Media General Reports Fourth-Quarter 2007 Results

Media General Reports Fourth-Quarter 2007 Results

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Media General, Inc. (NYSE:MEG) today reported net income for the fourth quarter of 2007 of $9.6 million, or 43 cents per diluted share, compared with $31.6 million, or $1.33 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2006. The 2007 fourth quarter includes write-downs of $15 million related to the sale of SP Newsprint Co., in which Media General has a one-third interest, an accrued after-tax loss of $2 million associated with the company's plans to divest three television stations, and a $1.4 million write-down related to an investment in a company that produces interactive entertainment. The fourth quarter also includes a pre-tax gain of $17.6 million on an insurance settlement related to a June 2007 fire at the company's Richmond Times-Dispatch printing plant. Income from continuing operations was $10.4 million, or 47 cents per diluted share, compared with $31.3 million, or $1.32 per diluted share, in the 2006 fourth quarter.

The 2007 fourth quarter had 13 weeks compared with 14 weeks in the 2006 quarter. Although it is difficult to precisely quantify the impact of the additional week, the company has estimated the impact on key metrics throughout this release in order to allow meaningful comparisons. The company estimates the effect of the additional week in 2006 contributed approximately $18.5 million in total revenues and about $2.5 million of net income.

Total company revenues in the fourth quarter of 2007 were $243.8 million, an approximate 10 percent decrease from the equivalent prior-year period.

"Media General's lower profit in the fourth quarter was chiefly attributable to markedly lower Political revenues compared to the record $33 million generated in last year's fourth quarter, and a $6.8 million loss from the company's share of the operating results of SP Newsprint," said Marshall N. Morton, president and chief executive officer. "Additionally, lower Publishing Division results reflected the extremely weak economic climate in Florida, which drove declines in all major advertising categories in our Tampa market, particularly Classified advertising. Expense savings for the division of more than 5 percent helped to mitigate the revenue shortfall.

"We are pleased with the Interactive Media Division's continued solid revenue growth, up about 36 percent, led by increased advergaming revenues and Local and National/Regional advertising," Mr. Morton said. "Revenues from Yahoo!HotJobs also partially helped mitigate overall softness in online Classified revenues. Page views and visitor sessions for the fourth quarter rose about 12-to-14 percent, partially driven by our 'Web-First' approach to local news in a number of markets."

Publishing Division

Publishing Division profit for the quarter decreased approximately 22 percent, total revenues decreased about 9 percent, and newspaper advertising revenues declined about 11 percent.

Classified advertising revenues in the fourth quarter were below last year by about $10 million, or 22 percent. The Tampa, Richmond and Winston-Salem markets saw estimated decreases of 42 percent, 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively. The Community Newspapers group posted an approximate 8 percent decrease in Classified revenues.

For the company's three metro markets, real estate revenues were down about 36 percent, employment revenues decreased approximately 27 percent, and automotive revenues declined about 24 percent.

Retail revenues decreased about $2 million, or less than 3 percent. At the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Retail revenues increased nominally, including advertising generated by a weekly newspaper acquired in 2007, partially offset by lower advertising in the department store and furniture store categories. The Tampa market experienced an approximate 8 percent decrease in Retail revenues, including lower spending in the home improvement, home furnishings and grocery store categories. The Winston-Salem Journal also experienced a nominal decrease in Retail revenues, with declines in the home improvement category partially offset by advertising from two new monthly publications. Retail revenues for the Community Newspaper group decreased nominally.

National advertising revenues for the quarter decreased approximately $2 million, or 15 percent. The Richmond market generated an increase of about 11 percent, mainly the result of higher spending in the telecommunications, insurance and automotive categories. National advertising fell approximately 31 percent in the fourth quarter in the Tampa market due to declines in pharmaceutical, telecommunications and financial advertising.

Circulation revenues for the fourth quarter were down less than $300,000, or about 1 percent. Daily and Sunday net-paid circulation declines for the month were partially offset by rate increases at the metro newspapers.

Publishing Division expenses declined more than 5 percent for the quarter, reflecting significant decreases in newsprint expense, salaries, and benefits. Newsprint expense decreased as the result both of lower prices and consumption. The average price per ton decreased $93 from the 2006 quarter. Salaries and benefits declined due, in part, to actions taken earlier in the year in response to the weak revenue environment as well as favorable experience in healthcare and retirement-related expenses.

Broadcast Division

Broadcast Division profit for the quarter declined approximately 42 percent, and total Broadcast revenues decreased about 14 percent. The decline was largely due to lower Political revenues from last year's record quarter. The Broadcast Division results exclude three television stations that are being held for sale and reported as discontinued operations.

Total Political revenues of $4.3 million compared with a record $33.3 million in the 2006 quarter. The current quarter's revenues were generated from Presidential primary campaigns in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia, state races in many of the company's markets and issue spending in a number of states.

Gross time sales declined about $20 million, or 17 percent. Local time sales grew approximately $6 million, or 10 percent. Higher spending in the grocery store and services categories offset lower furniture and specialty store advertising. National time sales were up about $3 million, or 8 percent. Categories showing increases for the quarter included telecommunications and specialty stores, while automotive declined.

Broadcast expenses for the quarter increased about 3 percent, due to increased commissions and customer incentives to replace the prior year's Political revenues along with higher depreciation expense on digital equipment purchased in recent years.

Interactive Media Division

Interactive Media Division revenues of $9.2 million increased approximately 36 percent over the 2006 quarter. The growth reflected a significant increase in the advergaming business, which was profitable for the third consecutive quarter, on revenues that more than tripled from last year. Local revenues increased about 50 percent as the result of continued growth in banners and sponsorships and increased success with direct sales. National/Regional revenues also grew more than 50 percent, due to a greater focus on national networks, particularly at TBO.com in Tampa. Classified advertising was down approximately 11 percent as lower newspaper advertising volumes, especially help-wanted, had an unfavorable impact on the company's Web sites. The division's quarterly loss of $2.6 million included a $1.4 million write-down of an investment. Excluding the write-down, the division's quarterly loss was $1.2 million.

Other results

Interest expense decreased by $1.5 million, almost completely due to one less week in 2007's fourth quarter. Corporate expense and other expenses were less directly impacted by the extra week, but did reflect lower expense for stock-based compensation and postemployment plans.

EBITDA (income from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) in the fourth quarter of 2007 was $47.4 million, compared with $82.9 million in the 2006 period. After-Tax Cash Flow was $27.9 million compared to $48.8 million in the prior year. Free Cash Flow for the quarter (After-Tax Cash Flow minus capital expenditures) was $4.9 million, compared with $24.6 million in the prior-year period. All comparisons were significantly impacted by the reduction in Political advertising.

Media General provides the non-GAAP financial metrics EBITDA, After-Tax Cash Flow, and Free Cash Flow. The company believes these metrics are useful in evaluating financial performance and are common alternative measures used by investors, financial analysts and rating agencies. These groups use EBITDA, along with other measures, to evaluate a company's ability to service its debt requirements and to estimate the value of the company. A reconciliation of these metrics to amounts on the GAAP statements has been included in this news release.

Conference Call and Webcast

The company will hold an earnings conference call with financial analysts today at 2:30 p.m. ET. The conference call will be available to the media and general public through a limited number of listen-only dial-in conference lines and via simultaneous Webcast. To dial in to the call, listeners may call 1-800-329-9097 about 10 minutes prior to the 2:30 p.m. start. Listeners may also access the live Webcast by logging on to www.mediageneral.com and clicking on the "Live Earnings Conference" link on the homepage about 10 minutes in advance. A replay of the Webcast will be available online at www.mediageneral.com beginning at 4:30 p.m. on January 31, 2008. A telephone replay is also available, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m. February 7, 2008, by dialing 1-888-286-8010 or 617-801-6888, and using the passcode 42270475.

About Media General

Media General is a multimedia company operating leading newspapers, television stations and online enterprises primarily in the Southeastern United States. The company's publishing assets include three metropolitan newspapers, The Tampa Tribune, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Winston-Salem Journal; 22 daily community newspapers in Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama and South Carolina; and more than 150 weekly newspapers and other publications. The company's broadcasting assets include 23 network-affiliated television stations that reach more than 32 percent of the television households in the Southeast and nearly 9.5 percent of those in the United States. The company's interactive media assets include more than 75 online enterprises that are associated with its newspapers and television stations.

Media General, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Fifty- Fifty-
Thirteen Fourteen Two Three
Weeks Weeks Weeks Weeks
Ending Ending Ending Ending
------------------ -------------------
December December December December
(Unaudited, in thousands except 30, 2007 31, 2006 30, 2007 31, 2006
per share amounts)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues $243,785 $289,426 $932,181 $964,857

Operating costs:
Production 102,529 115,781 417,057 413,588
Selling, general and
administrative 88,587 92,479 350,263 345,179
Depreciation and amortization 17,460 17,545 75,235 68,409
Gain on insurance recovery (17,604) --- (17,604) ---
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating costs 190,972 225,805 824,951 827,176
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating income 52,813 63,621 107,230 137,681
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other income (expense):
Interest expense (14,475) (16,020) (59,577) (48,505)
Investment income (loss) -
unconsolidated affiliates (21,850) 2,309 (31,392) 10,598
Other, net (1,026) (586) (2,307) 323
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other expense (37,351) (14,297) (93,276) (37,584)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income from continuing operations
before income taxes 15,462 49,324 13,954 100,097

Income taxes 5,021 18,037 3,622 37,012
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income from continuing operations 10,441 31,287 10,332 63,085
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued
operations (net of tax) 1,148 1,115 2,355 4,928
Net gain (loss) related to
divestiture of operations (net
of tax) (2,000) (773) (2,000) 11,029
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income $9,589 $31,629 $10,687 $79,042
==========================================================================

Net income per common share:
Income from continuing
operations $0.47 $1.33 $0.45 $2.67
Discontinued operations (0.04) 0.01 0.02 0.68
------------------------------------
Net income $0.43 $1.34 $0.47 $3.35
====================================

Net income per common share -
assuming dilution:
Income from continuing
operations $0.47 $1.32 $0.45 $2.65
Discontinued operations (0.04) 0.01 0.02 0.67
------------------------------------
Net income $0.43 $1.33 $0.47 $3.32
====================================
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Weighted-average common shares
outstanding:
Basic 22,168 23,610 22,656 23,597
Diluted 22,296 23,789 22,827 23,784
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media General, Inc.
BUSINESS SEGMENTS

(Unaudited, in Interactive
thousands) Publishing Broadcast Media Eliminations Total
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quarter Ended
December 30, 2007
Consolidated revenues $137,102 $99,365 $9,236 $(1,918) $243,785
==================================================
Segment operating cash
flow $32,647 $30,155 $(719) $62,083
Write-down of
investment (1,357) (1,357)
Depreciation and
amortization (6,043) (5,544) (522) (12,109)
---------------------------- ---------
Segment profit
(loss) $26,604 $24,611 $(2,598) 48,617
============================

Unallocated amounts:
Interest expense (14,475)
Equity in net loss
of unconsolidated
affiliates (21,850)
Acquisition
intangibles
amortization (4,206)
Corporate expense (8,537)
Gain on insurance
recovery 17,604
Other (1,691)
---------
Consolidated
income from
continuing
operations
before income
taxes $15,462
=========

Quarter Ended
December 31, 2006
Consolidated revenues $161,216 $122,802 $7,121 $(1,713) 289,426
==================================================
Segment operating cash
flow $42,114 $50,004 $(587) $91,531
Write-down of
investment (700) (700)
Depreciation and
amortization (5,820) (5,450) (432) (11,702)
-------------------------------- --------
Segment profit
(loss) $36,294 $44,554 $(1,719) 79,129
================================

Unallocated amounts:
Interest expense (16,020)
Equity in net income
of unconsolidated
affiliates 2,309
Acquisition
intangibles
amortization (4,619)
Corporate expense (8,113)
Other (3,362)
--------
Consolidated
income from
continuing
operations
before income
taxes $49,324
========

Twelve Months Ended
December 30, 2007
Consolidated revenues $544,757 $358,367 $36,181 $(7,124) $932,181
==================================================
Segment operating
cash flow $115,131 $91,587 $(941) $205,777
Net write-down of
investments (3,433) (3,433)
Depreciation and
amortization (25,095) (25,691) (1,852) (52,638)
-------------------------------- ---------
Segment profit
(loss) $90,036 $65,896 $(6,226) 149,706
================================

Unallocated amounts:
Interest expense (59,577)
Equity in net loss of
unconsolidated
affiliates (31,392)
Acquisition
intangibles
amortization (17,773)
Corporate expense (37,856)
Gain on insurance
recovery 17,604
Other (6,758)
Consolidated ---------
income from
continuing
operations
before income
taxes $13,954
=========

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2006
Consolidated revenues $601,144 $343,118 $27,113 $(6,518) $964,857
==================================================
Segment operating
cash flow $144,048 $115,304 $(1,629) $257,723
Write-down of
investment (700) (700)
Depreciation and
amortization (24,876) (19,936) (1,479) (46,291)
----------------------------- ---------
Segment profit
(loss) $119,172 $95,368 $(3,808) 210,732
=============================

Unallocated amounts:
Interest expense (48,505)
Equity in net income of
unconsolidated
affiliates 10,598
Acquisition intangibles
amortization (17,018)
Corporate expense (39,997)
Other (15,713)
---------
Consolidated income from continuing
operations before
income taxes $100,097
=========

Media General, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 30, December 31,
(Unaudited, in thousands) 2007 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASSETS

Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $14,215 $11,929
Accounts receivable-net 137,397 136,930
Inventories 6,690 9,650
Other 53,860 41,092
Asset of discontinued operations 61,564 64,519
-----------------------------
Total current assets 273,726 264,120
-----------------------------

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 52,360 84,854

Other assets 67,250 70,596

Property, plant and equipment - net 483,879 475,942

FCC licenses and other intangibles - net 668,792 686,157

Excess of cost over fair value of net
identifiable assets of acquired
businesses - net 925,059 923,559
-----------------------------
Total assets $2,471,066 $2,505,228
==========================================================================

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $32,938 $34,039
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 103,500 91,972
Income taxes payable - 4,516
Liabilities of discontinued
operations 878 1,074
-----------------------------
Total current liabilities 137,316 131,601
-----------------------------

Long-term debt 897,572 916,320

Deferred income taxes 311,588 281,670

Other liabilities and deferred credits 211,583 238,277

Stockholders' equity(1) 913,007 937,360
-----------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,471,066 $2,505,228
==========================================================================

(1) 2007 Includes a $4.9 million direct charge related to the adoption of
FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes -
an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.

Media General, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Fiscal Years Ended
-----------------------------
December 30, December 31,
2007 2006
(Unaudited, in thousands) (52 weeks) (53 weeks)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $10,687 $79,042
Adjustments to reconcile net
income:
Depreciation 53,109 47,791
Amortization 25,341 24,842
Deferred income taxes 16,289 11,176
Provision for doubtful accounts 5,929 5,660
Investment loss (income) -
unconsolidated affiliates 31,392 (10,598)
Insurance proceeds related to
repair costs 19,959 -
Gain on insurance recovery (17,604) -
Net loss (gain) related to
divestiture of discontinued
operations 2,000 (11,029)
Net write-down of investments 3,433 700
Change in assets and liabilities:
Retirement plan contributions - (15,000)
Retirement plan accrual 5,444 16,543
Income taxes payable (17,518) 711
Accounts payable, accrued
expenses and other liabilities (6,636) (1,699)
Other, net (996) 9,920
---------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 130,829 158,059
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (78,142) (93,896)
Purchases of businesses (2,525) (611,385)
Proceeds from sales of discontinued
operations - 135,111
Insurance proceeds related to
machinery and equipment 27,841 -
Distribution from unconsolidated
affiliate 5,000 2,000
Other, net 8,245 (2,853)
--------------------------
Net cash used by investing activities (39,581) (571,023)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase in debt 570,000 1,459,000
Repayment of debt (588,823) (1,027,984)
Stock repurchase (48,716) -
Debt issuance costs (1,010) (1,780)
Cash dividends paid (21,156) (21,180)
Other, net 743 1,861
---------------------------
Net cash (used) provided by financing
activities (88,962) 409,917
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents 2,286 (3,047)
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year 11,929 14,976
---------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $14,215 $11,929
=========================================================================

Media General, Inc.
EBITDA, After-tax Cash Flow, and Free Cash Flow

Fifty- Fifty-
Thirteen Fourteen Two Three
Weeks Weeks Weeks Weeks
Ending Ending Ending Ending
--------------------------------------
December December December December
(Unaudited, in thousands) 30, 2007 31, 2006 30, 2007 31, 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income from continuing operations $10,441 $31,287 $10,332 $63,085
Interest 14,475 16,020 59,577 48,505
Taxes 5,021 18,037 3,622 37,012
Depreciation and amortization 17,460 17,545 75,235 68,409

--------------------------------------
EBITDA from continuing operations $47,397 $82,889 $148,766 $217,011
======================================

Income from continuing operations $10,441 $31,287 $10,332 $63,085
Depreciation and amortization 17,460 17,545 75,235 68,409

--------------------------------------
After-tax cash flow $27,901 $48,832 $85,567 $131,494
======================================

After-tax cash flow $27,901 $48,832 $85,567 $131,494
Capital expenditures 23,014 24,229 78,142 93,896

--------------------------------------
Free cash flow $4,887 $24,603 $7,425 $37,598
======================================

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: mgoodhead@mediageneral.com

Source: Media General

CONTACT: Investor, Lou Anne Nabhan, +1-804-649-6103, or Media, Ray
Kozakewicz, +1-804-649-6748, both of Media General

Web site:

http://www.mediageneral.com/

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