Exhibit 99.1
Entercom Communications Corp.
Reports Quarterly Results
Reports Record Annual Results
(Bala Cynwyd, Pa. February 22, 2006) Entercom Communications Corp. (NYSE: ETM) today reported financial results for the quarter and record results for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Fourth Quarter Highlights
• Net revenues decreased 6% to $103.7 million and station operating expenses decreased 5% to $61.0 million.
• Same station net revenues decreased 5% to $102.1 million and same station operating expenses decreased 2% to $59.5 million.
• Same station operating income decreased 10% to $42.6 million.
• Net income per share decreased 13% to $0.35 from $0.40.
The prior year’s fourth quarter net revenues benefited from $4 million in political advertising and eleven additional Boston Red Sox post-season games. In addition, the Company’s New Orleans market, which typically represents 6% of the Company’s net revenues, has been experiencing the extraordinarily disruptive effects of Hurricane Katrina as the New Orleans area rebuilds. On a collective basis, the impact of Katrina, a format change in Seattle, prior year additional revenue from Red Sox playoff games and political advertisements have significantly affected the Company’s same-station results during this quarter.
2005 Annual Highlights
• Net revenues increased 2% to $432.5 million and station operating expenses increased 1% to $248.2 million.
• Same station net revenues increased 2% to $429.6 million and same station operating expenses increased 2% to $245.6 million.
• Operating income increased 5% to $153.0 million.
• Net income increased 4% to $78.4 million.
• Net income per share increased 13% to $1.70.
The Company’s net revenues, station operating income, station operating income margin, operating income, net income and net income per share represent record highs for an annual reporting period.
David J. Field, President and Chief Executive Officer stated: “2005 was a year of significant achievement for Entercom. Notwithstanding challenging industry conditions and the impact of Hurricane Katrina, tough political comps and a large number of new format launches, Entercom continued to post strong relative operating performance. We outpaced our markets for the seventh straight year, in this case by over 200 basis points. We continued our substantial share buyback program, purchasing close to six million shares of our stock, helping to drive a significant increase in earnings per share. We also continued to invest in our future growth by launching multiple new brands and compelling new product offerings and are excited by the early results. We enhanced
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our business development and Internet capabilities and accelerated the rollout of our HD Radio platform and the associated new HD-2 channels. And most notably, under duress, our team in New Orleans exhibited the highest standards of public service, journalism, and courage, providing a vital lifeline to the citizens of Greater New Orleans during the wrath of Katrina and its aftermath. Finally, we are very pleased to announce today a significant cash dividend to reward our shareholders and take advantage of the outstanding free cash flow generation of our business model.”
Additional Information
On February 22, 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share for its Class A and Class B common shares. The first quarterly dividend is payable on March 30, 2006 to its shareholders of record as of March 14, 2006. Based on the Company’s closing price on February 21, 2006, the dividend represents an annualized yield in excess of 5%.
On December 13, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a fourth share repurchase program of $100 million.
During the fourth quarter, the Company repurchased 3.1 million shares of common stock for $94.3 million and, during the year 2005, the Company repurchased 5.8 million shares of common stock for $188.4 million. Subsequent to December 31, 2005 and as of February 22, 2006, the Company repurchased 1.2 million shares in the amount of $36.5 million. Since the inception of the first share repurchase program in 2004, the Company has repurchased 10.0 million shares of common stock for $340.7 million. The Company has now retired 19% of its outstanding common stock since the commencement of the repurchase programs.
During the first week of October 2005, Entercom completed the acquisition of three stations (WROQ-FM, WTPT-FM and WGVC-FM) in Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina, in the amount of $45.0 million and the disposition of three stations with weaker signals in the same market (WSPA-AM, WOLI-FM and WOLT-FM) in the amount of $6.7 million. Operating results for this acquisition and divestiture are not included in the quarter’s calculation of same station results.
The number of shares outstanding as of December 31, 2005, was 42.9 million, while the weighted average of diluted shares outstanding for the quarter was 45.0 million. As of December 31, 2005, the Company had $16.1 million in cash and cash equivalents. The Company had outstanding $427.3 million of Senior Debt and $150.0 million of Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2014.
First Quarter Guidance
Based on the current business outlook, the Company expects to report first quarter net revenues of between $90 and $91 million and station operating expenses of approximately $59.5 million.
During the first quarter, the Company expects corporate general and administrative expenses will be negatively impacted by the recording of legal expenses in the amount of $1.5 million associated with a transaction that did not occur.
For purposes of same station comparisons, first quarter same station 2005 net revenues were $95.3 million and station operating expenses were $59.1 million.
Reconciliation of quarterly 2005 reported and same station results are available on the Company’s website at www.entercom.com.
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Earnings Conference Call and Company Information
Entercom will hold a conference call regarding the quarterly earnings release on Wednesday, February 22 at 9:30 AM Eastern Time. The public may access the conference call by dialing 888-889-0278 (passcode: Entercom). A replay of the conference call will be available through March 8, 2006 by dialing 800-759-4056 and will also be available on the Company’s website: www.entercom.com.
Entercom is one of the nation’s five largest radio broadcasters, with operations in Boston, Seattle, Denver, Sacramento, Portland, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Norfolk, Buffalo, Memphis, Providence, Greensboro, Rochester, Greenville/Spartanburg, Madison, Wichita, Wilkes- Barre/Scranton and Gainesville/Ocala.
Certain Definitions
All references to per share data, unless stated otherwise, are presented as per diluted share.
It is important to note that station operating income, same station net revenues, same station operating expenses, same station operating income and free cash flow are not measures of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Management believes that these measures are useful as a way to evaluate the Company and the means for management to evaluate our radio stations’ performance and operations. Management believes that these measures are useful to an investor in evaluating our performance because they are widely used in the broadcast industry to measure a radio company’s operating performance. You should not consider these non-GAAP measures in isolation or as substitutes for net income, operating income, or any other measure for determining our operating performance that is calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These non-GAAP measures are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.
Station operating income consists of operating income before depreciation and amortization, time brokerage agreement fees, corporate general and administrative expenses, expenses related to a natural disaster and gain or loss on sale or disposition of assets.
Free cash flow consists of operating income: (i) plus depreciation and amortization, non-cash compensation expense (which is otherwise included in corporate general and administrative expenses); expenses related to a natural disaster; and (ii) less net interest expense (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs), gain (loss) on sale of assets, taxes paid (refunded) and capital expenditures.
Same station operating data is computed by comparing the performance of stations operated by the Company throughout the relevant period to the comparable performance in the prior year’s corresponding period. The Company includes in the same station operating data the effects of changes in status of significant contracts that: (i) relate to operations; (ii) have a significant effect on the net revenues and or station operating expenses of a particular market; and (iii) are accounted for as a separate business unit.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this news release is being widely disseminated in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation FD.
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This news announcement contains certain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations and certain unaudited pro forma information that is presented for illustrative purposes only and involves certain risks and uncertainties within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Additional information and key risks are described in the Company’s filings on Forms 8-K, 10-Q and 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers should note that these statements might be impacted by several factors including changes in the economic and regulatory climate and the business of radio broadcasting, in general. The unaudited pro forma information and same station operating data reflect adjustments and are presented for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of what has occurred or indicative of future operating results or financial position. Accordingly, the Company’s actual performance may differ materially from those stated or implied herein. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any unaudited pro forma or forward-looking statements.
Contact:
Steve Fisher
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
610-660-5647
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Fourth Quarter 2005
Earnings Release
ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
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| Three Months Ended |
| Year Ended |
| ||||||||
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| 2005 |
| 2004 |
| 2005 |
| 2004 |
| ||||
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS |
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Net Revenues |
| $ | 103,723 |
| $ | 110,233 |
| $ | 432,520 |
| $ | 423,455 |
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|
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Station Operating Expenses |
| 60,954 |
| 64,265 |
| 248,202 |
| 244,674 |
| ||||
Corporate G & A Expenses (Excluding Non-Cash Compensation Expense) |
| 4,447 |
| 3,850 |
| 17,995 |
| 15,054 |
| ||||
Non-Cash Compensation Expense |
| 212 |
| 172 |
| 873 |
| 657 |
| ||||
Depreciation and Amortization |
| 4,787 |
| 4,078 |
| 16,671 |
| 15,872 |
| ||||
Expenses Related To A Natural Disaster |
| (17 | ) | — | �� | 1,697 |
| — |
| ||||
Net Time Brokerage Agreement (Income) Expense |
| 11 |
| (15 | ) | (13 | ) | 781 |
| ||||
Net (Gain) Loss on Sale or Disposition of Assets |
| (437 | ) | 480 |
| (5,873 | ) | 1,221 |
| ||||
|
| 69.957 |
| 72,830 |
| 279,552 |
| 278,259 |
| ||||
Operating Income |
| 33,766 |
| 37,403 |
| 152,968 |
| 145,196 |
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Other Expense (Income) Items: |
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Interest Expense, Including Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs of $329 For Each of The Three Months Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and $1,315 and $1,117 for the Year Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, Respectively. |
| 8,305 |
| 6,274 |
| 29,925 |
| 21,560 |
| ||||
Interest Income |
| (159 | ) | (70 | ) | (396 | ) | (235 | ) | ||||
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 1,387 |
| ||||
Net Gain on Derivative Instruments |
| (256 | ) | (452 | ) | (1,327 | ) | (1,215 | ) | ||||
Net (Gain) Loss on investments |
| (207 | ) | — |
| (2,819 | ) | 176 |
| ||||
Total Other Expense |
| 7,683 |
| 5,752 |
| 25,383 |
| 21,673 |
| ||||
Income Before Income Taxes |
| 26,083 |
| 31,651 |
| 127,585 |
| 123,523 |
| ||||
Income Taxes |
| 10,312 |
| 12,274 |
| 49,224 |
| 47,889 |
| ||||
Net Income |
| $ | 15,771 |
| $ | 19,377 |
| $ | 78,361 |
| $ | 75,634 |
|
Net Income Per Share - Basic |
| $ | 0.35 |
| $ | 0.40 |
| $ | 1.70 |
| $ | 1.51 |
|
Net Income Per Share - Diluted |
| $ | 0.35 |
| $ | 0.40 |
| $ | 1.70 |
| $ | 1.50 |
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Weighted Common Shares Outstanding - Basic |
| 44,900 |
| 48,820 |
| 46,045 |
| 50,215 |
| ||||
Weighted Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted |
| 45,041 |
| 49,020 |
| 46,221 |
| 50,534 |
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SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION |
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Capital Expenditures |
| $ | 5,035 |
| $ | 3,987 |
| $ | 12,671 |
| $ | 9,624 |
|
Income Taxes Paid |
| $ | 2,850 |
| $ | 2,245 |
| $ | 12,549 |
| $ | 11,630 |
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|
| December 31, |
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|
| 2005 |
| 2004 |
| ||
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA |
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Cash and Cash Equivalents |
| $ | 16,071 |
| $ | 11,844 |
|
Working Capital |
| 73,926 |
| 79,677 |
| ||
Total Assets |
| 1,697,758 |
| 1,667,961 |
| ||
Senior Debt |
| 427,259 |
| 333,276 |
| ||
7.625% Senior Subordinated Notes |
| 150,000 |
| 150,000 |
| ||
Total Shareholders’ Equity |
| 885,715 |
| 996,073 |
| ||
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
|
| Three Months Ended |
| Year Ended |
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|
| 2005 |
| 2004 |
| 2005 |
| 2004 |
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Same Station Computations: |
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Net Revenues - Reconciliation of Same Station Net Revenues to GAAP: |
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Net Revenues as Reported |
| $ | 103,723 |
| $ | 110,233 |
| $ | 432,520 |
| $ | 423,455 |
|
Net Acquisitions and Divestitures of Radio Stations and Significant Contracts |
| (1,630 | ) | (2,571 | ) | (2,927 | ) | (1,716 | ) | ||||
Same Station Net Revenues |
| $ | 102,093 |
| $ | 107,662 |
| $ | 429,593 |
| $ | 421,739 |
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Station Operating Expenses - Reconciliation of Same Station Operating |
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Expenses to GAAP: |
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Station Operating Expenses as Reported |
| $ | 60,954 |
| $ | 64,265 |
| $ | 248,202 |
| $ | 244,674 |
|
Net Acquisitions and Divestitures of Radio Stations and Significant Contracts |
| (1,445 | ) | (3,675 | ) | (2,569 | ) | (3,663 | ) | ||||
Same Station Operating Expenses |
| $ | 59,509 |
| $ | 60,590 |
| $ | 245,633 |
| $ | 241,011 |
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Reconciliation of Station Operating Income and Same Station Operating Income to GAAP (Operating Income): |
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Operating Income as Reported |
| $ | 33,766 |
| $ | 37,403 |
|
Corporate G & A Expenses (Excluding Non-Cash Compensation Expense) |
| 4,447 |
| 3,850 |
| ||
Non-Cash Compensation Expense |
| 212 |
| 172 |
| ||
Depreciation and Amortization |
| 4,787 |
| 4,078 |
| ||
Expenses Related To A Natural Disaster |
| (17 | ) | — |
| ||
Net Time Brokerage Agreement (Income) Expense |
| 11 |
| (15 | ) | ||
Net (Gain) Loss on Sale or Disposition of Assets |
| (437 | ) | 480 |
| ||
Station Operating Income |
| 42,769 |
| 45,968 |
| ||
Net Acquisitions and Divestitures of Radio Stations and Significant Contracts |
| (185 | ) | 1,104 |
| ||
Same Station Operating Income |
| $ | 42,584 |
| $ | 47,072 |
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Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to GAAP (Net Income): |
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Net Income as Reported |
| $ | 15,771 |
| $ | 19,377 |
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
| 4,787 |
| 4,078 |
| ||
Deferred Financing Costs Included in Interest Expense |
| 329 |
| 329 |
| ||
Non-Cash Compensation Expense |
| 212 |
| 172 |
| ||
Expenses Related To A Natural Disaster |
| (17 | ) | — |
| ||
Net (Gain) Loss on Sale or Disposition of Assets |
| (437 | ) | 480 |
| ||
Net Gain on Derivative Instruments |
| (256 | ) | (452 | ) | ||
Net Gain on Investments |
| (207 | ) | — |
| ||
Income Taxes |
| 10,312 |
| 12,274 |
| ||
Capital Expenditures |
| (5,035 | ) | (3,987 | ) | ||
Taxes Paid |
| (2,850 | ) | (2,245 | ) | ||
Free Cash Flow |
| $ | 22,609 |
| $ | 30,026 |
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Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to GAAP (Operating Income): |
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Operating Income as Reported |
| $ | 33,766 |
| $ | 37,403 |
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
| 4,787 |
| 4,078 |
| ||
Non-Cash Compensation Expense |
| 212 |
| 172 |
| ||
Expenses Related To A Natural Disaster |
| (17 | ) | — |
| ||
Interest Expense, Net of Interest Income and Deferred Financing Costs |
| (7,817 | ) | (5,875 | ) | ||
Capital Expenditures |
| (5,035 | ) | (3,987 | ) | ||
Net (Gain) Loss on Sale or Disposition of Assets |
| (437 | ) | 480 |
| ||
Taxes Paid |
| (2,850 | ) | (2,245 | ) | ||
Free Cash Flow |
| $ | 22,609 |
| $ | 30,026 |
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Reconciliation of Pro Forma Net Income Per Share - Diluted to GAAP |
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Net Income Per Share - Diluted as Reported |
| $ | 0.35 |
| $ | 0.40 |
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Net (Gain) Loss on Sale or Disposal of Assets, Net of Tax Provision or Tax Benefit |
| (0.01 | ) | 0.01 |
| ||
Net Gain on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax Provision |
| (0.00 | ) | (0.01 | ) | ||
Expenses Related To A Natural Disaster, Net of Tax Benefit |
| (0.00 | ) | — |
| ||
Net Gain on Investments, Net of Tax Provision |
| (0.00 | ) | — |
| ||
Pro Forma Net Income Per Share - Diluted |
| $ | 0.34 |
| $ | 0.40 |
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Weighted Common Shares Outstanding - Basic |
| 44,900 |
| 48,820 |
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Weighted Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted |
| 45,041 |
| 49,020 |
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PRIOR YEAR’S DATA
First Quarter 2005 For Comparison To First Quarter 2006 Estimates
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| Three |
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Reconciliation of First Quarter 2005 Same Station Net Revenues to GAAP (Net Revenues): |
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Net Revenues as Reported |
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| $ | 94,307 |
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Net Acquisitions and Divestitures of Radio Stations and Significant Contracts |
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|
| 993 |
| |
Same Station Net Revenues |
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| $ | 95,300 |
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Reconciliation of First Quarter 2005 Same Station Operating Expenses to GAAP (Station Operating Expenses): |
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Station Operating Expenses as Reported |
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| $ | 58,508 |
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Net Acquisitions and Divestitures of Radio Stations and Significant Contracts |
|
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| 570 |
| |
Same Station Operating Expenses |
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| $ | 59,078 |
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