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Gray Reports Record Operating Results for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2019

November 7, 2019 6:00 AM

ATLANTA, Nov. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray,” “we,” “us” or “our”) (NYSE: GTN) today announces record results of operations for the three-months ended September 30, 2019.

Financial Highlights, Selected Operating Data and Other Recent Developments:

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
Transaction Related Expenses:
Broadcast$ 1 $ - $ 38 $ 3
Corporate and administrative 1 3 34 6
Total Transaction Related Expenses$ 2 $ 3 $ 72 $ 9
Total non-cash stock-based compensation$ 5 $ 2 $ 10 $ 5
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
As-Reported:
Net income attributable to common stockholders$46 $61 $46 $123
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted, per share$0.46 $0.69 $0.46 $1.38
Adjusted EBITDA (1)$181 $128 $499 $303
Excluding Transaction Related Expenses and non-cash stock-based comp:
Net income attributable to common stockholders (1)$51 $65 $107 $133
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted, per share (1)$0.50 $0.73 $1.07 $1.49
(1) See reconciliation of non-GAAP amounts to net income, included elsewhere herein.

Combined Historical Basis Information

We define “2019 Acquisitions” as the businesses acquired, and stations divested in connection with the merger with Raycom Media, Inc. (the “Raycom Merger”) completed on January 2, 2019, and the acquisition of the assets of WWNY-TV (CBS) and WNYF-CD (FOX) in Watertown, New York (DMA 178) and KEYC-TV (CBS/FOX) in Mankato, Minnesota (DMA 199) from United Communications Corporation (the “United Acquisition”) completed on May 1, 2019. Including the 2019 Acquisitions, from January 1, 2017 through September 30, 2019 (except for KDLT-TV, assets acquired on September 25, 2019), we completed seven acquisition transactions and four divestiture transactions. Due to the significant effect that these transactions have had on our results of operations, and in order to provide more meaningful period over period comparisons, we present certain financial information below on a “Combined Historical Basis” or “CHB.” Our Combined Historical Basis presentation reflects financial results that have been compiled by adding Gray’s historical revenue, broadcast expenses and corporate and administrative expenses to the historical revenue, broadcast expenses and corporate and administrative expenses of the net stations acquired in those acquisitions, and subtracting the historical revenues and broadcast expenses of the divested stations as if all stations had been acquired or divested, respectively, on January 1, 2017, the beginning of the earliest period that CHB information is presented herein. For more information on CHB, see “Effects of Acquisitions and Divestitures on Our Results of Operations and Non-GAAP Terms” at the end of this release.

Selected Operating Data (unaudited)
As-Reported Basis
Three Months Ended September 30,
% Change % Change
2019 to 2019 to
2019 2018 2018 2017 2017
(dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):
Broadcast$ 501 $ 279 80% $ 219 129%
Production companies 16 - -
Total revenue$ 517 $ 279 85% $ 219 136%
Political advertising$ 22 $ 48 (54)% $ 4 450%
Operating expenses (1)(3):
Broadcast$ 316 $ 145 118% $ 140 126%
Production companies$ 13 $ - $ -
Corporate and administrative$ 14 $ 11 27% $ 8 75%
Net income attributable to common stockholders$ 46 $ 61 (25)% $ 15 (207)%
Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):
Broadcast Cash Flow (3)$ 192 $ 135 42% $ 79 143%
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses (3)$ 180 $ 125 44% $ 72 150%
Free Cash Flow$ 92 $ 73 26% $ 38 142%
Transaction related expenses included in operating expenses (4):
Broadcast$ 1 $ - $ -
Production companies$ - $ - $ -
Corporate and administrative$ 1 $ 3 $ -
As-Reported Basis
Nine Months Ended September 30,
% Change % Change
2019 to 2019 to
2019 2018 2018 2017 2017
(dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):
Broadcast$ 1,481 $ 756 96% $ 649 128%
Production companies 62 - -
Total revenue$ 1,543 $ 756 104% $ 649 138%
Political advertising$ 30 $ 72 (58)% $ 9 233%
Operating expenses (1)(3):
Broadcast$ 986 $ 437 126% $ 407 142%
Production companies$ 57 $ - $ -
Corporate and administrative$ 83 $ 30 177% $ 24 246%
Net income attributable to common stockholders$ 46 $ 123 (63)% $ 96 (52)%
Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):
Broadcast Cash Flow (3)$ 500 $ 321 56% $ 243 106%
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses (3)$ 424 $ 294 44% $ 222 91%
Free Cash Flow$ 165 $ 165 0% $ 131 26%
Transaction related expenses included in operating expenses (4):
Broadcast$ 38 $ 3 $ 2
Production companies$ - $ - $ -
Corporate and administrative$ 34 $ 6 $ 1

(1) Excludes depreciation, amortization and (gain) loss on disposal of assets. (2) See definition of non-GAAP terms and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP amounts to net income included elsewhere herein. (3) Amounts in 2017 have been reclassified for the implementation of Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) – Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”). (4) Transaction Related Expenses are incremental expenses incurred specific to acquisitions and divestitures, including but not limited to legal and professional fees, severance and incentive compensation and contract termination fees.

Selected Operating Data - Continued (unaudited)
Combined Historical Basis
Three Months Ended September 30,
% Change % Change
2019 to 2019 to
2019 2018 2018 2017 2017
(dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):
Broadcast$ 501 $ 529 (5)% $ 447 12%
Production companies 16 19 (16)% 17 (6)%
Total revenue$ 517 $ 548 (6)% $ 464 11%
Political advertising$ 22 $ 68 (68)% $ 8 175%
Operating expenses (1)(3):
Broadcast$ 316 $ 304 4% $ 287 10%
Production companies$ 13 $ 15 (13)% $ 13 0%
Corporate and administrative$ 14 $ 19 (26)% $ 15 (7)%
Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):
Broadcast Cash Flow (3)$ 195 $ 229 (15)% $ 165 18%
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses (3)$ 182 $ 213 (15)% $ 153 19%
Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Facility (3)$ 180 $ 232 (22)% $ 173 4%
Free Cash Flow$ 95 $ 133 (29)% $ 75 27%
Transaction related expenses included in operating expenses (4):
Broadcast$ 1 $ - $ -
Production companies$ - $ - $ -
Corporate and administrative$ 1 $ 3 $ -
Combined Historical Basis
Nine Months Ended September 30,
% Change % Change
2019 to 2019 to
2019 2018 2018 2017 2017
(dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):
Broadcast$ 1,483 $ 1,479 0% $ 1,331 11%
Production companies 62 64 (3)% 60 3%
Total revenue$ 1,545 $ 1,543 0% $ 1,391 11%
Political advertising$ 29 $ 108 (73)% $ 17 71%
Operating expenses (1)(3):
Broadcast$ 988 $ 906 9% $ 863 14%
Production companies$ 57 $ 57 0% $ 53 8%
Corporate and administrative$ 84 $ 54 56% $ 43 95%
Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):
Broadcast Cash Flow (3)$ 540 $ 585 (8)% $ 484 12%
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses (3)$ 463 $ 540 (14)% $ 448 3%
Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Facility (3)$ 494 $ 603 (18)% $ 508 (3)%
Free Cash Flow$ 238 $ 331 (28)% $ 231 3%
Transaction related expenses included in operating expenses (4):
Broadcast$ 38 $ 3 $ 2
Production companies$ - $ - $ -
Corporate and administrative$ 34 $ 6 $ 1

(1) Excludes depreciation, amortization and (gain) loss on disposal of assets. (2) See definition of non-GAAP terms and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP amounts to net income included elsewhere herein. (3) Amounts in 2017 have been reclassified for the implementation of Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) – Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”). (4) Transaction Related Expenses are incremental expenses incurred specific to acquisitions and divestitures, including but not limited to legal and professional fees, severance and incentive compensation and contract termination fees.

Results of Operations for the Third Quarter of 2019

Revenue (less agency commissions).

The table below presents our revenue (less agency commissions) by type for the third quarter of 2019 and 2018 (dollars in millions):

Three Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 Amount Percent
Percent Percent Increase Increase
Amount of Total Amount of Total (Decrease) (Decrease)
Revenue (less agency commissions):
Local (including internet/digital/mobile)$ 218 42.2% $ 106 38.0% $ 112 106%
National 56 10.8% 29 10.4% 27 93%
Political 22 4.3% 48 17.2% (26) (54)%
Retransmission consent 196 37.9% 92 33.0% 104 113%
Production companies 16 3.1% - 0.0% 16 100%
Other 9 1.7% 4 1.4% 5 125%
Total$ 517 100.0% $ 279 100.0% $ 238 85%

The 2019 Acquisitions accounted for $274 million of the increase in our total revenue for the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018. Excluding the revenue attributable to the 2019 Acquisitions, revenue decreased primarily due to decreases in political advertising revenue, resulting primarily from 2019 being an “off-year” of the two-year political advertising cycle. Excluding the 2019 Acquisitions, retransmission consent revenue increased $7 million due to increases in rates.

Revenue (less agency commissions) on Combined Historical Basis.

On a Combined Historical Basis, total revenue decreased $31 million to $517 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to $548 million in the third quarter of 2018. On a Combined Historical Basis, the changes in revenue for the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018 were approximately as follows:

On a Combined Historical Basis, our local and national advertising revenue was consistent with the upper end of our guidance for the third quarter of 2019 and were slightly less than the third quarter of 2018. Political advertising revenue decreased consistent with 2019 being an “off-year” in the two-year political advertising cycle yet were significantly higher than our guidance for the third quarter of 2019, due to stronger and more widespread demand from political ad buyers across our larger portfolio of stations. Retransmission consent revenue continued to grow, reflecting the increasing rate environment.

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

Broadcast operating expenses increased $171 million, or 118%, to $316 million for the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018. The 2019 Acquisitions accounted for $165 million of the increase in broadcast operating expenses for the third quarter of 2019. Our operating expenses for the third quarter of 2019 were better than previously expected. Broadcast operating expenses of $316 million for the third quarter of 2019 was well below our earlier guidance range of $322 million to $325 million.

Production company operating expenses, which relate to the video and event production companies acquired in the Raycom Merger, were $13 million in the third quarter of 2019. Approximately 40% of these operating expenses were for personnel costs and approximately half for production operating costs at sporting and other events.

Corporate and administrative expenses increased $3 million, or 27%, to $14 million in the third quarter of 2019 as compared to the third quarter of 2018. The increase reflects, in part, the following:

Operating Expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) on Combined Historical Basis.

On a Combined Historical Basis, broadcast operating expenses increased $12 million, or 4%, to $316 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018. The increase reflects, in part, the following:

On a Combined Historical Basis, production company operating expenses decreased $2 million, or 13%, to $13 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018, primarily due to decreases in the cost of sports programming.

On a Combined Historical Basis, corporate and administrative operating expenses decreased $5 million, or 26%, to $14 million in the third quarter of 2019 as compared to the third quarter of 2018. The decrease was primarily the result of a reduction in professional fees for Transaction Related Expenses of $4 million. Non-cash stock-based compensation expenses were $2 million and $3 million in the third quarters of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Results of Operations for the Nine-Months Ended September 30, 2019

Revenue (less agency commissions).

The table below presents our revenue (less agency commissions) by type for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (dollars in millions):

Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 Amount Percent
Percent Percent Increase Increase
Amount of Total Amount of Total (Decrease) (Decrease)
Revenue (less agency commissions):
Local (including internet/digital/mobile)$ 655 42.4% $ 325 43.0% $ 330 102%
National 162 10.5% 84 11.1% 78 93%
Political 30 1.9% 72 9.5% (42) (58)%
Retransmission consent 601 39.0% 262 34.7% 339 129%
Production companies 62 4.0% - 0.0% 62 100%
Other 33 2.2% 13 1.7% 20 154%
Total$ 1,543 100.0% $ 756 100.0% $ 787 104%

The stations and production companies acquired in the 2019 Acquisitions accounted for $819 million of the increase in our total revenue for the 2019 nine-month period. Excluding the revenue attributable to the 2019 Acquisitions, revenue decreased primarily due to decreases in political advertising revenue, resulting primarily from 2019 being an “off-year” of the two-year political advertising cycle.

Revenue (less agency commissions) on Combined Historical Basis.

On a Combined Historical Basis, total revenue increased $2 million to $1.545 billion in the 2019 nine-month period compared to $1.543 billion in the 2018 nine-month period. On a Combined Historical Basis, the changes in revenue for the 2019 nine-month period compared to the 2018 nine-month period were approximately as follows:

On a Combined Historical Basis local and national advertising revenue decreased only slightly, reflecting a decline in advertising spending in the automobile category. Political advertising revenue decreased consistent with 2019 being an off-year in the two-year political advertising cycle. Retransmission consent revenue continues to grow reflecting the increasing rate environment.

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

Broadcast operating expenses increased $549 million, or 126%, to $986 million for the nine-months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the nine-months ended September 30, 2018. The 2019 Acquisitions accounted for nearly all of the increase in broadcast operating expenses in the 2019 nine-month period.

Production company operating expenses, related to the video and event production companies acquired in the Raycom Merger, were $57 million in the 2019 nine-month period.

Corporate and administrative expenses increased $53 million, or 177%, to $83 million in the 2019 nine-month period compared to the 2018 nine-month period. The increase reflects, in part, the following:

Operating Expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) on Combined Historical Basis.

On a Combined Historical Basis, broadcast operating expenses increased $82 million, or 9%, to $988 million in the 2019 nine-month period compared to the 2018 nine-month period. The increase reflects, in part, the following:

On a Combined Historical Basis, production company operating expenses, related to the production companies acquired in the Raycom Merger, were $57 million in each of the 2019 and 2018 nine-month periods.

On a Combined Historical Basis, corporate and administrative expenses increased $30 million, or 56%, to $84 million in 2019 nine-month period compared to the 2018 nine-month period. The increase reflects the following:

Taxes.

During the 2019 and 2018 nine-month periods, we made aggregate federal and state income tax payments (net of refunds) of approximately $12 million and $27 million, respectively. During the remainder of 2019, we anticipate making income tax payments (net of refunds) of approximately $13 million. We have approximately $776 million of federal operating loss carryforwards, which expire during the years 2021 through 2037. We expect to have federal taxable income in the carryforward periods, therefore we believe that it is more likely than not that these federal operating loss carryforwards will be fully utilized. Additionally, we have an aggregate of approximately $837 million of various state operating loss carryforwards, of which we expect that approximately $564 million will be utilized.

Detailed table of operating results

Gray Television, Inc.
Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)
(in millions except for net income per share data)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
Revenue (less agency commissions):
Broadcasting$ 501 $ 279 $ 1,481 $ 756
Production companies 16 - 62 -
Total revenue (less agency commissions) 517 279 1,543 756
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and (gain) or loss on disposal of fixed assets, net:
Broadcast 316 145 986 437
Production companies 13 - 57 -
Corporate and administrative 14 11 83 30
Depreciation 20 13 60 41
Amortization of intangible assets 29 5 86 16
(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets, net (14) (3) (27) (6)
Operating expenses 378 171 1,245 518
Operating income 139 108 298 238
Other income (expense):
Miscellaneous income, net - - 4 2
Interest expense (57) (25) (173) (74)
Income before income taxes 82 83 129 166
Income tax expense 23 22 44 43
Net income 59 61 85 123
Preferred stock dividends 13 - 39 -
Net income attributable to common stockholders$ 46 $ 61 $ 46 $ 123
Basic per share information:
Net income attributable to common stockholders$ 0.46 $ 0.70 $ 0.46 $ 1.39
Weighted-average shares outstanding 100 88 100 88
Diluted per share information:
Net income attributable to common stockholders$ 0.46 $ 0.69 $ 0.46 $ 1.38
Weighted-average shares outstanding 101 89 100 89

Other Financial Data

As of
September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
(in millions)
Cash$ 326 $ 667
Restricted Cash$ - $ 752
Long-term debt including current portion$ 3,895 $ 2,549
Borrowing availability under our senior credit facility$ 200 $ 100
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018
(in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities$ 255 $ 186
Net cash used in investing activities (2,646) (33)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,298 (64)
Net (decrease) increase in cash$ (1,093) $ 89

Guidance for the Three-Months Ending December 31, 2019

Based on our current forecasts for the quarter ending December 31, 2019 (the “fourth quarter of 2019”), we anticipate changes from the quarter ended December 31, 2018 (the “fourth quarter of 2018”) as outlined below:

As Reported Basis
Selected operating data:Three Months Ending December 31,
Low End Guidance High End Guidance
LowGuidance forthe FourthQuarter of2019 AmountChange FromFourthQuarter of2018 PercentageChange FromFourthQuarter of2018 HighGuidance forthe FourthQuarter of2019 AmountChange FromFourthQuarter of2018 PercentageChange FromFourthQuarter of2018 FourthQuarter of2018
(dollars in millions)
REVENUE (less agency commissions):
Broadcast:
Local (including internet/digital/mobile)$ 238 $ 121 103% $ 240 $ 123 105% $ 117
National 63 32 103% 65 34 110% 31
Political 25 (58) (70)% 26 (57) (69)% 83
Retransmission consent 192 99 106% 194 101 109% 93
Other 9 5 125% 10 6 150% 4
Total Broadcast revenue 527 199 61% 535 207 63% 328
Production companies revenue 22 22 23 23 -
Total revenue$ 549 $ 221 67% $ 558 $ 230 70% $ 328
OPERATING EXPENSES (before depreciation, amortization and (gain) loss on disposal of assets):
Broadcast:
Station expenses$ 218 $ 101 86% $ 221 $ 104 89% $ 117
Retransmission expense 106 63 147% $ 108 65 151% 43
Transaction Related Expenses 1 1 1 1 -
Non-cash stock-based compensation 2 2 2 2 -
Total broadcast expense$ 327 $ 167 104% $ 332 $ 172 108% $ 160
Production companies expense$ 14 $ 14 $ 15 $ 15 $ -
Corporate and administrative:
Corporate expenses$ 16 $ 8 100% $ 18 $ 10 125% $ 8
Transaction Related Expenses 1 (1) (50)% 1 (1) (50)% 2
Non-cash stock-based compensation 2 1 100% 2 1 100% 1
Total corporate and administrative expense$ 19 $ 8 73% $ 21 $ 10 91% $ 11

Based on our current forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2019, we anticipate changes from the fourth quarter of 2018 on a Combined Historical Basis(1) as outlined below:

Selected operating data:Combined Historical Basis (1)
Three Months Ending December 31,
Low End Guidance High End Guidance
Low CHBGuidanceforthe FourthQuarter of2019 AmountChange FromFourthQuarter of2018 % ChangeFromCHBFourthQuarter of2018 High CHBGuidanceforthe FourthQuarter of2019 AmountChange FromFourthQuarter of2018 % ChangeFromCHBFourthQuarter of2018 CHBFourthQuarter of2018
(dollars in millions)
REVENUE (less agency commissions):
Broadcast:
Local (including internet/digital/mobile)$238 $(6) (2)% $240 $(4) (2)% $244
National 63 (2) (3)% 65 - 0% 65
Political 25 (102) (80)% 26 (101) (80)% 127
Retransmission consent 192 14 8% 194 16 9% 178
Other 9 (1) (10)% 10 - 0% 10
Total Broadcast revenue 527 (97) (16)% 535 (89) (14)% 624
Production companies revenue 22 - 0% 23 1 5% 22
Total revenue$549 $(97) (15)% $558 $(88) (14)% $646
OPERATING EXPENSES (before depreciation, amortization and (gain) loss on disposal of assets):
Broadcast:
Station expenses$218 $(25) (10)% $221 $(22) (9)% $243
Retransmission expense 106 15 16% 108 17 19% 91
Transaction Related Expenses 1 1 1 1 -
Non-cash stock-based compensation 2 2 2 2 -
Total broadcast expense$327 $(7) (2)% $332 $(2) (1)% $334
Production companies expense$14 $(2) (13)% $15 $(1) (6)% $16
Corporate and administrative:
Corporate expenses$16 $(4) (20)% $18 $(2) (10)% 20
Transaction Related Expenses 1 (6) (86)% 1 (6) (86)% 7
Non-cash stock-based compensation 2 (2) (50)% 2 (2) (50)% 4
Total corporate and administrative expense$19 $(12) (39)% $21 $(10) (32)% $31

(1) For the purpose of providing our forecast for the fourth quarter of 2019, Combined Historical Basis gives effect to the 2019 Acquisitions as well as the acquisitions of KDLT-TV in Sioux Falls, WVIR-TV in Charlottesville, Virginia and the divestiture of WCAV-TV and WVAW-LD also in Charlottesville, Virginia as if they had all been completed on October 1, 2018 which is the first day of the earliest period presented.

The Company

We are a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon the completion of the Raycom Merger on January 2, 2019, we became the largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. Currently, we own television stations in 93 television markets broadcasting over 400 separate program streams including approximately 150 affiliates of the ABC Network (“ABC”), the NBC Network (“NBC”), the CBS Network (“CBS”) and the FOX Network (“FOX”). We refer to these major broadcast networks collectively as the “Big Four” networks. Our television stations ranked first or second among all local television stations in 87 of our 93 markets between December 2017 and November 2018. Our station portfolio reaches approximately 24% of total United States television households. We also own video program production, marketing, and digital businesses including Raycom Sports, Tupelo-Raycom, and RTM Studios, the producer of PowerNation programs and content, which we refer to collectively as our “production companies.”

Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the federal securities laws. These “forward-looking statements” are not statements of historical facts, and may include, among other things, statements regarding our current expectations and beliefs of operating results for the fourth quarter of 2019 or other periods, future income tax payments and other future events. Actual results are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and may differ materially from the current expectations and beliefs discussed in this press release. All information set forth in this release is as of the date hereof. We do not intend, and undertake no duty, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances. Information about certain potential factors that could affect our business and financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements are included under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and may be contained in reports subsequently filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Conference Call Information

We will host a conference call to discuss our third quarter operating results on November 7, 2019. The call will begin at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. The live dial-in number is 1 (855) 493-3489 and the confirmation code is 9151326. The call will be webcast live and available for replay at www.gray.tv. The taped replay of the conference call will be available at 1 (855) 859-2056, Confirmation Code: 9151326 until December 7, 2019.

Gray ContactsWeb site: www.gray.tv

Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 404-266-5512Pat LaPlatney, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, 334-206-1400Jim Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 404-504-9828Kevin P. Latek, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Development Officer, 404-266-8333

Effects of Acquisitions and Divestitures on Our Results of Operations and Non-GAAP Terms

From January 1, 2017 through September 30, 2019, we completed seven acquisition transactions and four divestiture transactions. As more fully described in our Form 10-Q to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today and in our prior disclosures, these transactions added television stations in 43 new television markets to our operations. We refer to the 2019 Acquisitions collectively with all other television stations acquired (except for KDLT-TV which was acquired on September 25, 2019) or divested on or subsequent to January 1, 2017 as the “Acquisitions.”

Due to the significant effect that the Acquisitions have had on our results of operations, and in order to provide more meaningful period over period comparisons, we present herein certain financial information on a Combined Historical Basis (or “CHB”). Combined Historical Basis financial information does not include any adjustments for other events attributable to the Acquisitions unless otherwise described. Certain of the Combined Historical Basis financial information has been derived from, and adjusted based on unaudited, unreviewed financial information prepared by other entities, which Gray cannot independently verify. We cannot assure you that such financial information would not be materially different if such information were audited or reviewed and no assurances can be provided as to the accuracy of such information, or that our actual results would not differ materially from the Combined Historical Basis financial information if the Acquisitions had been completed at the stated date. In addition, the presentation of Combined Historical Basis may not comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) or the requirements for proforma financial information under Regulation S-X under the Securities Act. Gray is providing the fourth quarter of 2019 guidance estimates on a Combined Historical Basis, which incorporate certain non–GAAP financial measures that are dependent on financial results that are not yet determinable with certainty. Therefore, we are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of the estimated non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures because such information is not available, and management cannot reliably estimate all of the necessary components of such GAAP measures without unreasonable effort or expense. In addition, we believe such reconciliations would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors.

From time to time, Gray supplements its financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP by disclosing the non-GAAP financial measures Broadcast Cash Flow, Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses, Operating Cash Flow as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted EBITDA and Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash. These non-GAAP amounts are used by us to approximate amounts used to calculate key financial performance covenants contained in our debt agreements and are used with our GAAP data to evaluate our results and liquidity.

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

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

We define Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement as net income or loss plus loss from early extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock based compensation, depreciation and amortization (including amortization of intangible assets and program broadcast rights), any loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous expense, interest expense, any income tax expense, non-cash 401(k) expense, Broadcast Transactions Related Expenses, broadcast other adjustments, certain pension expenses, Corporate Transaction Related Expenses, synergies and other adjustments less any gain on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income, any income tax benefits, payments for program broadcast rights, pension income and contributions to pension plans.

Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement is presented on Combined Historical Basis and gives effect to the revenue and broadcast expenses of the Acquisitions as if they had been acquired or divested, respectively, on January 1, 2017. It also gives effect to certain operating synergies expected from the Acquisitions and related financings and adds back professional fees incurred in completing the Acquisitions. Certain of the financial information related to the Acquisitions has been derived from, and adjusted based on, unaudited, un-reviewed financial information prepared by other entities, which Gray cannot independently verify. We cannot assure you that such financial information would not be materially different if such information were audited or reviewed and no assurances can be provided as to the accuracy of such information, or that our actual results would not differ materially from this financial information if the Acquisitions had been completed at the stated date. In addition, the presentation of Operating Cash Flow as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement and the adjustments to such information, including expected synergies resulting from such transactions, may not comply with GAAP or the requirements for pro forma financial information under Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.

We define Free Cash Flow as net income or loss plus loss from early extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock based compensation, depreciation and amortization (including amortization of intangible assets and program broadcast rights), any loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous expense, any income tax expense, non-cash 401(k) expense, Broadcast Transactions Related Expenses, broadcast other adjustments, certain pension expenses, Corporate Transaction Related Expenses, synergies, other adjustments and amortization of deferred financing costs less any gain on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income, any income tax benefits, payments for program broadcast rights, pension income, contributions to pension plans, preferred dividends, purchase of property and equipment (net of reimbursements) and income taxes paid (net of any refunds received).

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss plus loss from early extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock based compensation, depreciation and amortization of intangible assets, any loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous expense, interest expense, any income tax expense, non-cash 401(k) expense, Transaction Related Expenses less any gain on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income and any income tax benefits.

Our Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash is determined by dividing our Adjusted Total Indebtedness, Net of All Cash by our Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement, divided by two. Our Adjusted Total Indebtedness, Net of All Cash represents the total outstanding principal of our long-term debt, plus certain other obligations as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement, less all cash (excluding restricted cash). Our Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement, divided by two, represents our average annual Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement for the preceding eight quarters.

We define Transaction Related Expenses as incremental expenses incurred specific to acquisitions and divestitures, including but not limited to legal and professional fees; severance and incentive compensation; and contract termination fees. We present certain line-items from our selected operating data net of Transaction Related Expenses in order to present a more meaningful comparison between periods of our operating expenses and our results of operations.

These non-GAAP terms are not defined in GAAP and our definitions may differ from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies, thereby limiting their usefulness. Such terms are used by management in addition to, and in conjunction with, results presented in accordance with GAAP and should be considered as supplements to, and not as substitutes for, net income and cash flows reported in accordance with GAAP.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Terms on As Reported Basis, in millions:

Three Months Ended
September 30,
2019 2018 2017
Net income$ 59 $ 61 $ 15
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to Free Cash Flow:
Depreciation 20 13 13
Amortization of intangible assets 29 5 7
Non-cash stock based compensation 5 2 1
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net (14) (3) 2
Interest expense 57 25 24
Income tax expense 23 22 11
Amortization of program broadcast rights 10 5 5
Payments for program broadcast rights (9) (5) (6)
Corporate and administrative expenses before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock based compensation 12 10 7
Broadcast Cash Flow (1) 192 135 79
Corporate and administrative expenses before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock based compensation (12) (10) (7)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses (1) 180 125 72
Contributions to pension plans (3) (2) -
Interest expense (57) (25) (24)
Amortization of deferred financing costs 3 1 1
Preferred dividends (13) - -
Purchase of property and equipment (29) (15) (11)
Reimbursements of property and equipment purchases 15 4 -
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (4) (15) -
Free Cash Flow$ 92 $ 73 $ 38

(1) Amounts in 2017 have been reclassified to give effect to the implementation of ASU 2017-07

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Terms on As Reported Basis, in millions:

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2019 2018 2017
Net income$ 85 $ 123 $ 96
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to Free Cash Flow:
Depreciation 60 41 39
Amortization of intangible assets 86 16 19
Non-cash stock based compensation 10 5 4
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net (27) (6) (75)
Miscellaneous income, net (1) (4) (2) -
Interest expense 173 74 71
Loss from early extinguishment of debt - - 3
Income tax expense 44 43 66
Amortization of program broadcast rights 30 16 15
Payments for program broadcast rights (33) (16) (16)
Corporate and administrative expenses before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock based compensation 76 27 21
Broadcast Cash Flow (1) 500 321 243
Corporate and administrative expenses before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock based compensation (76) (27) (21)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses (1) 424 294 222
Contributions to pension plans (3) (3) (1)
Interest expense (173) (74) (71)
Amortization of deferred financing costs 9 3 3
Preferred dividends (39) - -
Purchase of property and equipment (73) (35) (21)
Reimbursements of property and equipment purchases 32 7 -
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (12) (27) (1)
Free Cash Flow$ 165 $ 165 $ 131

(1) Amounts in 2017 have been reclassified to give effect to the implementation of ASU 2017-07

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Terms on Combined Historical Basis, in millions:

Three Months Ended
September 30,
2019 2018 2017
Net income$ 61 $ 83 $ 52
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to Free Cash Flow:
Depreciation 20 21 21
Amortization of intangible assets 29 27 32
Non-cash stock-based compensation 5 4 3
Loss on disposal of assets, net (14) (3) (31)
Miscellaneous income, net (1) 4 (1)
Interest expense 57 57 57
Income tax expense 23 20 18
Amortization of program broadcast rights 10 10 9
Payments for program broadcast rights (9) (10) (9)
Corporate and administrative expenses before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock-based compensation 13 16 12
Broadcast Transaction Related Expenses 1 - 1
Broadcast other adjustments - - 1
Broadcast Cash Flow (1) 195 229 165
Corporate and administrative expenses before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock-based compensation (13) (16) (12)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses (1) 182 213 153
Contributions to pension plans (3) (3) -
Corporate Transaction Related Expenses 1 2 -
Synergies and other adjustments - 20 20
Operating Cash Flow as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement (1) 180 232 173
Interest expense (57) (57) (57)
Amortization of deferred financing costs 3 3 3
Preferred dividends (13) (13) (13)
Purchase of property and equipment (29) (20) (15)
Reimbursement of purchases of property and equipment 15 4 -
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (4) (16) (16)
Free Cash Flow$ 95 $ 133 $ 75

(1) Amounts in 2017 have been reclassified to give effect to the implementation of ASU 2017-07

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Terms on Combined Historical Basis, in millions:

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2019 2018 2017
Net income$ 87 $ 163 $ 113
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to Free Cash Flow:
Depreciation 60 65 64
Amortization of intangible assets 86 88 96
Non-cash stock-based compensation 10 11 8
Loss on disposal of assets, net (30) (4) (110)
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net (5) 2 (1)
Interest expense 173 173 173
Loss from early extinguishment of debt - - 3
Income tax expense 44 39 94
Amortization of program broadcast rights 30 30 29
Payments for program broadcast rights (33) (30) (29)
Corporate and administrative expenses before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock-based compensation 77 45 36
Broadcast Transaction Related Expenses 38 3 2
Broadcast other adjustments 3 - 6
Broadcast Cash Flow (1) 540 585 484
Corporate and administrative expenses before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and non-cash stock-based compensation (77) (45) (36)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses (1) 463 540 448
Contributions to pension plans (3) (3) (1)
Corporate Transaction Related Expenses 34 6 1
Synergies and other adjustments - 60 60
Operating Cash Flow as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement (1) 494 603 508
Interest expense (173) (173) (173)
Amortization of deferred financing costs 9 9 9
Preferred dividends (39) (39) (39)
Purchase of property and equipment (73) (45) (34)
Reimbursement of purchases of property and equipment 32 6 -
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (12) (30) (40)
Free Cash Flow$ 238 $ 331 $ 231

(1) Amounts in 2017 have been reclassified to give effect to the implementation of ASU 2017-07

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and the Effect of Transaction Related Expenses and Certain Non-cash Expenses, in millions except for per share information:

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
Net income$59 $61 $85 $123
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to Adjusted EBITDA:
Depreciation 20 13 60 41
Amortization of intangible assets 29 5 86 16
Non-cash stock-based compensation 5 2 10 5
(Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net (14) (3) (27) (6)
Miscellaneous income, net - - (4) (2)
Interest expense 57 25 173 74
Income tax expense 23 22 44 43
Total 179 125 427 294
Add: Transaction Related Expenses 2 3 72 9
Adjusted EBITDA$ 181 $ 128 $ 499 $ 303
Net income attributable to common stockholders$46 $61 $46 $123
Add: Transaction Related Expenses and non-cash stock-based compensation 7 5 82 14
Less: Income tax expense related to Transaction Related Expenses and non-cash stock-based compensation (2) (1) (21) (4)
Net income attributable to common stockholders - excluding Transaction Related Expenses and non-cash stock-based compensation$51 $65 $107 $133
Net income attributable to common stockholders per common share, diluted - excluding Transaction Related Expenses and non-cash stock-based compensation$0.50 $0.73 $1.07 $1.49
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 101 89 100 89

Reconciliation of Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash, in millions except for ratio

Eight Quarters Ended
September 30, 2019
Net income$461
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to operating cash flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement:
Depreciation 127
Amortization of intangible assets 113
Non-cash stock-based compensation 20
(Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net (43)
Interest expense 304
Income tax expense (13)
Amortization of program broadcast rights 57
Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan 4
Payments for program broadcast rights (63)
Pension expense (1)
Contributions to pension plans (8)
Adjustments for stations acquired or divested, financings and expected synergies during the eight quarter period 540
Transaction Related Expenses 84
Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement$ 1,582
Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement, divided by two$ 791
September 30, 2019
Adjusted Total Indebtedness:
Total outstanding principal, including current portion$3,960
Cash (326)
Adjusted Total Indebtedness, Net of All Cash$ 3,634
Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash 4.59

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Source: Gray Television, Inc.

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