XML 35 R15.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.25.3
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2025
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Nature of Operations

Sinclair, Inc. (“Sinclair”) is a diversified media company with national reach and a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations and digital platforms. 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 professional sports. Additionally, we own digital media companies 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 companies 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.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2025, we had two reportable segments: local media and tennis. The local media segment consists primarily of our 179 broadcast television stations in 81 markets, which we own, provide programming and operating services pursuant to agreements commonly referred to as local marketing agreements (“LMA”), or provide sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements (such as joint sales agreements (“JSA”) and shared services agreements (“SSA”)). These stations broadcast 646 channels as of September 30, 2025. For the purpose of this report, these 179 stations and 646 channels are referred to as “our” stations and channels. The tennis segment consists of Tennis Channel, a cable network which includes coverage of many of tennis’ top tournaments and original professional sports and tennis lifestyle shows; Tennis Channel International streaming service; Tennis Channel streaming service; TennisChannel 2, a 24-hour a day free ad-supported streaming television channel; and Tennis.com.
Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, and VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Noncontrolling interests represent a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. See Note 7. Variable Interest Entities for more information on our VIEs.

Investments in entities over which we have significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income from equity method investments represents our proportionate share of net income generated by equity method investees.
Interim Financial Statements
 
The consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, such financial statements have been presented on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income, consolidated statements of equity and noncontrolling interests, and consolidated statements of cash flows for these periods as adjusted for the adoption of recent accounting pronouncements.
 
As permitted under the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures normally included with audited consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC. The consolidated statements of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily representative of operations for an entire year.
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and in the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures, requiring annual disclosure of consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation table; additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold (if the effect of those reconciling items is equal to or greater than 5 percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income or loss by the applicable statutory income tax rate); income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction; and income or loss before income tax disaggregated between foreign and domestic. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance but do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued guidance requiring disclosure of disaggregated information about certain income statement expense line items. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.
Broadcast Television Programming

We have agreements with programming syndicators for the rights to television programming over contract periods, which generally run from one to three years. Contract payments are made in installments over terms that are generally equal to or shorter than the contract period. Pursuant to accounting guidance for the broadcasting industry, an asset and a liability for the rights acquired and obligations incurred under a license agreement are reported on the balance sheet when the cost of each program is known or reasonably determinable, the program material has been accepted by the licensee in accordance with the conditions of the license agreement, and the program is available for its first showing or telecast. The portion of program contracts which becomes payable within one year is reflected as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The rights to this programming are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. Program costs are amortized on a straight-line basis except for contracts greater than three years which are amortized utilizing an accelerated method. Program costs estimated by management to be amortized in the succeeding year are classified as current assets. Payments of program contract liabilities are typically made on a scheduled basis and are not affected by amortization or fair value adjustments.

We assess our program costs on a quarterly basis to ensure the costs are recorded at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value.
Hedge Accounting

We entered into an interest rate swap effective February 7, 2023 and terminating on February 28, 2026 in order to manage a portion of our exposure to variable interest rates. The swap agreement has a notional amount of $600 million, bears a fixed interest rate of 3.9%, and we receive a floating rate of interest based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”).

We have determined that the interest rate swap meets the criteria for hedge accounting. The initial value of the interest rate swap and any changes in value in subsequent periods are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, with a corresponding change recorded in assets or liabilities depending on the position of the swap. Gains or losses on the monthly settlement of the interest rate swap are reflected in interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Cash flows related to the interest rate swap are classified as operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. See Interest Rate Swap within Note 3. Notes Payable, Finance Leases, and Commercial Bank Financing for further discussion.
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities were $7 million and $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities were $17 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Non-cash investing activities included property and equipment purchases of $4 million and $5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

We received equity shares in investments valued at $21 million and $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, in exchange for an obligation to deliver a similar value of advertising spots.

We completed the acquisition and sale of certain television stations as described in Acquisitions and Station Disposals below for non-cash consideration of $32 million and $36 million, respectively, during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025.
The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by type and segment (in millions):
For the three months ended September 30, 2025Local MediaTennisOtherEliminationsTotal
Distribution revenue$370 $52 $— $— $422 
Core advertising revenue269 14 38 (6)315 
Political advertising revenue— — — 
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue22 10 (3)30 
Total revenue$667 $67 $48 $(9)$773 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025Local MediaTennisOtherEliminationsTotal
Distribution revenue$1,145 $162 $— $— $1,307 
Core advertising revenue812 38 91 (18)923 
Political advertising revenue18 — — — 18 
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue65 24 (7)85 
Total revenue$2,040 $203 $115 $(25)$2,333 
For the three months ended September 30, 2024Local MediaTennisOtherEliminationsTotal
Distribution revenue$383 $51 $— $— $434 
Core advertising revenue283 (5)295 
Political advertising revenue138 — — — 138 
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue41 10 (2)50 
Total revenue$845 $60 $19 $(7)$917 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024Local MediaTennisOtherEliminationsTotal
Distribution revenue$1,151 $154 $— $— $1,305 
Core advertising revenue852 32 24 (13)895 
Political advertising revenue202 — — — 202 
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue117 30 (9)142 
Total revenue$2,322 $190 $54 $(22)$2,544 
Distribution Revenue. We generate distribution revenue through fees received from these Distributors for the right to distribute our stations and other properties. 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 or network programming 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.

Core Advertising Revenue. We generate core advertising revenue primarily from the sale of non-political advertising spots/impressions within our broadcast television and digital platforms.

Political Advertising Revenue. We generate political advertising revenue primarily from the sale of political advertising spots/impressions within our broadcast television and digital platforms.

In accordance with ASC 606, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) distribution arrangements which are accounted for as a sales/usage-based royalty.

Deferred Revenue. We record deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance, including amounts which are refundable. We classify deferred revenue as either current in other current liabilities or long-term in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets based on the timing of when we expect to satisfy our performance obligations. Deferred revenue was $169 million and $170 million as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, of which $94 million and $112 million, respectively, was reflected in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenue recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, was $49 million and $40 million, respectively.

For the three months ended September 30, 2025, two customers accounted for 11% and 10%, respectively, of our total revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, two customers accounted for 11% and 11%, respectively, of our total revenue. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, one customer accounted for 10% of our total revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, two customers accounted for 11% and 10%, respectively, of our total revenue. As of September 30, 2025, one customer accounted for 12% of our accounts receivable, net. As of December 31, 2024, four customers accounted for 11%, 11%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, of our accounts receivable, net. For purposes of this disclosure, a single customer may include multiple entities under common control.
Acquisitions and Station Disposals
 
In March 2025, Sinclair Ventures, LLC (“Ventures”) completed the acquisition of CPX Interactive LLC (“Digital Remedy”) for approximately $30 million in cash, net of cash acquired of $5 million, in which Ventures acquired the remaining 75% of the business they did not already own. The acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at fair value as of the closing date of the transactions, which included $22 million of definite-lived intangible assets and $17 million of goodwill.

In July 2025, we sold our owned stations within Milwaukee, WI (WVTV), Springfield, IL (WICS/WICD), Ottumwa, IA (KTVO), and Quincy, IL (KHQA) for consideration valued at $36 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, we recorded a net loss of $8 million related to the sale, which is included within gain on asset dispositions and other, net within our consolidated statements of operations and our local media segment within Note 6. Segment Data.

In September 2025, we acquired the non-license assets of WLNE in Providence, RI for consideration valued at $32 million. The acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at fair value as of the closing date of the transaction. Based upon our preliminary purchase price allocation, we recorded $27 million of definite-lived intangible assets, $1 million of property and equipment, and $4 million of net working capital.
Income Taxes

Our income tax provision for all periods consists of federal and state income taxes. The tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 is based on the estimated effective tax rate applicable for the full year after taking into account discrete tax items and the effects of the noncontrolling interests. 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. A valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to 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.

On July 4, 2025, the One Big, Beautiful Bill (“OBBB”) was enacted. The OBBB is a comprehensive tax reform package that includes several provisions which have, and will continue to, reduce our taxes paid in 2025. We do not expect the legislation to have a material impact on our financial statements.

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2025 was greater than the statutory rate primarily due to accrual of interest income attributable to prior years’ pending income tax refund claims. Our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 approximated the statutory rate. Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was greater than the statutory rate primarily due to non-deductible expenses. Our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was less than the statutory rate primarily due to an immaterial $7.5 million correcting adjustment related to the accrual of interest income attributable to prior years’ pending income tax refund claims.

We do not believe that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits would be materially impacted, in the next twelve months, as a result of the expected statute of limitations expirations, the application of limits under available state administrative practice exceptions, and the resolution of examination issues and settlements with federal and certain state tax authorities.
Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Subsequent Events

In November 2025, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on December 15, 2025, to holders of record at the close of business on December 1, 2025.