Gray Reports Solid 2021 Performance and is Poised for a Strong 2022


ATLANTA, Feb. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray,” “we,” “us” or “our”) (NYSE: GTN) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2021. While the quarter did not include political advertising revenue at the robust levels experienced in the fourth quarter of 2020, our total revenues of $721 million were strong for an off-year of the two-year political advertising cycle, and higher than our anticipated results due to continued improvement in economic conditions and our acquisition of the Local Media Group of Meredith Corporation on December 1, 2021, and Quincy Media on August 2, 2021. Most notably, in the fourth quarter 2021 our combined local and national broadcast advertising revenue, excluding political advertising revenue (“Total Core Revenue”) increased by 26%, and our retransmission consent revenue increased by 35%. Our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $2.4 billion, the highest we have ever reported.

Due to the significant effect that material transactions have had on our results of our operations, we present the financial information herein consistent with both U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP” or “As Reported Basis”) and on a Combined Historical Basis (“CHB”), which incorporates certain historical results of acquired businesses, less the historical results of divested businesses. We also furnish certain other detailed non-GAAP metrics to provide more meaningful period-over-period comparisons to assist the public in its analysis and valuation of the Company. This additional information includes a summary of incremental expenses that were specific to our acquisitions, divestitures, and related financing activities (“Transaction Related Expenses”), non-cash stock-based compensation expenses and certain non-GAAP terms common in our industry. Please refer to the detailed discussion of the foregoing terms and concepts included elsewhere herein.

Summary of Operating Results

As Reported Basis (the respective 2021 periods reflect the “off-year” of the two year political advertising cycle):

For the fourth quarter of 2021:

  • Total revenue was $721 million, a decrease of 9% from the fourth quarter of 2020, primarily due to the cyclical decline in political advertising revenue.
  • Net income attributable to common stockholders was $16 million, or $0.17 per fully diluted share, a decrease of 92% from the fourth quarter of 2020. Excluding Transaction Related Expenses and non-cash stock compensation totaling $59 million, our net income attributable to common stockholders would have been $60 million.
  • Broadcast Cash Flow was $258 million, a decrease of 39% from the fourth quarter of 2020.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $224 million, a decrease of 45% from the fourth quarter of 2020.

For the full year 2021:

  • Revenue was $2.4 billion, an increase of 1% from 2020, marking our highest ever annual revenue.
  • Net income attributable to common stockholders was $38 million, a decrease of 89% from 2020. Excluding Transaction Related Expenses and non-cash stock compensation totaling $95 million, our net income attributable to common stockholders would have been $109 million.
  • Broadcast Cash Flow was $813 million, a decrease of 19% from 2020.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $739 million, a decrease of 21% from 2020.

Combined Historical Basis (the respective 2021 periods reflect the “off-year” of the two year political advertising cycle):

For the fourth quarter of 2021:

  • Revenue was $857 million, a decrease of 24% from the fourth quarter of 2020. Total Core Revenue increased by 11% from the fourth quarter of 2020.
  • Broadcast Cash Flow was $311 million, a decrease of 50% from the fourth quarter of 2020.

For the full year 2021:

  • Revenue was $3.2 billion, a decrease of 6% from 2020. Total Core Revenue increased by 18% from 2020.
  • Broadcast Cash Flow was $1.1 billion, a decrease of 24% from 2020.

Other Key Metrics

  • As of December 31, 2021, our Total Leverage Ratio, Net of all Cash, was 5.47 times on a trailing eight-quarter basis, netting our total cash balance of $189 million and giving effect to all Transaction Related Expenses.
  • During the fourth quarter of 2021, we repurchased 1,501,088 shares of our common stock at an average price of $19.98 per share, including commissions, for a total cost of approximately $30 million. We have not repurchased any shares since the close of the fourth quarter. Currently, we have 87,742,758 common shares and 7,560,937 Class A common shares outstanding and $174 million remaining under our share repurchase authorization.
  • Throughout 2021 and 2020, we incurred Transaction Related Expenses on an As Reported Basis that included but were not limited to legal and professional fees, severance and incentive compensation and contract termination fees. In addition, we recorded certain non-cash stock-based compensation expenses. These expenses are summarized as follows (in millions):
 Three Months Ended Year Ended
 December 31, December 31,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
Transaction Related Expenses:       
Broadcasting$          3 $ - $           3 $-
Corporate and administrative52 1 71 1
Miscellaneous expense- - 7 -
Total Transaction Related Expenses$           55 $          1 $         81 $            1
        
Total non-cash stock-based compensation$             4 $          4 $         14 $          16

Taxes

  • During 2021 and 2020, we made aggregate federal and state income tax payments (net of refunds) of $149 million and $70 million, respectively. During 2022, we anticipate making income tax payments (net of refunds) within a range of $170 million to $190 million.
  • As of December 31, 2021, we have $10 million of federal operating loss carryforwards, which we expect to utilize in 2022. In addition, we have an aggregate of $424 million of various state operating loss carryforwards, of which we expect that approximately half will be utilized.

Guidance for the Three-Months Ending March 31, 2022

Based on our current forecasts for the quarter ending March 31, 2022, we anticipate the following key financial results, as outlined below in approximate ranges. We present revenue net of agency commissions. We present operating expenses net of depreciation, amortization and gain/loss on disposal of assets.

  • Revenue:
    • Local revenue of $270 to $275 million, and national revenue of $81 to $86 million.
      • Total Core Revenue of $351 to $361 million, which reflects an increase by 0% to 3% on a Combined Historical Basis.
    • Retransmission revenue of $380 to $385 million.
    • Political revenue of $20 to $25 million.
    • Production company revenue of $20 to $22 million.
    • Total revenue of $789 to $812 million.

  • Operating Expenses:

    • Broadcasting expenses of $535 to $545 million, including retransmission expense of approximately $225 million and transaction related expenses of approximately $3 million and non-cash stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1 million.
    • Production company expenses of approximately $25 million.
    • Corporate expenses of $29 to $33 million, including transaction related expenses of approximately $1 million and non-cash stock-based compensation expense of approximately $4 million.


Selected Operating Data on As Reported Basis (Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended December 31,
 2021 2020 % Change
2021 to
2020
 2019 % Change
2021 to
2019
 (dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):         
Broadcasting$692 $763 (9)% $554 25%
Production companies 29  29 0%  25 16%
Total revenue$721 $792 (9)% $579 25%
          
Political advertising revenue$20 $245 (92)% $38 (47)%
          
Operating expenses (1):         
Broadcasting$449 $355 26% $339 32%
Production companies$23 $20 15% $17 35%
Corporate and administrative$84 $18 367% $21 300%
          
Net income$29 $224 (87)% $94 (69)%
          
Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):         
Broadcast Cash Flow$258 $424 (39)% $229 13%
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses$177 $409 (57)% $212 (17)%
Free Cash Flow$59 $300 (80)% $108 (45)%
          
          
 Year Ended December 31,
 2021 2020 % Change
2021 to
2020
 2019 % Change
2021 to
2019
 (dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):         
Broadcasting$2,340 $2,320 1% $2,035 15%
Production companies 73  61 20%  87 (16)%
Total revenue$2,413 $2,381 1% $2,122 14%
          
Political advertising revenue$44 $430 (90)% $68 (35)%
          
Operating expenses (1):         
Broadcasting$1,548 $1,340 16% $1,325 17%
Production companies$62 $52 19% $74 (16)%
Corporate and administrative$159 $65 145% $104 53%
          
Net income$90 $410 (78)% $179 (50)%
          
Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):         
Broadcast Cash Flow$813 $999 (19)% $729 12%
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses$666 $945 (30)% $636 5%
Free Cash Flow$238 $559 (57)% $273 (13)%

(1)   Excludes depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets, net.
(2)   See definition of non-GAAP terms and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP amounts to net income included herein.


Selected Operating Data for the Fourth Quarter of 2021 on As Reported Basis
(Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended December 31,
   2021   2020  Amount Percent
    Percent   Percent Increase Increase
  Amount  of Total Amount  of Total  (Decrease) (Decrease)
  (dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):            
Local (including internet/digital/mobile) $277 38% $222 28% $55  25%
National  82 11%  62 8%  20  32%
Political  20 3%  245 31%  (225) (92)%
Retransmission consent  294 41%  217 27%  77  35%
Production companies  29 4%  29 4%  -  0%
Other  19 3%  17 2%  2  12%
Total $721 100% $792 100% $(71) (9)%
             
Total local and national revenue            
combined ("Total Core Revenue") $359 50% $284 36% $75  26%


Operating Expenses (before                
depreciation, amortization and                
gain on disposal of assets, net):                
Broadcasting:                
Station expenses $274 61% $230 65% $44  19%
Retransmission expense 171 38% 125 35% 46  37%
Transaction Related Expenses 3 1% - 0% 3    
Non-cash stock-based compensation 1 0% - 0% 1    
Total broadcasting expense $449 100% $355 100% $94  26%
                 
Production companies expense $23    $20    $3  15%
                 
Corporate and administrative:                
Corporate expenses $29 35% $13 72% $16  123%
Transaction Related Expenses 52 61% 1 6% 51  5100%
Non-cash stock-based compensation 3 4% 4 22%  (1) (25)%
Total corporate and                
administrative expense $84 100% $18 100% $66  367%


Selected Operating Data for the Full Year 2021 on As Reported Basis
(Unaudited) 

  Year Ended December 31,
   2021   2020  Amount Percent
    Percent   Percent Increase Increase
  Amount  of Total Amount  of Total  (Decrease) (Decrease)
  (dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):            
Local (including internet/digital/mobile) $934 39% $771 32% $163  21%
National  256 11%  198 8%  58  29%
Political  44 2%  430 18%  (386) (90)%
Retransmission consent  1,049 43%  867 36%  182  21%
Production companies  73 3%  61 3%  12  20%
Other  57 2%  54 3%  3  6%
Total $2,413 100% $2,381 100% $32  1%
             
Total Core Revenue $1,190 50% $969 40% $221  23%

 


Operating Expenses (before                
depreciation, amortization and                
gain on disposal of assets, net):                
Broadcasting:                
Station expenses $928 60% $839 63% $89  11%
Retransmission expense 615 40% 496 37% 119  24%
Transaction Related Expenses 3 0% - 0% 3    
Non-cash stock-based compensation 2 0% 5 0% (3
) (60)%
Total broadcasting expense $1,548 100% $1,340 100% $208  16%
                 
Production companies expense $62    $52    $10  19%
                 
Corporate and administrative:                
Corporate expenses $76 48% $53 81% $23  43%
Transaction Related Expenses 71 45% 1 2% 70  7000%
Non-cash stock-based compensation 12 7% 11 17% 1  9%
Total corporate and                
administrative expense $159 100% $65 100% $94  145%


Detail Table of Operating Results on As Reported Basis
(Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended Year Ended
 December 31, December 31,
        
 2021 2020 2021 2020
 (in millions, except for net income per share data)
Revenue (less agency commissions):       
Broadcasting$692 $763 $2,340 $2,320 
Production companies29 29 73 61 
Total revenue (less agency commissions)721 792 2,413 2,381 
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and gain on       
disposal of assets, net:       
Broadcasting449 355 1,548 1,340 
Production companies23 20 62 52 
Corporate and administrative84 18 159 65 
Depreciation28 27 104 96 
Amortization of intangible assets36 27 117 105 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net(4
) (6)42 (29
)
Operating expenses616 441 2,032 1,629 
Operating income105 351 381 752 
Other (expense) income:       
Miscellaneous (expense) income, net(1
)-  (8)(5
)
Interest expense(62
) (48) (205)(191
)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt-  (12)- (12
)
Income before income tax42 291 168 544 
Income tax expense13 67 78 134 
Net income29 224 90 410 
Preferred stock dividends13 13 52 52 
Net income attributable to common stockholders$16 $211 $38 $358 
        
Basic per share information:       
Net income attributable to common stockholders$0.17 $2.24 $0.40 $3.73 
Weighted-average shares outstanding95 94 95 96 
        
Diluted per share information:       
Net income attributable to common stockholders$0.17 $2.22 $0.40 $3.69 
Weighted-average shares outstanding95 95 95 97 


Selected Operating Data on Combined Historical Basis (Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended December 31,
 2021 2020 % Change
2021 to
2020

 2019 % Change
2021 to
2019

 (dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):         
Broadcast$828 $1,104 (25)% $774 7%
Production companies 29  30 (3)%  25 16%
Total revenue$857 $1,134 (24)% $799 7%
          
Political advertising revenue$25 $383 (93)% $45 (44)%
          
Operating expenses (1):         
Broadcast$536 $518 3% $481 11%
Production companies$23 $21 10% $17 35%
Corporate and administrative$84 $18 367% $20 320%
          
Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):         
Broadcast Cash Flow$311 $624 (50)% $336 (7)%
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses$230 $609 (62)% $319 (28)%
Operating Cash Flow as Defined in our Senior Credit Agreement$285 $609 (53)% $320 (11)%
Free Cash Flow$139 $423 (67)% $168 (17)%
          
 Year Ended December 31,

2021 2020 % Change
2021 to
2020
 2019 % Change
2021 to
2019
 (dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):         
Broadcast$3,080 $3,291 (6)% $2,854 8%
Production companies 73  61 20%  87 (16)%
Total revenue$3,153 $3,352 (6)% $2,941 7%
          
Political advertising revenue$60 $652 (91)% $79 (24)%
          
Operating expenses (1):         
Broadcast$2,059 $1,923 7% $1,885 9%
Production companies$62 $53 17% $74 (16)%
Corporate and administrative$160 $65 146% $104 54%
          
Non-GAAP Cash Flow (2):         
Broadcast Cash Flow$1,105 $1,459 (24)% $1,121 (1)%
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses$958 $1,405 (32)% $1,028 (7)%
Operating Cash Flow as Defined in our Senior Credit Agreement$1,029 $1,403 (27)% $1,060 (3)%
Free Cash Flow$443 $809 (45)% $533 (17)%

(1)   Excludes depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets, net.
(2)   See definition of non-GAAP terms and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP amounts to net income included herein.


Selected Operating Data for the Fourth Quarter of 2021 on Combined Historical Basis
(Unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended December 31,
   2021   2020  Amount Percent
    Percent   Percent Increase Increase
  Amount  of Total Amount  of Total  (Decrease) (Decrease)
  (dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):            
Local (including internet/digital/mobile) $317 37% $287 25% $30  10%
National  105 12%  92 8%  13  14%
Political  25 3%  383 34%  (358) (93)%
Retransmission consent  358 42%  319 28%  39  12%
Production companies  29 3%  30 3%  (1) (3)%
Other  23 3%  23 2%  -  0%
Total $857 100% $1,134 100% $(277) (24)%
             
             
Total Core Revenue $422 49% $379 33% $43  11%
                    
                    
Operating Expenses (before            
depreciation, amortization and            
gain on disposal of assets, net):            
Broadcasting:            
Station expenses $321 60% $331 64% $(10) (3)%
Retransmission expense  211 39%  186 36%  25  13%
Transaction Related Expenses  3 1%  - 0%  3   
Non-cash stock-based compensation  1 0%  1 0%  -   
Total broadcasting expense $536 100% $518 100% $18  3%
             
Production companies expense $23   $21   $2  10%
             
Corporate and administrative:            
Corporate expenses $29 35% $13 72% $16  123%
Transaction Related Expenses  52 61%  1 6%  51  5100%
Non-cash stock-based compensation  3 4%  4 22%  (1) (25)%
Total corporate and            
administrative expense $84 100% $18 100% $66  367%

 

Selected Operating Data for the Full Year 2021 on Combined Historical Basis
(Unaudited) 

  Year Ended December 31,
   2021   2020  Amount Percent
    Percent   Percent Increase Increase
  Amount  of Total Amount  of Total  (Decrease) (Decrease)
  (dollars in millions)
Revenue (less agency commissions):            
Local (including internet/digital/mobile) $1,158 37% $1,000 30% $158  16%
National  357 11%  289 9%  68  24%
Political  60 2%  652 19%  (592) (91)%
Retransmission consent  1,429 45%  1,276 38%  153  12%
Production companies  73 2%  61 2%  12  20%
Other  76 3%  74 2%  2  3%
Total $3,153 100% $3,352 100% $(199) (6)%
             
             
Total Core Revenue $1,515 48% $1,289 38% $226  18%

 

Operating Expenses (before                
depreciation, amortization and                
gain on disposal of assets, net):                
Broadcasting:                
Station expenses $1,210 59% $1,184 62% $26  2%
Retransmission expense 842 41% 732 38% 110  15%
Transaction Related Expenses 3 0% - 0% 3    
Non-cash stock-based compensation 4 0% 7 0% (3
) (43)%
Total broadcasting expense $2,059 100% $1,923 100% $136  7%
                 
Production companies expense $62    $53    $9  17%
                 
Corporate and administrative:                
Corporate expenses $77 48% $53 81% $24  45%
Transaction Related Expenses 71 44% 1 2% 70  7000%
Non-cash stock-based compensation 12 8% 11 17% 1  9%
Total corporate and                
administrative expense $160 100% $65 100% $95  146%


Other Financial Data,
As Reported Basis

 As of December 31,
 2021  2020
 (in millions)
     
Cash$189  $773 
Long-term debt, including current portion, less deferred    
financing costs$6,755  $3,974 
Series A perpetual preferred stock$650  $650 
Borrowing availability under senior credit facility$497  $200 
     
 Year Ended December 31,
 2021  2020
 (in millions)
     
Net cash provided by operating activities$300  $652 
Net cash used in investing activities(3,534
) (211
)
Net cash provided by financing activities2,650  120 
Net (decrease) increase in cash$(584) $561 


Additional Information

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 in the United States. Our television stations serve 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households.  This portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. We also own video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Honey, PowerNation Studios 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 our inability to achieve expected synergies from recent transactions on a timely basis or at all, the impact of recently completed transactions, estimates of future revenue, future expenses 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.gray.tv. 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.

Conference Call Information

We will host a conference call to discuss our fourth quarter operating results on February 25, 2022. The call will begin at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The live dial-in number is 1-855-493-3489 and the confirmation code is 8667075. The call will be webcast live and available for replay at www.gray.tv. The taped replay of the conference call will be available at 1-855-859-2056, Confirmation Code is 8667075 until March 25, 2022.

Gray Contacts

Web site: www.gray.tv

Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 404-266-5513

Pat LaPlatney, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, 334-206-1400

Jim Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 404-504-9828

Kevin P. Latek, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Development Officer, 404-266-8333


Effects of Acquisitions and Divestitures on Our Results of Operations and Non-GAAP Terms

From January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021, we completed several acquisition and divestiture transactions. As more fully described in our Form 10-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today and in our prior disclosures, these transactions materially affected our operations. We refer to the 2021 Acquisitions collectively with all other television stations acquired or divested on or subsequent to January 1, 2019 as the “Acquisitions”.

Due to the significant effect that the Acquisitions have had on our results of operations, and in order to provide more meaningful period over period comparisons, we present herein certain financial information on a Combined Historical Basis (or “CHB”). Combined Historical Basis financial information does not include any adjustments for other events attributable to the Acquisitions unless otherwise described. Certain of the Combined Historical Basis financial information has been derived from, and adjusted based on unaudited, unreviewed 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 accuracy of such information, or that our actual results would not differ materially from the Combined Historical Basis financial information if the Acquisitions had been completed at the stated date. In addition, the presentation of Combined Historical Basis may not comply with United Stated Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) or the requirements for proforma financial information under Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.

From time to time, we supplement our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP by disclosing the non-GAAP financial measures Broadcast Cash Flow, Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses, Operating Cash Flow as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted EBITDA and Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash. These non-GAAP amounts are used by us to approximate amounts used to calculate key financial performance covenants contained in our debt agreements and are used with our GAAP data to evaluate our results and liquidity.

We define Broadcast Cash Flow as net income or loss plus loss on early extinguishment of debt, non-cash corporate and administrative expenses, non-cash stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization (including amortization of intangible assets and program broadcast rights), any loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous expense, interest expense, any income tax expense, non-cash 401(k) expense, Broadcast Transactions Related Expenses and broadcast other adjustments less any gain on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income, any income tax benefits and payments for program broadcast rights.

We define Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses as net income or loss plus loss on early extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization (including amortization of intangible assets and program broadcast rights), any loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous expense, interest expense, any income tax expense, non-cash 401(k) expense, Transaction Related Expenses and other adjustments less any gain on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income, any income tax benefits and payments for program broadcast rights.

We define Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement as net income or loss plus loss on early extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization (including amortization of intangible assets and program broadcast rights), any loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous expense, interest expense, any income tax expense, non-cash 401(k) expense, Transaction Related Expenses, other adjustments, certain pension expenses, synergies and other adjustments less any gain on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income, any income tax benefits, payments for program broadcast rights, pension income and contributions to pension plans.

Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement gives effect to the revenue and broadcast expenses of all completed acquisitions and divestitures as if they had been acquired or divested, respectively, on January 1, 2019. It also gives effect to certain operating synergies expected from the acquisitions and related financings and adds back professional fees incurred in completing the acquisitions. Certain of the financial information related to the acquisitions 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 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 Operating Cash Flow as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement and the adjustments to such information, including expected synergies 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.

We define Free Cash Flow as net income or loss, plus loss on early extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization (including amortization of intangible assets and program broadcast rights), any loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous expense, any income tax expense, non-cash 401(k) expense, Transactions Related Expenses, broadcast other adjustments, certain pension expenses, synergies, other adjustments and amortization of deferred financing costs less any gain on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income, any income tax benefits, payments for program broadcast rights, pension income, contributions to pension plans, preferred dividends, purchase of property and equipment (net of reimbursements and certain defined purchases) and income taxes paid (net of any refunds received and certain defined payments).

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss, plus loss on early extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization of intangible assets, any loss on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous expense, interest expense, any income tax expense, non-cash 401(k) expense, Transaction Related Expenses less any gain on disposal of assets, any miscellaneous income and any income tax benefits.

Our Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash is determined by dividing our Adjusted Total Indebtedness, Net of All Cash, by our Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement, divided by two. Our Adjusted Total Indebtedness, Net of All Cash, represents the total outstanding principal of our long-term debt, plus certain other obligations as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement, less all cash (excluding restricted cash). Our Operating Cash Flow, as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement, divided by two, represents our average annual Operating Cash Flow as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement for the preceding eight quarters.

We define Transaction Related Expenses as 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, in order to present a more meaningful comparison between periods of our operating expenses and our results of operations.

These non-GAAP terms are not defined in 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 terms 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 Non-GAAP Terms on As Reported Basis, in millions:

 Three Months Ended
 December 31,
 2021 2020 2019
      
Net income$29 $224 $94 
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to     
Free Cash Flow:     
Depreciation28 27 20 
Amortization of intangible assets36 27 29 
Non-cash stock-based compensation4 4 6 
Non-cash 401(k) expense, excluding corporate portion7 6 5 
Gain on disposal of assets, net(4
)(6
)(27
)
Miscellaneous expense, net1 - - 
Interest expense62 48 54 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt- 12 - 
Income tax expense13 67 32 
Amortization of program broadcast rights12 10 9 
Payments for program broadcast rights(11
)(10
)(10
)
Corporate and administrative expenses before     
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and     
non-cash stock-based compensation81 15 17 
Broadcast Cash Flow               258           424           229
 
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding     
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and     
non-cash stock-based compensation(81
)(15
)(17
)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses               177           409           212
 
Interest expense(62
)(48
)(54
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs2 2 2 
Preferred stock dividends(13
)(13
)(13
)
Common stock dividends(8
)- - 
Purchase of property and equipment (1)(35
)(40
)(37
)
Reimbursements of property and equipment purchases1 10 9 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (2)(3
)(20
)(11
)
Free Cash Flow$               59 $        300 $        108 

(1)   Excludes approximately $18 million related to the Assembly Atlanta project in the fourth quarter of 2021.
(2)   Excludes approximately $17 million of income tax payments related to the Meredith Divestiture and the Quincy Divestiture in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Terms on As Reported Basis, in millions:

 Year Ended
 December 31,
 2021 2020 2019
      
Net income$90 $410 $179 
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to     
Free Cash Flow:     
Depreciation104 96 80 
Amortization of intangible assets117 105 115 
Non-cash stock-based compensation14 16 16 
Non-cash 401(k) expense, excluding corporate portion8 6 5 
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net42 (29
)(54
)
Miscellaneous expense (income), net8 5 (4
)
Interest expense205 191 227 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt- 12 - 
Income tax expense78 134 76 
Amortization of program broadcast rights38 38 39 
Payments for program broadcast rights(38
)(39
)(43
)
Corporate and administrative expenses before     
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and     
non-cash stock-based compensation147 54 93 
Broadcast Cash Flow              813              999           729
 
Corporate and administrative expenses before     
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and     
non-cash stock-based compensation(147
)(54
)(93
)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses              666              945           636
 
Contributions to pension plans(4
)(3
)(3
)
Interest expense(205
)(191
)(227
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs11 11 11 
Preferred stock dividends(52
)(52
)(52
)
Common stock dividends(31
)- - 
Purchase of property and equipment (1)(98
)(110
)(110
)
Reimbursements of property and equipment purchases11 29 41 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (2)(60
)(70
)(23
)
Free Cash Flow$            238 $           559 $        273 

(1)   Excludes approximately $109 million related to the Assembly Atlanta project in 2021.
(2)   Excludes approximately $89 million of income tax payments related to the Meredith Divestiture and the Quincy Divestiture in 2021.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Terms on a Combined Historical Basis, in millions:


 Three Months Ended
 December 31,
  2021  2020 2019
  
Net income$57 $364 $110 
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to     
Free Cash Flow:     
Depreciation32 34 28 
Amortization of intangible assets37 29 33 
Non-cash stock based compensation4 5 6 
Non-cash 401(k) expense, excluding corporate portion7 6 5 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net(2
)(5
)2 
Miscellaneous expense, net1 1 - 
Interest expense78 78 78 
Loss from early extinguishment of debt- 12 - 
Income tax expense9 66 30 
Amortization of program broadcast rights14 15 14 
Payments for program broadcast rights(14
)(14
)(15
)
Corporate and administrative expenses before     
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and     
non-cash stock-based compensation81 15 17 
Broadcast Transaction Related Expenses3 - 7 
Broadcast other adjustments4 18 21 
Broadcast Cash Flow                  311                   624                   336
 
Corporate and administrative expenses before     
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and     
non-cash stock-based compensation(81
)(15
)(17
)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses                  230                   609                   319
 
Adjustments for unrestricted subsidiaries3 - - 
Corporate Transaction Related Expenses52 - 1 
Operating Cash Flow as Defined in Senior Credit Facility                  285                   609                   320
 
Interest expense(78
)(78
)(78
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs3 3 3 
Preferred dividends(13
)(13
)(13
)
Common stock dividends(8
)- - 
Purchase of property and equipment (1)(37
)(46
)(51
)
Reimbursement of purchases of property and equipment1 11 12 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (2)(14
)(63
)(25
)
Free Cash Flow$                139 $                423 $                168 

(1)   Excludes approximately $18 million related to the Assembly Atlanta project in the fourth quarter of 2021.
(2)   Excludes approximately $17 million of income tax payments related to the Meredith Divestiture and the Quincy Divestiture in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Terms on a Combined Historical Basis, in millions:

 Year Ended
 December 31,
  2021  2020 2019
  
Net income$265 $635 $310 
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to     
Free Cash Flow:     
Depreciation128 128 111 
Amortization of intangible assets123 114 127 
Non-cash stock-based compensation16 18 17 
Non-cash 401(k) expense, excluding corporate portion8 6 5 
Gain on disposal of assets, net(10
)(32
)(41
)
Miscellaneous expense (income), net8 27 (5
)
Interest expense311 311 311 
Loss from early extinguishment of debt- 12 - 
Income tax expense46 117 65 
Amortization of program broadcast rights55 58 60 
Payments for program broadcast rights(56
)(59
)(64
)
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding     
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and     
non-cash stock-based compensation147 54 93 
Broadcast Transaction Related Expenses3 - 45 
Broadcast other adjustments61 70 87 
Broadcast Cash Flow               1,105                1,459                1,121
 
Corporate and administrative expenses excluding     
depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and     
non-cash stock-based compensation(147
)(54
)(93
)
Broadcast Cash Flow Less Cash Corporate Expenses                  958                1,405                1,028
 
Contributions to pension plans(4
)(3
)(3
)
Adjustments for unrestricted subsidiaries4 - - 
Corporate Transaction Related Expenses71 1 35 
Operating Cash Flow as Defined in Senior Credit Facility               1,029                1,403                1,060
 
Interest expense(311
)(311
)(311
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs12 12 12 
Preferred dividends(52
)(52
)(52
)
Common stock dividends(31
)- - 
Purchase of property and equipment (1)(107
)(127
)(154
)
Reimbursement of purchases of property and equipment13 36 55 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (2)(110
)(152
)(77
)
Free Cash Flow$                443 $                809 $                533 

(1)   Excludes approximately $109 million related to the Assembly Atlanta project in 2021.
(2)   Excludes approximately $89 million of income tax payments related to the Meredith Divestiture and the Quincy Divestiture in 2021.

Reconciliation of Net Income on As Reported Basis to Adjusted EBITDA and the Effect of Transaction Related Expenses and Certain Non-cash Expenses, in millions except for per share information:

 Three Months Ended Year Ended
 December 31, December 31,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
        
Net income$29 $224 $90 $410 
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to       
Adjusted EBITDA:       
Depreciation28 27 104 96 
Amortization of intangible assets36 27 117 105 
Non-cash stock-based compensation4 4 14 16 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net(4
)(6
)42 (29
)
Miscellaneous expense, net1 - 8 5 
Interest expense62 48 205 191 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt- 12 - 12 
Income tax expense13 67 78 134 
Total169 403 658 940 
Add: Transaction Related Expenses55 1 81 1 
Adjusted EBITDA$          224 $       404 $        739 $         941 
        
Net income attributable to common stockholders$16 $211 $38 $358 
Add: Transaction Related Expenses and non-cash       
stock-based compensation59 5 95 17 
Less: Income tax expense related to Transaction Related       
Expenses and non-cash stock-based compensation(15
)(1
)(24
)(4
)
Net income attributable to common stockholders - excluding Transaction Related Expenses and non-cash stock-based compensation$60 $215 $109 $371 
        
Net income attributable to common stockholders per common share, diluted - excluding Transaction Related Expenses and non-cash stock-based compensation$0.63 $2.26 $1.15 $3.82 
        
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding95 95 95 97 


Reconciliation of Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash, in millions except for ratio:

  Eight Quarters Ended
  December 31, 2021
   
Net income $500
Adjustments to reconcile from net income to operating cash flow as  
defined in our Senior Credit Agreement:  
Depreciation 200
Amortization of intangible assets 222
Non-cash stock-based compensation 30
Non-cash 401(k) expense, excluding corporate portion 15
Loss on disposal of assets, net 13
Interest expense 396
Loss on early extinguishment of debt 12
Income tax expense 212
Amortization of program broadcast rights 75
Payments for program broadcast rights (77)
Pension gain (3)
Contributions to pension plan (7)
Adjustments for unrestricted subsidiaries 3
Adjustments for stations acquired or divested, financings and expected  
synergies during the eight quarter period 759
Transaction Related Expenses 82
Operating Cash Flow, as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement $                           2,432
Operating Cash Flow, as defined in our Senior Credit Agreement,  
 divided by two $                           1,216
   
  December 31, 2021
Adjusted Total Indebtedness:  
Total outstanding principal, including current portion $6,835
Letters of Credit Outstanding 3
Cash (189)
Adjusted Total Indebtedness, Net of All Cash $                           6,649
   
Total Leverage Ratio, Net of All Cash 5.47