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Gray Media Announces Second Quarter Financial Results

ATLANTA, Aug. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gray Media (NYSE: GTN) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.

EXECUTIVE COMMENTARY

Hilton Howell, Jr., Executive Chairman and CEO, commented, “Our second quarter 2026 results are starting to reflect the benefits of our M&A activity. We met or exceeded our second quarter guidance across every metric except corporate expense, which was higher due to transaction-related costs, and our net leverage ratio improved during the quarter. We are particularly pleased with political advertising, which significantly exceeded our second quarter guidance, and is trending ahead of not only 2024 but also 2022 year-to-date levels. Our Net Retransmission Revenue returned to year-over-year growth even excluding the 2026 acquisitions, despite the blackout that ended on May 1.

“Year-to-date, we have made progress on every front. We have added stations in 22 markets (net of dispositions) including stations in six markets from American Spirit Media. We continue to invest in our stations, people and communities to drive journalistic excellence, as reflected by our 93 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards this year, up from 81 last year. We expanded our local professional sports portfolio by adding approximately 70 televised Atlanta Hawks regular season games on WANF in Atlanta and across our Peachtree Sports Network through the 2028-29 NBA season. We also made progress on our balance sheet through creative transactions that lower our cost of capital and enhance our cash flow. Our goal is to extend our market leadership as the largest owner of top-rated local television stations by prudently investing in our broadcast business, while also prioritizing balance sheet deleveraging.”

                               
    Gray Media Second Quarter Results vs. Guidance                      
                               
    ($ in millions)             High End of          
      High End of       2Q 2026 Guidance   Reported    
      2Q 2026   Impact of 2Q   Adjusted for   2Q 2026    
      Guidance (1)   Acquisitions (2)   2Q Acquisitions   Results (2)    
                               
    Core Advertising Revenue Down MSD     3%     Down LSD     (1)%    
                               
    Political Advertising Revenue $ 70   $ 3     $ 73   $ 83    
                               
    Total Revenue $ 800   $ 30     $ 830   $ 839    
                               
    Net Retransmission Revenue (3) $ 143   $ 6     $ 149   $ 150    
                               
    Broadcasting Expense (4) $ 550   $ 21     $ 571   $ 569    
                               
    Corporate and Administrative Expense (4) $ 35   $ -     $ 35   $ 37    
                               
    (1) “High End of 2Q 2026 Guidance” as disclosed in our first quarter 2026 earnings press released on May 7, 2026 assumed full-quarter results from (i) the WBBJ and the Allen 3 acquisitions that closed in 1Q 2026 and (ii) the markets that we swapped to Scripps on May 15, 2026. Guidance for the second quarter of 2026 excluded any anticipated results from the 2Q Acquisitions as defined in Note (2). 2Q Acquisitions includes the as reported results attributable to the 2Q Acquisitions from their respective closing dates to provide a more meaningful comparison of results against guidance for 2Q 2026 issued on May 7, 2026.    
       
       
                               
    (2) During 2Q 2026, Gray acquired television stations in seven additional markets from Allen Media, as well as stations from Block Communications and Sagamore Hill (collectively, the “2Q Acquisitions”); and swapped stations to Scripps in a non-monetary exchange. “Impact of 2Q Acquisitions” reflects the as reported results from 2Q 2026 that are attributable to the 2Q Acquisitions from their respective closing dates. “Reported 2Q 2026 Results” presents our actual results, which includes the impact of the 2Q Acquisitions and the swap transaction from their respective closing dates in accordance with U.S. GAAP.    
       
       
       
                               
    (3) Net Retransmission Revenue is calculated as retransmission consent revenue less broadcast network affiliation fees.    
                               
    (4) Expense line items exclude depreciation, amortization, impairment and gain or loss on disposal of long-lived assets.
   
                               
                               

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Total Revenue - $839 million in the second quarter of 2026, or an increase of 9% compared to second quarter 2025. The 2026 Acquisitions(1) contributed $41 million in total revenue in the second quarter of 2026.
  • Core Advertising Revenue – $357 million in the second quarter of 2026, or a decrease of 1% compared to second quarter 2025. The 2026 Acquisitions contributed $15 million of core advertising revenue in the second quarter of 2026.
  • Political Advertising Revenue – $83 million in the second quarter of 2026, compared to $9 million in  the second quarter of 2025, and $47 million and $90 million in the second quarters of 2024 and 2022, respectively, the previous “on-years” of the two-year election cycle. The 2026 Acquisitions contributed $3 million of political advertising revenue in the second quarter of 2026.
  • Retransmission Consent Revenue – $359 million in the second quarter of 2026, or a decrease of 3% from $369 million in the second quarter of 2025. Retransmission consent revenue decreased due to continued subscriber declines, the transition of one station to independent status, and a resolved dispute with a distribution partner. The 2026 Acquisitions contributed $23 million of retransmission consent revenue in the second quarter of 2026. Net Retransmission Revenue was $150 million in the second quarter of 2026, an increase of 10% from $136 million in the second quarter of 2025. The 2026 Acquisitions contributed $9 million of Net Retransmission Revenue in the second quarter of 2026.
  • Broadcasting Expenses – $569 million in the second quarter of 2026, or an increase of 1% compared to the second quarter of 2025. The 2026 Acquisitions increased broadcasting expenses by $30 million in the second quarter of 2026.
  • Corporate Expenses – $37 million, above the high end of the $30 million to $35 million guidance range, primarily due to transaction-related expenses.

(1) We define "2026 Acquisitions" as all of the acquisitions which closed between January 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026. This includes stations acquired from Bahakel Communications, Ltd. (WBBJ), all ten markets from Allen Media Group, Block Communications, Inc. and Sagamore Hill Broadcasting, Inc. The 2026 Acquisitions exclude the station swap with Scripps.

 
Selected Operating Data (Unaudited)
           
  Three Months Ended June 30,
          % Change
          2026 to
    2026       2025       2025  
  (dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):          
Core advertising $ 357     $ 361       (1 )%
Political advertising   83       9       822 %
Retransmission consent   359       369       (3 )%
Other   14       15       (7 )%
Total broadcasting revenue   813       754       8 %
Production companies   26       18       44 %
Total revenue $ 839     $ 772       9 %
           
Net Retransmission Revenue (1):          
Retransmission consent revenue $ 359     $ 369       (3 )%
Less: network affiliation fees   209       233       (10 )%
Net Retransmission Revenue $ 150     $ 136       10 %
           
Operating expenses (2):          
Broadcasting          
Station expenses $ 360     $ 330       9 %
Network affiliation fees   209       233       (10 )%
Total broadcasting expense $ 569     $ 563       1 %
           
Production companies $ 22     $ 20       10 %
           
Corporate and administrative:          
Corporate expenses $ 27     $ 19       42 %
Transaction Related Expenses   7       1       600 %
Non-cash stock-based compensation   3       5       (40 )%
Total corporate and administrative expense $ 37     $ 25       48 %
           
Net income (loss) $ 14     $ (56 )     125 %
           
Adjusted EBITDA (2) $ 214     $ 169       27 %
           
(1) See definition of non-GAAP terms included herein.
(2) Excludes depreciation, amortization, impairment and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net.
           
  Six Months Ended June 30,
          % Change
          2026 to
    2026       2025       2025  
  (dollars in millions)    
Revenue (less agency commissions):          
Core advertising $ 709     $ 705       1 %
Political advertising   113       22       414 %
Retransmission consent   698       748       (7 )%
Other   32       34       (6 )%
Total broadcasting revenue   1,552       1,509       3 %
Production companies   55       45       22 %
Total revenue $ 1,607     $ 1,554       3 %
           
Net Retransmission Revenue (1):          
Retransmission consent revenue $ 698     $ 748       (7 )%
Less: network affiliation fees   406       467       (13 )%
Net Retransmission Revenue $ 292     $ 281       4 %
           
Operating expenses (2):          
Broadcasting          
Station expenses $ 718     $ 672       7 %
Network affiliation fees   406       467       (13 )%
Non-cash stock-based compensation   -       1       (100 )%
Total broadcasting expense $ 1,124     $ 1,140       (1 )%
           
Production companies $ 50     $ 40       25 %
           
Corporate and administrative:          
Corporate expenses $ 54     $ 45       20 %
Transaction Related Expenses   11       1       1000 %
Non-cash stock-based compensation   11       11       0 %
Total corporate and administrative expense $ 76     $ 57       33 %
           
Net (loss) income $ (6 )   $ (65 )     91 %
           
Adjusted EBITDA (2) $ 368     $ 329       12 %
           
(1)  See definition of non-GAAP terms included herein.
(2)  Excludes depreciation, amortization, impairment and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net.
 
           
FINANCIAL POSITION AND LEVERAGE
Debt Summary -The table below summarizes our debt principal and cash balances:
 
       As of
        June 30, 2026       December 31, 2025  
Outstanding principal of debt obligations (1):          
First lien term loans     $ 739     $ 749  
Senior secured first lien notes       1,970       1,900  
Senior secured second lien notes       1,150       1,150  
Senior unsecured notes       2,008       2,011  
Total outstanding principal of debt obligations       5,867       5,810  
Less cash       (176 )     (368 )
Total outstanding principal of debt obligations, less cash   $ 5,691     $ 5,442  
           
(1) Excludes letters of credit, accounts receivable securitization facility and preferred stock.
           

Recent Financing Activities

  • Additional 2033 1L Notes – On June 30, 2026, we issued $70 million in additional 7.250% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due in 2033 at par, plus accrued interest. The additional notes were used to fund $40 million of the purchase consideration for the first closing of American Spirit Media, LLC and $30 million to repurchase an aggregate liquidation preference of $50 million of Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock (50,000 shares).
  • Repurchase of 2029 1L Notes and 2031 Notes – On July 21, 2026, we repurchased, in a privately negotiated transaction, $100 million of our 10.500% Senior Secured First Lien notes due in 2029 and $20 million of our 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2031, each at a price of par, plus accrued interest, using cash on hand and borrowings under our existing revolving credit facility.
  • Debt Repurchase Authorization –  On August 6, 2026, our Board of Directors authorized us to use up to $250 million of available liquidity to repurchase our outstanding indebtedness through December 31, 2027, replacing our prior authorization that expired on December 31, 2025. The extent of such repurchases, including the amount and timing of any repurchases, will depend on general market conditions, regulatory requirements, alternative investment opportunities and other considerations. This repurchase program does not require us to repurchase a minimum amount of debt, and it may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time without prior notice.

Leverage Metrics - As of June 30, 2026, calculated as set forth in our Senior Credit Agreement (unaudited):

  • Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio          2.55 to 1.00
  • Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio           3.71 to 1.00
  • Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio                 5.73 to 1.00

Liquidity - As of June 30, 2026:

Cash – $176 million

  • Borrowing availability under our $750 million undrawn revolving credit facility - $745 million (reflecting only certain outstanding undrawn letters of credit)
  • Accounts receivable securitization facility of $400 million was fully drawn

Acquisitions

  • During the three months ended June 30, 2026, we completed transactions involving television station acquisitions and divestitures with The E.W. Scripps Company (“Scripps”), Sagamore Hill Broadcasting, Inc. (“SGH”), Block Communications, Inc. (“BCI”) and Allen Media Group, Inc. (“Allen 7”) (collectively, the “2Q Acquisitions”).
  • On July 1, 2026, we acquired the non-license assets of six television stations from American Spirit Media, LLC (“ASM”) and the non-license assets of WHPM-TV, LLC (“WHPM”) for $43 million in cash. The acquisition of the remaining assets of ASM and WHPM are pending regulatory approval; however, no assurance can be given that we will receive the required regulatory approvals.

Guidance for the Quarter Ending September 30, 2026:

Based on our current forecasts for the quarter ending September 30, 2026, we anticipate the following key financial results, as outlined below in approximate ranges and as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2025, as well as certain currently anticipated full-year financial results. Our guidance includes estimated results for all television stations that were fully acquired as of August 7, 2026, as well as the ASM and WHPM stations.
As always, guidance may change in the future based on several factors and therefore may not reflect future actual results.

    Quarter Ending
        September 30, 2026
    September 30, 2025 (Guidance)
    (Actual) (Unaudited)   Low   High
    (in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):      
Core advertising $ 355   Flat on an as reported basis
Political advertising $ 8   $ 165   $ 185
Total revenue $ 749   $ 935   $ 965
             
Net Retransmission Revenue   $ 132   $ 147   $ 150
             
Operating expenses (excluding depreciation,    
amortization and loss on disposal of assets):    
Total broadcasting expense   $ 542   $ 590   $ 600
Total corporate and administrative expense   $ 28   $ 35   $ 40
             
            Year Ending
            December 31, 2026
            (Guidance)
Supplemental full-year information:     (in millions)
Interest expense         $ 440
Amortization of deferred financing costs     $ 16
Preferred stock dividends       $ 50
Common stock dividends       $ 33
Capital expenditures         $ 120 - 130
Income tax payments, net of refunds     $ 80 - 100
             

The Company

We are a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets. We serve 117 full-power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 78 markets with the top-rated television station and 101 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station in average all-day ratings across the 116 of such markets that were measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 46 markets and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based largely on our current expectations and reflect various estimates and assumptions by us. These statements are statements other than those of historical fact and may be identified by words such as “estimates,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will,” “implied,” “assume” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond our control, include: the inability to achieve estimates of future revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, and income tax payments, the inability to complete the pending acquisitions within the expected timeframes, or at all, including as a result of the failure to obtain necessary FCC or other regulatory approvals, and other future events. We are subject to additional risks and uncertainties described in our quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including in the “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections contained therein, which reports are made publicly available via our website, www.graymedia.com. Any forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. This press release reflects management’s views as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Gray undertakes no obligation to update or revise any information contained in this press release beyond the published date, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information about certain potential factors that could affect our business and financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements are included under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and may be contained in reports subsequently filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov.

Conference Call Information

We will host a conference call to discuss our operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, on Friday, August 7, 2026. The call will begin at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The live dial-in number is 1-800-715-9871 or 1-646-307-1963 conference ID 3663076. The call will be webcast live and available for replay at www.graymedia.com. The taped replay of the conference call will be available at 1-800-770-2030 using conference ID 3663076 until September 4, 2026.

Gray Contact:
Web site: www.graymedia.com
Alan Gould, Vice President, Investor Relations, (404) 266-8333, alan.gould@graymedia.com

 
GRAY MEDIA, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(in millions, except for share data)
       
  June 30,   December 31,
    2026       2025  
Assets:      
Current assets:      
Cash $ 176     $ 368  
Accounts receivable, net   193       205  
Current portion of program broadcast rights, net   5       17  
Income tax refunds receivable   1       6  
Prepaid income taxes   83       35  
Prepaid and other current assets   34       25  
Total current assets   492       656  
       
Property and equipment, net   1,522       1,509  
Operating leases right of use asset   76       66  
Broadcast licenses   5,463       5,309  
Goodwill   2,693       2,642  
Other intangible assets, net   109       157  
Investment in broadcasting and technology companies   32       37  
Deferred pension assets   21       21  
Other   29       43  
Total assets $ 10,437     $ 10,440  
       
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:      
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable $ 143     $ 144  
Employee compensation and benefits   95       103  
Accrued interest   150       151  
Other accrued expenses   73       47  
Federal and state income taxes   4       5  
Current portion of program broadcast obligations   5       18  
Deferred revenue   22       20  
Dividends payable   14       16  
Current portion of operating lease liabilities   11       10  
Current portion of long-term debt   -       2  
Total current liabilities   517       516  
       
Long-term debt, less current portion and deferred financing costs   5,808       5,742  
Deferred income taxes   1,299       1,300  
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion   68       59  
Other   17       18  
Total liabilities   7,709       7,635  
       
Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock, no par value; cumulative; redeemable;    
designated 1,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 600,000 shares and    
650,000 shares, respectively ($600 and $650 aggregate      
liquidation value, respectively)   600       650  
       
Stockholders’ equity:      
Common stock, no par value; authorized 200,000,000 shares,      
issued 115,287,978 shares and 113,779,383 shares, respectively, and      
outstanding 93,115,076 shares and 92,444,984 shares, respectively   1,216       1,210  
Class A common stock, no par value; authorized 25,000,000 shares,      
issued 12,978,335 shares and 12,198,808 shares, respectively, and      
outstanding 9,869,307 shares and 9,557,830 shares, respectively   72       67  
Retained earnings   1,176       1,205  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax   (4 )     (4 )
    2,460       2,478  
Treasury stock at cost, common stock, 22,172,902 shares      
and 21,334,399 shares, respectively   (292 )     (288 )
Treasury stock at cost, Class A common stock, 3,109,028 shares      
and 2,640,978 shares, respectively   (40 )     (35 )
Total stockholders’ equity   2,128       2,155  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 10,437     $ 10,440  
       


 
GRAY MEDIA, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(in millions, except for net income per share data)
           
  Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
  June 30,   June 30,
    2026       2025       2026       2025  
  (in millions, except for per share information)
Revenue (less agency commissions):        
Broadcasting $ 813     $ 754     $ 1,552     $ 1,509  
Production companies   26       18       55       45  
Total revenue (less agency commissions)   839       772       1,607       1,554  
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, impairment  
and loss (gain) on disposal of long-lived assets, net:      
Broadcasting   569       563       1,124       1,140  
Production companies   22       20       50       40  
Corporate and administrative   37       25       76       57  
Depreciation   34       32       67       66  
Amortization of intangible assets   21       28       53       57  
Impairment of intangible assets   -       28       -       28  
Loss (gain) on disposal of long-lived assets, net   20       (6 )     20       (8 )
Operating expenses   703       690       1,390       1,380  
Operating income   136       82       217       174  
Other income (expense):          
Miscellaneous income, net   -       -       8       1  
Interest expense   (117 )     (117 )     (234 )     (235 )
Gain from early extinguishment of debt   -       -       -       1  
Income (loss) before income taxes   19       (35 )     (9 )     (59 )
Income tax expense (benefit)   5       21       (3 )     6  
Net income (loss)   14       (56 )     (6 )     (65 )
Preferred stock dividends   (13 )     (13 )     (26 )     (26 )
Deemed contribution on repurchase of        
Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock   20       -       20       -  
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 21     $ (69 )   $ (12 )   $ (91 )
               
Basic per share information:          
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 0.21     $ (0.71 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.95 )
Weighted-average shares outstanding   98       97       98       96  
               
Diluted per share information:          
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 0.21     $ (0.71 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.95 )
Weighted-average shares outstanding   100       97       98       96  
               


GRAY MEDIA, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in millions)
       
  Six Months Ended
  June 30,
    2026       2025  
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net loss $ (6 )   $ (65 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation   67       66  
Amortization of intangible assets   53       57  
Amortization of deferred loan costs   7       8  
Amortization of stock based compensation   11       12  
Amortization of program broadcast rights   13       12  
Payments on program broadcast obligations   (14 )     (14 )
Deferred income taxes   (1 )     (35 )
Loss (gain) on disposal of long-lived assets, net   20       (2 )
Gain on sale of investment   (8 )     (6 )
Gain from early extinguishment of debt   -       (1 )
Impairment of other intangible assets   -       28  
Other   -       7  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net   14       120  
Income tax receivable or prepaid   (43 )     -  
Other current assets   (6 )     (6 )
Accounts payable   26       26  
Employee compensation, benefits and pension cost   (9 )     (28 )
Accrued interest   -       (17 )
Income taxes payable   (1 )     3  
Deferred revenue   1       (2 )
Net cash provided by operating activities   124       163  
       
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of television businesses and licenses, net of cash acquired   (264 )     -  
Purchases of property and equipment   (36 )     (40 )
Proceeds from asset sales   2       14  
Proceeds from sale of investment   10       22  
Investment in broadcast, production and technology companies   -       (8 )
Other   (2 )     (2 )
Net cash used in investing activities   (290 )     (14 )
       
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt   70       130  
Repayments of borrowings on long-term debt   (13 )     (168 )
Repurchase of Series A preferred stock   (30 )     -  
Payment of common stock dividends   (17 )     (16 )
Payment of preferred stock dividends   (27 )     (26 )
Payment of taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards   (9 )     (5 )
Net cash used in financing activities   (26 )     (85 )
Net (decrease) increase in cash   (192 )     64  
Cash at beginning of period   368       135  
Cash at end of period $ 176     $ 199  
       
Supplemental non-cash investing activities:
Non-cash exchange of television stations $ 70     $ -  
       
Supplemental non-cash financing activities:
Deemed contribution on repurchase of Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock $ 20     $ -  
       

Non-GAAP Terms
This earnings release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Net Retransmission Revenue.” We present these measures, in addition to results prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), because management believes they are useful in evaluating the performance of the business. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss), adjusted for income tax expense (benefit), interest expense, gain or loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock-based compensation costs, non-cash 401(k) expense, depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, impairment of investments, loss (gain) on asset disposals and certain other miscellaneous items. Net Retransmission Revenue is calculated as retransmission consent revenue less broadcasting network affiliation fees. See “Selected Operating Data” above for a reconciliation of Net Retransmission Revenue to the most comparable GAAP metric. We consider Adjusted EBITDA and Net Retransmission Revenue to be indicators of our operating performance.

In addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, “Leverage Ratio Denominator” is a metric that management uses to calculate our compliance with certain financial covenants in our indebtedness agreements. This metric is calculated as specified in our Senior Credit Agreement and is a significant measure that represents the denominator of a formula used to calculate compliance with certain material financial covenants within the Senior Credit Agreement that govern our ability to incur indebtedness, incur liens, make investments and make restricted payments, among other limitations usual and customary for credit agreements of this type. Accordingly, management believes this metric may be useful to investors to understand how we assess compliance with our Senior Credit Agreement. Leverage Ratio Denominator gives effect to the revenue and broadcast expenses of all completed acquisitions and divestitures as if they had been acquired or divested, respectively, on July 1, 2024. It also gives effect to certain operating synergies expected from the acquisitions and related financings and adds back professional fees incurred in completing the various transactions. Certain financial information related to the acquisitions, if applicable, has been derived from, and adjusted based on, unaudited, un-reviewed financial information prepared by other entities, which Gray cannot independently verify. We cannot assure you that such financial information would not be materially different if such information were audited or reviewed and no assurances can be provided as to the completeness or accuracy of such information, or that our actual results would not differ materially from this financial information if the acquisitions had been completed on the stated date. In addition, the presentation of Leverage Ratio Denominator as determined in the Senior Credit Agreement and the adjustments to such information, including expected synergies, if applicable, resulting from such transactions, may not comply with GAAP or the requirements for pro forma financial information under Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, and should not be relied upon as indicative of future results. Leverage Ratio Denominator, as determined in the Senior Credit Agreement, represents an average amount for the preceding eight quarters then ended.

Our “Specified Transaction Costs and Expenses” are defined in our Senior Credit Agreement and include incremental expenses incurred specific to acquisitions and divestitures, including but not limited to legal and professional fees, severance and incentive compensation, and contract termination fees. We present certain line items from our selected operating data, net of Transaction Related Expenses, to enhance the comparability of our operating expenses and results of operations across periods.

Our “Consolidated First Lien Net Debt”, “Consolidated Secured Net Debt” and “Consolidated Total Net Debt” in each case presented net of all cash, represents the amount of outstanding principal of our long-term debt, plus certain other obligations as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement for the applicable amount of indebtedness.

These non-GAAP measures are not defined by GAAP, and our definitions may differ from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies, thereby limiting their usefulness. Such measures are used by management in addition to, and in conjunction with, results presented in accordance with GAAP and should be considered as supplements to, and not as substitutes for, net income and cash flows reported in accordance with GAAP.

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited):  
                 
  Three-Months Ended   Six-Months Ended  
  June 30,   June 30,  
    2026     2025       2026       2025    
  (in millions)  
Net income (loss) $ 14   $ (56 )     (6 )     (65 )  
Adjustments to reconcile from net income (loss)        
to Adjusted EBITDA:            
Depreciation   34     32       67       66    
Amortization of intangible assets   21     28       53       57    
Non-cash stock-based compensation   3     5       11       12    
Impairment of intangible assets   -     28       -       28    
Loss (gain) on disposal of long-lived assets, net   20     (6)       20       (8 )  
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net   -     -       (8 )     (1 )  
Interest expense   117     117       234       235    
(Gain) from early extinguishment of debt   -     -       -       (1 )  
Income tax expense (benefit)   5     21       (3 )     6    
Adjusted EBITDA $ 214   $ 169     $ 368     $ 329    
                 
Supplemental Information:            
Amortization of deferred loan costs $ 3   $ 4     $ 7     $ 8    
Preferred stock dividends $ 13   $ 13     $ 26     $ 26    
Common stock dividends $ 9   $ 8     $ 17     $ 16    
Purchases of property and equipment $ 17   $ 25     $ 36     $ 40    
Income taxes paid, net of refunds $ 47   $ 39     $ 42     $ 39    
                 


Calculation of Leverage Ratio Denominator, Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio and Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio and Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as each is defined in our Senior Credit Agreement (Unaudited):
     
    Eight Quarters
    Ended
    June 30, 2026
    (dollars in millions)
     
Net income 175  
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to Leverage Ratio
Denominator as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement:
Depreciation 272  
Amortization of intangible assets 219  
Non-cash stock-based compensation 43  
Loss on disposal of assets, net 21  
Interest expense 961  
Gain on early extinguishment of debt (31 )
Income tax expense 48  
Impairment of investments, goodwill and other intangible assets 74  
     
Amortization of program broadcast rights 55  
     
Payments for program broadcast rights (55 )
Pension expense 2  
Adjustments for unrestricted subsidiaries 40  
Adjustments for stations acquired or divested, financings and expected
synergies during the eight quarter period 144  
Specified Transaction Costs and Expenses 18  
Other   1  
Total eight quarters ended June 30, 2026 1,987  
Leverage Ratio Denominator
(total eight quarters ended June 30, 2026, divided by 2) 994  
     
    June 30, 2026
    (dollars in millions)
     
Total outstanding principal secured by a first lien 2,709  
Cash   (176 )
Consolidated First Lien Net Debt 2,533  
Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio
(maximum permitted incurrence is 3.50 to 1.00) (1) 2.55  
     
Total outstanding principal secured by a lien 3,859  
Letter of credit outstanding 5  
Cash   (176 )
Consolidated Secured Net Debt 3,688  
Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio
(maximum permitted incurrence is 5.50 to 1.00) (2) 3.71  
     
Total outstanding principal, including current portion 5,867  
Letters of credit outstanding 5  
Cash   (176 )
Consolidated Total Net Debt 5,696  
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio
(maximum permitted incurrence is 7.00 to 1.00) 5.73  
     
(1) At any time any amounts are outstanding under our revolving credit facility, our maximum Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio cannot exceed 4.25 to 1.00.      
(2) For our 2032 2L Notes the maximum permitted Second Lien incurrence is 4.5 to 1.00.      



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