CBS Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2008 Results

NEW YORK, July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) today reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008.

"The media business is changing and CBS Corporation is changing along with it, to enable us to expand the reach of our world-class content to fast- growing areas such as the interactive marketplace," said Sumner Redstone, Executive Chairman, CBS Corporation. "I am very confident that Leslie and his team are effectively operating our Company to prevail in the current market environment, while positioning CBS to thrive over the long term."

"We've taken key steps to position our asset portfolio for superior long- term growth," said Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation. "During the quarter, we completed our acquisition of CNET Networks, which we believe will add at least two percentage points to our revenue and profit growth rates going forward, in addition to being accretive to earnings and free cash flow in 2008. We also closed on our acquisition of IOA, the largest outdoor business in the vibrant South American market. Both of these growing businesses exemplify our strategy to increase our presence in the areas of highest potential. At the same time, we have taken this opportunity to change our portfolio by initiating a plan to divest 50 mid-size market radio stations. By selling selected stations in these markets we can focus on the larger market stations, many of which are showing growth."

Moonves continued: "In a more difficult economic environment, with our local businesses affected by an advertising slowdown, we have taken aggressive cost reduction actions to manage expenses. Since the beginning of the year, well before the current softness in the marketplace, we have been working to rationalize the cost structure in our Television, Radio and Outdoor businesses. When the marketplace comes back, we will be well prepared to capitalize on that upturn."

"Finally, I'm pleased that we have maintained our ability to grow revenues and generate strong free cash flow of more than $1.4 billion in the first half of 2008, up 6% over the first half of 2007," Moonves added. "Free cash flow is an extremely important way that we measure our success. It has enabled us to raise our dividend again during the quarter - the sixth time since the start of 2006. This is our way of demonstrating confidence in our ability to keep generating healthy free cash flow, and our commitment to returning value to shareholders."

Second Quarter 2008 Results

Revenues of $3.39 billion for the second quarter of 2008 increased 1% from the same quarter in 2007, due to strong growth in syndication revenues, as a result of the new international self-distribution arrangement for the CSI franchise and higher international syndication sales, as well as revenue growth at Outdoor, partially offset by lower local advertising sales at television and radio stations.

Operating income before depreciation and amortization ("OIBDA") of $760.4 million and operating income of $637.0 million for the second quarter of 2008 decreased 12% and 15%, respectively, from the same prior-year period. On an adjusted basis, OIBDA for the second quarter of 2008 decreased 10% to $802.1 million and operating income decreased 13% to $678.7 million principally reflecting lower advertising sales partially offset by higher profits from syndication sales. Adjusted results exclude stock-based compensation expense and restructuring charges. Stock-based compensation expense for the second quarter of 2008 was $39.1 million versus $30.5 million for the same quarter last year.

Net earnings increased 1% to $408.4 million for the second quarter of 2008 from $404.0 million for the same quarter last year, and diluted earnings per share increased 11% to $.61 in 2008 from $.55, due to the gain on the sale of the Company's investment in Sundance Channel and lower shares outstanding resulting from 2007 share repurchases. On an adjusted basis, net earnings for the second quarter of 2008 were $355.3 million, or $.53 per diluted share, versus $419.4 million, or $.57 per diluted share, for the same prior-year period. Adjusted results exclude stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges and dispositions.

Free cash flow for the second quarter of 2008 was $464.2 million, down from $570.5 million for the same prior-year period, due to higher working capital and capital spending.

On June 30, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of CNET Networks, Inc. ("CNET") for $1.8 billion in cash. The Company is combining its existing interactive businesses, which are currently reported in the Television segment, with those of CNET, to create an expanded CBS Interactive business unit. Beginning in the third quarter of 2008, the Company will report a separate Interactive segment and prior period results will be reclassified to conform to the new presentation.

The Company today also announced its intention to divest approximately 50 of its radio stations in several mid-size markets. Management intends to use the value received from the divestiture to reduce its shares outstanding.

First Half 2008 Results

Revenues of $7.05 billion for the first half of 2008 increased $15.1 million from the same prior-year period. Results were positively affected by higher syndication revenues as a result of the new international self- distribution arrangement for the CSI franchise and higher domestic and international syndication sales, higher affiliate revenues, and revenue growth at Outdoor, partially offset by the absence of the 2007 telecast of Super Bowl XLI on CBS Network and lower local advertising sales at television and radio stations.

OIBDA of $1.40 billion and operating income of $1.16 billion for the first half of 2008 decreased 6% and 9%, respectively, from the same prior-year period. On an adjusted basis, OIBDA for the first half of 2008 decreased 2% to $1.52 billion from $1.55 billion for the same prior-year period and operating income decreased 3% to $1.28 billion from $1.32 billion, driven by lower advertising sales partially offset by higher profits from syndication sales. Adjusted results exclude stock-based compensation expense and $47.5 million of restructuring charges incurred during the first half of 2008. Stock-based compensation expense was $72.2 million for the first six months of 2008 versus $51.5 million for the same prior-year period.

Net earnings for the first half of 2008 increased 6% to $652.7 million from $617.5 million for the same prior-year period, and diluted earnings per share increased 17% to $.97 from $.83, primarily reflecting the gain on the sale of the Company's investment in Sundance Channel and lower shares outstanding resulting from 2007 share repurchases. On an adjusted basis, net earnings of $646.7 million for the first half of 2008 decreased from $685.7 million for the same prior-year period. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, however, increased 4% to $.96 from $.92 for the prior-year period due to the impact of 2007 share repurchases. Adjusted results exclude stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges and dispositions.

Free cash flow of $1.40 billion for the first half of 2008 increased 6% from $1.32 billion for the same prior-year period, primarily due to lower cash taxes.

Business Outlook

The Company expects OIBDA growth to be in the low single digits for 2008 and operating income to be comparable to the prior year, from growth of between 3% and 5%, due to recent softness in the U.S. economy and its effects on the Company's local businesses. The Company's 2008 business outlook excludes the effects of the acquisition of CNET, which the Company expects will add to OIBDA growth in 2008. The outlook also excludes stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges and the impact of acquisitions and divestitures.

Consolidated and Segment Results

The tables below present the Company's revenues, OIBDA and operating income by segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (dollars in millions). Reconciliations of all non-GAAP measures to reported results have been included at the end of this earnings release.

Television (CBS Television Network, CBS Television Stations, CBS Paramount Network Television, CBS Television Distribution, Showtime Networks and CBS College Sports Network)

Television revenues for the second quarter of 2008 increased 2% to $2.20 billion from $2.16 billion for the same prior-year period. Television license fees rose 35%, driven by higher syndication sales as a result of both the new international self-distribution arrangement for the CSI franchise and higher international syndication sales. Affiliate revenues increased 5% due to rate increases and subscriber growth at Showtime Networks and CBS College Sports Network. Television advertising revenues declined 6% due to softness in the local television station advertising market and lower primetime ratings, partially offset by the timing of the Semifinals of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, which aired in the second quarter of 2008 versus the first quarter of 2007.

Television OIBDA decreased 10% to $495.6 million and operating income decreased 12% to $446.8 million for the second quarter of 2008 primarily due to lower advertising sales partially offset by higher profits from syndication sales, principally from the CSI franchise, and higher affiliate revenues. Television results included stock-based compensation expense of $18.4 million and $14.8 million for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Radio (CBS Radio)

Radio revenues decreased 10% to $416.4 million from $463.4 million for the same prior-year period, reflecting weakness in the radio advertising market and the impact of radio station divestitures. On a same station basis, Radio revenues declined 9% from the second quarter of 2007.

Radio OIBDA and operating income for the second quarter of 2008 decreased 15% to $158.6 million and 16% to $150.7 million, respectively, due to lower advertising sales and the absence of profits from divested stations partially offset by lower employee-related expenses and marketing and promotion costs as a result of restructuring and cost-saving initiatives. Radio results included stock-based compensation expense of $5.6 million and $5.0 million for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Outdoor (CBS Outdoor)

Outdoor revenues for the second quarter of 2008 increased 8% to $598.1 million from $554.2 million for the same prior-year period reflecting growth in both International and North America. International (which is composed of Europe, Asia and South America) was up 18%, led by the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, strength in the U.K. and France, and the acquisition of International Outdoor Advertising Group ("IOA"). Revenues in North America (which is composed of the United States, Canada and Mexico) were up 2%. Revenues were negatively affected by the non-renewal of two major municipal contracts in Toronto and San Francisco, which reduced North America revenue growth by 2% for the quarter. In constant dollars, Outdoor revenues increased 4% from last year's second quarter.

Outdoor OIBDA and operating income decreased 9% to $153.6 million and 20% to $92.4 million, respectively, for the second quarter of 2008 driven by declines in North America. North America OIBDA decreased 12% to $126.7 million and operating income decreased 18% to $79.7 million due to higher transit and billboard lease costs, the aforementioned non-renewal of municipal contracts and $2.6 million of restructuring costs incurred in the second quarter of 2008. International OIBDA increased 9% to $26.9 million driven by the revenue growth offset largely by higher transit costs. International operating income declined 29% to $12.7 million due to higher depreciation expense associated with recent capital expenditures. Outdoor results included stock-based compensation expense of $2.0 million and $1.2 million for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.

On April 23, 2008, the Company acquired IOA, the leading out-of-home advertising company in South America, for $111.6 million.

Publishing (Simon & Schuster)

Publishing revenues for the second quarter of 2008 declined 7% to $186.0 million from $200.3 million for the same prior-year period, as best-selling titles in the second quarter of 2008, including The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver and Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger, did not match contributions from prior year titles which included Blaze by Stephen King writing as Richard Bachman, and The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.

Publishing OIBDA and operating income decreased 15% to $17.0 million and 19% to $14.6 million, respectively, with lower revenues partially offset by lower royalty expenses. Publishing results included stock-based compensation expense of $1.2 million and $.9 million for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Corporate

Corporate expenses before depreciation expense were $41.9 million for the second quarter versus $41.6 million for the same prior-year period. Corporate expenses included stock-based compensation expense of $11.9 million and $8.6 million for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Residual Costs

Residual costs primarily include pension and postretirement benefits costs for benefit plans retained by the Company for previously divested businesses. Residual costs decreased to $22.5 million for the second quarter of 2008 from $24.2 million for the same prior-year period.

Interest Expense

Interest expense of $134.3 million for the second quarter of 2008 decreased from $145.5 million for the same prior-year period primarily due to lower interest rates.

Interest Income

Interest income of $15.2 million for the second quarter of 2008 decreased from $33.8 million for the same prior-year period reflecting lower interest rates and lower average cash balances as a result of 2007 share repurchases.

Other Items, Net

Other items, net, for the second quarter and first half of 2008 include a pre-tax gain of $127.2 million on the sale of the Company's investment in Sundance Channel.

Provision for Income Taxes

The Company's effective income tax rate for the second quarter was 36.2% for 2008 versus 36.4% for 2007.

About CBS Corporation

CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) is a mass media company with constituent parts that reach back to the beginnings of the broadcast industry, as well as newer businesses that operate on the leading edge of the media industry. The Company, through its many and varied operations, combines broad reach with well-positioned local businesses, all of which provide it with an extensive distribution network by which it serves audiences and advertisers in all 50 states and key international markets. It has operations in virtually every field of media and entertainment, including broadcast television (CBS and The CW - a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment), cable television (Showtime Networks and CBS College Sports Network), local television (CBS Television Stations), television production and syndication (CBS Paramount Network Television and CBS Television Distribution), radio (CBS Radio), advertising on out-of-home media (CBS Outdoor), publishing (Simon & Schuster), interactive media (CBS Interactive), music (CBS Records), licensing and merchandising (CBS Consumer Products), video/DVD (CBS Home Entertainment), in-store media (CBS Outernet) and motion pictures (CBS Films). For more information, log on to www.cbscorporation.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains both historical and forward-looking statements. All statements, including Business Outlook, other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather reflect the Company's current expectations concerning future results and events. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals are or may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: advertising market conditions generally; changes in the public acceptance of the Company's programming; changes in technology and its effect on competition in the Company's markets; changes in the Federal Communications laws and regulations; the impact of piracy on the Company's products, the impact of the consolidation in the market for the Company's programming; other domestic and global economic, business, competitive and/or other regulatory factors affecting the Company's businesses generally; the impact of union activity, including possible strikes or work stoppages or the Company's inability to negotiate favorable terms for contract renewals; and other factors described in the Company's news releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including but not limited to the Company's most recent Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document, and under section 27A of the Securities Act and section 21E of the Exchange Act, we do not have any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

The following tables set forth the Company's Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortization ("OIBDA") for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. The Company defines OIBDA as net earnings adjusted to exclude the following line items presented in its Statements of Operations: Minority interest, net of tax; Equity in loss of investee companies, net of tax; Provision for income taxes; Other items, net; Interest income; Interest expense; and Depreciation and amortization.

The Company uses OIBDA, among other things, to evaluate the Company's operating performance, to value prospective acquisitions and as one of several components of incentive compensation targets for certain management personnel, and this measure is among the primary measures used by management for planning and forecasting of future periods. This measure is an important indicator of the Company's operational strength and performance of its business because it provides a link between profitability and operating cash flow. The Company believes the presentation of this measure is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by the Company's management, helps improve their ability to understand the Company's operating performance and makes it easier to compare the Company's results with other companies that have different financing and capital structures or tax rates. In addition, this measure is also among the primary measures used externally by the Company's investors, analysts and peers in its industry for purposes of valuation and comparing the operating performance of the Company to other companies in its industry.

Since OIBDA is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net earnings as an indicator of operating performance. OIBDA, as the Company calculates it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. In addition, this measure does not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use, and is not necessarily a measure of the Company's ability to fund its cash needs. As OIBDA excludes certain financial information compared with net earnings, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, users of this financial information should consider the types of events and transactions which are excluded. The Company provides the following reconciliations of total OIBDA to net earnings and OIBDA for each segment to such segment's operating income, the most directly comparable amounts reported under GAAP.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow reflects the Company's net cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures. The Company uses free cash flow, among other measures, to evaluate its operating performance. Management believes free cash flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available to service debt, make strategic acquisitions and investments, maintain its capital assets, satisfy its tax obligations and fund ongoing operations and working capital needs. As a result, free cash flow is a significant measure of the Company's ability to generate long term value. It is useful for investors to know whether this ability is being enhanced or degraded as a result of the Company's operating performance. The Company believes the presentation of free cash flow is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by management. In addition, free cash flow is also a primary measure used externally by the Company's investors, analysts and peers in its industry for purposes of valuation and comparing the operating performance of the Company to other companies in its industry.

As free cash flow is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, free cash flow should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net earnings as an indicator of operating performance or net cash flow provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Free cash flow, as the Company calculates it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. In addition, free cash flow does not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use and is not necessarily a measure of the Company's ability to fund its cash needs. As free cash flow deducts capital expenditures from net cash flow provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, users of this financial information should consider the types of events and transactions which are not reflected. The Company provides below a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash flow provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable amount reported under GAAP.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company's net cash flow provided by operating activities to free cash flow:

The following tables reconcile financial measures excluding stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges and dispositions, to the reported measures included in this earnings release. The Company believes that adjusting its financial results for the impact of these items is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by the Company's management, provides a clearer perspective on the current underlying performance of the Company and makes it easier to compare the Company's year-over-year results.

(a) Restructuring charges at Television ($34.9 million), Radio ($10.0 million) and Outdoor ($2.6 million) reflecting severance costs associated with headcount reductions.

(b) Gain on sale of investment in Sundance Channel.

(c) Pre-tax gain and related tax provision of the divestitures of radio stations.

The Company has completed all of the previously announced sales of 39 radio stations in ten of its smaller markets. The following table presents the revenues for the Radio segment on a same station basis, which excludes all revenues for the divested stations, for all periods presented. The Company believes that adjusting the revenues of the Radio segment for the impact of station divestitures provides investors with a clearer perspective on the current underlying financial performance of the Radio segment.

Business Outlook

The following table presents the Company's business outlook for 2008, which is based on 2007 results adjusted to exclude stock-based compensation expense. The Company believes that providing its business outlook excluding the impact of stock-based compensation expense is relevant and meaningful because it provides management and investors with a clearer perspective on the Company's underlying growth. The Company currently expects stock-based compensation expense in 2008 to be in the range of $155 million to $165 million compared to $106.6 million in 2007.

SOURCE CBS Corporation