Audacy Reports Net Revenue Dropped 5.6 Percent

Audacy, Inc. today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Third Quarter Summary

• Net revenues for the quarter were $299.2 million, down 5.6% compared to $317.0 million in the third quarter of 2022
• Local spot revenues were down 3%, national spot revenues were down 15% and network advertising revenues were down 5%
• Digital revenues were $64.8 million, up 3% compared to the third quarter of 2022
• Total operating expenses for the quarter were $580.8 million, which includes a non-cash impairment loss of $272.7 million, compared to $468.8 million in the third quarter of 2022, which included a gain on sale of $10.7 million and a non-cash impairment loss of $176.8 million
• Cash operating expenses for the quarter were $276.1 million, down 2% compared to $280.6 million in the third quarter of 2022
• Operating loss for the quarter was $281.7 million, compared to $151.9 million in the third quarter of 2022
• Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $23.0 million, compared to $36.3 million in the third quarter of 2022
• As of September 30, 2023, the Company’s liquidity, which includes restricted cash, was $57.5 million

David Field

David J. Field, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “Audacy’s third quarter net revenues declined 5.6%, in-line with our quarterly guidance as ad market conditions have remained challenging, particularly on national business. Cash operating expenses were down 2%.

"We gained revenue share in the quarter, most significantly in radio in which we have achieved accelerating share growth since the start of the year. We also delivered solid gains in radio ratings share and digital audience metrics while making important progress on our tech roadmap and meaningful expense savings to improve our current and future business model.

"Fourth quarter is currently pacing down 9% on an as reported basis and down 4% on a same-station, ex-political basis. We expect Q4 total revenues to decline by high single digits and costs to decline by high single digits."

Field reiterated that Audac remains in constructive conversations witt lenders to recapitalize the company’s balance sheet to establish a strong financial footing and position the company to capitalize effectively on our growth opportunities. 

"Notwithstanding current challenges, Audacy has established a strong position as a scaled, leading multi-platform audio content and entertainment company distinguished by our exclusive premium content and top positions across the country’s largest markets. We salute our team for their strong work delivering solid growth against our key performance metrics and serving our listeners and customers with excellence.”

Recent Company Developments

• Market share gains. The Company posted solid market share gains during the quarter as its local spot market share increased by 1.1% and network market share increased 1.6%. Overall, Audacy’s total revenue share increased 0.4%.
• Strong Ratings Performance. Our radio stations continue to gain ratings share from our competitors as Audacy brands in PPM markets had their sixth consecutive quarter of year over year share growth in the key A25-54 demographic. Our gains came across many markets with 70% (24 of 34) of our PPM markets seeing ratings improvement.
• Major Fall/Holiday Events Calendar. Our annual We Can Survive concert moved from LA to New York on October 14 and celebrated its 10th anniversary with performances by Maroon 5, ONEREPUBLIC, Kelly Clarkson and others. The sold-out show raised over $600,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as part of Audacy’s I’m Listening mental health initiative. Last week, some of the biggest names in country music took the stage at the Hard Rock South Florida for Audacy’s Stars & Strings, raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. The Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline the wildly popular KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas at the Forum in Los Angeles in December. In addition the Riptide Music Festival returns to the beach in Fort Lauderdale and our Alice in Winterland and Deck The Hall Ball concert tour will take place in eight of our markets.
• Industry Leading Podcasts. This quarter studio launches include Say More with Dr? Sheila, the first in a three-season original comedy podcast franchise from Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Podcasts. The show hit #1 on Apple’s comedy chart and #4 overall. Audacy had a #1 hit with parenting influencers Big Little Feelings hosted by real-life best friends and preeminent toddler/preschool experts Kristin Gallant and Deena Margolin. Audacy signed a multi-year contract extension for Glennon Doyle’s chart-topping podcast We Can Do Hard Things. As part of the new agreement, select episodes will drop early exclusively on the Audacy app.
• Podcast of the Year Award. In partnership with HBO, Pineapple Street Studios won Adweek’s coveted “2023 Podcast of the Year” Award for the Succession podcast, the official companion to HBO’s iconic series in its final season, hosted by journalist Kara Swisher and featuring behind-the-scenes interviews with show’s writers, producers, directors and cast members. The show also won in Adweek’s Best TV/Streaming Podcast category, and hit #1 on Apple’s TV & Film chart.

The company did not conduct a conference call regarding the third quarter earnings release.