Sinclair, Inc. 10-Q

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 June 30, 2024 and through the date this Report on Form 10-Q is filed. Results of Operations — an analysis of Sinclair's and SBG's revenues and expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. 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 and six months ended June 30, 2024. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS Content and Distribution • 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. Corporate Social Responsibility • To date in 2024, SBG's newsrooms have won a total of 176 journalism awards. • In April 2024, WBFF FOX 45 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. NextGen Broadcast (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 Broadcast (ATSC 3.0) markets where it serves as the host station and announced its first go to market partner, leading a content delivery network. • In 2024, Sinclair, in coordination with other broadcasters, and led by BitPath, its joint venture with another broadcaster, has deployed NextGen TV, powered by ATSC 3.0, in the two 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 this station are currently owned by a third party. SBG provides certain non-programming related sales, operational, and administrative services to this station pursuant to a service agreement, such as a JSA and SSA. 52 Table of Contents Financing, Capital Allocation, and Shareholder Returns • In May 2024, Sinclair declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share and in August 2024, Sinclair declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share. Other Events • In January 2024, Sinclair announced that it had agreed 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 would provide 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. • In May 2024, Jason Smith was promoted to Executive Vice Chairman of the Company from his former position of Vice President, Chief of Staff. 53 Table of Contents SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Any references to the first, third, or fourth quarters are to the three months ended March 31, September 30, or December 31, respectively, for the year being discussed. As of June 30, 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 quarter operating results are usually higher than the first and third quarters' 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 June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Media revenues $ 819 $ 761 $ 1,611 $ 1,527 Non-media revenues 10 7 16 14 Total revenues 829 768 1,627 1,541 Media programming and production expenses 425 413 833 811 Media selling, general and administrative expenses 194 190 390 381 Depreciation and amortization expenses 63 73 126 138 Amortization of program costs 18 19 37 41 Non-media expenses 13 9 25 21 Corporate general and administrative expenses 50 62 108 120 Loss on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment 2 5 2 11 Operating income (loss) $ 64 $ (3) $ 106 $ 18 Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair $ 17 $ (89) $ 40 $ 96 54 Table of Contents 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 June 30, Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) Six Months Ended June 30, Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue: Distribution revenue $ 384 $ 372 3% $ 768 $ 753 2% Core advertising revenue 285 287 (1)% 569 580 (2)% Political advertising revenue 40 6 n/m 64 9 n/m Other media revenues 41 34 21% 76 62 23% Media revenues (a) $ 750 $ 699 7% $ 1,477 $ 1,404 5% Operating Expenses: Media programming and production expenses 382 369 4% 765 740 3% Media selling, general and administrative expenses (b) 178 175 2% 361 350 3% Depreciation and amortization expenses 58 67 (13)% 116 126 (8)% Amortization of program costs 18 19 (5)% 37 41 (10)% Corporate general and administrative expenses 29 46 (37)% 70 78 (10)% Non-media expenses 2 3 (33)% 4 9 (56)% Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment — (2) n/m — (3) n/m Operating income $ 83 $ 22 n/m $ 124 $ 63 97% Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs $ 76 $ 76 —% $ 152 $ 150 1% Gain on extinguishment of debt $ — $ 11 n/m $ 1 $ 11 (91)% Other income, net $ 2 $ 21 (90)% $ 33 $ 33 —% n/m - not meaningful (a) Includes $3 million and $5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and $1 million and $2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, of intercompany revenue related to certain services provided to the tennis segment, which is eliminated in consolidation. (b) Includes $3 million and $5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and $2 million and $3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, of intercompany expense related to certain services provided by other, which is eliminated in consolidation. Revenue Distribution revenue. Distribution revenue, which represents payments from Distributors for our broadcast signals, increased $12 million or 3% and $15 million or 2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2023. Contractual rate increases favorably impacted period-over-period distribution revenue by mid-teen percentages for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, which was offset by a decrease in subscribers by low double-digit percentages for both periods, respectively. Core advertising revenue. Core advertising revenue decreased $2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023. Core advertising revenue decreased $11 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, with no particular product/services category dominating the variance. Political advertising revenue. Political advertising revenue increased $34 million and $55 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods 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. Other media revenues. Other media revenues increased $7 million and $14 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to an increase related to providing 55 Table of Contents SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS certain services under management services 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 June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Syndicated/Other programming 41% 40% 39% 38% Local news 32% 32% 30% 30% Network programming 17% 17% 17% 16% Sports programming 6% 6% 10% 11% Paid programming 4% 5% 4% 5% The following table sets forth our affiliate percentages of advertising revenue for the periods presented: Percent of Advertising Revenue for the Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, # of Channels 2024 2023 2024 2023 ABC 40 31% 32% 29% 29% FOX 55 21% 21% 21% 24% CBS 30 19% 19% 21% 20% NBC 25 14% 12% 13% 12% CW 46 5% 5% 5% 5% MNT 40 4% 4% 4% 4% Other 402 6% 7% 7% 6% Total 638 Expenses Media programming and production expenses. Media programming and production expenses increased $13 million and $25 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to an increase in fees pursuant to network affiliation agreements as a result of increased contractual rates. Media selling, general and administrative expenses. Media selling, general and administrative expenses increased $3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in third-party fulfillment costs from our digital business as a result of increased digital revenues. Media selling, general and administrative expenses increased $11 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a $4 million increase in third-party fulfillment cost from our digital business as a result of increased digital revenues, a $2 million increase in national sale commissions, and a $1 million increase in trade related expenses. Amortization of program costs. The amortization of program costs decreased $1 million and $4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily related to reduced programming renewal costs. Corporate general and administrative expenses. See explanation under Corporate and Unallocated Expenses. Non-media expenses. Non-media expenses decreased $1 million and $5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily related to decreased expenses associated with our broadcast technology related initiatives. Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs. Interest expense remained flat for the three months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023. Interest expense increased $2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to increased interest expense related to our variable rate debt resulting from higher interest rates. 56 Table of Contents SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Other income, net. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recognized a $26 million gain related to the sale of certain broadcast related assets and $8 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): Three Months Ended June 30, Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) Six Months Ended June 30, Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue: Distribution revenue $ 51 $ 46 11% $ 103 $ 91 13% Core advertising revenue 14 14 —% 24 23 4% Other media revenues 2 — n/m 3 1 n/m Media revenues 67 60 12% 130 115 13% Operating Expenses: Media programming and production expenses 43 40 8% 68 62 10% Media selling, general and administrative expenses (a) 17 12 42% 29 22 32% Depreciation and amortization expenses 6 5 20% 11 10 10% Corporate general and administrative expenses — — n/m 1 — n/m Operating income $ 1 $ 3 (67)% $ 21 $ 21 —% n/m - not meaningful (a) Includes $3 million and $5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and $1 million and $2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, of intercompany expense related to certain 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 $5 million or 11% and $12 million or 13% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2023. Contractual rate increases favorably impacted period-over-period distribution revenue by low double-digit percentages for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and subscriber increases favorably impacted period-over-period distribution revenue by high-teen percentages for both periods, respectively, which was due to carriage agreements with new Distributors in the second quarter of 2023 and first quarter of 2024. This increase in subscribers was offset by a decrease in subscribers from existing Distributors of mid-teen percentages for both periods, respectively. Core advertising revenue. Core advertising revenue is primarily generated from sales of commercial time within Tennis Channel programming. Core advertising revenue remained flat for the three months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023. Core advertising revenue increased $1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in the number of tournaments aired in the current period versus the prior period. Expenses Media programming and production expenses. Media programming and production expenses increased $3 million and $6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to an increase in live production expenses related to an increase in the number of tournaments aired in the current periods versus the prior periods. 57 Table of Contents SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Media selling, general and administrative expenses. Media selling, general and administrative expenses increased $5 million and $7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods 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. Corporate general and administrative expenses. See explanation under Corporate and Unallocated Expenses. Other The following table sets forth our revenues and expenses for our non-broadcast digital and internet solutions, technical services, and non-media investments (collectively, other) for the periods presented (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Percent Change Increase / (Decrease) Six Months Ended June 30, Percent Change Increase/(Decrease) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue: Media revenues (a) $ 9 $ 6 50% $ 15 $ 15 —% Non-media revenues (b) $ 11 $ 8 38% $ 20 $ 16 25% Operating Expenses: Media expenses (c) $ 5 $ 11 (55)% $ 10 $ 25 (60)% Non-media expenses (d) $ 12 $ 7 71% $ 24 $ 13 85% Operating loss $ — $ (12) n/m $ (3) $ (24) (88)% Income (loss) from equity method investments $ 78 $ (1) n/m $ 93 $ 30 n/m n/m - not meaningful (a) Media revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 include $3 million and $5 million, respectively, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 include $2 million and $3 million, respectively, of intercompany revenue related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation. (b) Non-media revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 include $1 million and $4 million, respectively, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 include $1 million and $2 million, respectively, 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 three and six months ended June 30, 2023 include $1 million and $2 million, respectively, of intercompany expense primarily related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation. (d) Non-media expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 include $1 million and $3 million, respectively, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 include $1 million and $2 million, respectively, of intercompany expense related to certain services and sales provided by the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation. Revenue. Media revenues increased $3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in advertising revenue related to our digital initiatives. Media revenues remained flat for the six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023. Non-media revenues increased $3 million and $4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to an increase in broadcast equipment sales. Expenses. Media expenses decreased $6 million and $15 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to the sale of our Stadium Network. Non-media expenses increased $5 million and $11 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods 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. Income (loss) from equity method investments. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, we recognized gains of $78 million and $93 million, respectively, related to the sale of one of our investments, which is included in income (loss) from equity method investments in our consolidated statements of operations. During the six months ended June 30, 2023 we recognized a gain of $33 million on the sale of two of our real estate investments, which is included in income (loss) from equity method investments in our consolidated statements of operations. 58 Table of Contents SINCLAIR, INC. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Corporate and Unallocated Expenses The following table presents our corporate and unallocated expenses for the periods presented (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Percent Change Increase/ (Decrease) Six Months Ended June 30, Percent Change Increase/ (Decrease) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Corporate general and administrative expenses $ 50 $ 62 (19)% $ 108 $ 120 (10)% Income tax (provision) benefit $ (5) $ 20 n/m $ (1) $ 224 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 $12 million for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in legal, consulting, and regulatory costs, primarily related to the litigation discussed under Note 5. Commitments and Contingencies within Sinclair's Consolidated Financial Statements. Income tax (provision) benefit. The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was a provision of 19.0% as compared to a benefit of 18.9% during the same period in 2023. The change from benefit to provision is primarily due to a book loss in 2023 compared to book income in 2024. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was a provision of 1.7% as compared to a benefit of 189.3% during the same period in 2023. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, is primarily due to a release of the 2023 valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the IRC Section 163(j) as a result of the change in the tax classification of the legal entity owning the DSG business because of the exit of the sole minority investor. 59 Table of Contents SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, LLC RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, LLC RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Any references to the first, third, or fourth quarters are to the three months ended March 31, September 30, or December 31, respectively, for the year being discussed. As of June 30, 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 quarter operating results are usually higher than the first and third quarters' because advertising expenditures are increased in anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers. Operating Data The following table sets forth SBG's consolidated operating data for the periods presented (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Media revenues $ 750 $ 740 $ 1,477 $ 1,506 Non-media revenues — 3 — 10 Total revenues 750 743 1,477 1,516 Media programming and production expenses 382 397 765 795 Media selling, general and administrative expenses 178 184 361 375 Depreciation and amortization expenses 58 70 116 135 Amortization of program costs 18 19 37 41 Non-media expenses 2 7 4 19 Corporate general and administrative expenses 35 58 76 116 Loss on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment — 4 — 10 Operating income $ 77 $ 4 $ 118 $ 25 Net income (loss) attributable to SBG $ 2 $ (101) $ 7 $ 84 Local Media Segment Refer to Local Media Segment above under Sinclair, Inc.'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 three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. 60 Table of Contents SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, LLC RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Other The following table sets forth SBG's revenues and expenses for tennis, non-broadcast digital and internet solutions, technical services, and non-media investments (collectively, other) for the periods presented, prior to the Reorganization (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 2023 Revenue: Distribution revenue $ 31 $ 76 Core advertising revenue 13 29 Other media revenues — 3 Media revenues (a) $ 44 $ 108 Non-media revenues (b) $ 3 $ 11 Operating Expenses: Media expenses (c) $ 38 $ 84 Non-media expenses (d) $ 4 $ 10 Loss on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment $ 5 $ 12 Operating loss $ (4) $ — Income from equity method investments $ — $ 31 (a) Media revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 include $2 million and $3 million, respectively, of intercompany revenue related to certain services and sales provided to the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation. (b) Non-media revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2023 include $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 six months ended June 30, 2023 include $1 million of intercompany expense primarily related to certain services provided by the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation. (d) Non-media expenses for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 include $1 million of intercompany expense related to certain services and sales provided by the local media segment, which is eliminated in consolidation. The revenue and expense items noted above for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 represent activity prior to the Reorganization which occurred June 1, 2023, thus there is no activity presented for periods subsequent to May 31, 2023. See Company Reorganization under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements. 61 Table of Contents SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, LLC RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Corporate and Unallocated Expenses The following table presents SBG's corporate and unallocated expenses for the periods presented (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Percent Change Increase/ (Decrease) Six Months Ended June 30, Percent Change Increase/ (Decrease) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Corporate general and administrative expenses $ 35 $ 58 (40)% $ 76 $ 116 (34)% Income tax benefit $ 1 $ 26 (96)% $ 10 $ 230 (96)% 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 by $23 million and $40 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in legal, consulting, and regulatory costs, primarily related to the litigation discussed under Note 5. Commitments and Contingencies within SBG's Consolidated Financial Statements. Income tax benefit. The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was a benefit of 38.5% as compared to a benefit of 21.5% during the same period in 2023. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, is primarily due to accrual of interest income attributable to prior years’ pending income tax refund claims. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was a benefit of 1717.7% as compared to a benefit of 169.9% during the same period in 2023. The increase in the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, is primarily due to accrual of interest income attributable to prior years’ pending income tax refund claims. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was less than the statutory rate primarily due to a release of the 2023 valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the IRC Section 163(j) as a result of the change in the tax classification of the legal entity owning the DSG business because of the exit of the sole minority investor. 62 Table of Contents LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Liquidity and Capital Resources As of June 30, 2024, Sinclair had net working capital of approximately $536 million, including $378 million in cash and cash equivalent balances, and $228 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 June 30, 2024, SBG had net working capital of approximately $158 million, including $52 million in cash and cash equivalent balances, and $228 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 of Sinclair Television Group, Inc. ("STG"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBG (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, which 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 utilized under the revolving credit facility as of such date. Since there was no utilization under the revolving credit facility as of June 30, 2024, STG was not subject to the financial maintenance covenant under the Bank Credit Agreement. As of June 30, 2024, the STG first lien leverage ratio was above 4.5x, which effectively reduces STG's borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility from $650 million to $228 million. The Bank Credit Agreement contains other restrictions and covenants with which STG was in compliance as of June 30, 2024. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, STG purchased $27 million aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan B-2, due September 30, 2026, for consideration of $25 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, Sinclair and SBG entered into agreements which increased estimated contractual amounts owed for network programming rights by $1,573 million which have terms that extend into 2027. There were no other material changes to Sinclair's or SBG's contractual cash obligations as of June 30, 2024. 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 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 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 had agreed 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 would provide transition services to DSG to allow DSG to become a self-standing entity going forward. An initial payment of $50 million was made in the first quarter of 2024 and the remaining $445 million was paid in the second quarter of 2024. Of the total $495 million settlement amount paid, $347 million was paid by STG and $148 million was paid by Ventures. 63 Table of Contents LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Sinclair, Inc. Sources and Uses of Cash The following table sets forth Sinclair's cash flows for the periods presented (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net cash flows (used in) from operating activities $ (306) $ 80 $ (310) $ 142 Cash flows from investing activities: Acquisition of property and equipment $ (23) $ (20) $ (44) $ (40) Purchases of investments (29) (6) (32) (39) Distributions and proceeds from investments 107 196 184 204 Other, net 1 3 2 4 Net cash flows from investing activities $ 56 $ 173 $ 110 $ 129 Cash flows used in financing activities: Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases $ (9) $ (29) $ (43) $ (38) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (17) (16) (33) (34) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock — (100) — (153) Repurchase of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity — — — (190) Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net (3) (4) (5) (8) Other, net 2 1 (3) (4) Net cash flows used in financing activities $ (27) $ (148) $ (84) $ (427) Operating Activities Net cash flows used in Sinclair's operating activities increased during both the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to the payment of the DSG settlement, an increase in production and overhead costs, and a decrease in cash collections from Distributors, partially offset by an increase in cash collections related to political revenue. Investing Activities Net cash flows from Sinclair's investing activities decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in distributions and proceeds from investments and an increase in purchases of investments. Net cash flows from Sinclair's investing activities decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in the distributions and proceeds from investments. Financing Activities Net cash flows used in Sinclair's financing activities decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the repurchase of outstanding Common Stock in the prior period and a decrease in the repayment of debt in the current period. Net cash flows used in Sinclair's financing activities decreased during the six months ended June 30, 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. 64 Table of Contents LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Sinclair declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share in May 2024 and $0.25 per share in August 2024. Future dividends on Sinclair's shares of common stock, if any, will be at the discretion of Sinclair's Board of Directors and will depend on several factors including Sinclair's results of operations, cash requirements and surplus, financial condition, covenant restrictions, and other factors that Sinclair's Board of Directors may deem relevant. Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC Sources and Uses of Cash The following table sets forth SBG's cash flows for the periods presented (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net cash flows (used in) from operating activities $ (329) $ 60 $ (312) $ 122 Cash flows (used in) from investing activities: Acquisition of property and equipment $ (22) $ (21) $ (44) $ (41) Purchases of investments (2) (4) (2) (37) Distributions and proceeds from investments — 196 26 204 Other, net 1 3 2 4 Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities $ (23) $ 174 $ (18) $ 130 Cash flows from (used in) financing activities: Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases $ (9) $ (28) $ (43) $ (37) Dividends paid on Old Sinclair Class A and Class B Common Stock — — — (18) Repurchase of outstanding Old Sinclair Class A Common Stock — (100) — (153) Repurchase of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity — — — (190) Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net (3) (3) (5) (7) Contributions from (distributions to) member, net 79 (360) 111 (360) Other, net — 2 — (3) Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities $ 67 $ (489) $ 63 $ (768) Operating Activities Net cash flows used in SBG's operating activities increased during both the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to the payment of the DSG settlement, an increase in production and overhead costs, and a decrease in cash collections from Distributors, partially offset by an increase in cash collections related to political revenue, 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 during the three months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the $193 million A/R Facility principal payment received from DSPV in the prior period. Net cash flows used in SBG's investing activities increased during the six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to the $193 million A/R Facility principal payment received from DSPV in the prior period, offset by a decrease in the purchases of investments, 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 . 65 Table of Contents LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Financing Activities Net cash flows from SBG's financing activities increased during the three months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in the repayment of debt and an increase in net contributions from member 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, in the current period and the repurchase of outstanding Old Sinclair Common Stock in the prior period. Net cash flows from SBG's financing activities increased during the six months ended June 30, 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in net contributions from member, 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, in the current period 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. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES There were no changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates under Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK There have been no material changes from the quantitative and qualitative discussion about market risk previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.