LICT Corporation Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

LICT Corporation (OTC Pink: LICT) reported its Q1 2022 financial results, showing a 6.7% increase in non-regulated revenues to $17.5 million. Total revenues rose to $32.5 million, while EBITDA decreased to $14.0 million from $14.4 million in 2021. Regulated revenues fell to $15.0 million and regulated EBITDA to $6.9 million. The company remains committed to expanding broadband access, participating in FCC programs, and expects 2022 revenue around $131 million with full-year earnings per share projected at $1,350.

Positive

• Non-regulated revenues increased by 6.7% to $17.5 million.
• Total revenues rose to $32.5 million, compared to $32.0 million in Q1 2021.
• Participation in FCC's A-CAM and Affordable Connectivity Programs supports broadband expansion.
• Broadband penetration improved to 95.6% as of March 31, 2022.

Negative

• Regulated revenues decreased to $15.0 million, down from $15.6 million.
• Regulated EBITDA fell to $6.9 million compared to $7.3 million in the prior year.
• Diluted earnings per share declined to $347 from $378 in Q1 2021.

RYE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LICT Corporation (“LICT” or the “Company”; OTC Pink^®: LICT) reports unaudited, financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2022.

Non-regulated revenues for the first quarter of 2022 increased by 6.7%, or $1.1 million, to $17.5 million from the prior year’s first quarter $16.4 million, driven by broadband and cable modem sales. Non-regulated EBITDA was $7.1 million, unchanged from 2021.

Regulated revenues were $15.0 million in the first quarter of 2022 versus the prior year’s first quarter of $15.6 million. Regulated EBITDA was $6.9 million compared to $7.3 million last year.

Total revenues in the first quarter of 2022 were $32.5 million compared to $32.0 million for the corresponding quarter in 2021. EBITDA was $14.0 million in the first quarter of 2022 as compared to $14.4 million in 2021.

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) – Other income increased approximately $0.1 million to $0.7 million versus $0.6 million in the prior year’s first quarter. This reflects a dividend of $0.5 million from a minority investment in Aureon vs. $0.2 million in the prior year. (We carry this investment at the historical cost of $3.0 million, however, LICT’s share of the book value of the investment is probably closer to $9.0 million.) This was offset by a decrease of Patronage Capital and affiliated income of $0.2 million.

EARNINGS PER SHARE – Diluted earnings per share from operations for the first quarter of 2022 were $347 per share as compared to $378 per share in 2021.

ALTERNATIVE – CONNECT AMERICA COST MODEL (“A-CAM”) PROGRAM –All LICT telephone companies participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC’s") A-CAM and A-CAM II programs. The A-CAM program is designed to increase broadband speed and expand the deployment of broadband capabilities throughout the nation’s rural areas with mandatory build-out requirements for receipt of support. LICT received $8.0 million in each of the first quarters of 2022 and 2021 for A-CAM and A-CAM II revenues. LICT is actively building and expanding broadband facilities.

AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM – LICT is actively participating in the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) (previously the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program) to support our ongoing commitment to provide affordable broadband to the rural communities we serve and help close the digital divide. This program provides consumers who are eligible a broadband credit of up to $30 per month (up to $75 for households on Tribal Lands) towards their qualifying internet plan. We offer a variety of broadband options that qualify under the ACP.

BALANCE SHEET – During the first quarter of 2022, LICT received back $12.3 million from its 2021 deposit of $20.0 million related to FCC Spectrum Auction 110. LICT also paid down $25.0 million of the CoBank revolving credit facility.

2022 OUTLOOK – LICT’s guidance for 2022 revenues, EBITDA and capital expenditures remains unchanged and are estimated at approximately $131 million and $58 million respectively. In addition, capital expenditures are expected to exceed the $32 million of 2021. Full year earnings per share are expected to be about $1,350 per share in 2022.

FCC SPECTRUM AUCTIONS - LICT Wireless Broadband Company, LLC (“LICT Wireless”), a wholly owned subsidiary, participated in FCC Auction 110 – 3.45- 3.55 GHz band licenses which ended on November 16, 2021. The FCC announced the results of this auction on January 14, 2022, and LICT acquired twelve licenses of $7.7 million. During the first quarter we continued our efforts to deploy the spectrum licenses we have acquired through various auctions, which will enable us to reach some of our more remote customers with increased speeds.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES – In the first quarter of 2022, capital expenditures were $7.4 million, of which $3.5 million was for non-regulated and $3.9 million for regulated projects. Our capital spending will enable us to meet and exceed our A-CAM requirements, offer enhanced broadband speeds, and increase the overall fiber route miles in our network. As of March 31, 2022, LICT owns and operates 5,759 miles of fiber optic cable, 11,515 miles of copper cable, 778 miles of coaxial cable and 84 towers.

SHARE REPURCHASES – During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company repurchased 245 shares for $5.9 million, with an average price of $24,153 per share. On March 31, 2022, 17,626 shares were outstanding.

SHAREHOLDER DESIGNATED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM — In 2016, the Company adopted a Shareholder Designated Charitable Contribution Program. Under the Program, all registered shareholders are eligible to designate charities and the company will a make a contribution to that charity. From 2016 through 2021, the company donated $100 per share on behalf of its registered shareholders to their designated charities. LICT is committed to giving back to our communities and since the inception of the program, has made over $7.5 million in charitable contributions.

OPERATING STATISTICS / BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT - As of March 31, 2022, the Company’s broadband penetration in its franchised telephone service territories, based on its total Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (“ILEC”) voice lines, was 95.6%, as compared to 93.3% at December 31, 2021. During the first quarter, the Company’s broadband lines grew by 1.3% to just over 44,500 units. This increase offset our voice and video line loss.

					Percent
	March 31,	December 31,	Increase		Increase
	2022	2021	(Decrease)		(Decrease)
Broadband lines	44,506	43,939	567		1.3	%
Voice Lines
ILEC	23,378	23,644	(266	)	(1.1	%)
Out of franchise	6,990	7,043	(53	)	(0.8	%)
Total	30,368	30,687	(319	)	(1.1	%)
Video Subscribers	4,019	4,117	(98	)	(2.4	%)
Revenue Generating Units	78,893	78,743	150		0.2	%

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This release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including without limitation anticipated financial results, financing, capital expenditures and corporate transactions. It should be recognized that such information is based upon certain assumptions, projections and forecasts, including without limitation, business conditions and financial markets, regulatory and other approvals, and the cautionary statements set forth in documents filed by LICT on its website, www.lictcorp.com. As a result, there can be no assurance that any possible transactions will be accomplished or be successful, or that financial targets will be met. Such forward-looking information is subject to uncertainties, risks and inaccuracies, which could be material.

LICT Corporation is a holding company with subsidiaries in broadband and other telecommunications services that actively seeks acquisitions, principally in its existing business areas.

LICT Corporation is listed on the OTC Pink^® under the symbol LICT. For further information visit our website at http://www.lictcorp.com.

	LICT CORPORATION								Exhibit A Page 1 of 3
	Statements of Operations
	(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
	STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2022			2021
	Revenues	$	32,465		$	32,015
	Cost and Expenses:
	Cost of revenue, excluding depreciation		15,235			14,479
	Selling, general and administration		3,223			3,173
	Corporate office expenses		1,134			946
	Charitable contributions		141			-
	Depreciation and amortization		5,161			4,636
	Total Costs and Expenses		24,894			23,234
	Operating profit		7,571			8,781
	Other Income (Expense)
	Investment income		894			762
	Interest expense		(291	)		(385	)
	Equity in earnings of affiliated companies		50			185
	Other		71			58
			724			620
	Income Before Income Tax Provision		8,295			9,401
	Provision for Income Taxes		(2,123	)		(2,427	)
	Net Income	$	6,172		$	6,974
	Capital Expenditures	$	7,450		$	7,123
	Weighted Average Shares- Basic and Diluted		17,786			18,458
	Actual shares outstanding at end of period		17,626			18,399
	Earnings Per Share:	$	347		$	378

	LICT CORPORATION								Exhibit A Page 2 of 3
	Balance Sheet
	(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
		March 31, 2022			December 31, 2021
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,049		$	42,466
	Receivables, less allowances of $153 and $169, respectively		6,366			7,180
	Material and supplies		9,176			8,212
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		5,350			24,068
	Total current assets		47,941			81,926
	Property, plant and equipment:		125,858			123,473
	Goodwill		48,048			48,048
	Other intangibles		24,134			16,392
	Investments in and advances to affiliated entities		2,765			3,822
	Other assets		10,548			10,476
	Total assets	$	259,294		$	284,137
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Trade accounts payable	$	4,031		$	4,388
	Accrued interest payable		12			154
	Accrued liabilities		7,929			7,720
	Current maturities of long-term debt		577			25,577
	Total current liabilities		12,549			37,839
	Long-term debt		21,748			21,748
	Deferred income taxes		24,947			25,025
	Other liabilities		9,593			9,323
	Total liabilities		68,837			93,935
	Total shareholders' equity		190,457			190,202
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	259,294		$	284,137

LICT Corporation Statements of Operations and Selected Balance Sheet Data-Continued (in thousands, Except Per Share Data)									Exhibit A Page 3 of 3
	SELECTED DATA	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
		2022			2021
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	27,049		$	42,466
	Other short-term investments		-			20,000
	Long-Term Debt (including current portion)		(22,325	)		(47,325	)
	Net Cash	$	4,724		$	15,141
	Shares Outstanding		17,626			17,871

EBITDA

EBITDA is an established measure of operating performance and liquidity that is commonly reported and widely used by analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the telecommunications industry because it eliminates many differences in financial, capitalization, and tax structures. We believe that EBITDA trends are a valuable indicator of whether our operations are able to produce sufficient operating cash flow to fund working capital needs, service debt obligations, and fund capital expenditures.

EBITDA is calculated as Operating Profit from Continuing Operations plus depreciation and amortization expense and charitable contributions.

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2022			2021
	EBITDA Reconciliation:
	Operating Profit from Continuing Operations	$	7,571		$	8,781
	Corporate Expenses		1,134			946
	Charitable Contributions		141			--
	Depreciation and amortization		5,161			4,636
	EBITDA from Operations before Corporate Expenses		14,007			14,363
	Corporate Expenses		(1,134	)		(946	)
	Charitable Contributions		(141	)		--
	EBITDA	$	12,732		$	13,417

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220602005692/en/

Stephen J. Moore

Vice President-Finance

914-921-8821

www.lictcorp.com

Source: LICT Corporation

FAQ

What were LICT's Q1 2022 revenues?

LICT's total revenues for Q1 2022 were $32.5 million, up from $32.0 million in Q1 2021.

How did LICT's EBITDA perform in Q1 2022?

LICT's EBITDA for Q1 2022 was $14.0 million, down from $14.4 million in Q1 2021.

What is the earnings per share for LICT in Q1 2022?

Diluted earnings per share for Q1 2022 were $347, compared to $378 in the previous year.

How much did LICT earn from its investment in Aureon?

LICT earned $0.5 million in dividends from its investment in Aureon for Q1 2022.

What is LICT's revenue guidance for 2022?

LICT's revenue guidance for 2022 remains at approximately $131 million.