Urban One, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Results

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Urban One, Inc. (NASDAQ: UONEK and UONE) today reported its results for the quarter ended June 30, 2018.  Net revenue was approximately $115.2 million, a decrease of 2.1% from the same period in 2017. Broadcast and digital operating income¹ was approximately $44.3 million, an increase of 6.1% from the same period in 2017. The Company reported operating income of approximately $24.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $12.1 million for the same period in 2017. Net income was approximately $23.6 million or $0.51 per share (basic) compared to net income of $802,000 or $0.02 per share (basic) for the same period in 2017. Adjusted EBITDA² was approximately $39.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $36.7 million for the same period in 2017, an increase of 6.4%.

Alfred C. Liggins, III, Urban One's CEO and President stated, "Our Q2 radio performance was in line with expectation; after a tough April, the quarter improved sequentially, and we are currently pacing approximately flat for third quarter. The decline in our TV advertising revenues improved sequentially over first quarter, and our affiliate revenues benefitted from a one-time adjustment to an agreement with a major MVPD. We are launching a new network in January 2019 that will target the African-American female demographic and feature lifestyle and entertainment programming. We expect the new network to launch with at least 2 MPVD distribution partners. The addition of a second network will help us to continue to grow our TV business in the longer term, and has great potential synergy with our existing platform. Reach Media held its 19^th successful Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage cruise event, and was able to deliver a 14.7% increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter. Our digital segment came in below expectation for Q2, but has had a very strong start to third quarter and we remain optimistic for the back half of the year. MGM National Harbor continues its impressive performance, with double digit growth in gaming revenues for Q2. Overall, I remain comfortable with the full year Adjusted EBITDA guidance of approximately $140 million that was provided during our Q1 earnings call."

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements represent management's current expectations and are based upon information available to Urban One at the time of this release. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Urban One's control, that may cause the actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are described in Urban One's reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Urban One does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements.

Net revenue consists of gross revenue, net of local and national agency and outside sales representative commissions. Agency and outside sales representative commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing.

Net revenue decreased to approximately $115.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, from approximately $117.6 million for the same period in 2017. Net revenues from our radio broadcasting segment decreased 3.5% compared to the same period in 2017. We experienced net revenue declines most significantly in our Atlanta, Philadelphia, Raleigh, and St. Louis markets, with our Cleveland, Dallas and Washington DC markets experiencing growth for the quarter. We recognized approximately $46.8 million of revenue from our cable television segment during the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $45.4 million for the same period in 2017, with an increase primarily in affiliate sales. The increase is primarily driven by an adjustment of previously estimated affiliate fees in the amount of approximately $1.7 million, as final reporting became available. Net revenue from our Reach Media segment decreased approximately $1.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 due primarily to downward pricing pressure. The "Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage" took place during the second quarters of 2018 and 2017 and generated revenue of approximately $9.4 million and $9.4 million, respectively, for Reach Media. Finally, net revenues for our digital segment decreased 2.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, primarily due to a decrease in direct revenues.

Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and impairment of long-lived assets, decreased to approximately $81.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, down 3.8% from the approximately $84.2 million incurred for the comparable quarter in 2017. The overall operating expense decrease was driven by lower programming and technical expenses as well as lower of selling, general and administrative expenses, which was partially offset by an increase in corporate selling, general and administrative expenses.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased 2.2% for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, primarily due to the mix of assets approaching or near the end of their useful lives.

Interest expense decreased to approximately $19.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $19.9 million for the same period in 2017. The Company made cash interest payments of approximately $19.2 million on its outstanding debt for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to cash interest payments of approximately $18.2 million on all outstanding instruments for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. On April 18, 2017, the Company closed on a new senior secured credit facility (the "2017 Credit Facility"). The proceeds from the 2017 Credit Facility were used to prepay in full the Company's previously existing senior secured credit facility and the agreement governing such credit facility was terminated on April 18, 2017.

The gain on retirement of debt of $626,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, was due to the redemption of approximately $14 million of our 2020 Notes at a discount. The loss on retirement of debt of approximately $7.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, was due to the retirement of the 2015 Credit Facility during the second quarter. This amount included a write-off of previously capitalized debt financing costs and original issue discount associated with the 2015 Credit Facility, and costs associated with the financing transactions.

The increase in stock-based compensation for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, is primarily due to grants of stock awards for certain executive officers and other management personnel.

The impairment of long-lived assets for the three months ended June 30, 2017, was related to a non-cash impairment charge recorded to reduce the carrying value of our Houston radio broadcasting licenses.

The gain on sale-leaseback for the three months ended June 30, 2017, was due to the Company closing on its sale of certain land, towers and equipment to a third party.  The Company is leasing certain of the assets back from the buyer as a part of its normal operations. The Company received proceeds of approximately $25.0 million, resulting in an overall net gain on sale of approximately $22.5 million, of which approximately $14.4 million was recognized immediately during the second quarter of 2017, and approximately $8.1 million which was deferred and will be recognized into income over the lease term of ten years.

For the three months ended June 30, 2018, we recorded a benefit from income taxes of approximately $15.6 million on pre-tax income from continuing operations of approximately $8.3 million, that results in a tax rate of (187.4)%, of which approximately $12.4 million is attributable to deferred tax benefits that are expected to be recognizable at the end of the year, and a discrete tax benefit of approximately $3.2 million primarily related to state rate and legislative changes. For the three months ended June 30, 2017, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $182,000 on pre-tax income from continuing operations of approximately $1.2 million. The Company paid $493,000 and $396,000 in taxes for the quarters ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.   

Other income, net increased to approximately $2.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $1.6 million for the same period in 2017. For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized approximately $1.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of cost method investment income from its MGM investment.

The increase in noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries was due primarily to higher net income recognized by Reach Media during the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017.

Other pertinent financial information includes capital expenditures of approximately $1.2 million and $2.3 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company repurchased 232 shares of Class A common stock and repurchased 760,113 shares of Class D common stock in the amount of approximately $1.6 million. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company repurchased share-based equity awards in the amount of approximately $1.1 million. During the three months ended June 30, 2017, the Company did not repurchase any Class A common stock and repurchased 1,054,290 shares of Class D common stock in the amount of approximately $2.1 million. 

The Company, in connection with its 2009 stock plan, is authorized to purchase shares of Class D common stock to satisfy employee tax obligations in connection with the vesting of share grants under the plan. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 10,646 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of $22,000. Comparatively, during three months ended June 30, 2017, the Company repurchased 7,699 shares of Class D Common Stock, to satisfy employee tax obligations, in the amount of $23,000.

On July 3, 2018, the Company repurchased approximately $5 million of its 2020 Notes at an average price of approximately 97.25% of par. The Company routinely monitors its long-term debt profile and upcoming debt maturities and may from time to time seek to opportunistically de-lever by retiring portions of its outstanding debt securities. This de-levering may take the form of debt repurchases or exchanges for other securities, in open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.  Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.  The amounts involved in any such transactions may vary and such transaction, individually or in the aggregate may be material. 

On or about August 8, 2018, the Company will close on its previously announced sale of the assets of one of its Detroit, Michigan, radio stations, WPZR-FM (102.7 FM), to Educational Media Foundation, of California, for total consideration of approximately $12.7 million. As part of the deal, the Company will also receive 3 FM translators that service the Detroit metropolitan area, and these signals will be combined with its existing FM translator to multicast the Detroit Praise Network.

On or about August 9, 2018, the Company will close on its previously announced acquisition of the assets of the radio station The Team 980 (WTEM 980 AM) from Red Zebra Broadcasting. Upon closing, the Company will also enter into an agreement with the Washington Redskins to ensure that all Redskins games, as well as pregame and postgame programming, will remain on The Team 980.

Supplemental Financial Information:

For comparative purposes, the following more detailed, unaudited statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 are included.

Urban One, Inc. will hold a conference call to discuss its results for the second fiscal quarter of 2018. The conference call is scheduled for Wednesday, August 08, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. EDT. To participate on this call, U.S. callers may dial toll-free 1-800-230-1085; international callers may dial direct (+1) 612-288-0337.

A replay of the conference call will be available from 12:00 p.m. EDT August 08, 2018 until 11:59 p.m. EDT August 11, 2018. Callers may access the replay by calling 1-800-475-6701; international callers may dial direct (+1) 320-365-3844. The replay Access Code is 452281.

Access to live audio and a replay of the conference call will also be available on Urban One's corporate website at www.urban1.com. The replay will be made available on the website for seven days after the call.

Urban One, Inc. (urban1.com), formerly known as Radio One, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is the largest diversified media company that primarily targets Black Americans and urban consumers in the United States. The Company owns TV One, LLC (tvone.tv), a television network serving more than 59 million households, offering a broad range of original programming, classic series and movies designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. At June 30, 2018, as one of the nation's largest radio broadcasting companies, Urban One owned and/or operated 56 broadcast stations in 15 urban markets in the United States. Through its controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc. (blackamericaweb.com), the Company also operates syndicated programming including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Russ Parr Morning Show, Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Get up Morning! with Erica Campbell, DL Hughley Show, Willie Moore Jr Show, Nightly Spirit with Darlene McCoy, Reverend Al Sharpton Show. In addition to its radio and television broadcast assets, Urban One owns Interactive One, LLC (ionedigital.com), the largest digital resource for urban enthusiasts and Blacks, reaching millions each month through its Cassius and BHM Digital platforms. Additionally, One Solution, the Company's branded content agency and studio combines the dynamics of Urban One's holdings to provide brands with an integrated and effectively engaging marketing approach that reaches 82% of Black Americans throughout the country.

Notes:

1              "Broadcast and digital operating income" consists of net (loss) income before depreciation and amortization, corporate selling, general and administrative expenses, stock-based compensation, income taxes, noncontrolling interest in income (loss) of subsidiaries, interest expense, impairment of long-lived assets, other (income) expense, loss (gain) on retirement of debt, gain on sale-leaseback and interest income. Broadcast and digital operating income is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles. Nevertheless, broadcast and digital operating income is a significant measure used by our management to evaluate the operating performance of our core operating segments because broadcast and digital operating income provides helpful information about our results of operations apart from expenses associated with our fixed assets and long-lived intangible assets, income taxes, investments, debt financings and retirements, overhead, stock-based compensation, impairment charges, and asset sales. Our measure of broadcast and digital operating income is similar to industry use of station operating income; however, it reflects our more diverse business and therefore is not completely analogous to "station operating income" or other similarly titled measures used by other companies. Broadcast and digital operating income does not purport to represent operating income or cash flow from operating activities, as those terms are defined under generally accepted accounting principles, and should not be considered as an alternative to those measurements as an indicator of our performance. A reconciliation of net income (loss) to broadcast and digital operating income has been provided in this release.

2              "Adjusted EBITDA" consists of net loss plus (1) depreciation, amortization, income taxes, interest expense, noncontrolling interest in (loss) income of subsidiaries, impairment of long-lived assets, stock-based compensation, (gain) loss on retirement of debt, gain on sale-leaseback , Employment Agreement and incentive plan award expenses and other compensation, contingent consideration from acquisition, severance-related costs, cost investment income, less (2) other income and interest income. Net income before interest income, interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization is commonly referred to in our business as "EBITDA." Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA are not measures of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles. However, we believe Adjusted EBITDA is often a useful measure of a company's operating performance and is a significant measure used by our management to evaluate the operating performance of our business because Adjusted EBITDA excludes charges for depreciation, amortization and interest expense that have resulted from our acquisitions and debt financing, our taxes, impairment charges, and gain on retirements of debt. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information about the operating performance of our business, apart from the expenses associated with our fixed assets and long-lived intangible assets or capital structure. EBITDA is frequently used as one of the measures for comparing businesses in the broadcasting industry, although our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including, but not limited to the fact that our definition includes the results of all four segments (radio broadcasting, Reach Media, digital and cable television).  Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA do not purport to represent operating income or cash flow from operating activities, as those terms are defined under generally accepted accounting principles, and should not be considered as alternatives to those measurements as an indicator of our performance. A reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA has been provided in this release.

3              For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, Urban One had 46,033,402 and 47,816,723 shares of common stock outstanding on a weighted average basis (basic), respectively.  For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, Urban One had 46,321,633 and 47,890,618 shares of common stock outstanding on a weighted average basis (basic), respectively. 

4              For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, Urban One had 48,438,693 and 48,237,113 shares of common stock outstanding on a weighted average basis (fully diluted for outstanding stock awards), respectively.  For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, Urban One had 48,777,798 and 47,890,618 shares of common stock outstanding on a weighted average basis (fully diluted for outstanding stock awards), respectively. 

SOURCE Urban One, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.urban1.com