LBI Media, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2009 Results

LBI Media, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2009 Results

BURBANK, Calif., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- LBI Media, Inc. announced its financial results today for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

For the three months ended September 30, 2009, net revenues decreased by $3.0 million, or 9.7%, to $27.5 million, from $30.5 million for the same period in 2008. Net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased by $13.1 million, or 14.6%, to $77.1 million, from $90.2 million for the same period in 2008.

As discussed in more detail below, last month, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell radio station KSEV-AM in our Houston, Texas, market for approximately $6.5 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360 "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets", we have reported the operating results of KSEV-AM for all periods presented in discontinued operations within the consolidated statements of operations.

Commenting on the company's earnings results, Lenard Liberman, our CEO and President said, "Our third quarter financial results were impacted by the continued economic downturn and challenging advertising environment. Despite the difficult conditions, we continued to execute our strategy of capitalizing on our high-quality programming and the strong value proposition we deliver to our advertising partners. While we have seen some improvement in the third quarter with respect to broadcast revenue performance as compared to the first and second quarters of this year, there are markets like Southern California that remain very challenged. The challenges facing broadcasters before a market turnaround are still considerable. However, we remain optimistic for the future.

"The much-anticipated launch of our national television network, EstrellaTV, took place on September 14th. The launch has been successful and the network is performing in line with our expectations. During the third quarter, we signed an affiliation agreement with Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. for a television station in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 22nd largest Hispanic market in the country. Combined with our six owned and operated stations and our affiliated stations, we now have distribution in 24 markets covering over 67% of U.S. Hispanic television households. We have several affiliation agreements pending and are pursuing additional distribution partnerships in Hispanic markets throughout the U.S.

"Looking at the performance of our other stations, we continue to deliver strong ratings in our markets and our diverse programming has captured dedicated audiences. Our programming lineup and ratings performance has improved as a result of the positive reception of our newly introduced shows, including Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento, a celebrity-judged talent show that began airing in early October. This show has garnered a ratings increase of over 150% year-over-year in a very competitive time slot. While we are taking concerted steps to strengthen our programming, we also remain focused on containing our operating costs and are actively promoting cost-saving measures across our operations.

"Moving forward, we remain committed to strengthening our programming lineup, driving ratings gains across our radio and TV properties, as well as delivering strong national network ratings, and monetizing our growing audience. Given our strong market position, our attractive radio and TV broadcasting assets, and our recently launched EstrellaTV network, we believe we will be in position to generate growth when the economy recovers."

Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

Net revenues decreased by $3.0 million, or 9.7%, to $27.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to $30.5 million for the same period in 2008. This change was primarily attributable to decreased total advertising revenue in both our radio and television segments, reflecting the general decline in the advertising industry due to the U.S. recession.

Net revenues for our radio segment decreased by $0.7 million, or 3.9%, to $16.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, from $17.2 million for the same period in 2008. This change was primarily attributable to a decline in advertising revenue in our Southern California market.

Net revenues for our television segment decreased by $2.3 million, or 17.2%, to $11.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, from $13.3 million for the same period in 2008. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower advertising revenue in our Los Angeles, Dallas and Salt Lake City television markets, reflecting the continuing downturn in the local and U.S. economies.

Total operating expenses increased by $26.5 million, or 39.0%, to $94.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, from $67.9 million for the same period in 2008. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in broadcast license impairment charges of $28.4 million. Excluding the broadcast license impairment charges, total operating expenses decreased by $1.9 million, or 9.0%, to $19.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $1.0 million decline in program and technical expenses, primarily resulting from an increase in management's estimate of the period over which certain of our internally produced programs contribute to our revenues, which deferred expense recognition of certain television production costs. The overall decline in operating expenses was also attributable to a $0.8 million decrease in loss on disposal of property and equipment, which resulted primarily from the write-off in the third quarter of 2008 of assets related to property damage caused by Hurricane Ike.

Adjusted EBITDA(1) decreased by $2.0 million, or 16.0%, to $10.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to $12.7 million for the same period in 2008. This change was primarily the result of the overall decline in radio and television advertising revenues, partially offset by the reduction in program and technical expenses, as described above.

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes, decreased to $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to $0.3 million for the same period in 2008, a change of $0.2 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $0.3 million broadcast license impairment charge in the third quarter of 2009, as compared to no charge recorded during the corresponding period in 2008.

We recognized a net loss of $76.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to a loss of $29.4 million for the same period in 2008, an increase of $47.5 million. This change was primarily attributable to the $29.5 million increase in operating loss, based on the factors discussed above, and an income tax provision of $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to an income tax benefit of $15.6 million for the same period in 2008.

Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

Net revenues decreased by $13.1 million, or 14.6%, to $77.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $90.2 million for the same period in 2008. The change was primarily attributable to decreased advertising revenue in most of our radio and television markets, reflecting the general decline in the advertising industry consistent with the continuing downturn in the local and U.S. economies.

Net revenues for our radio segment decreased by $4.9 million, or 9.8%, to $45.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $49.9 million for the same period in 2008. This change was primarily attributable to a decline in advertising revenue in our California and Texas markets.

Net revenues for our television segment decreased by $8.2 million, or 20.4%, to $32.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $40.3 million for the same period in 2008. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower advertising revenue in all of our markets, reflecting the continuing downturn in the local and U.S. economies.

Total operating expenses increased by $75.6 million, or 70.1%, to $183.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to $107.9 million for the same period in 2008. The increase was primarily the result of a $79.9 million increase in broadcast license impairment charges. Excluding the impact of the impairment charges, total operating expenses decreased by $4.2 million, or 6.9%, to $57.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This decrease was the result of a $3.3 million decline in program and technical expenses, primarily resulting from an increase in management's estimate of the period over which certain of our internally produced programs contribute to our revenues. This benefit realized from deferring the period over which certain television production costs are expensed was partially offset by an increase in music license and ratings service fees. In addition, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $0.7 million, primarily as a result of staff reductions and lower sales commissions as a result of reduced sales and commission payout rates.

Adjusted EBITDA(1) decreased by $8.9 million, or 24.0%, to $28.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $37.2 million for the same period in 2008. This change was primarily the result of the overall decline in radio and television advertising revenues, partially offset by the decrease in program and technical expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes, decreased to $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to $1.0 million for the same period in 2008, a change of $0.3 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $0.3 million broadcast license impairment charge recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to no charge recorded during the corresponding period in 2008, and a decrease in the benefit from income taxes.

We recognized a net loss of $113.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to $28.9 million for the same period in 2008. This change was primarily attributable to the $79.9 million increase in broadcast license impairment charges and the other factors noted above.

(1) We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss less income from discontinued operations, net of taxes, plus income tax benefit or expense, net interest expense, interest rate swap income or expense, impairment of broadcast licenses, depreciation, stock-based compensation expense, loss on disposal of property and equipment and other non-cash gains or losses. Management considers this measure an important indicator of our liquidity relating to our operations because it eliminates the effects of certain non-cash items, our discontinued operations and our capital structure. This measure should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, or superior to, other measures of liquidity and financial performance prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., such as cash flows from operating activities, operating income or loss and net income or loss. In addition, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may differ from those of many companies reporting similarly named measures. See tables at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of net cash (used in) provided by operating activities to Adjusted EBITDA.

Recent Developments

In October 2009, we entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell radio station KSEV-AM to Patrick Broadcasting, LP for $6.5 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. Consummation of the sale is subject to regulatory approval from the FCC and to other customary closing conditions.

Third Quarter 2009 Conference Call

We will host a conference call to discuss our financial results for the period ended September 30, 2009 on Monday, November 16, 2009 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (888) 280-4443 beginning fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the call, asking for the "LBI Media, Inc. Third Quarter 2009 Results Conference Call", and providing confirmation code 5132254 to the operator. The conference call will be recorded and made available for replay through Friday, November 20, 2009. Investors may listen to the replay of the call by dialing (888) 203-1112 then entering the passcode 5132254.

Information for Holders of LBI Media's 8 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017

Results for LBI Media, Inc.'s three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 will be posted on our website at www.lbimedia.com/investors.html. Holders and beneficial owners of LBI Media, Inc.'s 8 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 may access this information by contacting Wisdom Lu at (818) 729-5316 to receive a temporary username and password.

About LBI Media, Inc.

We are one of the largest owners and operators of Spanish-language radio and television stations in the United States, based on revenues and number of stations. We own 22 radio stations (fifteen FM and seven AM) and six television stations in greater Los Angeles, CA (including Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties), Houston, TX, Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX, San Diego, CA, Salt Lake City, UT and Phoenix, AZ. We also own three television production facilities that we use to produce television programming. We are also affiliated with seventeen television stations in various states serving specific market areas including six in Texas, four in Florida, two in California and one each in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Oregon.

Forward Looking Statements

This news announcement contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. securities laws. These statements are based upon current expectations and involve certain risks and uncertainties, including those related to the expected future operating performance of our radio stations, television stations and studio operations. Forward-looking statements include but are not limited to information preceded by, or that include the words, "believes", "expects", "prospects", "pacings", "anticipates", "could", "estimates", "forecasts" or similar expressions. The reader should note that these statements may be impacted by several factors, including economic changes, regulatory changes, increased competition, the timing of announced acquisitions or station upgrades, changes in the broadcasting industry generally, and changes in interest rates. Accordingly, our actual performance and results may differ significantly from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Please see the recent public filings of our parent, LBI Media Holdings, Inc., for information about these and other risks that may affect us. We and our parent, LBI Media Holdings, Inc., undertake no obligation to update or revise the information contained herein because of new information, future events or otherwise.

Results of Operations:

LBI MEDIA, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
-------------------- ---------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
--------- --------- ---------- ---------

Net revenues $27,520 $30,493 $77,062 $90,203
Operating expenses:
Program and technical,
exclusive of
depreciation shown
below 5,914 6,889 16,130 19,407
Promotional,
exclusive of
depreciation shown
below 878 1,026 2,139 2,339
Selling, general and
administrative,
exclusive of
depreciation shown
below 10,084 9,906 30,522 31,253
Depreciation 2,441 2,579 7,259 7,407
Loss on disposal of
property and
equipment - 824 941 824
Impairment of
broadcast licenses 75,077 46,666 126,543 46,666
--------- -------- --------- --------
Total operating
expenses 94,394 67,890 183,534 107,896
--------- -------- --------- --------

Operating loss (66,874) (37,397) (106,472) (17,693)
Interest expense, net of
amounts capitalized (7,159) (7,380) (21,214) (22,430)
Interest rate swap
income (expense) 234 (88) 1,591 (14)
Equity in losses of
equity method
investment (40) (213) (103) (213)
Impairment of equity
method investment - (161) - (161)
Interest and other
income (expense) 146 (38) 366 18
--------- -------- --------- --------
Loss before (provision for)
benefit from income
taxes and discontinued
operations (73,693) (45,277) (125,832) (40,493)
(Provision for) benefit
from income taxes (3,310) 15,575 12,034 10,666
--------- -------- --------- --------
Loss from continuing
operations (77,003) (29,702) (113,798) (29,827)
--------- -------- --------- --------
Income from
discontinued
operations, net of
tax (provision)
benefit of $0, $0,
$0 and $0 55 318 688 962
--------- -------- --------- --------
Net loss $(76,948) $(29,384) $(113,110) $(28,865)
========= ======== ========= ========

Adjusted EBITDA(2) $10,650 $12,672 $28,292 $37,204
========= ======== ========= ========

(2) Refer to our definition of Adjusted EBITDA in footnote (1). Also, see
the tables at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of
net cash (used in) provided by operating activities to Adjusted
EBITDA.

LBI MEDIA, INC.
UNAUDITED SELECTED SEGMENT DATA
(In thousands)

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
------------------------ ------------------------
2009 2008 %Change 2009 2008 %Change
------------------------ ------------------------
Net revenues:
Radio $16,465 $17,136 -4% $44,982 $49,891 -10%
Television 11,055 13,357 -17% 32,080 40,312 -20%
------------------------ ------------------------
Total $27,520 $30,493 -10% $77,062 $90,203 -15%

Total operating
expenses before
stock-based
compensation
expense,
depreciation, loss
on disposal of
property and
equipment and
impairment of
broadcast licenses:
Radio $8,761 $8,652 -1% $25,421 $24,700 3%
Television 8,109 9,169 -12% 23,349 28,299 -17%
------------------------ ------------------------
Total $16,870 $17,821 -5% $48,770 $52,999 -8%

Stock-based
compensation
expense:
Corporate $6 $- 100% $21 $- 100%
------------------------ ------------------------
Total $6 $- 100% $21 $- 100%

Depreciation:
Radio $1,203 $1,282 -6% $3,600 $3,768 -5%
Television 1,238 1,297 -5% 3,659 3,639 1%
------------------------ ------------------------
Total $2,441 $2,579 -5% $7,259 $7,407 -2%

Loss on disposal of
property and
equipment:
Radio $- $425 -100% $32 $425 -93%
Television - 399 -100% 909 399 128%
------------------------ ------------------------
Total $- $824 -100% $941 $824 14%

Impairment of
broadcast licenses:
Radio $47,154 $33,989 39% $79,040 $33,989 133%
Television 27,923 12,677 120% 47,503 12,677 275%
------------------------ ------------------------
Total $75,077 $46,666 61% $126,543 $46,666 171%

Operating loss:
Radio $(40,653)$(27,212) 49% $(63,111)$(12,991) 386%
Television (26,215) (10,185) 157% (43,340) (4,702) 822%
Corporate (6) - 100% (21) - 100%
------------------------ ------------------------
Total $(66,874)$(37,397) 79% $(106,472)$(17,693) 502%

Adjusted EBITDA (3):
Radio $7,704 $8,484 -9% $19,561 $25,191 -22%
Television 2,946 4,188 -30% 8,731 12,013 -27%
------------------------ ------------------------
Total $10,650 $12,672 -16% $28,292 $37,204 -24%

(3) See footnote (1). Also, see the tables at the end of this release for
a reconciliation of operating loss for each segment to Adjusted
EBITDA for such segment.

LBI MEDIA, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

September 30, December 31,
2009 2008
------------- ------------
(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets :
Cash and cash equivalents $1,109 $450
Accounts receivable, net 20,488 18,244
Current portion of program rights, net 288 457
Amounts due from related parties 213 175
Current portion of notes receivable from
related parties 465 457
Current portion of employee advances 735 744
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,627 1,859
Assets held for sale 5,197 -
------------- ------------
Total current assets 30,122 22,386

Property and equipment, net 93,574 95,745
Broadcast licenses, net 161,659 292,343
Deferred financing costs, net 6,236 7,186
Notes receivable from related parties,
excluding current portion 2,542 2,399
Employee advances, excluding current
portion 911 888
Program rights, excluding current portion 5,038 738
Notes receivable from LBI Media Holdings,
Inc. 13,965 9,926
Other assets 5,551 5,420
------------- ------------
Total assets $319,598 $437,031
============= ============

Liabilities and shareholder's (deficiency)
equity
Current liabilities:
Cash overdraft $- $395
Accounts payable 2,270 4,414
Accrued liabilities 6,707 4,071
Accrued interest 3,880 8,542
Amounts due to LBI Media Holdings, Inc. 689 -
Current portion of long-term debt 1,353 1,347
------------- ------------
Total current liabilities 14,899 18,769

Long-term debt, excluding current portion 382,654 369,615
Fair value of interest rate swap 6,036 7,627
Deferred income taxes 11,956 23,691
Other liabilities 1,604 1,684
------------- ------------
Total liabilities 417,149 421,386

Shareholder's (deficiency) equity:
Common stock - -
Additional paid-in capital 101,770 101,856
Accumulated deficit (199,321) (86,211)
------------- ------------
Total shareholder's (deficiency) equity (97,551) 15,645
------------- ------------
Total liabilities and shareholder's
(deficiency) equity $319,598 $437,031
============= ============

The table set forth below reconciles net cash (used in) provided by
operating activities, calculated and presented in accordance with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles, to Adjusted EBITDA:

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
------------------ -----------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
-------- -------- ------- --------
(In thousands)
Net cash (used in)
provided by operating
activities $(713) $1,346 $860 $5,410
Add:
Income tax expense
(benefit) 3,310 (15,575) (12,034) (10,666)
Interest expense and
interest and other
income, net 7,013 7,418 20,848 22,412
Less:
Effect of discontinued
operations (347) (340) (1,015) (1,020)
Amortization of
deferred financing
costs (318) (285) (950) (914)
Amortization of
discount on
subordinated notes (69) (64) (204) (189)
Amortization of
program rights (1,093) (133) (2,107) (413)
Provision for doubtful
accounts (969) (292) (1,660) (929)
Loss on sale of
property and
equipment - (62) - (62)
Changes in operating
assets and
liabilities:
Cash overdraft - - 395 -
Accounts receivable 1,460 (100) 3,904 5,493
Program rights 2,284 - 6,238 1,159
Amounts due from
related parties - 4 20 39
Prepaid expenses and
other current assets (17) 154 (232) 35
Employee advances 7 14 14 418
Accounts payable 237 (996) 1,271 43
Accrued liabilities (661) 323 (2,676) 454
Amounts due to LBI
Media Holdings, Inc. (689) - (689) -
Accrued interest 4,832 4,850 4,662 5,054
Deferred income taxes (3,309) 15,585 11,735 10,813
Other assets and
liabilities (308) 825 (88) 67
-------- -------- ------- --------
Adjusted EBITDA $10,650 $12,672 $28,292 $37,204
======== ======== ======= ========

The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to Adjusted EBITDA for
our radio segment:

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
-------------------- ---------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
-------- -------- -------- --------
(In thousands)
Radio division operating
loss $(40,653) $(27,212) $(63,111) $(12,991)
Depreciation 1,203 1,282 3,600 3,768
Loss on disposal of
property and equipment - 425 32 425
Impairment of broadcast
licenses 47,154 33,989 79,040 33,989
-------- -------- -------- --------
Radio division Adjusted
EBITDA $7,704 $8,484 $19,561 $25,191
======== ======== ======== ========

The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to Adjusted
EBITDA for our television segment:

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
------------------- --------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
------- -------- ------- -------
(In thousands)
Television division
operating loss $(26,215) $(10,185) $(43,340) $(4,702)
Depreciation 1,238 1,297 3,659 3,639
Loss on disposal of
property and
equipment - 399 909 399
Impairment of
broadcast licenses 27,923 12,677 47,503 12,677
------- -------- ------- -------
Television division
Adjusted EBITDA $2,946 $4,188 $8,731 $12,013
======= ======== ======= =======

Source: LBI Media, Inc.

CONTACT: Wisdom Lu, CFA, Chief Financial Officer of LBI Media, Inc.,
+1-818-729-5316

Web Site: http://www.lbimedia.com/

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