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SECURITY: BLC (Common)
EXCHANGE: New York Stock Exchange CURRENCY: US Dollar
Belo is one of the nation’s
largest media companies with a diversified group of market-leading television,
newspaper, cable and interactive media assets. A Fortune 1000 company
with approximately 7,800 employees and $1.4 billion in annual revenues,
Belo operates news and information franchises in some of America’s most
dynamic markets and regions, including Texas, the Northwest, the Southwest,
Rhode Island, and the Mid-Atlantic region. Belo owns 19 television
stations (six in the top 16 markets) reaching 13.7 percent of U.S. television
households; owns or operates nine cable news channels; and manages one
television station through a local marketing agreement. Belo publishes
four daily newspapers: The DallasMorning News, The Providence Journal,
The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA) and the Denton Record-Chronicle (Denton,
TX). Belo Interactive’s new media businesses include 34 Web sites,
several interactive alliances, and a broad range of Internet-based products.
http://www.belo.com/
Television
Company Belo Corp. (BLC) Reports Results for First Quarter 2010
DALLAS
- Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC), one of the nation's largest pure-play, publicly-traded
television companies, today reported GAAP net earnings per share of $0.13
in the first quarter of 2010 compared to $0.09 per share in the first quarter
of 2009.
The
first quarter of 2009 included a gain, net of taxes, of $9.1 million, or
$0.09 per share, associated with the repurchase and retirement of Company
bonds. The first quarter of 2010 included a credit of $2.5 million, net
of taxes, or $0.02 per share, from pension contribution reimbursements
received from A. H. Belo Corporation related to its obligation to reimburse
Belo Corp. (Belo) for 60 percent of any pension contributions Belo makes
to The G. B. Dealey Retirement Pension Plan. Excluding the credit from
the pension contribution reimbursement in the first quarter of 2010 and
the gain on the repurchase and retirement of Company bonds in the first
quarter of 2009, pro forma earnings per share were $0.11 in the first quarter
of 2010 and ($0.00) in the first quarter of 2009.
Dunia
A. Shive, Belo's president and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Belo's first
quarter total revenue increase of 15.6 percent was highlighted by a strong
resurgence in the Company's spot advertising revenue, which grew more than
17 percent compared to the first quarter of 2009. While political, Olympics
and Super Bowl revenue all contributed to the year-over-year spot revenue
increase, improved advertising conditions in several of the Company's largest
categories were also factors, especially automotive which was up 45 percent.
The Company's station EBITDA of $57.5 million in the first quarter of 2010
was up 77 percent compared to the first quarter of 2009. The Company reduced
its debt by $35 million during the quarter."
First
Quarter in Review
Operating
Results
Total
revenue increased 15.6 percent in the first quarter of 2010 versus the
first quarter of 2009. Total spot revenue, including political, was up
17 percent with 9.2 percent and 18 percent increases in local and national
spot, respectively. First quarter 2010 revenue was affected by the improved
advertising environment, particularly in the automotive category. The Olympics
on the Company's NBC stations and the Super Bowl on its CBS stations also
contributed to the increase. Political revenue in the first quarter of
2010 was $6.3 million, $5.6 million higher than the first quarter of 2009.
Revenue
associated with Belo's Web sites increased 12 percent to $7.3 million in
the first quarter of 2010 versus 2009. Retransmission revenue totaled $11.6
million in the first quarter of 2010, a 19 percent increase compared to
the first quarter of 2009. Retransmission revenue is expected to increase
at more moderate levels in the remaining quarters of 2010.
Total
station expenses decreased 4.1 percent in the first quarter of 2010 versus
the same period last year due primarily to expense reductions implemented
over the past year and a $2 million favorable variance in non-cash expense
reductions related to third-party funding of certain newsgathering equipment.
Station
EBITDA for the first quarter of 2010 was up 77 percent versus the first
quarter of 2009. The station EBITDA margin for the first quarter of 2010
was 37 percent compared to 24 percent in the first quarter of 2009.
Television
Company Belo Corp. (BLC) Reports Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year
2009
DALLAS
- Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC), one of the nation's largest pure-play, publicly-traded
television companies, today reported fourth quarter and full year 2009
pro forma earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.21 and $0.36,
respectively, compared to $0.28 and $0.79, respectively, for the fourth
quarter and full year 2008. The fourth quarter pro forma earnings per share
from continuing operations of $0.21 exceeded analysts' consensus estimate
of $0.17. Pro forma earnings per share from continuing operations exclude
three items: non-cash impairment charges to intangible assets in 2009 and
2008, gains on the repurchase and retirement of Company bonds in 2009 and
2008, and spin-off related charges in 2008. Including these items, GAAP
net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations for the fourth
quarter and full year 2009 were $0.21 and ($1.06), respectively, compared
to ($4.74) and ($4.45), respectively, for the fourth quarter and full year
2008.
2009
in Review
Commenting
on the Company's operating performance, Dunia A. Shive, Belo Corp.'s president
and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The Company's spot revenue, excluding
political, in the fourth quarter of 2009 was down less than 1 percent when
compared with the fourth quarter of 2008, a marked improvement from 2009's
third quarter decline of 16 percent. The fourth quarter 2009 total revenue
decline of 13.8 percent is almost entirely due to the decline in political
revenue. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company generated $35.9 million
in political revenue versus $8.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.
For full year 2009, total revenues declined 19.5 percent as the Company
managed through one of the weakest advertising environments in recent history,
while also cycling against a record $56.2 million of political revenue
in 2008.
"The
Company's combined station and corporate operating costs decreased 13 percent
in 2009 due primarily to expense reductions implemented over the past year.
The Company's ability to generate cash remained strong during the challenging
economic environment as station EBITDA totaled almost $200 million in 2009,
with a station EBITDA margin of 34 percent. The Company reduced its debt
by $65 million during the year."
April
30, 2009 Television Company Belo Corp. (BLC)
Reports Results for First Quarter 2009
EPS
results exceed analysts' estimates
DALLAS
- Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC), one of the nation's largest pure-play, publicly-traded
television companies, today reported GAAP net earnings per share of $0.09
in the first quarter of 2009 compared to a GAAP net loss per share of ($0.15)
in the first quarter of 2008.
The
first quarter of 2009 included a gain, net of taxes, of $9.1 million, or
$0.09 per share, associated with the purchase and retirement of Company
bonds. The first quarter of 2008 included spin-off related transaction
and financing costs and a one-time tax charge related to the spin-off of
the Company's newspaper businesses and related assets on February 8, 2008
totaling $21.4 million, or $0.21 per share. The results of Belo's newspaper
businesses and related assets from January 1 to February 8, 2008 are included
in discontinued operations and total a loss of ($0.04) per share in the
first quarter of 2008.
Excluding
the gain on the purchase and retirement of Company bonds in the first quarter
of 2009, and spin-off related charges and discontinued operations in the
first quarter of 2008, pro forma earnings per share from continuing operations
were break-even ($0.00) in the first quarter of 2009, exceeding analysts'
estimates, and $0.10 in the first quarter of 2008.
Dunia
A. Shive, Belo's president and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The Company's
cost-saving measures, which included the holding of open positions Company-wide,
a wage freeze enacted in November 2008, staff reductions in certain markets
and other cost-saving measures, led to a 14 percent reduction in combined
station and corporate operating costs in the first quarter of 2009 compared
to the first quarter of 2008, excluding spin-off related charges and non-cash
pension expense. Belo's first quarter total revenue declined 23.6 percent
from the first quarter of 2008 and is indicative of the soft advertising
environment prevalent throughout the country, especially in the automotive
category. Retransmission revenue, however, increased 10 percent in the
first quarter of 2009. For the remainder of the year, the Company's primary
focus will continue to be on cash generation and reducing debt. The Company
reduced its debt by $15 million during the quarter."
First
Quarter in Review
Operating
Results
Total
revenues decreased 23.6 percent in the first quarter of 2009 versus the
first quarter of 2008. Total spot revenue, including political, was down
27.5 percent with 26 percent and 24 percent decreases in local and national
spot, respectively. First quarter 2009 revenues were affected by the soft
advertising environment, particularly in the automotive category which
was down 51 percent. Political revenues in the first quarter of 2009 were
$4.4 million lower than the first quarter of 2008.
Advertising
revenue associated with Belo's Web sites decreased 5.4 percent to $6.5
million in the first quarter 2009, representing almost 5 percent of Belo's
total revenue. Retransmission revenue totaled $9.7 million in the first
quarter of 2009, a 10 percent increase compared to the first quarter of
2008, and represents over 7 percent of the Company's total revenue.
Total
station expenses decreased 13 percent in the first quarter of 2009 versus
the same period last year. Station EBITDA in the first quarter of 2009
was down 45 percent versus the prior year. The station EBITDA margin for
the first quarter of 2009 was 24.3 percent compared to 33.6 percent in
the first quarter of 2008.
Corporate
Corporate
operating costs were $9 million in the first quarter of 2009 as compared
to $9.1 million in the first quarter of 2008, a decrease of 1.5 percent.
First quarter 2009 corporate operating costs included a $1.4 million increase
in non-cash pension expense. Excluding non-cash pension expense from both
years, first quarter 2009 corporate operating costs decreased 16 percent
compared to the prior year.
Other
Items
Belo's
depreciation and amortization expense decreased slightly to $10.8 million
in the first quarter of 2009, from $10.9 million in the first quarter of
2008.
Interest
expense decreased $8.2 million, or 36 percent, in the first quarter of
2009.
Other
income, net, increased $16.1 million in the first quarter of 2009 due primarily
to a pre-tax gain on the retirement of $40.5 million of bonds due in 2013
that were purchased for $25.3 million.
Income
tax expense decreased $17.3 million in the first quarter of 2009 due primarily
to a one-time $18.2 million tax charge in the first quarter of 2008 related
to the transfer of certain intangible assets in connection with the spin-off.
Total
debt at March 31, 2009 was $1.078 billion, a reduction of $15 million from
December 31, 2008. The Company's leverage and interest coverage ratios,
as defined in the Company's credit facility, were 4.8 and 3.1 times, respectively,
at March 31, 2009. The Company invested $1.1 million in capital expenditures
in the first quarter of 2009, down from $6.4 million in the first quarter
of 2008.
Discontinued
Operations
On
February 8, 2008, Belo completed the spin-off of its newspaper businesses
and related assets into a separate publicly-traded company, A. H. Belo
Corporation. The results of operations of the Newspaper Group and related
corporate expenses are classified as discontinued operations for all periods
prior to the spin-off.
Other
Matters
In
the first quarter, the Company successfully completed an amendment to its
bank credit facility. Although Belo was in compliance with the terms of
its bank facility, the Company entered into the amendment to allow for
additional capacity under the agreement's leverage and interest coverage
covenants. The amendment reduced the banks' commitment from $600 million
to $550 million at February 26, 2009, with a further reduction to $525
million at December 31, 2009. The amendment provides for an increase in
pricing, based on the Company's leverage ratio, in addition to other modifications
to the existing agreement. The credit facility retains its June 2011 expiration
date.
In
March, the Company announced the suspension of its dividend for an indefinite
period following the June 5, 2009 payment of the second quarter dividend.
Non-GAAP
Financial Measures
A
reconciliation of station EBITDA to earnings from operations, a reconciliation
of cash operating costs and expenses before spin-off related costs and
pension expense to total operating costs and expenses, and a reconciliation
of net earnings from continuing operations to pro forma net earnings from
continuing operations, are set forth in an exhibit to this release.
Belo's
Monthly Revenue and Statistical Report August 2006
Dallas,
TX - Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC) today issued its statistical report for the
month of August. Consolidated revenue for August increased 3.2 percent
versus August of last year with an 8.4 percent increase in Television Group
revenue partially offset by a 1.2 percent decrease in Newspaper Group revenue.
Robert
W. Decherd, Belo's chairman, president, and chief executive officer, said,
"As in July, advertising revenues in August were strong in Belo's Television
Group while Newspaper Group advertising revenues were below our original
internal projections. We continue to be pleased by the steady and impressive
growth in Belo's online revenues. Given the uneven nature recently of retail
and national advertising that is impacting the newspaper industry and other
media, it is unlikely that Belo's Newspaper Group will meet the third quarter
revenue guidance we provided in our second quarter 2006 earnings release
of flat newspaper advertising revenue versus the prior year."
August
Statistical Report
Television
Group revenue increased 8.4 percent in August versus last year, with a
6.3 percent increase in spot revenue. National spot increased 13.3 percent
versus August of the prior year, local spot was flat and political revenues
were $1.4 million. Advertising revenues from Belo's Television Group Web
sites increased 57 percent in August 2006 versus August 2005 Newspaper
Group total revenue decreased 1.2 percent for the month of August versus
the prior year, with a 1.9 percent decrease in advertising revenue. Online
advertising revenue, which is included in advertising revenue, increased
47 percent in August 2006 versus August 2005.
Belo's
monthly revenue and statistical report July 2006
Dallas,
TX -- Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC) today issued its statistical report for the
month of July. Consolidated revenue for July increased 1.1 percent versus
July of last year with an increase in Television Group revenue partially
offset by a decrease in Newspaper Group revenue.
Robert
W. Decherd, Belo's chairman, president, and chief executive officer, said,
"Belo's Television Group revenue growth rates have been at the top of the
industry throughout 2006 and were again in July. The newspaper advertising
environment has been more challenging with results across the industry
fluctuating from month to month. June was a relatively strong revenue month
for Belo's newspapers; however, while we expected July to be the softest
month of the third quarter, July revenues were below our original internal
projection."
Belo
Reports Results for Second Quarter 2006
DALLAS
-- Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC) today reported net earnings per share of $0.41
for the second quarter of 2006, including one-time benefits totaling $0.08
per share (a tax benefit of $3.8 million related to Texas state tax reforms
and a previously disclosed $7.5 million gain related to a payment associated
with a change-in-control provision in one of Belo's vendor contracts).
Second quarter 2006 earnings include an expense of $3.7 million for stock-based
compensation, or $0.02 per share on an after-tax basis, all of which is
incremental to the prior year. In the second quarter of 2005, Belo reported
net earnings per share of $0.36.
Robert
W. Decherd, Belo's chairman, president, and chief executive officer, said,
"We made significant progress during the second quarter in transforming
Belo's businesses to compete effectively in an increasingly Internet-centric
marketplace. We made important announcements regarding the reallocation
of human, financial and capital resources and experienced strong growth
in new products launched throughout the Company as well as significant
increases in Internet revenues. We're very positive about the progress
being made on many fronts and I'm convinced that the steps we are taking
in 2006 will create significant shareholder value over the intermediate
to long-term."
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