 million in the fourth 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 fourth quarter to be approximately $75.9 million, a 2.5% decrease from fourth quarter 2007 television expenses of $77.8 million. On a full year basis, television expenses are expected to be approximately $296.6 million, or up 2.7%, 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 $1.8 million for the year, as compared to the 2007 actuals of $0.5 million and $1.5 million for the quarter and year, respectively. -- The Company expects program contract amortization expense to be approximately $23.0 million in the quarter and $86.2 million for the year, as compared to the 2007 actuals of $22.9 million and $96.4 million for the quarter and year, respectively. -- The Company expects program contract payments to be approximately $21.6 million in the quarter and $82.7 million for the year, as compared to the 2007 actuals of $18.9 million and $77.7 million for the quarter and year, respectively. -- The Company expects corporate overhead, including stock-based compensation expense, to be approximately $6.4 million in the quarter and $26.6 million for the year, as compared to the 2007 actuals of $5.4 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 $0.9 million and $2.9 million for the quarter and year, respectively. -- The Company expects other operating division revenues less other operating division expenses to be approximately $1.1 million income in the fourth quarter and $0.3 million loss for the year, assuming current equity interests. -- The Company expects depreciation on property and equipment to be approximately $12.5 million in the fourth quarter and $46.3 million for the year, assuming the capital expenditure assumptions below, and as compared to the 2007 actuals of $10.5 million and $43.1 million for the quarter and year, respectively. -- The Company expects amortization of acquired intangibles to be approximately $4.6 million in the fourth quarter and $18.3 million for the year, as compared to the 2007 actuals of $4.6 million and $17.6 million for the fourth quarter and year, respectively. -- The Company expects net interest expense to be approximately $19.8 million in the quarter and $78.0 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 $21.7 million and $93.6 million for the quarter and year, respectively. -- The Company expects the fourth quarter effective tax rate for continuing operations to be approximately 44.0%, including a current tax provision from continuing operations of approximately $0.2 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 43.2%, including a current tax provision of $0.6 million. -- The Company paid dividends on the Class A and Class B common shares of $17.0 million in the fourth quarter and $66.9 million for the year. This is compared to total dividends paid in 2007 of $49.5 million. -- The Company expects to spend approximately $5.8 million in capital expenditures in the quarter and approximately $27.5 million for the year. 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 third quarter 2008 results on Wednesday, November 5, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. ET. After the call, an audio replay will be available at 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.
The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information and can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.
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 Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 REVENUES: Station broadcast revenues, net of agency commissions $150,119 $149,425 $474,758 $456,972 Revenues realized from station barter arrangements 14,562 14,786 45,048 44,218 Other operating divisions' revenues 13,510 12,488 38,657 18,841 Total revenues 178,191 176,699 558,463 520,031 OPERATING EXPENSES: Station production expenses 38,959 35,741 118,226 109,556 Station selling, general and administrative expenses 33,867 33,711 102,498 101,357 Expenses recognized from station barter arrangements 12,760 13,317 40,394 39,995 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 21,744 29,172 63,247 73,528 Other operating divisions' expenses 13,397 11,227 40,076 18,852 Depreciation of property and equipment 11,700 10,554 33,812 32,660 Corporate general and administrative expenses 5,919 5,497 20,123 18,888 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 4,606 4,546 13,692 13,032 Gain on asset exchange (2,163) - (2,163) - Impairment of goodwill - - 1,626 - Total operating expenses 140,789 143,765 431,531 407,868 Operating income 37,402 32,934 126,932 112,163 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs (19,075) (21,897) (58,759) (74,166) Interest income 224 89 599 2,178 (Loss) gain from sale of assets (3) (30) 48 (38) Gain (loss) from extinguishment of debt 432 (68) 146 (30,716) Gain from derivative instruments - 1,897 999 1,300 Gain (loss) from equity and cost method investments 658 711 (118) (181) Other income, net 1,441 268 2,832 944 Total other expense (16,323) (19,030) (54,253) (100,679) Income from continuing operations before income taxes 21,079 13,904 72,679 11,484 INCOME TAX PROVISION (9,386) (4,327) (31,342) (2,317) Income from continuing operations 11,693 9,577 41,337 9,167 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS: (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of related income tax provision of $187, $436, $232 and $176, respectively (38) 324 9 542 NET INCOME $11,655 $9,901 $41,346 $9,709 BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE: Earnings per share from continuing operations $0.14 $0.11 $0.48 $0.11 Earnings per share from discontinued operations $- $- $- $0.01 Earnings per share $0.14 $0.11 $0.48 $0.11 Weighted average common shares outstanding 86,158 87,175 86,951 86,816 Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 86,158 87,227 86,955 86,949 Dividends declared per share $0.20 $0.15 $0.60 $0.45 Unaudited Consolidated Historical Selected Balance Sheet Data: (In thousands) September 30, June 30, 2008 2008 Cash & cash equivalents $11,646 $10,911 Total current assets 222,668 195,176 Total long term assets 2,083,058 2,068,851 Total assets 2,305,726 2,264,027 Current portion of debt 60,278 55,105 Total current liabilities 243,922 213,460 Long term portion of debt 1,336,059 1,331,805 Total long term liabilities 1,814,611 1,781,165 Total liabilities 2,058,533 1,994,625 Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries 17,014 18,200 Total stockholders' equity 230,179 251,202 Total liabilities & stockholders' equity $2,305,726 $2,264,027 Unaudited Consolidated Historical Selected Statement of Cash Flows Data: (In thousands) Three Months Nine Months Ended Ended September 30, September 30, 2008 2008 Net cash flow from operating activities $48,331 $138,096 Net cash flow used in investing activities (21,412) (126,478) Net cash flow used in financing activities (26,184) (20,952) Net increase (decrease) in cash & cash equivalents 735 (9,334) Cash & cash equivalents, beginning of period 10,911 20,980 Cash & cash equivalents, end of period $11,646 $11,646
First Call Analyst: Lucy Rutishauser
FCMN Contact:
Source: Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
CONTACT: David Amy, EVP & Chief Financial Officer, or Lucy Rutishauser,
VP-Corporate Finance & Treasurer 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
Profile: International Entertainment
posted by EntertainmentNews @ 4:41 AM
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