Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue in Q2 2025 was $772 million, a decrease of 7% from 2024, but 1% above the high end of original guidance for the quarter [6] - Adjusted EBITDA was $169 million in Q2 2025, a decrease of 25% from 2024 [7] - The company reported a net loss of $56 million in Q2 2025 compared to a net income of $22 million in 2024 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Political advertising revenue was lower in 2024 but exceeded expectations in Q2 2025, generating $9 million compared to a guidance of $2-3 million [20] - Core advertising revenue was down about 3% versus 2024, with automotive down high single digits, while legal advertising grew double digits [18][19] - Digital revenue increased by 8%, and new local direct business grew over 2% in 2025 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is entering new markets through acquisitions, including Lafayette, Louisiana, and Lansing, Michigan, which will enhance local news offerings [10][11] - The company expects to leverage new sales and sports strategies in the newly acquired markets [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on M&A activities to strengthen its market presence and create duopolies, with recent transactions expected to be cash flow accretive [11][24] - The company aims to reduce debt and leverage, finishing Q2 2025 with a first lien leverage ratio of 2.99 times and total leverage of 5.6 times [12][23] - Future strategic focus will be on obtaining regulatory approvals for announced transactions and ensuring smooth transitions for stakeholders [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a cautious tone among advertisers, particularly in the automotive sector, but saw stronger core activity than projected [18] - The company anticipates challenges in providing guidance for Q3 due to various market conditions, including the impact of the Olympics on advertising revenue [21] - Management expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the potential for significant cash flow generation from upcoming political cycles [66] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share [13] - Significant progress was made in strengthening the balance sheet, with a reduction of $22 million in outstanding indebtedness during Q2 2025 [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on the balance sheet improvements - Management acknowledged the efforts in improving the balance sheet and expressed pride in the team's work [30][32] Question: Future M&A opportunities - Management indicated that while there are no current plans for additional transactions, they remain open to opportunities that arise [33][36] Question: Impact of CBS affiliation change on retransmission revenue - Management confirmed that the change in CBS affiliation would impact retransmission revenue, but emphasized ongoing efforts to create a sustainable model [90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue in Q4 2024 was $1 billion, an increase of 21% from Q4 2023 [12] - Net income attributable to common stockholders was $156 million in Q4 2024, compared to a net loss of $22 million in Q4 2023 [13] - Adjusted EBITDA was $402 million in Q4 2024, an increase of 86% from Q4 2023, primarily due to political advertising revenue [13] - Total principal debt was reduced by $520 million during 2024, exceeding the $500 million goal [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Political advertising revenue in Q4 2024 was $250 million, which displaced a significant amount of core advertising revenue [22] - Core advertising revenue guidance for Q1 2025 is expected to decline by 7% to 8% compared to Q1 2024, influenced by economic uncertainty and the Super Bowl airing on different networks [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted hesitancy among automobile advertising customers due to economic factors, impacting core ad revenues [24] - The first quarter of 2025 is expected to show core advertising revenue down 3.3% to 4.6% when excluding Super Bowl and Leap Day impacts [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing local content offerings and has secured local sports rights, including the Atlanta Braves and Memphis Grizzlies [28] - The company is optimistic about future partnerships and developments at Assembly Studios, which are expected to contribute financially to the company [18][19] - Management is encouraged by potential regulatory reforms that could benefit local broadcasters and improve competitive positioning against tech giants [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery of the automobile advertising sector once economic uncertainties are resolved [46] - The company is focused on maintaining strong local reach and leveraging digital audiences for political advertising opportunities in 2026 [116] - Management believes that the company is well-positioned to navigate the evolving media landscape and capitalize on upcoming opportunities [136] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with $135 million in cash and $680 million available in a revolving credit facility [34] - The Board declared a quarterly common dividend of $0.08 per share, indicating a cautious approach to cash management [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can core ads move to growth on a full-year basis? - Management is encouraged by second-quarter pacing and believes core ads can grow, particularly as certain challenged categories show improvement [44] Question: How will cost efficiencies impact expenses in Q1? - Approximately 2/3 to 75% of cost efficiencies are expected to flow through in Q1, with efforts to keep expense growth below inflation [48][49] Question: What is the total cost for the Assembly Atlanta project? - The total cost for the project is roughly $500 million [74] Question: How are you budgeting subscriber declines for this year? - The company expects the rate of subscriber declines to slow but is not projecting a material increase or decrease [91] Question: What deregulation opportunities exist beyond M&A? - Key opportunities include relaxing the one-to-a-market rule, addressing network-affiliate relationships, and advancing NEXTGEN TV [126] Question: How long until leverage reaches 4x? - It will take a few years to reach the 4x leverage goal, with political years providing significant cash flow [129]