CBS Corporation Reports 2013 Fourth Quarter And Full Year Results

NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) today reported the Company's highest-ever fourth quarter and full year results in revenues, operating income before depreciation and amortization ("OIBDA"), operating income, and diluted earnings per share.

"CBS continues to turn in stellar performances year in and year out, and none better than 2013," said Sumner Redstone, Executive Chairman, CBS Corporation. "The Company's strategy of monetizing its content across all platforms is driving our results today, and it will continue to enhance our ability to achieve even greater success in the future. I'm confident that Les and his team will lead CBS to new heights in 2014 and beyond."

"Our record fourth-quarter and full-year results demonstrate CBS's stature as one of the world's foremost creators of premium content," said Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation. "In addition to the solid performance of our base business, our fast-growing, non-advertising revenue streams are playing a bigger and bigger role in our results, and they will continue to do so in the years to come. These include the sale of three hit shows—Hawaii Five-0, Blue Bloods and Elementary—into domestic syndication, along with new deals in digital streaming, international syndication, retransmission consent, and reverse compensation. Plus, we plan to launch the IPO of our Outdoor business this quarter, which will unlock its value and significantly enhance our ability to return capital to shareholders. In fact, that's why today we're announcing an accelerated share repurchase of $1.5 billion in addition to stepping up the pace of our open market share repurchases during the first quarter. Our Outdoor transactions will also result in a CBS that is much closer to a pure content Company, with about half of our revenue coming from steady and recurring sources. Looking ahead, we are extremely excited about all the opportunities that we have in a marketplace that's exploding with new ways to engage with the best content."

Fourth Quarter 2013 Results

The Company reported record fourth quarter results in the following key metrics:

• Revenues of $3.91 billion
• Adjusted OIBDA of $927 million
• Operating income of $793 million
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $.78

Revenues of $3.91 billion for the fourth quarter of 2013 grew 6% from $3.70 billion in the same prior-year period. This growth was led by a 28% increase in content licensing and distribution revenues, which was driven by higher domestic and international licensing of television programming. Affiliate and subscription fee revenues grew 7%, principally reflecting higher cable affiliate fees, retransmission revenues, and fees from CBS Television Network-affiliated television stations.  Advertising revenues remained relatively even with the prior-year period, as a 4% increase at the CBS Television Network was offset by lower political advertising revenues at Local Broadcasting.

Adjusted OIBDA of $927 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 grew 7% from $866 million for the same prior-year period, and operating income of $793 million rose 9% from $726 million. The adjusted OIBDA and operating income growth was driven by higher revenues, which were partially offset by increased investment in television content and higher stock-based compensation, mainly attributable to the appreciation of the Company's stock price.

Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations were $477 million for the fourth quarter of 2013, or $.78 per diluted share, up from $414 million, or $.64 per diluted share, for the same prior-year period. Reported net earnings from continuing operations were $465 million for the fourth quarter of 2013, or $.76 per diluted share, up from $403 million, or $.62 per diluted share, for last year's fourth quarter. These increases reflect the operating income growth and lower weighted average shares outstanding, which are a result of the Company's ongoing share repurchase program.

Adjusted OIBDA and adjusted net earnings from continuing operations exclude restructuring charges of $20 million ($12 million, net of tax) for the fourth quarter of 2013 and $19 million ($11 million, net of tax) for the fourth quarter of 2012, primarily for the reorganization and closure of certain business operations, as well as early contract termination costs.

Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to reported results are included at the end of this earnings release.

Full Year 2013 Results

For 2013, the Company reported all-time highs in the following key metrics:

• Revenues of $15.28 billion
• Adjusted OIBDA of $3.74 billion
• Operating income of $3.26 billion
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $3.02

Full year 2013 revenues of $15.28 billion grew 8% from $14.09 billion in 2012, reflecting increases across all of the Company's main revenue streams. Content licensing and distribution revenues increased 15%, led by growth from domestic and international licensing of programming for syndication and digital streaming. Advertising revenues rose 4%, principally driven by growth at the CBS Television Network, including the benefit from the broadcast of Super Bowl XLVII, as well as higher revenues from CBS Interactive. These increases were partially offset by lower political advertising revenues at Local Broadcasting, a result of the U.S. Presidential election in 2012.  Affiliate and subscription fee revenues grew 16%, primarily driven by growth in fees from CBS Television Network-affiliated stations, retransmission consent, and cable affiliates, as well as the benefit of two pay-per-view boxing events. 

Adjusted OIBDA of $3.74 billion in 2013 rose 7% from $3.49 billion in 2012, and operating income of $3.26 billion increased 9% from $2.98 billion in 2012. The adjusted OIBDA and operating income growth were primarily driven by the revenue increase, which was partially offset by higher sports programming costs, increased investment in content, and higher stock-based compensation primarily attributable to appreciation in the Company's stock price.

Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations in 2013 were $1.89 billion, or $3.02 per diluted share, up from $1.68 billion, or $2.55 per diluted share, for 2012. Reported net earnings from continuing operations in 2013 were $1.87 billion, or $3.00 per diluted share, up from $1.63 billion, or $2.48 per diluted share, for 2012.  The increases were driven by growth in revenues and operating income, as well as lower weighted average shares outstanding from the Company's ongoing share repurchases.

Adjusted OIBDA and adjusted net earnings from continuing operations in 2013 exclude restructuring charges of $20 million. For 2012, adjusted OIBDA and adjusted net earnings from continuing operations exclude a noncash impairment charge of $11 million related to radio stations divestitures, restructuring charges of $19 million, and a pretax net loss on early extinguishment of debt of $32 million.

Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to reported results are included at the end of this earnings release.

Free Cash Flow, Balance Sheet and Liquidity
For the fourth quarter of 2013, free cash flow was $382 million compared with $199 million for the same prior-year period. Last year's fourth quarter included $200 million of discretionary pension contributions. For the 2013 full year, free cash flow grew from $1.57 billion in the prior year to a record $1.77 billion, including a discretionary pension contribution of $150 million to prefund the Company's qualified plans. The Company generated operating cash flow from continuing operations of $2.04 billion in 2013 versus $1.82 billion for 2012.

During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company repurchased 6.1 million shares of CBS Corp. Class B Common Stock for $364 million. For the full year, the Company repurchased 45.8 million shares of CBS Corp. Class B Common Stock for $2.20 billion, at an average price of approximately $48 per share. Since the share repurchase program was initiated in January 2011 through the end of 2013, the Company has repurchased 123.5 million shares of its Class B Common Stock for $4.39 billion, at an average cost of approximately $36 per share, leaving $5.43 billion of authorization remaining at December 31, 2013.

Outdoor Initiatives 
In January 2014, in connection with the Company's strategic initiatives for its Outdoor Americas segment, Outdoor Americas borrowed $1.60 billion through an $800 million senior secured term loan credit facility and the issuance of $800 million of senior notes. Also in January 2014, Outdoor Americas entered into a $425 million revolving credit facility.  As of February 12, 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility. The debt proceeds will primarily be used by the Company to repurchase shares of CBS Corp. Class B Common Stock through a $1.5 billion accelerated share repurchase transaction, with $50 million retained by Outdoor Americas for its corporate purposes and ongoing cash needs. The Company currently expects to launch the initial public offering of CBS Outdoor Americas Inc. during the first quarter of 2014.

Consolidated and Segment Results (dollars in millions)
The tables below present the Company's revenues by segment and type as well as its segment operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges and impairment charges ("Segment OIBDA") and operating income (loss) by segment for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2013, and 2012. Reconciliations of all non-GAAP measures to reported results are included at the end of this earnings release.

Entertainment (CBS Television Network, CBS Television Studios, CBS Global Distribution Group, CBS Films, and CBS Interactive)
Entertainment revenues of $2.21 billion for the fourth quarter of 2013 grew 11% from $1.99 billion for the same prior-year period. This increase was principally driven by higher domestic and international licensing of television programming for digital streaming and syndication, higher advertising revenues, and growth in network affiliation fees. Advertising revenues at the CBS Television Network grew 4%.

Entertainment OIBDA for the fourth quarter of 2013 of $418 million rose 27% from $328 million for the same prior-year period. This increase was driven by revenue growth, which was partially offset by higher investment in television content. Operating income includes restructuring charges of $12 million and $7 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Cable Networks (Showtime Networks, CBS Sports Network, and Smithsonian Networks)
Cable Networks revenues for the fourth quarter of 2013 increased 9% to $477 million from $438 million for the same prior-year period. This growth was driven by the licensing of Showtime original series as well as higher affiliate revenues, reflecting increases in rates and subscriptions at Showtime Networks (which includes Showtime, The Movie Channel, and Flix), CBS Sports Network, and Smithsonian Networks.

Cable Networks OIBDA for the fourth quarter of 2013 grew 8% to $199 million from $185 million for the same prior-year period. The increase was primarily a result of revenue growth, which was partially offset by higher costs associated with the timing of original and theatrical programming.

Publishing (Simon & Schuster) 
Publishing revenues for the fourth quarter of 2013 increased 5% to $225 million from $215 million for the same prior-year period, reflecting growth in print book sales. Best-selling titles in the fourth quarter of 2013 included Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims by Rush Limbaugh and The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Publishing OIBDA for the fourth quarter of 2013 increased 19% to $37 million from $31 million for the same prior-year period. This growth was driven by higher revenues. Operating income includes restructuring charges of $1 million and $3 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Local Broadcasting (CBS Television Stations and CBS Radio) 
Local Broadcasting revenues for the fourth quarter of 2013 decreased 9% to $719 million from $787 million for the same prior-year period. The decrease was the result of lower political advertising revenues compared with 2012, which benefited from the U.S. presidential election, and was partially offset by growth in retransmission consent fees. Revenues for CBS Television Stations and CBS Radio decreased 12% and 4%, respectively. Non-political revenues for CBS Television Stations increased 9%, while non-political revenues for CBS Radio were comparable with the fourth quarter of 2012.

Local Broadcasting OIBDA for the fourth quarter of 2013 decreased 19% to $263 million from $325 million for the same prior-year period, primarily driven by lower political advertising revenues. Operating income includes restructuring charges of $5 million and $8 million for the fourth quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Outdoor Americas (CBS Outdoor) 
Outdoor Americas revenues for the fourth quarter of 2013 grew 2% to $347 million from $340 million for the same prior-year period. In constant dollars, revenues rose 3%, led by 5% growth in the U.S.

Outdoor Americas OIBDA for the fourth quarter of 2013 grew 28% to $120 million from $94 million for the same prior-year period. This increase was primarily driven by three items: revenue growth; a gain from the disposition of certain transit shelter operations in 2013; and a billboard tax that included a one-time retroactive payment in 2012. 

Corporate 
Corporate expenses before depreciation for the fourth quarter of 2013 increased $13 million to $110 million from $97 million for the same prior-year period, reflecting higher stock-based compensation, which was mainly associated with the increase in the Company's stock price. 

About CBS Corporation 
CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) is a mass media company that creates and distributes industry-leading content across a variety of platforms to audiences around the world. The Company has businesses with origins that date back to the dawn of the broadcasting age as well as new ventures that operate on the leading edge of media. CBS owns the most-watched television network in the U.S. and one of the world's largest libraries of entertainment content, making its brand – "the Eye" – one of the most recognized in business. The Company's operations span virtually every field of media and entertainment, including cable, publishing, radio, local TV, film, outdoor advertising, and interactive and socially responsible media. CBS's businesses include CBS Television Network, The CW (a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment), Showtime Networks, CBS Sports Network, TVGN (a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Lionsgate), Smithsonian Networks, Simon & Schuster, CBS Television Stations, CBS Radio, CBS Outdoor, CBS Television Studios, CBS Global Distribution Group (CBS Studios International and CBS Television Distribution), CBS Interactive, CBS Consumer Products, CBS Home Entertainment, CBS Films and CBS EcoMedia. For more information, go to www.cbscorporation.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains both historical and forward-looking statements. All statements 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; the impact of negotiations or the loss of affiliation agreements or retransmission agreements; the inability to obtain the requisite regulatory approvals and changes in legislation, tax rules or market conditions, which could adversely impact timing and the ability to consummate or achieve the benefits of transactions involving the Company's Outdoor Americas business; 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, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks. 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.

CBS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(Unaudited; in millions)

Segment Operating Income (Loss) Before Depreciation and Amortization ("OIBDA") and Adjusted OIBDA

The Company presents Segment OIBDA as the primary measure of profit and loss for its operating segments in accordance with FASB guidance for segment reporting.

The following tables set forth the Company's OIBDA and Adjusted OIBDA for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company defines OIBDA as net earnings (loss) adjusted to exclude the following line items presented in its Consolidated Statements of Operations: Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax; Equity in earnings (loss) of investee companies, net of tax; Provision for income taxes; Other items, net; Net loss on early extinguishment of debt; Interest income; Interest expense; and Depreciation and amortization. The Company defines "Adjusted OIBDA" as OIBDA excluding restructuring and impairment charges. For each individual operating segment, Adjusted OIBDA is also known as "Segment OIBDA".

The Company uses Adjusted OIBDA (or Segment OIBDA for each segment), as well as Adjusted OIBDA margin, to, among other things, evaluate the Company's operating performance, to value prospective acquisitions and as one of several components of incentive compensation targets for certain management personnel. These measures are among the primary measures used by management for planning and forecasting of future periods, and they are important indicators of the Company's operational strength and business performance because they provide a link between profitability and operating cash flow. The Company believes these measures are relevant and useful for investors because they allow investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by the Company's management, help improve investors' understanding of the Company's operating performance, and make it easier for investors to compare the Company's results with other companies that have different financing and capital structures or tax rates. In addition, these are among the primary measures used externally by the Company's investors, analysts and industry peers for purposes of valuation and for the comparison of the Company's operating performance to other companies in its industry.

Because Adjusted OIBDA is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net earnings (loss) as an indicator of operating performance. Adjusted 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 Adjusted OIBDA excludes certain financial information that is included in net earnings (loss), 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 Adjusted OIBDA to operating income and net earnings (loss). In addition, the following tables also provide reconciliations of Segment OIBDA for each segment to such segment's operating income (loss).

CBS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
(Unaudited; in millions) 

Free Cash Flow

The Company defines free cash flow as its net cash flow provided by (used for) operating activities before operating cash flow from discontinued operations and less capital expenditures. The Company's calculation of free cash flow includes capital expenditures because investment in capital expenditures is a use of cash that is directly related to the Company's operations. The Company's net cash flow provided by (used for) operating activities is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Management believes free cash flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available to the Company 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 evaluate the cash generated from the Company's underlying operations in a manner similar to the method used by management. Free cash flow is one of several components of incentive compensation targets for certain management personnel. In addition, free cash flow is a primary measure used externally by the Company's investors, analysts and industry peers for purposes of valuation and comparison of the Company's operating performance to other companies in its industry.

As free cash flow is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, free cash flow should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, either net cash flow provided by (used for) operating activities as a measure of liquidity or net earnings (loss) as a measure of operating performance. 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 as a measure of liquidity has certain limitations, 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. When comparing free cash flow to net cash flow provided by (used for) operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, users of this financial information should consider the types of events and transactions that are not reflected in free cash flow.

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

CBS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)

2013 and 2012 Adjusted Results
The following tables reconcile adjusted financial results to the reported results 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 adjusting each period's results on the same basis makes it easier to compare the Company's year-over-year results. 

SOURCE CBS Corporation