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Sinclair Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) reported Q1 2024 financial results, meeting guidance on Revenue, Media Expenses, and Adjusted EBITDA. The company settled all DSG litigation claims, pre-booked $77 million in political advertising for the second half of 2024, and launched NextGen data solutions platform, Broadspan. CEO expects mid-single digit growth in net retransmission revenues and announced strategic focus on core advertising revenue growth.

Positive
  • Sinclair met or exceeded Q1 guidance on Revenue, Media Expenses, and Adjusted EBITDA.

  • Pre-booked $77 million in political advertising for the second half of 2024, showing strong growth potential.

  • Launched NextGen data solutions platform, Broadspan, positioning the company for future opportunities.

  • Expected mid-single digit growth in net retransmission revenues from 2023 to 2025.

  • Strategic focus on maintaining industry leadership in core advertising revenue growth.

Negative
  • Core advertising revenues were down 3% in Q1, excluding political revenues.

  • Net income attributable to the Company decreased from $185 million to $23 million year-over-year.

  • Diluted earnings per common share decreased from $2.64 to $0.35 year-over-year.

  • Operating income increased but included non-recurring costs, impacting overall profitability.

Insights

Sinclair's financial results indicate a modest revenue increase of 3%, escalating to $798 million, amidst a challenging macroeconomic landscape. A deeper dive reveals that the growth is primarily driven by a 4% boost in total advertising revenues, highlighting the company's adeptness in revenue generation even when core advertising revenues have dipped by 3%. The reporting of a 13% surge in Adjusted EBITDA to $136 million signals operational efficiency improvements. However, investors should note the stark contrast in net income year-over-year, plummeting from $185 million to $23 million; a detail that warrants scrutiny, potentially attributable to non-recurring transaction costs and settlements. The robust pre-booking of political advertising portends well for future quarters, reflecting an astute strategic focus on leveraging political cycles. The successful renewal of significant retransmission agreements, covering 42% already, showcases negotiating strength and bodes well for anticipated mid-single digit growth in net retransmission revenues. The launch of the Broadspan data solutions platform is an innovative stride into NextGen technology, yet its contribution to the bottom line remains speculative at this juncture. The initial partnership with Edgio could pave the way for meaningful future revenue streams. Collectively, Sinclair’s strategic maneuvers, evidenced by diversified revenue sources and forward-looking technology investments, position it intriguingly for future growth.

The introduction of Sinclair's Broadspan data solutions platform, operating on NextGen Broadcast (ATSC 3.0) technology, represents a significant leap in broadcast data distribution. The platform is expected to offer an array of efficiencies including improved customer experience and reduced data delivery costs. However, the scalability and market adoption rate of such a pioneering technology is yet to be proven, calling for a prudent watch on acceptance and implementation progress in the near term. The company's distribution agreements with major carriers such as Hulu and Charter Communications underscore a strategic emphasis on expanding its content distribution footprint. Moreover, securing a multi-year agreement with Cox Communications further solidifies Sinclair’s positioning in the market. These developments, along with Sinclair's presence in 75% of TV households within their licensed footprint, could potentially enhance long-term shareholder value. The operational enhancements and strategic content distribution, paired with the technological innovation of Broadspan, may serve as a catalyst for Sinclair's growth in the evolving media landscape, albeit with the usual risks associated with the adoption of new technology.

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI), the "Company" or "Sinclair," today reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Highlights:

  • Met or exceeded first quarter guidance on Revenue, Media Expenses and Adjusted EBITDA
  • Launched NextGen data solutions platform, Broadspan
  • Settled all Diamond Sports Group, LLC (DSG) related outstanding litigation claims
  • As of May 1, the Company has pre-booked $77 million in political advertising for the second half of the year through Election Day; this compares to $21 million as of May 1, 2020 and $28 million as of May 1, 2022

CEO Comment:

"Sinclair delivered solid first quarter results, meeting guidance expectations in our local media segment and exceeding Adjusted EBITDA expectations at Tennis Channel in the quarter. Core advertising trends remain solid in most categories, with our effective yield management and sales training processes driving industry-leading core growth over the past several quarters. We have significant retransmission agreements renewing this year, of which we are 42% completed as of the beginning of May. We continue to expect a mid-single digit two-year growth in net retransmission revenues from 2023 to 2025. We also announced the launch of Broadspan, our NextGen data solutions platform, that will deliver a unified suite of products to the marketplace, and at the same time announced our first NextGen commercial partner, Edgio. The time for the NextGen data distribution opportunity is now. The broadcast data distribution model has many benefits, such as a more efficient distribution of mass-consumption data, improved customer experience, and lower cost of data delivery compared to traditional one-to-one wireless solutions. We are very excited to see what the future holds for NextGen over the coming quarters and years. In summary, Sinclair is in a strong position for both the short and long term, with our emphasis on growing net retransmission revenues and maintaining industry leadership in core advertising revenue growth. Our strategic focus aligns with the anticipation of a record-breaking presidential election year, contributing to robust growth in Adjusted EBITDA throughout 2024. We have laid the groundwork for a promising future, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead of us."

Recent Company Developments:

Content and Distribution:

  • In January, Hulu launched carriage of Tennis Channel, T2, Comet and CHARGE! on Hulu + Live TV.
  • In March, the Company reached a comprehensive, multiyear distribution agreement with Charter Communications, Inc. for continued carriage of Sinclair’s owned local broadcast stations and Tennis Channel.
  • In May, the Company reached a comprehensive, multiyear distribution agreement with Cox Communications, Inc. for continued carriage of Sinclair’s owned local broadcast stations and Tennis Channel.
  • Year-to-date, Sinclair's newsrooms have won a total of 47 journalism awards.

Community:

  • In April, the Company held its second annual Sinclair Day of Service, whereby all employees were encouraged to volunteer that day for charitable causes. Over 1,300 employees volunteered a total of more than 3,700 hours that day.

Investment Portfolio:

  • During the first quarter, the Company made capital investments of approximately $2 million in minority investments and received distributions, including exit payments, of approximately $52 million.

NextGen Broadcasting (ATSC 3.0):

  • In April, the Company announced the launch of its Broadspan datacasting platform to enable data distribution capability across all current Sinclair NextGen Broadcast (ATSC 3.0) markets where it serves as the host station. Edgio, Inc., a leading content delivery network, will become the Company's first NextGen commercial partner.
  • To date, the Company has launched NextGen Broadcast in 44 markets, including the recent launch of Portland, ME. NextGen Broadcast is now available in 75% of the TV households in Sinclair's licensed footprint.

Financial Results:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Consolidated Financial Results:

  • Total revenues increased 3% to $798 million versus $773 million in the prior year period. Media revenues increased 3% to $792 million versus $766 million in the prior year period.
  • Total advertising revenues of $321 million increased 4% versus $309 million in the prior year period. Core advertising revenues, which exclude political revenues, were down 3% in the first quarter to $297 million versus $306 million in the prior year period.
  • Distribution revenues of $436 million increased versus $426 million in the prior year period.
  • Operating income of $42 million, including non-recurring transaction, implementation, legal, regulatory and other costs ("Adjustments") of $6 million, increased versus an operating income of $21 million in the prior year period, which included Adjustments of $6 million. Operating income, when excluding the Adjustments, was $48 million compared to operating income, excluding the Adjustments, of $27 million in the prior year period.
  • Net income attributable to the Company was $23 million versus net income of $185 million in the prior year period. Excluding Adjustments, the Company had net income of $27 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased 13% to $136 million from $120 million in the prior year period.
  • Diluted earnings per common share was $0.35 as compared to diluted earnings per common share of $2.64 in the prior year period. On a per-diluted-share basis, the impact of Adjustments was $(0.07), and the impact of Adjustments in the prior year period was $(0.07).

Segment financial information is included in the following tables for the periods presented. The Local Media segment consists primarily of broadcast television stations, which the Company owns, operates or to which the Company provides services, and includes multicast networks and original content. The Local Media segment assets are owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC (SBG). The Tennis segment consists primarily of Tennis Channel, a cable network which includes coverage of most of tennis' top tournaments and original professional sport and tennis lifestyle shows; the Tennis Channel International subscription and streaming service; Tennis Channel Plus streaming service; T2 FAST, a 24-hours a day free ad-supported streaming television channel; and Tennis.com. Other includes non-broadcast digital solutions, technical services, and other non-media investments. For periods presented subsequent to June 1, 2023 (the date of the reorganization), the assets of the Tennis segment and Other are owned and operated by Sinclair Ventures, LLC (Ventures). The highlights below include the divestiture of Stadium (May 2, 2023).

Three months ended March 31, 2024

Local
Media

 

Tennis

 

Other

 

Corporate
and
Eliminations

 

Consolidated

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

Distribution revenue

$

384

 

$

52

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

436

Core advertising revenue

 

284

 

 

10

 

 

6

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

297

Political advertising revenue

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24

Other media revenue

 

35

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

35

Media revenues

$

727

 

$

63

 

$

6

 

 

$

(4

)

 

$

792

Non-media revenue

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

6

Total revenues

$

727

 

$

63

 

$

15

 

 

$

(7

)

 

$

798

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media programming and production expenses

$

383

 

$

25

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

408

Media selling, general and administrative expenses

 

183

 

 

12

 

 

5

 

 

 

(4

)

 

 

196

Non-media expenses

 

2

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

12

Program contract payments

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22

Corporate general and administrative expenses

 

41

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

58

Stock-based compensation

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

28

Non-recurring transaction, implementation, legal, regulatory and other costs

 

7

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

6

Adjusted EBITDA(a)

$

128

 

$

25

 

$

(3

)

 

$

(14

)

 

$

136

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense (net)(b)

$

69

 

$

 

$

(4

)

 

$

 

 

$

65

Capital expenditures

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21

Distributions to the noncontrolling interests

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

Cash distributions from equity investments

 

26

 

 

 

 

51

 

 

 

 

 

 

77

Net cash taxes paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Certain amounts may not summarize to totals due to rounding differences.

 

(a)

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, and non-recurring transaction, implementation, legal, regulatory and other costs, as well as certain non-cash items such as stock-based compensation expense and other gains and losses; less program contract payments. Refer to the reconciliation at the end of this press release and the Company’s website. In the above table, Adjusted EBITDA equals total revenues minus media programming and production expenses, media selling, general and administrative expenses, non-media expenses, program contract payments, and corporate general and administrative expenses; plus stock-based compensation and non-recurring transaction, implementation, legal, regulatory and other costs.

 

(b)

Interest expense (net) excludes deferred financing costs, original issue discount amortization, and other non-cash interest expense, and is net of interest income.

Three months ended March 31, 2023

Local
Media

 

Tennis

 

Other

 

Corporate
and
Eliminations

 

Consolidated

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

Distribution revenue

$

381

 

$

45

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

426

Core advertising revenue

 

293

 

 

9

 

 

6

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

306

Political advertising revenue

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

Other media revenue

 

28

 

 

1

 

 

3

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

31

Media revenues

$

705

 

$

55

 

$

9

 

 

$

(3

)

 

$

766

Non-media revenue

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

7

Total revenues

$

705

 

$

55

 

$

17

 

 

$

(4

)

 

$

773

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media programming and production expenses

$

371

 

$

22

 

$

8

 

 

$

(3

)

 

$

398

Media selling, general and administrative expenses

 

175

 

 

10

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

191

Non-media expenses

 

6

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

Program contract payments

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23

Corporate general and administrative expenses

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

58

Stock-based compensation

 

13

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

23

Non-recurring transaction, implementation, legal, regulatory and other costs

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

6

Adjusted EBITDA(a)

$

115

 

$

24

 

$

(3

)

 

$

(16

)

 

$

120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense (net)(b)

$

64

 

$

 

$

(5

)

 

$

 

 

$

59

Capital expenditures

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

20

Distributions to the noncontrolling interests

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

Cash distributions from equity investments

 

 

 

 

 

36

 

 

 

 

 

 

36

Net cash taxes paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

Note: Certain amounts may not summarize to totals due to rounding differences.

 

 

(a)

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, and non-recurring transaction, implementation, legal, regulatory and other costs, as well as certain non-cash items such as stock-based compensation expense and other gains and losses; less program contract payments. Refer to the reconciliation at the end of this press release and the Company’s website. In the above table, Adjusted EBITDA equals total revenues minus media programming and production expenses, media selling, general and administrative expenses, non-media expenses, program contract payments, and corporate general and administrative expenses; plus stock-based compensation and non-recurring transaction, implementation, legal, regulatory and other costs.

 

 

(b)

Interest expense (net) excludes deferred financing costs, original issue discount amortization, and other non-cash interest expense, and is net of interest income.

Consolidated Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights of the Company:

  • Total Company debt as of March 31, 2024 was $4,149 million, of which $4,134 million is SBG debt and $15 million is Ventures debt.
  • In January, the Company repurchased $27 million of Term B Loans due 2026 for $25 million in cash.
  • Cash and cash equivalents for the Company as of March 31, 2024 was $655 million, of which $337 million is SBG cash and $318 million is Ventures cash.
  • As of March 31, 2024, 42.3 million Class A common shares and 23.8 million Class B common shares were outstanding, for a total of 66.1 million common shares.
  • In March, the Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share.
  • Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2024 were $21 million.
  • In March, the Company paid $50 million toward the total $495 million global settlement amount related to the litigation filed by Diamond Sports Group, LLC and DSG’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Diamond Sports Net, LLC, in July 2023, which settlement includes an amendment to the management services agreement between Sinclair Television Group, LLC (STG) and DSG. The initial $50 million was funded by Ventures.
  • In April, the Company settled in cash the remaining $445 million global settlement amount, settling all claims associated with the litigation, without admitting fault or wrongdoing. Of the $445 million payment, $347 million was funded by STG and $98 million by Ventures. After factoring in corresponding tax benefits, additional management services agreement payments to STG of approximately $26 million to $62 million, and other miscellaneous items to be received by Sinclair in connection with the settlement, the net cost to Sinclair is expected to be approximately $250 million to $325 million. Including value to be received, the net amount for STG is expected to be approximately 55% to 60% of the total net cost with Ventures funding the remainder.

Notes:

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' financial information to conform to the presentation in the current year.

Outlook:

The Company currently expects to achieve the following results for the three months ending June 30, 2024 and the twelve months ending December 31, 2024.

For the three months ending June 30, 2024 ($ in millions)

Local Media

 

Tennis

 

Other

 

Corporate
and
Eliminations

 

Consolidated

Core advertising revenue

$294 to 304

 

$16

 

$8

 

 

$(5

)

 

$312 to 323

Political advertising revenue

$29 to 35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$29 to 35

Advertising revenue

$323 to 339

 

$16

 

$8

 

 

$(5

)

 

$341 to 358

Distribution revenue

$383 to 385

 

$52

 

 

 

 

 

$435 to 437

Other media revenue

$38

 

$1

 

 

 

$(2

)

 

$37

Media revenues

$744 to 763

 

$68

 

$8

 

 

$(7

)

 

$813 to 832

Non-media revenue

 

 

$11

 

 

$(1

)

 

$10

Total revenues

$744 to 763

 

$68

 

$19

 

 

$(7

)

 

$823 to 843

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media programming & production expenses and media selling, general and administrative expenses

$571 to 574

 

$62

 

$6

 

 

$(7

)

 

$632 to 635

Non-media expenses

$2

 

 

$15

 

 

 

 

$17

Program contract payments

$20

 

 

 

 

 

 

$20

Corporate overhead

$26

 

 

$1

 

 

$13

 

 

$40

Stock-based compensation

$10

 

 

 

 

 

 

$10

Non-recurring transaction and transition services, implementation, legal, and regulatory costs

$10

 

 

$1

 

 

 

 

$11

Adjusted EBITDA(a)

$142 to 164

 

$6

 

$(3

)

 

$(13

)

 

$132 to 155

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense (net)(b)

$71

 

 

$(4

)

 

 

 

$67

Total capital expenditures

$27 to 29

 

$1

 

 

 

 

 

$28 to 30

Distributions to the noncontrolling interests

$3

 

 

 

 

 

 

$3

Cash distributions from equity investments

 

 

$4

 

 

 

 

$4

Net cash tax payments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$7

Note: Certain amounts may not summarize to totals due to rounding differences.

(a)

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, and non-recurring transaction, implementation, legal, regulatory and other costs, as well as certain non-cash items such as stock-based compensation expense and other gains and losses; less program contract payments. In the above table, Adjusted EBITDA equals total revenues minus media programming and production expenses, media selling, general and administrative expenses, non-media expenses, program contract payments, and corporate general and administrative expenses; plus stock-based compensation and non-recurring transaction, implementation, legal, regulatory and other costs.

(b)

Interest expense (net) excludes deferred financing costs, original issue discount amortization, and other non-cash interest expense, and is net of interest income

For the twelve months ending December 31, 2024 ($ in millions)

 

Consolidated

Media programming & production expenses and media selling, general and administrative expenses

 

$2,481 to 2,484

Non-media expenses

 

$59

Program contract payments

 

$80

Corporate overhead

 

$168 to 169

Stock based compensation included in corporate, media, and non-media expenses above

 

$53

Non-recurring transaction, implementation, legal, and regulatory costs included in corporate, media, and non-media expenses above

 

$34

 

 

 

Interest expense (net)(a)

 

$270

Total capital expenditures

 

$105 to 110

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

$10

Cash distributions from equity investments

 

$83

Net cash tax payments

 

$165 to 175

Note: Certain amounts may not summarize to totals due to rounding differences.

(a)

Interest expense (net) excludes deferred financing costs, original issue discount amortization, and other non-cash interest expense, and is net of interest income.

Sinclair Conference Call:

The senior management of Sinclair will hold a conference call to discuss the Company's first quarter 2024 results on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. ET. The call will be webcast live and can be accessed at www.sbgi.net under "Investor Relations/Events and Presentations." After the call, an audio replay will remain available at www.sbgi.net. The press and the public will be welcome on the call in a listen-only mode. The dial-in number is (888) 506-0062, with entry code 195393.

About Sinclair:

Sinclair, Inc. is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets affiliated with all the major broadcast networks; owns Tennis Channel and multicast networks Comet, CHARGE!, TBD., and The Nest; and owns and provides services to 21 regional sports network brands. Sinclair’s content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and the nation’s largest streaming aggregator of local news content, NewsON. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.

Sinclair, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Preliminary Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In millions, except share and per share data)

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

2024

 

2023

REVENUES:

 

 

 

Media revenues

$

792

 

 

$

766

 

Non-media revenues

 

6

 

 

 

7

 

Total revenues

 

798

 

 

 

773

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

Media programming and production expenses

 

408

 

 

 

398

 

Media selling, general and administrative expenses

 

196

 

 

 

191

 

Amortization of program contract costs

 

19

 

 

 

22

 

Non-media expenses

 

12

 

 

 

12

 

Depreciation of property and equipment

 

25

 

 

 

24

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses

 

58

 

 

 

58

 

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets

 

38

 

 

 

41

 

Loss on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment

 

 

 

 

6

 

Total operating expenses

 

756

 

 

 

752

 

Operating income

 

42

 

 

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

 

 

 

Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs

 

(76

)

 

 

(74

)

Gain on extinguishment of debt

 

1

 

 

 

 

Income from equity method investments

 

14

 

 

 

31

 

Other income, net

 

40

 

 

 

11

 

Total other expense, net

 

(21

)

 

 

(32

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

21

 

 

 

(11

)

INCOME TAX BENEFIT

 

4

 

 

 

204

 

NET INCOME

 

25

 

 

 

193

 

Net loss attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

4

 

Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests

 

(2

)

 

 

(12

)

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR

$

23

 

 

$

185

 

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR:

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

$

0.35

 

 

$

2.65

 

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.35

 

 

$

2.64

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands)

 

64,156

 

 

 

69,744

 

Diluted weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in thousands)

 

64,403

 

 

 

69,864

 

The Company considers Adjusted EBITDA to be an indicator of the Company's operating performance and the ability to service its debt. The Company also believes that Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by industry analysts, investors and lenders as a measure of valuation and ability to service its debt. The Company also discloses segment Adjusted EBITDA as an indicator of the operating performance of its segments in accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting.

Non-GAAP measures are not formulated in accordance with GAAP, are not meant to replace GAAP financial measures and may differ from other companies’ uses or formulations. The Company does not provide reconciliations on a forward-looking basis. Further discussions and reconciliations of the Company's non-GAAP financial measures to comparable GAAP financial measures can be found on its website www.sbgi.net.

Sinclair, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measurements - Unaudited

All periods reclassified to conform with current year GAAP presentation

(in millions)

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

2024

 

2023

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Sinclair

$

23

 

 

$

185

 

Add: Loss from redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

(4

)

Add: Income from noncontrolling interests

 

2

 

 

 

12

 

Add: Income tax benefit

 

(4

)

 

 

(204

)

Add: Other income

 

(28

)

 

 

 

Add: Income from equity method investments

 

(14

)

 

 

(31

)

Add: (Income) loss from other investments and impairments

 

(2

)

 

 

1

 

Add: Gain on extinguishment of debt/insurance proceeds

 

(2

)

 

 

 

Add: Interest expense

 

76

 

 

 

74

 

Less: Interest income

 

(9

)

 

 

(12

)

Less: Loss on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment

 

 

 

 

6

 

Add: Amortization of intangible assets & other assets

 

38

 

 

 

41

 

Add: Depreciation of property & equipment

 

25

 

 

 

24

 

Add: Stock-based compensation

 

28

 

 

 

23

 

Add: Amortization of program contract costs

 

19

 

 

 

22

 

Less: Cash film payments

 

(22

)

 

 

(23

)

Add: Non-recurring transaction, implementation, legal, regulatory and other costs

 

6

 

 

 

6

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

136

 

 

$

120

 

Three months ended March 31, 2024

Local
Media

 

Tennis

 

Other

 

Corporate
and
Eliminations

 

Consolidated

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

$

727

 

 

$

63

 

$

15

 

 

$

(7

)

 

$

798

 

Media programming and production expenses

 

383

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

408

 

Media selling, general and administrative expenses

 

183

 

 

 

12

 

 

5

 

 

 

(4

)

 

 

196

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

58

 

 

 

5

 

 

1

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

63

 

Amortization of program contract costs

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses

 

41

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

58

 

Non-media expenses

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

12

 

Operating income (loss)

$

41

 

 

$

20

 

$

(3

)

 

$

(16

)

 

$

42

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Income to Adjusted EBITDA:

Operating income (loss)

$

41

 

 

$

20

 

$

(3

)

 

$

(16

)

 

$

42

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

58

 

 

 

5

 

 

1

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

63

 

Amortization of program contract costs

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19

 

Program contract payments

 

(22

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(22

)

Stock-based compensation

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

28

 

Adjustments

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

128

 

 

$

25

 

$

(3

)

 

$

(14

)

 

$

136

 

Three months ended March 31, 2023

Local
Media

 

Tennis

 

Other

 

Corporate
and
Eliminations

 

Consolidated

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

$

705

 

 

$

55

 

$

17

 

 

$

(4

)

 

$

773

 

Media programming and production expenses

 

371

 

 

 

22

 

 

8

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

398

 

Media selling, general and administrative expenses

 

175

 

 

 

10

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

191

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

59

 

 

 

5

 

 

2

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

65

 

Amortization of program contract costs

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

58

 

Non-media expenses

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

(Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

Operating income (loss)

$

41

 

 

$

18

 

$

(12

)

 

$

(26

)

 

$

21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Income to Adjusted EBITDA:

Operating income (loss)

$

41

 

 

$

18

 

$

(12

)

 

$

(26

)

 

$

21

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

59

 

 

 

5

 

 

2

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

65

 

Amortization of program contract costs

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

(Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

Program contract payments

 

(23

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(23

)

Stock-based compensation

 

13

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

23

 

Adjustments

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

6

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

115

 

 

$

24

 

$

(3

)

 

$

(16

)

 

$

120

 

Forward-Looking Statements:

The matters discussed in this news release, particularly those in the section labeled “Outlook,” include forward-looking statements regarding, among other things, future operating results. When used in this news release, the words “outlook,” “intends to,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “achieves,” “estimates,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results in the future could differ materially and adversely from those described in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including and in addition to the assumptions set forth therein, but not limited to, the rate of decline in the number of subscribers to services provided by traditional and virtual multi-channel video programming distributors (“Distributors”); the Company’s ability to generate cash to service its substantial indebtedness; the successful execution of outsourcing agreements; the successful execution of retransmission consent agreements; the successful execution of network and Distributor affiliation agreements; the Company’s ability to identify and consummate acquisitions and investments, to manage increased financial leverage resulting from acquisitions and investments, and to achieve anticipated returns on those investments once consummated; the Company’s ability to compete for viewers and advertisers; pricing and demand fluctuations in local and national advertising; the appeal of the Company’s programming and volatility in programming costs; material legal, financial and reputational risks and operational disruptions resulting from a breach of the Company’s information systems; the impact of FCC and other regulatory proceedings against the Company; compliance with laws and uncertainties associated with potential changes in the regulatory environment affecting the Company’s business and growth strategy; the impact of pending and future litigation claims against the Company; the Company’s limited experience in operating or investing in non-broadcast related businesses; and any risk factors set forth in the Company’s recent reports on Form 10-Q and/or Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurances that the assumptions and other factors referred to in this release will occur. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Category: Financial

Investor Contacts:

Christopher C. King, VP, Investor Relations

Billie-Jo McIntire, AVP, Investor Relations

(410) 568-1500

Media Contact:

Sinclair@5wpr.com

Source: Sinclair, Inc.

FAQ

What were Sinclair's Q1 2024 financial highlights?

Sinclair met or exceeded guidance on Revenue, Media Expenses, and Adjusted EBITDA in Q1 2024.

How much political advertising did Sinclair pre-book for the second half of 2024?

Sinclair pre-booked $77 million in political advertising for the second half of 2024.

What new platform did Sinclair launch in Q1 2024?

Sinclair launched the NextGen data solutions platform, Broadspan, in Q1 2024.

What growth expectations did Sinclair state for net retransmission revenues?

Sinclair expects mid-single digit growth in net retransmission revenues from 2023 to 2025.

What was the focus of Sinclair's strategic plans for the future?

Sinclair's strategic focus is on maintaining industry leadership in core advertising revenue growth.

Sinclair, Inc.

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