Sinclair, Inc. (SBGI)
SIC breadcrumb: Transportation, Communications, Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services > Communications > SIC 4833 Television Broadcasting Stations
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1971213. Latest filing source: 0001971213-26-000012.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read SBGI's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read SBGI's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 3,169,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-27 |
| Net income | -112,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-27 |
| Assets | 5,949,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-27 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-27. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001971213.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 6,134,000,000 | 3,928,000,000 | 3,134,000,000 | 3,548,000,000 | 3,169,000,000 |
| Net income | -414,000,000 | 2,652,000,000 | -291,000,000 | 310,000,000 | -112,000,000 |
| Operating income | 95,000,000 | 3,980,000,000 | -331,000,000 | 551,000,000 | 173,000,000 |
| Diluted EPS | -5.51 | 37.54 | -4.46 | 4.69 | -1.61 |
| Operating cash flow | 327,000,000 | 799,000,000 | 235,000,000 | 98,000,000 | 189,000,000 |
| Capital expenditures | 80,000,000 | 105,000,000 | 92,000,000 | 84,000,000 | 74,000,000 |
| Dividends paid | 60,000,000 | 70,000,000 | 65,000,000 | 66,000,000 | 69,000,000 |
| Share buybacks | 61,000,000 | 120,000,000 | 153,000,000 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Assets | 6,704,000,000 | 6,085,000,000 | 5,885,000,000 | 5,949,000,000 | |
| Liabilities | 5,829,000,000 | 5,864,000,000 | 5,369,000,000 | 5,579,000,000 | |
| Stockholders' equity | 748,000,000 | 285,000,000 | 583,000,000 | 443,000,000 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 884,000,000 | 662,000,000 | 697,000,000 | 866,000,000 | |
| Free cash flow | 247,000,000 | 694,000,000 | 143,000,000 | 14,000,000 | 115,000,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | -6.75% | 67.52% | -9.29% | 8.74% | -3.53% |
| Operating margin | 1.55% | 101.32% | -10.56% | 15.53% | 5.46% |
| Return on equity | 354.55% | -102.11% | 53.17% | -25.28% | |
| Return on assets | 39.56% | -4.78% | 5.27% | -1.88% | |
| Liabilities / equity | 7.79 | 20.58 | 9.21 | 12.59 | |
| Current ratio | 2.77 | 1.34 | 2.45 | 2.42 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
Operating margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001971213-26-000012; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001971213-26-000012; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001971213-26-000012; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001971213-26-000012; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-06. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001971213.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 768,000,000 | -89,000,000 | -1.38 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 767,000,000 | -46,000,000 | -0.74 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 826,000,000 | -341,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 798,000,000 | 23,000,000 | 0.35 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 829,000,000 | 17,000,000 | 0.27 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 917,000,000 | 94,000,000 | 1.43 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 1,004,000,000 | 176,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 776,000,000 | -156,000,000 | -2.30 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 784,000,000 | -64,000,000 | -0.91 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 773,000,000 | -1,000,000 | -0.02 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 836,000,000 | 109,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 807,000,000 | 20,000,000 | 0.28 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001971213-26-000025; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001971213-26-000025; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001971213-26-000025; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001971213-26-000025.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides qualitative and quantitative information about Sinclair’s and SBG’s financial performance and condition and should be read in conjunction with Sinclair’s and SBG’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to those statements. This discussion consists of the following sections:
Summary of Significant Events — financial events during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and through the date this Report on Form 10-Q is filed.
Results of Operations — an analysis of Sinclair’s and SBG’s revenue and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025.
Liquidity and Capital Resources — a discussion of Sinclair’s and SBG’s primary sources of liquidity and an analysis of Sinclair’s and SBG’s cash flows from or used in operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2026.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
Content and Distribution
•In January 2026, Sinclair’s AMP Media launched Cousins, a weekly podcast series hosted by NBA icons Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.
Corporate Social Responsibility Practices
•In March 2026, Sinclair announced a partnership with Disabled American Veterans (“DAV”) to launch Sinclair Cares: DAV Community Impact Day, a nationwide volunteer campaign dedicated to supporting America’s veterans and their families.
•To date in 2026, our newsrooms have won a total of 24 journalism awards.
Transactions
•In February 2026, Sinclair acquired KMTR, KMCB, and KTCW in Eugene, OR from Roberts Media. Sinclair previously provided services to the stations under JSAs and SSAs.
•In February 2026, Sinclair acquired the non-license assets of KMYT and KOKI in Tulsa, OK.
•In February 2026, Sinclair disposed of the non-license assets of KLEW in Spokane, WA and KEPR, KIMA, KUNW, KORX, and KVVK in Yakima, WA.
•In March 2026, Sinclair acquired WHAM in Rochester, NY, WGTU/WGTQ in Traverse City, MI, WEYI in Flint, MI, KCVU/KBVU in Eureka/Chico-Redding, CA, WEMT in Tri-Cities, TN, WYDO in Greenville, NC and WPFO Portland, Maine from various partners. Sinclair previously provided services to the stations under JSAs and SSAs.
Financing, Capital Allocation, and Shareholder Returns
•In February 2026, Sinclair declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share. In April 2026, Sinclair declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share.
•In April 2026, STG repurchased $93 million aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan B-6 and $72 million aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan B-7, both at discounts of face value.
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SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Any references to the second, third, or fourth quarters are to the three months ended June 30, September 30, or December 31, respectively, for the year being discussed. As of March 31, 2026, we had two reportable segments for accounting purposes, local media and tennis.
Seasonality / Cyclicality
The operating results of our local media segment are usually subject to cyclical fluctuations from political advertising. In even numbered years, political spending is usually significantly higher than in odd numbered years due to advertising expenditures preceding local and national elections. Additionally, every four years, political spending is usually elevated further due to advertising expenditures preceding the presidential election. Also, the second and fourth quarter operating results are usually higher than the first and third quarters’ operating results because advertising expenditures are increased in anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers.
The operating results of our tennis segment are usually subject to cyclical fluctuations due to the number and significance of tournaments that take place in the respective quarters during the year. The first and fourth quarter operating results are usually higher than the second and third quarters’ because of the number and significance of tournaments that are played during those periods.
Operating Data
The following table sets forth our consolidated operating data for the periods presented (in millions):
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||
| Media revenue | $ | 801 | $ | 770 | ||
| Non-media revenue | 6 | 6 | ||||
| Total revenue | 807 | 776 | ||||
| Media programming and production expenses | 412 | 418 | ||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses | 214 | 192 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 65 | 62 | ||||
| Amortization of program costs | 18 | 19 | ||||
| Non-media expenses | 15 | 11 | ||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 49 | 52 | ||||
| Loss on asset dispositions and other, net | 7 | 8 | ||||
| Operating income | $ | 27 | $ | 14 | ||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair | $ | 20 | $ | (156) |
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SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Local Media Segment
The following table sets forth our revenue and expenses for our local media segment for the periods presented (in millions):
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||
| Distribution revenue | $ | 402 | $ | 395 | 2% | ||||
| Core advertising revenue | 261 | 271 | (4)% | ||||||
| Political advertising revenue | 18 | 6 | n/m | ||||||
| Other media revenue | 20 | 22 | (9)% | ||||||
| Media revenue (a) | $ | 701 | $ | 694 | 1% | ||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | $ | 382 | $ | 390 | (2)% | ||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses (b) | 171 | 170 | 1% | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 60 | 56 | 7% | ||||||
| Amortization of program costs | 18 | 19 | (5)% | ||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 34 | 37 | (8)% | ||||||
| Non-media expenses | 2 | 2 | —% | ||||||
| (Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net | (1) | 8 | n/m | ||||||
| Operating income | $ | 35 | $ | 12 | n/m | ||||
| Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs | $ | 85 | $ | 144 | (41)% | ||||
| Gain on extinguishment of debt | $ | — | $ | 2 | n/m | ||||
| Other income, net | $ | 4 | $ | 3 | 33% |
n/m - not meaningful
(a)Includes $3 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 of intercompany revenue related to certain services provided to the tennis segment, which is eliminated in consolidation.
(b)Includes $8 million and $4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, of intercompany expense related to certain services provided by other, which is eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue
Distribution revenue. Distribution revenue, which represents fees earned from Distributors for our broadcast signals, increased $7 million or 2% for the three months ended March 31, 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025. Contractual rate increases favorably impacted period-over-period distribution revenue by single-digit percentages for the three months ended March 31, 2026, partially offset by subscriber decreases by low single-digit percentages.
Core advertising revenue. Core advertising revenue decreased $10 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, with no particular product/services category dominating the variance.
Political advertising revenue. Political advertising revenue increased $12 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, primarily due to 2026 being a midterm election year and therefore having a higher number of political races and correspondingly more political advertising spending compared to 2025, which was an off-year election cycle.
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SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Other media revenue. Other media revenue decreased $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, primarily due to a decrease related to certain services provided under trade and barter agreements.
The following table sets forth our primary types of programming and their approximate percentages of advertising revenue for the periods presented:
| Percent of Advertising Revenue for the | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
| Syndicated/Other programming | 38% | 39% | |
| Local news | 28% | 27% | |
| Sports programming (a) | 16% | 16% | |
| Network programming (a) | 14% | 15% | |
| Paid programming | 4% | 3% |
(a)Sports programming includes both local and network sports programming. Network programming is exclusive of any network sports programming.
The following table sets forth our affiliate percentages of advertising revenue for the periods presented:
| Percent of Advertising Revenue for the | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||
| # of Channels | 2026 | 2025 | |||
| ABC | 41 | 27% | 27% | ||
| FOX | 61 | 21% | 26% | ||
| CBS | 32 | 21% | 19% | ||
| NBC | 25 | 17% | 12% | ||
| CW | 46 | 4% | 5% | ||
| MNT | 43 | 3% | 3% | ||
| Other | 398 | 7% | 8% | ||
| Total | 646 |
Expenses
Media programming and production expenses. Media programming and production expenses decreased $8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, primarily due to a decrease related to costs associated with our network affiliation agreements and other programming contracts and a decrease in consulting expenses.
Media selling, general and administrative expenses. Media selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, primarily due to a $2 million increase in employee compensation cost and in costs relating to our digital business, respectively, partially offset by a $2 million decrease in information technology costs.
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SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Corporate general and administrative expenses. See explanation under Corporate and Unallocated Expenses.
(Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, we recognized a loss associated with the sale of certain local media assets of approximately $17 million (see Acquisitions and Station Disposals under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements), which was offset by $9 million of proceeds related to our cyber and directors and officers insurance policies.
Depreciation and amortization expenses. Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangibles and other assets increased $4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, primarily due to an increase in intangible assets related to our acquisitions during the first quarter of 2026 and the third quarter of 2025, as well as amortization expense associated with our FCC licenses which began on January 1, 2026. See Acquisitions and Station Disposals and Changes in Accounting Estimates under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs. Interest expense decreased $59 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, primarily due to $68 million of one-time financing costs related to the financing transactions that
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward Looking Statements
We make statements in this section that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. For a complete discussion of forward-looking statements, see the section in this report entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.” Certain risks may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the following discussion. For a discussion of such risk factors, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Overview
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides qualitative and quantitative information about Sinclair’s and SBG’s financial performance and condition which should be read in conjunction with the other sections in this annual report, including Item 1. Business and within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, including the accompanying notes to those statements. This discussion consists of the following sections:
Executive Overview — a description of our business, summary of significant events, and information about industry trends;
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — a discussion of the accounting policies that are most important in understanding the assumptions and judgments incorporated within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements and a summary of recent accounting pronouncements;
Results of Operations — a summary of the components of Sinclair’s and SBG’s revenue by category and by network affiliation, a summary of other operating data, and an analysis of Sinclair’s and SBG’s revenue and expenses for 2025, 2024, and 2023, including a comparison between 2025 and 2024; and
Liquidity and Capital Resources — a discussion of Sinclair’s and SBG’s primary sources of liquidity and contractual cash obligations and an analysis of Sinclair’s and SBG’s cash flows from or used in operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
We are a diversified media company with national reach and a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations and digital platform. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform and third-party platforms, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, sports, other original programming produced by us and our owned networks, and professional sports. Additionally, we own digital media products that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties. We have interests in, own, manage and/or operate technical and software services companies, research and development for the advancement of broadcast technology, and other media and non-media related businesses and assets, including real estate, venture capital, private equity, and direct investments.
As of December 31, 2025, Sinclair had two reportable segments, local media and tennis, and SBG had one reportable segment, local media. Sinclair and SBG’s local media segment is comprised of our television stations, which are owned and/or operated by Sinclair and SBG’s wholly-owned subsidiary, STG and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, original networks and content. Sinclair’s tennis segment primarily consists of Tennis Channel, a cable network which includes coverage of many of tennis’ top tournaments and original professional sports and tennis lifestyle shows. Sinclair also earns revenue from non-broadcast digital and internet services, technical services, and non-media investments, included within “other.” Other and corporate are not reportable segments for either Sinclair or SBG.
As of December 31, 2025, STG, for which certain assets and results of operations are included in the local media segment and which is one of Sinclair and SBG’s wholly owned subsidiaries, was the primary obligor under the New Credit Agreement and the STG Notes. SBG and substantially all of STG’s subsidiaries are guarantors under the STG debt instruments. Sinclair’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock remain securities of Sinclair and not obligations or securities of STG.
For more information about our business, reportable segments, and our operating strategy, see Item 1. Business in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Summary of Significant Events
Content and Distribution
•In January 2025, Sinclair and NBC announced a comprehensive multi-year agreement that renews station affiliation agreements for 21 of SBG’s owned and/or operated NBC affiliates and affiliations in five markets where SBG provides sales and other services under a joint sales agreement or marketing service agreement.
•In the first quarter of 2025, Sinclair reached a distribution agreement with YouTube TV to continue carriage of Tennis Channel, TennisChannel 2, CHARGE!, Comet, and ROAR. The agreement also added carriage of The Nest and PickleBall TV.
•In April 2025, Sinclair launched BFFR, a weekly podcast from AMP Media hosted by women’s soccer icons Sydney Leroux and Ali Riley, across all major podcast platforms.
•In April 2025, Sinclair announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) accepted Sinclair’s Declaration of Compliance for Operations Over People, making Sinclair the first broadcast company authorized to fly drones over individuals and moving vehicles without needing an FAA waiver for news gathering under FAA rules.
•In April 2025, Tennis Channel and the International Tennis Federation announced a multi-year extension of their long-running partnership with the Billie Jean King Cup by GainbridgeTM and Davis Cup, the World Cup of Tennis events for women and men, respectively.
•In June 2025, WTA Ventures (Women’s Tennis Association) and Tennis Channel announced a new six-year media rights deal ensuring that Tennis Channel platforms will continue to be the exclusive home of WTA tennis in the United States through 2032.
•In June 2025, Sinclair launched two local sports podcasts: "The Script", a podcast on the Ohio State Buckeyes with former Ohio State stars Cardale Jones and Chris “Beanie” Wells, along with Columbus, Ohio’s ABC6/FOX28 Sports Director Dave Holmes; and "The Dynasty", a podcast on the Alabama Crimson Tide with former Alabama stars AJ McCarron and Trent Richardson, along with Chris Stewart, the voice of Alabama football.
•In August 2025, Tennis Channel signed extensions with the International Tennis Federation for the Davis Cup (through 2028) and Billie Jean King Cup (through 2027).
•In September 2025, Sinclair’s AMP Media launched THE TUNDRA: A Podcast on The Green Bay Packers.
•In January 2026, Sinclair’s AMP Media launched Cousins, a weekly podcast series hosted by NBA icons Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.
Corporate Social Responsibility Practices
•In January 2025, Sinclair and Tennis Channel announced Sinclair Cares: California Wildfires Relief, a fundraising partnership with the Salvation Army to provide disaster relief support across Southern California which helped provide critical aid, shelter, food, fresh water, and support for wildfire survivors and first responders in Los Angeles.
•In March 2025, Sinclair announced a partnership with the Salvation Army to launch Sinclair Cares: From Homeless to Hope, a nationwide initiative, including content produced by Sinclair and airing on Sinclair’s newscasts, dedicated to raising awareness about homelessness by shedding light on the many faces of homelessness and highlighting solutions that offer hope and stability.
•In April 2025, Sinclair held its third annual Sinclair Day of Service, whereby all employees were encouraged to volunteer that day for charitable causes. Over 1,300 employees volunteered a total of more than 3,600 hours that day.
•In July 2025, Sinclair Cares ran two campaigns, one raising nearly $200,000 in support of Texas Flood relief and another partnering with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness and support free rides to medical treatments.
•In August 2025, Sinclair awarded scholarships to 15 university students as a part of its annual scholarship program.
•In November 2025, Sinclair partnered with Feeding America to launch Sinclair Cares: Fill the Food Banks, a fundraising campaign to help provide meals to families across the U.S. during the holiday season.
•For the year ended December 31, 2025, our newsrooms won a total 246 journalism awards, including 32 regional Edward R. Murrow awards, 55 regional Emmy awards, and four National Headliner Awards.
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NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0)
•In January 2025, Sinclair joined with three broadcast peers and merged BitPath to form a new company, EdgeBeam Wireless, to provide robust wireless data services to a wide range of businesses and industries across the country.
•In July 2025, Sinclair launched WKOF in Syracuse, New York as an ATSC 3.0 lighthouse, marking the first time a television license was initiated under the NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) standard.
Transactions
•In June 2025, Sinclair purchased the broadcast assets of WSJV in South Bend-Elkhart, IN from Gray Television, Inc. ("Gray"), and sold the broadcast assets of WHOI in Peoria/Bloomington, IL to Gray.
•In June 2025, Sinclair acquired the license assets of KXVO in Omaha, NE, from Mitts Telecasting Company. Sinclair previously provided services to the station under an LMA.
•In June 2025, Sinclair’s digital marketing agency rebranded under the Digital Remedy brand.
•In July 2025, Sinclair sold the owned stations within Milwaukee, WI (WVTV), Springfield, IL (WICS/WICD), Ottumwa, IA (KTVO), and Quincy, IL (KHQA).
•In August 2025, Sinclair acquired the license assets of WOLF in Hazleton, PA, WQMY in Williamsport, PA, and WGFL in High Springs, FL from New Age Media, LLC. Sinclair previously provided services to the stations under MSAs.
•In August 2025, Sinclair acquired the license assets of KMEG in Sioux City, IA from Waitt Broadcasting. Sinclair previously provided services to the station under a JSA.
•In August 2025, Sinclair acquired the license assets of KNSN in Reno, NV, KBTV in Beaumont, TX, and WSTR in Cincinnati, OH from Deerfield Media. Sinclair previously provided services to KNSN under an LMA and KBTV and WSTR under JSAs.
•In September 2025, Sinclair acquired the non-license assets of WLNE in Providence, RI.
•In October 2025, Sinclair acquired the license assets of WUTB in Baltimore, MD from Deerfield Media and WWHO in Columbus, OH from Manhan Media. Sinclair previously provided services to the stations under JSAs.
•In December 2025, Sinclair acquired the license assets of WWMB in Florence, SC from Howard Stirk Holdings. Sinclair previously provided services to the station under a time brokerage agreement.
•In December 2025, Sinclair acquired the license assets of WFLI in Chattanooga, TN and WTLF in Tallahassee, FL from MPS Media, LLC. Sinclair previously provided services to the stations under JSAs.
•In February 2026, Sinclair acquired KMTR, KMCB, and KTCW in Eugene, OR from Roberts Media. Sinclair previously provided services to the stations under JSAs and SSAs.
•In February 2026, the FCC granted Sinclair’s application to acquire WHAM in Rochester, NY, WGTU in Traverse City, MI and WEYI in Flint, MI. Sinclair currently provides services to these stations under JSAs and SSAs, however will look to close the transactions immediately.
Financing, Capital Allocation, and Shareholder Returns
•For the year ended December 31, 2025, Sinclair paid dividends of $1.00 per share. In February 2026, Sinclair declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share.
•In the first quarter of 2025, Sinclair closed a new money financing and debt recapitalization to strengthen Sinclair’s balance sheet and better position it for long-term growth, which transactions are described more fully under Liquidity and Capital Resources below.
•In April 2025 and October 2025, STG repurchased $81 million and the remaining $89 million, respectively, aggregate principal amount of the 5.125% Senior Notes due 2027 for consideration of $77 million and $89 million, respectively. The 5.125% Senior Notes due 2027 acquired in April and October 2025 were canceled immediately following their acquisition.
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Other Events
•In March 2025, Sinclair announced that Lucy Rutishauser, current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will retire upon appointment and transition of her successor into the role.
•In June 2025, Sinclair announced the appointment of Conrad Clemson as Chief Executive Officer of EdgeBeam Wireless, Sinclair’s NextGen TV joint venture with industry peers.
•In July 2025, Sinclair announced the appointment of Narinder Sahai as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.
Industry Trends
•During the last few years, the number of subscribers to Distributor services in the United States has been declining, as technological advancements have driven changes in consumer behavior and have empowered consumers to seek more control over when, where, and how they consume news, sports, and other entertainment, including through the so-called “cutting the cord” and other consumption strategies.
•The Distributor industry has continued to undergo significant consolidation, which gives top Distributors negotiating power.
•vMVPDs have continued to gain increasing importance and have quickly become a critical segment of the market. These vMVPDs offer a limited number of networks at a lower price point as compared to the traditional cable offering.
•Political spending is significantly higher in the even-numbered years due to the cyclicality of political elections. In addition, every four years, political spending is typically elevated further due to the advertising related to the presidential election.
•The FCC has permitted broadcast television stations to use their digital spectrum for a wide variety of services including multi-channel broadcasts. The FCC “must-carry” rules only apply to a station’s primary digital stream.
•Recent FCC actions as well as Court decisions have relaxed certain media ownership regulations, which may continue, resulting in a more constructive environment for consolidation of the local broadcast industry.
•Seasonal advertising increases within our local media segment occur in the second and fourth quarters due to the anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers.
•Broadcasters have found ways to increase returns on their news programming initiatives while continuing to maintain locally produced content through the use of news sharing arrangements.
•Viewership of content on connected or smart TV’s continues to rise which has led to the shifting of advertising spend to this content from other forms of media.
•Professional sporting events have begun to migrate back to broadcast television.
•Big Tech (such as Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft) has begun offering OTT platforms.
•Broadcast networks have begun launching and expanding their own DTC platforms.
•Advertising revenue on digital platforms continues to grow.
•Advertising revenue related to the Summer Olympics occurs in even numbered years. Advertising revenue related to the Winter Olympics also occurs in even numbered years but are two years apart from the Summer Olympics. The Super Bowl is aired on a different network each year. All of these popularly viewed events can have an impact on our advertising revenue.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates including those related to revenue recognition, goodwill and intangible assets, program costs, income taxes and variable interest entities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. These estimates have been consistently applied for all years presented in this report and in the past we have not experienced material differences between these estimates and actual results. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our estimates and such differences could be material.
We consider the following accounting policies to be the most critical as they are important to our financial condition and results of operations and require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in their application. For a detailed discussion of the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition. As discussed in Revenue Recognition under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, we generate advertising revenue primarily from the sale of advertising spots/impressions on our broadcast television and digital platforms. Core and political advertising revenue is recognized in the period in which the advertising spots/impressions are delivered. In arrangements where we provide audience ratings guarantees, to the extent that there is a ratings shortfall, we will defer a proportionate amount of revenue until the ratings shortfall is settled through the delivery of additional advertising. The term of our advertising arrangements is generally less than one year and the timing between when an advertisement is aired and when payment is realized is not significant. In certain circumstances, we require customers to pay in advance; payments received in advance of satisfying our performance obligations are reflected as deferred revenue.
We generate distribution revenue through fees received from Distributors and other OTT providers for the right to distribute our broadcast channels and cable networks on their distribution platforms. Distribution arrangements are generally governed by multi-year contracts and the underlying fees are based upon a contractual monthly rate per subscriber. These arrangements represent licenses of intellectual property; revenue is recognized as the signal is provided to our customers (as usage occurs) which corresponds with the satisfaction of our performance obligation. Revenue is calculated based upon the contractual rate multiplied by an estimated number of subscribers. Our customers will remit payments based upon actual subscribers a short time after the conclusion of a month, which generally does not exceed 120 days. Historical adjustments to subscriber estimates have not been material.
Impairment of Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Other Long-Lived Assets. We evaluate our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. As of December 31, 2025, Sinclair’s consolidated balance sheet included $2,085 million and $149 million of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, respectively, and SBG’s consolidated balance sheet included $2,004 million and $122 million of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, respectively. We evaluate long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our asset groups may not be recoverable.
In the performance of our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessments we have the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely-than-not that the respective asset has been impaired. If we conclude that it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit or an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, we apply the quantitative assessment, which involves comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset to its respective carrying value. See Impairment of Goodwill, Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets and Other Long-lived Assets under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the significant judgments and estimates inherent in both qualitatively assessing whether impairment may exist and estimating the fair values of the reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets if a quantitative assessment is deemed necessary.
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We are required to analyze our long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, for impairment. We evaluate our definite-lived intangible assets for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. In the event we identify indicators that these assets are not recoverable, we evaluate the recoverability of definite-lived intangible assets by comparing the carrying amount of the assets within an asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with the asset group. An asset group represents the lowest level of cash flow generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. At the time that such evaluations indicate that the future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the asset group, an impairment loss is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset group to the carrying value. We estimate fair value using an income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis.
We believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions in the performance of our impairment assessments. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, including future events such as a deterioration of market conditions, loss of significant customers, and significant increases in discount rates, among other factors, we could be exposed to impairment charges in the future. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, and consolidated statements of cash flows.
Program Costs. As discussed in Broadcast Television Programming under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, we record an asset and corresponding liability for programming rights when the program is available for its first showing or telecast. These costs are expensed over the period in which an economic benefit is expected to be derived. To ensure the related assets for the programming rights are reflected in our consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value, management estimates future advertising revenue to be generated by the remaining program material available under the contract terms. Management’s judgment is required in determining the timing of expense for these costs, which is dependent on the economic benefit expected to be generated from the program and may significantly differ from the timing of related payments under the contractual obligation. If our estimates of future advertising revenue decline, amortization expense could accelerate or fair value adjustments may be required.
Fair Value Measurements of Investments in Bally’s Securities. As discussed in Note 5. Other Assets and Note 16. Fair Value Measurements within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements, we entered into a commercial agreement with Bally’s Corporation (“Bally’s”) on November 18, 2020. As part of this arrangement, we received warrants to acquire common equity in the business. These financial instruments are measured each period at fair value, which is primarily derived from the trading price of the underlying common stock and the exercise price of the warrants.
Income Tax. As discussed in Income Taxes under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies, current and cumulative losses, and forecasts of future taxable income. In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis. As of December 31, 2025, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to certain of our available state net operating loss carryforwards. As of December 31, 2024, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to certain temporary basis differences and a substantial amount of our available state net operating loss carryforwards based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income. Future changes in operating and/or taxable income or other changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the ability to realize our deferred tax assets which could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
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Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of our tax positions, and we record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits if such tax positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merits, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation processes. Significant judgment is required in determining whether positions taken are more likely than not to be sustained, and it is based on a variety of facts and circumstances, including interpretation of the relevant federal and state income tax codes, regulations, case law and other authoritative pronouncements. Based on this analysis, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, liabilities are adjusted as necessary. The resolution of audits is unpredictable and could result in tax liabilities that are significantly higher or lower than for what we have provided. See Note 10. Income Taxes within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 9. Income Taxes within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits.
Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). As discussed in Note 12. Variable Interest Entities within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 11. Variable Interest Entities within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, we have determined that certain third-party licensees of stations for which we perform services pursuant to arrangements, including LMAs, JSAs, and SSAs, are VIEs and we are the primary beneficiary of those variable interests because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the services we provide and because we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs.
Transactions with Related Parties. We conduct certain business-related transactions with related persons or entities. See Note 13. Related Person Transactions within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 12. Related Person Transactions within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of these transactions.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Recent Accounting Pronouncements under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting policies and their impact on Sinclair’s and SBG’s financial statements.
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SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Any references to the first, second, third, or fourth quarters are to the three months ended March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31, respectively, for the year being discussed. As of December 31, 2025, we had two reportable segments for accounting purposes, local media and tennis.
Seasonality / Cyclicality
The operating results of our local media segment are usually subject to cyclical fluctuations from political advertising. In even numbered years, political spending is usually significantly higher than in odd numbered years due to advertising expenditures preceding local and national elections. Additionally, every four years, political spending is usually elevated further due to advertising expenditures preceding the presidential election. Also, the second and fourth quarters’ operating results are usually higher than the first and third quarters’ operating results because advertising expenditures are increased in anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers.
The operating results of our tennis segment are usually subject to cyclical fluctuations due to the number and significance of tournaments that take place in the respective quarters during the year. The first and fourth quarter operating results are usually higher than the second and third quarters’ because of the number and significance of tournaments that are played during those periods.
Consolidated Operating Data
The following table sets forth certain of our consolidated operating data for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in millions).
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
| Media revenue | $ | 3,142 | $ | 3,511 | $ | 3,106 | ||||
| Non-media revenue | 27 | 37 | 28 | |||||||
| Total revenue | 3,169 | 3,548 | 3,134 | |||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | 1,653 | 1,661 | 1,611 | |||||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses | 806 | 794 | 747 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 249 | 250 | 271 | |||||||
| Amortization of program costs | 74 | 74 | 80 | |||||||
| Non-media expenses | 48 | 53 | 49 | |||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 185 | 185 | 694 | |||||||
| Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary | — | — | 10 | |||||||
| (Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net | (19) | (20) | 3 | |||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 173 | $ | 551 | $ | (331) | ||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair | $ | (112) | $ | 310 | $ | (291) |
A discussion regarding our financial results and operations for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 is presented below. A discussion regarding our financial results and operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 can be found under Item 7 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2025 (our “2024 Annual Report”), which is available free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our Investor Relations website at www.sbgi.net/investor-relations.
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SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Local Media Segment
The following table sets forth our revenue and expenses for our local media segment for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ‘25 vs.‘24 | ‘24 vs.‘23 | |||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
| Distribution revenue | $ | 1,529 | $ | 1,543 | $ | 1,491 | (1)% | 4% | |||||||
| Core advertising revenue | 1,124 | 1,152 | 1,192 | (2)% | (3)% | ||||||||||
| Political advertising revenue | 32 | 405 | 44 | (92)% | n/m | ||||||||||
| Other media revenue | 89 | 154 | 139 | (42)% | 11% | ||||||||||
| Media revenue (a) | $ | 2,774 | $ | 3,254 | $ | 2,866 | (15)% | 14% | |||||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | $ | 1,526 | $ | 1,536 | $ | 1,488 | (1)% | 3% | |||||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses (b) | 666 | 742 | 694 | (10)% | 7% | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 227 | 231 | 243 | (2)% | (5)% | ||||||||||
| Amortization of program costs | 74 | 74 | 80 | —% | (8)% | ||||||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 118 | 117 | 134 | 1% | (13)% | ||||||||||
| Non-media expenses | 8 | 8 | 14 | —% | (43)% | ||||||||||
| Gain on asset dispositions and other, net | (24) | (18) | (14) | 33% | 29% | ||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 179 | $ | 564 | $ | 227 | (68)% | n/m | |||||||
| Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs | $ | 395 | $ | 304 | $ | 305 | 30% | —% | |||||||
| Gain on extinguishment of debt | $ | 6 | $ | 1 | $ | 15 | n/m | (93)% | |||||||
| Other income, net | $ | 8 | $ | 40 | $ | 33 | (80)% | 21% |
n/m - not meaningful
(a)Includes $10 million, $9 million, and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, of intercompany revenue related to certain services provided to the tennis segment, which is eliminated in consolidation.
(b)Includes $22 million, $13 million, and $8 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, of intercompany expense related to certain services provided by other, which is eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue
Distribution revenue. Distribution revenue, which represents fees earned from Distributors for our broadcast signals, decreased $14 million or 1% in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024. Subscriber decreases impacted period-over-period distribution revenue by mid-teen percentages for the year ended December 31, 2025, partially offset by favorable contractual rate increases by low-teen percentages.
Core advertising revenue. Core advertising revenue decreased $28 million in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, with no particular product/services category dominating the variance.
Political advertising revenue. Political advertising revenue decreased $373 million in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to 2025 being an off-year election cycle and therefore having only a small number of political races and correspondingly less political advertising spending compared to 2024, which was a presidential political year.
Other media revenue. Other media revenue decreased $65 million in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a decrease related to certain services provided under management services agreements due to the expiration of the agreements.
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SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth our primary types of programming and their approximate percentages of advertising revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023:
| Percent of Advertising Revenue | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||
| Syndicated/Other programming | 38% | 35% | 38% | ||
| Local news | 28% | 30% | 29% | ||
| Network programming (a) | 15% | 17% | 15% | ||
| Sports programming (a) | 16% | 16% | 13% | ||
| Paid programming | 3% | 2% | 5% |
(a)Sports programming includes both local and network sports programming. Network programming is exclusive of any network sports programming.
The following table sets forth our affiliate percentages of advertising revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023:
| # of | Percent of Advertising Revenue | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| ABC | 37 | 29% | 27% | 29% | |||
| FOX | 53 | 23% | 23% | 24% | |||
| CBS | 29 | 19% | 20% | 20% | |||
| NBC | 24 | 13% | 16% | 12% | |||
| CW | 44 | 4% | 4% | 5% | |||
| MNT | 39 | 3% | 3% | 4% | |||
| Other | 430 | 9% | 7% | 6% | |||
| Total | 656 |
Expenses
Media programming and production expenses. Media programming and production expenses decreased $10 million in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a decrease in consulting and litigation expenses of $9 million, including the reversal of approximately $3 million previously expensed as a result of the FCC consent decree that is further discussed in Litigation, Claims, and Regulatory Matters under Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Media selling, general and administrative expenses. Media selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $76 million during 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a $22 million decrease in national sales commissions, a $13 million decrease in both employee compensation cost and in costs relating to our digital business, respectively, reversal of approximately $10 million previously expensed as a result of the FCC consent decree, as further discussed in Litigation, Claims, and Regulatory Matters under Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements, a $9 million decrease in trade related expenses, and an $8 million decrease in credit card fees.
Corporate general and administrative expenses. See explanation under Corporate and Unallocated Expenses.
Gain on asset dispositions and other, net. Gain on asset dispositions and other, net increased $6 million in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to an increase of $20 million in proceeds related to our cyber and directors and officers’ insurance policies. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2025, we recognized a loss related to the sale of certain of our stations of approximately $8 million compared to a gain of $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 related to the sale of certain broadcast related assets. See Acquisitions and Station Disposals under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Depreciation and amortization expenses. Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangibles and other assets decreased $4 million during 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to assets retired during 2025.
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Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs. Interest expense increased $91 million in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to the Transactions, as defined and described in Credit Agreements and Notes under Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Included in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2025 is $68 million of one-time financing costs that will not recur in future periods.
Gain on extinguishment of debt. Gain on extinguishment of debt increased $5 million in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to gains on extinguishment of the 5.125% Senior Notes due 2027 and 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 of $7 million of $5 million, respectively, offset by a loss on extinguishment of the Term Loan B-2 of $6 million. See Credit Agreements and Notes under Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other income, net. Other income, net decreased $32 million in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a $26 million gain related to the sale of certain broadcast related assets that occurred in 2024 versus a loss of $3 million in 2025.
Tennis Segment
The following table sets forth our revenue and expenses for our tennis segment for the periods presented (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ‘25 vs.‘24 | ‘24 vs.‘23 | |||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
| Distribution revenue | $ | 216 | $ | 203 | $ | 189 | 6% | 7% | |||||||
| Core advertising revenue | 45 | 39 | 37 | 15% | 5% | ||||||||||
| Other media revenue | 4 | 5 | 2 | (20)% | n/m | ||||||||||
| Media revenue | $ | 265 | $ | 247 | $ | 228 | 7% | 8% | |||||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | $ | 125 | $ | 125 | $ | 115 | —% | 9% | |||||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses (a) | 65 | 53 | 41 | 23% | 29% | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 21 | 21 | 21 | —% | —% | ||||||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 2 | 2 | 1 | —% | n/m | ||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 52 | $ | 46 | $ | 50 | 13% | (8)% |
n/m - not meaningful
(a)Includes $10 million, $9 million, and $6 million for years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, of intercompany expense related to certain advertising services provided by the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue
Distribution revenue. Distribution revenue, which represents fees earned from Distributors for the right to distribute Tennis Channel, increased $13 million or 6% in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily due to mid-teen percentage increases in contractual rates and a high single-digit percentage increase in TennisChannel 2 subscriptions, partially offset by a decrease in subscribers by low-teen percentages for the period.
Core advertising revenue. Core advertising revenue is primarily generated from sales of commercial time within Tennis Channel programming. Core advertising revenue increased $6 million in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to stronger linear sales, as well as higher advertising sales within the TennisChannel 2 platform as a result of increased subscribers.
Expenses
Media programming and production expenses. Media programming and production expenses remained flat in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024.
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Media selling, general and administrative expenses. Media selling, general and administrative expenses increased $12 million in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to an increase in costs associated with the launch of the TennisChannel 2 platform and an increase in expenses related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation.
Corporate general and administrative expenses. See explanation under Corporate and Unallocated Expenses.
Other
The following table sets forth our revenue and expenses for our non-broadcast digital and internet solutions, technical sales and services, and non-media investments (collectively, “Other”) for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ‘25 vs.‘24 | ‘24 vs.‘23 | |||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
| Media revenue (a) | $ | 135 | $ | 33 | $ | 28 | n/m | 18% | |||||||
| Non-media revenue (b) | $ | 31 | $ | 43 | $ | 34 | (28)% | 26% | |||||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Media expenses (c) | $ | 109 | $ | 21 | $ | 35 | n/m | (40)% | |||||||
| Non-media expenses (d) | $ | 43 | $ | 48 | $ | 39 | (10)% | 23% | |||||||
| (Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net | $ | (10) | $ | (2) | $ | 18 | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 17 | $ | 4 | $ | (44) | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| Income from equity method investments | $ | 64 | $ | 121 | $ | 31 | (47)% | n/m | |||||||
| Other expense, net | $ | (12) | $ | (14) | $ | (80) | (14)% | (83)% |
n/m — not meaningful
(a)Media revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 includes $22 million, $13 million, and $8 million, respectively, of intercompany revenue related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(b)Non-media revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 includes $4 million, $6 million, and $6 million, respectively, of intercompany revenue related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(c)Media expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 include $2 million of intercompany expenses primarily related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(d)Non-media expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 include $3 million, $3 million, and $4 million, respectively, of intercompany expenses related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue. Media revenue increased $102 million during 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to an increase in advertising revenue related to the acquisition of Digital Remedy, as discussed in Acquisitions and Station Disposals under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Non-media revenue decreased $12 million during 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to lower sales within our consolidated real estate investments and a decrease in broadcast equipment sales.
Expenses. Media expenses increased $88 million during 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses related to the acquisition of Digital Remedy, as discussed in Acquisitions and Station Disposals under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Non-media expenses decreased $5 million during 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a decrease in expenses associated with lower broadcast equipment sales.
(Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net. Gain on asset dispositions and other, net increased $8 million during 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to an increase in proceeds related to our directors and officers insurance policies.
Income from equity method investments. Income from equity method investments decreased $57 million during 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a $93 million gain on the sale of our interest in a sports media and marketing business in 2024, partially offset by gains related to real estate investments in 2025, which are included in income from equity method investments in our consolidated statements of operations.
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Other expense, net. Other expense, net remained relatively flat during 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024.
Corporate and Unallocated Expenses
The following table presents our corporate and unallocated expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ‘25 vs.‘24 | ‘24 vs.‘23 | |||||||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | $ | 185 | $ | 185 | $ | 694 | —% | (73)% | |||||||
| Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 10 | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| (Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net | $ | (19) | $ | (20) | $ | 3 | (5)% | n/m | |||||||
| Income tax benefit (provision) | $ | 54 | $ | (76) | $ | 358 | n/m | n/m |
n/m — not meaningful
The table above and explanations that follow cover total consolidated corporate and unallocated expenses.
Corporate general and administrative expenses. Corporate general and administrative expenses remained flat in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024.
(Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net. For the year ended December 31, 2025, we recognized a loss of $8 million related to our station sales and an expense of $15 million related to the Marquee guarantee as discussed in Debt of Variable Interest Entities and Guarantees of Third-Party Obligations under Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements. These losses were offset by gains of $45 million related to proceeds from our cyber and directors and officers’ insurance policies, which are further discussed above in Local Media Segment and Other under Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Income tax benefit (provision). The 2025 income tax benefit for our pre-tax loss of $153 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 35.6%. The 2024 income tax provision for our pre-tax income of $395 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 19.1%. The increase in the effective tax rate from 2024 to 2025 is primarily due to the 2025 benefit from the release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets as a result of a change in recent years from cumulative loss to cumulative earnings in certain state jurisdictions.
As of December 31, 2025, we had a net deferred tax liability of $213 million as compared to a net deferred tax liability of $335 million as of December 31, 2024. The decrease in net deferred tax liability primarily relates to the exit of our investment in Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries (“Diamond”).
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had $15 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rate. We recognized $1 million of income tax expense for interest related to uncertain tax positions for each of the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. See Note 10. Income Taxes within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, LLC RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Any references to the first, second, third, or fourth quarters are to the three months ended March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31, respectively, for the year being discussed. As of December 31, 2025, SBG had one reportable segment for accounting purposes, local media.
Seasonality / Cyclicality
The operating results of SBG’s local media segment are usually subject to cyclical fluctuations from political advertising. In even numbered years, political spending is usually significantly higher than in odd numbered years due to advertising expenditures preceding local and national elections. Additionally, every four years, political spending is usually elevated further due to advertising expenditures preceding the presidential election. Also, the second and fourth quarters’ operating results are usually higher than the first and third quarters’ operating results because advertising expenditures are increased in anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers.
Consolidated Operating Data
The following table sets forth certain of SBG’s consolidated operating data for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in millions).
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
| Media revenue | $ | 2,774 | $ | 3,254 | $ | 2,968 | ||||
| Non-media revenue | — | — | 10 | |||||||
| Total revenue | 2,774 | 3,254 | 2,978 | |||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | 1,526 | 1,536 | 1,543 | |||||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses | 666 | 742 | 719 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 227 | 231 | 252 | |||||||
| Amortization of program costs | 74 | 74 | 80 | |||||||
| Non-media expenses | 8 | 8 | 24 | |||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 118 | 123 | 654 | |||||||
| Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary | — | — | 10 | |||||||
| Gain on asset dispositions and other, net | (8) | (18) | (2) | |||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 163 | $ | 558 | $ | (302) | ||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to SBG | $ | (161) | $ | 229 | $ | (257) |
A discussion regarding SBG’s financial results and operations for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 is presented below. A discussion regarding SBG’s financial results and operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 can be found under Item 7 of Part II of the 2024 Annual Report, which is available free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our Investor Relations website at www.sbgi.net/investor-relations.
Local Media Segment
Refer to Local Media Segment above under Sinclair’s Results of Operations for a discussion of SBG’s local media segment, which is the same as Sinclair’s local media segment for all of the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.
As of December 31, 2025 the unrestricted subsidiaries (as defined in the New Credit Agreement, “Unrestricted Subsidiaries”) represented 1% of SBG’s total assets. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Unrestricted Subsidiaries represented 0% of SBG’s total revenue and decreased SBG’s total operating income by 1%.
As of December 31, 2025 and for the year ended December 31, 2025, SBG had no restricted subsidiaries that were non-guarantors (as defined in the New Credit Agreement).
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Other
The following table sets forth SBG’s revenue and expenses for tennis, non-broadcast digital and internet solutions, technical services, and non-media investments (collectively, “Other”) for the year ended December 31, 2023 (in millions):
| For the Period January 1, 2023 to May 31, 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue: | (e) | |||||
| Distribution revenue | $ | 76 | ||||
| Core advertising revenue | 29 | |||||
| Other media revenue | 3 | |||||
| Media revenue (a) | $ | 108 | ||||
| Non-media revenue (b) | $ | 11 | ||||
| Operating Expenses: | ||||||
| Media expenses (c) | $ | 86 | ||||
| Non-media expenses (d) | $ | 10 | ||||
| Loss on asset dispositions and other, net | $ | 13 | ||||
| Income from equity method investments | $ | 31 |
n/m — not meaningful
(a)Media revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes $3 million of intercompany revenue related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation.
(b)Non-media revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes $1 million of intercompany revenue related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation.
(c)Media expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 include $1 million of intercompany expenses primarily related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation.
(d)Non-media expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 include $1 million of intercompany expenses related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation.
(e)Represents the activity prior to the Reorganization on June 1, 2023. There was no reportable activity for the June through December period in the year ended December 31, 2023 following the Reorganization on June 1, 2023. See Company Reorganization under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Corporate and Unallocated Expenses
The following table presents SBG’s corporate and unallocated expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ‘25 vs.‘24 | ‘24 vs.‘23 | |||||||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | $ | 118 | $ | 123 | $ | 654 | (4)% | (81)% | |||||||
| Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 10 | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| Gain on asset dispositions and other, net | $ | (8) | $ | (18) | $ | (2) | (56)% | n/m | |||||||
| Income tax benefit (provision) | $ | 63 | $ | (60) | $ | 359 | n/m | n/m |
n/m — not meaningful
The table above and explanations that follow cover SBG’s total consolidated corporate and unallocated expenses.
Corporate general and administrative expenses. Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased $5 million in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a decrease in legal, consulting, and regulatory costs, primarily related to the litigation discussed under Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Gain on asset dispositions and other, net. For the year ended December 31, 2025, SBG recognized a loss of $8 million related to station sales and an expense of $15 million related to the Marquee guarantee as discussed in Debt of Variable Interest Entities and Guarantees of Third-Party Obligations under Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements. These losses were offset by gains of $35 million related to proceeds from SBG’s cyber and directors and officers’ insurance policies, which are further discussed in Local Media Segment under Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Sinclair, Inc.’s Results of Operations.
Income tax benefit (provision). The 2025 income tax benefit for SBG’s pre-tax loss of $218 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 28.9%. The 2024 income tax benefit for SBG’s pre-tax income of $295 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 20.3%. The increase in the effective tax rate from 2024 to 2025 is primarily due to the 2025 benefit from the release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets as a result of a change in recent years from cumulative loss to cumulative earnings in certain state jurisdictions.
As of December 31, 2025, SBG had a net deferred tax liability of $255 million as compared to a net deferred tax liability of $373 million as of December 31, 2024. The decrease in net deferred tax liability primarily relates to the exit of SBG’s investment in Diamond.
As of December 31, 2025, SBG had $14 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would favorably affect SBG’s effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2024, SBG had $13 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would favorably affect SBG’s effective tax rate. SBG recognized $1 million of income tax expense for interest related to uncertain tax positions for each of the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. See Note 9. Income Taxes within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 2025, Sinclair had net working capital of approximately $997 million, including $866 million in cash and cash equivalent balances and approximately $612.5 million of available borrowing capacity, including $575 million under the New Credit Agreement and $37.5 million under the bank credit agreement amended as of February 12, 2025 (the “Amended Credit Agreement”). As of December 31, 2025, cash on hand, cash generated by Sinclair’s operations, and borrowing capacity under the New Credit Agreement and the Amended Credit Agreement were used as Sinclair’s primary sources of liquidity.
As of December 31, 2025, SBG had net working capital of approximately $521 million, including $401 million in cash and cash equivalent balances and approximately $612.5 million of available borrowing capacity, including $575 million under the New Credit Agreement and $37.5 million under the Amended Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2025, cash on hand, cash generated by SBG’s operations, and borrowing capacity under the New Credit Agreement and Amended Credit Agreement were used as SBG’s primary sources of liquidity.
The First-Out Revolving Credit Facility (as defined and described in Credit Agreements and Notes under Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Credit Agreements and Notes under Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements) includes a financial maintenance covenant, the first-out first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the New Credit Agreement), which requires such ratio not to exceed 3.5x, measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter, which is only applicable if 35% or more of the capacity (as a percentage of total commitments) under the First-Out Revolving Credit Facility, measured as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, is utilized as of such date. Since there was no utilization under the First-Out Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2025, STG was not subject to the financial maintenance covenant under the New Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2025, the STG first-out first lien leverage ratio was below 3.5x. The New Credit Agreement contains other restrictions and covenants with which STG was in compliance as of December 31, 2025.
During the year ended December 31, 2025, STG completed the Transactions, as described in Credit Agreements and Notes under Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Credit Agreements and Notes under Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, including a new money financing and debt recapitalization, which strengthened the Company’s balance sheet and better positioned it for long-term growth. STG’s nearest term maturity, Term Loan B-2 due 2026, was repaid with proceeds from the issuance of STG’s 8.125% first-out first lien secured notes due 2033, along with the extension of maturities of other debt tranches, which significantly extended STG’s maturity profile. See Credit Agreements and Notes under Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Credit Agreements and Notes under Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, for further information.
In April 2025, STG repurchased $81 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.125% Senior Notes due 2027 for consideration of $77 million. In October 2025, STG repurchased the remaining $89 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.125% Senior Notes due 2027 for consideration of $89 million. The 5.125% Senior Notes due 2027 acquired in 2025 were canceled immediately following their acquisition.
On November 6, 2025, STG and one of its subsidiaries entered into a three-year, up to $375 million revolving accounts receivable securitization facility (the “A/R Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (“Wells”), which matures on November 6, 2028, in order to enable STG to raise incremental, low-cost capital. The amount of actual availability under the A/R Facility is subject to change based on the level of eligible receivables sold by certain subsidiaries of STG identified therein (the “Originators”) to STG. Eligibility of the receivables is determined by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, credit ratings of the Originators’ customers, customer concentration levels, and certain characteristics of the accounts receivable being transferred. As of December 31, 2025, the total amount outstanding under the A/R Facility was $375 million.
For the year ending December 31, 2026, Sinclair and SBG expect capital expenditures to be with the range of $75 million to $80 million and $72 million to $77 million, respectively, primarily related to station technical, maintenance, and building projects.
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Sinclair and SBG have various contractual obligations which are recorded as liabilities in Sinclair’s and SBG’s consolidated financial statements, such as notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing; operating leases; and active television program contracts. Certain other contractual obligations have not been recognized as liabilities in Sinclair’s and SBG’s consolidated financial statements, such as certain future television program contracts and network programming rights. Active television program contracts are included in Sinclair’s and SBG’s balance sheets as an asset and liability while future television program contracts are excluded until the cost is known, the program is available for its first showing or telecast, and the licensee has accepted the program. Industry protocol typically enables us to make payments for television program contracts on a three-month lag, which differs from the contractual timing. As of December 31, 2025, Sinclair’s and SBG’s significant contractual obligations included:
Sinclair:
•Total debt of Sinclair, defined as current and long-term notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing, including finance leases of affiliates, of $4,383 million, including current debt, due within the next 12 months, of $25 million.
•Interest due on Sinclair’s total debt in the next twelve months of $318 million, including interest estimated on Sinclair’s variable rate debt calculated at an effective weighted average interest rate of 7.17% as of December 31, 2025.
•Sinclair’s contractual amounts owed through the expiration date of the underlying agreement for active and future television program contracts, network programming rights, and Tennis programming rights of $1,577 million, including $1,006 million due within the next 12 months. Network programming agreements may include variable fee components such as subscriber levels, which in certain circumstances have been estimated and reflected in the previous amounts based on current subscriber amounts.
SBG:
•Total debt of SBG, defined as current and long-term notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing, including finance leases of affiliates, of $4,383 million, including current debt, due within the next 12 months, of $25 million.
•Interest due on SBG’s total debt in the next twelve months of $318 million, including interest estimated on SBG’s variable rate debt calculated at an effective weighted average interest rate of 7.17% as of December 31, 2025.
•SBG’s contractual amounts owed through the expiration date of the underlying agreement for active and future television program contracts and network programming rights of $1,052 million, including $934 million due within the next 12 months. Network programming agreements may include variable fee components such as subscriber levels, which in certain circumstances have been estimated and reflected in the previous amounts based on current subscriber amounts.
See Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, Note 7. Leases, and Note 8. Program Contracts within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, Note 7. Leases, and Note 8. Program Contracts within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Sinclair and SBG anticipate that existing cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from the local media segment’s operations, borrowing capacity under the New Credit Agreement, the Amended Credit Agreement, and the A/R Facility will be sufficient to satisfy the local media segment’s debt service obligations, capital expenditure requirements, and working capital needs for the next twelve months. Sinclair anticipates that existing cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from SBG, the tennis segment and other’s operations will be sufficient to satisfy SBG’s, the tennis segment’s and other’s debt service obligations, capital expenditure requirements, and working capital needs for the next twelve months. However, certain factors, including but not limited to the war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, and other geopolitical matters, natural disasters, and pandemics, and their resulting effect on the economy, Sinclair’s and SBG’s advertisers, and Sinclair’s and SBG’s Distributors and their subscribers, could affect Sinclair’s and SBG’s liquidity and first lien leverage ratio which could affect Sinclair’s and SBG’s ability to access the full borrowing capacity under the New Credit Agreement. In addition to the sources described above, Sinclair and SBG may rely upon various sources for long-term liquidity needs, such as but not limited to, the issuance of long-term debt, the issuance of Sinclair equity, for Sinclair only, the issuance of Ventures equity or debt, or other instruments convertible into or exchangeable for Sinclair equity, or the sale of assets. However, there can be no assurance that additional financing or capital or buyers of assets will be available, or that the terms of any transactions will be acceptable or advantageous to Sinclair or SBG.
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Sinclair, Inc. Sources and Uses of Cash
The following table sets forth Sinclair’s cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in millions):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash flows from operating activities | $ | 189 | $ | 98 | $ | 235 | ||||
| Cash flows (used in) from investing activities: | ||||||||||
| Acquisition of property and equipment | $ | (74) | $ | (84) | $ | (92) | ||||
| Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired | (29) | — | — | |||||||
| Purchases of investments | (51) | (50) | (72) | |||||||
| Distributions and proceeds from investments | 30 | 203 | 206 | |||||||
| Other, net | 4 | 8 | 10 | |||||||
| Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities | $ | (120) | $ | 77 | $ | 52 | ||||
| Cash flow from (used in) financing activities: | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing | $ | 1,805 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||
| Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and finance leases | (1,515) | (61) | (85) | |||||||
| Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock | — | — | (153) | |||||||
| Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock | (69) | (66) | (65) | |||||||
| Repurchase of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity | — | — | (190) | |||||||
| Debt issuance costs | (96) | — | — | |||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (17) | (12) | (13) | |||||||
| Other, net | (8) | (1) | (3) | |||||||
| Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities | $ | 100 | $ | (140) | $ | (509) |
Operating Activities
Net cash flows from Sinclair’s operating activities increased for the year ended December 31, 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to cash receipts from insurance policies in the current period, a decrease in production costs, and the litigation settlement payment to Diamond Sports Group, LLC (“DSG”) that occurred in the prior period, partially offset by a decrease in cash collections from Distributors, a decrease in cash collections related to political revenue, and an increase in overhead costs.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows used in Sinclair’s investing activities increased for the year ended December 31, 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a decrease in the distributions and proceeds from investments and the acquisition of Digital Remedy in the first quarter of 2025.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows from Sinclair’s financing activities increased for the year ended December 31, 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to draws under the A/R Facility in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the Transactions during the first quarter of 2025, partially offset by the repurchase of the 5.125% Senior Notes due 2027 during the second and fourth quarters of 2025. See Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to the A/R Facility, the Transactions, and the repurchase of the 5.125% Senior Notes due 2027.
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Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC Sources and Uses of Cash
The following table sets forth SBG’s cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in millions):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash flows from operating activities | $ | 98 | $ | 71 | $ | 260 | ||||
| Cash flows (used in) from investing activities: | ||||||||||
| Acquisition of property and equipment | $ | (73) | $ | (80) | $ | (90) | ||||
| Purchases of investments | (1) | (4) | (39) | |||||||
| Distributions and proceeds from investments | — | 43 | 204 | |||||||
| Other, net | 4 | 3 | 9 | |||||||
| Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities | $ | (70) | $ | (38) | $ | 84 | ||||
| Cash flow from (used in) financing activities: | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing | $ | 1,805 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||
| Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and finance leases | (1,515) | (61) | (85) | |||||||
| Repurchase of outstanding Old Sinclair Class A Common Stock | — | — | (153) | |||||||
| Dividends paid on Old Sinclair Class A and Class B Common Stock | — | — | (18) | |||||||
| Repurchase of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity | — | — | (190) | |||||||
| Debt issuance costs | (96) | — | — | |||||||
| (Distributions to) contributions from member, net | (102) | 10 | (448) | |||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (10) | (10) | (12) | |||||||
| Other, net | — | — | (3) | |||||||
| Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities | $ | 82 | $ | (61) | $ | (909) |
Operating Activities
Net cash flows from SBG’s operating activities increased for the year ended December 31, 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to cash receipts from insurance policies in the current period, a decrease in production and overhead costs, and the the litigation settlement payment to DSG that occurred in the prior period, partially offset by a decrease in cash collections from Distributors and a decrease in cash collections related to political revenue.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows used in SBG’s investing activities increased for the year ended December 31, 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a decrease in distributions and proceeds from the sale of broadcast investments, partially offset by a decrease in the acquisition of property and equipment in the current period.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows from SBG’s financing activities increased for the year ended December 31, 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to draws under the A/R Facility in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the Transactions during the first quarter of 2025, partially offset by the repurchase of the 5.125% Senior Notes due 2027 during the second and fourth quarters of 2025. See Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to the A/R Facility, the Transactions, and the repurchase of the 5.125% Senior Notes due 2027.
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MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001971213-25-000012.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward Looking Statements
We make statements in this section that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. For a complete discussion of forward-looking statements, see the section in this report entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.” Certain risks may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the following discussion. For a discussion of such risk factors, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Overview
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides qualitative and quantitative information about Sinclair’s and SBG’s financial performance and condition which should be read in conjunction with the other sections in this annual report, including Item 1. Business and the Consolidated Financial Statements, including the accompanying notes to those statements. This discussion consists of the following sections:
Executive Overview — a description of our business, summary of significant events, and information about industry trends;
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — a discussion of the accounting policies that are most important in understanding the assumptions and judgments incorporated in the Consolidated Financial Statements and a summary of recent accounting pronouncements;
Results of Operations — a summary of the components of Sinclair’s and SBG’s revenues by category and by network affiliation, a summary of other operating data, and an analysis of Sinclair’s and SBG’s revenues and expenses for 2024, 2023, and 2022, including a comparison between 2024 and 2023; and
Liquidity and Capital Resources — a discussion of Sinclair’s and SBG’s primary sources of liquidity and contractual cash obligations and an analysis of Sinclair’s and SBG’s cash flows from or used in operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
We are a diversified media company with national reach and a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations and digital platform. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform and third-party platforms, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, sports, and other original programming produced by us and our owned networks. Additionally, we own digital media products that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties and we have interests in, own, manage and/or operate technical and software services companies, research and development for the advancement of broadcast technology, and other media and non-media related businesses and assets, including real estate, venture capital, private equity, and direct investments.
As of December 31, 2024, Sinclair had two reportable segments, local media and tennis, and SBG had one reportable segment, local media. Sinclair and SBG’s local media segment is comprised of our television stations, which are owned and/or operated by Sinclair and SBG’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Sinclair Television Group, Inc. (“STG”) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, original networks and content. Sinclair’s tennis segment primarily consists of Tennis Channel, a cable network which includes coverage of many of tennis’ top tournaments and original professional sports and tennis lifestyle shows. Sinclair also earns revenues from non-broadcast digital and internet services, technical services, and non-media investments, included within “other.” Other and corporate are not reportable segments for either Sinclair or SBG.
As of December 31, 2024, STG, for which certain assets and results of operations are included in the local media segment and which is one of Sinclair and SBG’s wholly owned subsidiaries, was the primary obligor under the Bank Credit Agreement and the STG Notes. SBG and substantially all of STG’s subsidiaries are guarantors under the STG debt instruments. Sinclair’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock remain securities of Sinclair and not obligations or securities of STG.
For more information about our business, reportable segments, and our operating strategy, see Item 1. Business in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Summary of Significant Events
Content and Distribution
•In January 2024, Sinclair announced a comprehensive multi-year distribution agreement with Verizon for carriage on FiOS TV, covering Tennis Channel and SBG’s local television stations in 10 markets.
•In January 2024, Sinclair renewed its distribution agreement with the National Content & Technology Cooperative (“NCTC”) that allows NCTC’s member companies to opt into a multi-year retransmission consent agreement for SBG’s owned and operated stations and includes an agreement for Tennis Channel.
•In January 2024, SBG and FOX Corporation reached an agreement for a multi-year renewal of all FOX affiliations in SBG markets, including where SBG provides sales and other services under JSAs or MSAs.
•In March 2024, Sinclair reached a comprehensive, multiyear distribution agreement with Charter Communications, Inc. for continued carriage of Tennis Channel and SBG’s owned local broadcast stations.
•In May 2024, Sinclair reached a comprehensive, multiyear distribution agreement with Cox Communications, Inc. for continued carriage of Tennis Channel and SBG’s owned local broadcast stations.
•In August and September 2024, Sinclair expanded its podcast division, launching a new slate of sports programming featuring top athletes, coaches, and experts including “The Triple Option,” hosted by Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone and “Throwbacks” with Matt Leinart and Jerry Ferrara.
•In the third quarter 2024, Sinclair entered into a multi-year renewal with Altice USA for continued carriage of SBG’s broadcast stations and Tennis Channel on Altice’s Optimum and Suddenlink owned systems.
•In the third quarter 2024, Sinclair entered into a multi-year renewal with DIRECTV for continued carriage of SBG’s broadcast stations and Tennis Channel across DIRECTV, DIRECTV Stream, and U-verse.
•In October 2024, SBG launched the Rip City Television Network, a network of SBG affiliates throughout the Pacific Northwest to serve as the new television home of Trail Blazers starting with the 2024-25 season.
•In October 2024, Sinclair announced the launch of a soccer-focused podcast, “Unfiltered Soccer with Landon and Tim,” featuring former U.S. soccer stars Landon Donovan and Tim Howard.
•In November 2024, Tennis Channel introduced a direct-to-consumer streaming service that merges its flagship 24-hour network with extensive live and on-demand multicourt coverage.
•In the fourth quarter 2024, Sinclair finalized a renewal with DISH Network (“DISH”), for the continued multi-year carriage of SBG’s broadcast television stations and Tennis Channel on DISH’s direct broadcast satellite system.
•In January 2025, SBG and NBC announced a comprehensive multi-year agreement that renews station affiliation agreements for 21 of SBG’s owned and/or operated NBC affiliates and affiliations in five markets where SBG provides sales and other services under a joint sales agreement or marketing service agreement.
Corporate Social Responsibility Practices
•In March 2024, Sinclair launched Sinclair Cares: Supporting Children’s Literacy, a partnership with Reading Is Fundamental, the nation’s leading children’s literacy nonprofit, to create awareness around children’s literacy challenges and help get books into the hands of children across the U.S. through a virtual book drive.
•In April 2024, WBFF FOX 45, Baltimore’s #1 ranked news outlet, and the David D. Smith Family Foundation donated $50 thousand and $100 thousand, respectively, to the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund.
•In April 2024, Sinclair published its 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility report, detailing the Company’s achievements and progress in its social responsibility journey.
•In April 2024, Sinclair held its second annual Sinclair Day of Service, whereby all employees were encouraged to volunteer that day for charitable causes. Over 1,300 employees volunteered a total of more than 3,700 hours that day.
•In June 2024, Sinclair partnered with Feeding America to coordinate Sinclair Cares: Summer Hunger Relief, an awareness and fundraising campaign to help provide meals to children and families across the U.S. in the summer.
•In July 2024, Sinclair awarded scholarships to 12 university students as a part of its annual Diversity Scholarship program.
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•In October 2024, Sinclair ran Sinclair Cares: Hurricane Helene Relief, a fundraising partnership with the Salvation Army and The United Way to assist with humanitarian relief efforts on the ground in Western North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, and Tennessee in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Including Sinclair’s corporate donation of $50,000, the campaign raised nearly $1.3 million in donations designated for delivering emergency aid, including food, water, shelter, and cleanup kits.
•For the year ended December 31, 2024, our newsrooms won a total of 232 journalism awards, including 22 regional and two national RTDNA Edward R. Murrow awards and 37 regional and one national Emmy awards.
•In January 2025, Sinclair and Tennis Channel announced Sinclair Cares: California Wildfires Relief, a fundraising partnership with the Salvation Army to provide disaster relief support across Southern California which helped provide critical aid, shelter, food, fresh water, and support for wildfire survivors and first responders in Los Angeles.
NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0)
•In April 2024, Sinclair announced the launch of its Broadspan datacasting platform to enable data distribution capability across all current Sinclair NextGen TV markets where it serves as the host station.
•In 2024, Sinclair, in coordination with other broadcasters, and led by BitPath, Sinclair’s joint venture with another broadcaster, deployed NextGen TV in the two additional markets below. This brings the total number of our markets in which NextGen TV has been deployed to 45:
| Month | Market | Number of Stations | Company Stations | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | Portland, ME | 5 | WGME (CBS), WPFO(a) (FOX) | |||
| June 2024 | Myrtle Beach, SC | 4 | WPDE (ABC) |
(a)The license and programming assets for these stations are currently owned by a third party. SBG provides certain non-programming related sales, operational, and administrative services to these stations pursuant to a service agreement, such as a JSA and SSA.
•In January 2025, Sinclair joined with three broadcast peers and merged BitPath to form a new company, EdgeBeam Wireless, to provide robust wireless data services to a wide range of businesses and industries across the country.
Financing, Capital Allocation, and Shareholder Returns
•In January 2024, STG purchased $27 million aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan B-2, due September 30, 2026, for consideration of $25 million and during the first quarter of 2024 we repaid $34 million across all tranches of the Term Loan B in scheduled principal payments.
•For the year ended December 31, 2024, Sinclair paid dividends of $1.00 per share. In February 2025, Sinclair declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share.
•In February 2025, Sinclair closed a new money financing and debt recapitalization to strengthen Sinclair’s balance sheet and better position it for long-term growth, which transactions are described more fully under Liquidity and Capital Resources below.
Other Events
•In January 2024, Sinclair announced that it has agreed, subject to Sinclair and Diamond Sports Group, LLC (“DSG”) completing definitive documentation, to a global settlement and release of all claims associated with the litigation filed by DSG and DSG’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Diamond Sports Net, LLC, in July 2023 and on March 1, 2024, the court approved the settlement. The settlement terms included Sinclair’s cash payment to DSG of $495 million. Additionally, under the terms of the settlement, Sinclair provided transition services to DSG to allow DSG to become a self-standing entity going forward. An initial payment of $50 million was made in March 2024, which was funded by Ventures, and the remaining $445 million was paid in April 2024, of which $347 million was paid by STG and $98 million was paid by Ventures. On January 2, 2025, DSG announced that it had emerged from bankruptcy, at which time, Sinclair’s and SBG’s equity interest in DSG was terminated.
•In December 2024, Sinclair acquired SK Telecom's stake in CAST.ERA, previously a joint venture with the leading mobile operator in South Korea, to develop wireless, cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence technologies related to NextGen Broadcasting.
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Industry Trends
•During the last few years, the number of subscribers to Distributor services in the United States has been declining, as technological advancements have driven changes in consumer behavior and have empowered consumers to seek more control over when, where, and how they consume news, sports, and other entertainment, including through the so-called “cutting the cord” and other consumption strategies.
•The Distributor industry has continued to undergo significant consolidation, which gives top Distributors negotiating power.
•vMVPDs have continued to gain increasing importance and have quickly become a critical segment of the market. These vMVPDs offer a limited number of networks at a lower price point as compared to the traditional cable offering.
•Political spending is significantly higher in the even-numbered years due to the cyclicality of political elections. In addition, every four years, political spending is typically elevated further due to the advertising related to the presidential election.
•The FCC has permitted broadcast television stations to use their digital spectrum for a wide variety of services including multi-channel broadcasts. The FCC “must-carry” rules only apply to a station’s primary digital stream.
•Seasonal advertising increases within our local media segment occur in the second and fourth quarters due to the anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers.
•Broadcasters have found ways to increase returns on their news programming initiatives while continuing to maintain locally produced content through the use of news sharing arrangements.
•Viewership of content on connected or smart TV’s continues to rise which has led to the shifting of advertising spend to this content from other forms of media.
•Professional sporting events have begun to migrate back to broadcast television.
•Big Tech (such as Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft) has begun offering OTT platforms.
•Broadcast networks have begun launching and expanding their own DTC platforms.
•Advertising revenue on digital platforms continues to grow.
•Advertising revenue related to the Summer Olympics occurs in even numbered years. Advertising revenue related to the Winter Olympics also occurs in even numbered years but are two years apart from the Summer Olympics. The Super Bowl is aired on a different network each year. All of these popularly viewed events can have an impact on our advertising revenues.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates including those related to revenue recognition, goodwill and intangible assets, program costs, income taxes and variable interest entities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. These estimates have been consistently applied for all years presented in this report and in the past we have not experienced material differences between these estimates and actual results. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our estimates and such differences could be material.
We consider the following accounting policies to be the most critical as they are important to our financial condition and results of operations, and require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in their application. For a detailed discussion of the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition. As discussed in Revenue Recognition under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, we generate advertising revenue primarily from the sale of advertising spots/impressions on our broadcast television, digital platforms, and, prior to the Deconsolidation, the RSNs. Core and political advertising revenue is recognized in the period in which the advertising spots/impressions are delivered. In arrangements where we provide audience ratings guarantees, to the extent that there is a ratings shortfall, we will defer a proportionate amount of revenue until the ratings shortfall is settled through the delivery of additional advertising. The term of our advertising arrangements is generally less than one year and the timing between when an advertisement is aired and when payment is realized is not significant. In certain circumstances, we require customers to pay in advance; payments received in advance of satisfying our performance obligations are reflected as deferred revenue.
We generate distribution revenue through fees received from Distributors and other OTT providers for the right to distribute our broadcast channels and cable networks on their distribution platforms. Distribution arrangements are generally governed by multi-year contracts and the underlying fees are based upon a contractual monthly rate per subscriber. These arrangements represent licenses of intellectual property; revenue is recognized as the signal is provided to our customers (as usage occurs) which corresponds with the satisfaction of our performance obligation. Revenue is calculated based upon the contractual rate multiplied by an estimated number of subscribers. Our customers will remit payments based upon actual subscribers a short time after the conclusion of a month, which generally does not exceed 120 days. Historical adjustments to subscriber estimates have not been material.
Impairment of Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Other Long-Lived Assets. We evaluate our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. As of December 31, 2024, Sinclair’s consolidated balance sheet included $2,082 million and $150 million of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, respectively, and SBG’s consolidated balance sheet included $2,016 million and $123 million of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, respectively. We evaluate long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our asset groups may not be recoverable.
In the performance of our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessments we have the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely-than-not that the respective asset has been impaired. If we conclude that it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit or an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, we apply the quantitative assessment, which involves comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset to its respective carrying value. See Impairment of Goodwill, Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets and Other Long-lived Assets under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the significant judgments and estimates inherent in both qualitatively assessing whether impairment may exist and estimating the fair values of the reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets if a quantitative assessment is deemed necessary.
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We are required to analyze our long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, for impairment. We evaluate our definite-lived intangible assets for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. In the event we identify indicators that these assets are not recoverable, we evaluate the recoverability of definite-lived intangible assets by comparing the carrying amount of the assets within an asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with the asset group. An asset group represents the lowest level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. At the time that such evaluations indicate that the future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the asset group, an impairment loss is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset group to the carrying value. We estimate fair value using an income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis.
We believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions in the performance of our impairment assessments. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, including future events such as a deterioration of market conditions, loss of significant customers, and significant increases in discount rates, among other factors, we could be exposed to impairment charges in the future. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, and consolidated statements of cash flows.
Program Costs. As discussed in Broadcast Television Programming under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, we record an asset and corresponding liability for programming rights when the program is available for its first showing or telecast. These costs are expensed over the period in which an economic benefit is expected to be derived. To ensure the related assets for the programming rights are reflected in our consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value, management estimates future advertising revenue to be generated by the remaining program material available under the contract terms. Management’s judgment is required in determining the timing of expense for these costs, which is dependent on the economic benefit expected to be generated from the program and may significantly differ from the timing of related payments under the contractual obligation. If our estimates of future advertising revenues decline, amortization expense could be accelerated or fair value adjustments may be required.
Fair Value Measurements of Investments in Bally’s Securities. As discussed in Note 5. Other Assets and Note 17. Fair Value Measurements within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements, we entered into a commercial agreement with Bally’s Corporation (“Bally’s”) on November 18, 2020. As part of this arrangement, we received warrants and options to acquire common equity in the business. These financial instruments are measured each period at fair value. The fair value of the options are derived utilizing a Black Scholes valuation model which utilizes a number of inputs which most significantly includes the trading price of the underlying common stock and the exercise price of the options. The fair value of the warrants are primarily derived from the trading price of the underlying common stock and the exercise price of the warrants. The determination of the fair value of these financial instruments requires the Company to exercise judgment.
Income Tax. As discussed in Income Taxes under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies, current and cumulative losses, and forecasts of future taxable income. In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to certain temporary basis differences, and a substantial amount of our available state net operating loss carryforwards based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income. Future changes in operating and/or taxable income or other changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the ability to realize our deferred tax assets which could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
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Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of our tax positions, and we record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits if such tax positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merits, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation processes. Significant judgment is required in determining whether positions taken are more likely than not to be sustained, and it is based on a variety of facts and circumstances, including interpretation of the relevant federal and state income tax codes, regulations, case law and other authoritative pronouncements. Based on this analysis, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, liabilities are adjusted as necessary. The resolution of audits is unpredictable and could result in tax liabilities that are significantly higher or lower than for what we have provided. See Note 11. Income Taxes within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 10. Income Taxes within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits.
Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). As discussed in Note 13. Variable Interest Entities within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 12. Variable Interest Entities within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, we have determined that certain third-party licensees of stations for which we perform services pursuant to arrangements, including LMAs, JSAs, and SSAs, are VIEs and we are the primary beneficiary of those variable interests because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the services we provide and because we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs.
Transactions with Related Parties. We have determined that we conduct certain business-related transactions with related persons or entities. See Note 14. Related Person Transactions within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 13. Related Person Transactions within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of these transactions.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Recent Accounting Pronouncements under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting policies and their impact on Sinclair’s and SBG’s financial statements.
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SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Any references to the first, second, third, or fourth quarters are to the three months ended March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31, respectively, for the year being discussed. As of December 31, 2024, we had two reportable segments for accounting purposes, local media and tennis.
Seasonality / Cyclicality
The operating results of our local media segment are usually subject to cyclical fluctuations from political advertising. In even numbered years, political spending is usually significantly higher than in odd numbered years due to advertising expenditures preceding local and national elections. Additionally, every four years, political spending is usually elevated further due to advertising expenditures preceding the presidential election. Also, the second and fourth quarters’ operating results are usually higher than the first and third quarters’ operating results because advertising expenditures are increased in anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers.
The operating results of our tennis segment are usually subject to cyclical fluctuations due to the amount and significance of tournaments that take place in the respective quarters during the year. The first and fourth quarter operating results are usually higher than the second and third quarters’ because of the amount and significance of tournaments that are played during those periods.
Consolidated Operating Data
The following table sets forth certain of our consolidated operating data for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in millions).
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
| Media revenues | $ | 3,511 | $ | 3,106 | $ | 3,894 | ||||
| Non-media revenues | 37 | 28 | 34 | |||||||
| Total revenues | 3,548 | 3,134 | 3,928 | |||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | 1,661 | 1,611 | 1,942 | |||||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses | 794 | 747 | 812 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 250 | 271 | 321 | |||||||
| Amortization of program costs | 74 | 80 | 90 | |||||||
| Non-media expenses | 53 | 49 | 44 | |||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 185 | 694 | 160 | |||||||
| Loss (gain) on deconsolidation of subsidiary | — | 10 | (3,357) | |||||||
| (Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment | (20) | 3 | (64) | |||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 551 | $ | (331) | $ | 3,980 | ||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair | $ | 310 | $ | (291) | $ | 2,652 |
A discussion regarding our financial results and operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 is presented below. A discussion regarding our financial results and operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 can be found under Item 7 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 29, 2024 (our “2023 Annual Report”), which is available free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our Investor Relations website at www.sbgi.net/investor-relations.
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SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Local Media Segment
The following table sets forth our revenue and expenses for our local media segment for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ‘24 vs.‘23 | ‘23 vs.‘22 | |||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
| Distribution revenue | $ | 1,543 | $ | 1,491 | $ | 1,531 | 4% | (3)% | |||||||
| Core advertising revenue | 1,152 | 1,192 | 1,186 | (3)% | 1% | ||||||||||
| Political advertising revenue | 405 | 44 | 332 | n/m | (87)% | ||||||||||
| Other media revenue (a) | 154 | 139 | 144 | 11% | (3)% | ||||||||||
| Media revenues (b) | $ | 3,254 | $ | 2,866 | $ | 3,193 | 14% | (10)% | |||||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | $ | 1,536 | $ | 1,488 | $ | 1,450 | 3% | 3% | |||||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses (c) | 742 | 694 | 704 | 7% | (1)% | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 231 | 243 | 243 | (5)% | —% | ||||||||||
| Amortization of program costs | 74 | 80 | 90 | (8)% | (11)% | ||||||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 117 | 134 | 117 | (13)% | 15% | ||||||||||
| Non-media expenses | 8 | 14 | 15 | (43)% | (7)% | ||||||||||
| Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment | (18) | (14) | (17) | 29% | (18)% | ||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 564 | $ | 227 | $ | 591 | n/m | (62)% | |||||||
| Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs | $ | 304 | $ | 305 | $ | 226 | —% | 35% | |||||||
| Gain on extinguishment of debt | $ | 1 | $ | 15 | $ | 3 | (93)% | n/m | |||||||
| Other income, net | $ | 40 | $ | 33 | $ | 28 | 21% | 18% |
n/m - not meaningful
(a)Includes $26 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 of intercompany revenue related to certain services provided by the local media segment to other and the local sports segment, prior to the Deconsolidation, under management services agreements, which is eliminated in consolidation.
(b)Includes $9 million, $6 million, and $4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, of intercompany revenue related to certain services provided to the tennis segment, which is eliminated in consolidation.
(c)Includes $13 million, $8 million, and $12 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, of intercompany expense related to certain services provided by other, which is eliminated in consolidation.
Revenues
Distribution revenue. Distribution revenue, which represents fees earned from Distributors for our broadcast signals, increased $52 million or 4% in 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023. Contractual rate increases favorably impacted period-over-period distribution revenue by high-teen percentages for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in distribution revenue as a result of increased contractual rates was offset by a decrease in subscribers by low double-digit percentages for 2024.
Core advertising revenue. Core advertising revenue decreased $40 million in 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, with no particular product/services category dominating the variance and was primarily a result of the political crowd out effect.
Political advertising revenue. Political advertising revenue increased $361 million in 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to 2024 being a presidential political year, compared to 2023 which was an off-year election cycle, and therefore only had a small number of political races and correspondingly less political advertising spend.
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The following table sets forth our primary types of programming and their approximate percentages of advertising revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022:
| Percent of Advertising Revenue | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Syndicated/Other programming | 35% | 38% | 35% | ||
| Local news | 30% | 29% | 32% | ||
| Network programming (a) | 17% | 15% | 19% | ||
| Sports programming (a) | 16% | 13% | 11% | ||
| Paid programming | 2% | 5% | 3% |
(a)Sports programming includes both local and network sports programming. Network programming is exclusive of any network sports programming.
The following table sets forth our affiliate percentages of advertising revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022:
| # of | Percent of Advertising Revenue | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| ABC | 40 | 27% | 29% | 28% | |||
| FOX | 55 | 23% | 24% | 22% | |||
| CBS | 30 | 20% | 20% | 19% | |||
| NBC | 24 | 16% | 12% | 17% | |||
| CW | 47 | 4% | 5% | 5% | |||
| MNT | 39 | 3% | 4% | 3% | |||
| Other | 406 | 7% | 6% | 6% | |||
| Total | 641 |
Other media revenue. Other media revenue increased $15 million in 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase related to providing certain services under management service agreements.
Expenses
Media programming and production expenses. Media programming and production expenses increased $48 million in 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in fees pursuant to network affiliation agreements as a result of increased contractual rates and an increase in information technology cost.
Media selling, general and administrative expenses. Media selling, general and administrative expenses increased $48 million during 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a $20 million increase in national sale commissions due to an increase in national advertising sales, a $14 million increase in third-party fulfillment costs from our digital business as a result of increased digital revenues, a $5 million increase in payment processing fees due to an increase in advertising revenue, a $3 million increase in employee compensation cost, and a $2 million increase in trade related expenses.
Amortization of program costs. The amortization of program costs decreased $6 million during 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to reduced programming costs.
Corporate general and administrative expenses. See explanation under Corporate and Unallocated Expenses.
Non-media expenses. Non-media expenses decreased $6 million during 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily related to a decrease in expenses associated with our broadcast technology related initiatives.
Depreciation and amortization expenses. Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangibles and other assets decreased $12 million during 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to assets retired during 2024.
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Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs. Interest expense decreased by $1 million in 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to decreased interest expense related to our variable rate debt as a result of lower interest rates.
Gain on extinguishment of debt. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased $64 million in aggregate principal across multiple tranches of debt and recognized a gain on extinguishment of approximately $15 million. See Bank Credit Agreement and STG Notes under Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other income, net. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized a $26 million gain related to the sale of certain broadcast related assets and $12 million in interest income.
Tennis Segment
The following table sets forth our revenue and expenses for our tennis segment for the periods presented (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ‘24 vs.‘23 | ‘23 vs.‘22 | |||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
| Distribution revenue | $ | 203 | $ | 189 | $ | 179 | 7% | 6% | |||||||
| Core advertising revenue | 39 | 37 | 33 | 5% | 12% | ||||||||||
| Other media revenues | 5 | 2 | 5 | n/m | (60)% | ||||||||||
| Media revenues | $ | 247 | $ | 228 | $ | 217 | 8% | 5% | |||||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | $ | 125 | $ | 115 | $ | 97 | 9% | 19% | |||||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses (a) | 53 | 41 | 47 | 29% | (13)% | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 21 | 21 | 21 | —% | —% | ||||||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 2 | 1 | — | n/m | n/m | ||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 46 | $ | 50 | $ | 52 | (8)% | (4)% |
n/m - not meaningful
(a)Includes $9 million, $6 million, and $4 million for years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, of intercompany expense related to certain advertising services provided by the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue
Distribution revenue. Distribution revenue, which represents fees earned from Distributors for the right to distribute Tennis Channel, increased $14 million or 7% in 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023. Contractual rate increases favorably impacted period-over-period distribution revenue by low double-digit percentages for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in distribution revenue was offset by a decrease in subscribers by low single-digit percentages for 2024.
Core advertising revenue. Core advertising revenue is primarily generated from sales of commercial time within Tennis Channel programming. Core advertising revenue increased $2 million in 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a shift in the 2024 tournament calendar compared to the 2023 tournament calendar.
Expenses
Media programming and production expenses. Media programming and production expenses increased $10 million in 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in costs associated with the build-out, launch and marketing of the DTC platform.
Media selling, general and administrative expenses. Media selling, general and administrative expenses increased $12 million in 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in expenses related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation, and employee compensation cost.
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Corporate general and administrative expenses. See explanation under Corporate and Unallocated Expenses.
Other
The following table sets forth our revenue and expenses for our non-broadcast digital and internet solutions, technical sales and services, and non-media investments (collectively, “Other”) for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ‘24 vs.‘23 | ‘23 vs.‘22 | |||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
| Media revenues (a) | $ | 33 | $ | 28 | $ | 51 | 18% | (45)% | |||||||
| Non-media revenues (b) | $ | 43 | $ | 34 | $ | 44 | 26% | (23)% | |||||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Media expenses (c) | $ | 21 | $ | 35 | $ | 73 | (40)% | (52)% | |||||||
| Non-media expenses (d) | $ | 48 | $ | 39 | $ | 36 | 23% | 8% | |||||||
| (Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net of impairments | $ | (2) | $ | 18 | $ | (12) | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 4 | $ | (44) | $ | (9) | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| Income from equity method investments | $ | 121 | $ | 31 | $ | 46 | n/m | (33)% |
n/m — not meaningful
(a)Media revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 include $13 million, $8 million, and $12 million, respectively, of intercompany revenues related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(b)Non-media revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 include $6 million, $6 million, and $10 million, respectively, of intercompany revenues related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(c)Media expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 include $2 million and $7 million, respectively, of intercompany expenses primarily related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(d)Non-media expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 include $3 million, $4 million, and $7 million, respectively, of intercompany expenses related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue. Media revenues increased $5 million during 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in advertising revenue related to our digital initiatives of $10 million, offset by a decrease in revenue due the sale of the Stadium Network (“Stadium”) of $4 million. Non-media revenues increased $9 million during 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in broadcast equipment sales.
Expenses. Media expenses decreased $14 million during 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the sale of Stadium. Non-media expenses increased $9 million during 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in expenses related to our technical services business and an increase in expenses associated with higher broadcast equipment sales.
(Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net of impairments. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a loss of $12 million related to the sale of Stadium.
Income from equity method investments. Income from equity method investments increased $90 million during 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the sale of one of our investments for $93 million, which is included in income from equity method investments in our consolidated statements of operations.
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Corporate and Unallocated Expenses
The following table presents our corporate and unallocated expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ‘24 vs.‘23 | ‘23 vs.‘22 | |||||||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | $ | 185 | $ | 694 | $ | 160 | (73)% | n/m | |||||||
| Loss (gain) on deconsolidation of subsidiary | $ | — | $ | 10 | $ | (3,357) | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| Income tax (provision) benefit | $ | (76) | $ | 358 | $ | (913) | n/m | n/m |
n/m — not meaningful
Corporate general and administrative expenses. The table above and the explanation that follows cover total consolidated corporate general and administrative expenses. Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased $509 million in 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in legal, consulting, and regulatory costs, primarily related to the litigation discussed under Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements, most notably the previously disclosed $495 million DSG litigation settlement.
Income tax (provision) benefit. The 2024 income tax provision for our pre-tax income of $395 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 19.1%. The 2023 income tax benefit for our pre-tax loss of $637 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 56.3%. The decrease in the effective tax rate from 2023 to 2024 is primarily due to the 2023 benefit from the release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the IRC Section 163(j).
As of December 31, 2024, we had a net deferred tax liability of $335 million as compared to a net deferred tax liability of $252 million as of December 31, 2023. The increase in net deferred tax liability primarily relates to changes in tax basis of our investment in DSIH.
As of December 31, 2024, we had $15 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2023, we had $14 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rate. We recognized $1 million of income tax expense for interest related to uncertain tax positions for both of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. See Note 11. Income Taxes within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, LLC RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Any references to the first, second, third, or fourth quarters are to the three months ended March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31, respectively, for the year being discussed. As of December 31, 2024, SBG had one reportable segment for accounting purposes, local media.
Seasonality / Cyclicality
The operating results of SBG’s local media segment are usually subject to cyclical fluctuations from political advertising. In even numbered years, political spending is usually significantly higher than in odd numbered years due to advertising expenditures preceding local and national elections. Additionally, every four years, political spending is usually elevated further due to advertising expenditures preceding the presidential election. Also, the second and fourth quarters’ operating results are usually higher than the first and third quarters’ operating results because advertising expenditures are increased in anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers.
Consolidated Operating Data
The following table sets forth certain of SBG’s consolidated operating data for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in millions).
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
| Media revenues | $ | 3,254 | $ | 2,968 | $ | 3,894 | ||||
| Non-media revenues | — | 10 | 34 | |||||||
| Total revenues | 3,254 | 2,978 | 3,928 | |||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | 1,536 | 1,543 | 1,942 | |||||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses | 742 | 719 | 812 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 231 | 252 | 321 | |||||||
| Amortization of program costs | 74 | 80 | 90 | |||||||
| Non-media expenses | 8 | 24 | 44 | |||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 123 | 654 | 160 | |||||||
| Loss (gain) on deconsolidation of subsidiary | — | 10 | (3,357) | |||||||
| Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment | (18) | (2) | (64) | |||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 558 | $ | (302) | $ | 3,980 | ||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to SBG | $ | 229 | $ | (257) | $ | 2,652 |
A discussion regarding SBG’s financial results and operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 is presented below. A discussion regarding SBG’s financial results and operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 can be found under Item 7 of Part II of the 2023 Annual Report, which is available free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our Investor Relations website at www.sbgi.net/investor-relations.
Local Media Segment
Refer to Local Media Segment above under Sinclair’s Results of Operations for a discussion of SBG’s local media segment, which is the same as Sinclair’s local media segment for all of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
As of December 31, 2024 the unrestricted subsidiaries (as defined in the Bank Credit Agreement, “Unrestricted Subsidiaries”) represented 0% of SBG’s total assets. For the year ended December 31, 2024 the Unrestricted Subsidiaries represented 0% of SBG’s total revenues and (1%) of SBG’s total operating income (loss).
As of December 31, 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2024 there were no restricted subsidiaries that were non-guarantors (as defined in the Bank Credit Agreement) of SBG.
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Other
The following table sets forth SBG’s revenue and expenses for tennis, non-broadcast digital and internet solutions, technical services, and non-media investments (collectively, “Other”) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | ‘23 vs.‘22 | |||||||||||
| Revenue: | (e) | ||||||||||||
| Distribution revenue | $ | 76 | $ | 179 | (58)% | ||||||||
| Core advertising revenue | 29 | 74 | (61)% | ||||||||||
| Other media revenues | 3 | 15 | (80)% | ||||||||||
| Media revenues (a) | $ | 108 | $ | 268 | (60)% | ||||||||
| Non-media revenues (b) | $ | 11 | $ | 44 | (75)% | ||||||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||
| Media expenses (c) | $ | 86 | $ | 217 | (60)% | ||||||||
| Non-media expenses (d) | $ | 10 | $ | 36 | (72)% | ||||||||
| Loss (gain) on asset dispositions and other, net of impairments | $ | 13 | $ | (12) | n/m | ||||||||
| Operating income | $ | — | $ | 43 | n/m | ||||||||
| Income from equity method investments | $ | 31 | $ | 46 | (33)% |
n/m — not meaningful
(a)Media revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 include $3 million and $12 million, respectively, of intercompany revenues related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(b)Non-media revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 include $1 million and $10 million, respectively, of intercompany revenues related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(c)Media expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 include $1 million and $11 million, respectively, of intercompany expenses primarily related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(d)Non-media expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 include $1 million and $7 million, respectively, of intercompany expenses related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(e)Represents the activity prior to the Reorganization on June 1, 2023. There was no reportable activity for the June through December period in the year ended December 31, 2023 following the Reorganization on June 1, 2023. See Company Reorganization under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Corporate and Unallocated Expenses
The following table presents SBG’s corporate and unallocated expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ‘24 vs.‘23 | ‘23 vs.‘22 | |||||||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | $ | 123 | $ | 654 | $ | 160 | (81)% | n/m | |||||||
| Loss (gain) on deconsolidation of subsidiary | $ | — | $ | 10 | $ | (3,357) | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| Income tax (provision) benefit | $ | (60) | $ | 359 | $ | (913) | n/m | n/m |
n/m — not meaningful
Corporate general and administrative expenses. The table above and the explanation that follows cover total consolidated corporate general and administrative expenses. Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased $531 million in 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in legal, consulting, and regulatory costs, primarily related to the litigation discussed under Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, most notably the previously disclosed $495 million DSG litigation settlement.
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Income tax (provision) benefit. The 2024 income tax provision for SBG’s pre-tax income of $295 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 20.3%. The 2023 income tax benefit for SBG’s pre-tax loss of $604 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 59.4%. The decrease in the effective tax rate from 2023 to 2024 is primarily due to the 2023 benefit from the release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the IRC Section 163(j).
As of December 31, 2024, SBG had a net deferred tax liability of $373 million as compared to a net deferred tax liability of $283 million as of December 31, 2023. The increase in net deferred tax liability primarily relates to changes in tax basis of SBG’s investment in DSIH.
As of December 31, 2024, SBG had $13 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would favorably affect SBG’s effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2023, SBG had $12 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would favorably affect SBG’s effective tax rate. SBG recognized $1 million of income tax expense for interest related to uncertain tax positions for both of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. See Note 10. Income Taxes within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 2024, Sinclair had net working capital of approximately $880 million, including $697 million in cash and cash equivalent balances and approximately $650 million of available borrowing capacity. As of December 31, 2024, cash on hand, cash generated by Sinclair’s operations, and borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Agreement were used as Sinclair’s primary sources of liquidity.
As of December 31, 2024, SBG had net working capital of approximately $447 million, including $291 million in cash and cash equivalent balances and approximately $650 million of available borrowing capacity. As of December 31, 2024, cash on hand, cash generated by SBG’s operations, and borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Agreement were used as SBG’s primary sources of liquidity.
As of December 31, 2024, the Bank Credit Agreement included a financial maintenance covenant, the first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the Bank Credit Agreement), which required such ratio not to exceed 4.5x, measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter. As of December 31, 2024, the STG first lien leverage ratio was below 4.5x. Under the Bank Credit Agreement, a financial maintenance covenant was only applicable if 35% or more of the capacity (as a percentage of total commitments) under the revolving credit facility, measured as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, was drawn under the revolving credit facility as of such date. Since there was no utilization under the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2024, STG was not subject to the financial maintenance covenant under the Bank Credit Agreement. The Bank Credit Agreement contained other restrictions and covenants with which STG was in compliance as of December 31, 2024.
In January 2024, STG purchased $27 million aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan B-2 for consideration of $25 million.
For the year ending December 31, 2025, Sinclair expects capital expenditures to be within the range of $83 million to $86 million, primarily related to station technical, maintenance, and building projects, and SBG expects capital expenditures to be within the range of $81 million to $84 million, primarily related to station technical, maintenance, and building projects.
Sinclair and SBG have various contractual obligations which are recorded as liabilities in Sinclair’s and SBG’s consolidated financial statements, such as notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing; operating leases; and active television program contracts. Certain other contractual obligations have not been recognized as liabilities in Sinclair’s and SBG’s consolidated financial statements, such as certain future television program contracts and network programming rights. Active television program contracts are included in Sinclair’s and SBG’s balance sheets as an asset and liability while future television program contracts are excluded until the cost is known, the program is available for its first showing or telecast, and the licensee has accepted the program. Industry protocol typically enables us to make payments for television program contracts on a three-month lag, which differs from the contractual timing. As of December 31, 2024, Sinclair’s and SBG’s significant contractual obligations included:
Sinclair:
•Total debt of Sinclair, defined as current and long-term notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing, including finance leases of affiliates, of $4,129 million, including current debt, due within the next 12 months, of $38 million.
•Interest due on Sinclair’s total debt in the next twelve months of $274 million, including interest estimated on Sinclair’s variable rate debt calculated at an effective weighted average interest rate of 7.66% as of December 31, 2024.
•Sinclair’s contractual amounts owed through the expiration date of the underlying agreement for active and future television program contracts, network programming rights, and Tennis programming rights of $2,548 million, including $1,084 million due within the next 12 months. Network programming agreements may include variable fee components such as subscriber levels, which in certain circumstances have been estimated and reflected in the previous amounts based on current subscriber amounts.
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SBG:
•Total debt of SBG, defined as current and long-term notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing, including finance leases of affiliates, of $4,129 million, including current debt, due within the next 12 months, of $38 million.
•Interest due on SBG’s total debt in the next twelve months of $274 million, including interest estimated on SBG’s variable rate debt calculated at an effective weighted average interest rate of 7.66% as of December 31, 2024.
•SBG’s contractual amounts owed through the expiration date of the underlying agreement for active and future television program contracts and network programming rights of $2,172 million, including $1,023 million due within the next 12 months. Network programming agreements may include variable fee components such as subscriber levels, which in certain circumstances have been estimated and reflected in the previous amounts based on current subscriber amounts.
See Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, Note 7. Leases, and Note 8. Program Contracts within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, Note 7. Leases, and Note 8. Program Contracts within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
In February 2025, STG substantially completed a series of financing transactions, including a new money financing and debt recapitalization, which strengthened the Company’s balance sheet and better positioned it for long-term growth. STG’s nearest term maturity, Term Loan B-2 due 2026, was repaid with proceeds from the issuance of a new first-out first lien secured bond, along with the extension of maturities of other debt tranches, which significantly extended STG’s maturity profile. See Note 18. Subsequent Events within Sinclair’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 16. Subsequent Events within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, for further information.
Sinclair and SBG anticipate that existing cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from the local media segment’s operations, and borrowing capacity under the Amended Credit Agreement and the New Credit Agreement will be sufficient to satisfy the local media segment’s debt service obligations, capital expenditure requirements, and working capital needs for the next twelve months. Sinclair anticipates that existing cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from SBG, the tennis segment and other’s operations will be sufficient to satisfy SBG’s, the tennis segment and other’s debt service obligations, capital expenditure requirements, and working capital needs for the next twelve months. However, certain factors, including but not limited to the war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, and other geopolitical matters, natural disasters, and pandemics, and their resulting effect on the economy, Sinclair’s and SBG’s advertisers, and Sinclair’s and SBG’s Distributors and their subscribers, could affect Sinclair’s and SBG’s liquidity and first lien leverage ratio which could affect Sinclair’s and SBG’s ability to access the full borrowing capacity under the New Credit Agreement. In addition to the sources described above, Sinclair and SBG may rely upon various sources for long-term liquidity needs, such as but not limited to, the issuance of long-term debt (including, for example, an accounts receivable securitization facility), the issuance of Sinclair equity, for Sinclair only, the issuance of Ventures equity or debt, or other instruments convertible into or exchangeable for Sinclair equity, or the sale of assets. However, there can be no assurance that additional financing or capital or buyers of assets will be available, or that the terms of any transactions will be acceptable or advantageous to Sinclair or SBG.
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Sinclair, Inc. Sources and Uses of Cash
The following table sets forth Sinclair’s cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in millions):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash flows from operating activities | $ | 98 | $ | 235 | $ | 799 | ||||
| Cash flow from (used in) investing activities: | ||||||||||
| Acquisition of property and equipment | $ | (84) | $ | (92) | $ | (105) | ||||
| Deconsolidation of subsidiary cash | — | — | (315) | |||||||
| Purchases of investments | (50) | (72) | (75) | |||||||
| Distributions and proceeds from investments | 203 | 206 | 99 | |||||||
| Other, net | 8 | 10 | 15 | |||||||
| Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities | $ | 77 | $ | 52 | $ | (381) | ||||
| Cash flows used in financing activities: | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 728 | ||||
| Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases | (61) | (85) | (863) | |||||||
| Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock | — | (153) | (120) | |||||||
| Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock | (66) | (65) | (70) | |||||||
| Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity | — | — | (7) | |||||||
| Repurchase of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity | — | (190) | — | |||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (12) | (13) | (12) | |||||||
| Other, net | (1) | (3) | (9) | |||||||
| Net cash flows used in financing activities | $ | (140) | $ | (509) | $ | (353) |
Operating Activities
Net cash flows from Sinclair’s operating activities decreased for the year ended December 31, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the payment of the DSG litigation settlement and an increase in production and overhead costs, partially offset by an increase in cash collections related to political revenue and Distributors.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows from Sinclair’s investing activities increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in the purchase of investments in the current period.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in Sinclair’s financing activities decreased for the year ended December 31, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the repurchase of outstanding Common Stock and the redeemable subsidiary preferred equity in the prior period and a decrease in the repayment of debt in the current period.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC Sources and Uses of Cash
The following table sets forth SBG’s cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in millions):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash flows from operating activities | $ | 71 | $ | 260 | $ | 799 | ||||
| Cash flows (used in) from investing activities: | ||||||||||
| Acquisition of property and equipment | $ | (80) | $ | (90) | $ | (105) | ||||
| Deconsolidation of subsidiary cash | — | — | (315) | |||||||
| Purchases of investments | (4) | (39) | (75) | |||||||
| Distributions and proceeds from investments | 43 | 204 | 99 | |||||||
| Other, net | 3 | 9 | 15 | |||||||
| Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities | $ | (38) | $ | 84 | $ | (381) | ||||
| Cash flows used in financing activities: | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 728 | ||||
| Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases | (61) | (85) | (863) | |||||||
| Repurchase of outstanding Old Sinclair Class A Common Stock | — | (153) | (120) | |||||||
| Dividends paid on Old Sinclair Class A and Class B Common Stock | — | (18) | (70) | |||||||
| Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity | — | — | (7) | |||||||
| Repurchase of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity | — | (190) | — | |||||||
| Contributions from (distribution to) member, net | 10 | (448) | — | |||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (10) | (12) | (12) | |||||||
| Other, net | — | (3) | (9) | |||||||
| Net cash flows used in financing activities | $ | (61) | $ | (909) | $ | (353) |
Operating Activities
Net cash flows from SBG’s operating activities decreased for the year ended December 31, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the payment of the DSG litigation settlement and an increase in production and overhead costs, partially offset by an increase in cash collections related to political revenue and Distributors, as well as the impact of the Reorganization, as discussed in Company Reorganization under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows used in SBG’s investing activities increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the $193 million A/R Facility principal payment received from Diamond Sports Finance SPV, LLC in the prior period, offset by a decrease in the purchases of investments in the current period, as a result of the Reorganization, as discussed in Company Reorganization under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, and a decrease in the acquisition of property and equipment in the current period.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in SBG’s financing activities decreased for the year ended December 31, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in the repayment of debt in the current period and an increase in net contributions from member in the current period, as a result of the Reorganization, as discussed in Company Reorganization under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within SBG’s Consolidated Financial Statements, and the repurchase of outstanding Old Sinclair Common Stock, dividends paid on Old Sinclair Class A and Class B Common Stock, and the repurchase of the redeemable subsidiary preferred equity in the prior period.
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FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001971213-24-000011.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward Looking Statements
We make statements in this section that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. For a complete discussion of forward-looking statements, see the section in this report entitled "Forward-Looking Statements." Certain risks may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the following discussion. For a discussion of such risk factors, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Overview
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides qualitative and quantitative information about Sinclair's and SBG's financial performance and condition which should be read in conjunction with the other sections in this annual report, including Item 1. Business and the Consolidated Financial Statements, including the accompanying notes to those statements. This discussion consists of the following sections:
Executive Overview — a description of our business, summary of significant events, and information about industry trends;
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — a discussion of the accounting policies that are most important in understanding the assumptions and judgments incorporated in the Consolidated Financial Statements and a summary of recent accounting pronouncements;
Results of Operations — a summary of the components of Sinclair's and SBG's revenues by category and by network affiliation, a summary of other operating data, and an analysis of Sinclair's and SBG's revenues and expenses for 2023, 2022, and 2021, including a comparison between 2023 and 2022 and between 2022 and 2021; and
Liquidity and Capital Resources — a discussion of Sinclair's and SBG's primary sources of liquidity and contractual cash obligations and an analysis of Sinclair's and SBG's cash flows from or used in operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
We are a diversified media company with national reach and a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations, digital platform, and, prior to the Deconsolidation, regional sports networks. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform and third-party platforms, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, other original programming produced by us and our owned networks, and, prior to the Deconsolidation, college and professional sports. Additionally, we own digital media products that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties and we have interests in, own, manage and/or operate technical and software services companies, research and development for the advancement of broadcast technology, and other media and non-media related businesses and assets, including real estate, venture capital, private equity, and direct investments.
As of December 31, 2023, Sinclair had two reportable segments, local media and tennis, and SBG had one reportable segment, local media. Prior to the Deconsolidation, Sinclair and SBG had one additional reportable segment, local sports. Sinclair and SBG's local media segment is comprised of our television stations, which are owned and/or operated by Sinclair and SBG's wholly-owned subsidiary, Sinclair Television Group, Inc. ("STG") and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, original networks and content. Sinclair's tennis segment primarily consists of Tennis Channel, a cable network which includes coverage of many of tennis' top tournaments and original professional sports and tennis lifestyle shows. Sinclair and SBG's local sports segment was comprised of our regional sports networks, which are owned and operated by our subsidiary, Diamond Sports Group, LLC ("DSG"). Sinclair also earns revenues from non-broadcast digital and internet services, technical services, and non-media investments, included within "other". Other and corporate are not reportable segments for either Sinclair or SBG.
STG, for which certain assets and results of operations are included in the local media segment and which is one of Sinclair's and SBG's wholly owned subsidiaries, is the primary obligor under the Bank Credit Agreement and the STG Notes. SBG and substantially all of STG’s subsidiaries are guarantors under the STG debt instruments. Sinclair's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock remain securities of Sinclair and not obligations or securities of STG.
For more information about our business, reportable segments, and our operating strategy, see Item 1. Business in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Summary of Significant Events
Content and Distribution
•In February 2023, SBG announced that its free, over-the-air multicast networks Comet, CHARGE!, and TBD will add 2.4 million households through upgraded local broadcast affiliates and linear carriage.
•In March 2023, SBG entered into an agreement with fuboTV for carriage of SBG's CBS stations.
•In April 2023, Sinclair announced a distribution agreement with YouTube TV to add carriage of Sinclair's Tennis Channel and T2 and SBG's CHARGE! and TBD to YouTube TV's service offerings and to extend YouTube TV's existing carriage of SBG's CBS and MyNetworkTV affiliated television broadcast stations.
•In April 2023, SBG entered into an agreement with Hulu to resume carriage of SBG's ABC stations.
•In June 2023, SBG reached an agreement with Smith Entertainment Group, parent company of the Utah Jazz, to make KJZZ "The Home of the Utah Jazz," enabling fans within the Jazz's local broadcast market to watch all non-nationally televised exclusive Jazz games on the over-the-air, local TV station.
•In July 2023, Sinclair announced a distribution agreement with Hulu to add carriage of Sinclair's Tennis Channel and T2 and SBG's Comet and CHARGE! to Hulu's service offerings beginning in January 2024.
•In August 2023, SBG agreed to expand and extend its network affiliation agreement with The CW. Under the terms of the comprehensive multiyear agreement, SBG will continue carrying The CW’s entertainment and sports programming in 35 of its owned and/or operated markets across the country. The agreement also includes the right to negotiate carriage agreements directly with vMVPDs. In addition, beginning September 1, SBG launched The CW on two new affiliate stations, KOMO-TV/KUNS-TV, in Seattle, Washington, and WPNT-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
•In September 2023, DIRECTV, LLC extended its distribution agreement with Sinclair.
•In September 2023, Tennis Channel and the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour) announced a commercial joint venture to further grow pickleball in the United States and worldwide. The partnership will see the vast majority of PPA Tour matches appear live on Tennis Channel platforms, integrated advertising-sales efforts for media and tournaments, and the recent launch of a 24-hour pickleball channel. Tennis Channel will produce all events for the PPA Tour.
•In October 2023, SBG launched The Nest, a new, free over-the-air national broadcast TV network with programming comprised of home-improvement, true-crime, factual reality series, and celebrity driven family shows. The Nest joins SBG’s lineup of national broadcast networks, Comet, CHARGE!, and TBD. It replaces Stadium network on broadcast stations across the country. At launch, the network was available in more than 50% of all US television households including the major markets of New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas - Ft. Worth, Boston, San Francisco - Oakland - San Jose and Seattle-Tacoma.
•In October 2023, SBG and Paramount reached comprehensive, multi-year affiliation agreements across all 21 CBS network affiliations for SBG stations, including six top-50 market affiliates, KUTV in Salt Lake City, UT, KEYE in Austin, TX, WKRC in Cincinnati, OH, WPEC in West Palm Beach, FL, WWMT in Grand Rapids, MI and WHP in Harrisburg, PA. Additionally, Paramount reached an agreement to renew the affiliations of WTVH in Syracuse, NY and WGFL in Gainesville, FL, stations to which SBG provides services.
•In January 2024, Sinclair announced a comprehensive multi-year distribution agreement with Verizon for carriage on FiOS TV, covering Tennis Channel and SBG's local television stations in 10 markets.
•In January 2024, SBG and FOX Corporation reached an agreement for a multi-year renewal of all FOX affiliations in SBG markets, including where SBG provides sales and other services under JSAs or MSAs.
•In January 2024, Sinclair renewed its distribution agreement with the National Content & Technology Cooperative ("NCTC") that allows NCTC's member companies to opt into a multi-year retransmission consent agreement for SBG's owned and operated stations and includes an agreement for Tennis Channel.
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Environmental, Social, and Governance
•For the year ended December 31, 2023, our newsrooms won a total of 276 journalism awards, including 24 Regional and one National RTDNA Edward R. Murrow awards and 67 regional Emmy awards.
•In March 2023, SBG announced a multi-year, national agreement with USC Shoah Foundation—The Institute for Visual History and Education to assist with the recording of interviews with genocide survivors as part of the Institute’s Last Chance Testimony Collection Initiative.
•In April 2023, SBG announced that Project Baltimore, the special investigative reporting unit of WBFF/Fox 45 News, was honored by Investigative Reporters and Editors for its reporting on Baltimore's public school system.
•In April 2023, Sinclair and SBG celebrated our first Sinclair Day of Service whereby all employees were encouraged to volunteer that day for charitable causes. Thousands of employees eagerly turned out to help out in their communities.
•In May 2023, Sinclair published its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance report, detailing ESG achievements in 2022 and progress toward its longstanding ESG goals and commitments.
•In May 2023, SBG announced that "Hate Rising: Antisemitism in America," a 60-minute special, will initially air on WPEC and be available across SBG's stations throughout the summer, providing an unfiltered look at the rise of antisemitism in America, examining how the country is combating it through awareness, education, and legislation.
•In July 2023, Sinclair announced a partnership with the National Diaper Bank Network to launch Sinclair Cares: Summer Diaper Drive, a nationwide campaign to create awareness, provide assistance, and build a community to reduce diaper need in the United States.
•In July 2023, SBG announced that scholarships were awarded to 15 university students as a part of SBG's annual Diversity Scholarship program.
•In October 2023, Sinclair launched Sinclair Cares: Humanitarian Relief in Israel, a fundraising partnership in conjunction with Magen David Adom (MDA), an affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to help with their efforts providing humanitarian relief and emergency medical services for all people in Israel, regardless of religious creed or political belief.
•In October 2023, SBG announced the return of SBG's News Reporter and Producer Academies, a series of interactive, virtual workshops for college students interested in pursuing careers in journalism. This year, SBG also added Weather Academy, a workshop for students interested in a career in weather.
•In October 2023, Sinclair updated its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
NextGen Broadcasting (ATSC 3.0)
•In April 2023, Sinclair and its partners CAST.ERA, SK Telecom, and Saankhya Labs, announced they will build and operate an innovative and interconnected broadcast platform to provide commercial services and solutions for national data distribution using NextGen Broadcast (ATSC 3.0) network technology.
•In April 2023, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and Sinclair's subsidiary, ONE Media 3.0, launched the nation's first pilot project to use Next Generation Broadcast to disseminate Advanced Emergency Information. The pilot program provides an efficient, instantaneous and simultaneous delivery of emergency messaging sent by local governments to all users for free, utilizing the over-the-air broadcast platform. The pilot also demonstrated delivery of enhanced, rich media supplements to those emergency messages that meet its newsworthy criteria.
•In October 2023, Sinclair announced an agreement to expand development of and promote NextGen services in South Korea with the Korea Radio Promotion Association.
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•In 2023, Sinclair, in coordination with other broadcasters, and led by BitPath, Sinclair's joint venture with another broadcaster, have deployed NextGen TV, powered by ATSC 3.0, in the 6 additional markets below. This brings the total number of our markets in which NextGen TV has been deployed to 43:
| Month | Market | Number of Stations | Company Stations | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2023 | Rochester, NY | 4 | WHAM-TV(a) (ABC), WUHF (FOX) | |||
| March 2023 | Des Moines, IA | 4 | KDSM-TV (FOX) | |||
| June 2023 | South Bend, IN | 5 | WSBT-TV (CBS and FOX) | |||
| July 2023 | Reno, NV | 5 | KRXI-TV (FOX), KRNV-DT(a) (NBC), KNSN-TV(b) (MyNet) | |||
| August 2023 | Minneapolis, MN | 5 | WUCW-TV (CW) | |||
| December 2023 | El Paso, TX | 5 | KDBC-TV (CBS), KFOX-TV (FOX) |
(a)The license and programming assets for these stations are currently owned by a third party. SBG provides certain non-programming related sales, operational, and administrative services to these stations pursuant to a service agreement, such as a JSA and SSA.
(b)The license assets for these stations are currently owned by a third party. SBG provides programming, sales, operational, and administrative services to these stations pursuant to certain service agreements, such as LMAs.
Financing, Capital Allocation, and Shareholder Returns
•In February 2023, Sinclair purchased the remaining 175,000 units of the redeemable subsidiary preferred equity for an aggregate purchase price of $190 million, representing 95% of the sum of the remaining unreturned capital contribution of $175 million, and accrued and unpaid dividends up to, but not including, the date of purchase.
•For the year ended December 31, 2023, STG purchased an aggregate $64 million of principal across multiple tranches of debt in the open market for $49 million. In January 2024, STG purchased $27 million aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan B-2, due September 30, 2026, for consideration of $25 million.
•For the year ended December 31, 2023, Sinclair repurchased approximately 8.8 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $153 million. All shares were repurchased under an SEC Rule 10b5-1 plan.
•For the year ended December 31, 2023, Sinclair paid dividends of $1.00 per share. In February 2024, Sinclair declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share.
Other Events
•In January 2024, Sinclair announced that it has agreed, subject to Sinclair and DSG completing definitive documentation, to a global settlement and release of all claims associated with the litigation filed by DSG and DSG’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Diamond Sports Net, LLC, in July 2023. The settlement terms include Sinclair’s cash payment to DSG of $495 million. The cash payment will be funded by cash on hand at Ventures, STG and/or a loan backed by Ventures. Under the terms of the settlement, Sinclair will provide transition services to DSG to allow DSG to become a self-standing entity going forward.
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Industry Trends
•During the last few years, the number of subscribers to Distributor services in the United States has been declining, as technological advancements have driven changes in consumer behavior and have empowered consumers to seek more control over when, where, and how they consume news, sports, and other entertainment, including through the so-called "cutting the cord" and other consumption strategies.
•The Distributor industry has continued to undergo significant consolidation, which gives top Distributors purchasing power.
•vMVPDs have continued to gain increasing importance and have quickly become a critical segment of the market. These vMVPDs offer a limited number of networks at a lower price point as compared to the traditional cable offering.
•Political spending is significantly higher in the even-numbered years due to the cyclicality of political elections. In addition, every four years, political spending is typically elevated further due to the advertising related to the presidential election.
•The FCC has permitted broadcast television stations to use their digital spectrum for a wide variety of services including multi-channel broadcasts. The FCC "must-carry" rules only apply to a station's primary digital stream.
•Seasonal advertising increases within our local media segment occur in the second and fourth quarters due to the anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers.
•Broadcasters have found ways to increase returns on their news programming initiatives while continuing to maintain locally produced content through the use of news sharing arrangements.
•'Big Tech' has begun offering OTT platforms.
•Broadcast networks have begun launching and expanding their own DTC platforms.
•Advertising revenue on digital platforms continues to grow.
•Advertising revenue related to the Summer Olympics occurs in even numbered years, with the exception of 2020 which was postponed due to COVID-19 and took place in Summer 2021. Advertising revenue related to the Winter Olympics also occurs in even numbered years but are two years apart from the Summer Olympics. The Super Bowl is aired on a different network each year. All of these popularly viewed events can have an impact on our advertising revenues.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates including those related to revenue recognition, goodwill and intangible assets, program contract costs, income taxes and variable interest entities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. These estimates have been consistently applied for all years presented in this report and in the past we have not experienced material differences between these estimates and actual results. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our estimates and such differences could be material.
We consider the following accounting policies to be the most critical as they are important to our financial condition and results of operations, and require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in their application. For a detailed discussion of the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition. As discussed in Revenue Recognition under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements, we generate advertising revenue primarily from the sale of advertising spots/impressions on our broadcast television, digital platforms, and, prior to the Deconsolidation, the RSNs. Advertising revenue is recognized in the period in which the advertising spots/impressions are delivered. In arrangements where we provide audience ratings guarantees, to the extent that there is a ratings shortfall, we will defer a proportionate amount of revenue until the ratings shortfall is settled through the delivery of additional advertising. The term of our advertising arrangements is generally less than one year and the timing between when an advertisement is aired and when payment is realized is not significant. In certain circumstances, we require customers to pay in advance; payments received in advance of satisfying our performance obligations are reflected as deferred revenue.
We generate distribution revenue through fees received from Distributors and other OTT providers for the right to distribute our broadcast channels and cable networks on their distribution platforms. Distribution arrangements are generally governed by multi-year contracts and the underlying fees are based upon a contractual monthly rate per subscriber. These arrangements represent licenses of intellectual property; revenue is recognized as the signal is provided to our customers (as usage occurs) which corresponds with the satisfaction of our performance obligation. Revenue is calculated based upon the contractual rate multiplied by an estimated number of subscribers. Our customers will remit payments based upon actual subscribers a short time after the conclusion of a month, which generally does not exceed 120 days. Historical adjustments to subscriber estimates have not been material.
Impairment of Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Other Long-Lived Assets. We evaluate our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. As of December 31, 2023, Sinclair's consolidated balance sheet included $2,082 million and $150 million of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, respectively, and SBG's consolidated balance sheet included $2,016 million and $123 million of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, respectively. We evaluate long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our asset groups may not be recoverable.
In the performance of our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessments we have the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely-than-not that the respective asset has been impaired. If we conclude that it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit or an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, we apply the quantitative assessment, which involves comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset to its respective carrying value. See Impairment of Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Assets under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 5. Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Other Intangible Assets within each of Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the significant judgments and estimates inherent in both qualitatively assessing whether impairment may exist and estimating the fair values of the reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets if a quantitative assessment is deemed necessary.
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We are required to analyze our long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, for impairment. We evaluate our definite-lived intangible assets for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. In the event we identify indicators that these assets are not recoverable, we evaluate the recoverability of definite-lived intangible assets by comparing the carrying amount of the assets within an asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with the asset group. An asset group represents the lowest level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. At the time that such evaluations indicate that the future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the asset group, an impairment loss is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset group to the carrying value. We estimate fair value using an income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis.
We believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions in the performance of our impairment assessments. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, including future events such as a deterioration of market conditions, loss of significant customers, and significant increases in discount rates, among other factors, we could be exposed to impairment charges in the future. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, and consolidated statements of cash flows.
Program Contract Costs. As discussed in Broadcast Television Programming under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements, we record an asset and corresponding liability for programming rights when the program is available for its first showing or telecast. These costs are expensed over the period in which an economic benefit is expected to be derived. To ensure the related assets for the programming rights are reflected in our consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value, management estimates future advertising revenue to be generated by the remaining program material available under the contract terms. Management’s judgment is required in determining the timing of expense for these costs, which is dependent on the economic benefit expected to be generated from the program and may significantly differ from the timing of related payments under the contractual obligation. If our estimates of future advertising revenues decline, amortization expense could be accelerated or fair value adjustments may be required.
Fair Value Measurements of Investments in Bally's Securities. As discussed in Note 6. Other Assets and Note 18. Fair Value Measurements within Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements, we entered into a commercial agreement with Bally’s Corporation on November 18, 2020. As part of this arrangement, we received warrants and options to acquire common equity in the business. These financial instruments are measured each period at fair value. The fair value of the options are derived utilizing a Black Scholes valuation model which utilizes a number of inputs which most significantly includes the trading price of the underlying common stock and the exercise price of the options. The fair value of the warrants are primarily derived from the trading price of the underlying common stock and the exercise price of the warrants. The determination of the fair value of these financial instruments requires the Company to exercise judgment.
Income Tax. As discussed in Income Taxes under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies, current and cumulative losses, and forecasts of future taxable income. In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to certain temporary basis differences, and a substantial amount of our available state net operating loss carryforwards based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income. Future changes in operating and/or taxable income or other changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the ability to realize our deferred tax assets which could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
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Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of our tax positions, and we record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits if such tax positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merits, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation processes. Significant judgment is required in determining whether positions taken are more likely than not to be sustained, and it is based on a variety of facts and circumstances, including interpretation of the relevant federal and state income tax codes, regulations, case law and other authoritative pronouncements. Based on this analysis, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, liabilities are adjusted as necessary. The resolution of audits is unpredictable and could result in tax liabilities that are significantly higher or lower than for what we have provided. See Note 12. Income Taxes within Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 11. Income Taxes within SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits.
Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs"). As discussed in Note 14. Variable Interest Entities within Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 13. Variable Interest Entities within SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements, we have determined that certain third-party licensees of stations for which we perform services pursuant to arrangements, including LMAs, JSAs, and SSAs, are VIEs and we are the primary beneficiary of those variable interests because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the services we provide and because we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs.
Transactions with Related Parties. We have determined that we conduct certain business-related transactions with related persons or entities. See Note 15. Related Person Transactions within Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 14. Related Person Transactions within SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of these transactions.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Recent Accounting Pronouncements under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within each of Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements and SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting policies and their impact on Sinclair's and SBG's financial statements.
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SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Any references to the first, second, third, or fourth quarters are to the three months ended March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31, respectively, for the year being discussed. As of December 31, 2023, we had two reportable segments for accounting purposes, local media and tennis. Prior to the Deconsolidation, we had one additional reportable segment for accounting purposes, local sports.
Seasonality / Cyclicality
The operating results of our local media segment are usually subject to cyclical fluctuations from political advertising. In even numbered years, political spending is usually significantly higher than in odd numbered years due to advertising expenditures preceding local and national elections. Additionally, every four years, political spending is usually elevated further due to advertising expenditures preceding the presidential election. Also, the second and fourth quarters' operating results are usually higher than the first and third quarters' operating results because advertising expenditures are increased in anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers.
The operating results of our tennis segment are usually subject to cyclical fluctuations due to the amount and significance of tournaments that take place in the respective quarters during the year. The first and fourth quarter operating results are usually higher than the second and third quarters' because of the amount and significance of tournaments that are played during those periods.
Consolidated Operating Data
The following table sets forth certain of our consolidated operating data for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in millions).
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
| Media revenues | $ | 3,106 | $ | 3,894 | $ | 6,083 | ||||
| Non-media revenues | 28 | 34 | 51 | |||||||
| Total revenues | 3,134 | 3,928 | 6,134 | |||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | 1,611 | 1,942 | 4,291 | |||||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses | 747 | 812 | 908 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 271 | 321 | 591 | |||||||
| Amortization of program contract costs | 80 | 90 | 93 | |||||||
| Non-media expenses | 49 | 44 | 57 | |||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 694 | 160 | 170 | |||||||
| Loss (gain) on deconsolidation of subsidiary | 10 | (3,357) | — | |||||||
| Loss (gain) on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment | 3 | (64) | (71) | |||||||
| Operating (loss) income | $ | (331) | $ | 3,980 | $ | 95 | ||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair | $ | (291) | $ | 2,652 | $ | (414) |
A discussion regarding our financial results and operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 is presented below.
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Local Media Segment
The following table sets forth our revenue and expenses for our local media segment for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ‘23 vs.‘22 | ‘22 vs.‘21 | |||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
| Distribution revenue | $ | 1,491 | $ | 1,531 | $ | 1,476 | (3)% | 4% | |||||||
| Advertising revenue | 1,236 | 1,518 | 1,230 | (19)% | 23% | ||||||||||
| Other media revenue (a) | 139 | 144 | 181 | (3)% | (20)% | ||||||||||
| Media revenues (b) | $ | 2,866 | $ | 3,193 | $ | 2,887 | (10)% | 11% | |||||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | $ | 1,488 | $ | 1,450 | $ | 1,389 | 3% | 4% | |||||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses (c) | 694 | 704 | 644 | (1)% | 9% | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 243 | 243 | 248 | —% | (2)% | ||||||||||
| Amortization of program contract costs | 80 | 90 | 93 | (11)% | (3)% | ||||||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 134 | 117 | 148 | 15% | (21)% | ||||||||||
| Non-media expenses | 14 | 15 | — | (7)% | n/m | ||||||||||
| Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment | (14) | (17) | (23) | (18)% | (26)% | ||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 227 | $ | 591 | $ | 388 | (62)% | 52% | |||||||
| Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs | $ | 305 | $ | 226 | $ | 183 | 35% | 23% | |||||||
| Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt | $ | 15 | $ | 3 | $ | (7) | n/m | n/m |
n/m - not meaningful
(a)Includes $26 million and $111 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, of intercompany revenue related to certain services provided by the local media segment to other and the local sports segment, prior to the Deconsolidation, under management services agreements, which was eliminated in consolidation, and $52 million and $39 million of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, for services provided by the local media segment under management services agreements after the Deconsolidation, which is not eliminated in consolidation.
(b)Includes $6 million and $4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of intercompany revenue related to certain advertising services provided by the local media segment to the tennis segment, which is eliminated in consolidation.
(c)Includes $8 million, $12 million, and $35 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, of intercompany expense related to certain services provided to the local media segment from other, which is eliminated in consolidation.
Revenues
Distribution revenue. Distribution revenue, which includes payments from Distributors for our broadcast signals, decreased $40 million in 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in subscribers, partially offset by an increase in contractual rates. Distribution revenue increased $55 million in 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to an increase in contractual rates, partially offset by a decrease in subscribers.
Advertising revenue. Advertising revenue decreased $282 million in 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in political advertising revenue, as 2022 was a political year, compared to 2023 which is a non-political year. Advertising revenue increased $288 million in 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to an increase in political advertising revenue, as 2022 was a political year, compared to 2021 which was a non-political year.
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The following table sets forth our primary types of programming and their approximate percentages of advertising revenue, excluding digital revenue, for the periods presented:
| Percent of Advertising Revenue (Excluding Digital) for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||
| Local news | 34% | 35% | 32% | ||
| Syndicated/Other programming | 28% | 27% | 30% | ||
| Network programming | 18% | 21% | 21% | ||
| Sports programming | 16% | 13% | 12% | ||
| Paid programming | 4% | 4% | 5% |
The following table sets forth our affiliate percentages of advertising revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021:
| # of | Percent of Advertising Revenue for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| ABC | 40 | 29% | 28% | 29% | |||
| FOX | 55 | 24% | 22% | 23% | |||
| CBS | 30 | 20% | 19% | 19% | |||
| NBC | 25 | 12% | 17% | 13% | |||
| CW | 47 | 5% | 5% | 5% | |||
| MNT | 39 | 4% | 3% | 4% | |||
| Other | 404 | 6% | 6% | 7% | |||
| Total | 640 |
Other media revenue. Other media revenue decreased $5 million in 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to a decrease related to providing certain services under management service agreements. Other media revenue decreased $37 million in 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to a $46 million decrease in revenue from the local sports segment related to providing certain services under a management services agreement due to the deferral of fees owed under the agreement, partially offset by a $6 million increase related to revenue recognized under the Bally's commercial agreement that we began performing on in the second quarter of 2021.
Expenses
Media programming and production expenses. Media programming and production expenses increased $38 million during 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily related to an increase in fees pursuant to network affiliation agreements as a result of increased contractual rates, and an increase in employee compensation cost. Media programming and production expenses increased $61 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily related to an increase in fees pursuant to network affiliation agreements as a result of increased contractual rates, and an increase in advertising and promotion costs.
Media selling, general and administrative expenses. Media selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $10 million during 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to a $15 million decrease in national sales commission and an $11 million decrease in professional and consulting fees, partially offset by a $12 million increase in third-party fulfillment costs relating to our digital business. Media selling, general and administrative expenses increased $60 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to a $26 million increase in information technology costs, a $16 million increase in third-party fulfillment costs relating to our digital business, a $13 million increase in national sales commissions, a $7 million increase in research and professional cost, and a $3 million increase in employee travel expenses, partially offset by a decrease of $8 million related to FCC penalties incurred by several consolidated VIEs recorded in our consolidated financial statements in 2021, as discussed in Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies within Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Amortization of program contract costs. The amortization of program contract costs decreased $10 million during 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, and $3 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily related to reduced programming costs.
Corporate general and administrative expenses. See explanation under Corporate and Unallocated Expenses.
Non-media expenses. Non-media expenses increased $15 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily related to an increase in expenses associated with our broadcast technology related initiatives.
Depreciation and amortization expenses. Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangibles and other assets remained flat during the year ended 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022. Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangibles and other assets decreased $5 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to assets retired during 2022.
Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairments. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we recorded gains of $14 million, $17 million, and $23 million, respectively, of which $8 million, $4 million, and $24 million, respectively, related to reimbursements from the spectrum repack. See Broadcast Incentive Auction within Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets within Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a $6 million gain on the sale of one of our broadcast station buildings. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized a $4 million gain on the sale of Ring of Honor Entertainment. The remaining amounts are primarily related to net gains on the sale of certain broadcast assets.
Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs. Interest expense increased by $79 million in 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, and $43 million in 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to increased interest expense related to our variable rate debt as a result of higher interest rates.
Gain on extinguishment of debt. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we purchased $64 million in aggregate principal across multiple tranches of debt and recognized a gain on extinguishment of approximately $15 million. See Bank Credit Agreement and STG Notes under Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing within Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Tennis Segment
The following table sets forth our revenue and expenses for our tennis segment for the periods presented (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ‘23 vs.‘22 | ‘22 vs.‘21 | |||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
| Distribution revenue | $ | 189 | $ | 179 | $ | 192 | 6% | (7)% | |||||||
| Advertising revenue | 37 | 33 | 29 | 12% | 14% | ||||||||||
| Other media revenues | 2 | 5 | 3 | (60)% | 67% | ||||||||||
| Media revenues | $ | 228 | $ | 217 | $ | 224 | 5% | (3)% | |||||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | $ | 115 | $ | 97 | $ | 92 | 19% | 5% | |||||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses (a) | $ | 41 | $ | 47 | $ | 40 | (13)% | 18% | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | $ | 21 | $ | 21 | $ | 21 | —% | —% | |||||||
| Operating income | $ | 50 | $ | 52 | $ | 71 | (4)% | (27)% |
(a)Includes $6 million and $4 million for years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of intercompany expense related to certain advertising services provided by the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue
Distribution revenue. Distribution revenue, which is generated through fees received from Distributors for the right to distribute Tennis Channel, increased $10 million in 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to an increase in subscribers as a result of increased carriage that occurred during the second quarter of 2023. Distribution revenue decreased $13 million in 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to a decrease in subscribers.
Advertising revenue. Advertising revenue is primarily generated from sales of commercial time within Tennis Channel programming. Advertising revenue increased $4 million in both 2023 and 2022, when compared to the same periods in 2022 and 2021, respectively, primarily due to an increase in the number of tournaments aired in the current periods versus the prior periods.
Expenses
Media programming and production expenses. Media programming and production expenses increased $18 million in 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to a $15 million increase in programming, including rights fees, and live production expenses related to various tournaments, which was a result of an increase in the number of tournaments aired in the current period versus the prior period, and a $4 million increase in employee compensation cost. Media programming and production expenses increased $5 million in 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to a $2 million increase in programming, including rights fees, and live production expenses related to various tournaments, which was a result of an increase in the number of tournaments aired in 2022 versus 2021, and a $1 million increase in employee compensation cost.
Media selling, general and administrative expenses. Media selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $6 million in 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in expenses related to start-up costs associated with our online tennis platforms. Media selling, general and administrative expenses increased $7 million in 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to a $4 million increase in national sales commissions and a $2 million increase in employee compensation cost.
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Local Sports Segment
Our local sports segment reflected the results of the Bally RSNs, Marquee, and a minority interest in the YES Network prior to the Deconsolidation on March 1, 2022. The Bally RSNs, Marquee, and YES Network own the exclusive rights to air, among other sporting events, the games of professional sports teams in designated local viewing areas.
The following table sets forth our revenue and expenses for our local sports segment for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021 (in millions):
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue: | ||||||||
| Distribution revenue | $ | 433 | $ | 2,620 | ||||
| Advertising revenue | 44 | 409 | ||||||
| Other media revenue | 5 | 27 | ||||||
| Media revenue | $ | 482 | $ | 3,056 | ||||
| Operating Expenses: | ||||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | $ | 376 | $ | 2,793 | ||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses (a) | 55 | 297 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 54 | 316 | ||||||
| Corporate general and administrative | 1 | 10 | ||||||
| Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment | — | (43) | ||||||
| Operating loss (a) | $ | (4) | $ | (317) | ||||
| Income from equity method investments | $ | 10 | $ | 49 | ||||
| Other (expense) income, net | $ | (3) | $ | 15 | ||||
| Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs | $ | 72 | $ | 436 |
(a)Includes $24 million and $109 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, of intercompany expense which is eliminated in consolidation.
The revenue and expense items noted above for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 represent activity prior to the Deconsolidation which occurred on March 1, 2022, thus there is no activity presented for periods subsequent to February 28, 2022.
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Other
The following table sets forth our revenue and expenses for our non-broadcast digital and internet solutions, technical services, and non-media investments (collectively, "Other") for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ‘23 vs.‘22 | ‘22 vs.‘21 | |||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
| Media revenues (a) | $ | 28 | $ | 51 | $ | 70 | (45)% | (27)% | |||||||
| Non-media revenues (b) | $ | 34 | $ | 44 | $ | 58 | (23)% | (24)% | |||||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Media expenses (c) | $ | 35 | $ | 73 | $ | 94 | (52)% | (22)% | |||||||
| Non-media expenses (d) | $ | 39 | $ | 36 | $ | 65 | 8% | (45)% | |||||||
| Loss (gain) on asset dispositions and other, net of impairments | $ | 18 | $ | (12) | $ | (5) | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| Operating loss | $ | (44) | $ | (9) | $ | (35) | n/m | (74)% | |||||||
| Income (loss) from equity method investments | $ | 31 | $ | 46 | $ | (4) | (33)% | n/m |
n/m — not meaningful
(a)Media revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 include $8 million, $12 million, and $35 million, respectively, of intercompany revenues related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(b)Non-media revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 include $6 million, $10 million, and $7 million, respectively, of intercompany revenues related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(c)Media expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 include $2 million, $7 million, and $1 million, respectively, of intercompany expenses primarily related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(d)Non-media expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 include $4 million, $7 million, and $8 million, respectively, of intercompany expenses related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue. Media revenues decreased $23 million during 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to the sale of our Stadium network (Stadium). Media revenues decreased $19 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to a decrease in advertising revenue. Non-media revenues decreased $10 million during 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to lower sales within our consolidated real estate investments. Non-media revenues decreased $14 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to the sale of Triangle Sign & Service, LLC (Triangle) in the second quarter of 2021.
Expenses. Media expenses decreased $38 million during 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to the sale of Stadium. Media expenses decreased $21 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to our digital businesses. Non-media expenses increased $3 million during 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to an increase in expenses related to our technical services business. Non-media expenses decreased $29 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to the sale of Triangle in the second quarter of 2021 and a decrease in expenses related to our technical services business.
Loss (gain) on asset dispositions and other, net of impairments. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a loss of $12 million related to the sale of Stadium. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized a gain of $14 million related to one of our investments. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold our controlling interest in Triangle for $12 million and recognized a gain of $6 million.
Income (loss) from equity method investments. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a gain of $33 million related to the sale of two of our real estate investments, which is included in income from equity method investments in our consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized a gain of $29 million related to the sale of one of our real estate investments, which is included in income from equity method investments in our consolidated statements of operations.
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Corporate and Unallocated Expenses
The following table presents our corporate and unallocated expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ‘23 vs.‘22 | ‘22 vs.‘21 | |||||||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | $ | 694 | $ | 160 | $ | 170 | n/m | (6)% | |||||||
| Loss (gain) on deconsolidation of subsidiary | $ | 10 | $ | (3,357) | $ | — | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| Other expense, net | $ | (45) | $ | (129) | $ | (14) | (65)% | n/m | |||||||
| Income tax benefit (provision) | $ | 358 | $ | (913) | $ | 173 | n/m | n/m |
n/m — not meaningful
Corporate general and administrative expenses. The table above and the explanation that follows cover total consolidated corporate general and administrative expenses. Corporate general and administrative expenses increased by $534 million during 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to a $495 million litigation settlement accrual related to the DSG litigation, an $18 million increase in legal, consulting, and regulatory costs, primarily related to the litigation discussed under Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies within Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements, and a $20 million increase in employee compensation expense. Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased by $10 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to an $18 million decrease in employee compensation costs related to the reduction-in-force that occurred in the first quarter of 2021, as well as compensation expense savings within the current period as a result of the reduction-in-force, partially offset by an $8 million increase in general insurance expenses related to the cybersecurity incident that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary. During the first quarter of 2022, we recorded a gain of $3,357 million related to the Deconsolidation.
Other expense, net. Other expense, net decreased by $84 million during 2023 and increased $115 million during 2022, when compared to the same periods in 2022 and 2021, respectively, primarily due to changes in the fair value of certain investments recorded at fair value. See Note 6. Other Assets within Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Income tax benefit (provision). The 2023 income tax benefit for our pre-tax loss of $637 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 56.3%. The 2022 income tax provision for our pre-tax income of $3,614 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 25.3%. The increase in the effective tax rate from 2022 to 2023 is primarily due to the 2023 benefit from the release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 163(j). The 2021 income tax benefit for our pre-tax loss of $499 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 34.7%. The decrease in the effective tax rate from 2021 to 2022 is primarily due to the 2021 benefit from federal tax credits related to investments in sustainability initiatives.
As of December 31, 2023, we had a net deferred tax liability of $252 million as compared to a net deferred tax liability of $610 million as of December 31, 2022. The decrease in net deferred tax liability primarily relates to the 2023 release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the IRC Section 163(j).
As of December 31, 2023, we had $14 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2022, we had $17 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rate. We recognized $1 million and $2 million of income tax expense for interest related to uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 12. Income Taxes within Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
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SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, LLC RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Any references to the first, second, third, or fourth quarters are to the three months ended March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31, respectively, for the year being discussed. As of December 31, 2023, SBG had one reportable segment for accounting purposes, local media. Prior to the Deconsolidation, SBG had one additional reportable segment for accounting purposes, local sports.
Seasonality / Cyclicality
The operating results of SBG's local media segment are usually subject to cyclical fluctuations from political advertising. In even numbered years, political spending is usually significantly higher than in odd numbered years due to advertising expenditures preceding local and national elections. Additionally, every four years, political spending is usually elevated further due to advertising expenditures preceding the presidential election. Also, the second and fourth quarters' operating results are usually higher than the first and third quarters' operating results because advertising expenditures are increased in anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers.
Consolidated Operating Data
The following table sets forth certain of SBG's consolidated operating data for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in millions).
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
| Media revenues | $ | 2,968 | $ | 3,894 | $ | 6,083 | ||||
| Non-media revenues | 10 | 34 | 51 | |||||||
| Total revenues | 2,978 | 3,928 | 6,134 | |||||||
| Media programming and production expenses | 1,543 | 1,942 | 4,291 | |||||||
| Media selling, general and administrative expenses | 719 | 812 | 908 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 252 | 321 | 591 | |||||||
| Amortization of program contract costs | 80 | 90 | 93 | |||||||
| Non-media expenses | 24 | 44 | 57 | |||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | 654 | 160 | 170 | |||||||
| Loss (gain) on deconsolidation of subsidiary | 10 | (3,357) | — | |||||||
| Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment | (2) | (64) | (71) | |||||||
| Operating (loss) income | $ | (302) | $ | 3,980 | $ | 95 | ||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to SBG | $ | (257) | $ | 2,652 | $ | (414) |
A discussion regarding SBG's financial results and operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 is presented below.
Local Media Segment
Refer to Local Media Segment above under Sinclair's Results of Operations for a discussion of SBG's local media segment, which is the same as Sinclair's local media segment for all of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Local Sports Segment
Refer to Local Sports Segment above under Sinclair's Results of Operations for a discussion of SBG's local sports segment, which is the same as Sinclair's local sports segment for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
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Other
The following table sets forth SBG's revenue and expenses for tennis, non-broadcast digital and internet solutions, technical services, and non-media investments (collectively, "Other") for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ‘23 vs.‘22 | ‘22 vs.‘21 | |||||||||||
| Revenue: | (e) | ||||||||||||||
| Distribution revenue | $ | 76 | $ | 179 | $ | 192 | (58)% | (7)% | |||||||
| Advertising revenue | 29 | 74 | 93 | (61)% | (20)% | ||||||||||
| Other media revenues | 3 | 15 | 9 | (80)% | 67% | ||||||||||
| Media revenues (a) | $ | 108 | $ | 268 | $ | 294 | (60)% | (9)% | |||||||
| Non-media revenues (b) | $ | 11 | $ | 44 | $ | 58 | (75)% | (24)% | |||||||
| Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Media expenses (c) | $ | 86 | $ | 217 | $ | 226 | (60)% | (4)% | |||||||
| Non-media expenses (d) | $ | 10 | $ | 36 | $ | 65 | (72)% | (45)% | |||||||
| Loss (gain) on asset dispositions and other, net of impairments | $ | 13 | $ | (12) | $ | (5) | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| Operating income | $ | — | $ | 43 | $ | 36 | n/m | 19% | |||||||
| Income (loss) from equity method investments | $ | 31 | $ | 46 | $ | (4) | (33)% | n/m |
n/m — not meaningful
(a)Media revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 include $3 million, $12 million, and $35 million, respectively, of intercompany revenues related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(b)Non-media revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 include $1 million, $10 million, and $7 million, respectively, of intercompany revenues related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(c)Media expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 include $1 million, $11 million, and $1 million, respectively, of intercompany expenses primarily related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(d)Non-media expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 include $1 million, $7 million, and $8 million, respectively, of intercompany expenses related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which are eliminated in consolidation.
(e)Represents the activity prior to the Reorganization on June 1, 2023. There was no reportable activity for the June through December period in the year ended December 31, 2023 following the Reorganization on June 1, 2023. See Company Reorganization under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements.
The decrease in the revenue and expense items noted above for the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the same period in the prior year, was primarily due to the results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 including only five months of activity due to the Reorganization (the Transferred Assets were moved to Ventures effective June 1, 2023), versus a full period of activity in the prior year period, and therefore the periods are not comparable. See Company Reorganization under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue. Media revenues decreased $26 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to a decrease in advertising revenue, partially offset by an increase in distribution revenue related to owned networks. Non-media revenues decreased $14 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to the sale of Triangle in the second quarter of 2021.
Expenses. Media expenses decreased $9 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to our digital businesses. Non-media expenses decreased $29 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to the sale of Triangle in the second quarter of 2021 and a decrease in expenses related to our technical services business.
Loss (gain) on asset dispositions and other, net of impairments. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a loss of $12 million related to the sale of Stadium. During the year December 31, 2022, we recognized a gain of $14 million related to one of our investments. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold our controlling interest in Triangle for $12 million and recognized a gain of $6 million.
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Income (loss) from equity method investments. Income from equity method investments increased $50 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to a gain on the sale of one of our real estate investments.
Corporate and Unallocated Expenses
The following table presents SBG's corporate and unallocated expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in millions):
| Percent Change Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ‘23 vs.‘22 | ‘22 vs.‘21 | |||||||||||
| Corporate general and administrative expenses | $ | 654 | $ | 160 | $ | 170 | n/m | (6)% | |||||||
| Loss (gain) on deconsolidation of subsidiary | $ | 10 | $ | (3,357) | $ | — | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| Other expense, net | $ | (43) | $ | (129) | $ | (14) | n/m | n/m | |||||||
| Income tax benefit (provision) | $ | 359 | $ | (913) | $ | 173 | n/m | n/m |
n/m — not meaningful
Corporate general and administrative expenses. The table above and the explanation that follows cover total consolidated corporate general and administrative expenses. Corporate general and administrative expenses increased by $494 million during 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to an increase in legal, consulting, and regulatory costs, primarily related to the litigation discussed under Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies within SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements. Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased by $10 million during 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to an $18 million decrease in employee compensation costs related to the reduction-in-force that occurred in the first quarter of 2021, partially offset by an $8 million increase in general insurance expenses related to the cybersecurity incident that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary. During the first quarter of 2022 we recorded a gain of $3,357 million related to the Deconsolidation.
Other expense, net. Other expense, net decreased by $86 million during 2023 and increased $115 million during 2022, when compared to the same periods in 2022 and 2021, respectively, primarily due to changes in the fair value of certain investments recorded at fair value. See Note 6. Other Assets within SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Income tax benefit (provision). The 2023 income tax benefit for SBG’s pre-tax loss of $604 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 59.4%. The 2022 income tax provision for SBG’s pre-tax income of $3,614 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 25.3%. The increase in the effective tax rate from 2022 to 2023 is primarily due to the 2023 benefit from the release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the IRC Section 163(j). The 2021 income tax benefit for SBG’s pre-tax loss of $499 million resulted in an effective tax rate of 34.7%. The decrease in the effective tax rate from 2021 to 2022 is primarily due to the 2021 benefit from federal tax credits related to investments in sustainability initiatives.
As of December 31, 2023, SBG had a net deferred tax liability of $283 million as compared to a net deferred tax liability of $610 million as of December 31, 2022. The decrease in net deferred tax liability primarily relates to the 2023 release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the IRC Section 163(j).
As of December 31, 2023, SBG had $12 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would favorably affect SBG’s effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2022, SBG had $17 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would favorably affect SBG’s effective tax rate. SBG recognized less than $1 million and $2 million of income tax expense for interest related to uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 11. Income Taxes within the SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 2023, Sinclair had net working capital of approximately $372 million, including $662 million in cash and cash equivalent balances and $650 million of available borrowing capacity. Cash on hand, cash generated by Sinclair's operations, and borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Agreement are used as Sinclair's primary sources of liquidity.
As of December 31, 2023, SBG had net negative working capital of approximately $1 million, including $319 million in cash and cash equivalent balances and $650 million of available borrowing capacity. Cash on hand, cash generated by SBG's operations, and borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Agreement are used as SBG's primary sources of liquidity.
The Bank Credit Agreement includes a financial maintenance covenant, the first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the Bank Credit Agreement), which requires such ratio not to exceed 4.5x, measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter. As of December 31, 2023, the STG first lien leverage ratio was below 4.5x. Under the Bank Credit Agreement, a financial maintenance covenant is only applicable if 35% or more of the capacity (as a percentage of total commitments) under the revolving credit facility, measured as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, is drawn under the revolving credit facility as of such date. Since there was no utilization under the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2023, STG was not subject to the financial maintenance covenant under the Bank Credit Agreement. The Bank Credit Agreement contains other restrictions and covenants with which STG was in compliance as of December 31, 2023.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, STG purchased $30 million aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan B-2 for consideration of $26 million. In January 2024, STG purchased $27 million aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan B-2 for consideration of $25 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, STG purchased $7 million, $15 million, and $13 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.125% Senior Notes due 2027 (the "5.125% Notes"), the 5.500% Senior Notes due 2030 (the "5.500% Notes"), and the 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 (the "4.125% Notes" and, collectively with the 5.125% Notes and 5.500% Notes, the notes are referred to as the "STG Notes"), respectively, in open market transactions for consideration of $6 million, $8 million, and $8 million, respectively. The STG Notes acquired during the year ended December 31, 2023 were canceled immediately following their acquisition.
For the year ending December 31, 2024, Sinclair expects capital expenditures to be within the range of $110 million to $117 million, primarily related to station technical, maintenance, and building projects, and SBG expects capital expenditures to be within the range of $107 million to $114 million, primarily related to station technical, maintenance, and building projects.
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Sinclair and SBG have various contractual obligations which are recorded as liabilities in Sinclair's and SBG's consolidated financial statements, such as notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing; operating leases; and active television program contracts. Certain other contractual obligations have not been recognized as liabilities in Sinclair's and SBG's consolidated financial statements, such as certain future television program contracts and network programming rights. Active television program contracts are included in Sinclair's and SBG's balance sheets as an asset and liability while future television program contracts are excluded until the cost is known, the program is available for its first showing or telecast, and the licensee has accepted the program. Industry protocol typically enables us to make payments for television program contracts on a three-month lag, which differs from the contractual timing. As of December 31, 2023, Sinclair's and SBG's significant contractual obligations include:
Sinclair:
•Total debt of Sinclair, defined as current and long-term notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing, including finance leases of affiliates, of $4,175 million, including current debt, due within the next 12 months, of $36 million.
•Interest due on Sinclair's total debt in the next twelve months of $298 million, including interest estimated on Sinclair's variable rate debt calculated at an effective weighted average interest rate of 8.42% as of December 31, 2023.
•Sinclair's contractual amounts owed through the expiration date of the underlying agreement for active and future television program contracts, network programming rights, and Tennis programming rights of $1,632 million, including $779 million due within the next 12 months. Network programming agreements may include variable fee components such as subscriber levels, which in certain circumstances have been estimated and reflected in the previous amounts based on current subscriber amounts.
SBG:
•Total debt of SBG, defined as current and long-term notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing, including finance leases of affiliates, of $4,160 million, including current debt, due within the next 12 months, of $36 million.
•Interest due on SBG's total debt in the next twelve months of $298 million, including interest estimated on SBG's variable rate debt calculated at an effective weighted average interest rate of 8.42% as of December 31, 2023.
•SBG's contractual amounts owed through the expiration date of the underlying agreement for active and future television program contracts and network programming rights of $1,205 million, including $711 million due within the next 12 months. Network programming agreements may include variable fee components such as subscriber levels, which in certain circumstances have been estimated and reflected in the previous amounts based on current subscriber amounts.
See Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, Note 8. Leases, and Note 9. Program Contracts within Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, Note 8. Leases, and Note 9. Program Contracts within SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Sinclair and SBG anticipate that existing cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from the local media segment's operations, and borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Agreement will be sufficient to satisfy the local media segment's debt service obligations, capital expenditure requirements, and working capital needs for the next twelve months. Sinclair anticipates that existing cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from the tennis segment and other's operations will be sufficient to satisfy the tennis segment and other's debt service obligations, capital expenditure requirements, and working capital needs for the next twelve months. However, certain factors, including but not limited to the war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, and other geopolitical matters, natural disasters, and pandemics, and their resulting effect on the economy, Sinclair's and SBG's advertisers, and Sinclair's and SBG's Distributors and their subscribers, could affect Sinclair's and SBG's liquidity and first lien leverage ratio which could affect Sinclair's and SBG's ability to access the full borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Agreement. In addition to the sources described above, Sinclair and SBG may rely upon various sources for long-term liquidity needs, such as but not limited to, the issuance of long-term debt, the issuance of Sinclair equity, for Sinclair only, the issuance of Ventures equity or debt, or other instruments convertible into or exchangeable for Sinclair equity, or the sale of assets. However, there can be no assurance that additional financing or capital or buyers of assets will be available, or that the terms of any transactions will be acceptable or advantageous to Sinclair or SBG.
In January 2024, Sinclair announced that it has agreed, subject to definitive documentation and final court approval, to a global settlement and release of all claims associated with the litigation filed by DSG and DSG’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Diamond Sports Net, LLC, in July 2023.
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The settlement terms include Sinclair’s cash payment to DSG of $495 million. The cash payment will be funded by cash on hand at Ventures, STG and/or a loan backed by Ventures. Under the terms of the settlement, Sinclair will provide transition services to DSG to allow DSG to become a self-standing entity.
Sinclair, Inc. Sources and Uses of Cash
The following table sets forth Sinclair's cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in millions):
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash flows from operating activities | $ | 235 | $ | 799 | $ | 327 | ||||
| Cash flow from (used in) investing activities: | ||||||||||
| Acquisition of property and equipment | $ | (92) | $ | (105) | $ | (80) | ||||
| Spectrum repack reimbursements | 8 | 4 | 24 | |||||||
| Proceeds from the sale of assets | 1 | 9 | 43 | |||||||
| Deconsolidation of subsidiary cash | — | (315) | — | |||||||
| Purchases of investments | (72) | (75) | (256) | |||||||
| Distributions from investments | 206 | 99 | 26 | |||||||
| Other, net | 1 | 2 | (3) | |||||||
| Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities | $ | 52 | $ | (381) | $ | (246) | ||||
| Cash flows used in financing activities: | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing | $ | — | $ | 728 | $ | 357 | ||||
| Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases | (85) | (863) | (601) | |||||||
| Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock | (153) | (120) | (61) | |||||||
| Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock | (65) | (70) | (60) | |||||||
| Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity | — | (7) | (5) | |||||||
| Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity | (190) | — | — | |||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (13) | (12) | (95) | |||||||
| Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests | — | — | (6) | |||||||
| Other, net | (3) | (9) | (53) | |||||||
| Net cash flows used in financing activities | $ | (509) | $ | (353) | $ | (524) |
Operating Activities
Net cash flows from Sinclair's operating activities decreased during the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily related to a decrease in cash collections related to political revenue and a decrease in cash collections from Distributors, as well as the partial period impact related to the Deconsolidation.
Net cash flows from Sinclair's operating activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily related to the receipt of income taxes receivable, increased cash collections on accounts receivable associated with increased political advertising revenue, and a partial period of payments for production and overhead costs, distributor rebate payments, and payments for sports rights as a result of the Deconsolidation, partially offset by the partial period of cash collections from Distributors and advertisers as a result of the Deconsolidation.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows from Sinclair's investing activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily related to the removal of DSIH's cash balance as a result of the Deconsolidation in the first quarter of 2022 and the $193 million A/R Facility principal payment received from DSPV.
Net cash flows used in Sinclair's investing activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily related to the removal of DSIH's cash balance as a result of the Deconsolidation, partially offset by increased distributions from investments and decreased purchases of investments.
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Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in Sinclair's financing activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily related to the repurchase of the Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity and an increase in the repurchase of outstanding Common Stock, partially offset by a decrease in the net repayment of debt (repayments less proceeds).
Net cash flows used in Sinclair's financing activities decreased during the year ended December 31, 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily related to the proceeds from the STG Term Loan B-4 issuance, partially offset by the repurchase of Class A Common Stock during 2022, the redemption of STG's Term Loan B-1, the redemption of the STG 5.875% Notes, and the partial redemption of the STG 5.125% Notes.
Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC Sources and Uses of Cash
The following table sets forth SBG's cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in millions):
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash flows from operating activities | $ | 260 | $ | 799 | $ | 327 | ||||
| Cash flow from (used in) investing activities: | ||||||||||
| Acquisition of property and equipment | $ | (90) | $ | (105) | $ | (80) | ||||
| Spectrum repack reimbursements | 8 | 4 | 24 | |||||||
| Proceeds from the sale of assets | — | 9 | 43 | |||||||
| Deconsolidation of subsidiary cash | — | (315) | — | |||||||
| Purchases of investments | (39) | (75) | (256) | |||||||
| Distributions from investments | 204 | 99 | 26 | |||||||
| Other, net | 1 | 2 | (3) | |||||||
| Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities | $ | 84 | $ | (381) | $ | (246) | ||||
| Cash flows used in financing activities: | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing | $ | — | $ | 728 | $ | 357 | ||||
| Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases | (85) | (863) | (601) | |||||||
| Repurchase of outstanding Old Sinclair Class A Common Stock | (153) | (120) | (61) | |||||||
| Dividends paid on Old Sinclair Class A and Class B Common Stock | (18) | (70) | (60) | |||||||
| Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity | — | (7) | (5) | |||||||
| Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity | (190) | — | — | |||||||
| Distribution to member | (448) | — | — | |||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (12) | (12) | (95) | |||||||
| Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests | — | — | (6) | |||||||
| Other, net | (3) | (9) | (53) | |||||||
| Net cash flows used in financing activities | $ | (909) | $ | (353) | $ | (524) |
Operating Activities
Net cash flows from SBG's operating activities decreased during the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily related to a decrease in cash collections related to political revenue and a decrease in cash collections from Distributors, as well as the partial period impact related to the Deconsolidation and Reorganization.
Net cash flows from SBG's operating activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily related to the receipt of income taxes receivable, increased cash collections on accounts receivable associated with increased political advertising revenue, and a partial period of payments for production and overhead costs, distributor rebate payments, and payments for sports rights as a result of the Deconsolidation, partially offset by the partial period of cash collections from Distributors and advertisers as a result of the Deconsolidation.
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Investing Activities
Net cash flows from SBG's investing activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily related to the removal of DSIH's cash balance as a result of the Deconsolidation in the first quarter of 2022; the $193 million A/R Facility principal payment received from DSPV; a decrease in the purchases of investments during the year ended December 31, 2023, as a result of the Reorganization; and the partial period impact related to the Reorganization.
Net cash flows used in SBG's investing activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily related to the removal of DSIH's cash balance as a result of the Deconsolidation, partially offset by increased distributions from investments and decreased purchases of investments.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in SBG's financing activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, primarily related to the repurchase of the Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity; an increase in the repurchase of outstanding Old Sinclair Common Stock, prior to the Reorganization; the one-time distribution to member at the time of the Reorganization of $360 million; and the partial period impact related to the Reorganization, partially offset by a decrease in the net repayment of debt (repayments less proceeds).
Net cash flows used in SBG's financing activities decreased during the year ended December 31, 2022, when compared to the same period in 2021, primarily related to the proceeds from the STG Term Loan B-4 issuance, partially offset by the repurchase of Class A Common Stock during 2022, the redemption of STG's Term Loan B-1, the redemption of the STG 5.875% Notes, and the partial redemption of the STG 5.125% Notes.
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