SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018

 

Commission File No. 0-25969

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 52-1166660
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

 

1010 Wayne Avenue,

14th Floor

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(301) 429-3200

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes   þ   No   ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes   þ   No   ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer  þ
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company þ
  Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  Yes  ¨ No  þ

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class  Outstanding at July 27, 2018 
Class A Common Stock, $.001 Par Value   1,641,400 
Class B Common Stock, $.001 Par Value   2,861,843 
Class C Common Stock, $.001 Par Value   2,928,906 
Class D Common Stock, $.001 Par Value   40,161,298 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
     
  PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited) 4
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited) 5
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2018 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2017 6
  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (Unaudited) 7
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited) 8
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 9
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 31
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 50
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 50
     
  PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 51
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 51
Item 1A. Risk Factors 51
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 51
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 51
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 51
Item 5. Other Information 51
Item 6. Exhibits 52
  SIGNATURES 53

 

 2 

 

 

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

 

Unless otherwise noted, throughout this report, the terms “Urban One,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Urban One, Inc. together with its subsidiaries.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements do not relay historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future operations, results and events. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” including any projections of earnings, revenues or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. You can identify some of these forward-looking statements by our use of words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “likely,” “may,” “estimates” and similar expressions.  You can also identify a forward-looking statement in that such statements discuss matters in a way that anticipates operations, results or events that have not already occurred but rather will or may occur in future periods.  We cannot guarantee that we will achieve any forward-looking plans, intentions, results, operations or expectations.  Because these statements apply to future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forecasted or anticipated in the forward-looking statements.  These risks, uncertainties and factors include (in no particular order), but are not limited to:

 

·economic volatility, financial market unpredictability and fluctuations in the United States and other world economies that may affect our business and financial condition, and the business and financial conditions of our advertisers;

 

·our high degree of leverage and potential inability to finance strategic transactions given fluctuations in market conditions;

 

·fluctuations in the local economies of the markets in which we operate (particularly our largest markets, Atlanta; Baltimore; Houston; and Washington, DC) could negatively impact our ability to meet our cash needs and our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants;

 

·fluctuations in the demand for advertising across our various media;

 

·risks associated with the implementation and execution of our business diversification strategy;

 

·changes in media audience ratings and measurement technologies and methodologies;

 

·regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) relative to maintaining our broadcasting licenses, enacting media ownership rules and enforcing of indecency rules;

 

·changes in our key personnel and on-air talent;

 

·increases in the costs of our programming, including on-air talent and content acquisitions costs;

 

·financial losses that may be incurred due to impairment charges against our broadcasting licenses, goodwill, and other intangible assets;

 

·increased competition for advertising revenues with other radio stations, broadcast and cable television, newspapers and magazines, outdoor advertising, direct mail, internet radio, satellite radio, smart phones, tablets, and other wireless media, the internet, social media, and other forms of adverting;

 

·the impact of our acquisitions, dispositions and similar transactions, as well as consolidation in industries in which we and our advertisers operate; and

 

·other factors mentioned in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) including the factors discussed in detail in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our views as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 3 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

  

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands, except share data)  
                         
NET  REVENUE   $ 115,206     $ 117,638     $ 214,827     $ 218,927  
OPERATING EXPENSES:                                
Programming and technical     30,375       33,009       62,522       64,906  
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation of $158 and $63, and $416 and $127, respectively     40,648       42,910       75,883       77,429  
Corporate selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation of $967 and $95, and $2,085 and $164, respectively     11,122       8,423       21,202       18,531  
Depreciation and amortization     8,248       8,432       16,536       16,744  
Impairment of long-lived assets           12,756       6,556       12,756  
Total operating expenses     90,393       105,530       182,699       190,366  
Operating income     24,813       12,108       32,128       28,561  
INTEREST INCOME     17       45       161       148  
INTEREST EXPENSE     19,155       19,863       38,436       40,209  
(GAIN) LOSS ON RETIREMENT OF DEBT     (626 )     7,083       (865 )     7,083  
GAIN ON SALE-LEASEBACK           (14,411 )           (14,411 )
OTHER INCOME, net     (2,014 )     (1,574 )     (3,915 )     (2,895 )
Income (loss) before (benefit from) provision for income taxes and noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries     8,315       1,192       (1,367     (1,277 )
(BENEFIT FROM) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     (15,581 )     182       (2,741 )     70  
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME (LOSS)     23,896       1,010       1,374       (1,347 )
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS     306       208       339       164  
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS   $ 23,590     $ 802     $ 1,035     $ (1,511 )
                                 
BASIC NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS                                
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders   $ 0.51     $ 0.02     $ 0.02     $ (0.03 )
                                 
DILUTED NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS                                
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders   $ 0.49     $ 0.02     $ 0.02     $ (0.03 )
                                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:                                
Basic     46,033,402       47,816,723       46,321,633       47,890,618  
Diluted     48,438,693       48,237,113       48,777,798       47,890,618  

  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 4 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

  

   

Three Months Ended

June 30,

   

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
                         
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)   $ 23,896     $ 1,010     $ 1,374     $ (1,347 )
LESS:  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS     306       208       339       164  
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS   $ 23,590     $ 802     $ 1,035     $ (1,511 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 5 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

  

    As of  
    June 30, 2018     December 31, 2017  
    (Unaudited)        
    (In thousands, except share data)  
ASSETS            
CURRENT ASSETS:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 35,982     $ 37,009  
Restricted cash     937       802  
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,183 and $8,071, respectively     100,983       111,596  
Prepaid expenses     7,522       9,013  
Current portion of content assets     33,974       37,549  
Other current assets     2,882       3,766  
Total current assets     182,280       199,735  
CONTENT ASSETS, net     85,568       74,508  
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net     23,718       25,181  
GOODWILL     260,182       262,894  
RADIO BROADCASTING LICENSES     598,097       614,535  
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net     80,483       94,055  
OTHER ASSETS     60,088       45,847  
Total assets   $ 1,290,416     $ 1,316,755  

LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING

INTERESTS AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Accounts payable   $ 7,896     $ 8,127  
Accrued interest     14,832       15,428  
Accrued compensation and related benefits     9,984       8,648  
Current portion of content payables     23,401       17,891  
Other current liabilities     24,637       27,236  
Current portion of long-term debt     15,372       3,500  
Total current liabilities     96,122       80,830  
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion, original issue discount and issuance costs     929,998       967,166  
CONTENT PAYABLES, net of current portion     22,746       21,879  
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES     44,683       44,853  
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES, net     145,918       148,592  
Total liabilities     1,239,467       1,263,320  
                 
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS     10,940       10,780  
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                
Convertible preferred stock, $.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively            
Common stock — Class A, $.001 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 1,641,400 and 1,641,632 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively     2       2  
Common stock — Class B, $.001 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 2,861,843 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively     3       3  
Common stock — Class C, $.001 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 2,928,906 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively     3       3  
Common stock — Class D, $.001 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 40,491,734 and 41,014,121 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively     40       41  
Additional paid-in capital     979,902       983,582  
Accumulated deficit     (939,941 )     (940,976 )
Total stockholders’ equity     40,009       42,655  
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and stockholders’ equity   $ 1,290,416     $ 1,316,755  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 6 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018 (UNAUDITED)

 

    Convertible
Preferred
Stock
   

Common
Stock

Class A

   

Common
Stock

Class B

   

Common

Stock

Class C

   

Common
Stock

Class D

    Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
    (In Thousands, except share data)
BALANCE, as of December 31, 2017   $     $ 2     $ 3     $ 3     $ 41     $ 983,582     $ (940,976 )   $ 42,655  
Consolidated net income                                         1,035       1,035  
Repurchase of 232 shares of Class A common stock and 2,339,005 shares  of Class D common stock                             (2 )     (4,566 )           (4,568 )

Repurchase of share-based equity awards

                                  (1,077 )           (1,077 )
Exercise of options for 58,190 shares of common stock                                   85             85  
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to estimated redemption value                                   (622 )           (622 )
Stock-based compensation expense                             1       2,500             2,501  
BALANCE, as of June 30, 2018   $     $ 2     $ 3     $ 3     $ 40     $ 979,902     $ (939,941 )   $ 40,009  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 7 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2018     2017  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
Consolidated net income (loss)   $ 1,374     $ (1,347 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization     16,536       16,744  
Amortization of debt financing costs     1,433       2,182  
Amortization of content assets     21,841       22,062  
Amortization of launch assets     211       216  
Deferred income taxes     (2,674     (17 )
Impairment of long-lived assets     6,556       12,756  
Stock-based compensation     2,502       291  
(Gain) loss on retirement of debt     (865 )     7,083  
Gain on sale-leaseback           (14,411 )
Effect of change in operating assets and liabilities, net of assets acquired:                
Trade accounts receivable     10,613       (2,417 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,585       2,123  
Other assets     (1,547     3,715  
Accounts payable     (231     (1,760 )
Accrued interest     (596     (15 )
Accrued compensation and related benefits     1,336       (5,929 )
Other liabilities     (1,293     (485 )
Payment of launch support           (1,848 )
Payments for content assets     (22,949     (27,199 )
Net cash flows provided by operating activities     33,832       11,744  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
Purchases of property and equipment     (2,078 )     (3,519 )
Proceeds from sale-leaseback           25,000  
Acquisition of digital assets           (5,000 )
Acquisition of station and broadcasting assets           (2,000 )
Net cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities     (2,078 )     14,481  
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Proceeds from 2017 Credit Facility           350,000  
Repayment of 2017 Credit Facility     (1,750 )     (875 )
Repayment of 2015 Credit Facility           (344,750 )
Distribution of contingent consideration     (506 )      
Proceeds from exercise of stock options     85        
Repayment of 2020 Notes     (24,029 )      
Debt refinancing costs and original issue discount           (8,860 )

Repurchase of share-based equity awards 

    (1,077      
Payment of dividends to noncontrolling interest members of Reach Media     (801 )      
Repurchase of common stock     (4,568 )     (3,033 )
Net cash flows used in financing activities     (32,646 )     (7,518 )
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH     (892 )     18,707  
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period     37,811       46,781  
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period   $ 36,919     $ 65,488  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:                
Cash paid for:                
Interest   $ 37,599     $ 38,042  
Income taxes, net of refunds   $ 1,241     $ 563  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 8 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

 

(a)Organization

 

Urban One, Inc. (a Delaware corporation referred to as “Urban One”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is an urban-oriented, multi-media company that primarily targets African-American and urban consumers. Our core business is our radio broadcasting franchise which is the largest radio broadcasting operation that primarily targets African-American and urban listeners. As of June 30, 2018, we owned and/or operated 56 broadcast stations located in 15 of the most populous African-American markets in the United States. While a core source of our revenue has historically been and remains the sale of local and national advertising for broadcast on our radio stations, our strategy is to operate the premier multi-media entertainment and information content provider targeting African-American and urban consumers. Thus, we have diversified our revenue streams by making acquisitions and investments in other complementary media properties. Our diverse media and entertainment interests include TV One, LLC (“TV One”), an African-American targeted cable television network; our 80.0% ownership interest in Reach Media, Inc. (“Reach Media”) which operates the Tom Joyner Morning Show and our other syndicated programming assets, including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the Russ Parr Morning Show and the DL Hughley Show; and Interactive One, LLC (“Interactive One”), our wholly owned digital platform serving the African-American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment websites, including its newly developed Cassius and newly acquired Bossip, HipHopWired and MadameNoire digital platforms and brands. We also have invested in a minority ownership interest in MGM National Harbor, a gaming resort located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Through our national multi-media operations, we provide advertisers with a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to the African-American and urban audiences.

 

Our core radio broadcasting franchise operates under the brand “Radio One.”  We also operate our other brands, such as TV One, Reach Media and Interactive One, while developing additional branding reflective of our diverse media operations and targeting our African-American and urban audiences.

 

As part of our consolidated financial statements, consistent with our financial reporting structure and how the Company currently manages its businesses, we have provided selected financial information on the Company’s four reportable segments: (i) radio broadcasting; (ii) Reach Media; (iii) digital; and (iv) cable television. (See Note 7 – Segment Information.)

 

  (b) Interim Financial Statements

 

The interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In management’s opinion, the interim financial data presented herein include all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.

 

Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

  (c) Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments as of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, consisted of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade accounts receivable, long-term debt and redeemable noncontrolling interests. The carrying amounts approximated fair value for each of these financial instruments as of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, except for the Company’s outstanding senior subordinated notes and secured notes. The 9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes which are due in February 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) had a carrying value of approximately $250.0 million and $275.0 million as of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively, and fair value of approximately $241.3 million and $257.8 million as of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. The fair values of the 2020 Notes, classified as Level 2 instruments, were determined based on the trading values of these instruments in an inactive market as of the reporting date. The 7.375% Senior Secured Notes that are due in March 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) had a carrying value of approximately $350.0 million as of each of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, and fair value of approximately $339.5 million and $348.3 million as of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. The fair values of the 2022 Notes, classified as Level 2 instruments, were determined based on the trading values of these instruments in an inactive market as of the reporting date. On April 18, 2017, the Company closed on the $350.0 million senior secured credit facility (the “2017 Credit Facility”) which had a carrying value of approximately $345.6 million and fair value of approximately $339.1 million as of June 30, 2018. The 2017 Credit Facility had a carrying value of approximately $347.4 million and fair value of approximately $340.4 million as of December 31, 2017. The fair value of the 2017 Credit Facility, classified as a Level 2 instrument, was determined based on the trading values of this instrument in an inactive market as of the reporting date. The senior unsecured promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $11.9 million (the “Comcast Note”) had a carrying value of approximately $11.9 million as of June 30, 2018, and as of December 31, 2017. The fair value of the Comcast Note was approximately $11.9 million as of June 30, 2018, and as of December 31, 2017. The fair value of the Comcast Note, classified as a Level 3 instrument, was determined based on the fair value of a similar instrument as of the reporting date using updated interest rate information derived from changes in interest rates since inception to the reporting date.

 

 9 

 

 

  (d) Revenue Recognition

 

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” which requires that an entity recognize 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. The Company elected to use the modified retrospective method, but the adoption of the standard did not have a material impact to our financial statements. In general, our spot advertising (both radio and cable television) as well as our digital advertising continues to be recognized when aired and delivered. For our cable television affiliate revenue, the Company grants a license to the affiliate to access its television programming content through the license period, and the Company earns a usage based royalty when the usage occurs, consistent with our previous revenue recognition policy. Finally, for event advertising, the performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time when the activity associated with the event is completed.

 

Within our radio broadcasting and Reach Media segments, the Company recognizes revenue for broadcast advertising at a point in time when a commercial spot runs. The revenue is reported net of agency and outside sales representative commissions. Agency and outside sales representative commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing. Generally, clients remit the gross billing amount to the agency or outside sales representative, and the agency or outside sales representative remits the gross billing, less their commission, to the Company. For our radio broadcasting and Reach Media segments, agency and outside sales representative commissions were approximately $6.4 million and $6.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Agency and outside sales representative commissions were approximately $11.7 million and $12.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Within our digital segment, including Interactive One, which generates the majority of the Company’s digital revenue, revenue is principally derived from advertising services on non-radio station branded but Company-owned websites. Advertising services include the sale of banner and sponsorship advertisements.  Advertising revenue is recognized at a point in time either as impressions (the number of times advertisements appear in viewed pages) are delivered, when “click through” purchases are made, or ratably over the contract period, where applicable. In addition, Interactive One derives revenue from its studio operations, in which it provides third-party clients with publishing services including digital platforms and related expertise.  In the case of the studio operations, revenue is recognized primarily through fixed contractual monthly fees and/or as a share of the third party’s reported revenue.

 

TV One derives advertising revenue from the sale of television air time to advertisers and recognizes revenue when the advertisements are run. Advertising revenue is recognized at a point in time when the individual spots run. To the extent there is a shortfall in contracts where the ratings were guaranteed, a portion of the revenue is deferred until the shortfall is settled, typically by providing additional advertising units generally within one year of the original airing. TV One also derives revenue from affiliate fees under the terms of various multi-year affiliation agreements based on a per subscriber fee multiplied by the most recent subscriber counts reported by the applicable affiliate. The Company recognizes the affiliate fee revenue at a point in time as its performance obligation to provide the programming is met. The Company has a right of payment each month as the programming services and related obligations have been satisfied. For our cable television segment, agency and outside sales representative commissions were $3.5 million and $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Agency and outside sales representative commissions were approximately $6.9 million and $7.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Revenue by Contract Type

 

The following chart shows our net revenue (and sources) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
    (In thousands, unaudited)  
Net Revenue:                                
Radio Advertising   $ 48,880     $ 52,017     $ 93,502     $ 98,205  
Political Advertising     1,182       731       1,383       974  
Digital Advertising     6,559       6,740       14,705       12,246  
Cable Television Advertising     18,118       18,988       37,054       40,129  
Cable Television Affiliate Fees     28,020       26,140       55,269       53,463  
Event Revenues & Other     12,447       13,022       12,914       13,910  
Net Revenue (as reported)   $ 115,206     $ 117,638     $ 214,827     $ 218,927  

 

If economic conditions change, or other adverse factors outside our control arise, our operations could be negatively impacted.

 

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Contract assets and liabilities

 

Contract assets (unbilled receivables) and contract liabilities (customer advances and unearned income and unearned event income) that are not separately stated in our consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017 were as follows:

 

    June 30, 2018     December 31, 2017     June 30, 2017  
    (Unaudited)           (Unaudited)  
      (In thousands)  
                   
Contract assets:                        
Unbilled receivables   $ 7,226     $ 4,850     $ 7,521  
                         
Contract liabilities:                        
Customer advances and unearned income   $ 4,681     $ 3,372     $ 3,414  
Unearned event income     2,368       4,117       1,370  

 

Unbilled receivables consists of earned revenue on behalf of customers that have not yet been billed. Customer advances and unearned income represents advance payments by customers for future services under contract that are generally incurred in the near term. Unearned event income represents payments by customers for upcoming events.

 

For customer advances and unearned income as of January 1, 2018, $288,000 and approximately $1.7 million was recognized as revenue during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. For unearned event income as of January 1, 2018, approximately $4.1 million was recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, as the event took place during the second quarter of 2018. 

 

Practical expedients and exemptions

 

We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less or (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.

 

  (e) Launch Support

 

TV One has entered into certain affiliate agreements requiring various payments by TV One for launch support. Launch support assets are used to initiate carriage under affiliation agreements and are amortized over the term of the respective contracts. Amortization is recorded as a reduction to revenue. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, TV One did not pay any launch support for carriage initiation. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, TV One paid approximately $1.8 million for carriage initiation. The weighted-average amortization period for launch support is approximately 9.6 years as of June 30, 2018, and 9.5 years as of December 31, 2017. The remaining weighted-average amortization period for launch support is 6.6 years and 7.1 years as of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, launch support asset amortization of $106,000 and $211,000, respectively, was recorded as a reduction to revenue. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, launch support asset amortization of $165,000 and $216,000, respectively, was recorded as a reduction to revenue. Launch assets are included in other intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

  (f) Barter Transactions

 

For barter transactions, the Company provides advertising time in exchange for programming content and certain services. The Company includes the value of such exchanges in both broadcasting net revenue and station operating expenses. The valuation of barter time is based upon the fair value of the network advertising time provided for the programming content and services received. For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, barter transaction revenues were $711,000 and $503,000, respectively. Additionally, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, barter transaction costs were reflected in programming and technical expenses of $670,000 and $462,000, respectively, and selling, general and administrative expenses of $41,000 and $41,000, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, barter transaction revenues were approximately $1.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Additionally, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, barter transaction costs were reflected in programming and technical expenses of $1.4 million and $923,000, respectively, and selling, general and administrative expenses of $81,000 and $81,000, respectively. The Company reached an agreement with a cable television provider related to an adjustment of previously estimated affiliate fees in the amount of approximately $1.7 million and $2.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, as final reporting became available. As settlement of this agreement, the Company will receive approximately $2.0 million in marketing services that will be utilized in future periods.

 

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  (g) Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock (Classes A, B, C and D) outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method.  The Company’s potentially dilutive securities include stock options and unvested restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a net loss, as the inclusion of the potentially dilutive common shares would have an anti-dilutive effect.

 

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in thousands, except share and per share data):

  

   

Three Months Ended

June 30,

   

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In Thousands)  
Numerator:                                
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders   $ 23,590     $ 802     $ 1,035     $ (1,511 )
Denominator:                                
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted average outstanding shares     46,033,402       47,816,723       46,321,633       47,890,618  
Effect of dilutive securities:                                
Stock options and restricted stock     2,405,291       420,390       2,456,165        
Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares     48,438,693       48,237,113       48,777,798       47,890,618  
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share – basic   $ 0.51     $ 0.02     $ 0.02     $ (0.03 )
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share –diluted   $ 0.49     $ 0.02     $ 0.02     $ (0.03 )

 

All stock options and restricted stock awards were excluded from the diluted calculation for the six months ended June 30, 2017, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  The following table summarizes the potential common shares excluded from the diluted calculation.

 

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
   2017 
   (Unaudited) 
   (In thousands) 
     
Stock options   3,600 
Restricted stock awards   439 

 

(h)Fair Value Measurements

 

We report our financial and non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis under the provisions of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

 

The fair value framework requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

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Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that can be accessed at the measurement date.

 

Level 2: Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1 (i.e., quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets).

 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value instrument.

 

As of June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively, the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized as follows:

  

    Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
As of June 30, 2018                                
Liabilities subject to fair value measurement:                                
Contingent consideration (a)   $ 2,524                 $ 2,524  
Employment agreement award (b)     35,164                   35,164  
Total   $ 37,688     $     $     $ 37,688  
                                 
Mezzanine equity subject to fair value measurement:                                
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (c)   $ 10,940     $     $     $ 10,940  
                                 
As of December 31, 2017                                
Liabilities subject to fair value measurement:                                
Contingent consideration (a)   $ 1,580                 $ 1,580  
Employment agreement award (b)     32,323                   32,323  
Total   $ 33,903     $     $     $ 33,903  
                                 
Mezzanine equity subject to fair value measurement:                                
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (c)   $ 10,780     $     $     $ 10,780  

 

(a)  This balance is measured based on the income approach to valuation in the form of a Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo simulation method is suited to instances such as this where there is non-diversifiable risk. It is also well-suited to multi-year, path dependent scenarios. Significant inputs to the Monte Carlo method include forecasted net revenues, discount rate and expected volatility. A third-party valuation firm assisted the Company in estimating the contingent consideration.

 

(b)  Pursuant to an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) executed in April 2008, the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) became eligible to receive an award (the “Employment Agreement Award”) amount equal to approximately 4% of any proceeds from distributions or other liquidity events in excess of the return of the Company’s aggregate investment in TV One. The Company reviews the factors underlying this award at the end of each quarter including the valuation of TV One (based on the estimated enterprise fair value of TV One as determined by a discounted cash flow analysis), and an assessment of the probability that the Employment Agreement will be renewed and contain this provision. There are probability factors included in the calculation of the award related to the likelihood that the award will be realized. The Company’s obligation to pay the award was triggered after the Company’s recovery of the aggregate amount of certain pre-April 2015 capital contributions in TV One, and payment is required only upon actual receipt of distributions of cash or marketable securities or proceeds from a liquidity event with respect to such invested amount. The CEO was fully vested in the award upon execution of the Employment Agreement, and the award lapses if the CEO voluntarily leaves the Company or is terminated for cause. A third-party valuation firm assisted the Company in estimating TV One’s fair value using a discounted cash flow analysis. Significant inputs to the discounted cash flow analysis include forecasted operating results, discount rate and a terminal value. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved terms for a new employment agreement with the CEO, including a renewal of the Employment Agreement Award upon similar terms as in the prior Employment Agreement. While a new employment agreement has not been executed as of the date of this report, the CEO is being compensated according to the new terms approved by the Compensation Committee.

 

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(c)  The redeemable noncontrolling interest in Reach Media is measured at fair value using a discounted cash flow methodology. A third-party valuation firm assisted the Company in estimating the fair value. Significant inputs to the discounted cash flow analysis include forecasted operating results, discount rate and a terminal value.

 

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3 during the six months ended June 30, 2018. The following table presents the changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

   

Contingent

Consideration

   

Employment

Agreement

Award

   

Redeemable

Noncontrolling

Interests

 
      (In thousands)  
                   
Balance at December 31, 2017   $ 1,580     $ 32,323     $ 10,780  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests                 339  
Distribution     (506 )            
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests                 (801 )
Change in fair value     1,450       2,841       622  
Balance at June 30, 2018   $ 2,524     $ 35,164     $ 10,940  
                         
The amount of total losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date   $ (1,450 )   $ (2,841 )   $  

 

Losses included in earnings were recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as corporate selling, general and administrative expenses for the employment agreement award for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. Losses included in earnings were recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as selling, general and administrative expenses for contingent consideration for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. 

 

      Significant 

As of

June 30,

2018

  

As of

December 31,

2017

 
Level 3 liabilities  Valuation Technique 

Unobservable

Inputs

 

Significant Unobservable

Input Value

 
               
Contingent consideration  Monte Carlo Simulation  Expected volatility   38.0%   36.9%
Contingent consideration  Monte Carlo Simulation  Discount Rate   16.0%   16.0%
Employment agreement award  Discounted Cash Flow  Discount Rate   11.0%   11.0%
Employment agreement award  Discounted Cash Flow  Long-term Growth Rate   2.5%   2.5%
Redeemable noncontrolling interest  Discounted Cash Flow  Discount Rate   10.5%   10.5%
Redeemable noncontrolling interest  Discounted Cash Flow  Long-term Growth Rate   1.0%   1.0%

 

Any significant increases or decreases in discount rate or long-term growth rate inputs could result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements.

 

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in ASC 820.  These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances.  Included in this category are goodwill, radio broadcasting licenses and other intangible assets, net, that are written down to fair value when they are determined to be impaired, as well as content assets that are periodically written down to net realizable value. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $2.7 million related to its Charlotte market goodwill and a charge of approximately $3.8 million associated with our Detroit market radio broadcasting licenses. The Company concluded these assets were not impaired during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and during the six months ended June 30, 2017, and, therefore, were reported at carrying value.

 

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  (i) Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition” and most industry-specific guidance throughout the codification. The standard requires that an entity recognize 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. On July 9, 2015, the FASB voted and approved a deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. As a result, ASU 2014-09 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The FASB issued several amendments subsequently that clarified several aspects of the new revenue standard, but did not modify its core principle. The Company has completed its evaluation of the impact from adopting the new standard on its financial reporting and disclosures, and adopted the amended accounting guidance as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. As part of this process, the Company has completed the following steps: (1) reviewed and assessed its business operations and identified its major revenue streams, which are comprised of radio spot advertising revenue, cable television spot advertising revenue, cable television affiliate revenue, event revenue and digital advertising; (2) reviewed the related contractual terms for each of these significant revenue streams; and (3) developed an implementation plan to ascertain the required revenue recognition changes applicable to this new standard. The performance obligations associated with its spot and digital advertising streams are the obligation to air or deliver the spots; for cable television affiliate revenue, the performance obligation is the granting of a license to the affiliate to access the Company’s television programming content through the license period, for which the Company earns a usage based royalty when the usage occurs. For event advertising, the performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time when the activity associated with the event is completed. The changes necessitated include updating the Company’s accounting policies, determining the impact on financial reporting and disclosure and documenting the impact to internal financial and operation processes and related control environment. Based on its assessment, the Company has concluded that there will not be a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, but disclosures related to revenue recognition have been expanded.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”), which is a new lease standard that amends lease accounting. ASU 2016-02 will require lessees to recognize a lease asset and lease liability for leases classified as operating leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We will adopt ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019. While the Company is not yet in a position to disclose the full impact of the application of the new standard, we expect that there will be an impact of recording the lease liabilities and the corresponding right-to-use assets on our total assets and liabilities.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 is intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (A Consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 is intended to reduce differences in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the new standard during the first quarter of 2018 and its adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 is intended to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. This standard will be effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company adopted the new standard during the first quarter of 2018 and its adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

  (j) Redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests are interests in subsidiaries that are redeemable outside of the Company’s control either for cash or other assets. These interests are classified as mezzanine equity and measured at the greater of estimated redemption value at the end of each reporting period or the historical cost basis of the noncontrolling interests adjusted for cumulative earnings allocations.  The resulting increases or decreases in the estimated redemption amount are affected by corresponding charges against retained earnings, or in the absence of retained earnings, additional paid-in-capital.

 

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  (k) Investments – Cost Method

 

On April 10, 2015, the Company made a $5 million investment and invested in MGM’s world-class casino property, MGM National Harbor, located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, which has a predominately African-American demographic profile. On November 30, 2016, the Company contributed an additional $35 million to complete its investment. This investment further diversified our platform in the entertainment industry while still focusing on our core demographic. We accounted for this investment on a cost basis. Our MGM National Harbor investment entitles us to an annual cash distribution based on net gaming revenue. Our MGM investment is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets and its income in the amount of approximately $1.8 million and $1.5 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and approximately $3.4 million and $3.0 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, is recorded in other income on the consolidated statements of operations. The cost method investment is subject to a periodic impairment review in the normal course. The Company reviewed the investment and concluded that no impairment to the carrying value was required.

 

  (l) Content Assets

 

TV One has entered into contracts to acquire entertainment programming rights and programs from distributors and producers. The license periods granted in these contracts generally run from one year to ten years. Contract payments are made in installments over terms that are generally shorter than the contract period. Each contract is recorded as an asset and a liability at an amount equal to its gross contractual commitment when the license period begins and the program is available for its first airing. Acquired content is generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the license which reflects the estimated usage. For certain content for which the pattern of usage is accelerated, amortization is based upon the actual usage. Amortization of content assets is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as programming and technical expenses.

 

The Company also has programming for which the Company has engaged third parties to develop and produce, and it owns most or all rights (commissioned programming). In accordance with ASC 926, content amortization expense for each period is recognized based on the revenue forecast model, which approximates the proportion that estimated advertising and affiliate revenues for the current period represent in relation to the estimated remaining total lifetime revenues as of the beginning of the current period.  Management regularly reviews, and revises when necessary, its total revenue estimates, which may result in a change in the rate of amortization and/or a write-down of the asset to fair value.

 

Acquired program rights are recorded at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. Estimated net realizable values are based on the estimated revenues associated with the program materials and related expenses. The Company did not record any additional amortization expense as a result of evaluating its contracts for recoverability for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. All produced and licensed content is classified as a long-term asset, except for the portion of the unamortized content balance that is expected to be amortized within one year which is classified as a current asset.

 

Tax incentives that state and local governments offer that are directly measured based on production activities are recorded as reductions in production costs.

 

  (m) Derivatives

 

The Company recognizes all derivatives at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.

 

The Company accounts for the Employment Agreement Award as a derivative instrument in accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The Company estimated the fair value of the award at June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, to be approximately $35.2 million and $32.3 million, respectively, and accordingly adjusted its liability to this amount. The long-term portion is recorded in other long-term liabilities and the current portion is recorded in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The expense associated with the Employment Agreement Award was recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as corporate selling, general and administrative expenses and was approximately $1.6 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively, and was approximately $2.8 million and $2.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

 

The Company’s obligation to pay the Employment Agreement Award was triggered after the Company’s recovery of the aggregate amount of its capital contribution in TV One and only upon actual receipt of distributions of cash or marketable securities or proceeds from a liquidity event with respect to the Company’s aggregate investment in TV One. The CEO was fully vested in the award upon execution of the employment agreement, and the award lapses if the CEO voluntarily leaves the Company, or is terminated for cause. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company has approved terms for a new employment agreement with the CEO, including a renewal of the Employment Agreement Award upon similar terms as in the prior employment agreement. While a new employment agreement has not been executed as of the date of this report, the CEO is being compensated according to the new terms approved by the Compensation Committee.

 

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  (n) Related Party Transactions

 

Reach Media operates the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage (the “Fantastic Voyage”), a fund raising event for the Tom Joyner Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”), a 501(c)(3) entity. The terms of the agreement are that Reach Media provides all necessary operations for the Fantastic Voyage, that the Foundation reimburse Reach Media for all related expenses, and that the Foundation pay a fee plus a performance bonus to Reach Media. The fee is up to the first $1.0 million after the Fantastic Voyage nets $250,000 to the Foundation. The balance of any operating income is earned by the Foundation less a performance bonus of 50% to Reach Media of any excess over $1.25 million. Reach Media’s earnings for the Fantastic Voyage may not exceed $1.7 million. The Foundation’s remittances to Reach Media under the agreement are limited to its Fantastic Voyage-related cash revenues. Reach Media bears the risk should the Fantastic Voyage sustain a loss and bears all credit risk associated with the related customer cabin sales. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Foundation owed Reach Media approximately $1.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, under the agreement for operations on the cruises.

 

Reach Media provides office facilities (including office space, telecommunications facilities, and office equipment) to the Foundation, and to Tom Joyner, LTD. (“Limited”), Tom Joyner’s production company. Such services are provided to the Foundation and to Limited on a pass-through basis at cost. Additionally, from time to time, the Foundation and Limited reimburse Reach Media for expenditures paid on their behalf at Reach Media related events. Under these arrangements, as of June 30, 2018, the Foundation and Limited owed $23,000 and $2,000 to Reach Media, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the Foundation and Limited owed $26,000 and $4,000 to Reach Media, respectively.

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, Reach Media’s revenues, expenses, and operating income for the Fantastic Voyage were approximately $9.4 million, $7.9 million, and $1.5 million, respectively, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, approximately $9.4 million, $7.7 million, and $1.7 million, respectively. The Fantastic Voyage took place during the second quarters of both 2018 and 2017.

 

On October 2, 2017, Karen Wishart began employment with the Company as an Executive Vice President. Ms. Wishart has taken the place of Linda Vilardo as Chief Administrative Officer effective after Ms. Vilardo's last day of employment, which was December 31, 2017. Effective January 1, 2018, Ms. Wishart became a named executive officer of the Company for reporting purposes. Ms. Wishart is employed as an Executive Vice President and, effective January 1, 2018, as Chief Administrative Officer of the Company and as a Vice President of each of the Company's subsidiaries. Ms. Wishart owns a controlling interest in a temporary staffing and recruiting services firm. For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company paid the staffing and recruiting services firm $3,000 and $131,000, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company paid the staffing and recruiting services firm $25,000 and $216,000, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company paid the staffing and recruiting services firm $425,000. Subsequent to Ms. Wishart’s hiring on October 2, 2017, on a limited basis, the staffing firm can continue to provide new staffing and/or recruiting services to the Company. However, the staffing firm will only be reimbursed for direct expenses incurred.

 

2.ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS:

 

On October 20, 2011, we entered into a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) with WGPR, Inc. (“WGPR”). Pursuant to the TBA, beginning October 24, 2011, we began to broadcast programs produced, owned or acquired by the Company on WGPR’s Detroit radio station, WGPR-FM. We pay a monthly fee as well as certain operating costs of WGPR-FM, and in exchange we retain all revenues from the sale of the advertising within the programming we provide. The original term of the TBA was through December 31, 2014; however, in September 2014, we entered into an amendment to the TBA to extend the term of the TBA through December 31, 2019. Under the terms of the TBA, WGPR has also granted us certain rights of first negotiation and first refusal with respect to the sale of WGPR-FM by WGPR and with respect to any potential time brokerage agreement for WGPR-FM covering any time period subsequent to the term of the TBA.

 

On January 30, 2017, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell certain land, towers and equipment to a third party for $25 million. On May 2, 2017, the Company closed on its previously announced sale, and is leasing certain of the assets back from the buyer as a part of its normal operations. The Company received proceeds of approximately $25.0 million, resulting in an overall net gain on sale of approximately $22.5 million, of which approximately $14.4 million was recognized immediately during the second quarter of 2017, and approximately $8.1 million which was deferred and will be recognized into income over the lease term of ten years.

 

On April 20, 2017, the Company announced it had entered into an agreement for the acquisition of Red Zebra Broadcasting’s WWXT-FM and WXGI-AM stations. With this acquisition, the Company expanded its Washington, DC market presence and diversified its Richmond market presence. DC’s WMMJ MAJIC 102.3 FM programming is simulcast on WWXT 92.7 FM which is expected to grow its listenership.  In Richmond, the Company diversified its all-music cluster and maintained the sports radio format of WXGI 950 AM and simulcast the new Richmond ESPN Radio on 1240 AM and 102.7 FM.  Local marketing agreements for both stations were effective as of May 1, 2017 until the Company completed the acquisition of the stations on June 23, 2017, and total consideration paid was approximately $2.0 million. The Company’s purchase accounting to reflect the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed consisted of approximately $1.6 million to radio broadcasting licenses, $47,000 to goodwill, $206,000 to property and equipment and $114,000 to other intangible assets.

 

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On April 28, 2017, the Company acquired certain assets constituting the websites and brands Bossip, HipHopWired and MadameNoire from Moguldom Media Group, LLC. The assets were integrated into the Company’s digital segment. The consideration for the assets was a $5 million payment at closing, with further potential earn-out payments of up to $5 million over the next 4 years contingent upon performance. Total cash consideration paid at closing was approximately $5.0 million. The Company’s purchase accounting to reflect the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed consisted of $22,000 to property and equipment, approximately $1.2 million to brand and trade names, $4.6 million to goodwill, $1.4 million to customer relationships and $322,000 to other intangible assets, offset by estimated contingent consideration of approximately $2.2 million and other liabilities of $263,000.

 

On August 3, 2017, the Company sold the assets of its Detroit WCHB-AM station for $2.0 million and recognized an immaterial loss on the sale of the station during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

On May 1, 2018, the Company announced it signed a definitive agreement to sell the assets of one of its Detroit, Michigan, radio stations, WPZR-FM (102.7 FM), to Educational Media Foundation, of California, for total consideration of approximately $12.7 million. As part of the deal, the Company will receive 3 FM translators that service the Detroit metropolitan area, and these signals will be combined with its existing FM translator to multicast the Detroit Praise Network. The closing on the sale of WPZR-FM is subject to customary conditions, prorations and adjustments, including approval from the FCC. (See Note 9 – Subsequent Events.) The identified assets, with a combined carrying value of approximately $12.7 million, have been classified as held for sale and included in long-term other assets in the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2018.

 

On May 21, 2018, the Company announced it signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of the radio station The Team 980 (WTEM 980 AM) from Red Zebra Broadcasting for total consideration of approximately $4.2 million. In addition, the Company has also entered into an agreement with the Washington Redskins to ensure that all Redskins games, as well as pregame and postgame programming, will remain on The Team 980. The closing on the acquisition is subject to customary conditions, prorations and adjustments, including approval from the FCC.  (See Note 9 – Subsequent Events.)

 

3.GOODWILL AND RADIO BROADCASTING LICENSES:

 

Impairment Testing

 

In accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other,” we do not amortize our indefinite-lived radio broadcasting licenses and goodwill. Instead, we perform a test for impairment annually across all reporting units, or on an interim basis when events or changes in circumstances or other conditions suggest impairment may have occurred in any given reporting unit. Other intangible assets continue to be amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. We perform our annual impairment test as of October 1 of each year. We evaluate all events and circumstances on an interim basis to determine if an interim indicator is present.

 

Valuation of Broadcasting Licenses

 

During the second quarters of 2018 and 2017, the total market revenue growth for certain markets in which we operate was below that used in our annual impairment testing. We deemed that to be an impairment indicator that warranted interim impairment testing of certain markets’ radio broadcasting licenses, which we performed as of June 30, 2017 and 2018. There was no impairment identified as part of the testing performed during the quarter ended June 30, 2018. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $3.8 million associated with our Detroit market radio broadcasting licenses. During the quarter ended June 30, 2017, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $12.8 million related to our Houston radio broadcasting licenses. Below are some of the key assumptions used in the income approach model for estimating broadcasting licenses fair values for the interim impairment assessments for the quarters ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Radio Broadcasting   June 30,     June 30,  
Licenses   2018 (a)     2017 (a)  
             
Pre-tax impairment charge (in millions)   $     $ 12.8  
                 
Discount Rate     9.0 %     9.0 %
Year 1 Market Revenue Growth Rate Range     0.5 %     1.0% – 2.0 %
Long-term Market Revenue Growth Rate Range (Years 6 – 10)     0.5% – 1.5 %     0.5% – 1.5 %
Mature Market Share Range     6.8% – 15.3 %     6.9% – 15.3 %
Operating Profit Margin Range     30.1% – 35.1 %     31.6% – 47.0 %

 

(a)Reflects changes only to the key assumptions used in the interim testing for certain units of accounting.

 

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Valuation of Goodwill

 

During the second quarters of 2018 and 2017, we identified an impairment indicator at certain of our radio markets, and, as such, we performed an interim analysis for certain radio market goodwill as of June 30, 2018 and 2017. No goodwill impairment was identified during the three months ended June 30, 2018 or during the six months ended June 30, 2017. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $2.7 million to reduce the carrying value of our Charlotte goodwill balance. Below are some of the key assumptions used in the income approach model for estimating reporting unit fair values for the interim impairment assessments for the quarters ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

Goodwill (Radio Market   June 30,     June 30,  
Reporting Units)   2018 (a)     2017 (a)  
               
Pre-tax impairment charge (in millions)   $     $  
                 
Discount Rate     9.0 %     9.0 %
Year 1 Market Revenue Growth Rate Range     (8.6)% – 19.5 %     (5.6)% – 9.2 %
Long-term Market Revenue Growth Rate Range (Years 6 – 10)     0.5% – 1.0 %     1.0% – 1.5 %
Mature Market Share Range     7.6% – 14.9 %     9.1% – 10.4 %
Operating Profit Margin Range     23.7% – 31.8 %     33.2% – 53.2 %

 

(a)Reflects changes only to the key assumptions used in the interim testing for certain units of accounting.

 

During the second quarter of 2017, the Company performed interim impairment testing on the valuation of goodwill associated with Reach Media. Reach Media’s net revenues and cash flows declined and internal projections were revised downward, which we deemed to be an impairment indicator. The Company reduced its operating cash flow projections and assumptions based on Reach Media’s actual results which did not meet budget. Below are some of the key assumptions used in the income approach model for estimating the fair value for Reach Media for the interim assessment at June 30, 2017. As a result of our interim assessment, the Company concluded no impairment for the Reach Media goodwill value had occurred. 

 

    June 30,  
Reach Media Segment Goodwill   2017  
         
Pre-tax impairment charge (in millions)   $  
         
Discount Rate     10.5 %
Year 1 Revenue Growth Rate     (8.4 )%
Long-term Revenue Growth Rate     1.0 %
Operating Profit Margin Range     13.5% – 16.5 %

 

We did not identify any impairment indicators for the three months ended June 30, 2018 or 2017 at any of our other reportable segments, except as described above.

 

Goodwill Valuation Results

 

The table below presents the changes in the Company’s goodwill carrying values for its four reportable segments.

 

  

Radio

Broadcasting

Segment

  

Reach

Media

Segment

  

Digital

Segment

  

Cable

Television

Segment

   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Gross goodwill  $154,910   $30,468   $27,567   $165,044   $377,989 
Additions                    
Impairments   (2,712)               (2,712)
Accumulated impairment losses   (84,436)   (16,114)   (14,545)       (115,095)
Net goodwill at June 30, 2018  $67,762   $14,354   $13,022   $165,044   $260,182 

 

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4.LONG-TERM DEBT:

 

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

   June 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
   (Unaudited)     
   (In thousands) 
         
2017 Credit Facility  $345,625   $347,375 
9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due February 2020   250,000    275,000 
7.375% Senior Secured Notes due April 2022   350,000    350,000 
Comcast Note due April 2019   11,872    11,872 
Total debt   957,497    984,247 
Less: current portion of long-term debt   15,372    3,500 
Less: original issue discount and issuance costs   12,127    13,581 
Long-term debt, net  $929,998   $967,166 

 

2017 Credit Facilities

 

On April 18, 2017, the Company closed on a senior secured credit facility (the “2017 Credit Facility”). The 2017 Credit Facility is governed by a credit agreement by and among the Company, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Guggenheim Securities Credit Partners, LLC, as administrative agent, The Bank of New York Mellon, as collateral agent, and Guggenheim Securities, LLC as sole lead arranger and sole book running manager. The 2017 Credit Facility provides for $350 million in term loan borrowings, all of which was advanced and outstanding on the date of the closing of the transaction.

 

The 2017 Credit Facility matures on the earlier of (i) April 18, 2023, or (ii) in the event such debt is not repaid or refinanced, 91 days prior to the maturity of either of the Company’s 2022 Notes or the Company’s 2020 Notes. At the Company’s election, the interest rate on borrowings under the 2017 Credit Facility are based on either (i) the then applicable base rate (as defined in the 2017 Credit Facility) as, for any day, a rate per annum (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next 1/100th of 1%) equal to the greater of (a) the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal, (b) 1/2 of 1% in excess rate of the overnight Federal Funds Rate at any given time, (c) the one-month LIBOR rate commencing on such day plus 1.00%) and (d) 2%, or (ii) the then applicable LIBOR rate (as defined in the 2017 Credit Facility). The average interest rate was approximately 5.82% for 2018 and was 5.31% for 2017.

 

The 2017 Credit Facility is (i) guaranteed by each entity that guarantees the Company’s 2022 Notes on a pari passu basis with the guarantees of the Notes and (ii) secured on a pari passu basis with the Company’s 2022 Notes. The Company’s obligations under the 2017 Credit Facility are secured, subject to permitted liens and except for certain excluded assets (i) on a first priority basis by certain notes priority collateral, and (ii) on a second priority basis by collateral for the Company’s asset-backed line of credit.

 

In addition to any mandatory or optional prepayments, the Company is required to pay interest on the term loans (i) quarterly in arrears for the base rate loans, and (ii) on the last day of each interest period for LIBOR loans. Certain voluntary prepayments of the term loans during the first six months will require an additional prepayment premium. Beginning with the interest payment date occurring in June 2017 and ending in March 2023, the Company will be required to repay principal, to the extent then outstanding, equal to 1∕4 of 1% of the aggregate initial principal amount of all term loans incurred on the effective date of the 2017 Credit Facility.

 

The 2017 Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties and events of default, affirmative and negative covenants (in each case, subject to materiality exceptions and qualifications) which may be more restrictive than those governing the Notes. The 2017 Credit Facility also contains certain financial covenants, including a maintenance covenant requiring the Company’s interest expense coverage ratio (defined as the ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense) to be greater than or equal to 1.25 to 1.00 and its total senior secured leverage ratio (defined as the ratio of consolidated net senior secured indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA) to be less than or equal to 5.85 to 1.00.

 

The net proceeds from the 2017 Credit Facility were used to prepay in full the Company’s previous senior secured credit facility and the agreement governing such credit facility (the “2015 Credit Facility”) was terminated on April 18, 2017. The Company recorded a loss on retirement of debt of approximately $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This amount included a write-off of previously capitalized debt financing costs and original issue discount associated with the 2015 Credit Facility, and costs associated with the financing transactions.

 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company repaid $875,000 and approximately $1.8 million, respectively, under the 2017 Credit Facility. During the three months ended June 30, 2017, the Company repaid $875,000 under the 2017 Credit Facility.

 

The 2017 Credit Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants that the Company is required to comply with, including:

 

(a)   maintaining an interest coverage ratio of no less than:

§1.25 to 1.00 on June 30, 2017 and the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter.

 

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(b)   maintaining a senior leverage ratio of no greater than:

§5.85 to 1.00 on June 30, 2017 and the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter.

 

(c)   limitations on: 

§liens;

§sale of assets;

§payment of dividends; and

§mergers.

 

As of June 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the 2017 Credit Facility.

 

As of June 30, 2018, the Company had outstanding approximately $345.6 million on its 2017 Credit Facility. The original issue discount is being reflected as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the debt obligations and amortized to interest expense over the term of the credit facility using the effective interest rate method. The amortization of deferred financing costs was charged to interest expense for all periods presented. The amount of deferred financing costs included in interest expense for all instruments, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, was approximately $718,000 and $816,000, respectively. The amount of deferred financing costs included in interest expense for all instruments, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, was approximately $1.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

 

2022 Notes and 2015 Credit Facilities

 

On April 17, 2015, the Company closed a private offering of $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior secured notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”). The 2022 Notes were offered at an original issue price of 100.0% plus accrued interest from April 17, 2015, and will mature on April 15, 2022. Interest on the 2022 Notes accrues at the rate of 7.375% per annum and is payable semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15, which commenced on October 15, 2015. The 2022 Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by the Company’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries, including TV One.

 

Prior to its repayment with the 2017 Credit Facility, concurrently with the closing of the 2020 Notes, the Company had entered into the 2015 Credit Facility. The 2015 Credit Facility was scheduled to mature on December 31, 2018. At the Company’s election, the interest rate on borrowings under the 2015 Credit Facility was based on either (i) the then applicable base rate plus 3.5% (as defined in the 2015 Credit Facility) as, for any day, a rate per annum (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next 1/100th of 1%) equal to the greater of (a) the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal, (b) a rate of 1/2 of 1% in excess rate of the overnight Federal Funds Rate at any given time, and (c) the one-month LIBOR commencing on such day plus 1.00%), or (ii) the then applicable LIBOR rate plus 4.5% (as defined in the 2015 Credit Facility). The average interest rate was approximately 5.32% for 2017 and 5.13% for 2016. Quarterly installments of 0.25%, or $875,000, of the principal balance on the term were are payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December beginning on September 30, 2015. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company repaid $875,000 under the 2015 Credit Facility. The 2015 Credit Facility was terminated on April 18, 2017.

 

In connection with the closing of the 2022 Notes and the 2015 Credit Facility, the Company and the guarantor parties thereto entered into a Fourth Supplemental Indenture to the indenture governing the 2020 Notes (as defined below). Pursuant to this Fourth Supplemental Indenture, TV One, which previously did not guarantee the 2020 Notes, became a guarantor under the 2020 Notes indentures. In addition, the transactions caused a “Triggering Event” (as defined in the 2020 Notes Indenture) and, as a result, the 2020 Notes became an unsecured obligation of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors and rank equal in right of payment with the Company’s other senior indebtedness.

 

The Company used the net proceeds from the 2022 Notes, along with term loan borrowings under the 2015 Credit Facility, to refinance a previous credit agreement, refinance certain TV One indebtedness, and finance the buyout of membership interests of Comcast in TV One and pay the related accrued interest, premiums, fees and expenses associated therewith.

 

The 2022 Notes are the Company’s senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the Company’s and the guarantors’ existing and future senior indebtedness, including obligations under the 2017 Credit Facility and the Company’s 2020 Notes (defined below).  The 2022 Notes and related guarantees are equally and ratably secured by the same collateral securing the 2017 Credit Facility and any other parity lien debt issued after the issue date of the 2022 Notes, including any additional notes issued under the Indenture, but are effectively subordinated to the Company’s and the guarantors’ secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness that does not also secure the 2022 Notes. Collateral includes substantially all of the Company’s and the guarantors’ current and future property and assets for accounts receivable, cash, deposit accounts, other bank accounts, securities accounts, inventory and related assets including the capital stock of each subsidiary guarantor. Finally, the Company also has the Comcast Note (defined below) which is a general but senior unsecured obligation of the Company.

 

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On February 24, 2015, the Company entered into a letter of credit reimbursement and security agreement. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had letters of credit totaling $738,000 under the agreement for certain operating leases and certain insurance policies. Letters of credit issued under the agreement are required to be collateralized with cash.

 

Senior Subordinated Notes

 

On February 10, 2014, the Company closed a private placement offering of $335.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.25% senior subordinated notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”). The 2020 Notes were offered at an original issue price of 100.0% plus accrued interest from February 10, 2014. The 2020 Notes mature on February 15, 2020. Interest accrues at the rate of 9.25% per annum and is payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 in the amount of approximately $15.5 million, which commenced on August 15, 2014. Subsequent to the repurchase of portions of the 2020 Notes (as described below), the semiannual interest payment is approximately $11.6 million. The 2020 Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries and any other subsidiaries that guarantee the existing senior credit facility or any of the Company’s other syndicated bank indebtedness or capital markets securities. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering to repurchase or otherwise redeem all of the amounts then outstanding under its previous notes and to pay the related accrued interest, premiums, fees and expenses associated therewith. During the quarter ended June 30, 2018, the Company repurchased approximately $14.0 million of its 2020 Notes at an average price of approximately 95.125% of par. The Company recorded a net gain on retirement of debt of $626,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, the Company repurchased approximately $11 million of its 2020 Notes at an average price of approximately 97.375% of par. The Company recorded a net gain on retirement of debt of $239,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Company repurchased approximately $20 million of its 2020 Notes at an average price of approximately 93.625% of par. The Company recorded a net gain on retirement of debt of approximately $1.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2017. During the quarter ended September 30, 2017, the Company repurchased approximately $20 million of its 2020 Notes at an average price of approximately 96% of par. The Company recorded a net gain on retirement of debt of $690,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $250.0 million and $275.0 million, respectively, of our 2020 Notes outstanding.

 

The indenture that governs the 2020 Notes contains covenants that restrict, among other things, the ability of the Company to incur additional debt, purchase common stock, make capital expenditures, make investments or other restricted payments, swap or sell assets, engage in transactions with related parties, secure non-senior debt with assets, or merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of its assets.

 

The Company conducts a portion of its business through its subsidiaries. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Company’s 2022 Notes, 2020 Notes and the Company’s obligations under the 2017 Credit Facility.

 

Comcast Note

 

The Company also has outstanding a senior unsecured promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $11.9 million due to Comcast (“Comcast Note”). The Comcast Note bears interest at 10.47%, is payable quarterly in arrears, and the entire principal amount is due on April 17, 2019.

 

Asset-Backed Credit Facility

 

On April 21, 2016, the Company entered into a senior credit agreement governing an asset-backed credit facility (the “ABL Facility”) among the Company, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Wells Fargo Bank National Association, as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”). The ABL Facility provides for $25 million in revolving loan borrowings in order to provide for the working capital needs and general corporate requirements of the Company. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company did not have any borrowings outstanding on its ABL Facility.

 

At the Company’s election, the interest rate on borrowings under the ABL Facility are based on either (i) the then applicable margin relative to Base Rate Loans (as defined in the ABL Facility) or (ii) the then applicable margin relative to LIBOR Loans (as defined in the ABL Facility) corresponding to the average availability of the Company for the most recently completed fiscal quarter.

 

Advances under the ABL Facility are limited to (a) eighty-five percent (85%) of the amount of Eligible Accounts (as defined in the ABL Facility), less the amount, if any, of the Dilution Reserve (as defined in the ABL Facility), minus (b) the sum of (i) the Bank Product Reserve (as defined in the ABL Facility), plus (ii) the aggregate amount of all other reserves, if any, established by Administrative Agent.

 

All obligations under the ABL Facility are secured by first priority lien on all (i) deposit accounts (related to accounts receivable), (ii) accounts receivable, (iii) all other property which constitutes ABL Priority Collateral (as defined in the ABL Facility).  The obligations are also secured by all material subsidiaries of the Company.

 

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The ABL Facility matures on the earlier to occur of: (a) the date that is five (5) years from the effective date of the ABL Facility and (b) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the earlier to occur of (i) the "Term Loan Maturity Date" of the Company’s existing term loan, and (ii) the "Stated Maturity" of the Company’s existing notes.  As of the effective date of the ABL Facility, the "Term Loan Maturity Date" is December 31, 2018, and the "Stated Maturity" is April 15, 2022.

 

Finally, the ABL Facility is subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement (as defined in the ABL Facility) by and among the Administrative Agent, the administrative agent for the secured parties under the Company’s term loan and the trustee and collateral trustee under the senior secured notes indenture.

 

Future Minimum Principal Payments

 

Future scheduled minimum principal payments of debt as of June 30, 2018, are as follows:

 

  

Comcast Note

due April 2019

  

2017

Credit Facility

  

9.25% Senior

Subordinated

Notes due

February 2020

  

7.375% Senior

Secured Notes due

April 2022

   Total 
   (In thousands) 
July – December 2018  $   $1,750   $   $   $1,750 
2019   11,872    3,500            15,372 
2020       3,500    250,000        253,500 
2021       3,500            3,500 
2022       3,500        350,000    353,500 
2023 and thereafter       329,875            329,875 
Total Debt  $11,872   $345,625   $250,000   $350,000   $957,497 

 

The Company routinely monitors its long-term debt profile and upcoming debt maturities and may from time to time seek to opportunistically de-lever by retiring portions of its outstanding debt securities. This de-levering may take the form of debt repurchases or exchanges for other securities, in open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.  Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.  The amounts involved in any such transactions may vary and such transaction, individually or in the aggregate may be material.

 

5.INCOME TAXES:

 

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”). The 2017 Tax Act introduced significant changes to U.S. income tax law, most notably a reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act contains additional prospective changes beginning in 2018, which impose new limitations on the deductibility of executive compensation and interest expense.

 

The Company recognized the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act in the financial statements included in its 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which provides SEC staff guidance for the application of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, in the reporting period in which the 2017 Tax Act was signed into law. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company did not recognize any changes to the provisional amounts recorded in its 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K in connection with the 2017 Tax Act as the Company is continuing to collect the information necessary to complete those calculations. The accounting for the tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act will be completed later in 2018.

 

The Company uses the estimated annual effective tax rate method under ASC 740-270, “Interim Reporting” to calculate the provision for income taxes. The Company recorded a benefit from income taxes of approximately $2.7 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of approximately $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, which results in a tax rate of approximately 200.6%. This tax rate is based on an estimated annual effective rate of (95.0)% primarily attributable to the limitation of interest expense which results in a deferred tax benefit that is expected to be recognizable at the end of the year, and discrete tax benefits of approximately $4.0 million related to statutory rate changes and state conformity to the 2017 Tax Act.

 

As of June 30, 2018, the Company continues to maintain a valuation allowance on certain of its deferred tax assets primarily related to net operating losses generated before January 1, 2018. In accordance with ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, the Company continually assesses the adequacy of the valuation allowance by assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been realized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns, tax planning strategies, and future profitability. As of June 30, 2018, the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will be realized. As part of the assessment, the Company has not included the deferred tax liability related to indefinite-lived intangible assets as a source of future taxable income to support realization of these deferred tax assets, which have a finite carryforward period.

 

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The Company is subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the IRS and other domestic tax authorities. We believe that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. The Company does not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next twelve months.

 

6.STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

Stock Repurchase Program

 

From time to time, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized repurchases of shares of the Company’s Class A and Class D common stock. On May 5, 2018, the Company authorized repurchases of up to $5.0 million through December 31, 2018. Under open authorizations, repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Shares are retired when repurchased. The timing and extent of any repurchases will depend upon prevailing market conditions, the trading price of the Company’s Class A and/or Class D common stock and other factors, and subject to restrictions under applicable law. When in effect, the Company executes upon stock repurchase programs in a manner consistent with market conditions and the interests of the stockholders, including maximizing stockholder value. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company repurchased 232 shares of Class A common stock at an average price of $2.26 per share and repurchased 760,113 shares of Class D common stock in the amount of approximately $1.6 million at an average price of $2.13 per share.  During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company repurchased 232 shares of Class A common stock at an average price of $2.26 per share and repurchased 1,760,568 shares of Class D common stock in the amount of approximately $3.5 million at an average price of $2.01 per share. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company did not repurchase any Class A common stock and repurchased 1,054,290 shares of Class D common stock in the amount of approximately $2.1 million at an average price of $1.99 per share.

 

In addition, the Company has limited but ongoing authority to purchase shares of Class D common stock (in one or more transactions at any time there remain outstanding grants) under the Company’s 2009 Stock Plan (as defined below) to satisfy any employee or other recipient tax obligations in connection with the exercise of an option or a share grant under the 2009 Stock Plan, to the extent that the Company has capacity under its financing agreements (i.e., its current credit facilities and indentures) (each a “Stock Vest Tax Repurchase”). During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 10,646 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of $22,000 at an average price of $2.02 per share. During the three months ended June 30, 2017, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 7,699 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of $23,000 at an average price of $3.00 per share. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 578,437 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of approximately $1.0 million at an average price of $1.80 per share. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 317,103 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of $919,000 at an average price of $2.90 per share.

 

Stock Option and Restricted Stock Grant Plan

 

Our stock option and restricted stock plan currently in effect was originally approved by the stockholders at the Company’s annual meeting on December 16, 2009 (“the 2009 Stock Plan”).  The Company had the authority to issue up to 8,250,000 shares of Class D Common Stock under the 2009 Stock Plan.  Since its original approval, from time to time, the Board of Directors adopted and, as required, our stockholders approved certain amendments to and restatement of the 2009 Stock Plan (the “Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan”). The amendments under the Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan primarily affected (i) the number of shares with respect to which options and restricted stock grants may be granted under the 2009 Stock Plan and (ii) the maximum number of shares that can be awarded to any individual in any one calendar year.  Most recently, on April 13, 2015, the Board of Directors adopted, and our stockholders approved on June 2, 2015, an amendment that replenished the authorized plan shares, increasing the number of shares of Class D common stock available for grant back up to 8,250,000 shares.  As of June 30, 2018, 2,796,196 shares of Class D common stock were available for grant under the Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan.

 

On October 26, 2015, the Compensation Committee (“Compensation Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company awarded David Kantor, Chief Executive Officer, Radio Division, 100,000 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 300,000 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective November 5, 2015, and will vest in approximately equal 1/3 tranches on each of November 5, 2016, November 5, 2017, and November 5, 2018.

 

On August 7, 2017, the Compensation Committee awarded Catherine Hughes, Chairperson, 449,630 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 199,836 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective August 7, 2017, and vested on January 5, 2018.

 

 24 

 

 

On August 7, 2017, the Compensation Committee awarded Catherine Hughes, Chairperson, 474,609 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 210,937 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective January 5, 2018, and vest on January 5, 2019.

 

On August 7, 2017, the Compensation Committee awarded Alfred Liggins, Chief Executive Officer and President, 749,383 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 333,059 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective August 7, 2017, and vested on January 5, 2018.

 

On August 7, 2017, the Compensation Committee awarded Alfred Liggins, Chief Executive Officer and President, 791,015 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 351,562 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective January 5, 2018, and vest on January 5, 2019.

 

On August 7, 2017, the Compensation Committee awarded Peter Thompson, Chief Financial Officer, 256,579 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 114,035 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective August 7, 2017, and vested on January 5, 2018.

 

On August 7, 2017, the Compensation Committee awarded Peter Thompson, Chief Financial Officer, 270,833 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 120,370 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective January 5, 2018, and vest on January 5, 2019.

 

Also on August 7, 2017, the Compensation Committee awarded 575,262 shares of restricted stock and 470,000 stock options to certain employees pursuant to the Company’s long-term incentive plan. The grants were effective August 7, 2017. 470,000 shares of restricted stock and 470,000 stock options will vest in three installments, with the first installment of 33% vesting on January 5, 2018, and the second installment vesting on January 5, 2019, and the remaining installment vesting on January 5, 2020. 105,262 shares of restricted stock vested on August 7, 2017.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan, and subject to the Company’s insider trading policy, a portion of each recipient’s vested shares may be sold in the open market for tax purposes on or about the vesting dates.

 

Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, was approximately $1.1 million and $158,000, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, was approximately $2.5 million and $291,000, respectively.

 

The Company did not grant stock options during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and granted 732,869 stock options during the six months ended June 30, 2018. The Company did not grant stock options during the six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Transactions and other information relating to stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2018, are summarized below:

 

    Number of
Options
    Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
    Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term (In
Years)
    Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2017     4,804,000     $ 1.89       4.90     $ 795,000  
Grants     733,000     $ 1.81                  
Exercised     58,000     $ 1.41                  
Forfeited/cancelled/expired/settled     1,825,000      $ 1.41                  
Balance as of June 30, 2018     3,654,000     $ 2.11       7.73     $ 708,000  
Vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2018     3,529,000     $ 2.12       7.68     $ 681,000  
Unvested at June 30, 2018     1,206,000     $ 1.86       9.21     $ 295,000  
Exercisable at June 30, 2018     2,448,000     $ 2.24       7.00     $ 412,000  

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the difference between the Company’s stock closing price on the last day of trading during the six months ended June 30, 2018, and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares that would have been received by the holders of in-the-money options had all the option holders exercised their options on June 30, 2018. This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.

 

There were 58,190 options exercised during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. No options vested during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 717,902 options vested during the six months ended June 30, 2018. There were no options exercised and no options vested during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

 25 

 

 

As of June 30, 2018, $849,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of eight months. The weighted-average fair value per share of shares underlying stock options was $1.58 at June 30, 2018.

 

The Company granted 93,024 and 1,758,428 shares of restricted stock during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. The Company granted 93,024 shares of restricted stock during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. Each of the four non-executive directors received 23,256 shares of restricted stock or $50,000 worth of restricted stock based upon the closing price of the Company’s Class D common stock on June 15, 2018.

 

Transactions and other information relating to restricted stock grants for the six months ended June 30, 2018, are summarized below:

 

   Shares  

Average

Fair Value

at Grant

Date

 
Unvested at December 31, 2017   2,303,000   $1.94 
Grants   1,758,000   $1.83 
Vested   (1,769,000)  $1.92 
Forfeited/cancelled/expired      $ 
Unvested at June 30, 2018   2,292,000   $1.87 

 

Restricted stock grants were and are included in the Company’s outstanding share numbers on the effective date of grant. As of June 30, 2018, approximately $2.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock grants is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 8 months.

 

7.SEGMENT INFORMATION:

 

The Company has four reportable segments: (i) radio broadcasting; (ii) Reach Media; (iii) digital; and (iv) cable television. These segments operate in the United States and are consistently aligned with the Company’s management of its businesses and its financial reporting structure. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company changed its reportable segment disclosures. Along with the results of Interactive One, all digital components from our reportable segments are a part of a newly formed reportable segment called “Digital”. This new reportable segment better reflects the manner in which we manage our business and better reflects our operational structure.

 

The radio broadcasting segment consists of all broadcast results of operations. The Reach Media segment consists of the results of operations for the Tom Joyner Morning Show and related activities and operations of other syndicated shows. The digital segment includes the results of our online business, including the operations of Interactive One, as well as the digital components of our other reportable segments. The cable television segment consists of TV One’s results of operations. Corporate/Eliminations represents financial activity associated with our corporate staff and offices and intercompany activity among the four segments.

 

Operating loss or income represents total revenues less operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, and impairment of long-lived assets. Intercompany revenue earned and expenses charged between segments are recorded at estimated fair value and eliminated in consolidation.

 

The accounting policies described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies are applied consistently across the segments.

 

 26 

 

 

Detailed segment data for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, is presented in the following tables:

  

   

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 
    2018     2017  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
Net Revenue:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 46,452     $ 48,161  
Reach Media     16,380       17,528  
Digital     6,559       6,740  
Cable Television     46,828       45,369  
Corporate/Eliminations*     (1,013 )     (160 )
Consolidated   $ 115,206     $ 117,638  
                 
Operating Expenses (including stock-based compensation and excluding depreciation and amortization and impairment of long-lived assets):                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 28,975     $ 29,177  
Reach Media     14,458       15,860  
Digital     9,023       8,217  
Cable Television     22,610       24,118  
Corporate/Eliminations     7,079       6,970  
Consolidated   $ 82,145     $ 84,342  
                 
Depreciation and Amortization:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 848     $ 939  
Reach Media     63       52  
Digital     477       463  
Cable Television     6,556       6,568  
Corporate/Eliminations     304       410  
Consolidated   $ 8,248     $ 8,432  
                 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:                
Radio Broadcasting   $     $ 12,756  
Reach Media            
Digital            
Cable Television            
Corporate/Eliminations            
Consolidated   $     $ 12,756  
                 
Operating income (loss):                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 16,629     $ 5,289  
Reach Media     1,859       1,616  
Digital     (2,941 )     (1,940 )
Cable Television     17,662       14,683  
Corporate/Eliminations     (8,396 )     (7,540 )
Consolidated   $ 24,813     $ 12,108  
                 
* Intercompany revenue included in net revenue above is as follows:                
                 
Radio Broadcasting   $ (1,013 )   $ (160 )
                 
Capital expenditures by segment are as follows:                
                 
Radio Broadcasting   $ 152     $ 645  
Reach Media     12       22  
Digital     380       359  
Cable Television     57       107  
Corporate/Eliminations     563       1,156  
Consolidated   $ 1,164     $ 2,289  

 

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Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
    2018     2017  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
Net Revenue:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 85,965     $ 87,898  
Reach Media     22,899       25,191  
Digital     14,705       12,246  
Cable Television     93,014       93,924  
Corporate/Eliminations*     (1,756 )     (332 )
Consolidated   $ 214,827     $ 218,927  
                 
Operating Expenses (including stock-based compensation and excluding depreciation and amortization and impairment of long-lived assets):                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 56,216     $ 55,494  
Reach Media     20,959       23,774  
Digital     19,467       14,862  
Cable Television     49,276       53,305  
Corporate/Eliminations     13,689       13,431  
Consolidated   $ 159,607     $ 160,866  
                 
Depreciation and Amortization:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 1,718     $ 1,896  
Reach Media     126       106  
Digital     953       804  
Cable Television     13,113       13,129  
Corporate/Eliminations     626       809  
Consolidated   $ 16,536     $ 16,744  
                 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 6,556     $ 12,756  
Reach Media            
Digital            
Cable Television            
Corporate/Eliminations            
Consolidated   $ 6,556     $ 12,756  
                 
Operating income (loss):                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 21,475     $ 17,752  
Reach Media     1,814       1,311  
Digital     (5,715 )     (3,420 )
Cable Television     30,625       27,490  
Corporate/Eliminations     (16,071 )     (14,572 )
Consolidated   $ 32,128     $ 28,561  
                 
* Intercompany revenue included in net revenue above is as follows:                
                 
Radio Broadcasting   $ (1,756 )   $ (332 )
                 
Capital expenditures by segment are as follows:                
                 
Radio Broadcasting   $ 569     $ 1,670  
Reach Media     46       68  
Digital     760       545  
Cable Television     99       203  
Corporate/Eliminations     604       1,262  
Consolidated   $ 2,078     $ 3,748  

 

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    June 30, 2018     December 31, 2017  
    (Unaudited)        
    (In thousands)  
Total Assets:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 735,797     $ 751,664  
Reach Media     37,152       39,928  
Digital     23,062       28,407  
Cable Television     427,071       435,031  
Corporate/Eliminations     67,334       61,725  
Consolidated   $ 1,290,416     $ 1,316,755  

 

8.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

 

Royalty Agreements

 

The Company has historically entered into fixed and variable fee music license agreements with performance rights organizations including Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”), the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (“SESAC”) and, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”).  Our BMI license expired December 31, 2016. The expiration was an industry wide issue. The Company has authorized the Radio Music License Committee (the “RMLC”) to negotiate on its behalf with respect to its licenses with ASCAP, BMI and SESAC, including the BMI license that expired December 31, 2016. While the RMLC continues to pursue resolution with BMI, the RMLC has advised operators to make payments to BMI as invoiced by BMI anticipating retroactive discount likely to be applied. In July 2017, the RMLC learned that the RMLC-Represented broadcasters were awarded a discount off of the SESAC license rate card. The fee reduction applies for the license period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018 and has retroactive application.  The RMLC negotiated a new 5 year agreement with ASCAP with a license term of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021.  In connection with all performance rights organization agreements, including SESAC, ASCAP and BMI, the Company incurred expenses of approximately $2.0 million and $2.6 million during the three month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and incurred expenses of approximately $4.4 million and $4.2 million during the six month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Finally, in 2016, a new performance rights organization, Global Music Rights (“GMR”) formed, but the scope of its repertory is not clear and it is not clear that it licenses compositions that have not already been licensed by the other performance rights organizations.  To ensure licensing compliance in 2017, we have entered into a temporary license with GMR while the RMLC continues to pursue an agreement for a long term licensing solution.  This interim license continues through September 30, 2018.  GMR offered these interim license extensions on the same terms as each broadcaster’s prior interim license, except for the new end date. We anticipate further extensions of this temporary license until a permanent industry wide solution is put into effect.

 

Other Contingencies

 

The Company has been named as a defendant in several legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. It is management’s opinion, after consultation with its legal counsel, that the outcome of these claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

On February 24, 2015, the Company entered into a letter of credit reimbursement and security agreement. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had letters of credit totaling $738,000 under the agreement for certain operating leases and certain insurance policies. Letters of credit issued under the agreement are required to be collateralized with cash.

 

Noncontrolling Interest Shareholders’ Put Rights

 

Beginning on January 1, 2018, the noncontrolling interest shareholders of Reach Media have an annual right to require Reach Media to purchase all or a portion of their shares at the then current fair market value for such shares (the “Put Right”).   Beginning in 2018, this annual right is exercisable for a 30-day period beginning January 1 of each year. The purchase price for such shares may be paid in cash and/or registered Class D common stock of Urban One, at the discretion of Urban One. The noncontrolling interest shareholders of Reach Media did not exercise their Put Right for the 30-day period ending January 30, 2018. Management, at this time, cannot reasonably determine the period when and if, the put right will be exercised by the noncontrolling interest shareholders.

 

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9.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

 

Since July 1, 2018, and through August 3, 2018, the Company repurchased 418,027 shares of Class D common stock in the amount of $894,000 at an average price of $2.14 per share and repurchased 3,631 shares of Class A common stock in the amount of $8,000 at an average price of $2.26 per share.

  

On July 3, 2018, the Company repurchased approximately $5 million of its 2020 Notes at an average price of approximately 97.25% of par. The Company routinely monitors its long-term debt profile and upcoming debt maturities and may from time to time seek to opportunistically de-lever by retiring portions of its outstanding debt securities. This de-levering may take the form of debt repurchases or exchanges for other securities, in open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.  Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.  The amounts involved in any such transactions may vary and such transaction, individually or in the aggregate may be material. 

 

On or about August 8, 2018, the Company will close on its previously announced sale of the assets of one of its Detroit, Michigan, radio stations, WPZR-FM (102.7 FM), to Educational Media Foundation, of California, for total consideration of approximately $12.7 million. As part of the deal, the Company will also receive 3 FM translators that service the Detroit metropolitan area, and these signals will be combined with its existing FM translator to multicast the Detroit Praise Network.

 

On or about August 9, 2018, the Company will close on its previously announced acquisition of the assets of the radio station The Team 980 (WTEM 980 AM) from Red Zebra Broadcasting. Upon closing, the Company will also enter into an agreement with the Washington Redskins to ensure that all Redskins games, as well as pregame and postgame programming, will remain on The Team 980.

 

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Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following information should be read in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this report and the audited financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Introduction

 

Revenue

 

Within our core radio business, we primarily derive revenue from the sale of advertising time and program sponsorships to local and national advertisers on our radio stations. Advertising revenue is affected primarily by the advertising rates our radio stations are able to charge, as well as the overall demand for radio advertising time in a market. These rates are largely based upon a radio station’s audience share in the demographic groups targeted by advertisers, the number of radio stations in the related market, and the supply of, and demand for, radio advertising time. Advertising rates are generally highest during morning and afternoon commuting hours.

 

Net revenue consists of gross revenue, net of local and national agency and outside sales representative commissions. Agency and outside sales representative commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing.

 

The following chart shows the percentage of consolidated net revenue generated by each reporting segment.

 

   

For The Three Months

Ended June 30,

   

For The Six Months

Ended June 30,

 
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
                         
Radio broadcasting segment     40.3 %     40.9 %     40.0 %     40.1 %
                                 
Reach Media segment     14.2 %     14.9 %     10.7 %     11.5 %
                                 
Digital segment     5.7 %     5.7 %     6.8 %     5.6 %
                                 
Cable television segment     40.6 %     38.6 %     43.3 %     42.9 %
                                 
Corporate/eliminations     (0.8 )%     (0.1 )%     (0.8 )%     (0.1 )%

 

The following chart shows the percentages generated from local and national advertising as a subset of net revenue from our core radio business.

 

   

For The Three Months

Ended June 30,

   

For The Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
                                 
Percentage of core radio business generated from local advertising     59.4 %     57.5 %     60.3 %     60.2 %
                                 
Percentage of core radio business generated from national advertising, including network advertising     35.4 %     35.8 %     35.9 %     35.3 %

 

National and local advertising also includes advertising revenue generated from our digital segment. The balance of net revenue from our radio segment was generated from tower rental income, ticket sales and revenue related to our sponsored events, management fees and other revenue.

 

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The following charts show our net revenue (and sources) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:

  

   

Three Months Ended

June 30,

             
    2018     2017     $ Change     % Change  
   

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

             
                         
Net Revenue:                                
Radio Advertising   $ 48,880     $ 52,017     $ (3,137 )     (6.0 )%
Political Advertising     1,182       731       451       61.7  
Digital Advertising     6,559       6,740       (181 )     (2.7 )
Cable Television Advertising     18,118       18,988       (870 )     (4.6 )
Cable Television Affiliate Fees     28,020       26,140       1,880       7.2  
Event Revenues & Other     12,447       13,022       (575 )     (4.4 )
Net Revenue (as reported)   $ 115,206     $ 117,638     $ (2,432     (2.1 )%

 

   

Six Months Ended

June 30,

             
    2018     2017     $ Change     % Change  
   

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

             
                         
Net Revenue:                                
Radio Advertising   $ 93,502     $ 98,205     $ (4,703 )     (4.8 )%
Political Advertising     1,383       974       409       42.0  
Digital Advertising     14,705       12,246       2,459       20.1  
Cable Television Advertising     37,054       40,129       (3,075 )     (7.7 )
Cable Television Affiliate Fees     55,269       53,463       1,806       3.4  
Event Revenues & Other     12,914       13,910       (996 )     (7.2 )
Net Revenue (as reported)   $ 214,827     $ 218,927     $ (4,100 )     (1.9 )%

 

In the broadcasting industry, radio stations and television stations often utilize trade or barter agreements to reduce cash expenses by exchanging advertising time for goods or services. In order to maximize cash revenue for our spot inventory, we closely manage the use of trade and barter agreements.

 

Within our digital segment, including Interactive One which generates the majority of the Company’s digital revenue, revenue is principally derived from advertising services on non-radio station branded, but Company-owned websites. Advertising services include the sale of banner and sponsorship advertisements. Advertising revenue is recognized either as impressions (the number of times advertisements appear in viewed pages) are delivered, when “click through” purchases are made, or ratably over the contract period, where applicable. In addition, Interactive One derives revenue from its studio operations, in which it provides third-party clients with publishing services including digital platforms and related expertise.  In the case of the studio operations, revenue is recognized primarily through fixed contractual monthly fees and/or as a share of the third party’s reported revenue.

 

TV One generates the Company’s cable television revenue, and derives its revenue principally from advertising and affiliate revenue. Advertising revenue is derived from the sale of television air time to advertisers and is recognized when the advertisements are run. TV One also derives revenue from affiliate fees under the terms of various affiliation agreements based upon a per subscriber fee multiplied by most recent subscriber counts reported by the applicable affiliate.

 

Reach Media primarily derives its revenue from the sale of advertising in connection with its syndicated radio shows, including the Tom Joyner Morning Show and our other syndicated programming assets, including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the Russ Parr Morning Show and the DL Hughley Show. Reach Media also operates www.BlackAmericaWeb.com, an African-American targeted news and entertainment website.  Additionally, Reach Media operates various other event-related activities.

 

 32 

 

 

Expenses

 

Our significant expenses are: (i) employee salaries and commissions; (ii) programming expenses; (iii) marketing and promotional expenses; (iv) rental of premises for office facilities and studios; (v) rental of transmission tower space; (vi) music license royalty fees; and (vii) content amortization. We strive to control these expenses by centralizing certain functions such as finance, accounting, legal, human resources and management information systems and, in certain markets, the programming management function. We also use our multiple stations, market presence and purchasing power to negotiate favorable rates with certain vendors and national representative selling agencies. In addition to salaries and commissions, major expenses for our internet business include membership traffic acquisition costs, software product design, post-application software development and maintenance, database and server support costs, the help desk function, data center expenses connected with internet service provider (“ISP”) hosting services and other internet content delivery expenses. Major expenses for our cable television business include content acquisition and amortization, sales and marketing.

 

We generally incur marketing and promotional expenses to increase and maintain our audiences. However, because Nielsen reports ratings either monthly or quarterly, depending on the particular market, any changed ratings and the effect on advertising revenue tends to lag behind both the reporting of the ratings and the incurrence of advertising and promotional expenditures.

 

Measurement of Performance

 

We monitor and evaluate the growth and operational performance of our business using net income and the following key metrics:

 

(a)  Net revenue:  The performance of an individual radio station or group of radio stations in a particular market is customarily measured by its ability to generate net revenue. Net revenue consists of gross revenue, net of local and national agency and outside sales representative commissions consistent with industry practice. Net revenue is recognized in the period in which advertisements are broadcast. Net revenue also includes advertising aired in exchange for goods and services, which is recorded at fair value, revenue from sponsored events and other revenue. Net revenue is recognized for our online business as impressions are delivered, as “click throughs” are made or ratably over contract periods, where applicable. Net revenue is recognized for our cable television business as advertisements are run, and during the term of the affiliation agreements at levels appropriate for the most recent subscriber counts reported by the affiliate, net of launch support.

 

(b)  Broadcast and digital operating income:  Net income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, income taxes, interest expense, interest income, noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries, other (income) expense, corporate selling, general and administrative, expenses, stock-based compensation, impairment of long-lived assets, (gain) loss on retirement of debt and gain on sale-leaseback, is commonly referred to in the radio broadcasting industry as “station operating income.” However, given the diverse nature of our business, station operating income is not truly reflective of our multi-media operation and, therefore, we now use the term broadcast and digital operating income. Broadcast and digital operating income is not a measure of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Nevertheless, broadcast and digital operating income is a significant measure used by our management to evaluate the operating performance of our core operating segments. Broadcast and digital operating income provides helpful information about our results of operations, apart from expenses associated with our fixed and long-lived intangible assets, income taxes, investments, impairment charges, debt financings and retirements, corporate overhead and stock-based compensation. Our measure of broadcast and digital operating income is similar to industry use of station operating income; however, it reflects our more diverse business and therefore is not completely analogous to “station operating income” or other similarly titled measures as used by other companies. Broadcast and digital operating income does not represent operating loss or cash flow from operating activities, as those terms are defined under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to those measurements as an indicator of our performance.

 

(c)  Broadcast and digital operating income margin:  Broadcast and digital operating income margin represents broadcast and digital operating income as a percentage of net revenue. Broadcast and digital operating income margin is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Nevertheless, we believe that broadcast and digital operating income margin is a useful measure of our performance because it provides helpful information about our profitability as a percentage of our net revenue. Broadcast and digital operating margin includes results from all four segments (radio broadcasting, Reach Media, digital and cable television).

 

(d) Adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA consists of net (loss) income plus (1) depreciation and amortization, income taxes, interest expense, noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries, impairment of long-lived assets, stock-based compensation, (gain) loss on retirement of debt, gain on sale-leaseback, employment agreement, incentive plan award expenses and other compensation, contingent consideration from acquisition, severance-related costs, cost method investment income, less (2) other income and interest income. Net income before interest income, interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization is commonly referred to in our business as “EBITDA.” Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is often a useful measure of a company’s operating performance and is a significant measure used by our management to evaluate the operating performance of our business because Adjusted EBITDA excludes charges for depreciation, amortization and interest expense that have resulted from our acquisitions and debt financing, our taxes, impairment charges, and gain on retirements of debt. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information about the operating performance of our business, apart from the expenses associated with our fixed assets and long-lived intangible assets, capital structure or the results of our affiliated company. Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used as one of the measures for comparing businesses in the broadcasting industry, although our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including, but not limited to the fact that our definition includes the results of all four of our operating segments (radio broadcasting, Reach Media, digital and cable television). Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA do not purport to represent operating income or cash flow from operating activities, as those terms are defined under GAAP, and should not be considered as alternatives to those measurements as an indicator of our performance.

 

 33 

 

 

Summary of Performance

 

The tables below provide a summary of our performance based on the metrics described above:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
    (In thousands, except margin data)  
    (Unaudited)  
                         
Net revenue   $ 115,206     $ 117,638     $ 214,827     $ 218,927  
Broadcast and digital operating income     44,341       41,782       76,838       76,719  
Broadcast and digital operating income margin     38.5 %     35.5 %     35.8 %     35.0 %
Consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders   $ 23,590     $ 802     $ 1,035     $ (1,511 )

 

The reconciliation of net income (loss) to broadcast and digital operating income is as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2018     2017     2018     2017  
    (In thousands, unaudited)  
             
Consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders   $ 23,590     $ 802     $ 1,035     $ (1,511 )
Add back non-broadcast and digital operating income items included in consolidated net income (loss):                                
Interest income     (17 )     (45 )     (161 )     (148 )
Interest expense     19,155       19,863       38,436       40,209  
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes     (15,581 )     182       (2,741 )     70  
Corporate selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation     10,155       8,328       19,117       18,367  
Stock-based compensation     1,125       158       2,501       291  
(Gain) loss on retirement of debt     (626 )     7,083       (865 )     7,083  
Gain on sale-leaseback           (14,411 )           (14,411 )
Other income, net     (2,014 )     (1,574 )     (3,915 )     (2,895 )
Depreciation and amortization     8,248       8,432       16,536       16,744  
Impairment of long-lived assets           12,756       6,556       12,756  
Noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries     306       208       339       164  
Broadcast and digital operating income   $ 44,341     $ 41,782     $ 76,838     $ 76,719  

 

The reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA is as follows:

  

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2017     2016     2017     2016  
    (In thousands, unaudited)  
Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation:                                
Consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, as reported   $ 23,590     $ 802     $ 1,035     $ (1,511 )
Add back non-broadcast and digital operating income items included in consolidated net income (loss):                                
Interest income     (17 )     (45 )     (161 )     (148 )
Interest expense     19,155       19,863       38,436       40,209  
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes     (15,581 )     182       (2,741 )     70  
Depreciation and amortization     8,248       8,432       16,536       16,744  
EBITDA   $ 35,395     $ 29,234     $ 53,105     $ 55,364  
Stock-based compensation     1,125       158       2,501       291  
(Gain) loss on retirement of debt     (626 )     7,083       (865 )     7,083  
Gain on sale-leaseback           (14,411 )           (14,411 )
Other income, net     (2,014 )     (1,574 )     (3,915 )     (2,895 )
Noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries     306       208       339       164  
Employment Agreement Award, incentive plan award expenses and other compensation     2,285       1,443       3,873       2,484  
Contingent consideration from acquisition     (79 )           1,451        
Severance-related costs     801       250       999       603  
Impairment of long-lived assets           12,756       6,556       12,756  
Cost method investment income     1,794       1,506       3,432       2,959  
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 38,987     $ 36,653     $ 67,476     $ 64,398  

 

 34 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table summarizes our historical consolidated results of operations:

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 (In thousands)

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,        
    2018     2017     Increase/(Decrease)  
      (Unaudited)              
                         
Statements of Operations:                                
Net revenue   $ 115,206     $ 117,638     $ (2,432     (2.1 )%
Operating expenses:                                
Programming and technical, excluding stock-based compensation     30,375       33,009       (2,634 )     (8.0 )
Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation     40,490       42,847       (2,357 )     (5.5 )
Corporate selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation     10,155       8,328       1,827       21.9  
Stock-based compensation     1,125       158       967       612.0  
Depreciation and amortization     8,248       8,432       (184 )     (2.2 )
Impairment of long-lived assets           12,756       (12,756 )     (100.0 )
Total operating expenses     90,393       105,530       (15,137 )     (14.3 )
Operating income     24,813       12,108       12,705       104.9  
Interest income     17       45       (28 )     (62.2 )
Interest expense     19,155       19,863       (708 )     (3.6 )
(Gain) loss on retirement of debt     (626 )     7,083       7,709       108.8  
Gain on sale-leaseback           (14,411 )     (14,411 )     (100.0 )
Other income, net     (2,014 )     (1,574 )     440       28.0  
Income before (benefit from) provision for income taxes and noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries     8,315       1,192       7,123       597.6  
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes     (15,581 )     182       15,763       8,661.0  
Consolidated net income     23,896       1,010       22,886       2,265.9  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests     306       208       98       47.1  
Net income attributable to common stockholders   $ 23,590     $ 802     $ 22,788       2,841.4 %

 

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Net revenue

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ 115,206     $ 117,638     $ (2,432     (2.1 )%

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2018, we recognized approximately $115.2 million in net revenue compared to approximately $117.6 million during the same period in 2017. These amounts are net of agency and outside sales representative commissions. Net revenues from our radio broadcasting segment decreased 3.5% compared to the same period in 2017. Based on reports prepared by the independent accounting firm Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co., LLP (“Miller Kaplan”), the markets we operate in (excluding Richmond and Raleigh, both of which no longer participate in Miller Kaplan) decreased 3.3% in total revenues. We experienced net revenue declines most significantly in our Atlanta, Philadelphia, Raleigh and St. Louis markets, with our Cleveland, Dallas and Washington DC markets experiencing growth for the quarter. We recognized approximately $46.8 million of revenue from our cable television segment during the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $45.4 million for the same period in 2017, with an increase primarily in affiliate sales. The increase is primarily driven by an adjustment of previously estimated affiliate fees in the amount of approximately $1.7 million, as final reporting became available. Net revenue from our Reach Media segment decreased approximately $1.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 due primarily to downward pricing pressure. The “Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage” took place during the second quarters of 2018 and 2017 and generated revenue of approximately $9.4 million and $9.4 million, respectively for Reach Media. Finally, net revenues for our digital segment decreased 2.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, primarily due to a decrease in direct revenues.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Programming and technical, excluding stock-based compensation

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ 30,375     $ 33,009     $ (2,634)       (8.0) %

 

Programming and technical expenses include expenses associated with on-air talent and the management and maintenance of the systems, tower facilities, and studios used in the creation, distribution and broadcast of programming content on our radio stations. Programming and technical expenses for the radio segment also include expenses associated with our programming research activities and music royalties. For our digital segment, programming and technical expenses include software product design, post-application software development and maintenance, database and server support costs, the help desk function, data center expenses connected with ISP hosting services and other internet content delivery expenses. For our cable television segment, programming and technical expenses include expenses associated with technical, programming, production, and content management. The decrease in programming and technical expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 is due primarily to lower expenses in our Reach Media and cable television segments. Our Reach Media segment generated a decrease of approximately $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 due primarily to lower contractual costs. Our cable broadcasting segment generated a decrease of approximately $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 due primarily to lower program content expense driven by reduced amortization for original programing.

 

Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ 40,490     $ 42,847     $ (2,357)       (5.5) %

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses associated with our sales departments, offices and facilities and personnel (outside of our corporate headquarters), marketing and promotional expenses, special events and sponsorships and back office expenses. Expenses to secure ratings data for our radio stations and visitors’ data for our websites are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses. In addition, selling, general and administrative expenses for the radio broadcasting segment and digital segment include expenses related to the advertising traffic (scheduling and insertion) functions. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include membership traffic acquisition costs for our online business. There was an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 from our digital segment, which was offset by lower expenses at all other segments primarily to declines in revenue.

 

 36 

 

 

Corporate selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ 10,155     $ 8,328     $ 1,827       21.9 %

 

Corporate expenses consist of expenses associated with our corporate headquarters and facilities, including personnel as well as other corporate overhead functions. The increase in corporate selling, general and administrative expenses was due primarily to higher incentive-based payroll costs at our cable television segment.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ 1,125     $ 158     $ 967       612.0 %

 

The increase in stock-based compensation for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, is primarily due to grants of stock awards for certain executive officers and other management personnel.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ 8,248     $ 8,432     $ (184 )     (2.2 )%

 

The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2018, was due to the mix of assets approaching or near the end of their useful lives.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$     $ 12,756     $ (12,756 )     (100.0 )%

 

The impairment of long-lived assets for the three months ended June 30, 2017, was related to a non-cash impairment charge recorded to reduce the carrying value of our Houston radio broadcasting licenses.

 

Interest expense

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ 19,155     $ 19,863     $ (708 )     (3.6 )%

 

Interest expense decreased to approximately $19.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $19.9 million for the same period in 2017 due to lower overall debt balances outstanding. On April 18, 2017, the Company closed on a new senior secured credit facility (the “2017 Credit Facility”). The proceeds from the 2017 Credit Facility were used to prepay in full the Company’s previously existing 2015 credit facility (the “2015 Credit Facility”) and the agreement governing such credit facility was terminated on April 18, 2017.

 

(Gain) loss on retirement of debt

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ (626 )   $ 7,083     $ 7,709       108.8 %

 

There was a gain on retirement of debt of $626,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2018, due to the redemption of approximately $14.0 million of our 2020 Notes at a discount. The loss on retirement of debt of approximately $7.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, was due to the retirement of the 2015 Credit Facility during the second quarter. This amount included a write-off of previously capitalized debt financing costs and original issue discount associated with the 2015 Credit Facility, and costs associated with the financing transactions.

 

 37 

 

 

 

Gain on sale-leaseback

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$     $ (14,411   $ (14,411     (100.0 %)

 

The gain on sale-leaseback for the three months ended June 30, 2017, was due to the Company closing on its sale of certain land, towers and equipment to a third party. The Company is leasing certain of the assets back from the buyer as a part of its normal operations. The Company received proceeds of approximately $25.0 million, resulting in an overall net gain on sale of approximately $22.5 million, of which approximately $14.4 million was recognized immediately during the second quarter of 2017, and approximately $8.1 million which was deferred and will be recognized into income over the lease term of ten years.

 

Other income, net

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ (2,014 )   $ (1,574 )   $ 440       28.0 %

 

Other income, net increased to approximately $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $1.6 million for the same period in 2017. We recognized other income in the amount of approximately $1.8 million and $1.5 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to our MGM investment.

 

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ (15,581)     $ 182     $ 15,763       8,661.0 %

 

The Company is using the estimated annual effective tax rate method under ASC 740-270, “Interim Reporting” to calculate the (benefit from) provision for income taxes. For the three months ended June 30, 2018, we recorded a benefit from income taxes of approximately $15.6 million on pre-tax income from continuing operations of approximately $8.3 million, that results in a tax rate of (187.4)%, of which approximately $12.4 million is attributable to deferred tax benefits that are expected to be recognizable at the end of the year, and a discrete tax benefit of approximately $3.2 million related to state rate and legislative changes. For the three months ended June 30, 2017, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $182,000 on pre-tax income from continuing operations of approximately $1.2 million.

 

Noncontrolling interests in (loss) income of subsidiaries

 

Three Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ 306     $ 208     $ 98       47.1 %

 

The increase in noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries was due primarily to higher net income recognized by Reach Media during the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017.

 

Other Data

 

Broadcast and digital operating income

 

Broadcast and digital operating income increased to approximately $44.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $41.8 million for the comparable period in 2017, an increase of approximately $2.6 million or 6.1%. The increase was primarily due to higher broadcast and digital operating income at our cable television and Reach Media segments, which was partially offset by lower broadcast and digital operating income at our radio broadcasting and digital segments. Our radio broadcasting segment generated approximately $17.6 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $19.0 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2017, a decrease of approximately $1.4 million, primarily due to revenue declines. Reach Media generated approximately $2.7 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $2.1 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2017. The increase in Reach Media’s broadcast and digital operating income is primarily due to lower contractual costs. Our digital segment generated approximately $2.4 million of broadcast and digital operating loss during the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to broadcast and digital operating loss of approximately $1.5 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2017. The increase in our digital segment’s broadcast and digital operating loss is primarily due to higher selling, general and administrative expenses. Finally, TV One generated approximately $26.4 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $22.1 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2017, with the increase primarily due to increased affiliate fees and lower content amortization expense.

 

 38 

 

 

Broadcast and digital operating income margin

 

Broadcast and digital operating income margin increased to 38.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2018, from 35.5% for the comparable period in 2017. The margin increase was primarily attributable to higher broadcast and digital operating income as noted above.

 

 39 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table summarizes our historical consolidated results of operations:

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 (In thousands)

  

    Six Months Ended June 30,        
    2018     2017     Increase/(Decrease)  
      (Unaudited)              
                         
Statements of Operations:                                
Net revenue   $ 214,827     $ 218,927     $ (4,100 )     (1.9 )%
Operating expenses:                                
Programming and technical, excluding stock-based compensation     62,522       64,906       (2,384 )     (3.7 )
Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation     75,467       77,302       (1,835 )     (2.4 )
Corporate selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation     19,117       18,367       750       4.1  
Stock-based compensation     2,501       291       2,210       759.5  
Depreciation and amortization     16,536       16,744       (208 )     (1.2 )
Impairment of long-lived assets     6,556       12,756       (6,200 )     (48.6 )
Total operating expenses     182,699       190,366       (7,667 )     (4.0 )
Operating income     32,128       28,561       3,567       12.5  
Interest income     161       148       13       8.8  
Interest expense     38,436       40,209       (1,773 )     (4.4 )
(Gain) loss on retirement of debt     (865 )     7,083       7,948       112.2  
Gain on sale-leaseback           (14,411 )     (14,411 )     (100.0 )
Other income, net     (3,915 )     (2,895 )     1,020       35.2  
Loss before (benefit from) provision for income taxes and noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries     (1,367     (1,277 )     (90     (7.0
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes     (2,741 )     70       2,811       4,015.7  
Consolidated net income (loss)     1,374       (1,347 )     2,721       202.0  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests     339       164       175       106.7  
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders   $ 1,035     $ (1,511 )   $ 2,546       168.5 %

 

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Net revenue

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017              
$ 214,827     $ 218,927     $ (4,100     (1.9 )%

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, we recognized approximately $214.8 million in net revenue compared to approximately $218.9 million during the same period in 2017. These amounts are net of agency and outside sales representative commissions. Net revenues from our radio broadcasting segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018, decreased 2.2% from the same period in 2017. Based on reports prepared by Miller Kaplan, the markets we operate in decreased 3.3% in total revenues. We experienced net revenue growth most significantly in our Cleveland, Dallas and Richmond markets; however, this growth was offset by declines most significantly in our Atlanta, Raleigh, and St. Louis markets. Reach Media’s net revenues decreased 9.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, due primarily to downward pricing pressure. We recognized approximately $93.0 million and $93.9 million of revenue from our cable television segment during the six months ended June 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively, due primarily to higher affiliate sales which was partially offset by lower advertising sales. Net revenue for our digital segment increased approximately $2.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 due to an increase in direct revenue.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Programming and technical, excluding stock-based compensation

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017              
$ 62,522     $ 64,906     $ (2,384     (3.7 )%

 

Programming and technical expenses include expenses associated with on-air talent and the management and maintenance of the systems, tower facilities, and studios used in the creation, distribution and broadcast of programming content on our radio stations. Programming and technical expenses for the radio segment also include expenses associated with our programming research activities and music royalties. For our internet segment, programming and technical expenses include software product design, post-application software development and maintenance, database and server support costs, the help desk function, data center expenses connected with ISP hosting services and other internet content delivery expenses. For our cable television segment, programming and technical expenses include expenses associated with technical, programming, production, and content management. The decrease in programming and technical expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 is primarily to lower expenses in our Reach Media and cable television segments, which was partially offset by an increase in expense at our radio broadcasting and digital segments. Our Reach Media segment generated a decrease of approximately $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 due primarily to lower contractual costs. Our cable broadcasting segment generated a decrease of approximately $3.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 due primarily to lower program content expense driven by reduced amortization for original programing. Our radio broadcasting segment generated an increase of approximately $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 due primarily to higher payroll costs, increased lease expense due to the sale-leaseback transaction, as well as an increase in certain music licensing costs.

 

Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017              
$ 75,467     $ 77,302     $ (1,835     (2.4) %

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses associated with our sales departments, offices and facilities and personnel (outside of our corporate headquarters), marketing and promotional expenses, special events and sponsorships and back office expenses. Expenses to secure ratings data for our radio stations and visitors’ data for our websites are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses. In addition, selling, general and administrative expenses for the radio broadcasting segment and internet segment include expenses related to the advertising traffic (scheduling and insertion) functions. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include membership traffic acquisition costs for our online business. The decrease in expense for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, is primarily driven by lower expenses at our radio broadcasting, Reach Media, and cable television segments, partially offset by an increase in expenses at our digital segment.

 

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Corporate selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017              
$ 19,117     $ 18,367     $ 750       4.1 %

 

Corporate expenses consist of expenses associated with our corporate headquarters and facilities, including personnel as well as other corporate overhead functions. There was also an increase in corporate selling, general and administrative expenses at our cable television segment due to an increase in incentive-based payroll costs.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017              
$ 2,501     $ 291     $ 2,210       759.5 %

 

The increase in stock-based compensation for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, is primarily due to grants of stock awards for certain executive officers and other management personnel.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017              
$ 16,536     $ 16,744     $ (208 )     (1.2 )%

 

The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2018, was due to the mix of assets approaching or near the end of their useful lives.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017              
$ 6,556     $ 12,756     $ (6,200 )     (48.6 )%

 

The impairment of long-lived assets for the six months ended June 30, 2018, was related to a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $2.7 million recorded to reduce the carrying value of our Charlotte goodwill balance and a charge of approximately $3.8 million associated with our Detroit market radio broadcasting licenses. The impairment of long-lived assets for the six months ended June 30, 2017, was related to a non-cash impairment charge recorded to reduce the carrying value of our Houston radio broadcasting licenses.

 

Interest expense

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017              
$ 38,436     $ 40,209     $ (1,773)       (4.4) %

 

Interest expense decreased to approximately $38.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $40.2 million for the same period in 2017, due to lower overall debt balances outstanding. On April 18, 2017, the Company closed on a new senior secured credit facility (the “2017 Credit Facility”). The proceeds from the 2017 Credit Facility were used to prepay in full the Company’s previously existing 2015 credit facility and the agreement governing such credit facility was terminated on April 18, 2017.

 

(Gain) loss on retirement of debt

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017              
$ (865   $ 7,083     $ 7,948       112.2 %

 

 42 

 

 

There was a gain on retirement of debt of $865,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, due to the redemption of approximately $25 million of our 2020 Notes at a discount. The loss on retirement of debt of approximately $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, was due to the retirement of the 2015 Credit Facility during the second quarter. This amount included a write-off of previously capitalized debt financing costs and original issue discount associated with the 2015 Credit Facility, and costs associated with the financing transactions.

 

Gain on sale-leaseback

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$     $ (14,411)     $ (14,411     (100.0 )%

 

The gain on sale-leaseback for the six months ended June 30, 2017, was due to the Company closing on its sale of certain land, towers and equipment to a third party. The Company is leasing certain of the assets back from the buyer as a part of its normal operations. The Company received proceeds of approximately $25.0 million, resulting in an overall net gain on sale of approximately $22.5 million, of which approximately $14.4 million was recognized immediately during the second quarter, and approximately $8.1 million which was deferred and will be recognized into income over the lease term of ten years.

 

Other income, net

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ (3,915   $ (2,895)     $ 1,020       35.2 %

 

Other income, net increased to approximately $3.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $2.9 million for the same period in 2017. We recognized other income in the amount of approximately $3.4 million and $3.0 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to our MGM investment. In addition, we recognized $405,000 and $135,000 in other income for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to the deferred gain on sale lease-back transaction.

 

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017        
$ (2,741)     $ 70     $ 2,811       4,015.7 %

 

The Company began using the estimated annual effective tax rate method under ASC 740-270, “Interim Reporting” to calculate the provision for income taxes at the beginning of 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, we recorded a benefit from income taxes of approximately $2.7 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of approximately $1.4 million, which results in a tax rate of 200.6%. This tax rate is based on an estimated annual effective rate of (95.0)% and a discrete tax provision adjustment of approximately $4.0 million related to state rate and legislative changes. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $70,000 on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of approximately $1.3 million, which results in a tax rate of (5.5)%. This tax rate is based on an estimated annual effective rate of 23.1%, and a discrete tax provision adjustment for $346,000.

 

Noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries

 

Six Months Ended June 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2018     2017              
$ 339     $ 164     $ 175       106.7 %

 

The increase in noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries was due primarily to higher net income recognized by Reach Media during the six months ended June 30, 2018, versus the same period in 2017.

 

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Other Data

 

Broadcast and digital operating income

 

Broadcast and digital operating income increased to approximately $76.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $76.7 million for the comparable period in 2017, an increase of $119,000 or 0.2%. This increase was due to higher broadcast and digital operating income at our cable television and Reach Media segments, which was partially offset by lower broadcast and digital operating income at our radio broadcasting and digital segments. Our radio broadcasting segment generated approximately $30.0 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $32.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017, a decrease of approximately $2.5 million, primarily due to revenue declines and an increase in programming and technical expenses. Reach Media generated approximately $3.5 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $3.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017. Our digital segment generated approximately $4.7 million of broadcast and digital operating loss during the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $2.6 million of broadcast and digital operating loss during the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in our digital segment’s broadcast and digital operating loss is primarily due to increased investment in video. Finally, TV One generated approximately $47.9 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately $43.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017, with the increase due primarily to higher affiliate sales and lower content amortization expense.

 

Broadcast and digital operating income margin

 

Broadcast and digital operating income margin increased to 35.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to 35.0% for the comparable period in 2017. The margin increase was primarily attributable to higher broadcast and digital operating income as noted above.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our primary source of liquidity is cash provided by operations and, to the extent necessary, borrowings available under our senior credit facility and other debt or equity financing.

 

See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements – Long-Term Debt for further information on liquidity and capital resources.

 

As of June 30, 2018, ratios calculated in accordance with the 2017 Credit Facility were as follows: 

 

   

As of

June

30, 2018

   

Covenant

Limit

   

Excess

Coverage

 
                   
Interest Coverage                        
Covenant EBITDA / Interest Expense     1.99 x     1.25 x     0.74 x
                         
Senior Secured Leverage                        
Senior Secured Debt / Covenant EBITDA     4.78 x     5.85 x     1.07 x

 

Covenant EBITDA – Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) adjusted for certain other adjustments, as defined in the 2017 Credit Facility

 

The following table summarizes the interest rates in effect with respect to our debt as of June 30, 2018:

 

Type of Debt  Amount Outstanding  

Applicable

Interest

Rate

 
   (In millions)     
         
Senior bank term debt, net of original issue discount and issuance costs (at variable rates)(1)  $338.2    6.10%
9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes, net of original issue discount and issuance costs (fixed rate)   249.1    9.25%
7.375% Senior Secured Notes, net of original issue discount and issuance costs (fixed rate)   346.0    7.375%
Comcast Note due April 2019 (fixed rate)   11.9    10.47%

 

(1)Subject to variable LIBOR plus a spread that is incorporated into the applicable interest rate set forth above.

 

The following table provides a comparison of our statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively:

  

    2018     2017  
    (In thousands)  
             
Net cash flows provided by operating activities   $  33,832     $ 11,744  
Net cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities   $ (2,078 )   $ 14,481  
Net cash flows used in financing activities   $ (32,646 )   $ (7,518 )

 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities were approximately $33.8 million and $11.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Net cash flow from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018, increased from the prior year primarily due to timing of collections of accounts receivable, payments of accrued compensation and lower payments for content assets.

 

Net cash flows used in financing activities were approximately $2.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and net cash flows provided by investing activities were approximately $14.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. Capital expenditures, including digital tower and transmitter upgrades, and deposits for station equipment and purchases were approximately $2.1 million and $3.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company paid approximately $2.0 million to complete the acquisition of our new Richmond and Washington DC stations and during the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company paid approximately $5.0 million to complete the acquisition of certain digital assets from Moguldom. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company received proceeds of approximately $25.0 million to complete its sale of certain land, towers and equipment as part of a sale-leaseback transaction.

 

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Net cash flows used in financing activities were approximately $32.6 million and $7.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company repaid approximately $1.8 million and $345.6 million, respectively, in outstanding debt. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, we borrowed approximately $350.0 million in new 2017 Credit Facility. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, we capitalized approximately $8.9 million of costs associated with our indebtedness. The amounts capitalized in 2017 relate to our new 2017 Credit. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company distributed $506,000 of contingent consideration related to the Moguldom acquisition. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company repurchased approximately $24.0 million of our 2020 Notes. Finally, during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, we repurchased approximately $4.6 million and $3.0 million of our Class D Common Stock. Reach Media paid $801,000 in dividends to noncontrolling interest shareholders during the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Credit Rating Agencies

 

Our corporate credit ratings by Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Moody's Investors Service are speculative-grade and have been downgraded and upgraded at various times during the last several years. Any reductions in our credit ratings could increase our borrowing costs, reduce the availability of financing to us or increase our cost of doing business or otherwise negatively impact our business operations.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In Management’s Discussion and Analysis contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, we summarized the policies and estimates that we believe to be most critical in understanding the judgments involved in preparing our consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. There have been no material changes to our existing accounting policies or estimates since we filed our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Goodwill and Radio Broadcasting Licenses

 

Impairment Testing

 

We have made several acquisitions in the past for which a significant portion of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill and radio broadcasting licenses. Goodwill exists whenever the purchase price exceeds the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired in business combinations. As of June 30, 2018, we had approximately $598.1 million in broadcast licenses and $260.2 million in goodwill, which totaled $858.3 million, and represented approximately 66.5% of our total assets. Therefore, we believe estimating the fair value of goodwill and radio broadcasting licenses is a critical accounting estimate because of the significance of their carrying values in relation to our total assets.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $2.7 million related to its Charlotte market goodwill and a charge of approximately $3.8 million associated with our Detroit market radio broadcasting licenses. There was no impairment recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2018. The Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $12.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, related to its Houston radio broadcasting licenses.

 

We test for impairment annually across all reporting units, or when events or changes in circumstances or other conditions suggest impairment may have occurred in any given reporting unit. Our annual impairment testing is performed as of October 1 of each year. Impairment exists when the carrying value of these assets exceeds its respective fair value. When the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment amount is charged to operations for the excess.

 

Valuation of Broadcasting Licenses

 

During the second quarters of 2018 and 2017, the total market revenue growth for certain markets in which we operate was below that used in our annual impairment testing. We deemed that to be an impairment indicator that warranted interim impairment testing of certain markets’ radio broadcasting licenses, which we performed as of June 30, 2017 and 2018. There was no impairment identified as part of the testing performed during the quarter ended June 30, 2018. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $3.8 million associated with our Detroit market radio broadcasting licenses. During the quarter ended June 30, 2017, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $12.8 million related to our Houston radio broadcasting licenses. Below are some of the key assumptions used in the income approach model for estimating broadcasting licenses fair values for the interim impairment assessments for the quarters ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

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Radio Broadcasting   June 30,     June 30,  
Licenses   2018 (a)     2017 (a)  
             
Pre-tax impairment charge (in millions)   $     $ 12.8  
                 
Discount Rate     9.0 %     9.0 %
Year 1 Market Revenue Growth Rate Range     0.5 %     1.0% – 2.0 %
Long-term Market Revenue Growth Rate Range (Years 6 – 10)     0.5% – 1.5 %     0.5% – 1.5 %
Mature Market Share Range     6.8% – 15.3 %     6.9% – 15.3 %
Operating Profit Margin Range     30.1% – 35.1 %     31.6% – 47.0 %

 

(a)Reflects changes only to the key assumptions used in the interim testing for certain units of accounting.

 

Valuation of Goodwill

 

During the second quarters of 2018 and 2017, we identified an impairment indicator at certain of our radio markets, and, as such, we performed an interim analysis for certain radio market goodwill as of June 30, 2018 and 2017. No goodwill impairment was identified during the three months ended June 30, 2018 or during the six months ended June 30, 2017. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $2.7 million to reduce the carrying value of our Charlotte goodwill balance. Below are some of the key assumptions used in the income approach model for estimating reporting unit fair values for the interim impairment assessments for the quarters ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

Goodwill (Radio Market     June 30,     June 30,  
Reporting Units)     2018 (a)     2017 (a)  
               
Pre-tax impairment charge (in millions)    $     $  
                 
Discount Rate     9.0 %     9.0 %
Year 1 Market Revenue Growth Rate Range     (8.6)% – 19.5 %     (5.6)% – 9.2 %
Long-term Market Revenue Growth Rate Range (Years 6 – 10)     0.5% – 1.0 %     1.0% – 1.5 %
Mature Market Share Range     7.6% – 14.9 %     9.1% – 10.4 %
Operating Profit Margin Range     23.7% – 31.8 %     33.2% – 53.2 %

 

(a)Reflects changes only to the key assumptions used in the interim testing for certain units of accounting.

 

During the second quarter of 2017, the Company performed interim impairment testing on the valuation of goodwill associated with Reach Media. Reach Media’s net revenues and cash flows declined and internal projections were revised downward, which we deemed to be an impairment indicator. The Company reduced its operating cash flow projections and assumptions based on Reach Media’s actual results which did not meet budget. Below are some of the key assumptions used in the income approach model for estimating the fair value for Reach Media for the interim assessment at June 30, 2017. As a result of our interim assessment, the Company concluded no impairment for the Reach Media goodwill value had occurred. 

 

    June 30,  
Reach Media Segment Goodwill   2017  
         
Pre-tax impairment charge (in millions)   $  
         
Discount Rate     10.5 %
Year 1 Revenue Growth Rate     (8.4) %
Long-term Revenue Growth Rate     1.0 %
Operating Profit Margin Range     13.5% – 16.5 %

 

We did not identify any impairment indicators for the three months ended June 30, 2018 or 2017 at any of our other reportable segments, except as described above.

 

As part of our annual testing, when arriving at the estimated fair values for radio broadcasting licenses and goodwill, we also performed an analysis by comparing our overall average implied multiple based on our cash flow projections and fair values to recently completed sales transactions, and by comparing our fair value estimates to the market capitalization of the Company. The results of these comparisons confirmed that the fair value estimates resulting from our annual assessment for 2017 were reasonable.

 

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Several of the licenses in our units of accounting have limited or no excess of fair values over their respective carrying values. Should our estimates, assumptions, or events or circumstances for any upcoming valuations worsen in the units with no or limited fair value cushion, additional license impairments may be needed in the future.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

See Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for a summary of recent accounting pronouncements.

 

CAPITAL AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS:

 

Radio Broadcasting Licenses

 

Each of the Company’s radio stations operates pursuant to one or more licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission that have a maximum term of eight years prior to renewal. The Company’s radio broadcasting licenses expire at various times beginning October 1, 2019 through August 1, 2022. Although the Company may apply to renew its radio broadcasting licenses, third parties may challenge the Company’s renewal applications. The Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would prevent the Company from having its current licenses renewed.

 

Indebtedness

 

We have several debt instruments outstanding within our corporate structure. We incurred senior bank debt as part of our 2017 Credit Facility in the amount of $350.0 million that matures on the earlier of (i) April 18, 2023, or (ii) in the event such debt is not repaid or refinanced, 91 days prior to the maturity of either of the Company’s 2022 Notes or the Company’s 2020 Notes. We also have $250.0 million outstanding in our 2020 Notes and we also have $350.0 million outstanding in our 2022 Notes. Finally, we also have outstanding our senior unsecured promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $11.9 million under the Comcast Note. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources.

 

Royalty Agreements

 

The Company has historically entered into fixed and variable fee music license agreements with performance rights organizations including Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”), the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (“SESAC”) and, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”).  Our BMI license expired December 31, 2016. The expiration was an industry wide issue. The Company has authorized the Radio Music License Committee (the “RMLC”) to negotiate on its behalf with respect to its licenses with ASCAP, BMI and SESAC, including the BMI license that expired December 31, 2016. While the RMLC continues to pursue resolution with BMI, the RMLC has advised operators to make payments to BMI as invoiced by BMI anticipating retroactive discount likely to be applied. In July 2017, the RMLC learned that the RMLC-Represented broadcasters were awarded a discount off of the SESAC license rate card. The fee reduction applies for the license period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018 and has retroactive application.  The RMLC negotiated a new 5 year agreement with ASCAP with a license term of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021.  In connection with all performance rights organization agreements, including SESAC, ASCAP and BMI, the Company incurred expenses of approximately $2.0 million and $2.6 million during the three month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and incurred expenses of approximately $4.4 million and $4.2 million during the six month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Finally, in 2016, a new performance rights organization, Global Music Rights (“GMR”) formed, but the scope of its repertory is not clear and it is not clear that it licenses compositions that have not already been licensed by the other performance rights organizations.  To ensure licensing compliance in 2017, we have entered into a temporary license with GMR while the RMLC continues to pursue an agreement for a long term licensing solution.  This interim license continues through September 30, 2018.  GMR offered these interim license extensions on the same terms as each broadcaster’s prior interim license, except for the new end date. We anticipate further extensions of this temporary license until a permanent industry wide solution is put into effect.

 

Lease obligations

 

We have non-cancelable operating leases for office space, studio space, broadcast towers and transmitter facilities that expire over the next 13 years.

 

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Operating Contracts and Agreements

 

We have other operating contracts and agreements including employment contracts, on-air talent contracts, severance obligations, retention bonuses, consulting agreements, equipment rental agreements, programming related agreements, and other general operating agreements that expire over the next seven years.

 

Reach Media Noncontrolling Interest Shareholders’ Put Rights

 

Beginning on January 1, 2018, the noncontrolling interest shareholders of Reach Media have an annual right to require Reach Media to purchase all or a portion of their shares at the then current fair market value for such shares (the “Put Right”).   Beginning in 2018, this annual right is exercisable for a 30-day period beginning January 1 of each year. The purchase price for such shares may be paid in cash and/or registered Class D common stock of Urban One, at the discretion of Urban One. The noncontrolling interest shareholders of Reach Media did not exercise their Put Right for the 30-day period ending January 30, 2018. Management, at this time, cannot reasonably determine the period when and if, the put right will be exercised by the noncontrolling interest shareholders.

 

Contractual Obligations Schedule

 

The following table represents our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2018:

 

    Payments Due by Period  
Contractual Obligations  

Remainder

of 2018

    2019     2020     2021     2022    

2023 and

Beyond

    Total  
    (In thousands)  
                                           
9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes(1)   $ 11,563     $ 23,125     $ 252,569     $     $     $     $ 287,257  
7.375% Senior Subordinated Notes(1)     12,906       25,813       25,813       25,813       357,529             447,874  
Credit facilities(2)     12,484       24,977       25,266       25,712       25,813       335,754       450,006  
Other operating contracts / agreements(3)     55,156       35,315       26,080       23,472       15,060       64,192       219,275  
Operating lease obligations     6,172       11,359       10,728       9,334       8,507       24,473       70,573  
Comcast Note     622       12,086                               12,708  
Total   $ 98,903     $ 132,675     $ 340,456     $ 84,331     $ 406,909     $ 424,419     $ 1,487,693  

 

(1)Includes interest obligations based on current effective interest rates on senior subordinated notes and secured notes outstanding as of June 30, 2018.

 

(2)Includes interest obligations based on effective interest rate and projected interest expense on credit facilities outstanding as of June 30, 2018.

 

(3)Includes employment contracts (including the Employment Agreement Award), severance obligations, on-air talent contracts, consulting agreements, equipment rental agreements, programming related agreements, and other general operating agreements. Also includes contracts that TV One has entered into to acquire entertainment programming rights and programs from distributors and producers.  These contracts relate to their content assets as well as prepaid programming related agreements.

 

Of the total amount of other operating contracts and agreements included in the table above, approximately $135.2 million has not been recorded on the balance sheet as of June 30, 2018, as it does not meet recognition criteria. Approximately $8.7 million relates to certain commitments for content agreements for our cable television segment, approximately $24.7 million relates to employment agreements, and the remainder relates to other agreements.

 

Other Contingencies

 

The Company has been named as a defendant in several legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. It is management’s opinion, after consultation with its legal counsel, that the outcome of these claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

On February 24, 2015, the Company entered into a letter of credit reimbursement and security agreement. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had letters of credit totaling $738,000 under the agreement for certain operating leases and certain insurance policies. Letters of credit issued under the agreement are required to be collateralized with cash.

 

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Item 3:  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk affecting Urban One, see Item 7A: “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.  Our exposure related to market risk has not changed materially since December 31, 2017.

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

We have carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic SEC reports. Disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, are controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide a reasonable level of assurance of reaching our desired disclosure controls objectives. Our management, including our CEO and CFO, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in reaching that level of reasonable assurance.

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2018, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

Legal Proceedings

 

Urban One is involved from time to time in various routine legal and administrative proceedings and threatened legal and administrative proceedings incidental to the ordinary course of our business. Urban One believes the resolution of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 Annual Report”), which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our 2017 Annual Report, as updated by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, are not the only risks facing our Company.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial, may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.  Other Information

 

None.

 

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Item 6.  Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

  Description
     
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101     Financial information from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, formatted in XBRL.

 

 52 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

  URBAN ONE, INC.
   
  /s/ PETER D. THOMPSON
   
  Peter D. Thompson
  Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

August 8, 2018

 

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Exhibit 31.1

 

I, Alfred C. Liggins, III, Chief Executive Officer and President of Urban One, Inc., certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Urban One, Inc.;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and have:

 

a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 

c)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d)disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s second quarter in the case of this report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a)all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

  By: /s/ Alfred C. Liggins, III
    Alfred C. Liggins, III
    President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: August 8, 2018

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

I, Peter D. Thompson, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of Urban One, Inc., certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Urban One, Inc.;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(i) for the registrant and have:

 

a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 

c)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d)disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s second quarter in the case of this report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

  By: /s/ Peter D. Thompson
    Peter D. Thompson
    Executive Vice President,
    Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
Date: August 8, 2018    

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of Urban One, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

 

(i)the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

(ii)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

  By: /s/ Alfred C. Liggins, III
    Name: Alfred C. Liggins, III
    Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: August 8, 2018    

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Urban One, Inc. and will be retained by Urban One, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of Urban One, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

 

(i)The accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

(ii)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

  By: /s/ Peter D. Thompson
    Name: Peter D. Thompson
    Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: August 8, 2018    

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Urban One, Inc. and will be retained by Urban One, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.