CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A; CBS) today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2009.

"Throughout the past year, Leslie and his team did all the right things to position CBS for a vibrant future, and the results we're reporting today speak to our momentum," said Sumner Redstone, Executive Chairman, CBS Corporation.  "We've managed through the year with financial prudence, while at the same time continuing to invest in our top-quality content businesses and maintain our industry-leading position.  I'm very excited about all that we can achieve going forward."

"As we promised, each quarter in 2009 improved on the one before – culminating in our best performance of the year in the fourth quarter," said Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation.  "The good news is, the rising revenue trends are continuing into 2010."

Moonves continued:  "We see a number of very positive signs at both our Content Group and our Local Group.  The CBS Television Network is again #1 this season and up in every key demographic year-over-year, and we've added two new hits – both of which are wholly-owned by CBS.  Cable Networks' subscriber and profit growth continues, and traffic to CBS Interactive sites hit new records during the quarter.  Meanwhile, both national and local advertising are improving substantially – with dramatic gains in scatter and sales pacing for the Network and our TV Stations in the first quarter.  Local radio stations are pacing well above last year's first quarter, and Outdoor has reached last year's levels.  And with growing retransmission and affiliate fees, we've established a substantial secondary revenue stream.  At the same time, we continue to manage our cost structure to deliver better efficiencies in any economy, and have improved our liquidity position – all of which we believe will help us better capitalize on the ongoing economic recovery in 2010."

Fourth Quarter 2009 Results

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 totaled $3.50 billion, down less than 1% versus $3.53 billion for the same prior-year quarter.  Higher national advertising sales, growth in affiliate and subscription fees, and improvement in the local television marketplace, were offset by lower radio, outdoor and political advertising sales, and continued softness in the publishing retail market.   

Adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization ("OIBDA") was $569.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2009, up 11% versus $513.1 million for last year's fourth quarter, driven by higher affiliate and subscription fees, including retransmission revenues, combined with lower expenses as a result of cost-savings initiatives.  Results for the fourth quarter also reflect lower restructuring charges, which were substantially offset by lower political advertising sales.   

Adjusted operating income was $421.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2009, up 16% from $362.4 million for the same quarter last year. 

Reported operating income was $243.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2009 versus $298.2 million for the same quarter last year.

Adjusted net earnings increased 23% to $171.1 million, or $.25 per diluted share, up 19%, for the fourth quarter of 2009 versus $139.3 million, or $.21 per diluted share, for the same quarter last year.

Reported net earnings were $58.8 million, or $.09 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2009 versus $136.1 million, or $.20 per diluted share, for the same quarter last year. 

Free cash flow for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $295.4 million versus $308.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, reflecting the timing of interest payments partially offset by lower discretionary contributions in 2009 to pre-fund the Company's qualified pension plans. 

Adjusted results for the fourth quarter exclude impairment charges and tax benefits resulting from the settlement of federal and state income tax audits.  The Company recorded pre-tax non-cash impairment charges during the fourth quarter of 2009 to reduce the carrying value of FCC broadcast licenses in certain radio markets.  During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recorded pre-tax non-cash impairment charges related to radio station divestitures.  Reconciliations of all non-GAAP measures to reported quarterly results are included at the end of this earnings release.

Full Year 2009 Results

Full year 2009 revenues were $13.01 billion, down 7% versus $13.95 billion for the prior year, reflecting lower local non-political advertising sales during the first three quarters of 2009 and lower political advertising for the year, partially offset by higher affiliate and subscription fees.

Adjusted OIBDA for 2009 was $1.80 billion, down 29% versus $2.55 billion for 2008, reflecting lower local advertising sales, including politicals, partially offset by higher affiliate and subscription fees, a reduction in expenses resulting from cost-savings initiatives and lower restructuring charges in 2009.

Adjusted operating income for 2009 was $1.22 billion, down 40% versus $2.02 billion for 2008.

Reported operating income was $1.01 billion for 2009 versus an operating loss of $12.16 billion for 2008.

Adjusted net earnings were $358.8 million, or $.53 per diluted share, for 2009 versus $984.3 million, or $1.46 per diluted share, for 2008. 

Reported net earnings were $226.5 million, or $.33 per diluted share, for 2009 versus a net loss of $11.67 billion, or a loss of $17.43 per diluted share, for 2008.

Free cash flow was $827.8 million for 2009 versus $1.67 billion for 2008, reflecting lower adjusted OIBDA and higher investment in programming and content, partially offset by lower cash taxes and capital expenditures.  

Adjusted results for the full year exclude impairment charges; tax benefits resulting from the settlement of federal and state income tax audits; and reductions of deferred tax assets associated with stock-based compensation in both 2009 and 2008; and a gain on the sale of the Company's investment in Sundance Channel in 2008.  During 2009, the Company recorded pre-tax non-cash impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of radio FCC broadcast licenses and goodwill.  During 2008, the Company recorded pre-tax non-cash impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets.  Reconciliations of all non-GAAP measures to reported annual results are included at the end of this earnings release.

Consolidated and Segment Results

In the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company realigned its operating segments to more effectively highlight its long-term strategy of investing in content businesses and capitalizing on its strong local presence.  The tables below present the Company's revenues by segment and type, and its adjusted OIBDA and operating income (loss) by segment for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 (dollars in millions).

Entertainment (CBS Television Network, CBS Television Studios, CBS Studios International, CBS Television Distribution, CBS Films and CBS Interactive)

Fourth Quarter

Entertainment revenues of $1.82 billion for the fourth quarter of 2009 increased 4% from the same prior-year period as 8% growth in advertising revenues at the CBS Television Network was partially offset by lower CBS Interactive advertising sales, which decreased 5% versus the prior year.

Entertainment OIBDA and operating income for the fourth quarter of 2009 increased 10% to $190.8 million and 17% to $146.9 million, respectively, driven by higher advertising revenues at the Network and the absence of 2008 restructuring charges, partially offset by higher investment in programming and content. 

Full Year

Entertainment revenues of $6.98 billion for 2009 increased 1% from $6.88 billion for 2008 due to higher 2009 domestic and international syndication sales and a full year's results from CNET Networks, which the Company acquired in June 2008.  These increases were partially offset by lower Network advertising revenues during the first half of 2009 and the impact of a new international syndication arrangement for the CSI franchise in 2008.

For 2009, Entertainment adjusted OIBDA decreased 14% to $875.9 million from $1.02 billion for 2008 primarily due to lower advertising sales and higher investment in programming and content.  In 2008, the Writers Guild of America strike reduced programming costs for the 2007/2008 broadcast season.  The adjusted OIBDA decline was partially offset by higher profits from syndication sales and lower restructuring charges in 2009. Operating income for 2009 was $699.9 million versus an operating loss of $2.91 billion for 2008, which included an impairment charge of $3.80 billion to reduce the carrying value of goodwill.

Cable Networks (Showtime Networks and CBS College Sports Network)

Fourth Quarter

Cable Networks revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 increased 8% to $347.1 million from $320.7 million for the same prior-year period due to rate increases and growth in subscriptions at both Showtime Networks and CBS College Sports Network.  Showtime Networks subscriptions totaled 61.3 million as of December 31, 2009, up by 2.6 million, or 4%, from December 31, 2008, and CBS College Sports Network subscriptions of 34.8 million were up by 9.5 million, or 38%.

Cable Networks OIBDA of $152.8 million and operating income of $147.0 million were up 46% and 49%, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2009, due to higher affiliate fees and the mix of Showtime original series and theatrical programming.

Full Year

Cable Networks revenues for 2009 increased 7% to $1.35 billion from $1.26 billion for the same prior-year period due to rate increases and growth in subscriptions at Showtime Networks and CBS College Sports Network. 

Cable Networks OIBDA of $461.0 million and operating income of $437.4 million were up 18% and 20%, respectively, driven by the revenue increase, partially offset by higher advertising for new Showtime original series. 

Publishing (Simon & Schuster)

Fourth Quarter

Publishing revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 decreased 10% to $220.0 million from $245.1 million for the same prior-year period in the soft retail market.  Best-selling titles in the fourth quarter of 2009 included Under the Dome by Stephen King and It's Your Time by Joel Osteen.

Publishing OIBDA of $13.6 million and operating income of $11.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2009 decreased 52% and 54%, respectively.  The revenue decline and higher royalty expenses were partially offset by lower production costs and lower operating expenses resulting from cost-savings initiatives.

Full Year

Publishing revenues for 2009 decreased 7% to $793.5 million from $857.7 million for the same prior-year period due to the soft retail market and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rate changes.  Best-selling titles in 2009 included Glenn Beck's Arguing with Idiots and Under the Dome by Stephen King. 

Publishing OIBDA of $50.2 million and operating income of $42.5 million for 2009 decreased 43% and 46%, respectively.  The revenue decline and higher royalty expenses were partially offset by lower production costs, as well as lower operating expenses resulting from cost-savings initiatives.

Local Broadcasting (CBS Television Stations and CBS Radio)

Fourth Quarter

Local Broadcasting revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 decreased 8% to $680.0 million from $735.8 million for the same prior-year period reflecting lower radio and political advertising sales. Revenues for CBS Television Stations decreased 3% to $358.2 million from $369.3 million, and CBS Radio revenues decreased 12% to $322.2 million from $366.7 million for the same prior-year period, partially reflecting radio station divestitures.  Non-political advertising sales increased 11% for CBS Television Stations and were flat for Local Broadcasting.   

Local Broadcasting adjusted OIBDA for the fourth quarter of 2009 increased 31% to $227.5 million from $173.5 million, primarily due to the absence of prior year restructuring charges, a gain from the sale of broadcasting spectrum in 2009, and lower operating expenses as a result of cost-savings initiatives, partially offset by lower advertising revenues, including politicals.  Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $25.8 million, and included impairment charges of $178.3 million to reduce the carrying value of FCC broadcast licenses in certain radio markets.  Operating income for the same prior-year period was $82.8 million, and included impairment charges of $64.2 million primarily related to radio station divestitures.

Full Year

Local Broadcasting revenues for 2009 decreased 20% to $2.36 billion from $2.95 billion for the same prior-year period, primarily due to lower local non-political radio and television advertising sales during the first three quarters and lower political advertising for the year.  CBS Television Stations revenues for 2009 decreased 20% to $1.14 billion from $1.41 billion for the same prior-year period, and CBS Radio revenues for 2009 decreased 21% to $1.22 billion from $1.54 billion for the same prior-year period.  Non-political advertising sales decreased 17% for CBS Television Stations and 18% for Local Broadcasting.

Local Broadcasting adjusted OIBDA for 2009 decreased 37% to $512.9 million from $820.0 million primarily due to lower advertising sales, including politicals, which were partially offset by lower restructuring charges, a gain from the sale of broadcasting spectrum in 2009 and lower operating expenses as a result of cost-savings initiatives.  Operating income for 2009 was $212.4 million, which included impairment charges of $210.0 million, versus an operating loss of $6.81 billion in 2008, which included impairment charges of $7.53 billion to reduce the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets.

Outdoor (CBS Outdoor)

Fourth Quarter

Outdoor revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 decreased 8% to $483.7 million from $526.3 million for the same prior-year period, reflecting the soft worldwide advertising marketplace.  In constant dollars, Outdoor revenues decreased 12% from the fourth quarter of 2008.  Americas revenues (comprising North and South America) of $300.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2009 decreased 8% (10% in constant dollars) from $327.6 million for the same prior-year period. Europe and Asia revenues of $183.3 million decreased 8% (15% in constant dollars) from $198.7 million for the same quarter last year.

Outdoor OIBDA for the fourth quarter of 2009 decreased 30% to $68.8 million from $98.4 million for the same prior-year period principally driven by the revenue decline.  Operating income was $1.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2009 versus $35.2 million for the same quarter last year.  Outdoor's franchise and lease costs are generally fixed in nature and, with lower revenues, certain transit contracts are operating at their minimum guarantee levels, reducing OIBDA and operating income margins in the fourth quarter of 2009. 

Full Year

Outdoor revenues for 2009 decreased 21% to $1.72 billion from $2.17 billion for the same prior-year period, as a result of the soft worldwide advertising marketplace and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rate changes.  In constant dollars, Outdoor revenues decreased 17% from 2008.  Americas revenues of $1.11 billion for 2009 decreased 16% (15% in constant dollars) from $1.33 billion for 2008.  Europe and Asia revenues of $609.8 million for 2009 decreased 27% (20% in constant dollars) from $838.6 million for 2008.

For 2009, Outdoor adjusted OIBDA of $168.7 million decreased 64% from $467.4 million for 2008, with the revenue decline partially offset by lower employee-related costs resulting from restructuring and cost-savings initiatives.  Outdoor reported an operating loss of $96.9 million for 2009 versus an operating loss of $2.63 billion for 2008, which included impairment charges of $2.86 billion to reduce the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets.

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