Gray Media Announces First Quarter Financial Results

Core Insights - Gray Media, Inc. reported total revenues of $782 million for Q1 2025, a decrease of 5% from Q1 2024, but 1% above the high end of guidance for the quarter [6][12] - The company experienced a decline in core advertising revenue, which was $344 million, down 8% year-over-year, attributed to the Super Bowl airing on fewer channels compared to the previous year [6][12] - Political advertising revenue saw a significant drop of 52% to $13 million, consistent with the off-year of the political advertising cycle, yet it was 225% greater than the high end of guidance for the quarter [6][12] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $160 million, down from $197 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to the cyclical decrease in political advertising revenue [14][6] - The net loss attributable to common stockholders was $22 million in Q1 2025, compared to a net income of $75 million in Q1 2024 [6][14] - Total operating expenses were $690 million, slightly down from $699 million in Q1 2024, with broadcasting expenses decreasing year-over-year for the first time since the COVID slowdown [6][12] Debt and Financial Flexibility - The company reduced its outstanding debt by $17 million during Q1 2025 and amended its revolving accounts receivable securitization facility to increase commitments from $300 million to $400 million [6][12] - As of March 31, 2025, Gray Media had a First Lien Leverage Ratio of 2.92 to 1.00 and a total leverage ratio of 5.48 to 1.00, indicating a manageable level of debt relative to its earnings [6][12] - The company has $692 million of borrowing availability under its undrawn Revolving Credit Facility, enhancing its financial flexibility [6][12] Future Guidance - For the quarter ending June 30, 2025, the company anticipates core advertising revenue to decline by mid-single digits compared to the same quarter in 2024, influenced by macroeconomic uncertainties [8][12] - Despite the anticipated decline in core advertising revenue, the company expects strong double-digit growth in digital advertising revenue and continued growth from local customers [8][12] - The company has implemented cost containment measures that are expected to exceed an annualized savings run-rate of $60 million [9][12]