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Exhibit 99.1


 
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.

Cumulus Reports Operating Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2014

ATLANTA, GA — March 2, 2015: Cumulus Media Inc. (NASDAQ: CMLS) (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) today announced operating results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2014

Operating highlights are as follows (in thousands, except percentages) (footnotes follow):
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma (3)
 
 
2014
 
2013

% Change
 
2013
 
% Change
Net revenue (1)
 
$
329,247

 
$
275,458

 
19.5
%
 
$
328,264

 
0.3
 %
Adjusted EBITDA (2)
 
$
90,419

 
$
83,928

 
7.7
%
 
$
96,416

 
(6.2
)%

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma (3)
 
 
2014
 
2013

% Change
 
2013
 
% Change
Net revenue (1)
 
$
1,263,423

 
$
1,026,138

 
23.1
 %
 
$
1,245,715

 
1.4
 %
Adjusted EBITDA (2)
 
$
329,526

 
$
330,018

 
(0.1
)%
 
$
363,357

 
(9.3
)%

Selected Balance Sheet information:
 
 
As of
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
% Change
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
7,271

 
$
32,792

 
(77.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Term loans
 
$
1,903,875

 
$
2,025,000

 
(6.0
)%
     7.75% Senior Notes
 
610,000

 
610,000

 
 %
     Secured loan
 

 
25,000

 
(100.0
)%
Total debt
 
$
2,513,875

 
$
2,660,000

 
(5.5
)%

(1)
Net revenue consists of gross revenue less agency commissions, third party producer revenue shares and other direct costs.
(2)
Adjusted EBITDA is not a financial measure calculated or presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). For additional information, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measure and Definition” and “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure to Most Directly Comparable GAAP Measure” included herein.
(3)
Pro forma information assumes that the acquisition of WestwoodOne, Inc. ("WestwoodOne"), which was completed in December 2013 (the "WestwoodOne Acquisition"), and the sale to Townsquare Media, LLC (“Townsquare”) of 53 radio stations in 12 small and mid-sized markets and the swap of 15 radio stations in two small and mid-sized markets with Townsquare in exchange for five radio stations in Fresno, California, which was completed in November 2013 (the "2013 Townsquare Transaction"), both occurred as of January 1, 2013.






Results for Fourth Quarter 2014

Net Revenue
Net revenue consists of gross revenue less agency commissions and other direct costs. Agency commissions are variable as they are based upon a stated percentage of the Company’s gross billings.
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013

% Change
 
2013
 
% Change
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcast advertising
 
$
291,826

 
$
260,199

 
12.2
%
 
$
313,265

 
(6.8
)%
Digital advertising
 
17,457

 
6,648

 
162.6
%
 
7,136

 
144.6
 %
Political advertising
 
10,676

 
1,554

 
587.0
%
 
1,507

 
608.4
 %
License fees & other
 
9,288

 
7,057

 
31.6
%
 
6,356

 
46.1
 %
Net revenue
 
$
329,247

 
$
275,458

 
19.5
%
 
$
328,264

 
0.3
 %

The following table presents our revenue, by source, as a percentage of total net revenue:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2013
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcast advertising
 
88.6
%
 
94.5
%
 
95.4
%
Digital advertising
 
5.3
%
 
2.4
%
 
2.2
%
Political advertising
 
3.3
%
 
0.6
%
 
0.5
%
License fees & other
 
2.8
%
 
2.5
%
 
1.9
%
Net revenue
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
On an actual basis, net revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2014 increased $53.8 million, or 19.5%, to $329.2 million, compared to $275.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The increase resulted from increases of $31.6 million, $10.8 million, $9.1 million and $2.2 million in broadcast advertising, digital advertising, political advertising and license fees and other revenue, respectively. The broadcast advertising increase was primarily attributable to the addition of the operations of WestwoodOne, which was acquired on December 12, 2013, and several new stations being operated under local marketing agreements ("LMAs") in Chicago and San Jose, CA. The increases were partially offset by decreases in local spot and national spot revenue. The increase in digital advertising was primarily due to increased Rdio user generation activity and digital commerce generated by our Sweetjack platform. The increase in political advertising revenue was due to additional activity associated with mid-term and gubernatorial elections in 2014, the even numbered year for elections.
On a pro forma basis, net revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2014 increased $1.0 million, or 0.3%, to $329.2 million, compared to $328.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The increase resulted from a decrease of $21.4 million in broadcast advertising and increases of $10.3 million, $9.2 million and $2.9 million in digital advertising, political advertising and license fees and other revenue, respectively. The increase in digital advertising revenue was primarily due to increased Rdio user generation activity. Political advertising increased due to additional activity associated with mid-term and gubernatorial elections in 2014, the even numbered year for elections.

Content Costs
Content costs consist of all costs related to the licensing, acquisition and development of our programming including local and national talent costs and music license fees.
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013

% Change
 
2013
 
% Change
Content costs
 
$
116,727

 
$
75,105

 
55.4
%
 
$
108,495

 
7.6
%





The following table presents our content costs as a percentage of total net revenue:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2013
Content costs
 
35.5
%
 
27.3
%
 
33.1
%
On an actual basis, content costs for the three months ended December 31, 2014 increased $41.6 million, or 55.4%, to $116.7 million, compared to $75.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013. This increase was primarily attributable to the addition of the operations of WestwoodOne and several new radio stations being operated under LMAs in the Chicago and San Jose, CA markets as well as the launch of a newly owned and operated station in the New York market.
On a pro forma basis, content costs for the three months ended December 31, 2014 increased $8.2 million, or 7.6%, to $116.7 million, compared to $108.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013. Several new radio stations being operated under LMAs in Chicago and San Jose, CA contributed to year over year expense growth, as did the launch of a newly owned and operated station in the New York market. Partially offsetting these expense increases were expense savings resulting from our ongoing integration of WestwoodOne.

Other Direct Operating Expenses
Other direct operating expenses consist of expenses related to the distribution and monetization of our content across our platform and overhead expenses.
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013

% Change
 
2013
 
% Change
Other direct operating expenses
 
$
116,853

 
$
110,805

 
5.5
%
 
$
121,868

 
(4.1
)%
On an actual basis, other direct operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2014 increased $6.0 million, or 5.5%, to $116.9 million, compared to $110.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013. This increase was primarily attributable to the addition of the operations of WestwoodOne and the LMAs in the Chicago and San Jose, CA markets.
On a pro forma basis, other direct operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2014 decreased $5.0 million, or 4.1%, to $116.9 million, compared to $121.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013. This decrease was due to expense savings resulting from our ongoing integration of WestwoodOne. 
Corporate Expenses, Including Stock-based Compensation Expense
Corporate expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for our executive, finance, human resources, information technology and legal personnel and fees for professional services. Professional services are principally comprised of outside legal, audit and consulting services.
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013

% Change
 
2013
 
% Change
Corporate expenses
 
$
23,214

 
$
26,313

 
(11.8
)%
 
$
22,686

 
2.3
%
On an actual basis, corporate expenses, including stock-based compensation expense, for the three months ended December 31, 2014 decreased $3.1 million, or 11.8%, to $23.2 million, compared to $26.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013. This decrease was primarily due to a $4.7 million decrease in other overhead costs primarily driven by costs related to the Company's December 2013 refinancing of the Term Loans under the Credit Agreement partially offset by a $1.6 million increase in stock-based compensation expense partially driven by stock options granted to employees of WestwoodOne.
On a pro forma basis, corporate expenses, including stock-based compensation expense, for the three months ended December 31, 2014 increased $0.5 million or 2.3% to $23.2 million.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2014 totaled $5.6 million, comprised of ongoing maintenance and upgrades across our broadcast platform. Capital expenditures during the three months ended December 31, 2013 were $2.6 million.






Results for Year Ended December 31, 2014
Net Revenue
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013

% Change
 
2013
 
% Change
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcast advertising
 
$
1,150,916

 
$
972,199

 
18.4
%
 
$
1,190,084

 
(3.3
)%
Digital advertising
 
52,660

 
22,378

 
135.3
%
 
24,719

 
113.0
 %
Political advertising
 
20,974

 
4,770

 
339.7
%
 
4,978

 
321.3
 %
License fees & other
 
38,873

 
26,791

 
45.1
%
 
25,934

 
49.9
 %
Net revenue
 
$
1,263,423

 
$
1,026,138

 
23.1
%
 
$
1,245,715

 
1.4
 %

The following table presents our revenue, by source, as a percentage of total net revenue:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2013
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcast advertising
 
91.1
%
 
94.7
%
 
95.5
%
Digital advertising
 
4.2
%
 
2.2
%
 
2.0
%
Political advertising
 
1.7
%
 
0.5
%
 
0.4
%
License fees & other
 
3.0
%
 
2.6
%
 
2.1
%
Net revenue
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
On an actual basis, net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $237.3 million, or 23.1%, to $1,263.4 million, compared to $1,026.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase resulted from increases of $178.7 million, $30.3 million, $16.2 million and $12.1 million in broadcast advertising, digital advertising, political advertising and license fees and other revenue, respectively. The broadcast advertising increase was primarily attributable to the addition of the operations of WestwoodOne, which was acquired on December 12, 2013, and several new stations being operated under LMAs in Chicago and San Jose, CA. The increases were partially offset by decreases in local spot and national spot revenue. The increase in digital advertising was primarily due to increased Rdio user generation activity and digital commerce generated by our Sweetjack platform. The increase in political advertising revenue was due to additional activity associated with mid-term and gubernatorial elections in 2014, the even numbered year for elections.
On a pro forma basis, net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $17.7 million, or 1.4%, to $1,263.4 million, compared to $1,245.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase resulted from a decrease of $39.2 million in advertising and increases of $28.0 million, $16.0 million and $12.9 million in digital advertising, political advertising and license fees and other revenue, respectively. Net broadcast advertising revenue was down due to an ongoing weakness in several large local markets. The increase in digital advertising revenue was primarily due to increased Rdio user generation activity. Political advertising increased due to additional activity associated with mid-term and gubernatorial elections in 2014, the even numbered year for elections.
Content Costs
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013

% Change
 
2013
 
% Change
Content costs
 
$
433,596

 
$
264,871

 
63.7
%
 
$
389,307

 
11.4
%





The following table presents our content costs as a percentage of total net revenue:
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2013
Content costs
 
34.3
%
 
25.8
%
 
31.3
%
On an actual basis, content costs for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $168.7 million, or 63.7%, to $433.6 million, compared to $264.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase was primarily attributable to the addition of the operations of WestwoodOne. Previously contracted increases in sports rights and local talent bonuses for ratings growth in several large radio markets also contributed to year over year increases.
On a pro forma basis, content costs for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $44.3 million, or 11.4%, to $433.6 million, compared to $389.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase was primarily attributable to investments in proprietary content to replace expiring third-party producer relationships at WestwoodOne. Several new radio stations being operated under LMAs in Chicago, Dallas and San Jose, CA also contributed to year over year expense growth, as did the launch of a newly owned and operated station in the New York market. Previously contracted increases in sports rights and local talent bonuses for ratings growth in several large radio markets also contributed to year over year increases. Partially offsetting these expense increases were expense savings resulting from our ongoing integration of WestwoodOne.
Other Direct Operating Expenses
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013

% Change
 
2013
 
% Change
Other direct operating expenses
 
$
470,441

 
$
403,381

 
16.6
%
 
$
463,599

 
1.5
%
On an actual basis, other direct operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $67.1 million, or 16.6%, to $470.4 million, compared to $403.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase was primarily attributable to the addition of the operations of WestwoodOne and the LMAs in the Chicago, Dallas and San Jose, CA markets. We also recorded additional one-time marketing expenditures related to the launch of our new radio station in the New York market and expenses related to the rollout of our NASH Country brand across the platform.
On a pro forma basis, other direct operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $6.8 million, or 1.5%, to $470.4 million, compared to $463.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase was due to ongoing investments in our radio market sales efforts, including items related to the extension of our national representation agreement with Katz Media. We also recorded additional one-time marketing expenditures related to the launch of our new radio station in the New York market and related to the rollout of our NASH Country brand across the platform. Partially offsetting these increases were savings resulting from our ongoing integration of WestwoodOne.
Corporate Expenses, Including Stock-based Compensation Expense
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013

% Change
 
2013
 
% Change
Corporate expenses
 
$
76,428

 
$
59,830

 
27.7
%
 
$
73,391

 
4.1
%

On an actual basis, corporate expenses, including stock-based compensation expense, for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $16.6 million, or 27.7%, to $76.4 million, compared to $59.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase was primarily due to a $6.8 million increase in stock-based compensation expense partially driven by stock options granted to employees of WestwoodOne and a $9.8 million increase in other overhead costs.

On a pro forma basis, corporate expenses, including stock-based compensation expense, for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $3.0 million, or 4.1%, to $76.4 million, compared to $73.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase was primarily due to an increase in stock-based compensation expense partially driven by stock options granted to employees of WestwoodOne partially offset by expense savings resulting from our ongoing integration of WestwoodOne.







Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $19.0 million, comprised of ongoing maintenance and upgrades across our broadcast platform and a one-time capital expenditure at WestwoodOne. Capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2013 were $11.1 million.

Earnings Call Information
Cumulus Media Inc. will host a teleconference today at 4:30 PM eastern time to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2014 operating results. The conference call dial-in number for domestic callers is 877-830-7699. International callers should dial 660-422-3366 for conference call access.

Please call five to ten minutes in advance to ensure that you are connected prior to the presentation. The call also may be accessed via webcast at www.cumulus.com.

Following completion of the call, a replay can be accessed until 11:30 PM eastern time, April 2, 2015. Domestic callers can access the replay by dialing 855-859-2056, replay code 76116091#. International callers should dial 404-537-3406 for conference replay access.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release may constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. Such statements are statements other than historical fact and relate to our intent, belief or current expectations primarily with respect to certain historical and our future operating, financial, and strategic performance. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and may involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those contained in or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to risks and uncertainties relating to the need for additional funds to service our debt and to execute our business strategy, our inability to renew one or more of our broadcast licenses, changes in interest rates, the timing of, and our ability to complete any acquisitions or dispositions pending from time to time, costs and synergies resulting from the integration of any completed acquisitions, our ability to effectively manage costs, our ability to manage growth, the popularity of radio as a broadcasting and advertising medium, changing consumer tastes, the impact of general economic conditions in the United States or in specific markets in which we currently do business, industry conditions, including existing competition and future competitive technologies and cancellation, disruptions or postponements of advertising schedules in response to national or world events, our ability to generate revenues from new sources, including local commerce and technology-based initiatives, the impact of regulatory rules or proceedings that may affect our business, or any acquisitions, from time to time, other risk factors described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2013 Form 10-K”) and subsequently filed Forms 10-Q. Many of these risks and uncertainties are beyond our control, and the unexpected occurrence or failure to occur of any such events or matters could significantly alter our actual results of operations or financial condition. Cumulus Media Inc. assumes no responsibility to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Cumulus Media Inc. [NASDAQ: CMLS]
Cumulus Media Inc. (CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands in order to deliver premium choices for listeners, provide substantial reach for advertisers and create opportunities for shareholders. As the largest pure-play radio broadcaster in the United States, Cumulus provides exclusive content that is fully distributed through approximately 460 owned-and-operated stations in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of the top 10), approximately 8,500 broadcast radio affiliates and numerous digital channels. Cumulus is well-positioned in the widening digital audio space through a significant stake in the Rdio digital music service, featuring over 30 million songs on-demand in addition to custom playlists and exclusive curated channels. Cumulus is also the leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which will serve country fans through radio programming, NASH magazine, concerts, licensed products and television/video. For more information, visit www.cumulus.com.

For further information, please contact:
Cumulus Media Inc.
J.P. Hannan
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
404-260-6600
jp.hannan@cumulus.com





CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
Three months ended December 31,
 
Year ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2013
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcast advertising
 
$
291,826

 
$
260,199

 
$
313,265

 
$
1,150,916

 
$
972,199

 
$
1,190,084

Digital advertising
 
17,457

 
6,648

 
7,136

 
52,660

 
22,378

 
24,719

Political advertising
 
10,676

 
1,554

 
1,507

 
20,974

 
4,770

 
4,978

License fees & other
 
9,288

 
7,057

 
6,356

 
38,873

 
26,791

 
25,934

Net revenue
 
329,247

 
275,458

 
328,264

 
1,263,423

 
1,026,138

 
1,245,715

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
Content costs
 
116,727

 
75,105

 
108,495

 
433,596

 
264,871

 
389,307

Other direct operating expenses
 
116,853

 
110,805

 
121,868

 
470,441

 
403,381

 
463,599

Depreciation and amortization
 
28,180

 
29,698

 
34,060

 
115,275

 
112,511

 
132,881

LMA fees
 
1,969

 
1,423

 
1,423

 
7,195

 
3,716

 
3,716

Corporate expenses (including stock-based compensation expense of $4,993, $3,411, $3,766, $17,638, $10,804, and $15,560, respectively)
 
23,214

 
26,313

 
22,686

 
76,428

 
59,830

 
73,391

Gain on sale of assets or stations
 
(71
)
 
(23
)
 
(23
)
 
(1,342
)
 
(3,685
)
 
(3,685
)
Loss (gain) on derivative instrument
 

 
820

 
820

 

 
(1,852
)
 
(1,852
)
Total operating expenses
 
286,872

 
244,141

 
289,329

 
1,101,593

 
838,772

 
1,057,357

Operating income
 
42,375

 
31,317

 
38,935

 
161,830

 
187,366

 
188,358

Non-operating (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(36,153
)
 
(44,055
)
 
(44,055
)
 
(145,533
)
 
(178,274
)
 
(178,274
)
Interest income
 
364

 
351

 
351

 
1,388

 
1,293

 
1,293

Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 

 
(30,395
)
 
(30,395
)
 

 
(34,934
)
 
(34,934
)
Other income (expense), net
 
366

 
(55
)
 
(55
)
 
4,338

 
(302
)
 
(302
)
Total non-operating expense, net
 
(35,423
)
 
(74,154
)
 
(74,154
)
 
(139,807
)
 
(212,217
)
 
(212,217
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
 
6,952

 
(42,837
)
 
(35,219
)
 
22,023

 
(24,851
)
 
(23,859
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
(3,591
)
 
87,507

 
122,761

 
(10,254
)
 
68,464

 
91,969

Income from continuing operations
 
3,361

 
44,670

 
87,542

 
11,769

 
43,613

 
68,110

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes
 

 
106,263

 

 

 
132,470

 

Net income
 
3,361

 
150,933

 
87,542

 
11,769

 
176,083

 
68,110

Less: dividends declared and accretion of redeemable preferred stock
 

 

 

 

 
10,676

 

Income attributable to common shareholders
 
$
3,361

 
$
150,933

 
$
87,542

 
$
11,769

 
$
165,407

 
$
68,110

Basic and diluted income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:    Income from continuing operations per share
 
$
0.02

 
$
0.20

 
 
 
$
0.05

 
$
0.15

 
 
  Income from discontinued operations per share
 
$

 
$
0.46

 
 
 
$

 
$
0.61

 
 
  Income per share
 
$
0.02

 
$
0.66

 
 
 
$
0.05

 
$
0.76

 
 
Diluted: Income from continuing operations per share
 
$
0.02

 
$
0.19

 
 
 
$
0.05

 
$
0.15

 
 
  Income from discontinued operations per share
 
$

 
$
0.45

 
 
 
$

 
$
0.60

 
 
  Income per share
 
$
0.02

 
$
0.66

 
 
 
$
0.05

 
$
0.75

 
 
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding
 
232,278,529

 
203,370,990

 
 
 
226,142,456

 
183,642,883

 
 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
 
232,590,553

 
210,165,096

 
 
 
228,963,158

 
186,844,575

 
 








Non-GAAP Financial Measure and Definition
We utilize certain financial measures that are not prepared or calculated in accordance with GAAP to assess our financial performance and profitability. The non-GAAP financial measure used in this release is Adjusted EBITDA.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before any non-operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, gain or loss on sale of assets or stations (if any), gain or loss on derivative instruments (if any), impairment of intangible assets and goodwill (if any), acquisition-related and restructuring costs (if any) and franchise taxes.

Adjusted EBITDA is the financial metric utilized by management to analyze the cash flow generated by our business. This measure isolates the amount of income generated by our core operations after the incurrence of corporate, general and administrative expenses. Management also uses this measure to determine the contribution of our core operations, including the corporate resources employed to manage the operations, to the funding of our other operating expenses and to the funding of debt service and acquisitions. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is a key metric for purposes of calculating and determining our compliance with certain covenants contained in our credit facility.

In deriving this measure, management excludes depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation expense, as these do not represent cash payments for activities directly related to our core operations. Management excludes any gain or loss on the exchange or sale of any assets as it does not represent a cash transaction. Management also excludes any gain or loss on derivative instruments as it does not represent a cash transaction nor are they associated with core operations. Expenses relating to acquisitions and restructuring costs are also excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA as they are not directly related to our core operations. Management excludes any impairment of goodwill and intangible assets as they do not require a cash outlay.

Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA, although not a measure that is calculated in accordance with GAAP, nevertheless is commonly employed by the investment community as a measure for determining the market value of a media company. Management has also observed that Adjusted EBITDA is routinely employed to evaluate and negotiate the potential purchase price for media companies and is a key metric for purposes of calculating and determining compliance with certain covenants in our credit facility. Given the relevance to our overall value, management believes that investors consider the metric to be extremely useful.

Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, operating income, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure for determining the Company’s operating performance or liquidity that is calculated in accordance with GAAP.

A quantitative reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, is provided below.








Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure to Most Directly Comparable GAAP Measure
The following table reconciles net income, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months and years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2013
Net income
 
$
3,361

 
$
150,933

 
$
87,542

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
3,591

 
(87,507
)
 
(122,761
)
Non-operating expenses, including interest expense
 
35,423

 
43,759

 
43,759

LMA fees
 
1,969

 
1,423

 
1,423

Depreciation and amortization
 
28,180

 
29,698

 
34,060

Stock-based compensation expense
 
4,993

 
3,411

 
3,766

Gain on sale of assets or stations
 
(71
)
 
(23
)
 
(23
)
Loss on derivative instrument
 

 
820

 
820

Acquisition-related and restructuring costs
 
12,891

 
16,669

 
16,822

Franchise and state taxes
 
82

 
613

 
613

Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 

 
30,395

 
30,395

Discontinued operations:
 

 

 
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 

 
(106,263
)
 

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
90,419


$
83,928

 
$
96,416


 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
Actual
 
Pro Forma
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2013
Net income
 
$
11,769

 
$
176,083

 
$
68,110

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
10,254

 
(68,464
)
 
(91,969
)
Non-operating expenses, including interest expense
 
139,807

 
177,283

 
177,283

LMA fees
 
7,195

 
3,716

 
3,716

Depreciation and amortization
 
115,275

 
112,511

 
132,881

Stock-based compensation expense
 
17,638

 
10,804

 
15,560

Gain on sale of assets or stations
 
(1,342
)
 
(3,685
)
 
(3,685
)
Gain on derivative instrument
 

 
(1,852
)
 
(1,852
)
Acquisition-related and restructuring costs
 
28,326

 
20,019

 
27,237

Franchise and state taxes
 
604

 
1,139

 
1,142

Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 

 
34,934

 
34,934

Discontinued operations:
 

 

 
 
          Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 

 
(132,470
)
 

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
329,526


$
330,018

 
$
363,357










The following supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information is intended to provide you with information about how the WestwoodOne Acquisition and the 2013 Townsquare Transaction might have affected our historical consolidated quarterly financial statements during each completed quarterly period during 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2013 as if such transactions had closed as of January 1, 2013. This pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only, and should not be considered indicative of our actual historical financial position or results of operations had the WestwoodOne Acquisition or the 2013 Townsquare Transaction occurred as of the date indicated or any other date. This pro forma financial information should also not be considered representative of our future financial condition or results of operations.
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Q1
 
Q2
 
Q3
 
Q4
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadcast advertising
 
$
269,547

 
$
307,177

 
$
300,095

 
$
313,265

 
$
1,190,084

Digital advertising
 
5,125

 
6,495

 
5,963

 
7,136

 
24,719

Political advertising
 
891

 
1,186

 
1,394

 
1,507

 
4,978

License fees & other
 
5,972

 
7,090

 
6,516

 
6,356

 
25,934

Net revenues
 
281,535

 
321,948

 
313,968

 
328,264

 
1,245,715

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Content costs
 
101,802

 
86,902

 
92,108

 
108,495

 
389,307

Other direct operating expenses
 
110,916

 
115,890

 
114,925

 
121,868

 
463,599

Depreciation and amortization
 
32,932

 
32,940

 
32,949

 
34,060

 
132,881

LMA fees
 
946

 
738

 
609

 
1,423

 
3,716

Corporate expenses (including stock-based compensation expense)
 
21,330

 
15,946

 
13,429

 
22,686

 
73,391

Loss (gain) on asset or station sale
 
1,309

 
227

 
(5,198
)
 
(23
)
 
(3,685
)
(Gain) loss on derivative instrument
 
(738
)
 
(2,106
)
 
172

 
820

 
(1,852
)
Total operating expenses
 
268,497

 
250,537

 
248,994

 
289,329

 
1,057,357

Operating income
 
13,038

 
71,411

 
64,974

 
38,935

 
188,358

Non-operating (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(44,522
)
 
(44,023
)
 
(45,674
)
 
(44,055
)
 
(178,274
)
Interest income
 
270

 
192

 
480

 
351

 
1,293

Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 

 
(4,539
)
 

 
(30,395
)
 
(34,934
)
Other income (expense), net
 
287

 
(395
)
 
(139
)
 
(55
)
 
(302
)
Total non-operating expense, net
 
(43,965
)
 
(48,765
)
 
(45,333
)
 
(74,154
)
 
(212,217
)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
(30,927
)
 
22,646

 
19,641

 
(35,219
)
 
(23,859
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
3,425

 
(19,485
)
 
(14,732
)
 
122,761

 
91,969

Pro forma net (loss) income
 
$
(27,502
)
 
$
3,161

 
$
4,909

 
$
87,542

 
$
68,110






Reconciliation of Pro Forma Non-GAAP Financial Measure to a Comparable Pro forma GAAP Measure

The following table reconciles pro forma net (loss) income to pro forma Adjusted EBITDA for each quarter during 2013, and for the year ended December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

 
Q1
 
Q2
 
Q3
 
Q4
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Pro forma net (loss) income
$
(27,502
)
 
$
3,161

 
$
4,909

 
$
87,542

 
$
68,110

Income tax (benefit) expense
(3,425
)
 
19,485

 
14,732

 
(122,761
)
 
(91,969
)
Non-operating expenses, including net interest expense
43,965

 
44,226

 
45,333

 
43,759

 
177,283

LMA fees
946

 
738

 
609

 
1,423

 
3,716

Depreciation and amortization
32,932

 
32,940

 
32,949

 
34,060

 
132,881

Stock-based compensation expense
4,761

 
4,321

 
2,712

 
3,766

 
15,560

Loss (gain) on asset or station sale
1,309

 
227

 
(5,198
)
 
(23
)
 
(3,685
)
(Gain) loss on derivative instrument
(738
)
 
(2,106
)
 
172

 
820

 
(1,852
)
Acquisition-related and restructuring costs
6,117

 
3,157

 
1,141

 
16,822

 
27,237

Franchise and state taxes
177

 
176

 
176

 
613

 
1,142

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 
4,539

 

 
30,395

 
34,934

Pro forma Adjusted EBITDA
$
58,542

 
$
110,864

 
$
97,535

 
$
96,416

 
$
363,357