Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
The types of properties required to support each of our radio stations include studios, sales offices, and tower sites. A station’s studios are generally housed with its offices in a business district within the station’s community of license or largest nearby community. The tower sites are generally located in an area to provide maximum market coverage.
We own properties throughout our markets and also lease additional studio, office facilities, and tower sites in support of our business operations. We also lease corporate office space in Atlanta, Georgia, and office space in New York, New York; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado and Los Angeles, California for the production and distribution of our radio network. We do not anticipate any difficulties in renewing any facility leases or in leasing alternative or additional space, if required. We own substantially all of our other equipment, consisting principally of transmitting antennae, transmitters, studio equipment, and general office equipment.
No single property is material to our operations. We believe that our properties are generally in good condition and suitable for our operations; however, our studios, office space and transmission facilities require periodic maintenance and refurbishment.
Item 3.
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
On March 1, 2011, the Company and certain of our subsidiaries were named as defendants along with other radio companies, including Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., CBS Radio, Inc., Entercom Communications, Greater Media, Inc. and Townsquare Media, LLC in a patent infringement suit. The case, Mission Abstract Data L.L.C., d/b/a Digimedia ("Plaintiff") v. Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., et. al., Civil Action Case No: 1:11-mc-00176-LPS, U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, alleged that the defendants have infringed on two of plaintiff’s patents entitled “Selection and Retrieval of Music from a Digital Database.” The Complaint sought unspecified damages. The Court stayed the case on November 14, 2011 pending reexamination of the patents-in-suit before the U.S. Patent Office. On June 6, 2012, Plaintiff filed a motion to lift the stay. On March 25, 2013, the Court entered an order denying Plaintiff’s motion to lift the stay. However, the Court ordered that “the stay shall be lifted upon the issuance of the Notice of Intent to Issue Reexamination Certifications (‘NIRC’)” for the two patents-in-suit. By operation of the Court’s Order, the stay was lifted on July 8, 2013, when the final NIRC was issued for the two patents-in-suit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, on November 27, 2017, the Plaintiff and defendants filed a stipulation of dismissal of the action and the action was dismissed with prejudice by court order in early December, 2017, thereby concluding the case.
In August 2015, the Company was named as a defendant in two separate putative class action lawsuits relating to its use and public performance of certain sound recordings fixed prior to February 15, 1972 (the "Pre-1972 Recordings"). The first suit, ABS Entertainment, Inc., et. al. v, Cumulus Media Inc., was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California and alleged, among other things, copyright infringement under California state law, common law conversion, misappropriation and unfair business practices. On December 11, 2015, this suit was dismissed without prejudice. The second suit, ABS Entertainment, Inc., v. Cumulus Media Inc., was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and claimed, among other things, common law copyright infringement and unfair competition. The New York lawsuit was stayed pending an appeal before the Second Circuit involving unrelated third parties over whether the owner of a Pre-1972 Recording holds an exclusive right to publicly perform that recording under New York common law. On December 20, 2016, the New York Court of Appeals held that New York common law does not recognize a right of public performance for owners of pre-1972 Recordings. As a result of that case (to which Cumulus Media, Inc., was not a party) the New York case against Cumulus Media, Inc., was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiffs on April 3, 2017. The question of whether public performance rights exist for Pre-1972 recordings under state laws is still being litigated in the Ninth and Eleventh Circuits as a result of cases filed in California and Florida. Cumulus is not a party to those cases, and the Company is not yet able to determine what effect those proceedings will have, if any, on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company currently is, and expects that from time to time in the future it will be, party to, or a defendant in, various other claims or lawsuits that are generally incidental to its business. The Company expects that it will vigorously contest any such claims or lawsuits and believes that the ultimate resolution of any such known claim or lawsuit will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In the first quarter of 2016, CBS Radio Inc. ("CBS") filed a demand for arbitration against certain of the Company's subsidiaries. This action alleged that certain of its subsidiaries breached the terms of one or more contracts with CBS relating
to sports network radio programming and content. As previously disclosed, in the third quarter of 2016, the Company settled these claims in exchange for a one-time payment of $13.3 million. This payment was classified as a content cost in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.
The Company currently is, and expects that from time to time in the future it will be, party to, or a defendant in, various other claims or lawsuits that are generally incidental to its business. The Company expects that it will vigorously contest any such claims or lawsuits and believes that the ultimate resolution of any such known claim or lawsuit will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 4.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information For Common Stock
On October 12, 2016, we effected a one-for-eight (1:8) reverse stock split (the "Reverse Stock Split"). As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, every eight shares of each class of the Company's outstanding common stock were combined into one share of the same class of common stock and the authorized shares of each class of the Company's common stock were reduced by the same ratio. The par value of the Company's common stock was not adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.
Shares of our Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were delisted from the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (the "NASDAQ") Capital Market as of November 22, 2017, because the Company was not compliant with Nasdaq Listing Rules 5550(a)(2) and 5550(b)(1). On November 29, 2017, the Company's stock began trading on the OTC Markets.
The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low sales prices of the Class A common stock as reported in published financial sources. Sales prices have been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect the impact of the Reverse Stock Split.
Holders
As of March 21, 2018, there were approximately 606 holders of record of our Class A common stock and one holder of record of our Class C common stock. The number of holders of our Class A common stock does not include any estimate of the number of beneficial holders whose shares may be held of record by brokerage firms or clearing agencies.
Dividends
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock since our inception and do not currently anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings for use in our business. We are currently subject to restrictions under the terms of the Credit Agreement and the Plan and our New First Lean Debt, and expect to be subject to restrictions under any credit agreement we enter into in connection with our emergence from protection under the Bankruptcy Code, that limit the amount of dividends that we may pay on our common stock. For a more detailed discussion of the restrictions in our Credit Agreement, see Note 6, “Long-Term Debt” in the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the total stockholder return on our Class A common stock for the five-year period ended December 31, 2017 with that of (1) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”); (2) NASDAQ; and (3) an index (the “Radio Index”) comprised of radio broadcast and media companies (see note (1) below). The total return calculation set forth below assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2012 with reinvestment of dividends into additional shares of the same class of securities at the frequency with, and in the amounts on, which dividends were paid on such securities through December 31, 2017. The stock price performance shown in the graph below should not be considered indicative of expected future stock price performance.
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
(1)
As discussed in further detail above, the Company's common stock was delisted from the NASDAQ as of November 21, 2017, as such, the Company's stock price performance was calculated through that date.
(2)
The Radio Index consists of the following companies: Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., iHeartMedia, Inc. (formerly Clear Channel Holdings, Inc.), Emmis Communications Corp., Entercom Communications Corp., Urban One, Inc. (formerly Radio One, Inc.), and Saga Communications, Inc.
Pursuant to SEC rules, this “Stock Performance Graph” section of this Form 10-K is not deemed “filed” with the SEC and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Item 6.
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
Set forth below is selected historical consolidated financial information for Cumulus as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands, except per share data). The selected historical consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, has been derived from our consolidated financial statements and related notes beginning on page of this Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, has been derived from our consolidated financial statements, and related notes previously filed with the SEC but not included or incorporated by reference herein.
Primarily as a result of our completion of a number of significant transactions in various of the periods reported, including the December 12, 2013 completion of our acquisition of Westwood One, Inc. (the "Westwood One Acquisition"), the November 14, 2013 completion of the sale to Townsquare Media, LLC (“Townsquare”) of 53 radio stations in twelve small and mid-sized markets for $235.0 million in cash and the swap with Townsquare of 15 radio stations in two small and mid-sized markets in exchange for 5 radio stations in Fresno, California (the "Townsquare Transaction") (with the stations swapped to Townsquare therein being treated as discontinued operations in all periods presented), each of whose operating results have been included in Cumulus’ financial statements since their respective dates of acquisition, and excluded since their dates of sale and various refinancing transactions from time to time, we believe that our results of operations for any period, and our financial condition at any date, provide only limited comparability to other periods. You are cautioned to not place undue reliance on any such comparison.
The selected historical consolidated financial information, which has been adjusted to reflect our October 12, 2016 one-for-eight (1:8) reverse stock split, presented below does not contain all of the information you should consider when evaluating Cumulus and should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, beginning on page of this Form 10-K. Various factors are expected to have an effect on our financial condition and results of operations in the future. You should also read this selected historical consolidated financial information in conjunction with the information under “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(1)
Impairment charges in 2017, 2016 and 2015 were recorded in connection with our interim and annual impairment testing under ASC 350. See Note 4, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” in the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for further discussion.
(2)
Reorganization items recorded in connection with our chapter 11 cases. See Note 9, “Reorganization Items, net,” in the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for further discussion.
(3)
Long-term debt has been classified in the Company's liabilities subject to compromise as of December 31, 2017.
Item 7.
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General Overview
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the other information contained in this Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto beginning on page in this Form 10-K, as well as the information set forth in Item 1 "Business - Current Bankruptcy Proceedings" and Item 1A "Risk Factors." This discussion, as well as various other sections of this Annual Report, contains and refers to statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. Such statements relate to our intent, belief or current expectations primarily with respect to our future operating, financial and strategic performance. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and may involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those contained in or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. For more information, see "Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."
For additional information about certain of the matters discussed and described in the following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, including certain defined terms used herein, see the notes to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. In addition, for information relating to our current expectations for liquidity and capital structure upon our emergence from chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, see Item 1 "Business - Current Bankruptcy Proceedings." No assurances can be provided that our actual liquidity and capital structure will not differ materially from our expectations set out therein.
Our Business and Operating Overview
A leader in the radio broadcasting industry, Cumulus (PINK: CMLSQ) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people reached each week through its 445 owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in 90 US media markets (including eight of the top 10), approximately 8,000 broadcast radio stations affiliated with its Westwood One network and numerous digital channels. Together, the Cumulus/Westwood One platforms make Cumulus one of the few media companies that can provide advertisers with national reach and local impact. Cumulus/Westwood One is the exclusive radio broadcast partner to some of the largest brands in sports, entertainment, news, and talk, including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, the Olympics, the GRAMMYs, the Academy of Country Music Awards, the American Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, Westwood One News, and more. Additionally, Cumulus is the nation's leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which serves country fans nationwide through radio programming, exclusive digital content, and live events.
We generate revenue through monetization of our programming content and other sources across the following four major revenue streams:
Broadcast advertising revenue. Most of our revenue is generated through the sale of terrestrial, also known as broadcast, radio advertising time to local, regional, and national clients. Local spot and regional spot advertising is sold by Cumulus employed sales executives. National spot advertising for our owned-and-operated stations is marketed and sold by both Katz Media in an outsourced arrangement as well as our own internal national sales team, which collectively markets to advertisers under the sales brand of Westwood One Media Sales. Network advertising airing across our owned, operated and affiliated stations is sold by our internal sales team located across the United States under the Westwood One Networks brand to predominantly national and regional advertisers.
Digital advertising revenue. We generate digital advertising revenue from the sale of advertising and promotional opportunities across our streaming audio network, digital commerce platform, websites and mobile applications. We operate one of the largest streaming audio advertising networks in the United States, including owned and operated internet radio simulcast stations, and other third party digital audio companies with whom we have advertising reseller agreements. Through Cumulus Digital C-Suite, a comprehensive portfolio of digital marketing solutions, we sell digital advertising adjacent to, or embedded in, podcasts through our network of owned and third party podcasts. Additionally, our digital commerce platform utilizes couponing and discounted daily deals to create promotional opportunities for local, regional and national clients under our Sweet Deals and Incentrev brands. We also sell banner and other display ads across more than 400 local radio station websites, mobile applications, and ancillary custom client microsites.
Political advertising revenue. Political advertising revenue is generated across all of our broadcast and digital assets, but we highlight it as a separate category to distinguish its highly cyclical nature versus core revenue. Political advertising is generally strongest during even-numbered years, especially in the fourth quarter of such years, when most national and state elections are conducted. In addition to candidate advertising revenue, we also receive advertising revenue from special interest and advocacy groups.
License fees & other. All other non-advertising based revenue types in which the Company participates are aggregated in our License fees & other revenue category. This includes fees we receive for content licensing, third party network compensation, proprietary software licensing, subleases and rents (predominantly for owned towers), and all other revenue.
Current Bankruptcy Proceedings; Liquidity and Going Concern Considerations
On November 29, 2017 (the "Petition Date"), the Company and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions for relief (the “Bankruptcy Petitions”) under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”. The Debtors' chapter 11 cases are being jointly administered under the caption In re Cumulus Media Inc., et al, Case No. 17-13381.
Immediately prior to the commencement of the case the Debtors entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement (the “Restructuring Support Agreement”) with certain creditors (the “Consenting Creditors”) under that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2013 (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among the Company, Cumulus Media Holdings Inc., as borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto from time to time, and Crestview Radio Investors, LLC and certain of its affiliates (the “Consenting Equityholders”). The Restructuring Support Agreement contemplates the implementation of a financial restructuring of the Debtors (as described below) through a conversion of more than $1.0 billion of the Company’s funded debt into equity (collectively, the “Restructuring”). The Restructuring will be effectuated by a joint plan of reorganization (the “Plan”) under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code if confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court.
On December 1, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court approved certain motions and applications the Debtors filed on the Petition Date (the “First Day Motions”), certain of which were approved on an interim basis. On December 21, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court approved all of the Company’s First Day Motions on a final basis. Pursuant to the First Day Motions, and subject to certain terms and dollar limits included therein, the Company was authorized to continue to use its unrestricted cash on hand, as well as all cash generated from daily operations, which is being used to continue the Company’s operations without interruption during the course of its restructuring. Also pursuant to the First Day Motions, the Company received Bankruptcy Court authorization to, among other things and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable orders, pay certain pre-petition employee wages, salaries, health benefits and other employee obligations during its restructuring, pay certain claims relating to on-air talent and taxes, continue its cash management programs and insurance policies, as well as continue to honor its current customer programs. The Company is authorized under the Bankruptcy Code to pay post-petition expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business without seeking Bankruptcy Court approval. Until a plan of reorganization is approved and effective, the Debtors will continue to manage their properties and operate their businesses as a “debtor in possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and the orders of the Bankruptcy Court.
On December 9, 2017, the Debtors filed the Plan with the Bankruptcy Court and a related disclosure statement (the "Disclosure Statement") pursuant to chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. On January 18, 2018, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court a first modified joint plan of reorganization and the related first modified disclosure statement for the Plan pursuant to chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Plan and Disclosure Statement were further modified on January 31, 2018, February 2, 2018, February 12, 2018, and March 16, 2018. On February 2, 2018, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the Disclosure Statement and authorizing the solicitation of votes on the Plan.
Pursuant to the Plan, holders of claims with respect to the Term Loans (“Term Loan Claims”) would receive their pro rata share of approximately $1.3 billion in principal amount of new first lien term loans maturing in 2022 (the “New First Lien Debt”) and 83.5% of the issued and outstanding amount of common stock (the “Reorganized Common Equity”) to be issued by the reorganized Company (“Reorganized Cumulus”), subject to dilution by any Reorganized Common Equity issued pursuant to a post-emergence equity management incentive compensation plan (the “MIP”). Holders of unsecured claims against the Company, including claims arising from the Company’s 7.75% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “Notes”), would receive, in the aggregate, 16.5% of the Reorganized Common Equity, subject to dilution by the MIP. The New First Lien Debt would accrue interest at the London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 4.50% per annum, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% or, at Reorganized Cumulus’s option, an alternate base rate plus 3.50% per annum, subject to an alternate base rate floor of 2.00%. Reorganized Cumulus would be permitted to enter into a revolving credit facility or recievables providing commitments of up to $50.0 million. The New First Lien Debt would amortize in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate annual amount equal to 1% of the original principal amount of the New First Lien Debt with the balance payable on the maturity date. Reorganized Cumulus would be able to voluntarily prepay the New First Lien Debt in whole or in part without premium or penalty, except that any prepayment during the period of six months following the issuance of the New First Lien Debt would require a premium equal to 1% of the prepaid principal amount. Certain mandatory prepayments on the New First Lien Debt would be required upon the occurrence of specified events as set forth in the Credit Agreement, including upon the sale of certain assets and from excess cash flow as defined. The New First Lien Debt would not have any financial maintenance covenants. The other terms and conditions of the New First Lien Debt would generally be similar to those set forth in the Credit Agreement, except as set forth in the term sheet attached to the Restructuring Support Agreement (the "Term Sheet"). The New First Lien Debt would be secured by first priority security interests in substantially all the assets of Reorganized Cumulus and the Guarantors (as defined below) in a manner substantially consistent with the Credit Agreement, subject to the terms of the term sheet. In addition, the direct parent of Reorganized Cumulus (the “Parent”) and all present and future wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Parent, subject to exceptions that are substantially consistent with those set forth in the Credit Agreement, would guarantee the New First Lien Debt (the "Guarantors"). The Plan contemplates that the Board of Directors of Reorganized Cumulus would consist of the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and six directors chosen by the Consenting Creditors. Even if the requisite acceptances of the Plan are received, the Bankruptcy Court is not obligated to confirm the Plan as proposed.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $102.9 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. The Company has generated positive cash flows from operating activities of $86.6 million and $35.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Prior to the filing of the Bankruptcy Petitions, our principal sources of funds had primarily been cash flow from operations and borrowings under credit facilities in existence from time to time. Our cash flow from operations remains subject to factors such as fluctuations in advertising media preferences and changes in demand caused by shifts in population, station listenership, demographics, and audience tastes. In addition, our cash flows may be affected if customers are not able to pay, or delay payment of, accounts receivable that are owed to us, which risks may be exacerbated in challenging or otherwise uncertain economic periods. In recent periods, the Company has experienced reductions in revenue and profitability from prior historical periods because of continuing market revenue pressures and cost escalations built into certain contracts. Notwithstanding this, we believe that our national platform and extensive station portfolio representing a broad diversity in format, listener base, geography, and advertiser base helps us maintain a more stable revenue stream by reducing our dependence on any single demographic, region or industry. Future reductions in revenue or profitability are possible and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
From time to time we have evaluated, and expect that we will continue to evaluate, opportunities to obtain additional capital from the divestiture of radio stations or other assets where the net value accretion realized in a sale exceeds the value that management believes could be realized over time by continuing to operate the assets, that are not a part of, or do not complement, our strategic operations, subject to market and other conditions in existence at that time.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had a $1.722 billion term loan outstanding under its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2013 (the "Credit Agreement") which consists of a term loan (the "Term Loan") and a $200.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"). On May 13, 2011, the Company had $610.0 million of 7.75% Senior Notes (the "Senior Notes") outstanding. Amounts outstanding under the term loan are scheduled to mature on December 23, 2020 and the 7.75% Senior Notes mature on May 1, 2019. Notwithstanding these maturity dates, and as disclosed further in Note 6, the Credit Agreement includes a springing maturity provision that provides that if on January 30, 2019 the aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes outstanding exceeds $200.0 million, the maturity date of the term loan will be accelerated to January 30, 2019. If the Plan is not approved, or the Company is unable to take other steps to create additional liquidity or otherwise avoid the occurrence of the springing maturity, forecasted cash flows would not be sufficient for the Company to meet its obligations as of January 30, 2019.
In connection with the Company's chapter 11 cases, the Company is required to make adequate protection payments on the Term Loan. The amounts of these payments are calculated under the terms described in Note 6 in the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in the Form 10-K. During the pendency of the Bankruptcy Petitions, ASC 852 requires the Company to recognize the adequate protection payments as a reduction to the principal balance of the Term Loan.
In the event amounts were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility or any letters of credit were outstanding that had not been collateralized by cash as of the end of each quarter, the Credit Agreement required compliance with a consolidated first lien leverage ratio covenant. The required ratio at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 4.25 to 1 and 5.00 to 1, respectively. The ratio was to decrease to 4.0 to 1 at March 31, 2018. At December 31, 2017, the Company's actual leverage ratio would have been in excess of the required ratio. As a result of our Bankruptcy Petitions, the Revolving Credit Facility was terminated, as such, at December 31, 2017 we had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
On October 30, 2017, the Restructuring Committee of the Board of Directors authorized the Company to forgo the scheduled interest payment on the 7.75% Senior Notes on November 1, 2017 of approximately $23.6 million. This nonpayment constituted a default under the terms of the indenture governing the 7.75% Senior Notes. The Company will continue to forgo future interest payments while under bankruptcy protection. The commencement of the chapter 11 cases also constituted an event of default under the terms of the indenture governing the 7.75% Senior Notes and under the terms of the Credit Agreement and accelerated the Company’s obligations under the indenture and the Credit Agreement. Any efforts to enforce obligations upon the occurrence of an event of default have been automatically stayed as a result of the Company's Bankruptcy Petition and the holders of the Term Loan and Senior Notes rights of enforcement in respect to any obligations are subject to the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.
On June 5, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights plan which is scheduled to expire in June 2018. Pursuant to the rights plan, the Company declared a dividend of one right for each outstanding share of Class A common stock of the Company, payable to holders of record on June 15, 2017. The rights initially trade with the Company’s Class A common stock and will generally become exercisable only if any person (or any persons acting in concert or as a group) acquires a voting or economic position in 4.99% or more of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock. If the rights become exercisable, all holders of rights (other than any triggering person) will be entitled to acquire shares of Class A common stock at a 50% discount or the Company may exchange each right held by such holders for one share of Class A common stock. Under the rights plan, any person that owned more than 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock may continue to own its shares of Class A common stock but may not acquire a voting or economic interest in any additional shares of Class A common stock without triggering the rights plan. Pursuant to the Plan and Disclosure Statement filed on February 12, 2018, if the Plan is confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court all of the equity interests in the Company (including the Class A common Stock and rights under the rights plan) are expected to be cancelled or extinguished on the date that the Company emerges from bankruptcy.
As previously disclosed, based on the results of required annual or interim impairment testing in certain recent historical periods, we incurred non-cash impairment charges against intangible assets and goodwill, including a non-cash impairment charge against our FCC licenses of $335.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and charges of $603.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Such non-cash charges reduced our reported operating results in those periods; however, as these charges did not require a cash outlay, they had no effect on our liquidity position in the near term. Any future impairment charges could materially adversely affect our financial results in the periods in which they are recorded.
In recent periods, both prior to and following our filing of the Bankruptcy Petitions on November 29, 2017, we took a number of actions impacting our liquidity:
•
On August 29, 2017, we used proceeds from the sale of certain land and buildings to repay approximately $81.7 million of Term Loan borrowings in accordance with the terms of such agreement.
•
On October 26, 2017, we appealed NASDAQ's determination to delist the Company's securities from The NASDAQ Capital Market. On November 20, 2017, we received a notification from The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC indicating that as a result of the Company's previously disclosed non-compliance with certain NASDAQ listing rules, trading in the Company’s Class A common stock would be suspended effective at the open of business, on November 22, 2017. The Company's Class A common stock has been quoted on the OTC Markets since such date.
•
On October 30, 2017, as described above, the Restructuring Committee of the Board of Directors authorized the Company to forgo the November 1, 2017 scheduled interest payment of $23.6 million on the Company's 7.75% Senior Notes. The Company will continue to forgo interest payments on the 7.75% Senior Notes. while under bankruptcy protection.
•
On November 28, 2017, we voluntarily terminated our $50.0 million revolving accounts receivable securitization facility entered into on December 6, 2013 (the “Securitization Facility”) with Wells Fargo (as successor to General Electric Capital Corporation), as a lender, swing line lender and administrative agent (together with any other lenders party thereto from time to time, the “Lenders”). Pursuant to a Receivables Sale and Servicing Agreement, dated as of December 6, 2013 (the “Sale Agreement”), certain subsidiaries of the Company were eligible to sell and/or contribute their accounts receivable to a special purpose entity and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “SPV”). The SPV could thereafter make borrowings from the Lenders, which borrowings were secured by those receivables, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Receivables Funding and Administration Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2017 (the “Funding Agreement”). No borrowings were outstanding under the Securitization Facility as of the termination date.
•
On February 1, 2018, the Company and Merlin Media, LLC ("Merlin") agreed to terminate certain obligations under which the Company was required to purchase two FM stations and to allow the Company to continue to operate those stations under an amended local marketing agreement. Merlin and the Company originally entered into a local marketing agreement relating to these stations on January 2, 2014. Under this local marketing agreement, the Company was responsible for programming two FM radio stations in Chicago, Illinois, for monthly fees payable to Merlin of approximately $0.3 million, $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.6 million in the first, second, third and fourth years following October 3, 2014, respectively, in exchange for the Company retaining the operating profits from these radio stations.
In accordance with the requirements of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), and Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 205-40, the Company has the responsibility to evaluate at each reporting period, including interim periods, whether conditions and/or events raise substantial doubt about its ability to meet its future financial obligations. In its evaluation for this report, management considered the Company’s current financial condition and liquidity sources, including current funds available, forecasted future cash flows and the Company’s conditional and unconditional obligations due for 12 months following the date of issuance of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on the Company's substantial level of indebtedness and, as described above, the Company's filing for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code as well as the uncertainty surrounding such filings, the Company determined that there is substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of 12 months following the date of issuance of this Form 10-K.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on a going-concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business and do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from uncertainty related to the ability to continue as a going concern.
Advertising Revenue
Our primary source of revenue is the sale of advertising time. Our sales of advertising time are primarily affected by the demand from local, regional and national advertisers, which also impacts the advertising rates we charge. Advertising demand and rates are based primarily on the ability to attract audiences in the demographic groups targeted by such advertisers, as measured principally by various ratings agencies on a periodic basis. We endeavor to provide compelling programming and form connections between our on-air talent and listeners in order to develop strong listener loyalty, and we believe that the diversification of our formats and programs, including non-music formats and proprietary content, helps to insulate us from the effects of changes in the musical tastes of the public with respect to any particular format.
We strive to maximize revenue by managing our on-air inventory of advertising time and adjusting prices based on supply and demand. The optimal number of advertisements available for sale depends on the programming format of a particular radio program. Each program has a general target level of on-air inventory available for advertising. This target level of advertising inventory may vary at different times of the day but tends to remain stable over time. We seek to broaden our base of advertisers in each of our markets by providing a wide array of audience demographic segments across each cluster of stations, thereby providing potential advertisers with an effective means to reach a targeted demographic group. Our advertising contracts are generally short-term. We generate most of our revenue from local and regional advertising, which is sold primarily by a station’s sales staff.
In addition to local and regional advertising revenues, we monetize our available inventory in both national spot and network sales marketplaces using our national platform. To effectively deliver network advertising for our customers, we distribute content and programming through third party affiliates in order to reach a broader national audience. Typically, in exchange for the right to broadcast radio network programming, third party affiliates remit a portion of their advertising time to us, which is then aggregated into packages focused on specific demographic groups and sold by us to our advertiser clients that want to reach those demographic groups on a national basis.
In the broadcasting industry, we sometimes utilize trade or barter agreements that exchange advertising time for goods or services such as travel or lodging, instead of for cash. Trade revenue totaled $40.1 million, $37.7 million and $39.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
We continually evaluate opportunities to increase revenues through new platforms, including technology-based initiatives. As a result of those revenue increasing opportunities through new platforms, our operating results in any period may be affected by the incurrence of advertising and promotion expenses that typically do not have an effect on revenue generation until future periods, if at all. In addition, as part of this evaluation we also from time to time reorganize and discontinue certain redundant and/or unprofitable content vehicles across our platform which we expect will impact our broadcast revenues in the future. To date inflation has not had a material effect on our revenues or results of operations, although no assurances can be provided that material inflation in the future would not materially adversely affect us.
Non-GAAP Financial Measure
Consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") and segment Adjusted EBITDA are the financial metrics by which management and the chief operating decision maker allocate resources of the Company and analyze the performance of the Company as a whole and each of our reportable segments, respectively. Management also uses this measure to determine the contribution of our core operations to the funding of our corporate resources utilized to manage our operations and our non-operating expenses including debt service and acquisitions. In addition, consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, excluding the impact of local marketing agreement fees, is a key metric for purposes of calculating and determining our compliance with certain covenants contained in our Credit Agreement.
The Company excludes from Adjusted EBITDA items not related to core operations and those that are non-cash including: depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation expense, gain or loss on the exchange or sale of any assets or stations, early extinguishment of debt, local marketing agreement fees, expenses relating to acquisitions, restructuring costs, reorganization items and non-cash impairments of assets.
Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA, although not a measure that is calculated in accordance with GAAP, is commonly employed by the investment community as a measure for determining the market value of a media company and comparing the operational and financial performance among media companies. Management has also observed that Adjusted EBITDA is routinely utilized to evaluate and negotiate the potential purchase price for media companies. Given the relevance to our overall value, management believes that investors consider the metric to be extremely useful.
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure for determining the Company’s operating performance or liquidity that is calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA may be defined or calculated differently by other companies, and comparability may be limited.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Operations
The following selected data from our audited consolidated statements of operations and other supplementary data should be referred to while reading the results of operations discussion that follows (dollars in thousands):
**
Calculation is not meaningful.
Year Ended December 31, 2017 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016
Net Revenue
Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased $5.7 million, or 0.5%, to $1,135.7 million compared to $1,141.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease resulted from declines of $12.1 million and $0.9 million in political advertising and broadcast advertising, respectively, partially offset by increases of $4.6 million and $2.7 million in digital advertising and license fees and other revenue, respectively. For a discussion of net revenue by segment and a comparison between the year ended December 31, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016, see the discussion under "Segment Results of Operations."
Content Costs
Content costs for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased $24.8 million, or 5.8%, to $403.0 million compared to $427.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily driven by the impact of an expense of $14.4 million at Westwood One incurred during the third quarter of 2016, related to payments to CBS to resolve previously disputed syndicated programming and network inventory expenses, and lower content costs at the Station Group, partially offset by higher content costs at Westwood One associated with increased revenue.
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses
Selling, general & administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $4.6 million, or 1.0%, to $477.5 million compared to $472.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase resulted primarily from an increase of $4.7 million in bad debt expense.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased $25.0 million, or 28.7%, to $62.2 million compared to $87.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This decrease was primarily caused by a decrease in amortization expense on our definite-lived intangible assets, which resulted from the accelerated amortization methodology we have applied since acquisition of these assets that is based on the expected pattern in which the underlying assets' economic benefits are being consumed.
Local Marketing Agreement Fees
Local marketing agreement fees for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased $1.9 million, or 15.1%, to $10.9 million compared to $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This decrease was related to an expense for the termination of a LMA in the San Francisco market in 2016.
Corporate Expenses, Including Stock-based Compensation Expense and Acquisition-related and Restructuring Costs
Corporate expenses, including stock-based compensation expense and acquisition-related and restructuring costs, for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $18.9 million, or 47.1%, to $59.1 million compared to $40.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily the result of expenses related to professional fees related to the Company's debt restructuring efforts, partially offset by decreases in professional services and stock-based compensation expenses.
Impairment of Intangible Assets and Goodwill
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded impairment charges related to our FCC license intangible assets of $335.9 million. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded impairment charges related to goodwill and intangible assets, including FCC licenses, of $568.1 million and $36.9 million, respectively. For additional information on these charges, see Note 4, Intangible Assets and Goodwill in the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Gain on Sale of Assets or Stations
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a gain on sale of assets or stations of $2.5 million primarily related to the sale of land in Salt Lake City, Utah. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a gain on sale of assets or stations of $95.7 million, primarily related to the sale of real property in Los Angeles, California.
Reorganization Items, Net
During the year ended December 31, 2017 , we recorded costs related to our chapter 11 cases of $31.6 million. See Note 9 Reorganization Items, net, for a listing of those items.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased $11.7 million to $127.0 million compared to $138.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The below table details the components of our interest expense by debt instrument (dollars in thousands):
Income Tax Benefit
We recorded an income tax benefit from operations of $163.7 million in 2017 as compared to an income tax benefit of $26.2 million during the prior year. The tax benefits recorded in both periods were primarily the result of the pre-tax losses on operations net of the amount of intangible assets impairment and, in 2017, the effect of tax reform and the establishment of a valuation allowance related to our net operating loss deferred tax assets. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act, among other changes, reduces the US federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years after 2017. At December 31, 2017, the Company has not completed its accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, in certain cases, as described more fully in Note 12 “Income Taxes”, it has made a reasonable estimate of the effects on its existing deferred tax balances.
Adjusted EBITDA
As a result of the factors described above, Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $11.9 million, or 5.8%, to $217.8 million compared to $205.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure
The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to net loss (the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP) as presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (dollars in thousands):
Intangible Assets (including Goodwill), net. Intangible assets, net of amortization, were $1,422 million and $1,791.9 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These intangible asset balances primarily consist of broadcast licenses and goodwill. Intangible assets, net, decreased from the prior year because of the impairment charge described above related to FCC licenses and amortization recognized on definite-lived intangible assets.
Year Ended December 31, 2016 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015
Net Revenue
Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $27.3 million, or 2.3%, to $1,141.4 million compared to$1,168.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease resulted from decreases of $27.1 million, $13.7 million and $0.1 million, in broadcast advertising, license fees and other revenue, and digital advertising, respectively, partially offset by an increase of $13.6 million political advertising. For a discussion of net revenue by segment and changes therein from the year ended December 31, 2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016, see the discussion under "Segment Results of Operations."
Content Costs
Content costs for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased $31.4 million, or 7.9%, to $427.8 million compared to$396.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily driven by an expense of $14.4 million at Westwood One related to payments to CBS to resolve previously disputed syndicated programming and network inventory expenses, as well as increases in the Radio Station Group in music license fees and sports broadcasting rights of $14.9 million,$3.2 million of which was a one-time correction for expenses that occurred in prior periods. The remainder of the increase was attributed to other programming related expense increases of $2.3 million.
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses
Selling, general & administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $4.4 million, or 0.9%, to $472.9 million compared to $477.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in selling expenses at the Radio Station Group.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $14.8 million, or 14.5%, to $87.3 million compared to $102.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily caused by a decrease in amortization expense on our definite-lived intangible assets, which resulted from the accelerated amortization methodology we have applied since acquisition of these assets that is based on the expected pattern in which the underlying assets' economic benefits are being consumed.
Local Marketing Agreement Fees
Local marketing agreement fees for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased $2.7 million, or 26.6%, to $12.8 million compared to $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was related to an expense of $2.7 million for a termination of a LMA in the San Francisco market in 2016.
Corporate Expenses, Including Stock-based Compensation Expense and Acquisition-related and Restructuring Costs
Corporate expenses, including stock-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2016, decreased $33.3 million or 45.3%, to $40.1 million compared to $73.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily because of one-time compensation expenses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2015 associated with the departure of certain of our executives.
Impairment of Intangible Assets and Goodwill
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded impairment charges related to goodwill and intangible assets, including FCC licenses, of $568.1 million and $36.9 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2015 we recorded impairment charges related to goodwill and FCC licenses of $549.7 million and $15.9 million, respectively. For additional information on these charges, see Note 4, Intangible Assets and Goodwill in the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets or Stations
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a gain on sale of assets or stations of $95.7 million primarily related to the completed sale of certain land and buildings for $110.6 million in cash. In conjunction with this sale we recorded a one-time net gain of $94.0 million during the period. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded a loss on sale of assets or stations of $2.9 million, related to our sales of individual stations and assets.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $3.0 million to $138.6 million compared to $141.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Interest expense associated with outstanding debt under the Credit Agreement decreased by $2.6 million to $79.5 million as compared to $82.0 million in the prior year as a result of a lower average amount of indebtedness outstanding in 2016. The following summary details the components of our interest expense (dollars in thousands):
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
We recorded an income tax benefit on continuing operations of $26.2 million in 2016 as compared to a $45.8 million benefit during the prior year. The tax benefits recorded in both periods were primarily the result of the pre-tax losses on continuing operations net of the amount of goodwill impairment with no related deferred tax liability.
Adjusted EBITDA
As a result of the factors described above, Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $53.3 million, or 20.6%, to $205.9 million compared to $259.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure
The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to net income (the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP) as presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (dollars in thousands):
Intangible Assets (including Goodwill), net. Intangible assets, net of amortization, were $1,791.9 million and $2,456.0 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These intangible asset balances primarily consist of broadcast licenses and goodwill. Intangible assets, net, decreased from the prior year primarily as a result of impairment charges related to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and amortization recognized on definite-lived intangible assets.
Segment Results of Operations
The Company operates in two reportable segments, for which there is discrete financial information available and whose operating results are reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, the Radio Station Group and Westwood One. Radio Station Group revenue is derived primarily from the sale of broadcasting time to local, regional, and national advertisers. Westwood One revenue is generated primarily through network advertising. Corporate and Other includes overall executive, administrative and support functions for both of our reportable segments, including programming, finance, legal, human resources and information technology functions.
As described above, Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial metric utilized by management, along with the most closely comparable GAAP measure, to analyze the performance of each of our reportable segments. The reconciliation of segment Adjusted EBITDA to net loss is presented in Note 19, "Segment Data" of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
The Company’s financial data by segment is presented in the tables below:
Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased $5.7 million, or 0.5%, to $1,135.7 million, compared to $1,141.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease resulted from a decrease of $15.4 million in the Radio Station Group, partially offset by increases of $9.6 million and $0.1 million in Westwood One and Corporate and Other revenue, respectively. The decrease in revenue at the Radio Station Group was primarily driven by decreases local advertising revenue and political advertising revenue. The increase in revenue at Westwood One was primarily driven by increases in broadcast revenue.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $11.9 million, or 5.8%, to $217.8 million from $205.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase resulted from an Adjusted EBITDA increase of $28.1 million in Westwood One partially offset by decreases of $13.6 million and $2.6 million in the Radio Station Group and Corporate and Other, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA at Westwood One increased as a result of $9.6 million of increased revenues and a $14.4 million decrease in expenses at Westwood One related to payments to CBS during 2016, to resolve previously disputed syndicated programming and network inventory expenses, partially offset by increases in expenses related to the higher revenue. Adjusted EBITDA at Radio Station Group decreased as a result of a $15.4 million decline in revenue which was partially offset by lower expenses, which included a $3.2 million expense in 2016 related to a one-time correction to music licensing fees and a decrease in content and personnel expenses.
Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $27.3 million, or 2.3%, to $1,141.4 million, compared to$1,168.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease resulted from decreases of $32.4 million and $0.9 million in the Westwood One and Corporate and Other revenue, respectively, partially offset by an increase of $6.0 million in the Radio Station Group. The decrease in revenue at Westwood One was primarily driven by industry-wide weakness, lower trade revenue, and the shutdown of the print version of NASH Country Weekly. The increase in revenue at the Radio Station Group was primarily driven by political advertising, digital and national spot revenue, partially offset by declines in local advertising.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased $53.3 million, or 20.6%, to $205.9 million from $259.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease resulted from Adjusted EBITDA decreases of $23.5 million, $30.0 million and $0.2 million in the Radio Station Group, Westwood One and Corporate and Other, respectively. The decreases in Adjusted EBITDA in the Radio Station Group and Westwood One were caused by decreases in revenue and increases in operating expenses. Refer to the discussions under the heading "Content Costs" above for an explanation of the increase in operating costs for each segment.
The following tables reconcile segment net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, to segment Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 (dollars in thousands):
Seasonality and Cyclicality
Our advertising revenues vary by quarter throughout the year. As is typical with advertising revenue supported businesses, our first calendar quarter typically produces the lowest revenues of any quarter during the year, as advertising generally declines following the winter holidays. The second and fourth calendar quarters typically produce the highest revenues for the year. In addition, our revenues tend to fluctuate between years, consistent with, among other things, increased advertising expenditures in even-numbered years by political candidates, political parties and special interest groups. This political spending typically is heaviest during the fourth quarter.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity Considerations
The following table summarizes our significant non-operating cash payments made in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities increased by $50.9 million over the prior year. The increase was because of an increase in operating cash flows primarily as a result of changes in accounts payable and prepaid expenses and increases in net income and non cash reorganization charges, partially offset by a decrease in deferred income taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2016, net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $46.7 million over the prior year. The decrease was because of an increase primarily as a result of cash collections and payments of accounts payable and prepaid expenses, partially offset by decreases in net income and adjustments for depreciation and amortization of intangibles and debt issuance costs/discounts, gain (loss) on sale of assets or stations, impairment charges, deferred income taxes and stock-based compensation expense of $53.1 million, primarily the result of the non-cash gain on the August 2016 sale of certain assets in our Los Angeles market.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2017, net cash provided by investing activities decreased $110.7 million. For the year ended December 31, 2017 capital expenditures totaled $31.9 million primarily related to expenditures on equipment for transmission, facilities, studios, vehicles and other routine expenditures, which amounts were offset partially by approximately $6.1 million of proceeds from the sale of land in Salt Lake City, Utah. For the year ended December 31, 2016, net cash provided by investing activities increased $91.8 million as compared to the prior year, primarily because of the $104.6 million in proceeds from our sale of certain land and buildings in Los Angeles.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2017, net cash used in financing activities increased $68.2 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily the result of a $61.7 million increase in net repayments on borrowings on our Term Loan. For the year ended December 31, 2016, net cash used in financing activities increased $30.1 million. The increase was primarily the result of a $30.0 million decrease in net repayments on borrowings on our Term Loan.
For additional detail regarding the Company’s material liquidity considerations, see “Current Bankruptcy Proceedings; Liquidity Considerations” above.
Critical Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including significant estimates related to revenue recognition, bad debts, intangible assets, income taxes, stock-based compensation, contingencies, litigation, valuation assumptions for impairment analysis, certain expense accruals and, if applicable, purchase price allocation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual amounts and results may differ materially from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue from the sale of commercial broadcast time to advertisers when the commercials are broadcast, subject to meeting certain conditions such as persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists and collection is reasonably assured. These criteria are generally met at the time an advertisement is broadcast.
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Concentration of Credit Risk
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company determined the allowance based on several factors, including the length of time receivables are past due, trends and current economic factors. All balances are reviewed and evaluated quarterly on a consolidated basis. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
In the opinion of management, credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited as a result of the large number of customers and the geographic diversification of the Company’s customer base. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers as needed and believes that adequate allowances for any uncollectible accounts receivable are maintained.
Intangible Assets
We have significant intangible assets recorded in our accounts. These intangible assets are comprised primarily of FCC licenses and goodwill acquired through the acquisition of radio network businesses. We are required to review the carrying value of certain intangible assets and our goodwill annually for impairment, and more frequently if circumstances warrant, and record any impairment to results of operations in the periods in which the recorded value of those assets is more than their fair value. As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $1.422 billion in intangible assets and goodwill, which represented approximately 70.1% of our total assets.
We perform our annual impairment tests for FCC licenses and goodwill as of December 31, 2017. The impairment tests require us to make certain assumptions in determining fair value, including assumptions about the cash flow growth rates of our businesses. Additionally, the fair values are significantly impacted by macroeconomic factors outside of our control. More specifically, the following could adversely impact the current carrying value of our FCC licenses and goodwill: (a) a decline in our forecasted operating profit margins or expected cash flow growth rates, (b) a decline in our forecasted industry operating profit margins, (c) a continued decline in advertising market revenues within the markets where we operate stations, or (d) the sustained decline in the selling prices of radio stations, which is generally determined as a multiple of EBITDA. The calculation of the fair value is prepared using an income approach and discounted cash flow methodology.
Annual Impairment Test - Goodwill
We assess the recoverability of our goodwill annually, or more frequently whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a reporting unit may exceed its fair value. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level. All of our radio markets comprise one reporting unit ("Reporting Unit 1" or the "Radio Station Group") in which as of December 31, 2016 there was no longer any goodwill, Westwood One comprises the second reporting unit ("Reporting Unit 2" or "Westwood One") and the third reporting unit, in which there is also no goodwill, continues to consist of all of our non-radio lines of business ("Reporting Unit 3").
For our annual goodwill impairment test, we performed the Step 1 goodwill test (the “Step 1 test”) and compared the fair value of each reporting unit to the carrying value of its net assets as of December 31, 2017 as follows:
Step 1 Goodwill Test
In performing our annual impairment testing of goodwill, fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis, which is an income approach. The discounted cash flow analysis requires the projection of future cash flows and the discounting of these cash flows to their present value equivalent via a discount rate. We used a five-year projection period for our operating cash flow projections. We made certain assumptions regarding future revenue growth based on industry market data and historical and expected performance. We then projected future operating expenses based primarily on historical financial performance in order to derive operating profits, which we combined with expected working capital changes and capital expenditures to determine operating cash flows. Our projections were based on then-current market and economic conditions and our historical knowledge of each of the relevant reporting units.
During the 2017 year, based on interim financial performance, we determined that no indicators were present which would suggest the fair value of the reporting units may have declined below the carrying value.
The material assumptions utilized in these analyses, for the reporting unit that has goodwill, included overall future market revenue growth rates for the residual years after the projection period of (1.0%) and a weighted average cost of capital of 9.3%. The residual year growth rate was estimated based on a perpetual nominal growth rate, which was based on long-term industry projections obtained from third party sources. The weighted-average cost of capital was determined based on (i) the cost of equity, which included estimates of the risk-free return, stock risk premiums and industry beta; (ii) the cost of debt, which included estimates for corporate borrowing rates and (iii) estimated average percentages of equity and debt in capital structures.
The table below presents the percentages by which the fair value was above the carrying value of the Company's Westwood One reporting unit, which contains goodwill, under the Step 1 test as of December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands).
We did not incur any impairment charges related to goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2017. In performing the Company's 2016 annual impairment testing of goodwill, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $568.1 million, reducing the goodwill in Reporting Unit 1 to $0.0 million at December 31, 2016.
If actual results or the underlying material assumptions are less favorable than those projected by us or if a triggering event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our goodwill in Reporting Unit 2 below the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, we may be required to recognize impairment charges in future periods.
Annual Impairment Test - FCC Licenses
As part of the annual impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangibles, in addition to testing goodwill for impairment, the Company also tests its FCC licenses for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year and on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. As part of the overall planning associated with the test, the Company determined that its geographic markets are the appropriate unit of accounting for FCC license impairment testing and therefore the Company has combined its FCC licenses within each geographic market cluster into a single unit of accounting for impairment testing purposes.
For the impairment test, we utilized the income approach, specifically the Greenfield Method. This approach values a license by calculating the value of a hypothetical start-up company that initially has no assets except the asset to be valued (the license). The value of the asset under consideration (the license) can be considered as equal to the value of this hypothetical start-up company. In completing the appraisals, we conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the assets being valued.
The estimated fair values of our FCC licenses represent the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between the Company and willing market participants at the measurement date. The estimated fair value also assumes the highest and best use of the asset by market participants, considering a use of the asset that is physically possible, legally permissible and financially feasible.
A basic assumption in our valuation of these FCC licenses was that these radio stations were new radio stations, signing on the air as of the date of the valuation. We assumed the competitive situation that existed in those markets as of that date, except that these stations were just beginning operations.
In estimating the value of the licenses, we began with market revenue projections. Next, we estimated the percentage of the market’s total revenue, or market share, that market participants could reasonably expect an average start-up station to attain, as well as the duration (in years) required to reach the average market share. The estimated average market share was computed based on market share data, by type (i.e., AM and FM).
After market revenue and market shares have been estimated, operating expenses, including depreciation based on assumed investments in fixed assets and future capital expenditures of a start-up station or operation are similarly estimated based on industry-average cost data. Appropriate estimated income taxes are then subtracted, estimated depreciation added back, estimated capital expenditures subtracted, and estimated working capital adjustments are made to calculate estimated free cash flow during the build-up period until a steady state or mature “normalized” operation is achieved.
The analysis included overall future market revenue growth rates for the residual years after the projection period of (1.0%) and a weighted average cost of capital of 9.3%. The residual year growth rate was estimated based on a perpetual nominal growth rate, which was based on long-term industry projections obtained from third party sources. The weighted average cost of capital was based on (i) the cost of equity, which included estimates of the risk-free return, stock risk premiums and industry beta; (ii) the cost of debt, which included estimates for corporate borrowing rates; and (iii) estimated average percentages of equity and debt in other radio broadcasters' capital structures.
In order to estimate what listening audience share could be expected to be achieved for each station by market, we analyzed the average local commercial share garnered by similar AM and FM stations competing in those radio markets. We may make adjustments to the listening share and revenue share based on a station's signal coverage within the market and the surrounding area population as compared to the other stations in the market. Based on our knowledge of the industry and familiarity with similar markets, we determined that approximately three years would be required for the stations to reach maturity. We also incorporated the following additional assumptions into the discounted cash flow valuation model:
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projected operating revenues and expenses over a five-year period;
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the estimation of initial and on-going capital expenditures (based on market size);
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depreciation on initial and on-going capital expenditures (we calculated depreciation using accelerated double declining balance guidelines over five years for the value of the tangible assets necessary for a radio station to go on the air);
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the estimation of working capital requirements (based on working capital requirements for comparable companies); and
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amortization of the intangible asset - the FCC license.
During the first three quarters of 2017, based on the Company's review of the radio industry's financial performance, it determined that no indicators were present which would suggest the fair value of its FCC licenses may have declined below the carrying value. However, as part of the Company's test of its FCC licenses for impairment during the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company determined as part of its review of the assumptions utilized in the Greenfield Method that the radio industry's decreasing market share of total advertising revenues had an adverse impact on its future market revenue growth rate assumption, which is now negative, as disclosed above.
As a result of the impairment test of our FCC licenses, conducted as of December 31, 2017, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $335.9 million. Sensitivity tests show that if the discount rate had been 100 basis points lower than management estimates, we would have recognized a $129.1 million less impairment charge. Had the discount rate been 100 basis points higher than management estimates, we would have recognized an additional $126.6 million impairment charge.
As of December 31, 2017, the FCC license fair value of one of the Company's 90 geographical markets exceeded carrying values by less than 10 percent. The aggregated carrying value of the licenses relating to this market was $24.8 million.
As of December 31, 2017, the carrying value of our FCC licenses was $1,203.8 million.
As a result of the impairment test of our FCC licenses conducted as of December 31, 2016, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $35.0 million in 2016. Sensitivity tests show that if the discount rate had been 100 basis points lower than management estimates, there would have been no impact to the carrying value of our FCC licenses. Had the discount rate been 100 basis points higher than management estimates, we would have recognized an additional $90.6 million impairment charge.
As of December 31, 2016, the FCC license fair value of 11 of the Company's 90 geographical markets exceeded carrying values by less than 10 percent. The aggregated carrying value of these markets was $264.7 million.
If the macroeconomic conditions of the radio industry or the underlying material assumptions are less favorable than those projected by the Company or if a triggering event occurs or circumstance change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of FCC licenses below the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Company may be required to recognize additional impairment charges in future periods.
Stock-based Compensation Expense
Stock-based compensation expense recognized under ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Share-Based Payment (“ASC 718”), for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, was $1.6 million, $2.9 million, and $21.0 million, respectively. Upon adopting ASC 718 for awards with service conditions, an election was made to recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For stock options with service conditions only, we utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of options issued. The fair value of stock options is determined by the Company’s stock price, historical stock price volatility over the expected term of the awards, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends. If other assumptions are used, the results could differ. For restricted stock awards with service conditions only, we utilize the intrinsic value method. For restricted stock awards with performance conditions, we evaluate the probability of vesting of the awards in each reporting period and adjust compensation cost based on this assessment.
Income Taxes
We use the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Except for goodwill, deferred income taxes are recognized for all temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of our assets and liabilities based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act, among other changes, reduces the US federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years after 2017. At December 31, 2017, the Company has not completed its accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, in certain cases, as described more fully in Note 12 “Income Taxes”, it has made a reasonable estimate of the effects on its existing deferred tax balances. A valuation allowance is recorded against a deferred tax asset to measure its net realizable value when it is not more likely than not that the benefits of its recovery will be recognized. We continually review the adequacy of our valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets and recognize the benefits of deferred tax assets only as the reassessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740").
The Company records valuation allowances to reduce its deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. As such, it is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objective negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. This assessment, which is completed on a taxing jurisdiction basis, takes into account a number of types of evidence, including the following:
l
Nature, frequency, and severity of current and cumulative financial reporting losses. A pattern of objectively-measured recent financial reporting losses is heavily weighted as a source of negative evidence. Three year cumulative pre-tax losses generally are considered to be significant negative evidence regarding future profitability. Also, the strength and trend of the Company's earnings, as well as other relevant factors, are considered. In certain circumstances, historical information may not be as relevant because of changes in the business operations;
l
Sources of future taxable income. Future reversals of existing temporary differences are heavily-weighted sources of objectively verifiable positive evidence. Projections of future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards are a source of positive evidence only when the projections are combined with a history of recent profits and can be reasonably estimated. Otherwise, these projections are considered inherently subjective and generally will not be sufficient to overcome negative evidence that includes relevant cumulative losses in recent years, particularly if the projected future taxable income is dependent on an anticipated turnaround to profitability that has not yet been achieved. In such cases, we generally give these projections of future taxable income limited weight for the purposes of our valuation allowance assessment pursuant to GAAP;
l
Taxable income in prior carryback year(s), if carryback is permitted under the tax law, would be considered significant positive evidence, depending on availability, when evaluating current period losses; and
l
Tax planning strategies. If necessary and available, tax planning strategies would be implemented to accelerate taxable amounts to utilize expiring carry forwards. These strategies would be a source of additional positive evidence and, depending on their nature, could be heavily weighted.
If the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the Company's net recorded amount, an adjustment to the net deferred tax asset would increase income in the period that such determination was made. Likewise, should the Company determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the net deferred tax asset would decrease income in the period such determination was made. The Company regularly evaluates the need for valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets.
Following the Company’s Bankruptcy Petition and resulting uncertainty regarding recoverability of our federal and state net operating loss carryforwards, we have recorded a valuation allowance on all of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards and certain tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2017 which we do not believe will be able to meet the more likely than not recognition standard for recovery.
Should our judgment about the future profitability of the Company change where we believe it is more likely than not that certain net operating loss carryforwards will be realized, we will record a deferred tax benefit in the period of such change in judgment. Conversely, should our judgment about the future profitability of the Company change where we believe it is not more likely than not that one or all of our deferred tax assets will be recovered, we will record deferred tax expense in the period of such change in judgment.
Legal Proceedings
We are currently and expect from time to time in the future we will be party to, or a defendant in, various claims or lawsuits that are generally incidental to our business. We expect that we will vigorously contest any such claims or lawsuits and believe that the ultimate resolution of any known claim or lawsuit will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. For more information, see "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" contained elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Trade Transactions
We provide commercial airtime in exchange for goods and services used principally for promotional, sales, programming and other business activities. An asset and liability is recorded at the fair value of the goods or services received. Trade revenue is recorded and the liability is relieved when commercials are broadcast and trade expense is recorded and the asset relieved when goods or services are consumed. Trade valuation is based upon management’s estimate of the fair value of the products, supplies and services received. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, amounts reflected under trade transactions were: (1) trade revenues of $40.1 million, $37.7 million and $39.2 million, respectively; and (2) trade expenses of $38.6 million, $36.2 million and $40.4 million, respectively.
Summary Disclosures about Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The following tables reflect a summary of our contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
Payments Due By Period
(1)
Based on amounts outstanding, interest rates and required repayments as of December 31, 2017. Assumes that outstanding indebtedness will not be refinanced prior to scheduled maturity.
(2)
Net of future minimum sublease income.
(3)
Consists of contractual obligations for goods or services including broadcast rights that are enforceable and legally binding obligations that include all significant terms.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2017.
New Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 1 "Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 7A.
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
As of December 31, 2017, 73.8% of our long-term debt, or $1.722 billion, bore interest at variable rates. Accordingly, our earnings and after-tax cash flow are subject to change based on changes in interest rates and could be materially affected, depending on the timing thereof and the amount of variable interest rate debt we have outstanding. Assuming the level of variable interest rate, borrowings we had outstanding at December 31, 2017, and assuming a one percentage point change in the 2017 average interest rate payable on these borrowings, we estimate that our 2017 interest expense and net income would have changed by $17.2 million.
From time to time in the past we have managed, and may in the future seek to manage, our interest rate risk on a portion of our variable rate debt by entering into interest rate swap agreements in which we receive payments based on variable interest rates and made payments based on a fixed interest rate. We were not party to any such swap agreements on December 31, 2017.
Foreign Currency Risk
None of our operations are measured in foreign currencies. As a result, our financial results are not subject to factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets.
Item 8.
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The information in response to this item is included in our consolidated financial statements, together with the report thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, beginning on page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which follows the signature page hereto.
Item 9.
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A.
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the “Exchange Act”) designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including, our President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) the principal executive and principal financial officers, respectively, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. At the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2017.
Management necessarily applies its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives. The Company’s management, including the CEO and the CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures can prevent all possible errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that misstatements as a result of error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. Judgments in decision-making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of one or more persons. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and while our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where they should reasonably be expected to operate effectively, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements because of possible errors or fraud may occur and not be detected.
(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
/s/ Mary G. Berner
/s/ John Abbot
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2017 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B.
Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10.
Directors and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
In accordance with General Instruction G.(3) to Form 10-K, the Company intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission the information required by this Item not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.
In accordance with General Instruction G.(3) to Form 10-K, the Company intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission the information required by this Item not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.
Item 12.
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
In accordance with General Instruction G.(3) to Form 10-K, the Company intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission the information required by this Item not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.
Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Incentive Plans
The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2017, the number of securities outstanding under our equity compensation plans, the weighted average exercise price of such securities and the number of securities available for grant under these plans:
Pursuant to the Plan and Disclosure Statement filed on February 12, 2018, if the Plan is confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court all of the equity interests in the Company (including securities outstanding under our equity compensation plans) are expected to be cancelled or extinguished on the date that the Company emerges from bankruptcy.
Item 13.
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
In accordance with General Instruction G.(3) to Form 10-K, the Company intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission the information required by this Item not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.
Item 14.
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
In accordance with General Instruction G.(3) to Form 10-K, the Company intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission the information required by this Item not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) (1)-(2) Financial Statements. The financial statements and financial statement schedule listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing on page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are filed as a part of this report. All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted either because they are not required under the related instructions or because they are not applicable.
(3) Exhibits
EXHIBIT INDEX
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**
Filed or furnished herewith.
(b)
Exhibits. See Exhibits above.
(c)
Financial Statement Schedules. Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 28th day of March 2018.
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
By
/s/ John Abbot
John Abbot
Executive Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following Consolidated Financial Statements of Cumulus Media Inc. are included in Item 8:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Cumulus Media Inc.:
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cumulus Media Inc. and its subsidiaries (Debtor-In-Possession) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of stockholders’ (deficit) equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, including the related notes and financial statement schedule for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Substantial Doubt About the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, on November 29, 2017, the Company and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The Company’s debt obligations and uncertainties related to the bankruptcy process raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to this matter are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 28, 2018
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
(Debtor-In-Possession)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2017 and 2016
(Dollars in thousands, except for share data)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
(Debtor-In-Possession)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(Dollars in thousands, except for share and per share data)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
(Debtor-In-Possession)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
(Debtor-In-Possession)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business
Cumulus Media Inc. (and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as the context may otherwise require, “Cumulus,” “Cumulus Media,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation, organized in 2002, and successor by merger to an Illinois corporation with the same name that had been organized in 1997.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Current Bankruptcy Proceedings
On November 29, 2017 (the "Petition Date"), the Company and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions for relief (the “Bankruptcy Petitions”) under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”. The Debtors' chapter 11 cases are being jointly administered under the caption In re Cumulus Media Inc., et al, Case No. 17-13381.
Immediately prior to the commencement of the case the Debtors entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement (the “Restructuring Support Agreement”) with certain creditors (the “Consenting Creditors”) under that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2013 (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among the Company, Cumulus Media Holdings Inc., as borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto from time to time, and Crestview Radio Investors, LLC and certain of its affiliates (the “Consenting Equityholders”). The Restructuring Support Agreement contemplates the implementation of a financial restructuring of the Debtors (as described below) through a conversion of more than $1.0 billion of the Company’s funded debt into equity (collectively, the “Restructuring”). The Restructuring will be effectuated by a joint plan of reorganization (the “Plan”) under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code if confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court.
On December 1, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court approved certain motions and applications the Debtors filed on the Petition Date (the “First Day Motions”), certain of which were approved on an interim basis. On December 21, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court approved all of the Company’s First Day Motions on a final basis. Pursuant to the First Day Motions, and subject to certain terms and dollar limits included therein, the Company was authorized to continue to use its unrestricted cash on hand, as well as all cash generated from daily operations, which is being used to continue the Company’s operations without interruption during the course of its restructuring. Also pursuant to the First Day Motions, the Company received Bankruptcy Court authorization to, among other things and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable orders, pay certain pre-petition employee wages, salaries, health benefits and other employee obligations during its restructuring, pay certain claims relating to on-air talent and taxes, continue its cash management programs and insurance policies, as well as continue to honor its current customer programs. The Company is authorized under the Bankruptcy Code to pay post-petition expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business without seeking Bankruptcy Court approval. Until a plan of reorganization is approved and effective, the Debtors will continue to manage their properties and operate their businesses as a “debtor in possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and the orders of the Bankruptcy Court.
On December 9, 2017, the Debtors filed the Plan with the Bankruptcy Court and a related disclosure statement (the "Disclosure Statement") pursuant to chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. On January 18, 2018, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court a first modified joint plan of reorganization and the related first modified disclosure statement for the Plan pursuant to chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Plan and Disclosure Statement were further modified on January 31, 2018, February 2, 2018, February 12, 2018, and March 16, 2018. On February 2, 2018, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the Disclosure Statement and authorizing the solicitation of votes on the Plan.
Pursuant to the Plan, holders of claims with respect to the Term Loans (“Term Loan Claims”) would receive their pro rata share of approximately $1.3 billion in principal amount of new first lien term loans maturing in 2022 (the “New First Lien Debt”) and 83.5% of the issued and outstanding amount of common stock (the “Reorganized Common Equity”) to be issued by the reorganized Company (“Reorganized Cumulus”), subject to dilution by any Reorganized Common Equity issued pursuant to a post-emergence equity management incentive compensation plan (the “MIP”). Holders of unsecured claims against the Company, including claims arising from the Company’s 7.75% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “Notes”), would receive, in the aggregate, 16.5% of the Reorganized Common Equity, subject to dilution by the MIP. The New First Lien Debt would accrue interest at the London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 4.50% per annum, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% or, at Reorganized Cumulus’s option, an alternate base rate plus 3.50% per annum, subject to an alternate base rate floor of 2.00%. Reorganized Cumulus would be permitted to enter into a revolving credit facility or receivables facility providing commitments of up to $50 million. The New First Lien Debt would amortize in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate annual amount equal to 1% of the original principal amount of the New First Lien Debt with the balance payable on the maturity date. Reorganized Cumulus would be able to voluntarily prepay the New First Lien Debt in whole or in part without premium or penalty, except that any prepayment during the period of six months following the issuance of the New First Lien Debt would require a premium equal to 1% of the prepaid principal amount. Certain mandatory prepayments on the New First Lien Debt would be required upon the occurrence of specified events as set forth in the Credit Agreement, including upon the sale of certain assets and from excess cash flow as defined. The New First Lien Debt would not have any financial maintenance covenants. The other terms and conditions of the New First Lien Debt would generally be similar to those set forth in the Credit Agreement, except as set forth in the term sheet attached to the Restructuring Support Agreement (the "Term Sheet"). The New First Lien Debt would be secured by first priority security interests in substantially all the assets of Reorganized Cumulus and the Guarantors (as defined below) in a manner substantially consistent with the Credit Agreement, subject to the terms of the term sheet. In addition, the direct parent of Reorganized Cumulus (the “Parent”) and all present and future wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Parent, subject to exceptions that are substantially consistent with those set forth in the Credit Agreement, would guarantee the New First Lien Debt (the "Guarantors"). The Plan contemplates that the Board of Directors of Reorganized Cumulus would consist of the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and six directors chosen by the Consenting Creditors. Even if the requisite acceptances of the Plan are received, the Bankruptcy Court is not obligated to confirm the Plan as proposed.
The Company has applied Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 852 “Reorganizations” in preparing the consolidated financial statements. ASC 852 requires the financial statements, for periods subsequent to the Bankruptcy Petitions filings, to distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. Accordingly, certain revenues and expenses incurred during the bankruptcy proceedings, including unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts associated with debt classified as liabilities subject to compromise, are recorded as reorganization items. In addition, pre-petition obligations that may be impacted by the chapter 11 process have been classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2017 as liabilities subject to compromise. These liabilities are reported at the amounts the Company anticipates will be allowed by the Bankruptcy Court, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts. See below for more information regarding reorganization items.
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires certain additional reporting for financial statements prepared between the Petition Date and the date that the Company emerges from bankruptcy, including:
l
Reclassification of pre-petition liabilities that are unsecured, under-secured or where it cannot be determined that the liabilities are fully secured to a separate line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheet called Liabilities Subject to Compromise; and
l
Segregation of reorganization items as a separate line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations outside of income from continuing operations.
Debtor-In-Possession. The Debtors are currently operating as debtors in possession in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. The Bankruptcy Court has approved motions filed by the Debtors that were designed primarily to mitigate the impact of the chapter 11 proceedings on the Company’s operations, customers and employees. As a result, the Company is able to conduct normal business activities and pay all associated obligations for the period following its bankruptcy filing in the ordinary course of business and is authorized to pay and has paid certain pre-petition obligations, including, among other things, for employee wages and benefits, goods and services provided by certain on-air talent. During the chapter 11 cases, all transactions outside the ordinary course of business require the prior approval of the Bankruptcy Court.
Automatic Stay. Subject to certain specific exceptions under the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Petitions automatically stayed most judicial or administrative actions against the Debtors and efforts by creditors to collect on or otherwise exercise rights or remedies with respect to pre-petition claims. Absent an order from the Bankruptcy Court, substantially all of the Debtors’ pre-petition liabilities are subject to settlement under the Bankruptcy Code. (See Note 18 “Condensed Combined Debtor-In-Possession Financial Information”).
Executory Contracts. Subject to certain exceptions, under the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors may assume, assign, or reject certain executory contracts and unexpired leases subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court and certain other conditions. Generally, the rejection of an executory contract or unexpired lease is treated as a pre-petition breach of such executory contract or unexpired lease and, subject to certain exceptions, relieves the Debtors from performing their future obligations under such executory contract or unexpired lease but entitles the contract counterparty or lessor to a pre-petition general unsecured claim for damages caused by such deemed breach. Generally, the assumption of an executory contract or unexpired lease requires the Debtors to cure existing monetary defaults under such executory contract or unexpired lease and provide adequate assurance of future performance. Accordingly, any description of an executory contract or unexpired lease with the Debtors in this document, including where applicable a quantification of the Company’s obligations under any such executory contract or unexpired lease of the Debtors, is qualified by any overriding rejection rights the Company has under the Bankruptcy Code.
Potential Claims. The Debtors have filed with the Bankruptcy Court schedules and statements setting forth, among other things, the assets and liabilities of each of the Debtors, subject to the assumptions filed in connection therewith. These schedules and statements may be subject to further amendment or modification after filing. Certain holders of pre-petition claims that are not governmental units were required to file proofs of claim by the deadline for general claims of March 7, 2018 (the “Bar Date”).
The Debtors' have received approximately 1,300 proofs of claim, primarily representing general unsecured claims, for an amount of approximately $2.6 billion. These claims will be reconciled to amounts recorded in liabilities subject to compromise in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Differences in amounts recorded and claims filed by creditors will be investigated and resolved, including through the filing of objections with the Bankruptcy Court, where appropriate. The Company may ask the Bankruptcy Court to disallow claims that the Company believes are duplicative, have been later amended or superseded, are without merit, are overstated or should be disallowed for other reasons. In addition, as a result of this process, the Company may identify additional liabilities that will need to be recorded or reclassified to liabilities subject to compromise. In light of the substantial number of claims filed, and expected to be filed, the claims resolution process may take considerable time to complete and likely will continue after the Debtors emerge from bankruptcy.
Reorganization Items. The Debtors, have incurred and will continue to incur significant costs associated with the reorganization, primarily legal and professional fees. The amount of these costs, which since the Petition Date, are being expensed as incurred, are expected to significantly affect the Company’s results of operations. In accordance with applicable guidance, costs associated with the bankruptcy proceedings have been recorded as reorganization items within the Company's accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. (See Note 9, "Reorganization Items").
Financial Statement Classification of Liabilities Subject to Compromise. The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017, includes amounts classified as liabilities subject to compromise, which represent liabilities the Company anticipates will be allowed as claims in the chapter 11 cases. These amounts represent the Debtors’ current estimate of known or potential obligations to be resolved in connection with the chapter 11 cases, and may differ from actual future settlement amounts paid. Differences between liabilities estimated and claims filed, or to be filed, will be investigated and resolved in connection with the claims resolution process. The Company will continue to evaluate these liabilities throughout the chapter 11 process and adjust amounts as necessary. Such adjustments may be material. (See Note 8, "Liabilities Subject to Compromise").
Reverse Stock Split
On October 12, 2016, the Company effected a one-for-eight (1:8) reverse stock split (the "Reverse Stock Split"). As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, every eight shares of each class of the Company's outstanding common stock were combined into one share of the same class of common stock and the authorized shares of each class of the Company's common stock were reduced by the same ratio. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. The number and exercise price of the Company's outstanding stock options and warrants were adjusted proportionally, as appropriate. The par value of the Company's common stock was not adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. All authorized, issued and outstanding stock and per share amounts contained within the accompanying consolidated financial statements and these footnotes have been adjusted to reflect this Reverse Stock Split for all periods presented.
Out of Period Adjustments
In connection with the preparation of certain prior period consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded the below out of period adjustments:
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The Company made a correction of an immaterial misstatement that occurred in periods prior thereto, which resulted in an increase in content costs of $3.6 million in the second quarter of 2016. The correction related to the Radio Station Group segment only and was not material to the prior year quarterly or annual results.
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The Company made a correction of an immaterial Balance Sheet misclassification that occurred in periods prior thereto, which resulted in an increase in cash and accrued liabilities of approximately $2.6 million as of December 31, 2017. The correction was not material to the prior year quarterly or annual results.
Reportable Segments
The Company operates in two reportable segments, for which there is discrete financial information available and whose operating results are reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, the Radio Station Group and Westwood One.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including significant estimates related to revenue recognition, bad debts, intangible assets, income taxes, stock-based compensation, contingencies, litigation, valuation assumptions for impairment analysis, certain expense accruals and, if applicable, purchase price allocation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual amounts and results may differ materially from these estimates.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and certain items that are excluded from net income (loss) and recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity (deficit). During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no items of other comprehensive income (loss) and, therefore, comprehensive income (loss) does not differ from reported net income (loss).
Liquidity and Going Concern Considerations
In accordance with the requirements of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), or Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 205-40, the Company has the responsibility to evaluate at each reporting period, including interim periods, whether conditions and/or events raise substantial doubt about its ability to meet its future financial obligations. In its evaluation for this report, management considered the Company’s current financial condition and liquidity sources, including current funds available, forecasted future cash flows and the Company’s conditional and unconditional obligations due for 12 months following the date of issuance of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $102.9 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. The Company has generated positive cash flows from operating activities of $86.6 million and $35.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had a $1.722 billion Term Loan outstanding, as described in Note 6, "Long-Term Debt", under its Credit Agreement (defined below) and $610.0 million of 7.75% Senior Notes (defined below) outstanding. Amounts outstanding under the Term Loan are scheduled to mature on December 23, 2020 and the 7.75% Senior Notes mature on May 1, 2019. Notwithstanding these maturity dates, and as disclosed further in Note 6, the Credit Agreement
includes a springing maturity provision that provides that if on January 30, 2019 the aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes outstanding exceeds $200.0 million, the maturity date of the Term Loan will be accelerated to January 30, 2019. If the Company's plan of reorganization is not approved prior thereto, or the Company is unable to take other steps to create additional liquidity or otherwise avoid the occurrence of the springing maturity, forecasted cash flows would not be sufficient for the Company to meet its obligations as of January 30, 2019.
On October 30, 2017, the Restructuring Committee of the Board of Directors authorized the Company to forgo the November 1, 2017, scheduled interest payment of $23.6 million on the Company's 7.75% Senior Notes. The Company will continue to forgo interest payments, on the Company's 7.75% Senior Notes, while under bankruptcy protection.
Based on the Company's substantial level of indebtedness and, as described above, the Company's filing for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code as well as the uncertainty surrounding such filings, the Company determined that there is substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of 12 months following the date of issuance of this Form 10-K.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on a going-concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business and do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from uncertainty related to the ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not reflect or include any future consequences related to chapter 11 relief or emergence from chapter 11 relief.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considered all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Concentration of Credit Risk
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company determined the allowance based on several factors, including the length of time receivables are past due, trends and current economic factors. All balances are reviewed and evaluated quarterly on a consolidated basis. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
In the opinion of management, credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited as a result of the large number of customers and the geographic diversification of the Company’s customer base. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers as needed and believes that adequate allowances for any uncollectible accounts receivable are maintained.
Assets Held for Sale
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to sell certain land in the Company's Washington, DC market to a third party. The closing of the transaction is subject to various conditions and approvals, which remain pending. The identified asset was classified as held for sale in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2016. The estimated fair value of the land to be disposed of is in excess of its carrying value. Under the Bankruptcy Code, the final disposition of assets via a sales agreement cannot occur without Bankruptcy Court approval. As a result, as of December 31, 2017, the asset no longer met the definition of held for sale under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 360, Property and equipment and as of December 31, 2017, the asset was reclassified on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Property and Equipment.
Dispositions
On August 30, 2016, the Company completed the sale of certain land and buildings in Los Angeles for $110.6 million in cash. In conjunction with this sale, the Company recorded a net gain of $94.0 million, which is included in (gain) loss on sale of assets or stations in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year-ended December 31, 2016.
Insurance Recoveries
The Company recorded $12.4 million in other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. This was primarily related to the receipt of $14.6 million of insurance proceeds from a business interruption claim arising from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Property and equipment acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method of accounting are recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. Equipment held under capital leases is stated at the present value of minimum future lease payments.
Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Equipment held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining term of the lease. Depreciation of construction in progress is not recorded until the assets are placed into service.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Intangible Assets and Goodwill
The Company’s intangible assets are comprised of broadcast licenses, certain other intangible assets and goodwill. Goodwill is equal to the difference between the purchase price and the value assigned to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Intangible assets and goodwill acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life, which include the Company’s broadcast licenses, are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually, or if a triggering event occurs. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable.
In determining that the Company’s broadcast licenses qualified as indefinite lived intangibles, management considered a variety of factors including the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) historical record of renewing broadcast licenses, the cost to the Company of renewing such licenses, the relative stability and predictability of the radio industry and the relatively low level of capital investment required to maintain the physical plant of a radio station. The Company's evaluation of the recoverability of its indefinite-lived assets, which include FCC licenses and goodwill, is based on certain judgments and estimates. Future events may impact these judgments and estimates. If events or changes in circumstances were to indicate that an asset’s carrying value is not recoverable, a write-down of the asset would be recorded through a charge to operations.
Investments
The Company follows Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 325-20, Cost Method Investments (“ASC 325-20”) to account for its ownership interest in noncontrolled entities. Under ASC 325-20, equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values (i.e., non-marketable equity securities) and are not required to be accounted for under the equity method are typically carried at cost (i.e., cost method investments). Investments of this nature are initially recorded at cost. Income is recorded for dividends received that are distributed from net accumulated earnings of the noncontrolled entity subsequent to the date of investment. Dividends received in excess of earnings subsequent to the date of investment are considered a return of investment and are recorded as reductions in the cost of the investment. Investments are written down only when there is clear evidence that a decline in value that is other than temporary has occurred. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $19.4 million related to the decline in the fair value of a cost-method investment. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no cost-method investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Debt Issuance Costs
The costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the life of the related debt using the effective interest method. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 require that debt issuance costs be presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of long-term debt, consistent with debt discounts or
premiums. However, as a result of the Company’s chapter 11 cases, the Company expensed the entire balance of $25.9 million of deferred financing costs and debt discount during the fourth quarter of 2017 to reorganization items, net, in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is derived primarily from the sale of commercial airtime to local and national advertisers. Revenue is recognized as commercials are broadcast. Revenues presented in the financial statements are reflected on a net basis, after the deduction of advertising agency fees by the advertising agencies, usually at a rate of 15.0%, which is the industry standard.
In those instances in which the Company functions as the principal in the transaction, the revenue and associated operating costs are presented on a gross basis. In those instances where the Company functions as an agent or sales representative, the effective commission is presented as revenue with no corresponding operating expenses.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the costs incurred were $5.1 million, $4.9 million and $3.9 million, respectively.
Local Marketing Agreements
A number of radio stations, including certain of our stations, have entered into LMAs. In a typical LMA, the licensee of a station makes available, for a fee and reimbursement of its expenses, airtime on its station to a party which supplies programming to be broadcast during that airtime, and collects revenues from advertising aired during such programming. LMAs are subject to compliance with the antitrust laws and the Communications Laws, including the requirement that the licensee must maintain independent control over the station and, in particular, its personnel, programming, and finances.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company operated four and five radio stations under an LMA, respectively. The stations operated under an LMA contributed $23.9 million, $23.2 million, and $24.5 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, to the consolidated net revenue of the Company.
Stock-based Compensation Expense
Stock-based compensation expense recognized under ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Share-Based Payment (“ASC 718”), for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, was $1.6 million, $2.9 million, and $21.0 million, respectively. Upon adopting ASC 718 for awards with service conditions, an election was made to recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For stock options with service conditions only, the Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of options issued. The fair value of stock options is determined by the Company’s stock price, historical stock price volatility over the expected term of the awards, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends. If other assumptions are used, the results could differ. For restricted stock awards with service conditions only, the Company utilizes the intrinsic value method. For restricted stock awards with performance conditions, the Company evaluates the probability of vesting of the awards in each reporting period and adjusts compensation cost based on this assessment.
Trade Transactions
The Company provides commercial airtime in exchange for goods and services used principally for promotional, sales, programming and other business activities. An asset and liability is recorded at the fair value of the goods or services received. Trade revenue is recorded and the liability is relieved when commercials are broadcast and trade expense is recorded and the asset relieved when goods or services are consumed. Trade valuation is based upon management’s estimate of the fair value of the products, supplies and services received. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, amounts reflected under trade transactions were: (1) trade revenues of $40.1 million, $37.7 million and $39.2 million, respectively; and (2) trade expenses of $38.6 million, $36.2 million and $40.4 million, respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Except for goodwill, deferred income taxes are recognized for all temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of our assets and liabilities based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act, among other changes, reduces the US federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years after 2017. At December 31, 2017, the Company has not completed its accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, in certain cases, as described more fully in Note 12 “Income Taxes”, it has made a reasonable estimate of the effects on its existing deferred tax balances. A valuation allowance is recorded against a deferred tax asset to measure its net realizable value when it is not more likely than not that the benefits of its recovery will be recognized. The Company continually reviews the adequacy of our valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets and recognizes the benefits of deferred tax assets only as the reassessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). Any adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations of the period that the adjustment is determined to be required. See Note 12, “Income Taxes” for further discussion.
Earnings per Share
Basic income (loss) per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The Company allocates undistributed net income (loss) from continuing operations between each class of common stock on an equal basis after any allocations for preferred stock dividends in accordance with the terms of the Company’s third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended (the “Third Amended and Restated Charter”).
Non-vested restricted shares of Class A common stock and Company Warrants (defined below) are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating basic weighted average common shares outstanding in periods in which the Company recorded net income. Diluted earnings per share is computed in the same manner as basic earnings per share after assuming the issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive equivalent shares, which includes stock options and certain other outstanding warrants to purchase common stock. Antidilutive instruments are not considered in this calculation. Under the two-class method, net income is allocated to common stock and participating securities to the extent that each security may share in earnings, as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. Earnings are allocated to each participating security and common share equally, after deducting dividends declared or accreted on preferred stock.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivables, accounts payable, trade payables and receivables and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short term to maturity of these instruments (See Note 7, "Fair Value Measurements").
Accounting for National Advertising Agency Contract
The Company has engaged Katz Media Group, Inc. (“Katz”) as its national advertising sales agent. The Company’s contract with Katz has several economic elements that principally reduce the overall expected commission rate below the stated base rate. The Company estimates the overall expected commission rate over the entire contract period and applies that rate to commissionable revenue throughout the contract period with the goal of estimating and recording a stable commission rate over the life of the contract.
The potential commission adjustments are estimated and combined in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with the contractual termination liability. That liability is accreted to commission expense to effectuate the stable commission rate over the term of the contract. Over the term of the contract with Katz, management updates its assessment of the effective commission expense attributable to national sales in an effort to record a consistent commission rate in each period.
The Company’s accounting for and calculation of commission expense to be realized over the life of the Katz contract requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of commission expense in each period. Actual results may differ from management’s estimates.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company accounted for entities qualifying as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in accordance with ASC Topic 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”). VIEs are required to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that holds the majority of the beneficial interests in the VIE. A VIE is an entity for which the primary beneficiary’s interest in the entity can change with changes in factors other than the amount of investment in the entity. From time to time,
the Company enters into an LMA in connection with pending acquisitions or dispositions of radio stations and the requirements of ASC 810 may apply, depending on the facts and circumstances related to each transaction.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
ASU 2016-09 - Compensation - Stock Compensation ("ASU 2016-09"). In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, which provides guidance for employee stock-based payments. This update removes the requirement that reporting entities present tax benefits as excess cash flows from financing activities and cash flows from operating activities. As a result of this amendment, cash flows related to excess tax benefits will be classified only in operating activities. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017. As a result of adoption, in the first quarter of 2017, the Company recorded an adjustment to accumulated deficit of approximately $0.6 million to recognize net operating loss carryforwards attributable to excess tax benefits on stock compensation that had not been previously recognized in additional paid in capital. The Company is continuing its practice of estimating forfeitures and recording cash paid for withholding taxes as a financing activity.
ASU 2017-04 - Intangibles - Goodwill and Other ("ASU 2017-04"). In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. The update eliminates the requirement to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Upon effectiveness of this update, a goodwill impairment is the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance remains substantially unchanged. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04 effective January 1, 2017. There was no impact on the Company's financial statements as a result of the adoption of this standard.
Recent Accounting Standards Updates
ASU 2014-09 and related updates - Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 which outlines a single comprehensive revenue model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the single comprehensive revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 - Deferral of the Effective Date ("ASU 2015-14"), which delayed the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. ASU 2014-09, as amended, is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08 - Principal versus Agent Considerations ("ASU 2016-08") which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10 - Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing ("ASU 2016-10") which amends the revenue recognition guidance on accounting for licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations as well as clarifies when a promised good or service is separately identifiable. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12 - Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients ("ASU 2016-12") which provides clarifying guidance in certain narrow areas such as an assessment of collectability, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition as well as adds certain practical expedients. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20 - Technical Corrections and Improvements ("ASU 2016-20") which provides technical corrections and improvements to Topic 606. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05 - Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets ("ASU 2017-05") which clarifies the scope of Subtopic 610-20 and adds guidance for partial sales of non-financial assets, including partial sales of real estate. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-10 - Determining the Customer of the Operation Services ("ASU 2017-10") which clarifies the diversity in practice in how an operating entity determines the customer of the operation services for transactions within the scope of ASC 853, Service Concession Arrangements, by clarifying that the grantor is the customer of the operation services in all cases for those arrangements. The amendments also allow for a more consistent application of other aspects of the revenue guidance, which are affected by this customer determination. The amendments in ASU 2014-09, ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12, ASU 2016-20, ASU 2017-05 and ASU 2017-10 may be applied either retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying such updates at the date of initial application.
The Company created a revenue recognition implementation team which has overseen the planning, testing and implementation of ASC 606. The responsibilities of this team include developing an appropriate testing methodology, performing the testing of contracts and evaluating the impact of the new revenue recognition standard on the Company's financial statements.
The Company will adopt the new standard using a modified retrospective approach effective January 1, 2018. The most significant impact of adopting the new standard on the Company's financial statements will primarily relate to a change in the recognition of costs incurred to obtain a contract. Beginning on January 1, 2018, sales commissions directly related to obtaining new customers will be capitalized at the onset of a contract and amortized over an estimated customer life. Under the Company's accounting policy, prior to January 1, 2018, all such costs were expensed when the relevant advertisements are aired. The change in timing of the recognition of sales commission costs is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements, including retained earnings or disclosures. Also, the accounting for the estimate of variable consideration is not materially different compared to the Company's current practice. The new standard is expected to impact the Company's internal control environment, including the Company's financial statement disclosure controls, business process controls, new systems and processes, and enhancements to existing systems and processes.
ASU 2016-01 - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ("ASU 2016-01"). In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 which enhances the reporting model for financial instruments including aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure. The new guidance revises the accounting requirements related to the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The update also changes certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. These changes will require an entity to measure, at fair value, investments in equity securities and other ownership interests in an entity - including investments in partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures and limited liability companies that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method - and recognize the changes in fair value within net income. ASU 2016-01 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03 - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ("ASU 2018-03") which provides an option for a company to "un-elect" the measurement alternative and elect to account for the investment at fair value through current earnings. However, once a company makes this election for a particular investment, it must apply the fair value through current earnings model to all identical investments and/or similar investments from the same issuer. Further, a company cannot elect the measurement alternative for future purchases of identical or similar investments of the same issuer. Early adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not permitted, except for certain amendments within the ASU. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.
ASU 2016-02 - Leases ("ASU 2016-02"). In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 which provides updated guidance for the accounting for leases. This update requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods thereafter. A modified retrospective transition method is required, with the option to elect certain practical expedients. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and plans to adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2019.
ASU 2016-15 - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ("ASU 2016-15"). In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 which provides guidance for several new and/or revised disclosures pertaining to the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows, including contingent consideration payments made after a business acquisition. ASU 2016-15 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018 and does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.
ASU 2016-16. - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory ("ASU 2016-16"). In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16. The amendments in the ASU provide guidance for the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs between entities in different tax jurisdictions. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operation or disclosures.
ASU 2016-18 - Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"). In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18 which provides guidance for the accounting for the disclosure of restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or disclosures. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $9.0 million and $8.0 million in restricted cash, respectively, on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-18, restricted cash balances will be included along with cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period and beginning of the period, respectively, in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented; additionally, separate line items showing changes in restricted cash balances will be eliminated from its Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company plans to adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018 and does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.
ASU 2017-01 - Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01"). In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018 and does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.
ASU 2017-09 - Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09"). In May 2017, the FASB issued an update to guidance on Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation that clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based award must be accounted for as a modification. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. ASU 2017-09 will be effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018 and does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.
2. Restricted Cash
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets included approximately $9.0 million and $8.0 million, respectively, in restricted cash. Restricted cash is used primarily to collateralize standby letters of credit for certain leases and insurance policies in addition to securing certain transactions as dictated by the financial institutions used by the Company.
3. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $28.7 million, $31.1 million and $33.0 million, respectively.
4. Intangible Assets and Goodwill
The following tables present goodwill balances and accumulated impairment losses on a segment and consolidated basis as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
Radio Station Group
Westwood One
Consolidated
The following table presents intangible asset balances, changes therein and dispositions and amortization thereof during the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017. (dollars in thousands):
The Company's definite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of broadcast advertising and affiliate relationships. Total amortization expense related to the Company’s definite-lived intangible assets was $33.5 million, $56.2 million and $69.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, estimated future amortization expense related to the Company's definite-lived intangible assets was as follows (dollars in thousands):
The Company performs annual impairment testing of its Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") licenses and goodwill as of December 31 of each year and on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that FCC licenses or goodwill may be impaired. The Company reviews the carrying value of its definite-lived intangible assets, primarily broadcast advertising and affiliate relationships, for recoverability prior to its annual impairment test of goodwill and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable.
Impairment Test - Definite-Lived Intangibles
The Company tests definite-lived intangible assets for recoverability by comparing the carrying value of an asset group to its undiscounted cash flows. As of December 31, 2017, the Company considered its November 29, 2017 chapter 11 cases as an indicator of impairment for its definite-lived intangible assets. Based on the results of the recoverability test, however, the Company determined that the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the continued use of the assets and their eventual disposition continued to exceed the carrying value of the applicable asset groups and were therefore recoverable. The Company did not recognize any impairment charges for its definite-lived intangible assets in 2017 as a result of this analysis.
During the second quarter of 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charge to its definite-lived intangible assets of $1.8 million at the Westwood One segment for all customer lists and trademark definite-lived intangible assets related to the print publication of NASH Country Weekly as the Company re-positioned the print publication to a digital only medium. There were no similar impairments in 2017.
Annual Impairment Test - Goodwill
The Company assess the recoverability of our goodwill annually, or more frequently whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a reporting unit may exceed its fair value. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level. All of our radio markets comprise one reporting unit ("Reporting Unit 1" or the "Radio Station Group") in which as of December 31, 2016 there was no longer any goodwill, Westwood One comprises the second reporting unit ("Reporting Unit 2" or "Westwood One") and the third reporting unit, in which there is also no goodwill, continues to consist of all of our non-radio lines of business ("Reporting Unit 3").
For our annual goodwill impairment test, we performed the Step 1 goodwill test (the “Step 1 test”) and compared the fair value of each reporting unit to the carrying value of its net assets as of December 31, 2017 as follows:
Step 1 Goodwill Test
In performing our annual impairment testing of goodwill, fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis, which is an income approach. The discounted cash flow analysis requires the projection of future cash flows and the discounting of these cash flows to their present value equivalent via a discount rate. We used a five-year projection period for our operating cash flow projections. We made certain assumptions regarding future revenue growth based on industry market data and historical and expected performance. We then projected future operating expenses based primarily on historical financial performance in order to derive operating profits, which we combined with expected working capital changes and capital expenditures to determine operating cash flows. Our projections were based on then-current market and economic conditions and our historical knowledge of each of the relevant reporting units.
During the 2017 year, based on interim financial performance, we determined that no indicators were present which would suggest the fair value of the reporting units may have declined below the carrying value.
The material assumptions utilized in these analyses, for the reporting unit that has goodwill, included overall future market revenue growth rates for the residual years after the projection period of (1.0)% and a weighted average cost of capital of 9.3%. The residual year growth rate was estimated based on a perpetual nominal growth rate, which was based on long-term industry projections obtained from third party sources. The weighted-average cost of capital was determined based on (i) the cost of equity, which included estimates of the risk-free return, stock risk premiums and industry beta; (ii) the cost of debt, which included estimates for corporate borrowing rates and (iii) estimated average percentages of equity and debt in capital structures.
The table below presents the percentages by which the fair value was above the carrying value of the Company's Westwood One reporting unit, which contains goodwill, under the Step 1 test as of December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands).
The Company did not incur any impairment charges related to goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2017. In performing the Company's 2016 annual impairment testing of goodwill, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $568.1 million, reducing the goodwill in Reporting Unit 1 to $0.0 million at December 31, 2016.
If actual results or the underlying material assumptions are less favorable than those projected by the Company or if a triggering event occurs or circumstance change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our goodwill below the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, we may be required to recognize impairment charges in future periods.
Annual Impairment Test - FCC Licenses
As part of the annual impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangibles, in addition to testing goodwill for impairment, the Company also tests its FCC licenses for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year and on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. As part of the overall planning associated with the test, the Company determined that its geographic markets are the appropriate unit of accounting for FCC license impairment testing and therefore the Company has combined its FCC licenses within each geographic market cluster into a single unit of accounting for impairment testing purposes.
For the impairment test, we utilized the income approach, specifically the Greenfield Method. This approach values a license by calculating the value of a hypothetical start-up company that initially has no assets except the asset to be valued (the license). The value of the asset under consideration (the license) can be considered as equal to the value of this hypothetical start-up company. In completing the appraisals, we conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the assets being valued.
The estimated fair values of our FCC licenses represent the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between the Company and willing market participants at the measurement date. The estimated fair value also assumes the highest and best use of the asset by market participants, considering a use of the asset that is physically possible, legally permissible and financially feasible.
A basic assumption in our valuation of these FCC licenses was that these radio stations were new radio stations, signing on the air as of the date of the valuation. We assumed the competitive situation that existed in those markets as of that date, except that these stations were just beginning operations.
In estimating the value of the licenses, we began with market revenue projections. Next, we estimated the percentage of the market’s total revenue, or market share, that market participants could reasonably expect an average start-up station to attain, as well as the duration (in years) required to reach the average market share. The estimated average market share was computed based on market share data, by type (i.e., AM and FM).
After market revenue and market shares have been estimated, operating expenses, including depreciation based on assumed investments in fixed assets and future capital expenditures of a start-up station or operation are similarly estimated based on industry-average cost data. Appropriate estimated income taxes are then subtracted, estimated depreciation added back, estimated capital expenditures subtracted, and estimated working capital adjustments are made to calculate estimated free cash flow during the build-up period until a steady state or mature “normalized” operation is achieved.
The analysis included overall future market revenue growth rates for the residual years after the projection period of (1.0)% and a weighted average cost of capital of 9.3%. The residual year growth rate was estimated based on a perpetual nominal growth rate, which was based on long-term industry projections obtained from third party sources. The weighted average cost of capital was based on (i) the cost of equity, which included estimates of the risk-free return, stock risk premiums and industry beta; (ii) the cost of debt, which included estimates for corporate borrowing rates; and (iii) estimated average percentages of equity and debt in other radio broadcasters capital structures.
In order to estimate what listening audience share could be expected to be achieved for each station by market, we analyzed the average local commercial share garnered by similar AM and FM stations competing in those radio markets. We may make adjustments to the listening share and revenue share based on a station's signal coverage within the market and the surrounding area population as compared to the other stations in the market. Based on our knowledge of the industry and familiarity with similar markets, we determined that approximately three years would be required for the stations to reach maturity. We also incorporated the following additional assumptions into the discounted cash flow valuation model:
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projected operating revenues and expenses over a five-year period;
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the estimation of initial and on-going capital expenditures (based on market size);
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depreciation on initial and on-going capital expenditures (the Company calculated depreciation using accelerated double declining balance guidelines over five years for the value of the tangible assets necessary for a radio station to go on the air);
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the estimation of working capital requirements (based on working capital requirements for comparable companies); and
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amortization of the intangible asset - the FCC license.
During the first three quarters of 2017, based on the Company's review of the radio industry's financial performance, it determined that no indicators were present which would suggest the fair value of its FCC licenses may have declined below the carrying value. However, as part of the Company's test of its FCC licenses for impairment during the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company determined as part of its review of the assumptions utilized in the Greenfield Method that the radio industry's decreasing market share of total advertising revenues had an adverse impact on its future market revenue growth rate assumption, which is now negative, as disclosed above.
As a result of the impairment test of our FCC licenses, conducted as of December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $335.9 million. As a result of the impairment test of its FCC licenses conducted as of December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $35.0 million.
If the macroeconomic conditions of the radio industry or the underlying material assumptions are less favorable than those projected by the Company or if a triggering event occurs or circumstance change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of FCC licenses below the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Company may be required to recognize additional impairment charges in future periods.
5. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
Subsequent to the balance sheet date, as permitted under the Bankruptcy Code, the Company has rejected certain of its pre-petition contracts and is calculating its estimated liability to the affected unsecured creditors. As a result, additional amounts may be included in liabilities subject to compromise in future periods and reduce the Company's accounts payable and accrued expenses.
6. Long-Term Debt
The Company’s long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
Future maturities of long-term debt (dollars in thousands):
In connection with the Company’s voluntary petitions for reorganization, the $1.722 billion outstanding under the Term Loan and the $610.0 million outstanding in 7.75% Senior Notes has been reclassified to liabilities subject to compromise in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017. As a result of the Company’s chapter 11 cases, the Company expensed the entire balance of $25.9 million of deferred financing costs and debt discount during the fourth quarter of 2017 to reorganization items, net, in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.
For additional information, see the Current Bankruptcy Proceedings section of Note 1 "Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."
Credit Agreement
The Company's Credit Agreement consists of a Term Loan (the “Term Loan”) with a stated maturity date in December 2020 and a $200.0 million revolving credit facility, with a $30.0 million sublimit for letters of credit (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with a stated maturity date in December 2018. Notwithstanding the stated maturity date of the Term Loan, if on January 30, 2019, the aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes outstanding exceeds $200.0 million, the Term Loan maturity date will be accelerated to January 30, 2019.
At December 31, 2017, the Company had $1.722 billion outstanding under the Term Loan. No amounts were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at either December 31, 2017 or 2016. On August 29, 2017, the Company used proceeds from sale of certain land and buildings to repay approximately $81.7 million of the Term Loan borrowings. At December 31, 2016, $1.810 billion was outstanding under the Term Loan.
Amounts outstanding under the Term Loan amortize at a rate of 1.0% per annum of the original principal amount of the Term Loan, payable quarterly, with the balance payable on the maturity date. Borrowings under the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility, if available, bear interest, at the option of Cumulus Holdings, based on the Base Rate (as defined below) or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus 3.25% on LIBOR-based borrowings and 2.25% on Base Rate-based borrowings. LIBOR-based borrowings are subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.0% under the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. Base Rate-based borrowings are subject to a Base Rate floor of 2.0% under the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. Base Rate is defined, for any day, as the rate per annum equal to the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus 0.5%, (ii) the prime commercial lending rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as established from time to time, and (iii) 30 day LIBOR plus 1.0%. At December 31, 2017, the Term Loan bore interest at 4.82% per annum.
In connection with the Company's chapter 11 cases, the Company is required to make adequate protection payments on the Term Loan. The amounts of these payments are calculated under the same terms as the interest and at the rates described above. During the pendency of the Bankruptcy Petitions, ASC 852 requires the Company to recognize the adequate protection payments as a reduction to the principal balance of the Term Loan.
Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, a commitment fee in the amount of 0.50% per year, payable monthly, is payable on the unused portion of the commitments.
The representations, covenants and events of default in the Credit Agreement are customary for financing transactions of this nature. Events of default in the Credit Agreement include, among others: (a) the failure to pay obligations when due; (b) the failure to comply with (and not timely remedy, if applicable) certain covenants; (c) certain defaults and accelerations under other indebtedness; (d) the occurrence of bankruptcy or insolvency events; (e) certain judgments against the Company or any of its restricted subsidiaries; (f) the loss, revocation or suspension of, or any material impairment in the ability to use one or more of, any material FCC licenses; (g) any representation of warranty made, or report, certificate or financial statement delivered to the lenders subsequently proven to have been incorrect in any material respect; and (h) the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the loan commitments, accelerate all loans and exercise any of their rights under the Credit Agreement and the ancillary loan documents as a secured party. Any efforts to enforce such obligations upon the occurrence of an event of default have been automatically stayed as a result of the Company's Bankruptcy Petition and the Term Loan holders' rights of enforcement in respect of these obligations are subject to the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.
In the event amounts were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility or any letters of credit were outstanding that had not been collateralized by cash as of the end of each quarter, the Credit Agreement required compliance with a consolidated first lien leverage ratio covenant. The required ratio at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 4.25 to 1 and 5.00 to 1, respectively. The ratio was to decrease to 4.0 to 1 at March 31, 2018. At December 31, 2017, the Company's actual leverage ratio would have been in excess of the required ratio. As a result of the Company's Bankruptcy Petitions, the Revolving Credit Facility was terminated, as such, at December 31, 2017 the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Certain mandatory prepayments on the Term Loan are required upon the occurrence of specified events, including upon the incurrence of certain additional indebtedness, upon the sale of certain assets and upon the occurrence of certain condemnation or casualty events, and from excess cash flow.
The Company’s, Cumulus Holdings’ and their respective restricted subsidiaries’ obligations under the Credit Agreement are collateralized by a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s, Cumulus Holdings’ and their respective restricted subsidiaries’ assets in which a security interest may lawfully be granted, including, without limitation, intellectual property and substantially all of the capital stock of the Company’s direct and indirect domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries and 66% of the capital stock of any future first-tier foreign subsidiaries. In addition, Cumulus Holdings’ obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and substantially all of its restricted subsidiaries, other than Cumulus Holdings.
7.75% Senior Notes
On May 13, 2011, the Company issued $610.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “7.75% Senior Notes”).
On September 16, 2011, the Company and Cumulus Holdings entered into a supplemental indenture with the trustee under the indenture governing the 7.75% Senior Notes which provided for, among other things, the (i) assumption by Cumulus Holdings of all obligations of the Company; (ii) substitution of Cumulus Holdings for the Company as issuer; (iii) release of the Company from all obligations as original issuer; and (iv) Company’s guarantee of all of Cumulus Holdings’ obligations, in each case under the indenture and the 7.75% Senior Notes.
Interest on the 7.75% Senior Notes is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year. The 7.75% Senior Notes mature on May 1, 2019.
Cumulus Holdings, as issuer of the 7.75% Senior Notes, may redeem all or part of the 7.75% Senior Notes at any time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a “make-whole” premium. If Cumulus Holdings sells certain assets or experiences specific kinds of changes in control, it will be required to make an offer to purchase the 7.75% Senior Notes.
In connection with the substitution of Cumulus Holdings as the issuer of the 7.75% Senior Notes, the Company also guaranteed the 7.75% Senior Notes. In addition, each existing and future domestic restricted subsidiary that guarantees the Company’s indebtedness, Cumulus Holdings’ indebtedness or indebtedness of the Company’s subsidiary guarantors (other than the Company’s subsidiaries that hold the licenses for the Company’s radio stations) guarantees, and will guarantee, the 7.75% Senior Notes. The 7.75% Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Cumulus Holdings and rank equally in right of payment to all existing and future senior unsecured debt of Cumulus Holdings and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated debt of Cumulus Holdings. The 7.75% Senior Notes guarantees are the Company’s and the other guarantors’ senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment to all of the Company’s and the other guarantors’ existing and future senior debt and senior in right of payment to all of the Company’s and the other guarantors’ future subordinated debt. The 7.75% Senior Notes and the guarantees are effectively subordinated to any of Cumulus Holdings’, the Company’s or the guarantors’ existing and future secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. In addition, the 7.75% Senior Notes and the guarantees are structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries.
The indenture governing the 7.75% Senior Notes contains representations, covenants and events of default customary for financing transactions of this nature. Any efforts to enforce obligations upon the occurrence of an event of default have been automatically stayed as a result of the Company's Chapter 11 Filing and the holders of the 7.75% Senior Notes rights of enforcement in respect to any obligations are subject to the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.
As described in more detail in Note 1, "Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", on October 30, 2017, the Restructuring Committee of the Board of Directors authorized the Company to forgo the November 1, 2017 scheduled interest payment of $23.6 million on the 7.75% Senior Notes. The Company will continue to forgo interest payments on the 7.75% Senior Notes while under bankruptcy protection. As a result, the Company's interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 was approximately $3.9 million lower than it would have been absent the filing of the voluntary petitions for reorganization.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
On December 6, 2013, the Company entered into a 5-year, $50.0 million Securitization Facility with Wells Fargo (as successor to General Electric Capital Corporation), as a lender, as swingline lender and as administrative agent (together with any other lenders party thereto from time to time, the “Lenders”).
In connection with the entry into the Securitization Facility, pursuant to a Receivables Sale and Servicing Agreement, dated as of December 6, 2013 (the “Sale Agreement”), certain subsidiaries of the Company (collectively, the “Originators”) were able to sell and/or contribute their accounts receivable (representing up to all of the Company’s accounts receivable) to a special purpose entity and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “SPV”). The SPV could thereafter make borrowings from the Lenders, which borrowings were secured by those receivables, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Receivables Funding and Administration Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2017 (the “Funding Agreement”). Cumulus Holdings serviced the accounts receivable on behalf of the SPV.
On November 28, 2017, the Company terminated the Securitization Facility. No borrowings were outstanding under the Securitization Facility as of the termination date or December 31, 2016.
Amortization of Debt Discount and Debt Issuance Costs
For each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 the Company amortized $9.4 million, $10.0 million, and $9.5 million respectively, of debt discount and debt issuance costs related to its Term Loan and 7.75% Senior Notes. As a result of the Company’s chapter 11 cases, the Company expensed the entire remaining balance of $25.9 million of deferred financing costs and debt discount during the fourth quarter of 2017. This amount is included in reorganization items, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.
7. Fair Value Measurements
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy to be applied when determining fair value of financial instruments are described below:
Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access;
Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and
Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The following table shows the gross amount and fair value of the Company’s Term Loan and 7.75% Senior Notes (dollars in thousands):
As of December 31, 2017, the Company used the closing trading prices of the last trade transaction of 86.0% to calculate the fair value of the Term Loan and 17.4% to calculate the fair value of the 7.75% Senior Notes.
As of December 31, 2016, the Company used the closing trading prices of the last trade transaction of 67.8% to calculate the fair value of the Term Loan, and 40.9% to calculate the fair value of the 7.75% Senior Notes.
8. Liabilities Subject to Compromise
As discussed in Note 1, "Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" beginning on the Petition Date, the Company has been operating as debtor in possession under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. On the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, the caption “Liabilities Subject to Compromise” reflects the expected allowed amount of the prepetition claims that are not fully secured and that have at least a possibility of not being repaid at the full claim amount. Liabilities Subject to Compromise at December 31, 2017 consisted of the following (in thousands):
Subsequent to the Balance Sheet date, as permitted under the Bankruptcy Code, the Company has rejected certain of its pre-petition contracts and is calculating its estimated liability to the affected unsecured creditors. As a result, additional amounts may be included in liabilities subject to compromise in future periods.
Determination of the value at which liabilities will ultimately be settled cannot be made until the Bankruptcy Court approves the Plan. The Company will continue to evaluate the amount and classification of its pre-petition liabilities. Any additional liabilities that are subject to compromise will be recognized accordingly, and the aggregate amount of liabilities subject to compromise may change.
9. Reorganization Items, net
Reorganization items incurred as a result of the chapter 11 cases are presented separately in the accompanying statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 and were as follows (in thousands):
Professional fees included in reorganization items, net represent professional fees for post-petition expenses. Deferred financing costs and term loan discount are included in reorganization items, net as the Company believes the underlying debt instruments will be impacted by the chapter 11 cases.
As of December 31, 2017, $4.0 million of professional fees were unpaid and accrued in Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.
10. Stockholders’ Equity
As discussed in Note 1, "Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" beginning on the Petition Date, the Company has been operating as debtor in possession under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. Pursuant to the Plan and Disclosure Statement filed on February 12, 2018, if the Plan is confirmed, all of the equity interests in the Company are expected to be canceled or extinguished on the date that the Company emerges from bankruptcy.
For information on the Company's October 12, 2016 Reverse Stock Split and the resulting adjustments to authorized, issued and outstanding common stock, warrants and options, see Note 1, "Description of Business, Interim Financial Data and Basis of Presentation: Reverse Stock Split."
The Company is authorized to issue an aggregate of 268,830,609 shares of stock divided into four classes consisting of:
(i) 93,750,000 shares designated as Class A common stock;
(ii) 75,000,000 shares designated as Class B common stock;
(iii) 80,609 shares designated as Class C common stock, and
(iv) 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
On June 5, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights plan, which is scheduled to expire in June 2018. Pursuant to the rights plan, the Company declared a dividend of one right for each outstanding share of Class A common stock of the Company, payable to holders of record on June 15, 2017. The rights initially trade with the Company’s Class A common stock and will generally become exercisable only if any person (or any persons acting in concert or as a group) acquires a voting or economic position in 4.99% or more of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock. If the rights become exercisable, all holders of rights (other than any triggering person) will be entitled to acquire shares of Class A common stock at a 50% discount or the Company may exchange each right held by such holders for one share of Class A common stock. Under the rights plan, any person that owned more than 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock may continue to own its shares of Class A common stock but may not acquire a voting or economic interest in any additional shares of Class A common stock without triggering the rights plan.
Common Stock
Shares of Class A, Class B and Class C common stock are identical in all respects, except with regard to voting and conversion rights. The preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions, and the special or relative rights in respect of the common stock and the various classes of common stock are as follows:
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Voting Rights. The holders of shares of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share on any matter submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company, and the holders of shares of Class C common stock are entitled to ten votes for each share of Class C common stock held. Generally, the holders of shares of Class B common stock are not entitled to vote on any matter. However, holders of Class B common stock and Class C common stock are entitled to a separate class vote on any amendment or modification of any specific rights or obligations of the holders of Class B common stock or Class C common stock, respectively, that does not similarly affect the rights or obligations of the holders of Class A common stock. The holders of Class A common stock and of Class C common stock vote together, as a single class, on all matters submitted to a vote to the stockholders of the Company.
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Conversion. Each holder of Class B common stock and Class C common stock is entitled to convert at any time all or any part of such holder’s shares into an equal number of shares of Class A common stock; provided, however, that to the extent that such conversion would result in the holder holding more than 4.99% of the Class A common stock following such conversion, the holder will first be required to deliver to the Company an ownership certification to enable the Company to (a) determine that such ownership does not violate applicable FCC rules and regulations and (b) obtain any necessary approvals from the FCC or the Department of Justice. There were no shares of Class B common stock issued or outstanding as of December 31, 2017 or 2016.
The holders of all classes of common stock are entitled to share ratably in any dividends that may be declared by the Board of Directors of the Company.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 there were no preferred shares outstanding.
2009 Warrants
In June 2009, in connection with the execution of an amendment to the Company's then-existing credit agreement, the Company issued warrants to the lenders thereunder that allow them to acquire up to 156,250 shares of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $1.17 per share (the “2009 Warrants”). The 2009 Warrants expire on June 29, 2019. The number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the 2009 Warrants is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, including upon the payment of a dividend in shares of Class A common stock. None of the 2009 warrants were converted during the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, and as of such date there were, 40,057 of the 2009 Warrants outstanding.
Equity Held in Reserve
Pursuant to the agreement governing the Company's acquisition of Citadel Broadcasting Company ("Citadel") on September 16, 2011 (the "Citadel Merger"), warrants to purchase 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for potential future issuance in connection with the settlement of certain remaining allowed, disputed or not reconciled claims related to Citadel's bankruptcy. As part of the June 2014 completion of proceedings related to Citadel's bankruptcy, the 300,000 shares were issued from treasury stock for $25.0 million. The equity held in reserve was included in additional paid-in-capital on the accompanying consolidated statement of stockholders' equity at December 31, 2015.
Company Warrants
As a component of the Company's September 16, 2011 acquisition of Citadel Broadcasting Corporation (the "Citadel Merger") and the related financing transactions, the Company issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 9.0 million shares of Class A common stock (the "Company Warrants") under a warrant agreement dated September 16, 2011 (the "Warrant Agreement"). The Company Warrants are exercisable at any time prior to June 3, 2030 at an exercise price of $0.01 per share with each Company Warrant providing the right to purchase one share. The number of shares for which the Company Warrants are exercisable is not subject to any anti-dilution protection, other than standard adjustments in the case of stock splits, dividends and certain other similar events. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Warrant Agreement, upon the request of a holder, the Company has the discretion to issue, upon exercise of the Company Warrants, shares of Class B common stock in lieu of an equal number of shares of Class A common stock and, upon request of a holder and at the Company’s discretion, the Company has the right to exchange such warrants to purchase an equivalent number of shares of Class B common stock for outstanding warrants to purchase shares of Class A common stock.
Exercise of the Company Warrants is subject to compliance with applicable FCC regulations, and the Company Warrants are exercisable provided that ownership of the Company’s securities by the holder does not cause the Company to violate applicable FCC rules and regulations relating to foreign ownership of broadcasting licenses.
Holders of Company Warrants are entitled to participate ratably in any distributions on the Company’s common stock on an as-exercised basis. No distribution will be made to holders of Company Warrants or common stock if (i) an FCC ruling, regulation or policy prohibits such distribution to holders of Company Warrants or (ii) the Company’s FCC counsel opines that such distribution is reasonably likely to cause (a) the Company to violate any applicable FCC rules or regulations or (b) any holder of Company Warrants to be deemed to hold an attributable interest in the Company.
No Company Warrants were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2016, Company Warrants were exercised to purchase 43,192 shares of Class A common stock. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, 31,955 Company Warrants remained outstanding.
Crestview Warrants
Also on September 16, 2011, but pursuant to a separate warrant agreement, the Company issued warrants to purchase 1.0 million shares of Class A common stock with an exercise price, as adjusted to date, of $34.56 per share (the "Crestview Warrants"). The Crestview Warrants are exercisable until September 16, 2021, and the per share exercise price is subject to standard weighted-average adjustments in the event that the Company issues additional shares of common stock or common stock derivatives for less than the fair market value per share, as defined in the Crestview Warrants, as of the date of such issuance. In addition, the number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Crestview Warrants, and the exercise price of the Crestview Warrants, are subject to adjustment in the case of stock splits, dividends and certain other similar events. As of December 31, 2017, all 1.0 million Crestview Warrants remained outstanding.
11. Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value on the date of grant of stock options issued. The fair value of stock options is determined by the Company’s stock price, historical stock price volatility over the expected term of the awards, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends. With respect to restricted stock awards, the Company recognizes compensation expense over the vesting period equal to the grant date fair value of the shares awarded in accordance with ASC 718 - Compensation - Stock Compensation. To the extent non-vested restricted stock awards include performance or market vesting conditions, management uses the requisite service period to recognize the cost associated with the award.
Generally, the Company’s grants of stock options vest over four years and have a maximum contractual term of ten years. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock by using a weighted average of historical stock price volatility over the expected term of the options. The Company bases the risk-free interest rate that it used in its option pricing model on United States Treasury issues with terms similar to the expected term of the options. The Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on the class of stock subject to granted stock options in the foreseeable future and therefore used an expected dividend yield of zero in the option pricing model. The Company is required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from estimates. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded only for those awards that are expected to vest. All stock-based payment awards are amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards.
During 2015, the Company granted 30,365 shares of time-vesting restricted Class A common stock, with an aggregate grant date fair value of $0.6 million, to the non-employee directors of the Company with a cliff vesting term of one year.
During 2016, the Company granted 0.4 million stock options with an aggregate grant date fair value of $0.6 million. The options range in exercise price from $1.34 to $34.72 per share, and provide for vesting on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant, with 30% of each award vesting on each of the first two anniversaries thereof, and 20% of each award vesting on each of the next two anniversaries thereof.
During 2017, the Company granted 0.1 million stock options with an aggregate grant date fair value of $0.1 million. The options range in exercise price from $0.41 to $1.03 per share, and provide for vesting on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant, with 30% of each award vesting on each of the first two anniversaries thereof, and 20% of each award vesting on each of the next two anniversaries thereof.
The total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $0.0 million and $0.03 million, respectively.
In connection with certain 2015 employee departures, the Company recorded accelerated stock compensation costs of $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. These costs are included in corporate expenses and additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized approximately $1.6 million, $2.9 million and $21.0 million in non-cash stock-based compensation expense, respectively, related to equity awards. The associated tax benefits related to these non-cash stock-based compensation awards for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $0.0 million, $0.2 million and $8.4 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of approximately $0.5 million related to equity awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining life of 0.79 years. As of December 31, 2016, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of approximately $2.8 million related to equity awards was expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining life of 1.40 years. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for equity awards will continue to be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures.
As of December 31, 2017, the total number of shares of common stock that remain authorized, reserved and available for issuance under any of the Company’s equity incentive plans was approximately 1.4 million, not including shares underlying outstanding awards. The Company is only authorized to make additional award grants under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan.
There were no stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.
On May 18, 2017 the Company adopted the 2017 Supplemental Incentive Plan (the "2017 SIP"), which provides participating executives of the Company with the opportunity to earn cash payments in ratable installments over the last three quarters of 2017, based on the Company's year-to-date performance at the end of each respective period, commencing with the second quarter of 2017. In order to be eligible to participate in the 2017 SIP, each participant therein had to agree to the cancellation of all of such participant's respective outstanding equity incentive awards. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the participants forfeited an aggregate of 963,493 options.
The following tables summarize the Company’s equity award activity for the year ended December 31, 2017:
2011 Equity Incentive Plan
The Board adopted the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan on July 8, 2011. Also, on July 8, 2011, stockholders holding a majority of the outstanding voting power of the Company, upon the recommendation of the Board, approved the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan.
The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan authorizes the grant of equity-based compensation in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance shares, performance units, and other awards for the purpose of providing Cumulus Media’s non-employee directors, consultants, officers and other employees incentives and rewards that are aligned with the economic interests of the Company's shareholders.
The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee may delegate its authority under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan.
Total awards under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan are limited to 4,375,000 shares (the “Authorized Plan Aggregate”) of Class A common stock. The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan also provides that: (i) the aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock actually issued or transferred upon the exercise of incentive stock options (“ISOs”) will not exceed 2,187,500 shares; (ii) the number of shares of Class A common stock issued as restricted stock, RSUs, performance shares, performance units and other awards (after taking into account any forfeitures and cancellations) will not, during the term of the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, in the aggregate exceed 1,500,000 shares of Class A common stock; (iii) no participant will be granted stock options or SARs, in the aggregate, for more than 1,437,500 shares of Class A common stock during any calendar year; (iv) no participant will be granted awards of restricted stock, RSUs, performance shares or other awards that are intended to qualify as “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), in the aggregate, for more than 375,000 shares of Class A common stock during any calendar year; and (v) no participant during any calendar year will be granted awards of performance units that are intended to qualify as “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, in the aggregate, for more than a maximum value of $5,000,000 as of their respective dates of grant.
The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan provides that only shares with respect to awards that expire or are forfeited or canceled, or shares that were covered by an award the benefit of which is paid in cash instead of shares, will again be available for issuance under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. The following shares are not added back to the Authorized Plan Aggregate: (i) shares tendered in payment of a stock option exercise price; (ii) shares withheld by the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations; and (iii) shares repurchased by the Company with stock option proceeds. Further, all shares covered by a SAR that is exercised and settled in shares, and whether or not all shares are actually issued to the participant upon exercise of the right, will be considered issued or transferred pursuant to the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan.
The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan provides that generally: (i) stock options and SARs may not become exercisable by the passage of time sooner than one-third per year over three years except in the event of retirement, death or disability of a participant or in the event of a change in control (described below); (ii) stock options and SARs that become exercisable upon the achievement of Management Objectives (as defined below) cannot become exercisable sooner than one year from the date of grant except in the event of retirement, death or disability of a participant or in the event of a change in control; (iii) restricted stock and RSUs may not become unrestricted by the passage of time sooner than one-third per year over three years unless restrictions lapse sooner by virtue of retirement, death or disability of a participant or in the event of a change in control; (iv) the period of time within which Management Objectives relating to performance shares and performance units must be achieved will be a minimum of one year, subject to earlier lapse or modification by virtue of retirement, death or disability of a participant or in the event of a change in control; (v) restricted stock and RSUs that vest upon the achievement of Management Objectives cannot vest sooner than one year from the date of grant, but may be subject to earlier lapse or modification by virtue of retirement, death or disability of a participant or in the event of a change in control; and, (vi) as described below, a limited number of awards, however, including restricted stock and RSUs granted to non-employee directors, may be granted without regard to the above minimum vesting periods. Repricing of options and SARs is prohibited without stockholder approval under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan.
In general, a change in control will be deemed to have occurred if: (i) there is a consummation of a sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole to any person or group; (ii) a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company is adopted; (iii) there is a consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any purchase, sale, acquisition, disposition, merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any person or group becomes the beneficial owner (excluding any options to purchase equity securities of the Company held by such person or group) of more than 50% of the aggregate voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company having the right to elect directors under ordinary circumstances; or (iv) a majority of the members of the Board are not Continuing Directors. For purposes of this definition, a “Continuing Director” is, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board who (1) was a member of the Board on July 8, 2011 or (2) was nominated for election or elected to the Board with the approval of either two-thirds of the Continuing Directors who were members of the Board at the time of such nomination or election or two-thirds of those Company directors who were previously approved by Continuing Directors.
The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan provides that dividends or other distributions on performance shares, restricted stock or RSUs that are earned or that have restrictions that lapse as a result of the achievement of Management Objectives will be deferred until and paid contingent upon the achievement of the applicable Management Objectives. The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan also provides that dividends and dividend equivalents will not be paid on stock options or SARs.
The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan provides that no stock options or SARs will be granted with an exercise or base price less than the fair market value of the Class A common stock on the date of grant. The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan was designed to allow awards to qualify as qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code to the extent applicable.
The following performance metrics may be used as “Management Objectives”: profits, cash flow, returns, working capital, profit margins, liquidity measures, sales growth, gross margin growth, cost initiative and stock price metrics, and strategic initiative key deliverable metrics.
As of December 31, 2017, there were outstanding options to purchase 2,461,753 shares of Class A common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.41 to $51.68 per share under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, of which 152,956 options were unvested and 2,308,797 options were vested.
2008 Equity Incentive Plan
As of December 31, 2017, there were outstanding vested options to purchase 47,376 shares of Class A common stock at exercise prices ranging from $20.32 to $26.40 per share under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan. The Company is not authorized to issue additional grants under this plan.
12. Income Taxes
Income tax for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
Total income tax differed from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory tax rate of 35.0% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 as a result of the following (dollars in thousands):
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act, among other changes, reduces the US federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years after 2017. At December 31, 2017, the Company has not completed its accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, in certain cases, as described below, it has made a reasonable estimate of the effects on its existing deferred tax balances.
The Company remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the federal rate at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21%. However, the Company is still analyzing certain aspects of the Act, including full expensing of certain capital expenditures, the impact of executive compensation tax changes, and analysis of state tax implications and corresponding impact to changes in state valuation allowances. Additional guidance and clarification from regulatory authorities could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts. The provisional amount recorded related to the remeasurement of the Company’s deferred tax balance was a tax benefit of approximately $91.4 million, which is included as a component of income tax benefit from continuing operations. Given the substantial changes with the Act, the estimated financial impacts are provisional and subject to further interpretation and clarification of the Act during 2018. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”), changes to these provisional amounts will be finalized within the next 12 months and will be recorded in the period in which the analysis is complete. As of December 31, 2017 the Company has recorded no estimate under SAB 118 for the state tax implications and corresponding state tax valuation allowance impact while the Company continues to refine its analysis of state tax conformity with various provisions of the Act.
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are presented below (dollars in thousands):
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed by applying the federal and state income tax rates in effect to the gross amounts of temporary differences and other tax attributes, such as net operating loss carryforwards. In assessing if the deferred tax assets will be realized, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all of these deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which these deductible temporary differences reverse.
As of December 31, 2017, the valuation allowance increased by $58.3 million to $75.5 million. The increase in the valuation allowance relates to the impact of the Company's Bankruptcy Petition and corresponding changes in judgment regarding the Company's ability to recover its federal and state net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes. Approximately $43.9 million of the increase in valuation allowance relates to the establishment of a full valuation on federal loss carryforwards and approximately $14.4 million relates to certain state net operating loss carryforwards which the Company does not believe are more likely than not to be realized as a result of the expected expiration of these attributes prior to utilization. As of December 31, 2016, the Company maintained a valuation allowance of $17.2 million. The changes in the valuation allowance for 2016 consisted of a decrease of approximately $0.2 million related to state rate changes, an increase of $0.8 million related to the Company's estimates of its inability to recover certain state net operating losses and a decrease of $0.6 million related to the expected expiration of certain state net operating losses.
At December 31, 2017, Company has federal net operating loss carryforwards, which are available to offset future taxable income, of approximately $232.0 million, and which will expire in the years 2030 through 2032. At December 31, 2017 the Company has state net operating loss carryforwards available to offset future income of approximately $1.1 billion which, if not utilized, will expire 2018 through 2037. During the first quarter 2017 the Company adopted ASU 2016-09 and recorded an additional deferred tax asset for approximately $1.5 million of net operating loss carryforwards that were previously unrecognized, related to windfall tax benefits associated with the Company's stock based compensation plan. The recognition of this deferred tax asset of approximately $0.6 million was recorded through accumulated deficit.
The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. For interest and penalties, the Company recorded income tax benefit of $1.8 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The total interest and penalty accrued was $0.3 million and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The $1.8 million overall decrease in accrued interest and penalties during the year ended December 31, 2017 is a result of increases in accruals for interest and penalties on prior year positions of $0.3 million and reductions to interest and penalty accruals of $2.1 million related to the reversal of positions associated with the expiration of certain statutes of limitations and liabilities no longer deemed payable.
The total unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2017 was $8.9 million. Of this total, $8.1 million represents the unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. Of the $8.9 million total unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties, $0.4 million relates to items which are expected to change significantly within the next 12 months. Substantially all federal, state, and local income tax returns have been closed for the tax years through 2013; however, the various tax jurisdictions may adjust the Company's net operating loss carryforwards.
The following table reconciles unrecognized tax benefits during the relevant years (in thousands):
13. Loss Per Share
For all periods presented, the Company has disclosed basic and diluted loss per common share utilizing the two-class method. In accordance with ASC Topic 260, "Earnings per Share," the presentation of basic and diluted EPS is required only for common stock and not for participating securities.
Non-vested restricted shares of Class A common stock are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating basic weighted-average common shares outstanding in all periods. In addition, Company Warrants are accounted for as participating securities, as holders of such Warrants, in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Warrant Agreement, are entitled to receive ratable distributions of the Company's earnings concurrently with such distributions made to the holders of Class A common stock.
Basic loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. In accordance with the terms of the Company's certificate of incorporation, the Company allocates undistributed net loss, after any allocation for preferred stock dividends, between each class of common stock on an equal basis per share. In accordance with the two-class method, the non-vested restricted shares of Class A common stock and Company Warrants are excluded from the computation of basic EPS.
Diluted loss per share is computed in the same manner as basic loss per share after assuming issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive equivalent shares, which includes stock options and certain warrants to purchase common stock. Antidilutive instruments are not considered in this calculation. Under the two-class method, net loss is allocated to common stock to the extent that each security may share in earnings, as if all of the loss for the period had been distributed. Loss is allocated to each class of common stock equally per share.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per common share for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
14. Leases
The Company has non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for land, tower space, office-space, certain office equipment and vehicles. The operating leases generally contain renewal options for periods ranging from one to ten years and require the Company to pay all executory costs such as maintenance and insurance. Rental expense for operating leases was approximately $23.6 million, $25.2 million, and $27.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year), future minimum sublease income to be received and a lease commitment under a sale leaseback agreement as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (in thousands):
15. Commitments and Contingencies
Future Commitments
The radio broadcast industry’s principal ratings service is Nielsen Audio ("Nielsen"), which publishes listener surveys for domestic radio markets. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have agreements with Nielsen under which they receive programming ratings information. The remaining aggregate obligation under the agreements with Nielsen as of December 31, 2017 was approximately $200.3 million and is expected to be paid in accordance with the agreements through December 2021.
The Company engages Katz Media Group, Inc. ("Katz") as its national advertising sales agent. The national advertising agency contract with Katz contains termination provisions that, if exercised by the Company during the term of the contract, would obligate the Company to pay a termination fee to Katz, based upon a formula set forth in the contract.
The Company is committed under various contractual agreements to pay for broadcast rights that include sports and news services and to pay for talent, executives, research, weather information and other services.
The Company from time to time enters into radio network contractual obligations to guarantee a minimum amount of revenue share to contractual counterparties on certain programming in future years. Generally, these guarantees are subject to decreases dependent on clearance targets achieved.
On January 3, 2014 (the "Commencement Date”), Merlin Media, LLC (“Merlin”) and the Company entered into an agreement (the "LMA Agreement") under which the Company was responsible for programming two FM radio stations in Chicago, Illinois, for monthly fees payable to Merlin of approximately $0.3 million, $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.6 million in the first, second, third and fourth years following the Commencement Date, respectively, in exchange for the Company retaining the operating profits from these radio stations.
The Company and Merlin entered into a separate agreement (the "Put and Call Agreement") pursuant to which the Company had the right to purchase these two FM radio stations until October 5, 2017 for a specified amount of cash equal to the greater of (i) $70.0 million minus the aggregate amount of monthly fees paid by the Company on or prior to the earlier of the closing date or the date that is four years after the Commencement Date, or (ii) $50.0 million. Conversely, Merlin had the right to require the Company to purchase these two FM radio stations at any time during a ten business day period commencing October 6, 2017 for $71.0 million, minus the aggregate amount of monthly fees paid by the Company on or prior to the earlier of the closing date and January 3, 2018. On February 1, 2018, the Company and Merlin agreed to terminate the Put and Call Agreement and amended the LMA Agreement. The Company continues to operate one of the FM stations under the amended LMA Agreement.
The Company determined through its review of the requirements of ASC Topic 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810") that the stations are a variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which it is not the primary beneficiary, therefore consolidation is not required.
On April 1, 2014, the Company initiated an exit plan for an office lease as part of a restructuring in connection with the acquisition of Westwood One (the "Exit Plan"), which included charges related to terminated contract costs. As of December 31, 2017, liabilities related to the Exit Plan of $1.2 million are included in Liabilities Subject to Compromise in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company does not anticipate any additional meaningful future charges in connection with the Exit Plan other than those for which the Company has already accrued.
Legal Proceedings
On March 1, 2011, the Company and certain of our subsidiaries were named as defendants along with other radio companies, including Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., CBS Radio, Inc., Entercom Communications, Greater Media, Inc. and Townsquare Media, LLC in a patent infringement suit. The case, Mission Abstract Data L.L.C., d/b/a Digimedia ("Plaintiff") v. Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., et. al., Civil Action Case No: 1:11-mc-00176-LPS, U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, alleged that the defendants have infringed on two of plaintiff’s patents entitled “Selection and Retrieval of Music from a Digital Database.” The Complaint sought unspecified damages. The Court stayed the case on November 14, 2011 pending reexamination of the patents-in-suit before the U.S. Patent Office. On June 6, 2012, Plaintiff filed a motion to lift the stay. On March 25, 2013, the Court entered an order denying Plaintiff’s motion to lift the stay. However, the Court ordered that “the stay shall be lifted upon the issuance of the Notice of Intent to Issue Reexamination Certifications (‘NIRC’)” for the two patents-in-suit. By operation of the Court’s Order, the stay was lifted on July 8, 2013, when the final NIRC was issued for the two patents-in-suit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, on November 27, 2017, the Plaintiff and defendants filed a stipulation of dismissal of the action and the action was dismissed with prejudice by court order in early December, 2017, thereby concluding the case.
In August 2015, the Company was named as a defendant in two separate putative class action lawsuits relating to its use and public performance of certain sound recordings fixed prior to February 15, 1972 (the "Pre-1972 Recordings"). The first suit, ABS Entertainment, Inc., et. al. v, Cumulus Media Inc., was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California and alleged, among other things, copyright infringement under California state law, common law conversion, misappropriation and unfair business practices. On December 11, 2015, this suit was dismissed without prejudice. The second suit, ABS Entertainment, Inc., v. Cumulus Media Inc., was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and claimed, among other things, common law copyright infringement and unfair competition. The New York lawsuit was stayed pending an appeal before the Second Circuit involving unrelated third parties over whether the owner of a Pre-1972 Recording holds an exclusive right to publicly perform that recording under New York common law. On December 20, 2016, the New York Court of Appeals held that New York common law does not recognize a right of public performance for owners of pre-1972 Recordings. As a result of that case (to which Cumulus Media, Inc., was not a party) the New York case against Cumulus Media, Inc., was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiffs on April 3, 2017. The question of whether public performance rights exist for Pre-1972 recordings under state laws is still being litigated in the Ninth and Eleventh Circuits as a result of cases filed in California and Florida. Cumulus is not a party to those cases, and the Company is not yet able to determine what effect those proceedings will have, if any, on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In the first quarter of 2016, CBS Radio Inc. ("CBS") filed a demand for arbitration against certain of the Company's subsidiaries. This action alleged that certain of its subsidiaries breached the terms of one or more contracts with CBS relating to sports network radio programming and content. As previously disclosed, in the third quarter of 2016, the Company settled these claims in exchange for a one-time payment of $13.3 million. This payment was classified as a content cost in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.
The Company currently is, and expects that from time to time in the future it will be, party to, or a defendant in, various other claims or lawsuits that are generally incidental to its business. The Company expects that it will vigorously contest any such claims or lawsuits and believes that the ultimate resolution of any such known claim or lawsuit will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
16. Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
The following table presents the Company’s selected unaudited quarterly results for each of the quarters during 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands, except per share data):
17. Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
At December 31, 2017, Cumulus (the "Parent Guarantor") and certain of its 100% owned subsidiaries (such subsidiaries, the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) provided guarantees of the obligations of Cumulus Holdings (the "Subsidiary Issuer") under the 7.75% Senior Notes. These guarantees are full and unconditional (subject to customary release provisions) as well as joint and several. Certain of the Subsidiary Guarantors may be subject to restrictions on their respective ability to distribute earnings to Cumulus Holdings or the Parent Guarantor. Not all of the subsidiaries of Cumulus and Cumulus Holdings guarantee the 7.75% Senior Notes (such non-guaranteeing subsidiaries, collectively, the “Subsidiary Non-guarantors”).
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries are held primarily by the Parent Guarantor in the net assets of its subsidiaries and have been presented using the equity method of accounting. The “Eliminations” entries in the following tables primarily eliminate investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions. The columnar presentations in the following tables are not consistent with the Company’s business groups; accordingly, this basis of presentation is not intended to present the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows on a consolidated basis.
Revision to Prior Period Financial Statements
During the first quarter of 2017, the Company determined that it did not properly classify the investment in consolidated subsidiaries balance residing at the Parent Guarantor as a liability at December 31, 2016. The Company should have presented the investment in consolidated subsidiary balance as a liability as the balance was negative at December 31, 2016. In the following disclosure, a separate line item entitled “Accumulated losses in consolidated subsidiaries” is presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet to correct this misclassification. This presentation misclassification was not material to the previously issued financial statements.
In accordance with ASC 250-10, SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, Materiality, the Company assessed the materiality of the errors and concluded that the errors were not material to any of the Company’s previously issued financial statements. As permitted by ASC 250-10, SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, the Company has presented revised financial information as of December 31, 2016.
The following tables present (i) Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, (ii) Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and (iii) Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 of each of the Parent Guarantor, Cumulus Holdings, the Subsidiary Guarantors, and the Subsidiary Non-guarantors.
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
(Debtor-In-Possession)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
(Debtor-In-Possession)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Debtor-In-Possession)
Year Ended December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
(Debtor-In-Possession)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands, except for share and per share data)
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
(Debtor-In-Possession)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands, except for share and per share data)
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
(Debtor-In-Possession)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
(Debtor-In-Possession)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
(Debtor-In-Possession)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
18. Condensed Combined Debtor-In-Possession Financial Information
The financial statements below represent the condensed combined financial statements of the Debtors. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company’s Non-Filing Entities, which are comprised of the Company's FCC license holding entities, are accounted for as non-consolidated subsidiaries in these financial statements and, as such, their net loss is included as “Equity in earnings of non-filing entities, net of tax” in the Debtors’ Statement of Operations and their net assets are included as “Investment in non-filing entities” in the Debtors’ Statement of Financial Position.
Intercompany transactions among the Debtors have been eliminated in the financial statements contained herein. Intercompany transactions among the Debtors and the Non-Filing Entities have not been eliminated in the Debtors’ financial statements.
Debtors' Balance Sheet
(Dollars in thousands, expect for share data)
Debtors' Statement of Operations
(Dollars in thousands)
Debtors' Statement of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
19. Segment Data
The Company operates in two reportable segments, for which there is discrete financial information available and whose operating results are reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, the Radio Station Group and Westwood One. Radio Station Group revenue is derived primarily from the sale of broadcasting time to local, regional, and national advertisers. Westwood One revenue is generated primarily through network advertising. Corporate includes overall executive, administrative and support functions for both of the Company's reportable segments, including programming, finance, legal, human resources and information technology functions.
The Company presents segment adjusted EBITDA ("Adjusted EBITDA") as this is the financial metric by which management and the chief operating decision maker allocate resources of the Company and analyze the performance of the Company’s reportable segments. Management also uses this measure to determine the contribution of the Company's core operations to the funding of its corporate resources utilized to manage operations and non-operating expenses including debt service and acquisitions. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA, excluding the impact of local marketing agreement fees, is a key metric for purposes of calculating and determining compliance with certain covenants contained in the Company's Credit Agreement.
The Company excludes from Adjusted EBITDA items not related to core operations and those that are non-cash including: depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation expense, gain or loss on the exchange or sale of any assets or stations, early extinguishment of debt, local marketing agreement fees, expenses relating to acquisitions, restructuring costs, reorganization items and non-cash impairments of assets.
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure for determining the Company’s operating performance or liquidity that is calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA may be defined or calculated differently by other companies, and comparability may be limited.
The Company’s financial data by segment is presented in the tables below:
SCHEDULE II
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS