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AUDACY, INC. - Quarter Report: 2011 September (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011

 

or

 

o         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                     to                   

 

Commission File Number: 001-14461

 

Entercom Communications Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Pennsylvania

 

23-1701044

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer identification no.)

 

401 City Avenue, Suite 809

Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

(610) 660-5610

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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 x  No  o

 

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 (section 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  x  No  o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

 

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

 

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

 

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value — 30,888,832 Shares Outstanding as of October 21, 2011

(Class A Shares Outstanding include 1,882,869 unvested and vested but deferred restricted stock units)

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value — 7,367,532 Shares Outstanding as of October 21, 2011.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP.

 

INDEX

 

 

 

Part I     Financial Information

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

1

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

37

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

53

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

54

 

 

Part II     Other Information

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

55

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

55

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

58

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

58

 

Item 4.

Reserved

58

 

Item 5.

Other Information

58

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

59

 

 

Signatures

60

 

 

Exhibit Index

61

 

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act Safe Harbor Statement

 

In addition to historical information, this report contains statements by us with regard to our expectations as to financial results and other aspects of our business that involve risks and uncertainties and may constitute forward- looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Forward-looking statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events.  All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including, without limitation, 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 forward-looking statements by our use of words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continues,” “expects,” “intends,” “likely,” “may,” “opportunity,” “plans,” “potential,” “project,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “predicts” and similar expressions which identify forward-looking statements, whether in the negative or the affirmative.  We cannot guarantee that we actually will achieve these plans, intentions or expectations.  These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those forecasted or anticipated in such forward-looking statements.  You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our view only as of the date of this report.  We undertake no obligation to update these statements or publicly release the result of any revision(s) to these statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

Key risks to our company are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2011 and as may be supplemented by the risks described under Part II, Item 1A, of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and in our Current Reports on Form 8-K.

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART I

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.     Financial Statements

 

ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 30,

 

DECEMBER 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

4,869

 

$

3,768

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 

73,268

 

70,897

 

Prepaid expenses, deposits and other

 

5,225

 

5,370

 

Prepaid and refundable federal and state income taxes

 

264

 

810

 

Deferred tax assets

 

3,750

 

651

 

Total current assets

 

87,376

 

81,496

 

Investments

 

217

 

217

 

Net property and equipment

 

59,230

 

62,729

 

Radio broadcasting licenses

 

715,902

 

707,852

 

Goodwill

 

38,891

 

38,168

 

Deferred charges and other assets, net of accumulated amortization

 

7,337

 

10,563

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

908,953

 

$

901,025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

3,923

 

$

4,209

 

Accrued expenses

 

14,608

 

7,537

 

Accrued compensation and other current liabilities

 

13,720

 

13,476

 

Long-term debt, current portion

 

605,527

 

165,026

 

Total current liabilities

 

637,778

 

190,248

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

101

 

485,122

 

Financing method lease obligations

 

12,610

 

12,610

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

3,481

 

23,704

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

13,882

 

18,674

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

30,074

 

540,110

 

Total liabilities

 

667,852

 

730,358

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

 

 

Class A, B and C common stock

 

383

 

381

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

595,915

 

592,643

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(357,094

)

(415,080

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

1,897

 

(7,277

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

241,101

 

170,667

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

908,953

 

$

901,025

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

NINE MONTHS ENDED

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

NET REVENUES

 

$

287,593

 

$

289,359

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSE:

 

 

 

 

 

Station operating expenses, including non-cash compensation expense

 

202,939

 

195,603

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

8,535

 

9,736

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses, including non-cash compensation expense

 

20,638

 

16,292

 

Merger and acquisition costs

 

1,542

 

 

Net time brokerage agreement (income) fees

 

244

 

 

Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets

 

142

 

176

 

Total operating expense

 

234,040

 

221,807

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

 

53,553

 

67,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing expense

 

16,504

 

22,795

 

Interest and dividend income

 

(27

)

(15

)

Net loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

62

 

Other income

 

(16

)

(38

)

TOTAL OTHER EXPENSE

 

16,461

 

22,804

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

37,092

 

44,748

 

INCOME TAXES (BENEFIT)

 

(20,894

)

15,597

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

57,986

 

$

29,151

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC

 

$

1.59

 

$

0.82

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - DILUTED

 

$

1.53

 

$

0.78

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

36,355,024

 

35,699,525

 

Diluted

 

37,825,497

 

37,591,370

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

NET REVENUES

 

$

100,429

 

$

102,737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSE:

 

 

 

 

 

Station operating expenses, including non-cash compensation expense

 

69,771

 

67,726

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

2,771

 

3,089

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses, including non-cash compensation expense

 

5,551

 

5,190

 

Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets

 

73

 

185

 

Total operating expense

 

78,166

 

76,190

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

 

22,263

 

26,547

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing expense

 

5,271

 

8,645

 

Interest and dividend income

 

(20

)

(4

)

Other income

 

(11

)

(16

)

TOTAL OTHER EXPENSE

 

5,240

 

8,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

17,023

 

17,922

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAXES (BENEFIT)

 

8,792

 

7,233

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

8,231

 

$

10,689

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - DILUTED

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

36,366,675

 

35,722,801

 

Diluted

 

37,463,085

 

37,309,956

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

NINE MONTHS ENDED

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

57,986

 

$

29,151

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES (BENEFIT):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of taxes (benefit)

 

9,174

 

3,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

67,160

 

$

32,310

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

8,231

 

$

10,689

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES (BENEFIT):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of taxes (benefit)

 

1,039

 

1,424

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

9,270

 

$

12,113

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

(amounts in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional

 

Earnings

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Paid-in

 

(Accumulated

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Deficit)

 

Income (Loss)

 

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2009

 

29,755,161

 

$

297

 

7,457,532

 

$

75

 

$

588,622

 

$

(461,610

)

$

(13,432

)

$

113,952

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

46,436

 

 

46,436

 

Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock

 

90,000

 

1

 

(90,000

)

(1

)

 

 

 

 

Compensation expense related to granting of stock options

 

 

 

 

 

549

 

 

 

549

 

Compensation expense related to granting of restricted stock units

 

941,213

 

10

 

 

 

4,969

 

 

 

4,979

 

Exercise of stock options

 

97,725

 

1

 

 

 

129

 

 

 

130

 

Purchase of vested employee restricted stock units

 

(183,531

)

(2

)

 

 

(1,626

)

 

 

(1,628

)

Forfeitures of dividend equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

94

 

 

94

 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,155

 

6,155

 

Balance, December 31, 2010

 

30,700,568

 

307

 

7,367,532

 

74

 

592,643

 

(415,080

)

(7,277

)

170,667

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

57,986

 

 

57,986

 

Compensation expense related to granting of stock options

 

 

 

 

 

400

 

 

 

400

 

Compensation expense related to granting of restricted stock units

 

421,781

 

4

 

 

 

5,823

 

 

 

5,827

 

Exercise of stock options

 

51,750

 

1

 

 

 

68

 

 

 

69

 

Purchase of vested employee restricted stock units

 

(290,186

)

(3

)

 

 

(3,019

)

 

 

(3,022

)

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,174

 

9,174

 

Balance, September 30, 2011

 

30,883,913

 

$

309

 

7,367,532

 

$

74

 

$

595,915

 

$

(357,094

)

$

1,897

 

$

241,101

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

NINE MONTHS ENDED

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

57,986

 

$

29,151

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

8,535

 

9,736

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

2,825

 

2,930

 

Net deferred taxes (benefit) and other

 

(19,278

)

15,581

 

Provision for bad debts

 

1,306

 

797

 

Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets

 

142

 

176

 

Non-cash stock-based compensation expense

 

6,227

 

4,314

 

Deferred rent

 

80

 

5

 

Unearned revenue - long-term

 

5

 

 

Net loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

62

 

Deferred compensation

 

(276

)

976

 

Net accretion expense for asset retirement obligations

 

86

 

 

Other income

 

(16

)

(38

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(3,645

)

(8,520

)

Prepaid expenses and deposits

 

146

 

16,032

 

Prepaid and refundable income taxes

 

547

 

6,785

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

7,349

 

(15,476

)

Accrued interest expense

 

(43

)

(125

)

Accrued liabilities - long-term

 

(137

)

(25

)

Prepaid expenses - long-term

 

(141

)

(511

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

61,698

 

61,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property and equipment

 

(4,040

)

(1,935

)

Proceeds from sale of property, equipment, intangibles and other assets

 

231

 

114

 

Purchases of radio station assets

 

(9,000

)

 

Deferred charges and other assets

 

(1,170

)

(240

)

Proceeds from investments

 

16

 

38

 

Station acquisition deposits and costs

 

1,350

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(12,613

)

(2,023

)

 

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Table of Contents

 

ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

NINE MONTHS ENDED

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred expenses related to bank facility amendment

 

 

(5,155

)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

118,500

 

37,500

 

Payments of long-term debt

 

(163,020

)

(90,518

)

Retirement of senior subordinated notes

 

 

(6,579

)

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

69

 

115

 

Purchase of vested restricted stock units

 

(3,022

)

(1,622

)

Payment of dividend equivalents on vested restricted stock units

 

(511

)

(872

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(47,984

)

(67,131

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

1,101

 

(7,304

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

 

3,768

 

10,751

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

 

$

4,869

 

$

3,447

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

13,685

 

$

20,009

 

Income taxes

 

$

82

 

$

83

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 AND 2010

 

1.             BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The condensed consolidated interim unaudited financial statements included herein have been prepared by Entercom Communications Corp. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) in accordance with: (i) generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information; and (ii) the instructions of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements.  In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations and financial position for the interim periods presented.  All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The Company’s results are subject to seasonal fluctuations and, therefore, the results shown on an interim basis are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

 

This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 and filed with the SEC on February 9, 2011, as part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Other than as disclosed below, the Company does not believe that any recently issued pronouncements would have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

Goodwill Testing

 

In September 2011, the accounting guidance for how an entity tests goodwill for impairment was revised to simplify the procedures. The amendments will allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity no longer will be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount.  Prior to this decision, entities were required to test goodwill for impairment, on at least an annual basis, by first comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.  The Company anticipates that this guidance should not change the goodwill impairment testing results reached through either the simplified method of testing versus the existing method of testing. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2012.

 

Presentation Of Comprehensive Income

 

In June 2011, the accounting standards for the presentation of comprehensive income were amended.  This guidance seeks to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income.   In October 2011, the accounting standards were modified to defer the specific requirement to present items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income alongside their respective components of net income and other comprehensive income. The guidance provided by this update will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2012.  Since this guidance will only change the format of financial statements, it is expected that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurements

 

In May 2011, the accounting standards for fair value measurements were amended to clarify existing guidance and require certain new quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding unobservable fair value measurements. The guidance provided by this update will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2012. Since this guidance will only require additional disclosures, it is expected that this will not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

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Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s financial statements to conform to the presentation in the current year.

 

Prior Period Correction

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded a prior period correction to income tax expense and to other comprehensive income (loss) as described in Note 13, Income Taxes, and Note 14, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), respectively.

 

2.             SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

There have been no material changes from the Significant Accounting Policies described in our Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 9, 2011.

 

3.             ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND RELATED ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

 

Accounts receivable are primarily attributable to advertising which has been provided and for which payment has not been received from the advertiser.  Accounts receivable are net of agency commissions and an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. Estimates of the allowance for doubtful accounts are recorded based on management’s judgment of the collectability of the accounts receivable based on historical information, relative improvements or deteriorations in the age of the accounts receivable and changes in current economic conditions.

 

The accounts receivable balances and reserve for doubtful accounts are presented in the following table as of the periods indicated:

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

$

76,847

 

$

74,024

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(3,579

)

(3,127

)

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

73,268

 

$

70,897

 

 

See the table in Note 6 for the amounts outstanding as of the periods indicated for: (1) accounts receivable credits; and (2) unearned revenues.

 

4.             INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

 

(A) Indefinite-Lived Intangibles

 

Goodwill and certain intangible assets are not amortized.  The Company accounts for its acquired broadcasting licenses as indefinite-lived intangible assets and, similar to goodwill, these assets are reviewed at least annually for impairment. At the time of each review, if the fair value is less than the recorded value of goodwill and certain intangibles (such as broadcasting licenses), then a charge is recorded to the results of operations.

 

The Company may only write down the carrying value of its indefinite-lived intangibles. The Company is not permitted to increase the carrying value if the fair value of these assets subsequently increases.

 

(1)          Broadcasting Licenses Impairment Test

 

The Company performs its annual broadcasting license impairment test during the second quarter of each year by evaluating its broadcasting licenses for impairment at the market level using the direct method.  For purposes of testing impairment, indefinite-lived intangible assets are combined into a single unit of accounting. Since the broadcasting licenses in each market are operated as a single asset, each market’s broadcasting licenses are a single unit of accounting. The Company determines the fair value of the broadcasting licenses in each of its markets by relying on a discounted cash flow approach (a 10-year income model) assuming a start-up scenario in which the only

 

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assets held by an investor are broadcasting licenses. The Company’s fair value analysis contains assumptions incorporating variables that are based on past experiences and judgments about future performance using industry normalized information for an average station within a certain market. These variables include, but are not limited to: (1) the discount rate used in the determination of fair value; (2) the market share and profit margin of an average station within a market based upon market size and station type; (3) the forecast growth rate of each radio market, including assumptions regarding each market’s population, household income, retail sales and other factors that would influence advertising expenditures; (4) the estimated capital start-up costs and losses incurred during the early years; (5) the likely media competition within the market area; (6) an effective tax rate assumption; and (7) future terminal values.

 

The following table presents the changes in broadcasting licenses for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Broadcasting Licenses

 

 

 

Carrying Amount

 

 

 

2011 

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period balance as of January 1,

 

$

707,852

 

$

 707,852

 

Impairment loss

 

 

 

Acquisition (Note 18)

 

8,050

 

 

Ending period balance as of September 30,

 

$

 715,902

 

$

 707,852

 

 

Broadcasting License Impairment Testing During The Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2011

 

During the second quarter of 2011, the Company completed its annual impairment test for broadcasting licenses and determined that the fair value of its broadcasting licenses was in excess of the carrying value for each of the Company’s markets and, accordingly, no impairment was recorded.

 

The methodology used by the Company in determining its key estimates and assumptions was applied consistently to each market. Of the seven variables identified above, the Company believes that the first three (in clauses (1) through (3) above) are the most important to the determination of fair value.

 

The following table reflects the estimates and assumptions used in the second quarter of 2011 as compared to the second quarter of 2010, the date of the most recent prior impairment test.  In general, when comparing the second quarter of 2011 to the second quarter of 2010: (1) the discount rate, which was estimated using required returns on debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies, did not change; (2) the market specific operating profit margin range remained relatively stable with minor fluctuations in several markets; and (3) the market long-term revenue growth rate did not change.

 

 

 

Second

 

Second

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Discount rate

 

10.0%

 

10.0%

 

Operating profit margin range of the Company’s markets

 

19.5% to 41.5%

 

21.0% to 42.5%

 

Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company’s markets

 

1.5% to 2.0%

 

1.5% to 2.0%

 

 

There were no events or circumstances since the second quarter of 2011 that indicated an interim review of broadcast licenses was required.

 

If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the industry or the Company, or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of the Company’s broadcasting licenses below the amount reflected in the balance sheet, the Company may be required to conduct an interim test and possibly recognize impairment charges, which may be material, in future periods.

 

Broadcasting License Impairment Testing During The Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2010

 

The Company completed its annual impairment test for broadcasting licenses during the second quarter of 2010 and determined that the fair value of the broadcasting licenses was more than the amount reflected in the

 

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balance sheet for each of the Company’s markets and, accordingly, no impairment was recorded.

 

The methodology used by the Company in determining its key estimates and assumptions was applied consistently to each market. Of the seven variables identified above, the Company believes that the first three (in clauses (1) through (3) above) are the most important to the determination of fair value.

 

The following table reflects the estimates and assumptions used in the second quarter of 2010 as compared to the second quarter of 2009, the date of the prior impairment test.  In general, when comparing the second quarter of 2010 to the second quarter of 2009: (1) the discount rate decreased primarily due to a decrease in the estimated required returns on debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies; (2) the market specific operating profit margin range remained relatively flat; and (3) the market long-term revenue growth rate was marginally higher as the outlook for the industry improved.

 

 

 

Second

 

Second

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Discount rate

 

10.0%

 

10.6%

 

Operating profit margin range of the Company’s markets

 

21.0% to 42.5%

 

21.0% to 44.0%

 

Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company’s markets

 

1.5% to 2.0%

 

1.0% to 2.5%

 

 

(2)           Goodwill

 

The Company performs its annual impairment test on its goodwill during the second quarter of each year by comparing the fair value for each reporting unit with the amount reflected on the balance sheet. The Company has determined that a radio market is a reporting unit and, in total, the Company assesses goodwill at 19 separate reporting units (4 of the Company’s 23 reporting units had no goodwill recorded as of the end of the current period). If the fair value of any reporting unit is less than the amount reflected in the balance sheet, an indication exists that the amount of goodwill attributed to a reporting unit may be impaired, and the Company is required to perform a second step of the impairment test. In the second step, the Company compares the amount reflected in the balance sheet to the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation.

 

To determine the fair value, the Company uses an income and market approach for each reporting unit. The market approach compares recent sales and offering prices of similar properties. The income approach uses the subject property’s income generated over a specified time and capitalized at an appropriate market rate to arrive at an indication of the most probable selling price.

 

The following table presents the changes in goodwill for each of the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

Carrying Amount

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Goodwill balance before cumulative loss on impairment as of January 1,

 

$

163,783

 

$

163,783

 

Accumulated loss on impairment as of January 1,

 

(125,615

)

(125,615

)

Goodwill beginning balance after cumulative loss on impairment as of January 1,

 

38,168

 

38,168

 

Loss on impairment during year

 

 

 

Acquisition (Note 18)

 

723

 

 

Goodwill ending balance as of September 30,

 

$

38,891

 

$

38,168

 

 

Goodwill Impairment Testing During The Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2011

 

In step one of the Company’s goodwill analysis during the second quarter, the Company considered the results of the market approach and, when appropriate, the income approach in computing the fair value of the Company’s reporting units. In the market approach, the Company applied an estimated market multiple of between

 

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7.5 times and 8.0 times to each reporting unit’s operating performance to calculate the fair value. This multiple was consistent with the multiple applied to all markets in the second quarter of 2010.  Management believes that these approaches are an appropriate measurement given the current market valuations of broadcast radio stations together with historical market transactions, including those in recent months. Factors contributing to the determination of the reporting unit’s operating performance were historical performance and management’s estimate of future performance.

 

In the income approach, the Company utilized the discounted cash flow method to calculate the fair value of the reporting unit (the key estimates and assumptions are included in the table below). The results of step one indicated that it was not necessary to perform the second step analysis in any of the markets tested, as the fair values for all of the Company’s markets were in excess of the carrying value. As a result of the step one test, no impairment loss was recorded during the second quarter of 2011. The Company performed a reasonableness test by comparing the fair value results for goodwill by using the implied multiple based on the Company’s cash flow performance and its current stock price and comparing the results to prevailing radio broadcast transaction multiples.

 

The following table reflects certain key estimates and assumptions used in the second quarter of 2011 and in the second quarter of 2010, the date of the most recent prior impairment test. The ranges for operating profit margin and revenue growth rates are for the Company’s markets.  In general, when comparing the second quarter of 2011 to the second quarter of 2010: (1) the discount rate, which was estimated using required returns on debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies, did not change; (2) the market specific operating profit margin range was relatively stable; and (3) the market long-term revenue growth rate did not change.

 

 

 

Second

 

Second

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Discount rate

 

10.0%

 

10.0%

 

Operating profit margin range of the Company’s markets

 

25.0% to 46.6%

 

26.0% to 39.0%

 

Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company’s markets

 

1.5% to 2.0%

 

1.5% to 2.0%

 

 

There were no events or circumstances since the Company’s second quarter annual goodwill test that required the Company to test the carrying value of its goodwill.

 

If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the industry or the Company, or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of the Company’s goodwill below the amount reflected in the balance sheet, the Company may be required to conduct an interim test and possibly recognize impairment charges, which could be material, in future periods.

 

Goodwill Impairment Testing During The Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2010

 

In step one of the Company’s goodwill analysis during the second quarter, the Company considered the results of the market approach and the income approach, when appropriate, in computing the fair value of the Company’s reporting units. In the market approach, the Company applied an estimated market multiple of between 7.5 times and 8.0 times to each reporting unit’s operating performance to calculate the fair value. This multiple was higher than the 6.0 times multiple applied to all markets in the second quarter of 2009.  Management believes that these approaches are an appropriate measurement given the current market valuations of broadcast radio stations together with the historical market transactions, including those in recent months. Factors contributing to the determination of the reporting unit’s operating performance were historical performance and management’s estimate of future performance.

 

In the income approach, the Company utilized the discounted cash flow method to calculate the fair value of the reporting unit (the key estimates and assumptions are included in the table below). The results of step one indicated that it was not necessary to perform the second step analysis in any of the markets tested, as the fair values for all of the Company’s markets were above book value. As a result of the step one test, no impairment loss was recorded during the second quarter of 2010. The Company performed a reasonableness test by comparing the fair value results for goodwill by using the implied multiple based on the Company’s cash flow performance and its current stock price and comparing the results to prevailing radio broadcast transaction multiples.

 

The following table reflects certain key estimates and assumptions used in the second quarter of 2010 and in the second quarter of 2009, the date of the prior impairment test. The ranges for operating profit margin and revenue

 

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growth rates are for the Company’s markets.  In general, when comparing the second quarter of 2010 to the second quarter of 2009: (1) the discount rate decreased primarily due to a decrease in the estimated required returns of the debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies; (2) the market specific operating profit margin range narrowed; and (3) the market long-term revenue growth rate range narrowed.

 

 

 

Second

 

Second

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Discount rate

 

10.0%

 

10.6%

 

Operating profit margin range of the Company’s markets

 

26.0% to 39.0%

 

21.0% to 41.0%

 

Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company’s markets

 

1.5% to 2.0%

 

1.0% to 2.5%

 

 

5.             DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS

 

Deferred charges and other assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, consist of the following as of the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Deferred Charges And Other Assets,

 

 

 

Net Of Accumulated Amortization

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred contracts and other agreements, net

 

$

770

 

$

659

 

Advertiser lists and customer relationships, net

 

130

 

3

 

Total definite-lived assets

 

900

 

662

 

Debt issuance costs, net

 

2,111

 

4,936

 

Software costs, net

 

1,195

 

550

 

Leasehold premium, net

 

589

 

633

 

Prepaid assets - long-term

 

2,120

 

1,995

 

Deposits - long-term

 

345

 

328

 

Note receivable - long-term

 

77

 

109

 

Station deposits and acquisition costs

 

 

1,350

 

 

 

$

7,337

 

$

10,563

 

 

The following tables reflect deferred financing expense from the amortization of debt issuance costs (charged to interest expense) for the periods presented:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred financing expense

 

$

2,825

 

$

2,930

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred financing expense

 

$

941

 

$

1,439

 

 

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6.             OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

Other Current Liabilities

 

Accrued compensation and other current liabilities consist of the following as of the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Accrued Compensation And Other

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued compensation

 

$

7,238

 

$

5,803

 

Accounts receivable credits

 

1,998

 

1,909

 

Derivative valuation - short-term

 

2,148

 

2,958

 

Advertiser obligations

 

1,170

 

1,110

 

Accrued interest payable

 

161

 

204

 

Unearned revenue - short-term

 

146

 

216

 

Accrued dividend equivalents - short-term

 

57

 

522

 

Other

 

802

 

754

 

 

 

$

13,720

 

$

13,476

 

 

Other Long-Term Liabilities - Deferred Rent Liabilities

 

The following table reflects deferred rent liabilities included under other long-term liabilities as of the periods indicated:

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred rent liabilities

 

$

3,481

 

$

3,401

 

 

7.             LONG-TERM DEBT

 

(A) Senior Debt

 

Credit Agreement (the “Bank Facility”)

 

The Company has a $ 1,050 million senior secured credit facility with a syndicate of lenders that matures on June 30, 2012. The Bank Facility was originally comprised of $650 million in revolving credit (the “Revolver”) and a $400 million term loan (the “Term Loan”). The Term Loan amortizes in quarterly amounts, which payments increased to $60 million on September 30, 2011 and thereafter.

 

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding under the Bank Facility $483.5 million in drawn Revolver and $122.0 million in Term Loan.  As of September 30, 2011, the Company had $4.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. As of September 30, 2011, the undrawn amount of the Revolver was $165.9 million. The amount of the Revolver available to the Company, however, is a function of covenant compliance at the time of borrowing. Based on the Company’s financial covenant analysis as of September 30, 2011, the Company would be limited to borrowings significantly less than the undrawn limit unless such borrowings were used to repay indebtedness or for transactions that increase cash flow for purposes of covenant calculation.

 

The Company’s Bank Facility requires compliance with certain financial covenants including a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio.  This financial covenant is a ratio of the Company’s Consolidated Funded Indebtedness to Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for the four most recent fiscal quarters as of the date of determination (each as defined in our Bank Facility).  This financial covenant is determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter.  For the quarter ended September 30, 2011 the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio was 5.86 times, while the maximum was 6.25 times.  The maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio decreases to 6.00 times for periods ending on and after December 31, 2011.

 

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Management believes that the Company can continue to maintain its compliance with the financial covenants until maturity of the Bank Facility on June 30, 2012.  The Company’s ability to maintain compliance with its financial covenants is highly dependent on the Company’s results of operations.  If management were to expect that the Company could not maintain compliance with its covenants, the Company would seek to enter into an agreement with its lenders for covenant compliance relief.  If the Company was able to enter into an agreement for covenant compliance relief, such relief would likely result in significantly higher interest expense and fees paid to consenting lenders.  There can be no assurance, however, that the Company’s lenders would agree to such covenant compliance relief.

 

The Company must refinance or replace its Bank Facility prior to its expiration on June 30, 2012.  Specifically, on June 30, 2012 the Revolver balance then outstanding, together with the final $60 million Term Loan installment, will be due in full.  In the event the Company is not successful in refinancing or replacing its Bank Facility prior to its maturity, the Company would not have the resources to fund these obligations.

 

If the Company was not able to secure any required covenant compliance relief, or if the Company failed to refinance or replace its Bank Facility prior to its expiration on June 30, 2012, then an Event of Default would arise under the Company’s Bank Facility.  An Event of Default could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.  If an Event of Default occurs, the lenders in the Company’s Bank Facility could begin exercising various creditor rights which could threaten the Company’s ability to continue to operate its business.

 

The Company previously relied on the Revolver to fund the Company’s quarterly Term Loan amortization payments.  As of October 25, 2010, the Company has prepaid all Term Loan amortization payments other than the final $60 million installment due on June 30, 2012.

 

The Company’s operating cash flow remains positive and management believes that it is adequate to fund the Company’s operating needs.  As a result, the Company has not been required to rely upon, and the Company does not anticipate being required to rely upon, the Revolver to fund its operations.

 

Amendment In 2010 To The Bank Facility”(Amendment”)

 

The Amendment to the Bank Facility in March 2010 was treated as a modification to a debt instrument.  As a result, in the first quarter of 2010, the Company recorded deferred financing costs of $5.2 million related to the Amendment which is amortized over the remaining life of the Bank Facility on: (1) a straight-line basis for the revolving credit facility; and (2) an effective interest rate method for the term loan. In addition, unamortized deferred financing costs of $3.1 million as of the Amendment date are amortized over the remaining life of the Bank Facility.

 

Additional key terms of the Bank Facility, as amended, are as follows:

 

·      Depending on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Funded Indebtedness to Consolidated Operating Cash Flow), the Company can elect an interest rate equal to: (1) the Eurodollar Rate plus fees that range from 0.50% to 2.50%; or (2) the Base Rate plus fees that can range from 0.00% to 1.50%, where the Base Rate is the highest of: (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%; (b) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%; and (c) the Prime Rate;

 

·      During periods when the Consolidated Leverage Ratio exceeds 6.0 times (defined in the Bank Facility as a “Restricted Period”), the Company is: (a) restricted in its ability to take certain actions including, but not limited to, the payment of dividends and the repurchase of its stock; and (b) subject to additional limitations on acquisitions and investments; and

 

·      The Company pays a commitment fee that varies, depending on the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio and the amount of the unused commitment, to a maximum of 0.50% per year on the average unused balance of the revolving credit.

 

The Bank Facility is secured by a pledge of 100% of the capital stock and other equity interest in all of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, the Bank Facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than real property.

 

Prior to the Amendment the interest rate was: (1) the Eurodollar rate plus a rate that ranges from 0.50% to 1.13%; or (2) the greater of prime rate plus a rate that ranges from 0.00% to 0.13% or the federal funds rate plus a rate that ranges from 0.50% to 0.63%.

 

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(B) Senior Subordinated Debt

 

7.625% Senior Subordinated Notes

 

On March 8, 2010, the Company redeemed at par all of its remaining outstanding 7.625% senior subordinated notes that were due March 1, 2014 and recorded in the statement of operations a loss on the extinguishment of debt.

 

(C) Debt Extinguishment

 

The following table presents for the periods indicated the amount of gain or loss recorded on debt extinguishment:

 

 

 

For the Nine

 

 

 

Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in

 

 

 

thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Write-off of deferred financing costs

 

$

62

 

Gain on debt extinguishment

 

 

Net (gain) loss on debt extinguishment

 

$

62

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of debt retired

 

$

6,579

 

 

8.             DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

 

The Company from time to time enters into derivative financial instruments, including interest rate exchange agreements (“Swaps”) and interest rate collar agreements (“Collars”), to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.

 

Hedge Accounting Treatment

 

During the period of an interest rate hedging relationship, the Company’s variable rate debt is expected to be greater than the notional amount of the derivative rate hedging transactions. These transactions are tied to the one-month Eurodollar London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) interest rate. Under a fixed rate swap, the Company pays a fixed rate on a notional amount to the counter-party, and the counter-party pays to the Company a variable rate on the notional amount equal to the Company’s LIBOR borrowing rate.  A Collar establishes two separate agreements: an upper limit, or cap, and a lower limit, or floor, for the Company’s LIBOR borrowing rate.

 

As of September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company had outstanding the aggregate notional amounts of $100.0 million and $475.0 million, respectively, of interest rate transactions that were hedged against the Company’s variable rate senior debt.

 

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had the following derivative outstanding:

 

Type

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed

 

 

 

Of

 

Notional

 

Effective

 

LIBOR

 

Expiration

 

Hedge

 

Amount

 

Date

 

Rate

 

Date

 

 

 

(amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swap

 

$

100.0

 

May 28, 2008

 

3.62

%

May 28, 2012

 

 

The following tables include those derivatives that expired during the periods indicated:

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed

 

 

 

 

Of

 

Notional

 

Effective

 

 

 

LIBOR

 

 

Expiration

 

Hedge

 

Amount

 

Date

 

Collar

 

Rate

 

 

Date

 

 

 

(amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swap

 

$

150.0

 

January 28, 2008

 

n/a

 

3.03

%

 

January 28, 2011

 

Collar

 

100.0

 

February 28, 2008

[

Cap
Floor

 

4.00

%

]

February 28, 2011

 

 

 

 

2.14

%

 

Swap

 

 

125.0

 

March 28, 2008

 

n/a

 

2.91

%

 

September 28, 2011

 

 

 

 375.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

 

Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed

 

 

 

Of

 

Notional

 

Effective

 

 

 

LIBOR

 

Expiration

 

Hedge

 

Amount

 

Date

 

Collar

 

Rate

 

Date

 

 

 

(amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swap

 

$

75.0

 

January 28, 2008

 

n/a

 

3.03

%

January 28, 2010

 

 

The following is a summary of the gains (losses) related to the Company’s cash flow hedges for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Description

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type Of Derivative Designated As A Cash Flow Hedge

 

Interest Rate

 

Interest Rate

 

Amount Of Gain (Loss) Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“OCI”)

 

$

5,129

 

$

3,159

 

Location Of Gain (Loss) Reclassified From OCI To Statement Of Operations

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest Expense

 

Amount Of Gain (Loss) Reclassified From OCI To Statement Of Operations

 

$

 

$

 

Location Of Gain (Loss) In Statement Of Operations

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest Expense

 

Amount Of Gain (Loss) In Statement Of Operations Due To Ineffectiveness

 

$

 

$

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Description

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type Of Derivative Designated As A Cash Flow Hedge

 

Interest Rate

 

Interest Rate

 

Amount Of Gain (Loss) Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“OCI”)

 

$

1,679

 

$

1,424

 

Location Of Gain (Loss) Reclassified From OCI To Statement Of Operations

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest Expense

 

Amount Of Gain (Loss) Reclassified From OCI To Statement Of Operations

 

$

 

$

 

Location Of Gain (Loss) In Statement Of Operations

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest Expense

 

Amount Of Gain (Loss) In Statement Of Operations Due To Ineffectiveness

 

$

 

$

 

 

The gains and losses were recorded to the statement of comprehensive income (loss) as these derivatives qualified for hedge accounting treatment (see Note 14 for the net change in the fair value). The fair value of these derivatives was determined using observable market-based inputs (a Level 2 measurement as described under Note 17) and the impact of the credit risk on a derivative’s fair value (the creditworthiness of the transaction’s counterparty for assets and the creditworthiness of the Company for liabilities).

 

The Company does not expect to reclassify any portion of this amount to the statement of operations over the earlier of the expiration of the derivative or the next twelve months.

 

The following table presents the accumulated derivative gain (loss) recorded in the statements of other comprehensive income (loss) as of the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Fair Value Of Accumulated

 

 

 

Derivatives Outstanding

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Assets (Liabilities)

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance as of January 1

 

$

(7,277

)

$

(13,432

)

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of taxes (benefit)

 

9,174

 

6,155

 

Ending balance

 

$

1,897

 

$

(7,277

)

 

The following is a summary of the fair value of the derivatives outstanding as of the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

Balance Sheet

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Location

 

Asset (Liability)

 

 

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Designated Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate hedge transactions

 

Current liabilities

 

$

(2,148

)

$

(2,958

)

Interest rate hedge transactions

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

$

 

$

(4,319

)

 

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Table of Contents

 

9.             CONTINGENCIES, GUARANTOR ARRANGEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS

 

Contingencies

 

The Company is subject to various outstanding claims which arise in the ordinary course of business and to other legal proceedings.  Management anticipates that any potential liability of the Company, which may arise out of or with respect to these matters, will not materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms to mitigate the potential liabilities for workers’ compensation, general liability, property, directors’ and officers’ liability, vehicle liability and employee health care benefits. Liabilities associated with the risks that are retained by the Company are estimated, in part, by considering claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors, outside expertise and other actuarial assumptions. Under one of these policies, the Company is required to maintain a letter of credit in the amount of $0.6 million.

 

The Company could face increased costs in the form of fines and a greater risk that the Company could lose any one or more of its broadcasting licenses if the FCC concludes that programming broadcast by a Company station was obscene, indecent or profane and such conduct warrants license revocation.  The FCC’s authority to impose a fine for the broadcast of such material is $325,000 for a single incident, with a maximum fine of up to $3,000,000 for a continuing violation. In the past, the FCC has issued Notices of Apparent Liability and a Forfeiture Order with respect to several of the Company’s stations proposing fines for certain programming which the FCC deemed to have been indecent. These cases are the subject of pending administrative appeals.

 

The FCC has also investigated other complaints from the public that some of the Company’s stations broadcast indecent programming. These investigations remain pending.  The FCC initiated an investigation into an incident wherein a person died after participating in a contest at one of our stations and this investigation remains pending. The Company has determined that, at this time, the amount of potential fines and penalties, if any, is not fixed or determinable.

 

The Company has filed, on a timely basis, renewal applications for those radio stations with radio broadcasting licenses that are subject to renewal with the FCC. The Company’s costs to renew its licenses with the FCC are nominal and are expensed as incurred rather than capitalized.  Certain licenses were not renewed prior to the renewal date. The Company continues to operate these radio stations under their existing licenses until the licenses are renewed.  The FCC may delay the renewal pending the resolution of open inquiries. The affected stations are, however, authorized to continue operations until the FCC acts upon the renewal applications.

 

The Company’s agreements with Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”) and American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”) each expired as of December 31, 2009. In January 2010, the Radio Music Licensing Committee, of which the Company is a participant, filed motions in the New York courts against BMI and ASCAP on behalf of the radio industry, seeking interim fees and a determination of fair and reasonable industry-wide license fees. During 2010, the courts approved reduced interim fees for ASCAP and BMI. The final fees, as determined by the courts, may be retroactive to the beginning of the period and may be different from these interim fees.

 

Commitments

 

Disposition Of Multiple Tower Sites

 

The Company completed the sale of certain tower sites in 2009. Due to the Company’s continuing involvement through a potential earn-out in the year 2013, the transaction was classified under the financing method.

 

Guarantor Arrangements

 

The Company enters into indemnification agreements in the ordinary course of business and other agreements which include indemnification provisions.  The Company believes that the estimated fair value of these agreements is minimal and has not recorded liabilities for these agreements as of September 30, 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

 

10.          SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Dividends

 

The Company currently does not pay a dividend on its common stock. Any future dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors based upon the relevant factors at the time of such consideration.

 

Pursuant to the Company’s current Bank Facility, during periods when the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio exceeds 6.0 times, the Company would be prohibited from paying dividends.

 

Dividend Equivalents

 

The Company’s grants of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) include the right, upon vesting, to receive a cash payment equal to the aggregate amount of dividends, if any, that holders would have received on the shares of common stock underlying their RSUs if such RSUs had been vested during the period.

 

The following table presents the amounts accrued and unpaid on unvested RSUs as of the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Balance Sheet

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

Location

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term dividend equivalent liability

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

57

 

$

522

 

Long-term dividend equivalent liability

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

228

 

276

 

Total dividend equivalent liability

 

 

 

$

285

 

$

798

 

 

The following table presents: (a) the amount of dividend equivalents that were paid to the holders of RSUs that vested; and (b) the tax benefits that were recorded to paid-in capital:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend equivalents paid

 

$

511

 

$

872

 

Tax benefit recognized to paid-in capital

 

$

 

$

 

 

Deemed Repurchases Of Vested RSUs

 

Upon vesting of an RSU, a tax obligation is created for both the employer and the employee. Unless employees elect to pay their tax withholding obligations in cash, the Company withholds shares of stock in an amount sufficient to cover their tax withholding obligations.  The withholding of these shares by the Company is deemed to be a repurchase of its stock.

 

The following table presents for the periods indicated: (1) the shares of stock the Company was deemed to have repurchased; and (2) the amounts that the Company recorded as financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares of stock deemed repurchased

 

290

 

181

 

Amount recorded as financing activity

 

$

3,022

 

$

1,622

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Company Share Repurchase Programs

 

The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized in the past, and may authorize in the future, share repurchase programs for the purchase of Class A common stock over a defined period of time. See Note 7 for further discussion. There are no authorized share repurchase programs as of September 30, 2011.

 

11.          SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Equity Compensation Plan

 

Under the Entercom Equity Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), the Company is authorized to issue share-based compensation awards to key employees, directors and consultants.

 

RSU Activity

 

The following is a summary of the changes in RSUs under the Company’s Plan during the current period:

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

Of

 

Weighted

 

Average

 

Intrinsic

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted

 

Average

 

Remaining

 

Value As Of

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

Purchase

 

Contractual

 

September 30,

 

 

 

Period Ended

 

Units

 

Price

 

Term (Years)

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RSUs outstanding as of:

 

December 31, 2010

 

2,329,174

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RSUs awarded

 

 

 

445,213

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RSUs released

 

 

 

(868,211

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

RSUs forfeited

 

 

 

(23,057

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

RSUs outstanding as of:

 

September 30, 2011

 

1,883,119

 

$

 

1.7

 

$

9,886,375

 

RSUs vested and expected to vest as of:

 

September 30, 2011

 

1,698,384

 

$

 

1.7

 

$

8,459,788

 

RSUs exercisable (vested and deferred) as of:

 

September 30, 2011

 

86,996

 

$

 

 

$

456,729

 

Weighted average remaining recognition period in years

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unamortized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures

 

 

 

$

10,016,230

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

Option Activity

 

The following table presents for the periods indicated: (1) the intrinsic value of options exercised; (2) cash received from options exercised; and (3) the tax benefit from options exercised, before the impact of a valuation allowance:

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Other Option Disclosures

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intrinsic value of options exercised

 

$

520

 

$

811

 

Tax benefit from options exercised, before impact of valuation allowance

 

$

198

 

$

320

 

Cash received from exercise price of options exercised

 

$

69

 

$

115

 

 

The following table presents the option activity during the current period under the Company’s stock option plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Intrinsic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Average

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

Remaining

 

As of

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

Exercise

 

Contractual

 

September 30,

 

 

 

Period Ended

 

Options

 

Price

 

Term (Years)

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options outstanding as of:

 

December 31, 2010

 

983,150

 

$

3.02

 

 

 

 

 

Options granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options exercised

 

 

 

(51,750

)

1.34

 

 

 

 

 

Options forfeited

 

 

 

(24,530

)

1.52

 

 

 

 

 

Options expired

 

 

 

(13,345

)

25.62

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding as of:

 

September 30, 2011

 

893,525

 

$

2.82

 

7.2

 

$

3,212,430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options vested and expected to vest as of:

 

September 30, 2011

 

863,656

 

$

2.86

 

7.2

 

$

3,101,022

 

Options vested and exercisable as of:

 

September 30, 2011

 

397,484

 

$

4.29

 

7.0

 

$

1,353,818

 

Weighted average remaining recognition period in years

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unamortized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures

 

 

 

$

276,376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following table summarizes significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable options as of the current period:

 

 

 

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

 

 

 

 

Number Of

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Number Of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

Average

 

Weighted

 

Options

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding

 

Remaining

 

Average

 

Exercisable

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Contractual

 

Exercise

 

September 30,

 

Exercise

 

Exercise Prices

 

2011

 

Life

 

Price

 

2011

 

Price

 

$

1.34

 

$

1.34

 

819,650

 

7.4

 

$

1.34

 

345,028

 

$

1.34

 

$

2.02

 

$

12.08

 

52,375

 

7.0

 

$

9.16

 

30,956

 

$

9.80

 

$

33.90

 

$

47.77

 

8,500

 

2.9

 

$

36.86

 

8,500

 

$

36.86

 

$

48.00

 

$

48.21

 

13,000

 

0.6

 

$

48.03

 

13,000

 

$

48.03

 

 

 

 

 

893,525

 

7.2

 

$

2.82

 

397,484

 

$

4.29

 

 

23



Table of Contents

 

Valuation Of Options

 

The fair value of each option grant, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, was estimated on the date of each grant. The following table presents the range of the assumptions used to determine the fair value over the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Expected life (years)

 

no options issued

 

6.3

 

Expected volatility factor (%)

 

no options issued

 

69.2%

 

Risk-free interest rate (%)

 

no options issued

 

3.0%

 

Expected dividend yield (%)

 

no options issued

 

0.0%

 

 

Recognized Non-Cash Compensation Expense

 

The following summarizes recognized stock-based compensation expense related to awards of RSUs and employee stock options:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Station operating expenses

 

$

550

 

$

965

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses

 

5,676

 

3,349

 

Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expenses

 

6,226

 

4,314

 

Income tax benefit (net of a fully reserved valuation allowance for prior year)

 

(1,613

)

 

Total

 

$

4,613

 

$

4,314

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Station operating expenses

 

$

223

 

$

397

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses

 

1,337

 

815

 

Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expenses

 

1,560

 

1,212

 

Income tax benefit (net of a fully reserved valuation allowance for prior year)

 

(464

)

 

Total

 

$

1,096

 

$

1,212

 

 

For all of the above periods, stock-based compensation expense consisted primarily of RSU awards.

 

Windfall Tax Benefit Or Paid-In Capital Pool Account

 

A deferred tax asset is recorded as a result of recognizing share-based compensation expense. A current income tax deduction arises at the time an RSU vests (together with any applicable dividend equivalent payments) and/or a stock option is exercised. If the current income tax deduction is greater than the associated deferred tax asset, the difference creates a windfall tax benefit, which is recorded in financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. A windfall tax benefit is not recognized for book purposes, however, until it is realized.

 

In the event the current income tax deduction is less than the associated deferred tax asset, the difference is  charged to the windfall tax benefit account; otherwise, the shortfall is charged to income tax expense (before a valuation adjustment, if applicable). The amount of the Company’s windfall tax benefit account was $1.3 million as of September 30, 2011. Based upon outstanding awards, this amount will be available in the windfall tax benefit account to absorb any future shortfalls.

 

24



Table of Contents

 

12.          NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

 

Net income per common share is calculated as basic net income per share and diluted net income per share. Basic net income per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share is computed in the same manner as basic net income after assuming issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive equivalent shares, which includes the potential dilution that could occur: (1) if all the Company’s outstanding stock options that are in-the-money were exercised (using the treasury stock method); (2) if the RSUs with service conditions were fully vested (using the treasury stock method); and (3) if the RSUs with service and market conditions were considered contingently issuable.

 

For the periods indicated, the following tables present the computations of basic and diluted net income per share:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

 

Net Income

 

Shares

 

Per Share

 

Net Income

 

Shares

 

Per Share

 

Basic net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

57,986

 

36,355,024

 

$

1.59

 

$

29,151

 

35,699,525

 

$

0.82

 

Impact of equity awards

 

 

 

1,470,473

 

 

 

 

 

1,891,845

 

 

 

Diluted net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

57,986

 

37,825,497

 

$

1.53

 

$

29,151

 

37,591,370

 

$

0.78

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

 

Net Income

 

Shares

 

Per Share

 

Net Income

 

Shares

 

Per Share

 

Basic net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

8,231

 

36,366,675

 

$

0.23

 

$

10,689

 

35,722,801

 

$

0.30

 

Impact of equity awards

 

 

 

1,096,410

 

 

 

 

 

1,587,155

 

 

 

Diluted net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

8,231

 

37,463,085

 

$

0.22

 

$

10,689

 

37,309,956

 

$

0.29

 

 

Incremental Shares Disclosure As Anti-Dilutive

 

For the periods indicated, the following table provides the incremental shares excluded as they were anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method:

 

25



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Impact Of Equity Awards

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands,

 

 

 

except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dilutive or anti-dilutive for all potentially dilutive equivalent shares:

 

dilutive

 

dilutive

 

Excluded shares as anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method:

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

54

 

66

 

Price range of options: from

 

$

9.02

 

$

9.84

 

Price range of options: to

 

$

48.21

 

$

48.21

 

RSUs with service conditions

 

942

 

86

 

RSUs with service and market conditions as market conditions not met

 

200

 

 

Total RSUs

 

1,142

 

86

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Impact Of Equity Awards

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands,

 

 

 

except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dilutive or anti-dilutive for all potentially dilutive equivalent shares:

 

dilutive

 

dilutive

 

Excluded shares as anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method:

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

53

 

66

 

Price range of options: from

 

$

6.67

 

$

7.55

 

Price range of options: to

 

$

48.21

 

$

48.21

 

RSUs with service conditions

 

976

 

275

 

RSUs with service and market conditions

 

200

 

 

Total RSUs

 

1,176

 

275

 

 

13.          INCOME TAXES

 

Effective Tax Rate - Overview

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate, or a tax benefit, may be impacted by: (1) changes in the level of income in any of the Company’s taxing jurisdictions; (2) changes in the statutes and rules applicable to taxable income in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; (3) changes in the expected outcome of income tax audits; (4) changes in the estimate of expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes; (5) income taxes in certain states where the states’ current taxable income is dependent on factors other than the Company’s consolidated net income; (6) the effect of recording changes in the Company’s liabilities for uncertain tax positions; and (7) adding facilities in states that on average have different income tax rates from states in which we currently operate and the resulting effect on previously reported temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of our assets and liabilities.

 

An impairment loss will result in an income tax benefit during the period incurred as the amortization of broadcasting licenses and goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.

 

Tax Rates For The Nine Months And Three Months Ended September 30, 2011

 

The effective income tax rate was (56.3%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, which reflects: (1) a reversal of the full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets for the reasons as described below under Valuation Allowance For Deferred Tax Assets; and (2) certain discrete items of tax.  The income tax benefit from the reversal of the full valuation allowance was offset by a prior period correction in the current period that increased deferred income tax expense by $6.0 million. See Note 13 below for further discussion.

 

26



Table of Contents

 

The effective income tax rate was 51.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2011, which includes $1.5 million related primarily to the overstatement of the Company’s deferred tax assets following the release of its valuation allowance in the second quarter of 2011.

 

Tax Rates For The Nine Months And Three Months Ended September 30, 2010

 

The effective income tax rates were 34.9% and 40.4% for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The effective income tax rates reflect: (1) an increase in net deferred tax liabilities associated with non-amortizable assets such as broadcasting licenses and goodwill; (2) an increase in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance for the reasons as described below under Valuation Allowance For Deferred Tax Assets; and (3) certain discrete items of tax.

 

Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities

 

As of September 30, 2011, there were net deferred tax assets of $0.3 million. As of December 31, 2010, there were net deferred tax liabilities of $23.1 million. The income tax accounting process to determine the deferred tax liabilities involves estimating all temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the period in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The Company estimated the current exposure by assessing the temporary differences and computing the provision for income taxes by applying the estimated effective tax rate to income.

 

Valuation Allowance For Deferred Tax Assets

 

The Company was impacted by the economic downturn which resulted in impairments to its broadcast licenses and goodwill in 2007 and 2008. Due to these impairment losses and their impact on cumulative three-year income, the Company established a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in 2008.

 

During the second quarter of 2011, management determined that on a more likely than not realization basis, this full valuation allowance was no longer required.  Contributing to this assessment were sufficient positive indicators such as, but not limited to, the then present economic conditions (as compared to the economic conditions when the valuation allowance was established), recent profitability, management’s expectation of future profitability, including available future taxable income under the current tax law to realize all of the tax benefits for deductible temporary differences and carryforwards. In addition, the Company does not have a history of its net operating loss carryforwards expiring unused.

 

The recoverability of the Company’s net deferred tax assets has been assessed utilizing projections based on the Company’s current operations. The projections show a significant decrease in tax amortization in the early years of the carryforward period as a significant portion of the Company’s intangible assets will be fully amortized during that time. Accordingly, the recoverability of the net deferred tax assets is not dependent on material improvements to operations, material asset sales or other non-routine transactions. Based on this assessment, management determined that it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized, which results in a tax benefit of $42.1 million to the income statement due to the reversal of the full valuation allowance during 2011. The Company decreased its valuation allowance to $1.7 million as of September 30, 2011 from $43.8 million as of December 31, 2010.

 

The Company has also considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax-planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance.  On a quarterly basis, management assesses whether it remains more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.  If the Company does not generate adequate taxable earnings, some or all of our deferred tax assets may not be realized. Additionally, changes to the federal and state income tax laws could also impact the Company’s ability to use its net operating loss carryforward. In the event the Company determines at a future time that it would not realize its net deferred tax assets, the Company will increase its deferred tax asset valuation allowance and increase income tax expense in the period when the Company makes such determination.

 

Liabilities For Uncertain Tax Positions

 

The Company’s liabilities for uncertain tax positions, which amounts were recorded as long-term liabilities in the balance sheets, are reflected in the following table as of the periods indicated:

 

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September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Liabilities for uncertain tax positions

 

 

 

 

 

Tax

 

$

530

 

$

1,674

 

Interest and penalties

 

610

 

1,147

 

Total

 

$

1,140

 

$

2,821

 

 

The decrease in liabilities for uncertain tax positions for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 primarily reflects the expiration of statutes of limitation for certain tax jurisdictions. The Company reviews its estimates on a quarterly basis and any change in its liabilities for uncertain tax positions will result in an adjustment to its income tax expense in the statement of operations in each period measured.

 

The following tables present, for the periods indicated, the expense (income) for uncertain tax positions, which amounts were reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as an increase (decrease) to income tax expense:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax expense (income)

 

$

(1,064

)

$

(108

)

Interest and penalties (income)

 

(617

)

161

 

Income taxes (benefit) from uncertain tax positions

 

$

(1,681

)

$

53

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax expense (income)

 

$

 

$

489

 

Interest and penalties (income)

 

15

 

461

 

Income taxes (benefit) from uncertain tax positions

 

$

15

 

$

950

 

 

Federal And State Income Tax Audits

 

The Company is subject to federal and state income tax audits from time to time that could result in proposed assessments. The Company cannot predict with certainty how these audits will be resolved and whether the Company will be required to make additional tax payments, which may include penalties and interest. During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company concluded an audit by the Internal Revenue Service with no proposed adjustment for the tax years of 2004 through 2008.  For most states where the Company conducts business, the Company is subject to examination for the preceding three to six years. In certain states, the period could be longer.

 

Management believes that the Company has made sufficient tax provisions for tax periods that are within the statutory period of limitations not previously audited and that are potentially open for examination by the taxing authorities. Potential liabilities associated with these years will be resolved when an event occurs to warrant closure, primarily through the completion of audits by the taxing jurisdictions, or if the statute of limitations expires. To the extent audits or other events result in a material adjustment to the accrued estimates, the effect would be recognized during the period of the event. There can be no assurance, however, that the ultimate outcome of audits will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Income Tax Payments And Refunds

 

The following table provides the amount of income tax payments and income tax refunds for the periods indicated:

 

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Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State income tax payments

 

$

82

 

$

1

 

Federal and state income tax refunds

 

$

452

 

$

 

 

Prior Period Correction

 

Included in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is a prior period correction for the year ended December 31, 2008 of $6.0 million that was made to record an income tax benefit to other comprehensive income (loss) and to increase deferred income tax expense by the same amount.  The prior period financial statements were not restated as this correction was considered to be immaterial to our previously reported results of operations and financial position and had no impact on previously reported cash flows from operating, financing or investing activities.

 

In addition, during the three month period ended September 30, 2011, the Company noted an error related to deferred tax expense for the three month period ended June 30, 2011.   As of June 30, 2011, the Company omitted to include the federal benefit for state taxes in calculating its deferred tax assets which had the effect of understating deferred tax expense by $1.5 million.  The Company has corrected this error during the three month period ended September 30, 2011 by recognizing an additional $1.5 million in deferred tax expense in the period. There is no impact on the tax rate for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011.  The Company recorded the correction of this error to the financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as this error was not material to the financial statements for either the three months ended June 30, 2011 or the three months ended September 30, 2011.

 

14.                               ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

The Company’s accumulated comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other items recorded directly to the equity accounts.

 

The following table summarizes the types of other comprehensive income (loss) recorded to the statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Category

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) beginning balance

 

$

(7,277

)

$

(13,432

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Rate Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

Prior period correction recorded in the current period

 

5,998

 

 

Net gain (loss) on derivatives

 

5,129

 

3,159

 

Income (taxes) benefit

 

(1,953

)

(1,248

)

Net gain (loss) on derivatives, net of taxes and before valuation allowance

 

9,174

 

1,911

 

Valuation allowance - (decrease) increase

 

 

(1,248

)

Net gain (loss), net of taxes

 

9,174

 

3,159

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ending balance

 

$

1,897

 

$

(10,273

)

 

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Category

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) beginning balance

 

$

858

 

$

(11,697

)

Interest Rate Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) on derivatives

 

1,679

 

1,424

 

Income (taxes) benefit

 

(640

)

(562

)

Net gain (loss) on derivatives, net of taxes and before valuation allowance

 

1,039

 

862

 

Valuation allowance - (decrease) increase

 

 

(562

)

Net gain (loss), net of taxes

 

1,039

 

1,424

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ending balance

 

$

1,897

 

$

(10,273

)

 

Prior Period Correction

 

Included in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is a prior period correction for the year ended December 31, 2008 of $6.0 million that was made to record an income tax benefit to other comprehensive income (loss) and to increase deferred income tax expense by the same amount.  The prior period financial statements were not restated as this correction was considered to be immaterial to our previously reported results of operations and financial position and had no impact on previously reported cash flows from operating, financing or investing activities.

 

15.                               SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES ON NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

The following table provides non-cash disclosures during the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RSUs issued

 

445

 

74

 

RSUs forfeited

 

(23

)

(79

)

Net RSUs

 

422

 

(5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid-in capital of RSUs issued

 

$

4,721

 

$

732

 

Paid-in capital of RSUs forfeited

 

(366

)

(1,025

)

Net paid-in capital of RSUs forfeited

 

$

4,355

 

$

(293

)

 

16.                               EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND BENEFIT PLANS

 

Deferred Compensation Plans

 

The Company provides certain of its employees and the Board of Directors with an opportunity to defer a portion of their compensation on a tax-favored basis. The obligations by the Company to pay these benefits under the deferred compensation plans represent unsecured general obligations that rank equally with the Company’s other unsecured indebtedness. Amounts deferred under these plans were included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Any change in the deferred compensation liability for each quarter is recorded to general and administrative expense and to station operating expenses in the statement of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Benefit Plan Disclosures

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Reconciliation Of Deferred Compensation Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period balance, January 1

 

$

6,622

 

$

5,173

 

Employee compensation deferrals

 

631

 

683

 

Employee compensation payments

 

(335

)

(87

)

Increase (decrease) in plan fair value

 

(571

)

256

 

End of period balance

 

$

6,347

 

$

6,025

 

 

401(k) Savings Plan

 

Effective July 1, 2011, the Company reinstated its discretionary matching contribution, which is subject to certain conditions.  The Company’s previous discretionary matching contribution was suspended in 2008.

 

The following table presents for the periods indicated the Company’s contribution to the 401K Plan:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

401(K) savings plan expense

 

$

279

 

$

 

 

17.                               FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Subject To Fair Value Measurements

 

The fair value of a financial instrument is the price (exit price) that would be received to sell an asset or be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the instrument, including assumptions about risks inherent to the inputs of the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy assigns the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement), pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets (Level 2 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement).

 

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

 

The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of the periods indicated. The financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

 

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September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Value Measurements At Reporting Date Using

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Active

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets For

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

Assets Or

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

Description

 

Total

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

 

 

Assets (Liabilities)

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash equivalents (1)

 

$

3,115

 

$

3,115

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred Compensation (2)

 

$

(6,347

)

$

(6,347

)

$

 

$

 

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges Designated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Qualifying Instruments (3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term

 

$

(2,148

)

$

 

$

(2,148

)

$

 

Lease abandonment liability (4):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term

 

$

(50

)

$

 

$

(50

)

$

 

Long-term

 

$

(696

)

$

 

$

(696

)

$

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Value Measurements At Reporting Date Using

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Active

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets For

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

Assets Or

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

Description

 

Total

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

 

 

Assets (Liabilities)

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash equivalents (1)

 

$

3,540

 

$

3,540

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred Compensation (2)

 

$

(6,622

)

$

(6,622

)

$

 

$

 

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges Designated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Qualifying Instruments (3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term

 

$

(2,958

)

$

 

$

(2,958

)

$

 

Long-term

 

$

(4,319

)

$

 

$

(4,319

)

$

 

Lease abandonment liability (4):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)                                  Cash equivalents, which are included under current assets as cash and cash equivalents, are invested in institutional money market funds. This investment is considered a Level 1 measurement, using quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.

 

(2)                                  The Company’s deferred compensation liability, which is included in other long-term liabilities, is recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The unfunded plan allows participants to hypothetically invest in various

 

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specified investment options such as equity funds, stock funds, capital appreciation funds, money market funds, bond funds, mid-cap value funds and growth funds. The nonqualified deferred compensation plan liability is valued based on quoted market prices of the underlying investments. The Company classifies its nonqualified deferred compensation plan liability as Level 1.

 

(3)                                  For the Company’s interest rate hedges, the Company pays a fixed rate and receives a variable interest rate that is observable based upon a forward Eurodollar interest rate curve and is therefore considered a Level 2 measurement. The Company factors into the fair value of its interest rate hedges an adjustment for a non-performance risk by either the Company and/or by the Company’s counterparty.  The Company reflects the short-term derivative liability under current liabilities and long-term derivative liability under other long-term liabilities.

 

(4)                                  The Company’s lease abandonment liability is recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  The Company used Level 2 inputs for its valuation methodology as the fair value was based on expected future cash flows of the underlying lease that was adjusted for a non-performance risk by the Company.  The Company reflects the short-term lease abandonment liability under current liabilities and long-term lease abandonment liability under other long-term liabilities.

 

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company has certain assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis under the circumstances and events described in Note 4 and are adjusted to fair value only when the carrying values are more than the fair values.  The categorization of the framework used to price the assets is considered Level 3, due to the subjective nature of the unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value. See Note 4 for the disclosure of certain key assumptions used to develop the unobservable inputs.

 

As a result of the Company’s second quarter annual testing during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company determined that no adjustment was required to the carrying value of the assets contained in its reporting units and that it was not necessary to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test for any of the reporting units.  In addition, there were no indicators that would have required interim testing.

 

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Subject To Disclosures

 

The estimated fair value of financial instruments is determined using the best available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies.  Considerable judgment is necessary, however, in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value.  Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange, or the value that ultimately will be realized upon maturity or disposition.  The use of different market assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

 

Cash and cash equivalents (other than the cash equivalents separately identified under this Note as a Level 1 measurement), accounts receivable and accounts payable, including accrued liabilities: The carrying amount of these assets and liabilities approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments:

 

(1) Senior debt under the Bank Facility: The Company’s determination of the fair value was based on a risk adjusted rate and is considered a Level 3 measurement.

 

(2) Finance method lease obligations:  The Company does not believe it is practicable to estimate the fair value of this obligation as it is unlikely that the Company will be required to repay the amount outstanding.

 

(3) Outstanding standby letter of credit: The Company does not believe it is practicable to estimate the fair value of this financial instrument and does not expect any material loss from the resolution since performance is not likely to be required.

 

The following table presents the carrying value and, where practicable, the fair value as of the periods indicated:

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

 

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

Value

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior debt (1)

 

$

605,500

 

$

592,884

 

$

650,000

 

$

619,713

 

Finance method lease obligations (2)

 

$

12,610

 

 

 

$

12,610

 

 

 

Letter of credit (3)

 

$

570

 

 

 

$

670

 

 

 

 

18.                               ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES AND PRO FORMA SUMMARY

 

Acquisition During The Current Period

 

San Jose, California

 

On February 28, 2011, the Company acquired the assets of KUFX-FM, a radio station serving the San Jose, California, radio market, for $9.0 million in cash, of which $1.4 million was paid as a deposit in December 2010. The source of the funds used to complete this transaction was as follows: (1) $7.6 million from funds borrowed under the Company’s senior bank facility; and (2) $1.4 million from the deposit.  In December 2010, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement and a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) under which the Company commenced operations on January 19, 2011.

 

With the commencement of the TBA, the Company began simulcasting the format of KUFX-FM on KUZX-FM (call letters were formerly KDFC-FM) (one of three radio stations owned and operated by the Company in the San Francisco market), thereby providing a complement to the signal coverage of the KUFX-FM format in the San Francisco metropolitan market.

 

During the period of the TBA, the Company included net revenues and station operating expenses associated with operating the San Jose station in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As a result of simulcasting the format of KUFX-FM on KUZX-FM, the Company cannot separately identify the net revenues and station operating expenses of KUFX-FM. During the period of the TBA, the Company incurred TBA expense of $0.2 million.

 

Management considered the accounting guidelines for variable interest entities, which require that the primary beneficiary consolidate the entity into its financial statements during the period prior to acquisition.  As a result of this review, the Company determined that since the Company was not the primary beneficiary of this entity, the Company did not meet the requirements to include the entity in its consolidated financial statements for the period prior to acquisition.

 

The Company recorded goodwill on its books, of which the majority of the amount is fully deductible for income tax purposes. Management believes that this acquisition provides the Company with an opportunity to increase the market share of its San Francisco radio stations. In addition, the proximity of the San Jose radio market to the San Francisco market allows for certain synergies in programming, sales and administration.  The Company does not currently own or operate any other radio stations in the San Jose market.

 

For this acquisition, the aggregate purchase price, excluding transaction costs estimated to be less than $0.1 million, was allocated as follows:

 

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Table of Contents

 

Description

 

Amount

 

Useful Lives

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leasehold improvements

 

$

113

 

3.8 to 7.5 years

 

Furniture and equipment

 

69

 

less than 1 year to 3 years

 

Equipment

 

463

 

3 to 5 years

 

Total tangible assets

 

645

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income agreements

 

200

 

3.8 to 4.6 years

 

Advertiser lists and customer relationships

 

161

 

3 years

 

Acquired advertising contracts

 

59

 

less than 1 year

 

Broadcasting licenses

 

8,050

 

non-amortizing

 

Goodwill

 

723

 

non-amortizing

 

Total intangible assets

 

9,193

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

9,838

 

 

 

Unfavorable lease liability

 

(765

)

7.5 years

 

Asset retirement liabilities

 

(73

)

3.8 to 7.5 years

 

Net assets acquired

 

$

9,000

 

 

 

 

Acquired Unfavorable Lease Liability

 

In connection with the acquisition of KUFX-FM, the Company acquired an unfavorable lease for studio space in San Jose, California, as the lease terms were significantly above market. The unfavorable lease liability is recorded in other liabilities and has a remaining life of approximately 7.5 years as of the acquisition date. The unfavorable lease liability is amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

 

Other

 

Merger and Acquisition Costs

 

During the first quarter of 2011, the Company incurred legal and advisory expenses associated with its unsuccessful effort to acquire a large radio group operator.

 

In connection with the Company’s acquisition on February 28, 2011 of KUFX-FM, San Jose, California, the Company assumed a lease for studio space.  Upon completion of this transaction, the Company ceased use of the studio space and, as a result, the Company recorded a lease abandonment expense during the first quarter of 2011.

 

Lease abandonment costs include lease liabilities offset by estimated sublease income. As a result of soft rental conditions in the northern California real estate market, including a higher than normal vacancy rate that is expected to continue throughout the remaining term of the lease, the Company did not include an estimate to sublease any of the space.  The Company will continue to evaluate the opportunities to sublease this space and revise its sublease estimates accordingly. Any increase in the estimate of sublease income will be reflected through the income statement and such amount will also reduce the lease abandonment liability. The lease expires during the third quarter of 2018.  The lease abandonment liability is discounted using a credit risk adjusted basis utilizing the estimated rental cash flows over the remaining term of the agreement.

 

The following presents the expense recognized in the consolidated statement of income as merger and acquisition costs:

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

(amounts in
thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Merger expenses (legal and advisory expenses)

 

$

767

 

Lease abandonment expense

 

775

 

Merger and acquisition costs

 

$

1,542

 

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information

 

The following pro forma information presents the consolidated results of operations as if any acquisition which occurred had occurred as of the beginning of each period presented, after giving effect to certain adjustments, including depreciation and amortization of assets and interest expense on any debt incurred to fund the acquisition, which would have been incurred had such acquisition occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented. These unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions been made as of that date or results which may occur in the future.

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands, except
per share data)

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

 

$

287,772

 

$

293,084

 

Net income

 

$

58,451

 

$

30,804

 

Net income per common share - basic

 

$

1.61

 

$

0.86

 

Net income per common share - diluted

 

$

1.55

 

$

0.82

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands, except
per share data)

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

 

$

100,429

 

$

104,041

 

Net income

 

$

7,959

 

$

11,414

 

Net income per common share - basic

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.32

 

Net income per common share - diluted

 

$

0.21

 

$

0.31

 

 

19.                               SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Events occurring after September 30, 2011 were evaluated to ensure that any subsequent events that met the criteria for recognition have been included.

 

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ITEM 2.     Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

 

In preparing the discussion and analysis contained in this Item 2, we presume that readers have read or have access to the discussion and analysis contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 9, 2011. In addition, you should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. The following results of operations include a discussion of the nine and three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010.  Our results of operations during the relevant periods represent the operations of the radio stations owned and operated by us.

 

We evaluate net revenues, station operating expenses and operating income by comparing the performance of stations owned or operated by us throughout a relevant period to the performance of those same stations in the prior period whether or not owned or operated by us. On January 19, 2011 we commenced operations under a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) of KUFX-FM, a station licensed to San Jose, California. During January 2011, we began simulcasting the format of KUFX-FM on the frequency of one of our three San Francisco stations owned and operated by us, thereby providing a complement to the signal coverage of the KUFX-FM format in the San Francisco metropolitan market.  On February 28, 2011, we acquired KUFX-FM. We did not consider the operation nor ownership of KUFX-FM as impacting our same station computations as the operation of KUFX-FM allows us to enhance an existing station’s listening audience. Otherwise, the operation of this station would have been treated as a new stand-alone profit center that would have impacted same station computations. Same station comparisons are used by us and those in the industry to assess the effect of acquisitions and dispositions on our operations throughout the periods measured.

 

Results Of Operations For The Year-To-Date

 

The following significant factors affected our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2010:

 

Acquisitions

 

·                  On February 28, 2011, we acquired KUFX-FM, a station in San Jose, California, for $9.0 million in cash. We began operating this station on January 19, 2011 under a TBA that in 2011 increased our station operating expenses, depreciation and amortization expense and interest expense.

 

·                  In 2011, we incurred $1.5 million in merger and acquisition costs from: (1) legal and advisory expenses from an unsuccessful effort to acquire a large radio group operator; and (2) lease abandonment costs associated with the acquisition of KUFX-FM.

 

Financing

 

·                  During March 2010, we amended our senior credit agreement (the “Amendment” to our “Bank Facility”) that increased our interest expense due to: (1) an increase in deferred financing expense of $5.2 million, which will be amortized over the remaining term of the Bank Facility; and (2) an increase in fees incurred under the Bank Facility, primarily on outstanding debt.

 

·                  During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we repurchased $6.6 million of our Notes and recognized a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $(0.1) million.

 

Other

 

·                  During the second quarter of 2011, management determined that on a more likely than not realization basis, a full valuation allowance was no longer required.  Based on this assessment, management reversed the valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, which resulted in a significant tax benefit.

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 As Compared To The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

 

Net Revenues

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Net Revenues

 

$

287.6

 

$

289.4

 

Amount of Change

 

$

(1.8

)

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(0.6

)%

 

 

 

Net revenues decreased marginally on a year-to-date basis. Advertising demand was impacted by sluggish economic conditions and indirectly in the second and third quarters by the effects on the auto sector of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  In addition, in 2011 we changed formats in several markets, which negatively impacted net revenues. We believe, however, that the new formats will improve the longer-term growth prospects for these brands. At this time, it is difficult for management to forecast revenues for the remainder of 2011 given the current cautiousness of advertisers due to the uncertainties surrounding the economy.

 

Net revenues increased in the majority of our markets on a year-to-date basis.  Our net revenues increased the most for those radio stations located in our Kansas City, Sacramento and Seattle markets, offset by a decrease for those radio stations located in our Boston, Denver and San Francisco markets.

 

Station Operating Expenses

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Station Operating Expenses

 

$

202.9

 

$

195.6

 

Amount of Change

 

$

7.3

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

3.7

%

 

 

 

The increase in station operating expenses was primarily due to: (1) an increase in our audience ratings expense primarily from the continued rollout across our markets of PPM, a new audience measurement methodology; (2) costs associated with the continued expansion of our digital initiatives; and (3) the lifting of our multi-year wage freeze at the beginning of the year.

 

Management expects that station operating expenses will decline for the balance of the year as certain cost reduction initiatives that commenced earlier in 2011 will more than offset the increases as described above.

 

Depreciation And Amortization Expense

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Depreciation And Amortization Expense

 

$

8.5

 

$

9.7

 

Amount of Change

 

$

(1.2

)

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(12.4

)%

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased in 2011 primarily due to the decrease over the past several years in: (1) capital expenditures; (2) deferred charges and other assets; and (3) acquisitions. The $9.0 million acquisition of a radio station in San Jose, California, during the first quarter of 2011 did not have a significant impact on depreciation and amortization expense.

 

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Corporate General And Administrative Expenses

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Corporate General And Administrative Expenses

 

$

20.6

 

$

16.3

 

Amount of Change

 

$

4.3

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

26.4

%

 

 

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased primarily due to: (1) an increase in non-cash compensation expense of $2.3 million primarily due to the amortization of equity compensation awards that were granted during the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011; and (2) an increase in estimated 2011 annual corporate executive incentives of $1.2 million, which for the prior year were partially paid in equity.  The increase was offset in part by a decrease in deferred compensation expense of $0.5 million as our deferred compensation liability generally tracks movements in the stock market.

 

Operating Income

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Operating Income

 

$

53.6

 

$

67.6

 

Amount of Change

 

$

(14.0

)

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(20.7

)%

 

 

 

The decrease in operating income was primarily due to: (1) an increase in station operating expenses, net of revenues, for the reasons described above under Station Operating Expenses; (2) an increase in corporate general and administrative expenses for the reasons described under Corporate General And Administrative Expenses; and (3) an increase of $1.5 million in merger and acquisition costs.

 

Interest Expense

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Interest Expense

 

$

16.5

 

$

22.8

 

Amount of Change

 

$

(6.3

)

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(27.6

)%

 

 

 

The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to: (1) a decline in the average interest rate primarily due to the expiration of certain interest rate hedges that fixed a portion of our variable rate debt at a higher rate than the current short-term LIBOR rate; and (2) a decline in outstanding debt upon which interest is computed. Excluding the impact of interest rate hedges, interest rates on outstanding debt remained relatively flat during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

 

We expect that our interest expense will increase substantially at such time as we refinance or replace the debt under our existing senior credit facility.

 

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Income Before Income Taxes (Benefit)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Income Before Income Taxes (Benefit)

 

$

37.1

 

$

44.7

 

Amount of Change

 

$

(7.6

)

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(17.0

)%

 

 

 

The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in operating income for the reasons described above under Operating Income, offset by a decrease in interest expense for the reasons described under Interest Expense.

 

Income Taxes (Benefit)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Income Taxes (Benefit)

 

$

(20.9

)

$

15.6

 

Amount of Change

 

$

(36.5

)

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(234.0

)%

 

 

 

We were impacted by the economic downturn which resulted in impairments to our broadcast licenses and goodwill in 2007 and 2008. Due to these impairment losses and their impact on our three-year cumulative income, we established a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in 2008.

 

During the second quarter of 2011, management determined that on a more likely than not realization basis, this full valuation allowance was no longer required. Contributing to this assessment were sufficient positive indicators such as, but not limited to, the then present economic conditions (as compared to the economic conditions when the valuation allowance was established), recent profitability, management’s expectation of future profitability, including available future taxable income under the current tax law to realize all of the tax benefits for deductible temporary differences and carryforwards. In addition, we do not have a history of our net operating loss carryforwards expiring unused.

 

The recoverability of our net deferred tax assets has been assessed utilizing projections based on our current operations. The projections show a significant decrease in the tax amortization in the early years of the carryforward period as a significant portion of our intangible assets will be fully amortized during that time. Accordingly, the recoverability of the net deferred tax assets is not dependent on material improvements to operations, material asset sales or other non-routine transactions. Based on this assessment, management determined that it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized, which resulted in a tax benefit of $42.1 million to the income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. This income tax benefit was primarily due to the reversal of the full valuation allowance during the second quarter of 2011. We decreased our valuation allowance to $1.7 million as of September 30, 2011 from $43.8 million as of December 31, 2010.

 

Excluding the impact of the valuation allowance reversal and a prior period correction resulting in income tax expense of $6.0 million in respect of the year ended December 31, 2008, the income tax expense of $15.3 million as a percentage of income before income taxes was 41.2% for the current period.

 

For the prior period, income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes was 34.9%, which was primarily due to the recording of net deferred tax liabilities associated with non-amortizable assets such as broadcasting licenses and goodwill. These deferred tax liabilities cannot be used to offset deferred tax assets.  Our income tax expense for the prior period was offset by the reduction in liabilities from uncertain tax positions associated with the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain tax jurisdictions.

 

In the event we determine at a future time that we will not realize our net deferred tax assets, we will increase our deferred tax asset valuation allowance and increase income tax expense in the period when we make such determination.

 

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We estimate that our annual tax rate for 2011, which may fluctuate from quarter to quarter, will be in the low 40% range (excluding the impact of the reversal of the valuation allowance and the prior period correction). We anticipate that our rate in 2011 could be affected primarily by: (1) changes in the level of income in any of our taxing jurisdictions; (2) adding facilities in states that on average have different income tax rates from states in which we currently operate and the resulting effect on previously reported temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of our assets and liabilities; (3) the effect of recording changes in our liabilities for uncertain tax positions; (4) taxes in certain states that are dependent on factors other than taxable income; and (5) the limitations on the deduction of cash and certain non-cash compensation expense for certain key employees.  Our annual effective tax rate may also be materially impacted by: (i) regulatory changes in certain states in which we operate; (ii) changes in the expected outcome of tax audits; (iii) changes in the estimate of expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes; and (iv) changes in the deferred tax valuation allowance.

 

As of September 30, 2011, net deferred tax assets (net of deferred tax liabilities) were $0.3 million.  As of December 31, 2010, net deferred tax liabilities were $23.7 million, which primarily relate to differences between book and tax bases of certain of our indefinite-lived intangibles (broadcasting licenses and goodwill). Under accounting guidance, we do not amortize our indefinite-lived intangibles for financial statement purposes, but instead test them annually for impairment. The amortization of our indefinite-lived assets for tax purposes but not for book purposes creates deferred tax liabilities.  A reversal of deferred tax liabilities may occur when indefinite-lived intangibles: (1) become impaired; or (2) are sold, which would typically only occur in connection with the sale of the assets of a station or groups of stations or the entire company in a taxable transaction.  Due to the amortization for tax purposes and not book purposes of our indefinite-lived intangible assets, we expect to continue to generate deferred tax liabilities in future periods (without consideration for any impairment loss in future periods).

 

Net Income

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Net Income

 

$

58.0

 

$

29.2

 

Amount of Change

 

$

28.8

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

98.6

%

 

 

 

The net change was primarily attributable to the reasons described above under Income Before Income Taxes (Benefit) and Income Taxes (Benefit).

 

Results Of Operations For The Quarter

 

The following significant factors affected our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2010:

 

·                  On February 28, 2011, we acquired KUFX-FM, a station in San Jose, California, for $9.0 million in cash. We began operating this station on January 19, 2011 under a TBA that in 2011 increased our station operating expenses, depreciation and amortization expense and interest expense.

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 As Compared To The Three Months Ended September 30, 2010

 

Net Revenues

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Net Revenues

 

$

100.4

 

$

102.7

 

Amount of Change

 

$

(2.3

)

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(2.2

)%

 

 

 

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Net revenues were negatively impacted by sluggish economic conditions and several format changes that were made during 2011.  We believe, however, that the new formats will improve the longer-term growth prospects for these brands. It is difficult for management to forecast revenues for the remainder of 2011 given the current cautiousness of advertisers due to the uncertainties surrounding the economy.

 

Net revenues in the current period increased in more than half of our markets.  Our net revenues increased the most for those radio stations located in our Indianapolis, Sacramento and Seattle markets and decreased the most for those radio stations located in our Boston, Denver and San Francisco markets.

 

Station Operating Expenses

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Station Operating Expenses

 

$

69.8

 

$

67.7

 

Amount of Change

 

$

2.1

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

3.1

%

 

 

 

The increase in station operating expenses was primarily due to: (1) an increase in our audience ratings expense primarily due to the continued rollout across our markets of PPM, a new audience measurement methodology; (2) the lifting of our multi-year wage freeze at the beginning of the year; and (3) the instituting of the 401K company matching contribution.

 

Management expects that station operating expenses will decline for the balance of the year as certain cost reduction initiatives that commenced earlier in 2011 will more than offset the increases as described above.

 

Depreciation And Amortization Expense

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Depreciation And Amortization Expense

 

$

2.8

 

$

3.1

 

Amount of Change

 

$

(0.3

)

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(9.7

)%

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased in 2011 primarily due to the decrease over the past several years in: (1) capital expenditures; (2) deferred charges and other assets; and (3) acquisitions.  The $9.0 million acquisition of a radio station in San Jose, California, during the first quarter of 2011 did not have a significant impact on depreciation and amortization expense.

 

Corporate General And Administrative Expenses

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Corporate General And Administrative Expenses

 

$

5.6

 

$

5.2

 

Amount of Change

 

$

0.4

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

7.7

%

 

 

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased primarily due to: (1) an increase in non-cash compensation expense of $0.5 million primarily due to the amortization of equity compensation awards that were granted during the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011; and (2) an increase in estimated 2011 annual corporate executive incentives of $0.3 million, which for the prior year were partially paid in equity.  This increase was offset in part by a decrease in deferred compensation expense of $1.0 million as our deferred compensation liability generally tracks movements in the stock market.

 

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Operating Income

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Operating Income

 

$

22.3

 

$

26.5

 

Amount of Change

 

$

(4.2

)

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(15.8

)%

 

 

 

The decrease in operating income was primarily due to: (1) a decrease in net revenues for the reasons described above under Net Revenues; and (2) an increase in station operating expenses for the reasons described above under Station Operating Expenses.

 

Interest Expense

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Interest Expense

 

$

5.3

 

$

8.6

 

Amount of Change

 

$

(3.3

)

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(38.4

)%

 

 

 

The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to: (1) a decline in the average interest rate primarily due to the expiration of certain interest rate hedges that fixed a portion of our variable rate debt at a higher rate than the current short-term LIBOR rate; and (2) a decline in outstanding debt upon which interest is computed.  Interest rates on outstanding debt, exclusive of the impact of interest rate hedges, remained relatively flat during the three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2010.

 

Income Before Income Taxes

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Income Before Income Taxes

 

$

17.0

 

$

17.9

 

Amount of Change

 

$

(0.9

)

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(5.0

)%

 

 

 

The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in operating income for the reasons as described above under Operating Income, offset in part by a decrease in interest expense for the reasons described under Interest Expense.

 

Income Taxes

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Income Taxes

 

$

8.8

 

$

7.2

 

Amount of Change

 

$

1.6

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

22.2

%

 

 

 

We were impacted by the economic downturn which resulted in impairments to our broadcast licenses and goodwill in 2007 and 2008. Due to these impairment losses and their impact on our cumulative three-year income, we established a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in 2008.

 

During the second quarter of 2011, management determined that on a more likely than not realization basis,

 

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this valuation allowance was no longer required. For the current quarter and excluding an adjustment of $1.5 million primarily related to the overstatement of our deferred tax assets following the release of our valuation allowance in the second quarter of 2011, income tax expense was $7.3 million or 42.7% as a percentage of income before income taxes.

 

For the prior period, income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes was 40.4%, which was primarily due to the recording of net deferred tax liabilities associated with non-amortizable assets such as broadcasting licenses and goodwill. These deferred tax liabilities cannot be used to offset deferred tax assets.  Our income tax expense for the prior period included $0.9 million in liabilities from uncertain tax positions.

 

In the event we determine at a future time that we will not realize our net deferred tax assets, we will increase our deferred tax asset valuation allowance and increase income tax expense in the period when we make such determination.

 

Net Income

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Net Income

 

$

8.2

 

$

10.7

 

Amount of Change

 

$

(2.5

)

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(23.4

)%

 

 

 

The net change was primarily attributable to the reasons described above under Income Before Income Taxes (Benefit) and Income Taxes (Benefit).

 

Future Impairments

 

As part of our annual review during the second quarter of 2011, we tested our broadcasting licenses and goodwill for impairment. No impairment was recorded as the fair value was greater than the amount reflected on our balance sheet. Future tests could result in impairments based on economic conditions at that time.

 

Liquidity And Capital Resources

 

Liquidity

 

Historically, we have carried significant amounts of debt. As of September 30, 2011, we had $605.5 million outstanding under our senior credit facility (“Bank Facility”), which is comprised of $122.0 million in term loan (“Term Loan”) and $483.5 million in drawn revolving credit (“Revolver”). In addition, we have outstanding finance method lease obligations of $12.6 million and $0.6 million in a letter of credit.

 

As of September 30, 2011, we had $4.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we decreased our outstanding debt by $44.5 million.

 

As of June 30, 2011, we reclassified all of our debt outstanding under the Bank Facility from long-term to short-term.

 

Our Credit Agreement

 

Our Bank Facility (as amended) with a syndicate of lenders consists of: (i) a Revolver of $650 million; and (ii) a Term Loan of $400 million.  The Bank Facility is secured by a pledge of 100% of the capital stock and other equity interest in all of our wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, the Bank Facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of our assets, other than our real property.  The Term Loan amortizes in quarterly amounts, which payments increased to $60 million on September 30, 2011 and thereafter.

 

The undrawn amount of the Revolver was $165.9 million as of September 30, 2011. The amount available under the Revolver is a function of covenant compliance at the time of borrowing. Based on our financial covenant analysis as of September 30, 2011, we would be limited to borrowings significantly less than the undrawn limit

 

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unless such borrowings were used to repay indebtedness or for transactions that increase cash flow for purposes of covenant calculation.

 

Our Bank Facility requires us to comply with certain financial covenants including a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio.  This financial covenant is a ratio of our Consolidated Funded Indebtedness to our Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for the four most recent fiscal quarters as of the date of determination (each as defined in our Bank Facility).  This financial covenant is determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter.  For the quarter ended September 30, 2011 our Consolidated Leverage Ratio was 5.86 times, while the maximum was 6.25 times.  The maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio decreases to 6.00 times for periods ending on and after December 31, 2011.

 

We believe that we can continue to maintain our compliance with the financial covenants until maturity of the Bank Facility on June 30, 2012.  Our ability to maintain compliance with our financial covenants is highly dependent on our results of operations.  If we were to expect that we could not maintain compliance with our covenants, we would seek to enter into an agreement with our lenders for covenant compliance relief.  If we were able to enter into an agreement for covenant compliance relief, such relief would likely result in significantly higher interest expense and fees paid to consenting lenders.  There can be no assurance, however, that our lenders would agree to such covenant compliance relief.

 

We must refinance or replace our Bank Facility prior to its expiration on June 30, 2012.  Specifically, on June 30, 2012 the Revolver balance then outstanding, together with the final $60 million Term Loan installment, will be due in full.  In the event we are not successful in refinancing or replacing our Bank Facility prior to its maturity, we would not have the resources to fund these obligations.

 

If we are not able to secure any required covenant compliance relief, or if we fail to refinance or replace our Bank Facility prior to its expiration on June 30, 2012, then an Event of Default would arise under our Bank Facility.  An Event of Default could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.  If an Event of Default occurs, the lenders in our Bank Facility could begin exercising various creditor rights which could threaten our ability to continue to operate our business.

 

We previously relied on the Revolver to fund our quarterly Term Loan amortization payments.  As of October 25, 2010, we have prepaid all Term Loan amortization payments other than the final $60 million installment due on June 30, 2012.

 

Our operating cash flow remains positive and we believe that it is adequate to fund our operating needs.  As a result, we have not been required to rely upon, and we do not anticipate being required to rely upon, the Revolver to fund our operations.

 

Amendment In 2010 To The Bank Facility (“Amendment”)

 

The Amendment to the Bank Facility in March 2010 was treated as a modification to a debt instrument.  As a result, in the first quarter of 2010, the Company recorded deferred financing costs of $5.2 million related to the Amendment which is amortized over the remaining life of the Bank Facility on: (1) a straight-line basis for the revolving credit facility; and (2) an effective interest rate method for the term loan. In addition, unamortized deferred financing costs of $3.1 million as of the Amendment date are amortized over the remaining life of the Bank Facility.

 

Additional key terms of the Bank Facility, as amended, are as follows:

 

·                  Depending on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Funded Indebtedness to Consolidated Operating Cash Flow), we can elect an interest rate equal to: (1) the Eurodollar Rate plus fees that range from 0.50% to 2.50%; or (2) the Base Rate plus fees that range from 0.00% to 1.50%; where the Base Rate is the highest of: (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%; (b) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%; and (c) the Prime Rate; and

 

·                  During periods when the Consolidated Leverage Ratio exceeds 6.0 times (defined in the Bank Facility as a Restricted Period), we are: (1) restricted in our ability to take certain actions including, but not limited to, the payment of dividends and the repurchase of our stock; and (2) subject to additional limitations on acquisitions and investments.

 

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As of September 30, 2011, the following table presents the computations of the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio and Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio as defined under the Company’s Bank Facility:

 

Consolidated Leverage Ratio Computations:

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands, except ratios)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator: Consolidated Funded Indebtedness

 

 

 

Senior debt outstanding

 

$

605,628

 

Letter of credit outstanding

 

570

 

Total debt outstanding

 

606,198

 

Less cash outstanding in excess of $3 million, not to exceed $10 million

 

(1,869

)

Consolidated Funded Indebtedness

 

$

604,329

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator: Consolidated Operating Cash Flow

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

75,271

 

Income taxes (benefit)

 

(15,896

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

11,459

 

Interest expense

 

24,219

 

Non-cash compensation expense

 

7,441

 

Deferred non-cash charges

 

305

 

Investment loss

 

174

 

Pro forma for tower disposition as if the disposition occurred as of the beginning of this period

 

(718

)

Pro forma for KUFX-FM acquisition as if the acquisition occurred as of the beginning of this period

 

924

 

Consolidated Operating Cash Flow

 

$

103,179

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Leverage Ratio

 

5.86

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio Computations:

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands, except ratios)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator: Consolidated Operating Cash Flow

 

$

103,179

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator: Consolidated Interest Charges

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

$

24,219

 

Less interest income and certain deferred financing expense

 

(3,838

)

Add interest expense on KUFX-FM acquisition as if acquisition occurred as of the beginning of this period

 

78

 

Consolidated Interest Charges

 

$

20,459

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio

 

5.04

 

 

Our Consolidated Leverage Ratio is materially impacted by changes in net revenues. Net revenues decreased marginally on a year-to-date basis. Advertising demand was impacted by sluggish economic conditions and indirectly during the second and third quarters by the effects on the auto sector of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  In addition, in 2011 we changed formats in several markets which negatively impacted net revenues. We believe, however, that the new formats will improve the longer term growth prospects for these brands. At this time, it is difficult for management to forecast revenues for the remainder of 2011 given the current cautiousness of advertisers due to the uncertainties surrounding the economy.

 

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Operating Activities

 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $61.7 million and $61.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The cash flows from operating activities were relatively flat from period to period, as the decrease in working capital needs of $5.9 million was offset by a net combined increase in the following expenses: station operating expenses; corporate general and administrative expenses and interest expense.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities were $12.6 million and $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the cash used in investing activities primarily reflects $9.0 million for the purchase of a radio station in San Jose, California. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the cash used in investing activities primarily reflects $1.9 million for additions to property and equipment.

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash flows used in financing activities were $48.0 million and $67.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the cash flows used in financing activities primarily reflect the reduction to our net borrowings of $44.5 million (an increase in our Revolver of $118.5 million, offset by a decrease in our Term Loan of $163.0 million).  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the cash flows used in financing activities primarily reflect the reduction to our net borrowings of $53.0 million under our Revolver and Term Loan and the $6.6 million repurchase at par of our Notes.

 

Dividends

 

We do not currently pay dividends on our common stock. Any future dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors based upon the relevant factors at the time of such consideration, including, without limitation, compliance with the restrictions set forth in our Bank Facility.  Specifically, pursuant to our Credit Facility, we would be prohibited from paying dividends if our Consolidated Leverage Ratio exceeded 6.0 times.

 

Income Taxes

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we paid $0.1 million in state income taxes. We anticipate that it will not be necessary to make any quarterly estimated federal and state income tax payments for the remainder of 2011 based upon existing prepayments and expected quarterly income subject to tax.

 

As a result of federal tax legislation during the fourth quarter of 2009 that allowed us to carryback our 2008 net operating loss for five years rather than for two years, we recorded in excess of $7.0 million under prepaid and refundable income taxes as of December 31, 2009.  On April 2, 2010, we received $6.8 million in federal income tax refunds and the balance in 2011.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $4.0 million. We anticipate that total capital expenditures in 2011 will be approximately $5.0 million.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table reflects a summary as of September 30, 2011 of our calendar contractual obligations for the remainder of the year 2011 and thereafter:

 

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Payments Due By Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Than

 

 

 

 

 

Less Than

 

1 To 3

 

3 To 5

 

5

 

Contractual Obligations:

 

Total

 

1 Year

 

Years

 

Years

 

Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt obligations (1)

 

$

613,886

 

$

4,930

 

$

608,881

 

$

39

 

$

36

 

Operating lease obligations

 

73,940

 

3,163

 

23,036

 

17,793

 

29,948

 

Financing method lease obligations (2)

 

35,718

 

186

 

14,128

 

1,612

 

19,792

 

Purchase obligations (3)

 

205,015

 

16,427

 

118,603

 

51,287

 

18,698

 

Other long-term liabilities (4)

 

17,363

 

112

 

990

 

1,463

 

14,798

 

Total

 

$

945,922

 

$

24,818

 

$

765,638

 

$

72,194

 

$

83,272

 

 


(1)                                (a)  Our Bank Facility had outstanding debt in the amount of $605.5 million as of September 30, 2011.

 

(b) The above table includes projected interest expense under the remaining term of our Bank Facility.

 

(2)                                  Finance lease obligations outstanding include principal and interest expense. When our continuing involvement in this transaction ceases in the year 2013, we expect we will discontinue finance accounting and instead treat our obligations under the accounting guidance for capital and operating leases.

 

We will also recognize additional obligations included in the above table that cover lease payments for the period subsequent to the initial period of 42 months of continuing involvement. The minimum term for each of the leases is 20 years, which covers the period of continuing involvement and the period subsequent to continuing involvement.

 

(3)                                  (a) We have purchase obligations of $204.4 million, including: (1) contracts primarily for on-air personalities, sports programming rights, ratings services, music licensing fees, equipment maintenance and certain other operating contracts; and (2) construction commitments of $1.6 million.

 

(b)  We have an obligation to provide a letter of credit of $0.6 million.

 

(4)                                Included within total other long-term liabilities are deferred income tax liabilities of $3.5 million that are recognized for all temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of our assets and liabilities based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Deferred tax liabilities may vary according to changes in tax laws, tax rates and our operating results. It is impractical to determine whether there will be a cash impact to an individual year. Therefore, deferred income tax liabilities, together with liabilities for uncertain tax positions, are reflected in the above table in the column labeled as “More Than 5 Years.” See Note 13, Income Taxes, in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of liabilities for uncertain tax positions.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of September 30, 2011, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements, other than as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2011.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 1 to the accompanying financial statements, Basis Of Presentation - Recent Accounting Pronouncements, for a discussion of the status and potential impact of new accounting pronouncements.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

 

The SEC defines critical accounting policies as those that are most important to the portrayal of a company’s financial condition and results and that require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

 

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies from the information provided in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  We have, however, provided additional disclosures to two of our critical accounting policies for: (1) impairment testing of radio broadcasting licenses and goodwill as we conducted our annual impairment test of broadcasting licenses and goodwill during the second quarter of 2011; and (2) the estimation of our tax rates that includes the removal of a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets during the second quarter of 2011.

 

Radio Broadcasting Licenses And Goodwill

 

We have made acquisitions in the past for which a significant amount of the purchase price was allocated to broadcasting licenses and goodwill assets. As of September 30, 2011, we have recorded approximately $754.8 million in radio broadcasting licenses and goodwill, which represents 83% of our total assets at that date. We must conduct impairment testing at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired, and charge to operations an impairment expense only in the periods in which the recorded value of these assets is more than their fair value. After an impairment expense is recognized, the recorded value of these assets will be reduced by the impairment recognized and will be the assets’ new accounting basis. In 2009 and 2008, we recorded impairment losses of $67.7 million and $835.7 million, respectively, for radio broadcasting licenses and goodwill.

 

We believe our estimate of the value of our radio broadcasting licenses and goodwill assets is a critical accounting estimate as the value is significant in relation to our total assets, and our estimate of the value uses assumptions that incorporate variables based on past experiences and judgments about future performance of our stations. These variables include but are not limited to: (1) the discount rate used in the determination of fair value; (2) the market share and profit margin of an average station within a market based upon market size and station type; (3) the forecast growth rate of each radio market, including assumptions regarding each market’s population, household income, retail sales and other factors that would influence advertising expenditures; (4) the estimated capital start-up costs and losses incurred during the early years; (5) the likely media competition within the market area; (6) an effective tax rate assumption; and (7) future terminal values.  Changes in our estimates of the fair value of these assets could result in material future period write-downs in the carrying value of our broadcasting licenses and goodwill assets.

 

Broadcasting Licenses

 

We perform our broadcasting license impairment test by evaluating our broadcasting licenses for impairment at the market level using the direct method.  For purposes of testing impairment, indefinite-lived intangible assets are combined into a single unit of accounting. Since the broadcasting licenses in each market are operated as a single asset, each market’s broadcasting licenses are a single unit of accounting.

 

We completed our annual impairment test for broadcasting licenses during the second quarter of 2011 and determined that the fair value of the broadcasting licenses was in excess of the carrying value for each of our markets and, accordingly, no impairment was recorded.

 

The methodology used by us in determining our key estimates and assumptions was applied consistently to each market.  Of the seven variables identified above, we believe that the first three (in clauses (1) through (3) above) are the most important to the determination of fair value. The following table reflects these estimates and assumptions used in 2011 as compared to the second quarter of 2010, the date of the most recent prior impairment test.   In general, when comparing the second quarter of 2011 to the second quarter of 2010: (1) the discount rate, which was estimated using required returns on debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies, did not change; (2) the market specific operating profit margin range remained relatively stable with minor fluctuations in several markets; and (3) the market long-term revenue growth rate did not change.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Second

 

Second

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Discount rate

 

10.0%

 

10.0%

 

Operating profit margin range of the Company’s markets

 

19.5% to 41.5%

 

21.0% to 42.5%

 

Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company’s markets

 

1.5% to 2.0%

 

1.5% to 2.0%

 

 

We believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of our broadcasting licenses; however, these estimates and assumptions could be materially different from actual results. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the industry or by us, or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of our broadcasting licenses below the amount reflected in the balance sheet, we may be required to recognize impairment charges, which could be material, in future periods.

 

The table below presents the percentage within a range by which the fair value exceeded the carrying value of our radio broadcasting licenses as of June 30, 2011 for 20 units of accounting where the carrying values of the licenses are considered material to our financial statements (20 geographical markets). Rather than presenting the percentage separately for each unit of accounting, management’s opinion is that this table in summary form is more meaningful to the reader in assessing the recoverability of the broadcasting licenses. In addition, the units of accounting are not disclosed with the specific market name as such disclosure could be competitively harmful to us.

 

 

 

Units Of Accounting As Of June 30, 2011

 

 

 

Percentage Range By Which Fair Value Exceeds Carrying Value

 

 

 

 

 

Greater

 

Greater

 

Greater

 

 

 

0% To

 

Than 5%

 

Than 10%

 

Than

 

 

 

5%

 

To 10%

 

To 15%

 

15%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of units of accounting

 

4

 

6

 

2

 

8

 

Carrying value (in thousands)

 

$

184,569

 

$

239,250

 

$

40,395

 

$

249,781

 

 

Goodwill

 

We performed our annual impairment test on our goodwill during the second quarter of 2011 by comparing the fair value for each reporting unit with the amount reflected on the balance sheet. We determined that a radio market is a reporting unit and, in total, we assessed goodwill at 19 separate reporting units (four of our 23 reporting units have no goodwill recorded as of September 30, 2011). If the fair value of any reporting unit is less than the amount reflected in the balance sheet, an indication exists that the amount of goodwill attributed to a reporting unit may be impaired, and we are required to perform a second step of the impairment test. In the second step, we compare the amount reflected in the balance sheet to the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation.

 

To determine the fair value, we use a market approach and, when appropriate, an income approach for each reporting unit. The market approach compares recent sales and offering prices of similar properties. The income approach uses the subject property’s income generated over a specified time and capitalized at an appropriate market rate to arrive at an indication of the most probable selling price.

 

In step one of our goodwill analysis, we considered the results of the market approach and the income approach in computing the fair value of our reporting units. In the market approach, we applied an estimated market multiple of between seven and a half times and eight times to each reporting unit’s operating performance to calculate the fair value. This multiple was consistent with the multiple applied to all markets in the second quarter of 2010.  Management believes that these approaches are an appropriate measurement given the current market valuations of broadcast radio stations together with the historical market transactions, including those in recent months. Factors contributing to the determination of the reporting unit’s operating performance were historical performance and management’s estimates of future performance.

 

In the income approach, we utilized the discounted cash flow method to calculate the fair value of the reporting unit (the key estimates and assumptions are included in the table below). The results of step one indicated

 

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that it was not necessary to perform the second step analysis in any of the markets tested. As a result of the step one test, no impairment loss was recorded during the second quarter of 2011. We performed a reasonableness test by comparing the fair value results for goodwill (by using the implied multiple based on our cash flow performance and our current stock price) to prevailing radio broadcast transaction multiples.

 

The following table reflects certain key estimates and assumptions used in the second quarter of 2011 and in the second quarter of 2010, the date of the most recent prior impairment test. The ranges for operating profit margin and revenue growth rates are for our markets.  In general, when comparing the second quarter of 2011 to the second quarter of 2010: (1) the discount rate, which was estimated using required returns on debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies, did not change; (2) the market specific operating profit margin range was relatively stable; and (3) the market long-term revenue growth rate did not change.

 

 

 

Second

 

Second

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Discount rate

 

10.0%

 

10.0%

 

Operating profit margin range of the Company’s markets

 

25.0% to 46.6%

 

26.0% to 39.0%

 

Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company’s markets

 

1.5% to 2.0%

 

1.5% to 2.0%

 

 

If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the industry or us, or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of our goodwill below the amount reflected in the balance sheet, we may be required to conduct an interim test and possibly recognize impairment charges, which could be material, in future periods.

 

The table below presents the percentage within a range by which the fair value exceeded the carrying value of the reporting unit as of June 30, 2011 for 19 reporting units under step one of the goodwill impairment test during the second quarter of 2011. Rather than presenting the percentage separately for each reporting unit, management’s opinion is that this table in summary form is more meaningful to the reader in assessing the recoverability of the reporting unit, including goodwill. In addition, the reporting units are not disclosed with the specific market name as such disclosure could be competitively harmful to us.

 

 

 

Reporting Units As Of June 30, 2011

 

 

 

Percentage Range By Which Fair Value Exceeds Carrying Value

 

 

 

 

 

Greater

 

Greater

 

Greater

 

 

 

0% To

 

Than 5%

 

Than 10%

 

Than

 

 

 

5%

 

To 10%

 

To 15%

 

15%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of reporting units

 

3

 

3

 

 

13

 

Carrying value (in thousands)

 

$

187,080

 

$

161,986

 

$

 

$

412,120

 

 

Sensitivity Of Key Broadcasting Licenses And Goodwill Assumptions

 

If we were to assume a 100 basis point change in certain of our key assumptions (a reduction in the long-term revenue growth rate, a reduction in the operating performance cash flow margin and an increase in the weighted average cost of capital) used to determine the fair value of our broadcasting licenses and goodwill during the second quarter of 2011, the following would be the incremental impact:

 

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Sensitivity Analysis

 

 

 

Results Of

 

Results Of

 

Results Of

 

 

 

Long-Term

 

Operating

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Performance

 

Average

 

 

 

Growth

 

Cash Flow

 

Cost Of

 

 

 

Rate

 

Margin

 

Capital

 

 

 

Decrease

 

Decrease

 

Increase

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Broadcasting Licenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment assumption sensitivity result

 

$

21,928

 

$

3,360

 

$

49,092

 

Impairment recorded during the second quarter of 2011

 

 

 

 

Incremental broadcasting licenses impairment

 

21,928

 

3,360

 

49,092

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment assumption sensitivity result

 

432

 

 

795

 

Impairment recorded during the second quarter of 2011

 

 

 

 

Incremental goodwill impairment

 

432

 

 

795

 

Total incremental impairment from sensitivity analysis

 

$

22,360

 

$

3,360

 

$

49,887

 

 

The discount rate to be used by a typical market participant reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows for the broadcast industry. The same discount rate was used for each of our markets. The discount rate is calculated by weighting the required returns on interest-bearing debt and common equity capital in proportion to their estimated percentages in an expected capital structure.  The capital structure was estimated based upon data available for publicly traded companies in the broadcast industry.

 

Operating profit is defined as profit before interest, depreciation and amortization, income tax and corporate allocation charges. Operating profit is then divided by broadcast revenues, net of agency and national representative commissions, to compute the operating profit margin.  Operating profit margins are projected based upon industry operating profit norms, which reflect market size and station type. This assumption is not specific to the performance of our radio stations in a market, but is predicated on the expectation that a new entrant into the market could reasonably be expected to perform at a level similar to a typical competitor. If the outlook for the industry’s growth declines, then operating profit margins would be negatively impacted, which would negatively impact the value of our broadcasting licenses.

 

To determine the radio broadcasting industry’s future revenue growth rate, management uses publicly available information on industry expectations rather than management’s own estimates, which could be different. In addition, these long-term market growth rate estimates could vary in each of our markets. Using the publicly available information on industry expectations, each market’s revenues were forecasted over a ten-year projection period to reflect the expected long-term growth rate for the radio broadcast industry, which was further adjusted for each of our markets.  If the industry’s growth is less than forecasted, then the fair value of our broadcasting licenses could be negatively impacted.

 

Estimation Of Our Tax Rates

 

We must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments must be used in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities because of differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes.

 

We were impacted by the economic downturn which resulted in impairments to our broadcast licenses and goodwill in 2007 and 2008. Due to these impairment losses and their impact on cumulative three-year income, we established a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in 2008.

 

As changes occur in our assessments regarding our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, our tax provision is decreased in any period in which we determine that the recovery is probable.  During the second quarter of 2011, management determined that on a more likely than not realization basis, this valuation allowance was no longer required.  Contributing to this assessment were sufficient positive indicators such as, but not limited to, the present economic conditions (as compared to the economic conditions when the valuation allowance was established), recent profitability, management’s expectation of future profitability, including available future taxable

 

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income under the current tax law to realize all of the tax benefits for deductible temporary differences and carryforwards. In addition, we do not have a history of our net operating loss carryforwards expiring unused.

 

The recoverability of our net deferred tax assets has been assessed utilizing projections based on our current operations. The projections show a significant decrease in tax amortization in the early years of the carryforward period as a significant portion of our intangible assets will be fully amortized during that time. Accordingly, the recoverability of the net deferred tax assets is not dependent on material improvements to operations, material asset sales or other non-routine transactions. Based on this assessment, management determined that it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized, which results in a tax benefit of $42.1 million to the income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 due to the reversal of the full valuation allowance. We decreased our valuation allowance to $1.7 million as of September 30, 2011 from $43.8 million as of December 31, 2010.

 

The calculation of our tax liabilities requires us to account for uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on the two-step process prescribed within the interpretation of accounting for uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit based upon its technical merits, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that has greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as this requires us to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions, and review whether any new uncertain tax positions have arisen, on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, historical experience with similar tax matters, guidance from our tax advisors, and new audit activity. A change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period in which the change occurs.

 

We believe our estimates of the value of our tax contingencies and valuation allowances are critical accounting estimates, as they contain assumptions based on past experiences and judgments about potential actions by taxing jurisdictions. It is reasonably likely that the ultimate resolution of these matters may be greater or less than the amount that we have currently accrued.  Excluding discrete items of tax, changes in our valuation allowance and impairment losses, our tax rate over the past several years has varied within a range of high 30% to low 40%. The effect of a 1% increase in our estimated tax rate as of September 30, 2011 would be an increase in income taxes of $0.4 million and a decrease in net income of $0.4 million (net income per basic and diluted share of $0.01) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 

See Note 4, to the accompanying financial statements, for a discussion of intangible assets and goodwill.

 

For a more comprehensive list of our accounting policies, please see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, accompanying the consolidated financial statements included in our latest annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included with Form 10-K contains several other policies, including policies governing the timing of revenue recognition, that are important to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, but do not meet the SEC’s definition of critical accounting policies because they do not involve subjective or complex judgments.  In addition, for further discussion of new accounting policies, if any, that were effective for us on January 1, 2011, please refer to the new accounting pronouncements under Note 1 to the accompanying notes to the financial statements.

 

ITEM 3.                  Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on our variable rate senior debt.  From time to time, we may seek to limit our exposure to interest rate volatility through the use of derivative rate hedging instruments.  If the borrowing rates under LIBOR were to increase 1% above the current rates as of September 30, 2011, our interest expense on our senior debt would increase by approximately $5.3 million on an annual basis, including any interest benefit or interest expense associated with the use of derivative rate hedging instruments as described below. We expect that our interest expense will increase substantially at such time as we refinance or replace the debt under our existing senior credit facility.

 

The following derivative rate hedging transaction, which fixes interest on our variable rate debt and is tied to the one-month LIBOR interest rate, is outstanding as of September 30, 2011:

 

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Type

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed

 

 

 

Of

 

Notional

 

Effective

 

LIBOR

 

Expiration

 

Hedge

 

Amount

 

Date

 

Rate

 

Date

 

 

 

(amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swap

 

$

100.0

 

May 28, 2008

 

3.62

%

May 28, 2012

 

 

The fair value (based upon current market rates) of rate hedging transactions is included as derivative instruments in long-term assets and/or liabilities for those instruments with maturity dates greater than one year and short-term assets and/or liabilities for those instruments with maturity dates less than one year. The fair value of the hedging transactions is affected by a combination of several factors, including the remaining period to maturity and the forward interest rate to maturity. Assuming the hedging transaction is a liability: (i) any decrease in the remaining period to maturity and/or an increase in the forward interest rate to maturity results in a more favorable valuation; and (ii) any decrease in the forward interest rate to maturity results in a less favorable valuation. Our credit exposure under these hedging agreements, or similar agreements we may enter into in the future, is the cost of replacing an agreement in the event of non-performance by our counterparty.

 

As of September 30, 2011, the fair value of our derivative instrument was a liability of $2.1 million, which represented a decrease in liability from the balance as of December 31, 2010.  The change was primarily due to the effect of: (1) the expiration during 2011 of several derivative instruments with a notional amount of $375.0 million; and (2) a decrease in the remaining period to maturity of each derivative instrument as the forward interest rate curve to maturity remained relatively flat. The liability as of September 30, 2011 included a reduction in value for non-performance in accordance with the accounting provisions for fair value measurement.

 

Our cash equivalents are money market instruments consisting of short-term government securities and repurchase agreements that are fully collateralized by government securities.  We do not believe that we have any material credit exposure with respect to these assets.

 

Our credit exposure related to our accounts receivable does not represent a significant concentration of credit risk due to the quantity of advertisers, the minimal reliance on any one advertiser, the multiple markets in which we operate and the wide variety of advertising business sectors.

 

See also additional disclosures regarding liquidity and capital resources made under Liquidity and Capital Resources in Part 1, Item 2, above.

 

ITEM 4.                  Controls And Procedures

 

Evaluation Of Controls And Procedures

 

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that: (i) information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms; and (ii) such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and our management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on the foregoing, our President/Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President - Operations/Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

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Changes In Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.                  Legal Proceedings

 

There were no material developments relating to the legal proceedings described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2011.

 

ITEM 1A.               Risk Factors

 

The following is an update and restatement of the “Business Risks” section of our Risk Factors disclosure.   There have been no material changes to the other sections of our Risk Factors, as disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2011.

 

Weak economic conditions continue to affect our business and we cannot predict the future impact of such condition.

 

The economy continues to be weak and plagued by high unemployment. Net revenues for us and the industry grew in the mid-single digits in 2010 as compared to the prior year and in 2011, net revenues decreased marginally.  We cannot ensure that our results of operations will not be negatively impacted by delays or reversals in the economic recovery or by future economic downturns. A substantial majority of our revenues are generated from the sale of local and regional advertising for broadcast on our radio stations.   Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions through budgeting and buying patterns. The risks associated with our business will be more acute in periods of a slowing economy or recession, which may be accompanied by a decrease in advertising. A significant percentage of our advertising revenue is generated from the sale of advertising to the automotive, financial services, and retail industries, which industries have been adversely affected by the downturn in the economy, and our advertising revenues from these sources have suffered in recent periods. A decrease in advertising expenditures can have an adverse effect on our net revenues, profit margins, cash flow, and liquidity, which in turn could further impair our assets.

 

If we continue to be subject to an economic downturn, there can be no assurance that we will not experience an adverse effect on our ability to access capital, which may be material to our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our ability to access the capital markets may be severely restricted at a time when we would like or need to do so, which could have an adverse impact on our capacity to react to changing economic and business conditions.

 

Our radio stations may be adversely affected by changes in programming and competition for advertising revenues.

 

Our radio stations are in a highly competitive business. Our radio stations compete for audiences and advertising revenues, which are our principal source of revenues within their respective markets directly with other radio stations, as well as with other media, such as broadcast, cable and satellite television, newspapers and magazines, national and local digital services, outdoor advertising and direct mail. Audience ratings and market shares are subject to change, and any decrease in our ratings or market share in a particular market could have a material adverse effect on the revenue of our stations located in that market. Audience ratings and market shares could be affected by a variety of factors, including changes in the format or content of programming (some of which may be outside of our control), personnel changes, the loss of broadcasting rights relating to a sports team, event or series of events, demographic shifts and general broadcast listening trends, among other factors.  Adverse changes in any of these areas or trends could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

While we already compete in some of our markets with other stations with similar programming formats, if another existing or new radio station in a market were to convert its programming format to a format similar to one of our stations or if an existing competitor were to garner additional market share, our stations could suffer a

 

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reduction in ratings and/or advertising revenue and could incur increased promotional and other expenses. Other radio broadcasters may enter the markets in which we operate. Competing companies may be larger and have more financial resources than we do. We cannot be assured that any of our stations will be able to maintain or increase their current audience ratings and advertising revenues.

 

We must respond to the increased competition for audio distribution and the rapid changes in technology, services and standards that characterize our industry in order to remain competitive.

 

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and the emergence of new media technologies and services. We may lack the resources to acquire new technologies or introduce new services to allow us to adapt and compete with these new offerings. These technologies and services, some of which are commercial free, include the following:

 

·                  personal digital audio devices (e.g., iPods, mp3 players, audio via WiFi, mobile phones and WiMAX);

 

·                  national and local digital services;

 

·                  satellite-delivered digital audio radio services;

 

·                  audio programming by cable systems, direct-broadcast satellite systems, personal communications systems, content available over the Internet and other digital audio broadcast formats;

 

·                  HD Radio, which provides multi-channel, multi-format digital radio services in the same bandwidth currently occupied by traditional AM and FM radio services; and

 

·                  low-power FM radio, which could result in additional FM radio broadcast outlets, including additional low-power FM radio signals authorized in December 2010 under the Local Community Radio Act.

 

We cannot predict the effect, if any, that competition arising from new technologies or regulatory changes may have on the radio broadcasting industry or on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are subject to extensive regulations and dependent on federally issued licenses to operate our radio stations and failure to comply with such regulation could damage our business.

 

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to extensive regulation by the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934. See “Business—Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting.” We are required to obtain licenses from the FCC to operate our radio stations. Licenses are normally granted for a term of eight years and are renewable. Although the vast majority of FCC radio station licenses are routinely renewed, we cannot be assured that the FCC will approve our future renewal applications or that the renewals will not include conditions or qualifications. A number of our applications to renew our station licenses have been objected to by third parties and remain pending before the FCC. The non-renewal, or renewal with substantial conditions or modifications, of one or more of our licenses could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

We must comply with extensive FCC regulations and policies in the ownership and operation of our radio stations. FCC regulations limit the number of radio stations that a licensee can own in a market, which could restrict our ability to consummate future transactions and in certain circumstances could require us to divest some radio stations. The FCC’s rules governing our radio station operations impose costs on our operations, and changes in those rules could have an adverse effect on our business. The FCC also requires radio stations to comply with certain technical requirements to limit interference between two or more radio stations. If the FCC relaxes these technical requirements, it could impair the signals transmitted by our radio stations and could have a material adverse effect on us. Moreover, these FCC regulations and others may change over time, and we cannot be assured that changes would not have a material adverse effect on us. We are currently the subject of several pending investigations by the FCC, including one involving a death following a contest at one of our stations.

 

Congress or Federal agencies that regulate us could impose new regulations or fees on our operations that could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

There has been proposed legislation in the past and there could be again in the future that requires radio broadcasters to pay additional fees such as a spectrum fee for use of the spectrum or a royalty fee to record labels and

 

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performing artists for use of their recorded music. Currently we pay royalties to song composers and publishers indirectly through third parties. Any proposed legislation that is adopted into law could add an additional layer of royalties to be paid directly to the record labels and artists. While this proposed legislation did not become law, it has been the subject of considerable debate and activity by the broadcast industry and other parties affected by the legislation. It is currently unknown what impact required royalty payments would have on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

 

The FCC has engaged in vigorous enforcement of its indecency rules against the broadcast industry, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

FCC regulations prohibit the broadcast of obscene material at any time and indecent or profane material between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Over the last decade, the FCC has increased its enforcement efforts relating to the regulation of indecency and has threatened on more than one occasion to initiate license revocation proceedings against a broadcast licensee who commits a “serious” indecency violation. Congress has dramatically increased the penalties for broadcasting obscene, indecent or profane programming, and these penalties may potentially subject broadcasters to license revocation, renewal or qualification proceedings in the event that they broadcast such material. In addition, the FCC’s heightened focus on the indecency regulatory scheme, against the broadcast industry generally, may encourage third parties to oppose our license renewal applications or applications for consent to acquire broadcast stations. Several of our stations are currently subject to indecency-related inquiries and/or proposed fines at the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau as well as objections to our license renewals based on such inquiries and proposed fines, and we may in the future become subject to additional inquiries or proceedings related to our stations’ broadcast of obscene, indecent or profane material. To the extent that these inquiries or other proceedings result in the imposition of fines, a settlement with the FCC, revocation of any of our station licenses or denials of license renewal applications, our results of operation and business could be materially adversely affected.

 

We depend on selected market clusters of radio stations for a material source of our revenues.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2010, we generated approximately 50% of our net revenues in six of our 23 markets (Boston, Denver, Kansas City, Sacramento, San Francisco and Seattle). Accordingly, we may have greater exposure to adverse events or conditions in any of these markets, such as changes in the economy, shifts in population or demographics, or changes in audience tastes, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

 

We have incurred losses over the past several years and we may incur future losses.

 

We have reported net losses in our consolidated statement of operations over the past several years, primarily as a result of recording non-cash write-downs of our broadcasting licenses and goodwill. In 2009 and 2008, we recorded impairments to our broadcasting licenses and goodwill of $67.7 million and $835.7 million (excluding impairments recorded during the first quarter of 2008 to assets held for sale), respectively. As of December 31, 2010, our broadcasting licenses and goodwill comprise 83% of our total assets. The valuation of our broadcasting licenses and goodwill is subjective and based on our estimates and assumptions rather than precise calculations.  The fair value measurements for both our broadcast licenses and goodwill use significant unobservable inputs and reflect our own assumptions about market share and profit margin within an average station, growth within a radio market, estimates of costs and losses during early years, potential competition within a radio market and assumptions about the discount rate used in determining fair value.  If events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of the broadcasting licenses and goodwill below the amount reflected on the balance sheet, we may be required to recognize impairment charges, which may be material, in future periods.

 

The loss of key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our business depends upon the continued efforts, abilities and expertise of our executive officers and other key executives. We believe that the loss of one or more of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our radio stations compete for creative and on-air talent with other radio stations, station groups, radio networks and other providers of syndicated media as well as other media, such as broadcast, cable and satellite television, the Internet and satellite radio. Our employees and other on-air talent are subject to change, due to competition and for other reasons. Changes in on air talent could materially and negatively affect our ratings and our ability to attract local and national advertisers, which could in turn adversely affect our revenues.

 

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ITEM 2.                  Unregistered Sales Of Equity Securities And Use Of Proceeds

 

During the three-month period ending September 30, 2011, we withheld shares of stock upon the vesting of restricted stock units to cover withholding tax obligations, unless an employee elected to pay such tax in cash.  The following table provides information on shares withheld (which are considered repurchased) during the three-month period ended September 30, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

 

(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Maximum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number Of

 

Approximate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Dollar Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased

 

Of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As

 

Shares That

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

Part Of

 

May Yet Be

 

 

 

Total

 

Average

 

Publicly

 

Purchased

 

 

 

Number

 

Price

 

Announced

 

Under

 

 

 

Of Shares

 

Paid

 

Plans Or

 

The Plans

 

Period

 

Purchased

 

Per Share

 

Programs

 

Or Programs

 

July 1, 2011 - July 31, 2011

 

158

 

$

8.25

 

 

$

 

August 1, 2011 - August 31, 2011

 

6,601

 

$

6.30

 

 

$

 

September 30, 2011 - September 30, 2011

 

454

 

$

5.15

 

 

$

 

Total

 

7,213

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In connection with employee tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock units during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and in accordance with elections by certain employees, we are deemed to have repurchased the following shares withheld to satisfy employees’ tax obligations: (i) 158 shares at an average price of $8.25 per share in July 2011; (ii) 6,601 shares at an average price of $6.30 per share in August 2011; and (iii) 454 shares at an average price of $5.15 per share in September 2011. These shares are included in the table above.

 

ITEM 3.                  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.                  [Reserved]

 

N/A

 

ITEM 5.                  Other Information

 

None.

 

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ITEM 6.                  Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

3.01

 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Entercom Communications Corp. as further amended on December 19, 2007 and May 15, 2009. (1)

3.02

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Entercom Communications Corp. (2)

31.01

 

Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as created by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (3)

31.02

 

Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as created by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (3)

32.01

 

Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (4)

32.02

 

Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (4)

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document (4)

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (4)

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (4)

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document (4)

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (4)

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (4)

 


(1)                                  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of our Amendment to Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed on January 27, 1999 (File No. 333-61381), Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on December 21, 2007 and Exhibit 3.02 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, as filed on August 5, 2009.

(2)                                  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on February 21, 2008.

(3)                                  Filed herewith.

(4)                                  These exhibits are submitted herewith as “accompanying” this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and shall not be deemed to be “filed” as part of such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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.

 

 

 

ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

Date: November 2, 2011

/S/ David J. Field

 

Name: David J. Field

 

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

(principal executive officer)

 

 

 

 

Date: November 2, 2011

/S/ Stephen F. Fisher

 

Name: Stephen F. Fisher

 

Title: Executive Vice President - Operations and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit 
Number

 

Description

3.01

 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Entercom Communications Corp. as further amended on December 19, 2007 and May 15, 2009. (1)

3.02

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Entercom Communications Corp. (2)

31.01

 

Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as created by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (3)

31.02

 

Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as created by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (3)

32.01

 

Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (4)

32.02

 

Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (4)

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document (4)

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (4)

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (4)

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document (4)

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (4)

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (4)

 


(1)                                  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of our Amendment to Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed on January 27, 1999 (File No. 333-61381), Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on December 21, 2007 and Exhibit 3.02 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, as filed on August 5, 2009.

(2)                                  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on February 21, 2008.

(3)                                  Filed herewith.

(4)                                  These exhibits are submitted herewith as “accompanying” this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and shall not be deemed to be “filed” as part of such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

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