LBI Media, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2009 Results

LBI Media, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2009 Results

BURBANK, Calif., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- LBI Media, Inc. today reported its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, net revenues decreased by $4.6 million, or 17.4%, to $21.8 million for the first quarter of 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.

Commenting on the company's earnings results, Lenard Liberman, the company's Executive Vice President and Secretary said, "During the first quarter, we experienced weak revenues across most of our stations as a result of the national recession. While our radio segment outperformed the industry, our TV segment experienced losses of business in line with those seen by our competitors. Our ratings remain strong and our programming continued to drive audience shares across our operations during the first quarter. We also took steps to begin to reduce our operating costs and we expect to demonstrate solid progress in cost management for the full year."

LBI Media's national television network, EstrellaTV, remains on track to launch in August of this year. In April, we further strengthened the distribution of the network through a new affiliate agreement with Sunbeam Television which serves the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market, the third largest Hispanic market in the country. And just last week, we added the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose and Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto DMAs to our EstrellaTV network, which will be covered through our affiliation with the primary channel KTNC Channel 42. We are aggressively moving forward in signing additional affiliate stations in key Hispanic markets and expect to announce such stations over the coming months. We are seeing strong interest in our network from potential affiliates as a result of our top-rated content, enhanced by the experience and support provided to our affiliates by our national advertising sales organization.

Moving forward, LBI Media is focused on expanding the EstrellaTV network station group, continuing to strengthen our internally produced content, driving increased ratings across our radio and TV properties, and monetizing our audience gains. Given the underlying strength of our radio and TV station groups, as well as the upcoming launch of the EstrellaTV network, we believe we are well positioned to grow our audiences and our advertising revenue shares as the economy begins to recover.

Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

Net revenues decreased by $4.6 million, or 17.4%, to $21.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, from $26.4 million for the same period in 2008. The change was primarily attributable to decreased advertising revenue in both our radio and television segments, reflecting the general decline in the advertising industry due to the downturn in the local and U.S. economies.

Net revenues for our radio segment decreased by $1.6 million, or 11.4%, to $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, from $13.7 million for the same period in 2008. This change was primarily attributable to a decline in advertising revenue in our Los Angeles market.

Net revenues for our television segment decreased by $3.0 million, or 23.9%, to $9.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, from $12.7 million for the same period in 2008. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower advertising revenue in our California and Texas markets, reflecting the downturn in the local and U.S. economies, partially offset by increased advertising revenue in our Utah market. Our station group did not benefit from any retransmission agreements with cable or satellite companies.

Total operating expenses increased by $50.3 million, or 254.7%, to $70.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to $19.7 million for the same period in 2008. This increase was primarily the result of a $51.5 million increase in broadcast license impairment charges. Excluding the impact of the impairment charge, total operating expenses decreased by $1.2 million, or 6.1%, to $18.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. This decrease was due to a $1.2 million decline in program and technical expenses, primarily resulting from an increase in our estimate of the period over which our internally-produced programs contribute to our revenues.

Beginning on January 1, 2009, we changed our method of reporting television production costs because we determined that the useful lives of certain of our television programs exceeded one year. If we had not made this change and continued to expense television production costs for these selected programs as incurred, our program and technical expenses would have been approximately $2.3 million higher during the three months ended March 31, 2009. The benefit realized from deferring the period over which television production costs are expensed was partially offset by an increase in music license and ratings service fees.

Adjusted EBITDA(1) decreased by $3.4 million, or 37.0%, to $5.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to $9.2 million for the same period in 2008. This change was primarily the result of the overall decline in radio and television advertising revenues, partially offset by the decrease in program and technical expenses.

We recognized a net loss of $37.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to a net loss of $5.9 million for the same period of 2008, an increase in net loss of $31.5 million. This change was primarily attributable to the $51.5 million increase in broadcast license impairment charges, partially offset by the $19.9 million change in income tax benefit (provision) and the other changes noted above.

First Quarter 2009 Conference Call

We will host a conference call to discuss our financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2009 on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (877) 874-1567 beginning fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the call, asking for the "LBI Media, Inc. First Quarter 2009 Results Conference Call", and providing confirmation code 4122766 to the operator. The conference call will be recorded and made available for replay through Thursday, May 21, 2009. Investors may listen to the replay of the call by dialing (888) 203-1112 and then entering the passcode 4122766.

Information for Holders of LBI Media's 8 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

Results for LBI Media, Inc.'s three months ended March 31, 2009 will be posted on its website at www.lbimedia.com/investors. Holders and beneficial owners of LBI Media, Inc.'s 8 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 may access this information by contacting Wisdom Lu at (818) 729-5316 to receive a temporary username and password.

About LBI Media, Inc.

LBI Media, Inc. is one of the largest owners and operators of Spanish-language radio and television stations in the United States, based on revenues and number of stations. The company owns 22 radio stations (fifteen FM and seven AM) and six television stations in greater Los Angeles, CA (including Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties), Houston, TX, Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX, San Diego, CA, Salt Lake City, UT and Phoenix, AZ. The company also owns three television production facilities that it uses to produce television programming.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. securities laws. These statements are based upon current expectations and involve certain risks and uncertainties, including those related to the expected future operating performance of the company's radio stations, television stations and studio operations. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, information preceded by, or that include the words, "believes", "expects", "prospects", "pacings", "anticipates", "could", "estimates", "forecasts" or similar expressions. The reader should note that these statements may be impacted by several factors, including economic changes, regulatory changes, increased competition, the timing of announced acquisitions or station upgrades, changes in the broadcasting industry generally, and changes in interest rates. Accordingly, the company's actual performance and results may differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Please see the recent public filings of the company's parent, LBI Media Holdings, Inc., for information about these and other risks that may affect them. The company and LBI Media Holdings undertake no obligation to update or revise the information contained herein because of new information, future events or otherwise.

(1) We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss plus income tax benefit or expense, net interest expense, interest rate swap income or expense, impairment of broadcast licenses, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense and other non-cash gains and losses. Management considers this measure an important indicator of our liquidity relating to our operations because it eliminates the effects of certain non-cash items and our capital structure. This measure should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, or superior to, other measures of liquidity and financial performance prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., such as cash flows from operating activities, operating income or loss and net income or loss. In addition, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may differ from those of many companies reporting similarly named measures. See tables at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of net cash used in operating activities to Adjusted EBITDA.

   Results of Operations:                                  LBI MEDIA, INC.                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS                                 (In thousands)                                                        Three Months Ended                                                              March 31,                                                    ----------------------                                                         2009         2008                                                    ----------------------                                                            (Unaudited)    Net revenues                                      $21,809      $26,407    Operating expenses:     Program and technical, exclusive of      depreciation and amortization shown below         4,876        6,079     Promotional, exclusive of depreciation and      amortization shown below                            455          442     Selling, general and administrative, exclusive      of depreciation and amortization shown below     10,720       10,727     Depreciation and amortization                      2,473        2,483     Impairment of broadcast licenses                  51,466            -                                                    ---------     --------    Total operating expenses                           69,990       19,731                                                    ---------     --------    Operating (loss) income                           (48,181)       6,676    Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized       (6,952)      (7,408)    Interest rate swap income (expense)                   336       (2,668)    Equity in losses of equity method investment          (38)           -    Interest and other income                             119           32                                                    ---------     --------    Loss before benefit from (provision for)     income taxes                                     (54,716)      (3,368)    Benefit from (provision for) income taxes          17,349       (2,543)                                                    ---------     --------    Net loss                                         $(37,367)     $(5,911)                                                    =========     ========   Adjusted EBITDA(2)                                  $5,766       $9,159                                                    =========     ========    (2) Refer to the company's definition of Adjusted EBITDA on page 1. Also,       see the tables at the end of this press release for a reconciliation       of net cash used in operating activities to Adjusted EBITDA.                                   LBI MEDIA, INC.                        UNAUDITED SELECTED SEGMENT DATA                                 (In thousands)                                                   Three Months Ended                                                       March 31,                                            ----------------------------                                                                     %                                               2009      2008     Change                                            ----------------------------    Net revenues:      Radio                                  12,134     13,695      -11%      Television                              9,675     12,712      -24%                                            ----------------------------      Total                                  21,809     26,407      -17%     Total operating expenses before     stock-based compensation expense,     depreciation and amortization and     impairment of broadcast licenses:      Radio                                   8,428      7,713        9%      Television                              7,615      9,535      -20%                                            ----------------------------      Total                                  16,043     17,248       -7%     Stock-based compensation expense:      Corporate                                   8          -      100%                                            ----------------------------      Total                                       8          -      100%     Depreciation and amortization:      Radio                                   1,258      1,251        1%      Television                              1,215      1,232       -1%                                            ----------------------------      Total                                   2,473      2,483        0%     Impairment of broadcast licenses:      Radio                                  31,886          -      100%      Television                             19,580          -      100%                                            ----------------------------      Total                                  51,466          -      100%     Operating (loss) income:      Radio                                 (29,438)     4,731     -722%      Television                            (18,735)     1,945   -1,063%      Corporate                                  (8)         -     -100%                                            ----------------------------      Total                                 (48,181)     6,676     -822%     Adjusted EBITDA(3)      Radio                                   3,706      5,982      -38%      Television                              2,060      3,177      -35%                                            ----------------------------      Total                                   5,766      9,159      -37%    (3) See footnote (1). Also, see the tables at the end of this press       release for a reconciliation of operating (loss) income for each       segment to Adjusted EBITDA for such segment.                                      LBI MEDIA, INC.                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED BALANCE SHEETS                                 (In thousands)                                                     March 31,   December 31,                                                        2009         2008                                                    ----------  -----------   Assets    Current assets:      Cash and cash equivalents                          $328          $450      Accounts receivable, net                         15,923        18,244      Current portion of program rights, net              398           457      Amounts due from related parties                    180           175      Current portion of notes receivable from       related parties                                    460           457      Current portion of employee advances                728           744      Prepaid expenses and other current assets         1,638         1,859                                                     --------     ---------    Total current assets                               19,655        22,386     Property and equipment, net                        96,513        95,745    Broadcast licenses, net                           240,880       292,343    Deferred financing costs, net                       6,871         7,186    Notes receivable from related parties,     excluding current portion                          2,412         2,399    Employee advances, excluding current portion          941           888    Program rights, excluding current portion           2,975           738    Notes receivable from parent                       10,017         9,926    Other assets                                        5,119         5,420                                                     --------      --------    Total assets                                     $385,383      $437,031                                                     ========      ========     Liabilities and shareholder's (deficiency)     equity    Current liabilities:      Cash overdraft                                   $1,596          $395      Accounts payable                                  3,225         4,414      Accrued liabilities                               4,476         4,071      Accrued interest                                  3,804         8,542      Current portion of long-term debt                 1,349         1,347                                                     --------      --------    Total current liabilities                          14,450        18,769     Long-term debt, excluding current portion         377,394       369,615    Fair value of interest rate swap                    7,291         7,627    Deferred and other income taxes                     6,251        23,691    Other liabilities                                   1,711         1,684                                                     --------      --------    Total liabilities                                 407,097       421,386     Shareholder's (deficiency) equity:      Common stock                                          -             -      Additional paid-in capital                      101,864       101,856      Accumulated deficit                            (123,578)      (86,211)                                                     --------      --------    Total shareholder's (deficiency) equity           (21,714)       15,645                                                     --------      --------    Total liabilities and shareholder's (deficiency)     equity                                          $385,383      $437,031                                                     ========      ========   

The table set forth below reconciles net cash used in operating activities, calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, to Adjusted EBITDA:

                                                    Three Months Ended                                                         March 31,                                                 ---------------------                                                    2009         2008                                                 ---------------------                                                      (In thousands)    Net cash used in operating activities        $(4,136)     $(4,041)    Add:      Income tax (benefit) expense               (17,349)       2,543      Interest expense and interest and other       income, net                                 6,833        7,376    Less:      Amortization of deferred financing costs      (315)        (312)      Amortization of discount on subordinated        notes                                        (67)         (62)      Amortization of program rights                (143)        (136)      Provision for doubtful accounts               (297)        (245)    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      Accounts receivable                         (2,024)          (5)      Cash overdraft                              (1,201)        (773)      Program rights                               2,321        1,160      Amounts due from related parties                 5           19      Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (220)         (20)      Employee advances                               37          130      Accounts payable                               868          954      Accrued liabilities                           (415)         473      Accrued interest                             4,738        5,285      Deferred income taxes                       17,440       (2,381)      Other assets and liabilities                  (309)        (806)                                                  --------------------    Adjusted EBITDA                               $5,766       $9,159                                                  ====================   

The following is a reconciliation of operating (loss) income to Adjusted EBITDA for the company's radio division:

                                                    Three Months Ended                                                         March 31,                                                ----------------------                                                    2009         2008                                                ----------------------                                                      (In thousands)   Radio division operating (loss) income       $(29,438)      $4,731     Depreciation and amortization                 1,258        1,251     Impairment of broadcast licenses             31,886            -                                                ----------------------   Radio division Adjusted EBITDA                 $3,706       $5,982                                                ======================   

The following is a reconciliation of operating (loss) income to Adjusted EBITDA for the company's television division:

                                                    Three Months Ended                                                         March 31,                                                ----------------------                                                    2009         2008                                                ----------------------                                                      (In thousands)   Television division operating (loss) income  $(18,735)      $1,945     Depreciation and amortization                 1,215        1,232     Impairment of broadcast licenses             19,580            -                                                ----------------------   Television division Adjusted EBITDA            $2,060       $3,177                                                ======================  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: LBI Media, Inc.

CONTACT: Wisdom Lu, CFA, Chief Financial Officer, LBI Media, Inc.,
+1-818-729-5316

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Profile: International Entertainment