Cumulus Media Reports Operating Results for 2023
- Cumulus Media Inc. reported a 11.4% decline in total net revenue for 2023.
- Digital revenue reached $146.4 million, accounting for 17% of total revenue.
- The company recorded a net loss of $117.9 million in 2023, compared to net income of $16.2 million in 2022.
- Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $90.7 million from $166.0 million in 2022.
- Cumulus Media retired $130.2 million in debt and repurchased $39.0 million of shares since the beginning of 2022.
- Total debt stood at $675.8 million, with net debt at $595.1 million as of December 31, 2023.
- None.
Insights
The reported decline in net revenue of 11.4% year-over-year for Cumulus Media Inc., along with the net loss of $117.9 million compared to the prior year's net income, reflects a significant downturn in the company's performance. This is compounded by a substantial pre-tax non-cash impairment charge, which suggests a reevaluation of asset values, possibly due to changing market conditions or regulatory impacts related to FCC charges. The Adjusted EBITDA decrease of 45.3% is indicative of operational challenges, despite efforts to grow digital revenue streams and reduce fixed costs.
From an investor's perspective, the debt exchange offering and the increase in the interest rate from 6.750% to 8.750% for Senior Secured First-Lien Notes indicate an attempt to manage liquidity and extend debt maturities. However, this move also signals higher future interest expenses, which could impact profitability. The reduction in total debt and share repurchases demonstrate a focus on improving the balance sheet and returning value to shareholders, but the overall financial health must be closely monitored, especially given the uncertain advertising market outlook for 2024.
The performance of Cumulus Media must be contextualized within the broader media landscape, which has experienced a weak national advertising climate in 2023. The company's strategy to pivot towards digital growth, with a 2.9% increase in digital revenue and significant strides in streaming revenue, reflects an industry-wide shift to digital platforms. The 16% growth in streaming revenue, driven by NFL streaming, is particularly noteworthy as it underscores the importance of live sports in attracting audiences and advertisers.
However, the company's mention of 'choppy' ad demand and reduced visibility into 2024 suggests that these digital growth areas may not fully compensate for the broader challenges faced by traditional broadcast radio revenue streams. Market participants should assess whether Cumulus Media's digital transformation initiatives can sustainably offset declines in traditional broadcast revenues in the long-term.
The economic implications of Cumulus Media's financial results are multifaceted. The reported decline in revenue and net loss can be partially attributed to macroeconomic factors such as a weak national advertising climate. This environment is often influenced by broader economic trends, including consumer spending and business investment. The company's ability to navigate through economic downturns and its confidence in rebounding once the advertising market improves will depend on the resilience of its business model and the success of its cost reduction strategies.
Moreover, the increase in interest rates for the new Senior Secured First-Lien Notes suggests a response to the current interest rate environment and inflationary pressures. The financial restructuring through debt exchange and term loan adjustments will need to be balanced against these macroeconomic factors to maintain financial stability and investor confidence.
Launches Debt Exchange for Senior Notes and Term Loan
ATLANTA, Feb. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cumulus Media Inc. (NASDAQ: CMLS) (the “Company,” "Cumulus Media," “we,” “us,” or “our”) today announced operating results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2023.
Mary G. Berner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cumulus Media, said, "While 2023 was a tough year across the media landscape, we were able to offset some of the effects of the weak national advertising climate through strong execution in our key focus areas. Specifically, we grew our digital businesses, meaningfully reduced fixed costs, and improved our balance sheet. Looking ahead, though national advertisers are expressing interest in increasing their radio buys, as of yet, ad demand remains choppy, reducing our visibility into the rest of 2024. That said, our industry-leading performance during similarly weak macro environments gives us significant confidence in our ability to navigate through this one and rebound strongly when the advertising market improves.”
2023 Key Highlights:
- Posted total net revenue of
$844.5 million , a decline of11.4% year-over-year, or10.0% on an ex-political basis
- Generated digital revenue of
$146.4 million , an increase of2.9% year-over-year – representing17% of total revenue
- Increased streaming revenue by
16% driven by audience growth from NFL streaming - Grew local digital marketing services
13% driven by the addition of new products and investment in our digital sales capabilities
- Increased streaming revenue by
- Recorded net loss of
$117.9 million compared to net income of$16.2 million in 2022 reflecting a 2023 pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of$65.3 million compared to a pre-tax non-cash impairment of$15.5 million in 2022, both primarily all reflecting FCC related charges
- Recorded Adjusted EBITDA(1) of
$90.7 million compared to$166.0 million in 2022
- Generated cash to support debt paydown and share buybacks
- Generated cash flow from operations of
$31.7 million and completed accretive non-core asset sales of$17.8 million - Retired
$43.6 million face value of debt at an average price of77.4% of par, bringing total debt retired to$130.2 million , or16.2% of total debt since the beginning of 2022 - Repurchased
$7.2 million of shares, bringing shares repurchased to$39.0 million , or22.5% percent of shares outstanding since the beginning of 2022
- Generated cash flow from operations of
- Reported total debt of
$675.8 million at December 31, 2023, and net debt(1) of$595.1 million - Received
$14.8 million in cash proceeds from the closing of the previously announced sale of Broadcast Music, Inc.
Debt Exchange Offering
The Company is separately announcing an exchange offer for Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc.'s (the “Issuer”) outstanding
Operating Summary (dollars in thousands, except percentages and per share data):
For the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company reported net revenue of
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company reported net revenue of
| As Reported | Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 | % Change | |||||||
| Net revenue | $ | 221,301 | $ | 251,270 | (11.9 | )% | ||||
| Net loss | $ | (98,066 | ) | $ | (54 | ) | 181,503.7 | % | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 22,798 | $ | 42,717 | (46.6 | )% | ||||
| Basic loss per share | $ | (5.94 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | N/A | |||
| Diluted loss per share | $ | (5.94 | ) | $ | (0.00 | ) | N/A | |||
| As Reported | Year Ended December 31, 2023 | Year Ended December 31, 2022 | % Change | |||||||
| Net revenue | $ | 844,548 | $ | 953,506 | (11.4 | )% | ||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (117,879 | ) | $ | 16,235 | N/A | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 90,728 | $ | 165,982 | (45.3 | )% | ||||
| Basic (loss) income per share | $ | (6.83 | ) | $ | 0.83 | N/A | ||||
| Diluted (loss) income per share | $ | (6.83 | ) | $ | 0.81 | N/A | ||||
Revenue Detail Summary (dollars in thousands):
| As Reported | Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 | % Change | |||||||
| Broadcast radio revenue: | ||||||||||
| Spot | $ | 101,379 | $ | 124,099 | (18.3 | )% | ||||
| Network | 52,148 | 63,525 | (17.9 | )% | ||||||
| Total broadcast radio revenue | 153,527 | 187,624 | (18.2 | )% | ||||||
| Digital | 39,583 | 37,708 | 5.0 | % | ||||||
| Other | 28,191 | 25,938 | 8.7 | % | ||||||
| Net revenue | $ | 221,301 | $ | 251,270 | (11.9 | )% | ||||
| As Reported | Year Ended December 31, 2023 | Year Ended December 31, 2022 | % Change | |||||||
| Broadcast radio revenue: | ||||||||||
| Spot | $ | 412,047 | $ | 479,834 | (14.1 | )% | ||||
| Network | 182,503 | 229,772 | (20.6 | )% | ||||||
| Total broadcast radio revenue | 594,550 | 709,606 | (16.2 | )% | ||||||
| Digital | 146,425 | 142,312 | 2.9 | % | ||||||
| Other | 103,573 | 101,588 | 2.0 | % | ||||||
| Net revenue | $ | 844,548 | $ | 953,506 | (11.4 | )% | ||||
Balance Sheet Summary (dollars in thousands):
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 80,660 | $ | 107,433 | ||||
| Term loan due 2026 (2) | $ | 329,510 | $ | 338,452 | ||||
| $ | 346,245 | $ | 380,927 | |||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 24,814 | $ | 31,062 | |||
| Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 3,788 | $ | 12,502 | |||
(1) Adjusted EBITDA and net debt are not financial measures calculated or presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). For additional information, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
(2) Excludes unamortized debt issuance costs.
Earnings Conference Call Details
The Company will host a conference call today at 8:30 AM EST to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2023 operating results. NetRoadshow (NRS) is the service provider for this call. They will require email address verification (one-time only) and will provide registration confirmation. To participate in the conference call, please register in advance using the link on the Company's investor relations website at www.cumulusmedia.com/investors. Upon completing registration, a calendar invitation will follow with call access details, including a unique PIN, and replay details.
To join by phone with operator-assisted dial-in, domestic callers should dial 833-470-1428 and international callers should dial 404-975-4839. If prompted, the participant access code is 214014. Please call five to ten minutes in advance to ensure that you are connected prior to the call.
The conference call will also be broadcast live in listen-only mode through a link on the Company’s investor relations website at www.cumulusmedia.com/investors. This link can also be used to access a recording of the call, which will be available shortly following its completion.
Please see an update to the Company’s investor presentation on the Company's investor relations website at www.cumulusmedia.com/investors, which may be referenced on the conference call. Unless otherwise specified, information contained in the investor presentation or on our website is not incorporated into this press release or other documents we file with, or furnish to, the SEC.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release may constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. Such statements are statements other than historical fact and relate to our intent, belief or current expectations primarily with respect to our future operating, financial, and strategic performance and our plans and objectives, including with regard to returning capital to shareholders. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ from those contained in or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties related to the implementation of our strategic operating plans, the continued uncertain financial and economic conditions, our ability to complete the exchange offers, the amount and frequency of our shareholder capital returns, the rapidly changing and competitive media industry, and the economy in general. We are subject to additional risks and uncertainties described in our quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including in the "Risk Factors," and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections contained therein. You should not rely on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control, and the unexpected occurrence or failure to occur of any such events or matters could cause our actual results, performance, financial condition or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Cumulus Media assumes no responsibility to update any forward-looking statements, which are based upon expectations as of the date hereof, as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Not an Offer of any Security
This release is for information purposes only and is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any security, and may not be relied upon in connection with the purchase or sale of any such security.
About Cumulus Media
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to over a quarter billion people every month — wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 403 owned-and-operated radio stations across 85 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, CNN, AP News, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and many other world-class partners across more than 9,800 affiliated stations through Westwood One, the largest audio network in America; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, its rapidly growing network of original podcasts that are smart, entertaining and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. Cumulus Media is the only audio media company to provide marketers with local and national advertising performance guarantees. For more information visit www.cumulusmedia.com.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
From time to time, we utilize certain financial measures that are not prepared or calculated in accordance with GAAP to assess our financial performance and profitability. Consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA" or "EBITDA") is the financial metric by which management and the chief operating decision maker allocate resources of the Company and analyze the performance of the Company as a whole. Management also uses this measure to determine the contribution of our core operations to the funding of our corporate resources utilized to manage our operations and the funding of our non-operating expenses including debt service and acquisitions. In addition, consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is a key metric for purposes of calculating and determining our compliance with certain covenants contained in our Refinanced Credit Agreement.
In determining Adjusted EBITDA, we exclude the following from net (loss) income: interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation expense, gain or loss on the exchange, sale, or disposal of any assets or stations or early extinguishment of debt, restructuring costs, expenses relating to acquisitions and divestitures, non-routine legal expenses incurred in connection with certain litigation matters, and non-cash impairments of assets, if any.
Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA, with and excluding impact of political advertising, although not a measure that is calculated in accordance with GAAP, is commonly employed by the investment community as a measure for determining the market value of a media company and for comparing the operational and financial performance among media companies. Management has also observed that Adjusted EBITDA, with and excluding impact of political advertising, is routinely utilized to evaluate and negotiate the potential purchase price for media companies. Given the relevance to our overall value, management believes that investors consider these metrics to be extremely useful.
The Company presents revenue, excluding impact of political revenue. As a result of the cyclical nature of the electoral system and the seasonality of the related political revenue, management believes presenting net revenue, excluding impact of political revenue, provides useful information to investors about the Company’s revenue growth comparable from period to period.
The Company presents the non-GAAP financial measure net debt which is total debt principal, gross, less cash and cash equivalents. Management believes that net debt is an important measure to monitor leverage and evaluate the balance sheet.
We refer to Adjusted EBITDA, with and excluding the impact of political advertising, net revenue, excluding impact of political revenue, and net debt as the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures." Non-GAAP Financial Measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, net revenue, operating income, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure for determining the Company’s operating performance or liquidity that is calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, Non-GAAP Financial Measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited.
For further information, please contact:
Cumulus Media Inc.
Investor Relations Department
IR@cumulus.com
404-260-6600
Supplemental Financial Data and Reconciliations
| Cumulus Media Inc. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Net revenue | $ | 221,301 | $ | 251,270 | $ | 844,548 | $ | 953,506 | ||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Content costs | 92,420 | 99,685 | 331,359 | 357,478 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general & administrative expenses | 96,496 | 98,048 | 377,032 | 383,375 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 14,396 | 14,983 | 58,176 | 56,386 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate expenses | 10,317 | 11,073 | 47,057 | 48,024 | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 1,181 | 1,517 | 5,270 | 6,229 | ||||||||||||
| Restructuring costs | 4,465 | 1,399 | 17,684 | 8,218 | ||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets or stations | (169 | ) | (452 | ) | (16,064 | ) | (1,537 | ) | ||||||||
| Impairment of intangible assets | 65,312 | 15,544 | 65,312 | 15,544 | ||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 284,418 | 241,797 | 885,826 | 873,717 | ||||||||||||
| Operating (loss) income | (63,117 | ) | 9,473 | (41,278 | ) | 79,789 | ||||||||||
| Non-operating expense: | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (17,801 | ) | (17,402 | ) | (71,269 | ) | (64,890 | ) | ||||||||
| Interest income | 644 | 337 | 2,359 | 340 | ||||||||||||
| Gain on early extinguishment of debt | — | 2,620 | 9,849 | 4,496 | ||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | (45 | ) | (43 | ) | (357 | ) | (130 | ) | ||||||||
| Total non-operating expense, net | (17,202 | ) | (14,488 | ) | (59,418 | ) | (60,184 | ) | ||||||||
| (Loss) income before income taxes | (80,319 | ) | (5,015 | ) | (100,696 | ) | 19,605 | |||||||||
| Income tax (expense) benefit | (17,747 | ) | 4,961 | (17,183 | ) | (3,370 | ) | |||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (98,066 | ) | $ | (54 | ) | $ | (117,879 | ) | $ | 16,235 | |||||
The following tables reconcile net (loss) income, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented herein (dollars in thousands):
| As Reported | Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||
| GAAP net loss | $ | (98,066 | ) | $ | (54 | ) | ||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 17,747 | (4,961 | ) | |||||
| Non-operating expense, including net interest expense | 17,202 | 17,108 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 14,396 | 14,983 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 1,181 | 1,517 | ||||||
| Gain on sale or disposal of assets or stations | (169 | ) | (452 | ) | ||||
| Impairment of intangible assets | 65,312 | 15,544 | ||||||
| Restructuring costs | 4,465 | 1,399 | ||||||
| Non-routine legal expenses | 600 | 21 | ||||||
| Gain on early extinguishment of debt | — | (2,620 | ) | |||||
| Franchise taxes | 130 | 232 | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 22,798 | $ | 42,717 | ||||
| As Reported | Year Ended December 31, 2023 | Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||
| GAAP net (loss) income | $ | (117,879 | ) | $ | 16,235 | |||
| Income tax expense | 17,183 | 3,370 | ||||||
| Non-operating expense, including net interest expense | 69,267 | 64,680 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 58,176 | 56,386 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 5,270 | 6,229 | ||||||
| Gain on sale or disposal of assets or stations | (16,064 | ) | (1,537 | ) | ||||
| Impairment of intangible assets | 65,312 | 15,544 | ||||||
| Restructuring costs | 17,684 | 8,218 | ||||||
| Non-routine legal expenses | 898 | 544 | ||||||
| Gain on early extinguishment of debt | (9,849 | ) | (4,496 | ) | ||||
| Franchise taxes | 730 | 809 | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 90,728 | $ | 165,982 | ||||
The following tables reconcile the as reported net revenue and as reported Adjusted EBITDA, both including and excluding the impact of political, for the periods presented herein (dollars in thousands):
| Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| As reported net revenue | $ | 221,301 | $ | 251,270 | ||||
| Political revenue | (1,566 | ) | (8,298 | ) | ||||
| As reported net revenue, excluding impact of political revenue | $ | 219,735 | $ | 242,972 | ||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| As reported Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 22,798 | $ | 42,717 | ||||
| Political EBITDA | (1,409 | ) | (7,469 | ) | ||||
| As reported Adjusted EBITDA, excluding impact of political EBITDA | $ | 21,389 | $ | 35,248 | ||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | Year Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| As reported net revenue | $ | 844,548 | $ | 953,506 | ||||
| Political revenue | (3,299 | ) | (18,425 | ) | ||||
| As reported net revenue, excluding impact of political revenue | $ | 841,249 | $ | 935,081 | ||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | Year Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| As reported Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 90,728 | $ | 165,982 | ||||
| Political EBITDA | (2,969 | ) | (16,583 | ) | ||||
| As reported Adjusted EBITDA, excluding impact of political EBITDA | $ | 87,759 | $ | 149,399 | ||||
The following table reconciles total debt principal, gross, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, to net debt (dollars in thousands):
| As of December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Total debt principal, gross | $ | 675,755 | $ | 719,379 | ||||
| Less: Cash and cash equivalents | (80,660 | ) | (107,433 | ) | ||||
| Total debt principal, net | $ | 595,095 | $ | 611,946 | ||||
FAQ
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