Gray Reports Record Operating Results

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Wednesday, August 9th, 2017

Gray Television, Inc. announces record-setting results of operations for the period ended June 30, 2017, including record revenue, record net income and record Broadcast Cash Flow.

We experienced accelerating market trends throughout the second quarter of 2017. As a result, our operating revenue and political advertising revenue significantly exceeded the high end of the guidance ranges that we had provided for this period. We also succeeded in recording broadcast and corporate and administrative expenses below the low end of our guidance. This performance, plus the gain on disposal of two licenses through our participation in the FCC reverse auction for broadcast spectrum produced fully diluted net income per share of $0.97 in the second quarter of 2017. 

Looking forward, on a Combined Historical Basis, we anticipate that aggregate local and national advertising revenue, excluding approximately $8.2 million of advertising revenue attributable to the broadcast of the 2016 Summer Olympics, will increase in the low to mid-single digit percentage range in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016.

Financial Highlights:

  • Record Revenue - The following table presents certain of our record results on an As-Reported and Combined Historical Basis for the second quarter of 2017 and the respective percentage change from the second quarter of 2016 (dollars in millions):

                 
                 
    Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
        %   Combined   %
    As-Reported   Change   Historical   Change
Revenue (less agency commissions):    
Local (including internet/digital/mobile)   $              117.9   13 %   $              119.8   0 %
National   31.0   19 %   31.9   2 %
Political   3.7   (62)%   3.7   (67)%
Retransmission consent   69.4   37 %   69.9   25 %
Other   4.7   (17)%   4.0   1 %
Total   $              226.7   15 %   $              229.3   3 %

 

  • Record Net Income, Broadcast Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow - Our net income was $70.6 million for the second quarter of 2017. Our Broadcast Cash Flow was $93.2 million for the second quarter of 2017 ($94.0 million on a Combined Historical Basis). Our Free Cash Flow was $55.9 million for the second quarter of 2017 ($57.2 million on a Combined Historical Basis).
       
  • Total Leverage Ratio - As of June 30, 2017, our Total Leverage Ratio, Net of all Cash (as defined below) was 5.41 times on a trailing eight-quarter basis. On August 7, 2017 we received approximately $90.8 million in proceeds from the reverse auction for broadcast spectrum (the "FCC Spectrum Auction") that was conducted by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"). Adjusting for the subsequent receipt of the FCC Spectrum Auction proceeds, as of June 30, 2017 our Total Leverage Ratio, Net of all Cash and Net of Auction Proceeds was 5.14 times on a trailing eight-quarter basis.

Other Highlights and Recent Developments:

  • On May 1, 2017, we completed the acquisition of television stations WDTV-TV (CBS) and WVFX-TV (FOX/CW), a legal duopoly in the Clarksburg-Weston, West Virginia market (DMA 169) (the "Clarksburg Acquisition") for $26.5 million. We had operated these stations under a local marketing agreement ("LMA") since June 1, 2016, and the LMA expired upon completion of the acquisition.

       

  • On May 1, 2017, we completed the acquisition of television stations WABI-TV (CBS/CW) in the Bangor, Maine market (DMA 156) and WCJB-TV (ABC/CW) in the Gainesville, Florida market (DMA 161) (collectively, the "Diversified Acquisition") for $85.0 million. We had operated these stations under an LMA since April 1, 2017, and the LMA expired upon completion of the acquisition.

       

  • On May 4, 2017, we announced that we entered into an agreement to acquire WCAX-TV (CBS) in the Burlington, Vermont - Plattsburgh, New York market (DMA 97) for $29.0 million (the "Vermont Acquisition"). We completed the acquisition on August 1, 2017. We had operated this station under an LMA since June 1, 2017, and the LMA expired upon completion of the acquisition.

Effects of Acquisitions and Divestitures on Our Results of Operations

From October 31, 2013 through June 30, 2017, we completed 23 acquisition transactions and three divestiture transactions. As more fully described in our Form 10-Q to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today and in our prior disclosures, these transactions added a net total of 50 television stations in 30 television markets, including 25 new television markets, to our operations.

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

Due to the significant effect that our acquisitions and divestitures have had on our results of operations, and in order to provide more meaningful period over period comparisons, we present herein certain financial information on a "Combined Historical Basis." Unless otherwise defined, Combined Historical Basis reflects financial results that have been compiled by adding Gray's historical revenue and broadcast expenses to the historical revenue and broadcast expenses of the Acquired Stations and removing the historical revenues and historical broadcast expenses of divested stations as if they had been acquired or divested, respectively, on January 1, 2015 (the beginning of the earliest period presented). In addition, our Combined Historical Basis non-GAAP terms "Broadcast Cash Flow," "Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses," "Operating Cash Flow as Defined in our 2017 Senior Credit Facility,"  "Free Cash Flow" and "Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash" give effect to the financings related to the acquisition of the Acquired Stations as if these financings occurred on January 1, 2015, and certain anticipated net expense savings resulting from the completed acquisitions. Free Cash Flow presented on a Combined Historical Basis also includes adjustments for the purchase of property and equipment and income taxes paid, net of refunds, as if the acquisition of the Acquired Stations occurred on January 1, 2015. Combined Historical Basis financial information does not reflect all purchase accounting and other adjustments required, and includes certain other amounts not included, in pro forma financial statements prepared in accordance with Regulation S-X.

 

Selected Operating Data on As-Reported Basis (unaudited):            
                   
  Three Months Ended June 30,
          % Change       % Change
          2017 to       2017 to
  2017   2016   2016   2015   2015
  (dollars in thousands)
Revenue (less agency commissions):                  
Total $      226,681   $     196,633   15 %   $    143,464   58 %
Political $           3,708   $         9,649   (62)%   $         2,197   69 %
                   
Operating expenses (1):                  
Broadcast $      133,545   $     117,335   14 %   $      86,445   54 %
Corporate and administrative $           8,409   $         8,524   (1)%   $        6,444   30 %
                   
Net income $        70,561   $       17,662   300 %   $     12,110   483 %
                   
Non-GAAP cash flow (2):                  
Broadcast Cash Flow $        93,239   $      79,267   18 %   $     57,244   63 %
Broadcast Cash Flow Less                  
Cash Corporate Expenses $       85,908   $      71,713   20 %   $     51,591   67 %
Free Cash Flow $       55,883   $      25,928   116 %   $     27,388   104 %
                   
  Six Months Ended June 30,
          % Change       % Change
          2017 to       2017 to
  2017   2016   2016   2015   2015
  (dollars in thousands)
Revenue (less agency commissions):                  
Total $     430,142   $    370,356   16 %   $    276,767   55 %
Political $          5,029   $      19,304   (74)%   $         3,356   50 %
                   
Operating expenses (1):                  
Broadcast $     267,016   $   225,903   18 %   $   173,292   54 %
Corporate and administrative $       16,118   $     24,202   (33)%   $     13,291   21 %
                   
Net income $       81,066   $     26,652   204 %   $     17,705   358 %
                   
Non-GAAP cash flow (2):                  
Broadcast Cash Flow $     163,703   $   145,164   13 %   $   103,968   57 %
Broadcast Cash Flow Less                  
Cash Corporate Expenses $     149,637   $   122,900   22 %   $     92,218   62 %
Free Cash Flow $       92,477   $     50,144   84 %   $     49,379   87 %
                   
(1) Excludes depreciation, amortization, and (gain) loss on disposal of assets.            
(2) See definition of non-GAAP terms and reconciliation of the non-GAAP amounts to net income included elsewhere herein.

 

 

Selected Operating Data on Combined Historical Basis (unaudited):  
                   
  Three Months Ended June 30,
          % Change       % Change
          2017 to       2017 to
  2017   2016   2016   2015   2015
  (dollars in thousands)
Revenue (less agency commissions):                  
Total $     229,313   $      222,170   3 %   $     204,444   12 %
Political $          3,723   $        11,218   (67)%   $          2,939   27 %
                   
Operating expenses (1):                  
Broadcast $     136,412   $      133,413   2 %   $     125,851   8 %
Corporate and administrative $          8,409   $          8,524   (1)%   $          6,444   30 %
                   
Non-GAAP cash flow (2):                  
Broadcast Cash Flow $       93,972   $       91,248   3 %   $       86,691   8 %
Broadcast Cash Flow Less                  
Cash Corporate Expenses $       86,641   $       83,692   4 %   $       81,038   7 %
Operating Cash Flow as defined in                  
our 2017 Senior Credit Facility $       87,020   $       83,129   5 %   $       81,394   7 %
Free Cash Flow $       57,157   $       37,098   54 %   $       50,873   12 %
                   
  Six Months Ended June 30,
          % Change       % Change
          2017 to       2017 to
  2017   2016   2016   2015   2015
  (dollars in thousands)
Revenue (less agency commissions):                  
Total $    442,496   $     436,675   1 %   $      393,668   12 %
Political $         5,069   $       25,988   (80)%   $          4,311   18 %
                   
Operating expenses (1):                  
Broadcast $    280,032   $    270,843   3 %   $      251,955   11 %
Corporate and administrative $      16,118   $      24,202   (33)%   $        13,291   21 %
                   
Non-GAAP cash flow (2):                  
Broadcast Cash Flow $    166,225   $   173,194   (4)%   $     157,913   5 %
Broadcast Cash Flow Less                  
Cash Corporate Expenses $    152,159   $   150,930   1 %   $     146,163   4 %
Operating Cash Flow as defined in                  
our 2017 Senior Credit Facility $    152,385   $   156,622   (3)%   $     148,920   2 %
Free Cash Flow $      95,356   $     79,786   20 %   $       86,936   10 %
                   
(1) Excludes depreciation, amortization, and (gain) loss on disposal of assets.            
(2) See definition of non-GAAP terms and reconciliation of the non-GAAP amounts to net income included elsewhere herein.

 

Results of Operations for the Second Quarter of 2017

Revenue (less agency commissions) on As-Reported Basis.

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

 

                 
                 
    Three Months Ended June 30,
    2017   2016
        Percent       Percent
    Amount    of Total   Amount    of Total 
Revenue (less agency commissions):                
Local (including internet/digital/mobile)   $     117,917   52.0%   $          104,727   53.3%
National   30,981   13.7%   26,070   13.3%
Political   3,708   1.6%   9,649   4.9%
Retransmission consent   69,371   30.6%   50,549   25.7%
Other   4,704   2.1%   5,638   2.8%
Total   $     226,681   100.0%   $          196,633   100.0%

 

Total revenue increased $30.0 million, or 15%, to $226.7 million for the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016. Revenue from the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, collectively, accounted for approximately $61.0 million of our total revenue in the second quarter of 2017. The 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $34.1 million of our total revenue in the second quarter of 2016.

The changes in revenue for the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016 were approximately as follows:

  • Local advertising revenue (including internet/digital/mobile) increased $13.2 million, or 13%, to $117.9 million.

      

  • National advertising revenue increased $4.9 million, or 19%, to $31.0 million.

      

  • Political advertising revenue decreased $5.9 million, or 62%, to $3.7 million.

      

  • Retransmission consent revenue increased $18.8 million, or 37%, to $69.4 million.

      

  • Other revenue decreased $0.9 million, or 17%, to $4.7 million.

Excluding the total revenue contributed by the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, our total revenue increased by $3.1 million in the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the second quarter of 2016. The components of this net increase included the following: retransmission consent revenue increased by $9.8 million due primarily to increased retransmission consent rates, and political advertising revenue decreased by $6.4 million due to 2017 being the "off-year" of the two-year election cycle.

Revenue on Combined Historical Basis.

On a Combined Historical Basis, total revenue increased $7.1 million to $229.3 million in the second quarter of 2017 compared to $222.2 million the second quarter of 2016, as a result of the following:

  • Local advertising revenue (including internet/digital/mobile) was unchanged at $119.8 million.

      

  • National advertising revenue increased $0.7 million, or 2%, to $31.9 million.

      

  • Political advertising revenue decreased $7.5 million, or 67%, to $3.7 million.

      

  • Retransmission consent revenue increased $13.9 million, or 25%, to $69.9 million.

       

  • Other revenue was unchanged at $3.9 million.

Broadcast Operating Expenses on As-Reported Basis.

Broadcast operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $16.2 million, or 14%, to $133.5 million for the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016. The 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, collectively, accounted for approximately $32.4 million of our broadcast operating expenses in the second quarter of 2017, and the 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $20.9 million of our broadcast operating expenses for the second quarter of 2016. Including the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions, total retransmission expense increased $9.8 million, or 41%, to $33.8 million in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016.

Excluding the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions:

  • Non-compensation expenses increased by $5.6 million, or 10%, in the second quarter of 2017 primarily due to retransmission expense increases of $5.3 million and net increases in several categories including programming, licensing and professional fees.

       

  • Compensation expense decreased by $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2017.

Broadcast Operating Expenses on Combined Historical Basis.

On a Combined Historical Basis, broadcast operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $3.0 million, or 2%, to $136.4 million in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016. The increase reflects, in part, the following:

  • Retransmission expense increased $7.1 million, or 26%, to $34.2 million in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016, consistent with increases in retransmission consent revenue.

      

  • Syndicated programming and licensing expenses decreased $0.6 million, or 5%, in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016.

      

  • Professional fees decreased $1.0 million, or 14% in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016.

       

  • Compensation expense decreased by approximately $2.4 million, or 3%, in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016.

Corporate and Administrative Operating Expenses on As-Reported Basis.

Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) decreased $0.1 million, or 1%, to $8.4 million in the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the second quarter of 2016, primarily as a result of decreases in incentive compensation costs. Non-cash share based compensation expenses were $1.1 million and $1.0 million in the second quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(Gain) Loss on Disposal of Assets.

We reported a gain on disposal of assets of $77.3 million in the second quarter of 2017 and a loss on disposal of assets of $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2016. On May 30, 2017, we tendered two of our broadcast licenses and made other modifications to our broadcast spectrum related to our participation in the FCC Spectrum Auction. Our proceeds from this auction which were received on August 7, 2017, were $90.8 million and the cost of the assets disposed was $13.1 million.

Taxes.

During the second quarter of 2017, we made aggregate federal and state income tax payments of approximately $0.6 million. During the remainder of 2017, we anticipate making income tax payments (net of refunds) of approximately $1.0 million. We anticipate making significant federal and state income tax payments beginning in 2018, assuming no significant changes to the corporate tax code as currently in effect.

Results of Operations for the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2017

Revenue (less agency commissions) on As-Reported Basis.

The table below presents our revenue (less agency commissions) by type for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):

 

                 
    Six Months Ended June 30,
    2017   2016
        Percent       Percent
    Amount    of Total   Amount    of Total 
Revenue (less agency commissions):                
Local (including internet/digital/mobile)   $    220,514   51.3%   $    194,081   52.4%
National   55,795   13.0%   48,149   13.0%
Political   5,029   1.2%   19,304   5.2%
Retransmission consent   136,944   31.8%   97,818   26.4%
Other   11,860   2.7%   11,004   3.0%
Total   $    430,142   100.0%   $    370,356   100.0%

 

Total revenue increased $59.8 million, or 16%, to $430.1 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six-months ended June 30, 2016. Revenue from the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, collectively, accounted for approximately $108.5 million of our total revenue in the six-months ended June 30, 2017. The 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $50.7 million of our total revenue in the six-months ended June 30, 2016.

The changes in revenue for the six-months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six-months ended June 30, 2016 were approximately as follows:

  • Local advertising revenue (including internet/digital/mobile) increased $26.4 million, or 14%, to $220.5 million.

      

  • National advertising revenue increased $7.6 million, or 16%, to $55.8 million.

       

  • Political advertising revenue decreased $14.3 million, or 74%, to $5.0 million.

      

  • Retransmission consent revenue increased $39.1 million, or 40%, to $136.9 million.

       

  • Other revenue increased $0.9 million, or 8%, to $11.9 million.

Excluding the total revenue contributed by the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, our total revenue increased by $2.0 million in the six-months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the six-months ended June 30, 2016. The components of this net increase included the following: retransmission consent revenue increased by $18.9 million due primarily to increased retransmission consent rates; political advertising revenue decreased by $14.7 million due to 2017 being the "off-year" of the two-year election cycle; and local revenue decreased by $2.0 million.

Excluding the revenue contributed by the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, local and national advertising revenue declined, in part, as a result of the impact of the broadcast of the 2017 Super Bowl on our FOX-affiliated stations generating approximately $0.6 million of local and national advertising revenue, compared to $1.6 million that we earned from the broadcast of the 2016 Super Bowl on our CBS-affiliated stations.

Revenue (less agency commissions) on Combined Historical Basis.

On a Combined Historical Basis, total revenue increased $5.8 million to $442.5 for the six-months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $436.7 in the six-months ended June 30, 2016, as a result of the following:

  • Local advertising revenue (including internet/digital/mobile) decreased $1.1 million, or less than 1%, to $228.9 million.

      

  • National advertising revenue decreased $0.8 million, or 1%, to $59.0 million.

      

  • Political advertising revenue decreased $20.9 million, or 80%, to $5.1 million.

      

  • Retransmission consent revenue increased $28.6 million, or 26%, to $140.2 million.

      

  • Other revenue was unchanged at $9.4 million.

Local and national advertising revenue declined, in part, as a result of the impact of the broadcast of the 2017 Super Bowl on our FOX-affiliated stations generating approximately $0.6 million of local and national advertising revenue, compared to $2.1 million that we earned from the broadcast of the 2016 Super Bowl on our CBS-affiliated stations.

Broadcast Operating Expenses on As-Reported Basis.

Broadcast operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $41.1 million, or 18%, to $267.0 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six-months ended June 30, 2016. The 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, collectively, accounted for approximately $60.2 million of our broadcast operating expenses in the six-months ended June 30, 2017, and the 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $31.7 million of our broadcast operating expenses for the six-months ended June 30, 2016. Including the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions, total retransmission expense increased $19.7 million, or 43%, to $66.0 million in the six-months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six-months ended June 30, 2016.

Excluding the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions:

  • Non-compensation expenses increased by $12.5 million, or 12%, in the six-months ended June 30, 2017 primarily due to retransmission expense increases of $10.4 million and professional fee increases of $2.9 million.

       

  • Compensation expense were unchanged in the six-months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six-months ended June 30, 2016.

Broadcast Operating Expenses on Combined Historical Basis.

On a Combined Historical Basis, broadcast operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets) increased $9.2 million, or 3%, to $280.0 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six-months ended June 30, 2016. The increase reflects, in part, the following:

  • Retransmission expense increased $14.2 million, or 26%, to $68.5 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six-months ended June 30, 2016, consistent with increases in retransmission consent revenue.

       

  • Syndicated programming and licensing expenses decreased $1.1 million, or 5%, in the six-months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six-months ended June 30, 2016.

      

  • Professional fees decreased $1.3 million, or 8%, in the six-months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six-months ended June 30, 2016.

      

  • Compensation expense decreased by approximately $2.4 million, or 2%, for the six-months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six-months ended June 30, 2016.

Corporate and Administrative Operating Expenses on As-Reported Basis.

Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) decreased $8.1 million, or 33%, to $16.1 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six-months ended June 30, 2016. The decrease reflects, in part, the following:

  • Non-compensation expense decreased $7.6 million, primarily due to a decrease of $7.7 million in professional fees related to acquisition activities.

  • Compensation expense decreased $0.5 million, primarily due to decreases in incentive compensation costs. Non-cash share based compensation expenses were $2.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively, for the six-months ended June 30, 2017 and the six-months ended June 30, 2016.

Loss from Early Extinguishment of Debt.

In the six-months ended June 30, 2017, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.9 million, or $1.7 million after tax, related to the amendment and restatement of our senior credit facility.

Gain on Disposal of Assets.

We reported gains on disposals of assets of $76.8 million and $0.4 million in the six-months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. On May 30, 2017 we tendered two of our broadcast licenses and made other modifications to our broadcast spectrum related to our participation in the FCC Spectrum Auction. Our proceeds from this auction which were received on August 7, 2017, were $90.8 million and the cost of the assets disposed was $13.1 million.

Taxes.

During six-months ended June 30, 2017, we made aggregate federal and state income tax payments of approximately $0.9 million.

Detailed table of Operating Results

Gray Television, Inc.
Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)
(in thousands except for per share data)
               
           
  Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
  June 30,   June 30,
  2017   2016   2017   2016
               
Revenue (less agency commissions) $  226,681   $ 196,633   $ 430,142   $ 370,356
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization              
and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net:              
Broadcast 133,545   117,335   267,016   225,903
Corporate and administrative 8,409   8,524   16,118   24,202
Depreciation 12,841   11,617   25,470   22,743
Amortization of intangible assets 6,657   4,242   12,224   8,130
(Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net (77,326)   1,228   (76,799)   (420)
Operating expenses 84,126   142,946   244,029   280,558
Operating income 142,555   53,687   186,113   89,798
Other income (expense):              
Miscellaneous income, net 1   141   8   710
Interest expense (23,791)   (24,269)   (46,982)   (45,544)
Loss from early extinguishment of debt (311)   -   (2,851)   -
Income before income tax expense 118,454   29,559   136,288   44,964
Income tax expense 47,893   11,897   55,222   18,312
Net income $     70,561   $    17,662   $    81,066   $    26,652
               
Basic per share information:              
Net income $         0.98   $        0.25   $        1.13   $        0.37
Weighted-average shares outstanding 71,821   71,878   71,849   71,835
               
Diluted per share information:              
Net income $         0.97   $        0.24   $        1.12   $        0.37
Weighted-average shares outstanding 72,501   72,748   72,510   72,665
               
Political advertising revenue (less agency commissions) $       3,708   $     9,649   $      5,029   $   19,304

 

Other Financial Data:

 

  As of
  June 30,   December 31,
  2017   2016
  (in thousands)
       
Cash $          42,360   $         325,189
Long-term debt, including current portion $     1,838,614   $     1,756,747
Borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility $        100,000   $           60,000
       
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2017   2016
  (in thousands)
       
Net cash provided by operating activities $           59,144   $           45,475
Net cash used in investing activities (413,217)   (448,437)
Net cash provided by financing activities 71,244   481,989
Net (decrease) increase in cash $      (282,829)   $          79,027

 

Guidance for the Three-Months Ending September 30, 2017 

Based on our current forecasts for the third quarter of 2017, we anticipate the changes from the three-months ended September 30, 2016 as outlined below. Our estimates for the third quarter of 2017 include approximately $59.5 million of revenue and $36.7 million of broadcast operating expense estimated to be contributed by the 2017 Acquired Stations and 2016 Acquired Stations. Our as-reported results for the third quarter of 2016 included approximately $37.1 million of revenue and approximately $20.9 million of broadcast operating expenses contributed by the 2016 Acquired Stations. The table below presents our estimates of certain selected operating data for the third quarter of 2017 (dollars in thousands):

 

                     
                     
                     
    Three Months Ending September 30,
    Low End   % Change From   High End   % Change From    
    Guidance for   As-Reported   Guidance for   As-Reported   As-Reported
    the Third   Third   the Third   Third   Third
    Quarter of   Quarter of   Quarter of   Quarter of   Quarter of
Selected operating data:   2017   2016   2017   2016   2016
    (dollars in thousands)
OPERATING REVENUE:                    
Revenue (less agency commissions)   $      217,000   6 %   $      220,000   8 %   $     204,490
                     
OPERATING EXPENSES                    
(before depreciation, amortization and                  
(gain) loss on disposal of assets):                    
Broadcast   $      141,000   17 %   $       143,000   18 %   $     120,717
Corporate and administrative   $           8,500   18 %   $            9,000   25 %   $          7,223
                     
OTHER SELECTED DATA:                    
Political advertising revenue                    
(less agency commissions)   $           3,000   (87)%   $           3,500   (84)%   $       22,272

 

Third Quarter of 2017 Comparisons to the Third Quarter of 2016, Which Included the Broadcast of the 2016 Summer Olympics: 

Our local and national advertising revenues (excluding political advertising revenue) during the third quarter of 2016 were significantly influenced by the broadcast of the 2016 Summer Olympics on our NBC - affiliated stations. In the third quarter of 2016, these stations earned approximately $6.0 million of local advertising revenue and $2.2 million of national advertising revenue from the broadcast of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Currently, we anticipate that our NBC - affiliated stations will replace approximately one-half of that Olympic local and national advertising revenue with additional local and national advertising revenue from new and existing accounts in the third quarter of 2017 as compared to the third quarter of 2016. Accordingly, on a Combined Historical Basis, local and national advertising revenue for our NBC affiliated stations is expected to be lower in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. Conversely, on a Combined Historical Basis, our stations affiliated with all other networks are currently expected to increase their aggregate local and national advertising revenue in the low single digit percentage range in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. On a Combined Historical Basis, we anticipate that aggregate local and national advertising revenue, excluding approximately $8.2 million of advertising revenue attributable to the broadcast of the 2016 Summer Olympics, will increase in the low to mid-single digit percentage range in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016.

Comments on Third Quarter of 2017 Guidance

Third Quarter of 2017 on As-Reported Basis:

Revenue on As-Reported Basis.

Based on our current forecasts for the third quarter of 2017, we anticipate the following changes from the third quarter of 2016:

  • We believe our third quarter of 2017 local advertising revenue (including internet/digital/mobile) will increase in the high single digit percentages.

     

  • We expect our third quarter of 2017 national advertising revenue will increase by 18% to 20%.

        

  • We believe our third quarter of 2017 political advertising revenue will be within a range of approximately $3.0 million to $3.5 million.

       

  • We believe our third quarter of 2017 retransmission consent revenue will be approximately $70.0 million.

Broadcast Operating Expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets, net) on As-Reported Basis.

For the third quarter of 2017, we anticipate our broadcast operating expenses will increase from the third quarter of 2016, reflecting the additional broadcast operating expenses of the 2017 Acquired Stations and the 2016 Acquired Stations. We anticipate that our broadcast operating expenses will also reflect an increase in retransmission expense of approximately $10.0 million to approximately $35.0 million for the third quarter of 2017.

Corporate and Administrative Operating Expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) on As-Reported Basis.

For the third quarter of 2017, we anticipate our corporate and administrative operating expense will increase to within a range of approximately $8.5 million to $9.0 million, primarily attributable to increases in professional services fees.

Third Quarter of 2017 on Combined Historical Basis:

Based on our current forecasts for the third quarter of 2017, we anticipate the following changes from the Combined Historical Basis results for the third quarter of 2016. For the purposes hereof, our Combined Historical Basis for the third quarter of 2016 have been adjusted to give effect to the 2017 Acquired Stations and the 2016 Acquired Stations as if they had been acquired in the first day of the earliest period presented.

Revenue on Combined Historical Basis.

  • We believe our third quarter of 2017 total revenue will change by approximately -6% to -7%, due primarily to 2017 being an off-year of the political advertising revenue cycle.

      

  • We believe our third quarter of 2017 local advertising revenue will decrease in the low single digit percentages. We currently anticipate that local advertising revenue from our non-NBC affiliated stations will increase in the low single digit percentage range in the third quarter of 2017, while our advertising revenue from our NBC affiliated stations will decrease in the high single digit percentage range due to the Summer Olympics programming in 2016.

      

  • We believe our third quarter of 2017 national advertising revenue will increase in the low single digit percentages. We currently anticipate that national advertising revenue from our non-NBC affiliated stations will increase in the mid-single digit percentage range in the third quarter of 2017, while our advertising revenue from our NBC affiliated stations will decrease in the low single digit percentage range due to the Summer Olympics programming in 2016.

      

  • We believe our third quarter of 2017 retransmission consent revenue will increase by approximately $14.0 million to approximately $70.0 million.

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 third quarter of 2017 are anticipated to increase from the third quarter of 2016 on a Combined Historical Basis by approximately 5% or $6.0 million to $7.0 million. This increase reflects an expected increase of $7.1 million in retransmission expense (to approximately $35.0 million for the third quarter of 2017).

Non-GAAP Terms

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

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

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

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

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

Our Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash is calculated as our Operating Cash Flow for the preceding eight quarters, divided by two, which is then divided by our long term debt, excluding net premiums and net deferred financing costs, but including any other debt, net of all cash. Auction proceeds receivable from the FCC Spectrum Auction of $90.8 million were recorded on our balance sheet as of June 30, 2017 related to the disposal of two of our licenses in the FCC Spectrum Auction. These proceeds were received on August 7, 2017. The Total Leverage Ratio, Net of all Cash and Net of Auction Proceeds Receivable from FCC Spectrum Auction, reflects what our leverage ratio would have been if the proceeds from the FCC Spectrum Auction had been received on or prior to June 30, 2017.

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.

Reconciliation on As-Reported Basis, in thousands – Quarter:
   
   
  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2017   2016   2015
           
Net income $     70,561   $     17,662   $  12,110
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to           
  Broadcast Cash Flow:          
Depreciation 12,841   11,617   8,754
Amortization of intangible assets 6,657   4,242   2,731
Non-cash stock-based compensation 1,434   1,272   1,009
(Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net (77,326)   1,228   332
Miscellaneous income, net (1)   (141)   (67)
Interest expense 23,791   24,269   18,587
Loss from early extinguishment of debt 311   -   -
Income tax expense 47,893   11,897   8,128
Amortization of program broadcast rights 5,013   4,813   3,553
Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan           
excluding corporate 401(k) contributions 8   7   7
Payments for program broadcast rights (5,274)   (5,153)   (3,553)
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding          
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and           
non-cash stock-based compensation 7,331   7,554   5,653
Broadcast Cash Flow 93,239   79,267   57,244
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding           
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and          
non-cash stock-based compensation (7,331)   (7,554)   (5,653)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses 85,908   71,713   51,591
Pension expense (162)   40   1,789
Contributions to pension plans -   (1,113)   (1,433)
Interest expense (23,791)   (24,269)   (18,587)
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,158   1,196   798
Amortization of net original issue premium on          
senior notes (152)   (216)   (216)
Purchases of property and equipment (6,438)   (7,544)   (5,547)
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (640)   (13,879)   (1,007)
Free Cash Flow $   55,883   $   25,928   $ 27,388

 

Reconciliation on As-Reported Basis, in thousands – Year to Date:
 
   
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2017   2016   2015
           
Net income $     81,066   $   26,652   $       17,705
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to           
  Broadcast Cash Flow:          
Depreciation 25,470   22,743   17,552
Amortization of intangible assets 12,224   8,130   5,502
Non-cash stock based compensation 2,772   2,556   2,002
(Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net (76,799)   (420)   314
Miscellaneous income, net (8)   (710)   (74)
Interest expense 46,982   45,544   37,117
Loss from early extinguishment of debt 2,851   -   -
Income tax expense 55,222   18,312   12,068
Amortization of program broadcast rights 10,235   9,209   7,160
Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan           
excluding corporate 401(k) contributions 15   14   13
Payments for program broadcast rights (10,393)   (9,130)   (7,141)
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding          
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and           
non-cash stock-based compensation 14,066   22,264   11,750
Broadcast Cash Flow 163,703   145,164   103,968
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding           
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and          
non-cash stock-based compensation (14,066)   (22,264)   (11,750)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses 149,637   122,900   92,218
Pension expense (247)   80   4,190
Contributions to pension plans (624)   (1,633)   (1,433)
Interest expense (46,982)   (45,544)   (37,117)
Amortization of deferred financing costs 2,309   2,267   1,597
Amortization of net original issue premium on          
senior notes (305)   (432)   (432)
Purchases of property and equipment (10,415)   (13,475)   (8,396)
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (896)   (14,019)   (1,248)
Free Cash Flow $   92,477   $ 50,144   $     49,379

 

Reconciliation on Combined Historical Basis, in thousands – Quarter:
 
   
  Three Months Ended
  June 30,
  2017   2016   2015
           
Net income $     70,236   $     24,844   $     21,716
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to           
  Broadcast Cash Flow:          
Depreciation 12,981   12,980   12,739
Amortization of intangible assets 6,658   4,361   4,482
Non-cash stock-based compensation 1,434   1,272   1,009
(Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net (77,374)   1,232   491
Miscellaneous income, net (4)   (155)   1,407
Interest expense 23,791   25,588   24,103
Loss from early extinguishment of debt 311   -   -
Income tax expense 47,894   11,384   7,211
Amortization of program broadcast rights 5,090   5,363   5,272
Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan           
excluding corporate 401(k) contributions 8   8   7
Payments for program broadcast rights (5,351)   (5,703)   (5,272)
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding          
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and           
non-cash stock-based compensation 7,331   7,556   5,653
Other 967   2,518   7,873
Broadcast Cash Flow 93,972   91,248   86,691
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding          
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and           
non-cash stock-based compensation (7,331)   (7,556)   (5,653)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses 86,641   83,692   81,038
Pension expense (162)   40   1,789
Contributions to pension plans -   (1,113)   (1,433)
Other 541   510   -
Operating Cash Flow as Defined in Senior Credit Agreement 87,020   83,129   81,394
Interest expense (23,791)   (25,588)   (24,103)
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,158   1,196   798
Amortization of net original issue premium on          
senior notes (152)   (216)   (216)
Purchases of property and equipment (6,438)   (7,544)   (5,750)
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (640)   (13,879)   (1,250)
Free Cash Flow $   57,157   $   37,098   $   50,873

 

Reconciliation on Combined Historical Basis, in thousands – Year to Date:
 
   
  Six Months Ended
  June 30,
  2017   2016   2015
   
Net income $     79,247   $     38,132   $     31,597
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to           
  Broadcast Cash Flow:          
Depreciation 26,207   26,215   25,729
Amortization of intangible assets 12,250   9,219   9,132
Non-cash stock-based compensation 2,772   2,556   2,002
(Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net (76,849)   (216)   526
Miscellaneous income, net (17)   232   2,921
Interest expense 47,722   51,177   48,149
Loss from early extinguishment of debt 2,851   -   -
Income tax expense 54,936   16,872   10,368
Amortization of program broadcast rights 10,498   10,745   10,620
Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan           
excluding corporate 401(k) contributions 15   14   13
Payments for program broadcast rights (10,656)   (10,666)   (10,601)
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding          
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and           
non-cash stock-based compensation 14,066   22,264   11,750
Other 3,183   6,650   15,707
Broadcast Cash Flow 166,225   173,194   157,913
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding          
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and           
non-cash stock-based compensation (14,066)   (22,264)   (11,750)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses 152,159   150,930   146,163
Pension expense (247)   80   4,190
Contributions to pension plans (624)   (1,633)   (1,433)
Other 1,097   7,245   -
Operating Cash Flow as defined in Senior Credit Agreement 152,385   156,622   148,920
Interest expense (47,722)   (51,177)   (48,149)
Amortization of deferred financing costs 2,309   2,267   1,597
Amortization of net original issue premium on          
senior notes (305)   (432)   (432)
Purchases of property and equipment (10,415)   (13,475)   (12,500)
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (896)   (14,019)   (2,500)
Free Cash Flow $   95,356   $   79,786   $   86,936
           

 

Reconciliation of Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash, in thousands except for ratio:
 
     
Combined Historical Basis Operating Cash Flow   Eight Quarters Ended
as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement:   June 30, 2017
Net income   $                                218,375
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to Broadcast Cash Flow:    
Depreciation   104,363
Amortization of intangible assets   40,283
Non-cash stock-based compensation   9,891
Gain on disposals of assets, net   (75,044)
Miscellaneous income, net   2,910
Interest expense   198,524
Loss from early extinguishment of debt   34,838
Income tax expense   109,184
Amortization of program broadcast rights   43,026
Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan     
excluding corporate 401(k) contributions   57
Payments for program broadcast rights   (42,604)
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding depreciation, amortization    
of intangible assets and non-cash stock-based compensation   70,008
Other   21,341
Broadcast Cash Flow   735,152
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding    
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and     
non-cash stock-based compensation   (70,008)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses   665,144
Pension expense   (65)
Contributions to pension plans   (7,660)
Other   16,027
Operating Cash Flow as defined in Senior Credit Agreement   $                               673,446
Operating Cash Flow as defined in Senior Credit     
Agreement, divided by two   $                               336,723
     
    June 30, 2017
Adjusted Total Indebtedness:    
Long term debt, including current portion   $                            1,838,614
Capital leases and other debt   624
Total deferred financing costs, net   30,320
Premium on subordinated debt, net   (5,492)
Cash   (42,360)
Adjusted Total Indebtedness, Net of All Cash   $                            1,821,706
Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash   5.41
     
Auction proceeds receivable from FCC Spectrum Auction   90,824
Adjusted Total Indebtedness, Net of All Cash and net of auction proceeds    
receivable from FCC Spectrum Auction   $                            1,730,882
Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash and Net of Auction Proceeds    
Receivable from FCC Spectrum Auction   5.14