TVL Lin TV Corp

LIN TV Corp. (NYSE: TVL) today reported net income of $3.5 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to a net loss of $244.4 million for the same period in 2006. The increase in net income was largely due to two charges against second quarter 2006 earnings that did not recur in 2007: a $333.6 million impairment charge for intangible assets and broadcast licenses; and a $6.9 million severance charge related to the retirement of the Company�s former CEO. Excluding the 2006 impairment and severance charges, second quarter 2007 operating income decreased by 3% to $23.3 million, due primarily to the expected impact of lower political advertising in the current off-election year. The second quarter 2007 operating summary is as follows: Three months ended June 30, � Increase / (Decrease) 2007 � � 2006 � � � � Net revenues $ 103,278 $ 102,709 $ 569 1 % Total operating costs and expenses � 79,975 � � 419,118 � � (339,143 ) -81 % Operating income (loss) 23,303 (316,409 ) 339,712 107 % � Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of provision for (benefit from) income taxes 3,933 (244,869 ) 248,802 102 % � Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision for (benefit from) income taxes - 512 (512 ) N/M � Loss (gain) from the sale of discontinued operations, net of provision for (benefit from) income taxes � (419 ) � - � � (419 ) N/A � Net income (loss) $ 3,514 � $ (244,357 ) $ 247,871 � 101 % � Basic and diluted income (loss) per share $ 0.07 $ (4.87 ) $ 4.94 N/M �We are pleased with our second quarter 2007 operating results and the continued execution of our strategy by our station management teams, particularly in light of the current cyclical challenges facing the TV industry,� said Vincent L. Sadusky, president and chief executive officer of LIN TV. �Our ability to develop multi-platform local marketing programs and reduce same station operating costs have helped offset declines in political and national automotive advertising.� "Underscoring our focus on localism, our station brands and news programs once again performed well in the second quarter, with many of our stations dominating the May 2007 Nielsen ratings in their local markets, as well as significantly advancing our local website businesses,� added Sadusky. �Our key online audience metrics continue to grow at a rapid pace and our Company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing digital media and interactive businesses.� Second Quarter 2007 Compared to 2006 Net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2007 increased 1% to $103.3 million, compared to $102.7 million for the same period in 2006. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of KASA-TV, the Company�s FOX affiliate in Albuquerque, substantial growth in digital revenues and growth in the Company�s local advertising market shares, which were offset in part by decreases in political and national advertising for the quarter. The Company�s national advertising decline was primarily due to continued softness in the Automotive category, which decreased by 7% on a gross time sales basis compared to the second quarter of 2006. Digital revenues, which include Internet-only and retransmission consent fees, were $3.4 million for the second quarter of 2007, representing an increase of 102% versus the second quarter of 2006. On a pro-forma or same-station basis, as if the KASA-TV acquisition had occurred at January 1, 2006, net revenues decreased by $3.0 million, or 3%, for the second quarter of 2007 compared to the second quarter of 2006. This pro forma decrease was again primarily driven by the anticipated impact of lower political revenues in the off-election year, which were down by approximately $3.6 million on a net revenue basis in the second quarter of 2007. Total operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2007 decreased 81% to $80.0 million, compared to $419.1 million for the same period in 2006. The decrease was primarily due to costs that occurred in the second quarter of 2006 that did not recur in 2007, which included a $333.6 million impairment charge for intangible assets and broadcast licenses and a $6.9 million severance charge relating to the retirement of the Company�s former CEO. These non-recurring costs were offset somewhat by increased operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2007 due to the KASA-TV acquisition in February 2007. On a pro-forma or same-station basis, as if the KASA-TV acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2006, and excluding the $333.6 million impairment and the $6.9 million severance charges in the second quarter of 2006, total operating expenses decreased by $1.8 million or 2% for the second quarter of 2007 compared to the prior year period. This pro forma decrease was primarily due to a number of discretionary cost savings, including lower personnel, promotion and SG&A expenses plus reduced depreciation and amortization expense. Operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2007 was $23.3 million compared to an operating loss of $316.4 million for the same period in 2006. Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2007 was $3.5 million compared to a net loss of $244.4 million for the same period last year. On a pro-forma or same-station basis, as if the KASA-TV acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2006, and excluding the $333.6 million impairment and the $6.9 million severance charges in the second quarter of 2006, operating income decreased by $1.2 million or 5%. Diluted earnings per share for the second quarter ended June 30, 2007 were $0.07, compared to a loss per share of $4.87 for the same period in 2006. Operating Highlights TV Station Ratings and Revenue According to Nielsen, most of the Company�s CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX stations were once again ranked number one for the adults aged 18-49 and the adults aged 25-54 categories. The Nielsen data also showed that the Company�s stations outperform their national networks in the category of �household share� on an average of 43%. The Company�s stations ranked #1 or #2 in 82% of its markets, weekdays sign-on to sign-off. WTNH-TV and WISH-TV were two out of only four local stations in the country to receive George Foster Peabody Awards; considered one of journalism�s most prestigious honors. Local advertising revenues, excluding political advertising revenues, increased by 3% in the second quarter of 2007 and 5% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The acquisition of KASA-TV and the Company�s focus on integrated media and new business development efforts at all of the Company�s stations contributed to these results. On a pro forma basis, as if the KASA-TV acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2006, local advertising revenues were flat for the second quarter of 2007 versus the same period last year. Local advertising revenues represented 65% of total advertising revenues for the second quarter of 2007. National advertising revenues, excluding political advertising revenues, decreased by 2% for the second quarter of 2007. The decrease in national time sales was due in large part to lower spending by automotive advertisers compared to the same period last year. On a pro forma basis, as if the KASA-TV acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2006, national advertising revenues decreased by 5% for the second quarter of 2007 versus the same period last year. National advertising revenues represented 34% of total advertising revenues for the second quarter of 2007. The Company�s political advertising revenues were $1.0 million for the second quarter of 2007, compared to $5.1 million in the same period last year. Political advertising revenues represented 1% of total advertising revenues for the second quarter of 2007. Interactive and Digital Initiatives Internet-only revenues increased by 104% versus the second quarter of 2006. The Company continues to focus on optimizing web site traffic and revenues through growth initiatives that drive increased unique visitors, page views, time spent and monetization of ad units. The Company currently has 29 live websites and launched or re-launched 18 new station websites in the second quarter of 2007. Six new FOX interactive platforms were launched as a complimentary brand extension at our FOX affiliate stations, and the sites also included FOX-On-Demand Video players. Total page views for the Company�s stations� websites were 98.2 million in the second quarter of 2007, compared to 73.6 million in the second quarter of 2006, representing a 33% increase. The Company attributes this traffic growth to a number of factors and new initiatives, but primarily to additional content, as well as its stations� enhanced promotion of their local news, sports and weather services on the web. During the second quarter of 2007 the Company announced a new online video partnership with VMIX, an interactive media, video hosting and social networking company. VMIX will provide technology that will enable the Company to showcase user-generated videos, photos, audio, blogs, ratings, polls, and other community-driven content and features on its TV station websites. The user-generated content sites will launch in the third quarter of 2007. During the second quarter of 2007, the Company reached agreements with several cable operators for the retransmission services of its broadcast stations for both analog and high-definition channels. The deals enable hundreds of thousands of current and new viewers to watch award-winning news, sports and entertainment programs in high-definition from the Company�s affiliate stations. Key Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Items Total debt outstanding on June 30, 2007 was $879.8 million, and cash and cash equivalent balances at June 30, 2007 were $16.7 million. The Company�s revolving credit facility balance remained at zero as of June 30, 2007 and there continues to be $275.0 million available for borrowing under that facility. Consolidated leverage, as defined in the Company�s credit agreement, was approximately 5.9x as of June 30, 2007, compared to 6.0x at December 31, 2006. Other components of cash flow for the second quarter of 2007 were capital expenditures of $3.2 million and program payments of $7.1 million. Business Outlook Third Quarter 2007 Based on current sales order pacings and the anticipated impact of lower political advertising in the current off-election year, the Company expects that third quarter 2007 net revenues will decrease in the range of 8% to 10% (or $8.5 million to $10.5 million) compared to reported net revenues of $103.7 million for the third quarter of 2006. This decline is again primarily driven by the expected impact of lower political revenues in the off-election year, which are expected to decrease in the range of $12.3 million to $12.7 million on a net revenue basis for the third quarter of 2007. Due to current year cost saving programs and the impact of prior year�s restructuring efficiencies, the Company expects that its station direct operating and SG&A expenses, excluding non-cash stock-based compensation expense, will decrease in the range of 2% to 4% for third quarter 2007 compared to third quarter 2006 actual expenses. 2007 Year Based on historical trends and current economic and industry information, the Company now anticipates that local TV advertising, excluding political advertising, for the markets where it presently operates stations (LIN Markets) will grow in the range of 1% to 3% for the full year 2007. The Company also now anticipates that national TV advertising, excluding political advertising, for LIN Markets will decline in the range of 7% to 9% for the full year 2007, primarily due to lower Automotive category spending in the first half of the year. Due to its strong station brands, news rankings and audience ratings the Company anticipates that its station market shares of the revenues described above will continue to be maintained at or above the levels it has historically achieved in prior years. The Company also anticipates that total full year 2007 political advertising in LIN Markets, reflecting the normal cycle of off-election years lacking significant national political spending, will now be in the range of $14.0 to $18.0 million and that its leading local news stations will continue to achieve their consistent historical market shares of these revenues. In addition, the Company anticipates that its digital revenues, which include Internet-only advertising and retransmission consent fees, will be in the range of $14.0 to $15.5 million for the 2007 year. However, as the Company has stated previously, these revenues, particularly for retransmission services, continue to be highly dependent on the timing of completion of these agreements. Lastly, due to the expected impact of cost savings programs and restructuring efficiencies in the second half of the year, offset by investment spending in new interactive and digital initiatives in the first six months of 2007, station direct operating and SG&A expenses, excluding non-cash stock-based compensation expense, are expected to decrease in the range of 1.5% to 2.5% for the full year 2007 compared to full year 2006 actual expenses. As a result, the Company�s current outlook for revenues, expenses and cash flow items for the third quarter of 2007 and 2007 year are anticipated to be in the following ranges: � Third Quarter 2007 2007 Year Net advertising revenues $85.0 to $86.0 million $362.6 to $370.1 million Net digital revenues $4.1 to $4.6 million $14.0 to $15.5 million Network compensation $0.9 to $1.0 million $3.6 to $3.8 million Other revenue $0.9 to $1.1 million $3.8 to $4.0 million Barter revenue $2.3 to $2.5 million $9.0 to $9.6 million Total net revenues $93.2 to $95.2 million $393.0 to $403.0 million � � � Direct operating and SG&A expenses(1) $56.9 to $58.7 million $231.7 to $235.2 million Amortization of program rights $6.0 to $6.5 million $24.0 to $26.0 million Cash payments for programming $7.0 to $7.4 million $28.0 to $29.0 million Corporate expense(2) $5.0 to $6.0 million $21.0 to $23.0 million Depreciation and amortization of intangibles $7.8 to $8.4 million $33.0 to $37.0 million � � � Capital expenditures $7.0 to $8.0 million $24.0 to $26.0 million Cash interest expense and principal amortization $13.2 to 13.7 million $65.8 to $66.8 million Cash taxes $0.2 to $0.3 million $0.6 to $0.9 million Effective tax rate 36.0% to 44.0% 36.0% to 44.0% Distributions from equity investments $0.6 to $1.0 million $3.0 to $3.8 million (1) Direct operating and SG&A expenses include approximately $0.5 to $0.7 million for third quarter 2007 and $2.0 to $2.5 million for full year 2007 of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. (2) Corporate expense includes approximately $0.8 million to $1.0 million for third quarter 2007 and $3.4 to $3.9 million for full year 2007 of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. LIN TV advises that all of the information and factors described above are subject to risk (see the �Forward Looking Statements� heading below) and could therefore individually or collectively cause actual results to differ materially from those projected above. Conference Call LIN TV will hold a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2007 results today, Thursday, August 9, 2007, at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. To participate in the call, please call 1-800-500-0177 (U.S. callers) or 1-719-457-2679 (international callers) at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call and reference 2647371. The call can also be accessed via the Investor Relations section of the Company�s website at www.lintv.com (listen only). Those who intend to participate in the conference call should register at least ten minutes in advance to ensure access. For those unavailable to participate in the live teleconference, a replay can be accessed via the Investor Relations section of www.lintv.com or by dialing 1-888-203-1112 and entering passcode: 2647371. The telephone replay will be available from 11:30 a.m. (EST) on August 9, 2007 through midnight (EST) on August 17, 2007. Access to Non-GAAP Performance Measures and Other Supplemental Financial Data The Company reports and discusses its operating results using financial measures consistent with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and believes this should be the primary basis for evaluating its performance. Non-GAAP measures such as Broadcast Cash Flow (BCF), Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) and Free Cash Flow (FCF) should not be viewed as alternatives or substitutes for GAAP reporting. However, BCF, Adjusted EBITDA and FCF are common supplemental measures of performance used by investors, lenders, rating agencies and financial analysts. As a result, these non-GAAP measures can provide certain additional insight about the market value of the Company and its stations; the Company�s ability to fund acquisitions, investments and working capital needs; the Company�s ability to service its debt; the Company�s performance versus other peer companies in its industry; and other operating performance trends for its business. As a result, the Company makes available reconciliations of its operating income (loss), a GAAP reporting measure, to BCF, Adjusted EBITDA and FCF on the Company�s website. In addition, the Company provides additional information on the same website document for historical revenue by source, pro forma income statement information and certain other components of cash flow. Interested parties should go to http://www.lintv.com and in the Investor Relations section, click on Financial Reports and Releases and "Supplemental Financial Data." About LIN TV LIN TV Corp. (NYSE: TVL) delivers quality television, digital media and online news, community coverage and entertainment through 29 owned and/or operated television stations and websites. The Company�s reach includes 17 cities located primarily in the top 100 markets, servicing 9% of U.S. television households. LIN TV has and continues to identify and implement innovative business strategies, including being an early adopter of digital television, in order to provide superior viewing quality to our customers. Financial information and overviews of our stations are available at www.lintv.com. Forward-Looking Statements The information discussed in this press release, particularly the section with the heading Business Outlook includes forward-looking statements regarding future operating results within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company based these forward-looking statements on its current assumptions, knowledge, estimates and projections about factors that could affect its future operations. Although LIN TV believes that its assumptions made in connection with the forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurances can be given that those assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Statements in this press release that are forward-looking include, but are not limited to, statements regarding quarter and full year station time sales order pacings; local, national and political advertising growth; digital, network compensation, barter and other revenue growth; direct operating, SG&A, barter, amortization of program rights and corporate expense growth; and cash programming, capital expenditures, cash interest expense and principal amortization and cash tax payments. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause these expectations and assumptions not to occur or to differ materially from those outcomes projected in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the potential deterioration of national and/or local economies; global or local events that could disrupt TV broadcasting; softening of the domestic advertising market; further consolidation of national and local advertisers; risks associated with acquisitions, including integration of acquired businesses; changes in TV viewing patterns, ratings and commercial viewing measurement; the execution and timing of retransmission consent agreements relating to digital revenues; increases in syndicated programming costs; changes in television network affiliation agreements; changes in government regulation; competition; seasonality and other risks discussed in the Company�s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission (which are available on the Company�s website, www.lintv.com, in the Investor Relations section, or at http://www.sec.gov), which discussions are incorporated in this release by reference. LIN TV undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless otherwise required to by applicable law. LIN TV Corp. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) � Three months ended Six months ended June 30, � June 30, � 2007 � � 2006 � 2007 � � 2006 � (in thousands, except per share data) Net revenues $ 103,278 $ 102,709 $ 196,388 $ 193,249 � Operating costs and expenses: Direct operating (excluding depreciation of $8.2 million and $7.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $16.4 million and $17.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively) 28,874 27,316 57,892 55,320 Selling, general and administrative 30,021 30,071 58,945 59,585 Amortization of program rights 6,297 6,359 12,484 12,760 Corporate 5,838 12,807 10,975 18,580 Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 8,757 9,012 17,590 19,586 Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill - 333,553 - 333,553 Restructuring charge � 188 � � - � � 91 � � - � Total operating costs and expenses � 79,975 � � 419,118 � � 157,977 � � 499,384 � � Operating income (loss) 23,303 (316,409 ) 38,411 (306,135 ) � Other expense (income): Interest expense, net 15,671 17,380 33,634 34,128 Share of (income) loss in equity investments (1,037 ) 571 (752 ) (1,009 ) Minority interest in loss (income) of Banks Broadcasting, Inc. 33 (3,952 ) (149 ) (4,191 ) Loss on derivative instruments 496 1,538 466 492 Loss on extinguishment of debt - - 551 - Other, net � 659 � � 5,130 � � 442 � � 4,931 � Total other expense, net 15,822 20,667 34,192 34,351 � Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for (benefit from) income taxes 7,481 (337,076 ) 4,219 (340,486 ) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes � 3,548 � � (92,207 ) � 2,272 � � (93,931 ) � Income (loss) from continuing operations 3,933 (244,869 ) 1,947 (246,555 ) Discontinued operations: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of provision for (benefit from) income taxes of $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and ($0.7) million and $1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively - 512 (368 ) (2,121 ) (Loss) gain from the sale of discontinued operations, net of benefit from income taxes of $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 � (419 ) � - � � 22,667 � � - � � Net income (loss) $ 3,514 � $ (244,357 ) $ 24,246 � $ (248,676 ) � Basic income (loss) per common share: � Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax 0.08 (4.88 ) 0.04 (4.88 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax - 0.01 (0.01 ) (0.04 ) (Loss) gain from the sale of discontinued operations, net of tax � (0.01 ) � - � � 0.46 � � - � � Net income (loss) � 0.07 � � (4.87 ) � 0.49 � � (4.92 ) � � Weighted - average number of common shares outstanding used in calculating basic income (loss) per common share 49,141 50,217 49,078 50,502 Diluted income (loss) per common share: � Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax 0.08 (4.88 ) 0.06 (4.88 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax - 0.01 (0.01 ) (0.04 ) (Loss) gain from the sale of discontinued operations, net of tax � (0.01 ) � - � � 0.42 � � - � � Net income (loss) � 0.07 � � (4.87 ) � 0.47 � � (4.92 ) � Weighted - average number of common shares outstanding used in calculating diluted income (loss) per common share 51,174 50,217 54,185 50,502 LIN TV CORP. � Unaudited Consolidated Selected Balance Sheet Data (in thousands) � � June 30, December 31, 2007 � 2006 � Cash and cash equivalents $ 16,674 $ 6,085 Other current assets 104,073 131,854 Total long term assets � 1,863,278 � � 1,987,907 � Total assets $ 1,984,025 � $ 2,125,846 � � Current portion of long-term debt $ 30,938 $ 10,313 Other current liabilities 55,756 94,034 Long-term debt, excluding current portion 848,909 936,485 Other long-term liabilities � 419,177 � � 486,262 � Total liabilities 1,354,780 1,527,094 � Preferred stock of consolidated affiliate 9,882 10,031 � Total stockholders' equity � 619,363 � � 588,721 � Total liabilities, preferred stock and stockholders' equity $ 1,984,025 � $ 2,125,846 � � � Unaudited Consolidated Selected Statements of Cash Flow Data (in thousands) � Six months ended June 30, � 2007 � � 2006 � � Net cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities: Continuing Operations $ 11,955 $ 15,843 Discontinued Operations (12,839 ) (1,547 ) Net cash flow provided by (used in) investing activities 73,701 (5,836 ) Net cash flow used in financing activities � (68,472 ) � (8,024 ) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 4,345 436 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period � 12,329 � � 11,135 � Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 16,674 11,571 Less cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations, end of the period � - � � 3,679 � Cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations, end of the period $ 16,674 � $ 7,892 �