GRAY TELEVISION INC - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

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, 2017 or

[   ] 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 1-13796

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 periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ✔    No____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ✔ No____

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes           No ✔    

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

INDEX

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.     Financial Statements

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in thousands except for share data)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(in thousands except for per share data)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)

(in thousands except for number of shares)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

GRAY TELEVISION, INC. 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) 

(in thousands) 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.     

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Gray Television, Inc. (and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as the context otherwise provides,“Gray,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) as of December 31, 2016, which was derived from the Company’s audited financial statements as of December 31, 2016, and our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2017 and for the periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement have been included. Our operations consist of one reportable segment. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Form 10-K”). Our financial condition as of, and operating results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the financial condition or results that may be expected for any future interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2017.

Overview

We are a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that owns and/or operates over 100 television stations and leading digital assets in markets throughout the United States. As of September 30, 2017, we owned and/or operated television stations in 57 television markets broadcasting over 200 programming streams, including over 100 channels affiliated with the CBS Network (“CBS”), the NBC Network (“NBC”), the ABC Network (“ABC”) and the FOX Network (“FOX”). As of September 30, 2017, our station group reached approximately 10.4% of total United States television households.

Cyclicality and Seasonality

Broadcast advertising revenues are generally highest in the second and fourth quarters each year. This seasonality results partly from increases in consumer advertising in the spring and retail advertising in the period leading up to and including the holiday season. Broadcast advertising revenues are also typically higher in even-numbered years due to increased spending by political candidates, political parties and special interest groups in advance of elections. This political spending typically is heaviest during the fourth quarter.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Our actual results could differ materially from these estimates. The most significant estimates we make relate to our allowance for doubtful accounts in receivables, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, amortization of program broadcast rights and intangible assets, pension costs, income taxes, employee medical insurance claims, useful lives of property and equipment and contingencies.

Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”)

We consolidate a VIE when we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE.

On January 17, 2017, we acquired two television stations that were divested by Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. upon its merger with Media General, Inc. (“Media General”): WBAY-TV (ABC), in the Green Bay, Wisconsin television market (DMA 69), and KWQC-TV (NBC), in the Davenport, Iowa, Rock Island, Illinois, and Moline, Illinois or “Quad Cities” television market (DMA 102), for an adjusted purchase price of $269.9 million (the “Media General Acquisition”) using cash on hand. The Media General Acquisition was completed, in part, through a transaction with a VIE known as Gray Midwest EAT, LLC (“GME”), pursuant to which GME acquired the broadcast licenses of the stations. On May 30, 2017, we exercised an option to acquire the licenses held by GME pending receipt of proceeds receivable from the FCC’s recently completed reverse auction for broadcast spectrum (the “FCC Spectrum Auction”). Upon receipt of the auction proceeds from the FCC, we completed the acquisition of the broadcast licenses from GME.

During the period that GME held those broadcast licenses we believe we were the primary beneficiary of GME, because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we had the power to direct the activities that significantly impact the economic performance of GME through the services we provided, and our obligation to absorb losses and right to earn returns that would be considered significant to GME. As a result, we included the assets, liabilities and results of operations of GME in our consolidated financial statements beginning January 17, 2017 and continuing through August 7, 2017, the date that we were no longer deemed to be the primary beneficiary of GME.

Earnings Per Share

We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the relevant period. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding does not include restricted shares. These shares, although classified as issued and outstanding, are considered contingently returnable until the restrictions lapse and, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, are not included in the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest. Diluted earnings per share is computed by including all potentially dilutive common shares, including restricted shares and shares underlying stock options, in the denominator of the diluted weighted-average shares outstanding calculation, unless their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. In the three-months ended September 30, 2016, we reported a net loss and therefore all common stock equivalents are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for that period, since their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

The following table reconciles basic weighted-average shares outstanding to diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Our accumulated other comprehensive loss balances as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consist of adjustments to our pension liability and the related income tax benefit. Our comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 consisted entirely of net income (loss). Therefore the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) is not presented for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method. Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to operations as incurred; major replacements and betterments are capitalized. The cost of any assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts at the time of disposition, and any resulting profit or loss is reflected in income or expense for the period. In the nine-months ended September 30, 2017, our total property and equipment balance, before accumulated depreciation, increased primarily as a result of property and equipment acquired in connection with recent acquisitions of television businesses. The remaining changes in the balances in the nine-months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were primarily due to routine property and equipment purchases and retirements. The following table lists the components of property and equipment by major category (dollars in thousands):

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Our allowance for doubtful accounts is equal to a portion of our receivable balances that are 120 days old or older. We may provide allowances for certain receivable balances that are less than 120 days old when warranted by specific facts and circumstances. We generally write-off accounts receivable balances when the customer files for bankruptcy or when all commonly used methods of collection have been exhausted.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 provides new guidance on revenue recognition for revenue from contracts with customers and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. This guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard is intended to improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities and provide more useful information through improved financial statement disclosures. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. ASU 2015-14 deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and permitted early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. The standard permits the use of either a retrospective to each reporting period presented method, or a retrospective with the cumulative effect method to adopt the standard. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. This ASU amends the guidance of ASU 2014-09 to clarify the identification of performance obligations and to provide additional licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. This ASU was issued to provide guidance in assessing collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition, in order to reduce the potential for diversity in practice at initial application, and to reduce the cost and complexity of applying the standard. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Technical Corrections and Improvements. This ASU was issued to clarify the standard and to correct unintended application of guidance. We have completed our internal evaluation of the standard and determined that the adoption of this standard will not have a material effect on our balance sheets and statements of operations. We have determined that we will utilize the modified retrospective method to implement the standard. We are evaluating our footnote disclosures and expect that this standard’s most significant impact will be expanded disclosures related to deferred revenue from customer pre-payments. We will continue to develop these disclosures and the related tasks of gathering data to be disclosed, assessing our internal controls and availing ourselves of broadcasting industry related guidance.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 – Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU 2016-01 amends the guidance in U.S. GAAP regarding the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The new standard significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 – Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 will supersede Topic 840, Leases, and thus will supersede nearly all existing lease guidance by requiring the reclassification of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requiring disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We have preliminarily determined that the adoption of this standard will not have a material effect on our statements of operations. However, this standard is expected to have a material effect on our balance sheets. Specifically, we expect that, once adopted, we will record a right of use asset and lease obligation liability. As of December 31, 2016, the values of those assets and related liabilities were each approximately $13.2 million. We are also evaluating our footnote disclosure requirements. We will continue to review our contractual obligations related to this standard, and develop our disclosures, assessing our internal controls and availing ourselves of broadcasting industry related guidance.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 amends the guidance of U.S. GAAP with the intent of addressing eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. One or more of these eight issues are applicable to our financial statements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) – Clarifying the Definition of a Business. ASU 2017-01 amends the guidance of U.S. GAAP with the intent of clarifying the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. ASU 2017-04 amends the guidance of U.S. GAAP with the intent of simplifying how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The standard allows for early adoption, but we have not yet made that determination. We do not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) - Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. ASU 2017-07 amends the guidance of U.S. GAAP with the intent of improving the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost by prescribing where the amount of net benefit cost should be presented in an employer’s income statement and requiring the disclosure by line item of the amount of net benefit cost that is included in the income statement or capitalized in assets. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our financial statements.

Adoption of Accounting Standards and Reclassifications

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. ASU 2015-17 requires a “noncurrent” presentation of all deferred income taxes. As required by our adoption of this standard, the affected amounts have been reclassified on our balance sheets for all periods presented.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2016-09 amended the guidance in U.S. GAAP with the intent of simplifying several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Our adoption of this standard included an adjustment to record the impact on our deferred asset related to the net federal and state income tax deductions for grants, and subsequent vesting, of restricted stock in excess of our book basis expense. Accordingly, we have recorded adjustments to increase our deferred tax asset and our accumulated deficit, as of January 1, 2017, by approximately $1.1 million. Beginning in 2017, we began recording similar net excess or deficit tax deductions as current tax benefit or expense and as reductions in the related income tax prepaid or payable, or deferred tax assets.

Certain amounts in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

On January 13, 2017, we acquired KTVF-TV (NBC), KXDF-TV (CBS), and KFXF-TV (FOX) in the Fairbanks, Alaska television market (DMA 202), from Tanana Valley Television Company and Tanana Valley Holdings, LLC for $8.0 million (the “Fairbanks Acquisition”), using cash on hand.

As described in Note 1. above, on January 17, 2017, we completed the Media General Acquisition, for an adjusted purchase price of $269.9 million using cash on hand.

On May 1, 2017, we acquired WDTV-TV (CBS) and WVFX-TV (FOX/CW) in the Clarksburg-Weston, West Virginia television market (DMA 169) from Withers Broadcasting Company of West Virginia (the “Clarksburg Acquisition”) for a total purchase price of $26.5 million. On June 1, 2016, we began operating the stations, subject to the control of the seller, under a local marketing agreement (“LMA”) that terminated upon completion of the acquisition.

On May 1, 2017, we acquired WABI-TV (CBS/CW) in the Bangor, Maine television market (DMA 156) and WCJB-TV (ABC/CW) in the Gainesville, Florida television market (DMA 159) from Community Broadcasting Service and Diversified Broadcasting, Inc. (collectively, the “Diversified Acquisition”) for a total purchase price of $85.0 million. On April 1, 2017, we began operating these stations, subject to the control of the seller, under an LMA that terminated upon completion of the acquisition.

On August 1, 2017, we acquired WCAX-TV (CBS) in the Burlington, Vermont – Plattsburgh, New York television markets (DMA 97) from Mt. Mansfield Television, Inc., for $29.0 million in cash (the “Vermont Acquisition”). On June 1, 2017, we advanced $23.2 million of the purchase price to the seller and began to operate the station under an LMA, subject to the control of the seller. At closing, we paid the remaining $5.8 million of the purchase price through the use of cash on hand and the LMA was terminated.

We refer to the eight stations acquired (excluding the stations acquired in the Clarksburg Acquisition) during the first nine months of 2017 and the stations we commenced operating under LMAs during that period as the “2017 Acquisitions.” We refer to the 13 stations acquired in 2016, and that we retained in those acquisitions (including the stations in the Clarksburg Acquisition that we commenced operating under an LMA on June 1, 2016) as the “2016 Acquisitions.”

The following table summarizes preliminary fair value estimates of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and resulting goodwill of the 2017 Acquisitions and the Clarksburg Acquisition (in thousands):

Amounts in the table above are based upon management’s preliminary estimates of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. The fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated discount rates. 

Property and equipment are being depreciated over their estimated useful lives ranging from three years to 40 years.

Other intangible assets represent primarily the estimated fair values of retransmission agreements of $29.1 million; advertising client relationships of $5.3 million; and favorable income leases of $3.0 million. These intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives of approximately 4.9 years for retransmission agreements; approximately 10.7 years for advertising client relationships; and approximately 11.9 years for favorable income leases.

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce, as well as future synergies that we expect to generate from each acquisition. We have preliminarily recorded $125.8 million of goodwill related to 2017 Acquisitions. The use of different estimates or assumptions could result in materially different allocations. The goodwill recognized related to these acquisitions is deductible for income tax purposes.

Our consolidated results of operations for the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2017 include the results of the 2017 Acquisitions from the date of the respective transaction. Revenue and operating income attributable to the stations acquired in the 2017 Acquisitions and included in our consolidated statements of operations for the nine-months ended September 30, 2017 were $54.2 million and $25.2 million, respectively. In connection with the 2017 Acquisitions, we incurred a total of $1.0 million of transaction related costs during the nine-months ended September 30, 2017, primarily related to legal, consulting and other professional services. Revenue and operating income attributable to the stations acquired in the 2016 Acquisitions and included in our consolidated statements of operations for the nine-months ended September 30, 2016 were $87.9 million and $35.3 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, long-term debt primarily consisted of obligations under our 2017 Senior Credit Facility (as defined below), our 2014 Senior Credit Facility (as defined below), our 5.125% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”) and our 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”), as follows (in thousands):

On February 7, 2017, we entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2017 Senior Credit Facility”), consisting of a $556.4 million term loan facility (the “2017 Initial Term Loan”) and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility (the “2017 Revolving Credit Facility”). Amounts outstanding under the 2017 Initial Term Loan were used to repay amounts outstanding under our prior credit agreement (the “2014 Senior Credit Facility”). On April 3, 2017, we borrowed $85.0 million under an incremental term loan (the “2017 Incremental Term Loan” and, together with the 2017 Initial Term Loan, the “2017 Term Loan”) under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility to fund the Diversified Acquisition. As of September 30, 2017, the 2017 Senior Credit Facility provided total commitments of $736.8 million, consisting of the $636.8 million 2017 Term Loan and the $100.0 million 2017 Revolving Credit Facility. Our quarterly principal payments under the 2017 Term Loan are $1.6 million.

Prior to the entry into the 2017 Senior Credit Facility, the 2014 Senior Credit Facility consisted of a revolving loan and a term loan. Excluding accrued interest, the amount outstanding under our 2014 Senior Credit Facility as of December 31, 2016 consisted solely of a term loan balance of $556.4 million. As of December 31, 2016, the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the 2014 Senior Credit Facility was 3.9%.

Borrowings under the 2017 Term Loan currently bear interest, at our option, at either the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or the Base Rate (as defined below), in each case, plus an applicable margin. Currently, the applicable margin is 2.25% for LIBOR borrowings and 1.25% for Base Rate borrowings. The applicable margin is determined quarterly based on our leverage ratio as set forth in the 2017 Senior Credit Facility (the “Leverage Ratio”). If our Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 5.25 to 1.00, the applicable margin will be 2.25% for all LIBOR borrowings and 1.25% for all Base Rate borrowings and if the Leverage Ratio is greater than 5.25 to 1.00, the applicable margin will be 2.5% for all LIBOR borrowings. As of September 30, 2017, the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the 2017 Term Loan was 3.7%.

Borrowings under the 2017 Revolving Credit Facility currently bear interest, at our option, at either LIBOR plus 1.50% or Base Rate plus 0.50%, in each case based on a first lien leverage ratio test as set forth in the 2017 Senior Credit Facility (the “First Lien Leverage Ratio”). Base Rate is defined as the greatest of (i) the administrative agent’s prime rate, (ii) the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (iii) LIBOR plus 1.00%. We are required to pay a commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of the 2017 Revolving Credit Facility, which rate may range from 0.375% to 0.50% on an annual basis, based on the First Lien Leverage Ratio. The 2017 Revolving Credit Facility matures on February 7, 2022, and the 2017 Term Loan matures on February 7, 2024.

 As a result of entering into the 2017 Senior Credit Facility, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.9 million in the nine-months ended September 30, 2017, and we incurred approximately $5.0 million in deferred financing costs that will be amortized over the life of the 2017 Senior Credit Facility.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had $525.0 million of 2024 Notes outstanding. The interest rate and yield on the 2024 Notes were 5.125%. The 2024 Notes mature on October 15, 2024. Interest is payable semiannually, on April 15 and October 15 of each year.

On June 14, 2016, we completed the private placement of $500.0 million of our 2026 Notes (the “Original 2026 Notes”) at par. On September 14, 2016, we completed the private placement of an additional $200.0 million of our 2026 Notes (the “Additional 2026 Notes”). The Additional 2026 Notes were issued at a price of 103.0%, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $206.0 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest from and including June 14, 2016. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had $700.0 million of 2026 Notes outstanding. The interest rate and yield on the Original 2026 Notes were 5.875%. The interest rate and yield on the Additional 2026 Notes were 5.875% and 5.398%, respectively. The Additional 2026 Notes are an additional issuance of, rank equally with and form a single series with the Original 2026 Notes. The 2026 Notes mature on July 15, 2026. Interest is payable semiannually, on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

 Collateral, Covenants and Restrictions

Our obligations under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of our consolidated assets, excluding real estate. In addition, substantially all of our subsidiaries are joint and several guarantors of, and our ownership interests in those subsidiaries are pledged to collateralize, our obligations under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility. Gray Television, Inc. is a holding company with no material independent assets or operations. For all applicable periods, the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several, senior unsecured basis, by substantially all of Gray Television, Inc.'s subsidiaries. Any subsidiaries of Gray Television, Inc. that do not gurantee the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes are minor. As of September 30, 2017, there were no significant restrictions on the ability of Gray Television, Inc.'s subsidiaries to distribute cash to Gray or to the guarantor subsidaries.

The 2017 Senior Credit Facility contains affirmative and restrictive covenants with which we must comply, including: (a) limitations on additional indebtedness, (b) limitations on liens, (c) limitations on the sale of assets, (d) limitations on guarantees, (e) limitations on investments and acquisitions, (f) limitations on the payment of dividends and share repurchases, (g) limitations on mergers and (h) maintenance of the First Lien Leverage Ratio while any amount is outstanding under the revolving credit facility, as well as other customary covenants for credit facilities of this type. The 2026 Notes and 2024 Notes include covenants with which we must comply which are typical for borrowing transactions of their nature. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we were in compliance with all required covenants under all our debt obligations.

Maturities

Aggregate minimum principal maturities on long-term debt as of September 30, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):

For purposes of determining a fair value measurement, we utilize market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized into a hierarchy that gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (“Level 1”) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that require assumptions to measure fair value (“Level 3”). Level 2 inputs are those that are other than quoted prices on national exchanges included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly (“Level 2”).

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

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

The carrying amounts of the following instruments approximate fair value due to their short term to maturity: (i) accounts receivable, (ii) prepaid and other current assets, (iii) accounts payable, (iv) accrued employee compensation and benefits, (v) accrued interest, (vi) other accrued expenses, (vii) acquisition-related liabilities and (viii) deferred revenue.

The carrying amount of our long-term debt was $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, and the fair value was $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Fair value of our long-term debt is based on observable estimates provided by third-party financial professionals as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and as such is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

We are authorized to issue 135 million shares of all classes of stock, of which 15 million shares are designated Class A common stock, 100 million shares are designated common stock, and 20 million shares are designated “blank check” preferred stock for which our Board of Directors has the authority to determine the rights, powers, limitations and restrictions. The rights of our common stock and Class A common stock are identical, except that our Class A common stock has 10 votes per share and our common stock has one vote per share. Our common stock and Class A common stock are entitled to receive cash dividends if declared, on an equal per-share basis. For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we did not declare or pay any common stock or Class A common stock dividends.

In each of March and November 2004, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the Company to repurchase up to 2.0 million shares of the Company's common stock and Class A common stock. In March 2006, this authorization was increased to an aggregate of 5.0 million shares (the “2004-2006 Repurchase Authorization”). As of December 31, 2016, 279,200 shares remain available for repurchase under this authorization, which has no expiration date. On November 6, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the Company to purchase up to an additional $75.0 million of our outstanding common stock prior to December 31, 2019 (the “2016 Repurchase Authorization”).

The 2016 Repurchase Authorization prohibits the Company from purchasing shares directly from the Company’s officers, directors, or the Gray Television, Inc. Capital Accumulation Plan (the “401k Plan”). During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we purchased 322,038 shares of our common stock at an average purchase price of $12.39 per share under the 2016 Repurchase Authorization, for a total cost of $4.0 million. As of September 30, 2017, $69.0 million remains available to purchase shares of our common stock under the 2016 Repurchase Authorization.

The extent to which the Company repurchases any of its shares, the number of shares and the timing of any repurchases will depend on general market conditions, regulatory requirements, alternative investment opportunities and other considerations. The Company is not required to repurchase a minimum number of shares, and the repurchase authorizations may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time without prior notice.

Under our various employee benefit plans, including our 401k Plan, we may, at our discretion, issue authorized and unissued shares, or previously issued shares held in treasury, of our Class A common stock or common stock. As of September 30, 2017, we had reserved 1,923,144 shares and 7,632,465 shares of our Class A common stock and common stock, respectively, for future issuance under various employee benefit plans.

The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for our defined benefit pension plans for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, we contributed $0.6 million to our defined benefit pension plans. During the remainder of 2017, we expect to make additional contributions to these plans of between $1.7 million and $2.4 million.

During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, we contributed $1.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively, in matching contributions to the 401k Plan. During the remainder of 2017, we estimate that our contributions to this plan will be approximately $1.5 million, excluding discretionary profit-sharing contributions.

We recognize compensation expense for share-based payment awards made to our employees, consultants and directors, including stock options and restricted shares awarded under our 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2017 EICP”); our 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2007 Incentive Plan”); and our Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan. Currently, there are no outstanding share awards under our Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan. The following table provides information on our share-based compensation expense and related income tax benefit for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively (in thousands):

The 2017 EICP provides for, and, while awards were available for grant thereunder the 2007 Incentive Plan provided for, the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, and performance awards to acquire shares of our Class A common stock or common stock, or other awards based on our performance, to our employees, consultants and non-employee directors.

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, we granted:

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016, we granted:

A summary of restricted common stock and Class A common stock activity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had outstanding options to acquire 274,746 shares of our common stock, all of which were vested and exercisable. The exercise price of all our outstanding stock options is $1.99 per share. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we did not have any outstanding stock options for our Class A common stock. The aggregate intrinsic value of our outstanding stock options was $3.8 million based on the closing market price of our common stock on September 30, 2017.

In October 2017, we granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) representing 215,500 shares of our common stock to certain non-executive employees, under the provisions of our 2017 EICP. These RSUs will vest on January 31, 2018 and may be settled only by the issuance of shares of our common stock. These RSUs were valued at $3.4 million as of their date of grant. This value will be recorded in our operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the four-month vesting period.

8.      Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, we are or may become subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the normal course of our business. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to known actions, will not materially affect our financial position. However, the outcome of any one or more matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and the unfavorable resolution of any matter could have a material adverse effect on us.

9.      Goodwill and Intangible Assets

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, we acquired and disposed of various television broadcast stations and broadcast licenses. See Note 2 “Acquisitions and Dispositions” for more information regarding these transactions. As a result of these transactions, our goodwill and other intangible asset balances changed. A summary of changes in our goodwill and other intangible assets, on a net basis, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 is as follows (in thousands):

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our intangible assets and related accumulated amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):

Amortization expense for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $18.7 million and $12.4 million, respectively. Based on the current amount of intangible assets subject to amortization, we expect that amortization expense for the succeeding five years will be as follows: 2018, $20.4 million; 2019, $15.2 million; 2020, $12.2 million; 2021, $8.1 million; and 2022, $4.8 million. If and when acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future, actual amounts may vary from these estimates.

Impairment of goodwill and broadcast licenses

Our intangible assets are primarily comprised of broadcast licenses. There were no triggering events that required a test of our goodwill or intangible assets for impairment during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.

10.     Income Taxes

For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, our income tax expense and effective income tax rates were as follows (dollars in thousands):

We estimate our differences between taxable income or loss and recorded income or loss on an annual basis. Our tax provision for each quarter is based upon these full-year projections, which are revised each reporting period. These projections incorporate estimates of permanent differences between U.S. GAAP income or loss and taxable income or loss, state income taxes and adjustments to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits to adjust our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0% to our effective income tax rate. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, these estimates increased our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0% to our effective income tax rate of 40.6% as follows: state income taxes added 4.3% and permanent differences between our U.S. GAAP income and taxable income added 1.3%. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016, these estimates increased or decreased our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0% to our effective income tax rate of 42.0% as follows: state income taxes added 4.6%, permanent differences between our U.S. GAAP income and taxable income added 2.1%, and discrete items added 1.0%, while adjustments to our reserve for uncertain tax positions resulted in a reduction of 0.7%.

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

Executive Overview

Gray Television, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (except as the context otherwise provides, “Gray,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our,”) is a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that owns and/or operates over 100 television stations and leading digital assets in markets throughout the United States. As of September 30, 2017, we owned and operated television stations in 57 television markets broadcasting over 200 programming streams, including over 100 channels affiliated with the CBS Network (“CBS”), the NBC Network (“NBC”), the ABC Network (“ABC”) and the FOX Network (“FOX”). As of September 30, 2017, our station group reached approximately 10.4% of total United States television households.

The following analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Gray Television, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this report and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Form 10-K”).

Recent Acquisitions

On January 13, 2017, we acquired KTVF-TV (NBC), KXDF-TV (CBS), and KFXF-TV (FOX) in the Fairbanks, Alaska television market (DMA 202) for $8.0 million (the “Fairbanks Acquisition”).

On January 17, 2017, we acquired WBAY-TV (ABC), in the Green Bay, Wisconsin television market (DMA 69), and KWQC-TV (NBC), in the Davenport, Iowa, Rock Island, Illinois, and Moline, Illinois or “Quad Cities” television market (DMA 102) (collectively, the “Media General Acquisition”), for $269.9 million.

On May 1, 2017, we acquired WDTV-TV (CBS) and WVFX-TV (FOX/CW) in the Clarksburg-Weston, West Virginia television market (DMA 169) from Withers Broadcasting Company of West Virginia (the “Clarksburg Acquisition”) for $26.5 million. On June 1, 2016, we began operating these stations, subject to the control of the seller, under a local marketing agreement (“LMA”) that terminated upon completion of the acquisition.

On May 1, 2017, we acquired WABI-TV (CBS/CW) in the Bangor, Maine television market (DMA 156) and WCJB-TV (ABC/CW) in the Gainesville, Florida television market (DMA 159) from Community Broadcasting Service and Diversified Broadcasting, Inc. (collectively, the “Diversified Acquisition”) for $85.0 million. On April 1, 2017, we began operating these stations, subject to the control of the seller, under an LMA that terminated upon completion of the acquisition.

On August 1, 2017, we acquired WCAX-TV (CBS) in the Burlington, Vermont – Plattsburgh, New York television market (DMA 97) from Mt. Mansfield Television, Inc., (the “Vermont Acquisition”) for $29.0 million. On June 1, 2017, we began operating these stations, subject to the control of the seller, under an LMA that terminated upon completion of the acquisition.

We refer to the eight stations acquired (excluding the stations acquired in the Clarksburg Acquisition) during the first nine months of 2017 and the stations we commenced operating under LMAs during that period as the “2017 Acquisitions.” We refer to the 13 stations acquired in 2016, and that we retained in those acquisitions (including the stations in the Clarksburg Acquisition that we commenced operating under an LMA on June 1, 2016) as the “2016 Acquisitions.”

For additional information regarding our recent acquisitions, see Note 1 “Basis of Presentation” and Note 2 “Acquisitions” of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this report.

Recent Financing Transactions

On February 7, 2017, we entered into the 2017 Senior Credit Facility consisting of a $556.4 million term loan facility (the “2017 Initial Term Loan”) and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility (the “2017 Revolving Credit Facility”). Borrowings under the 2017 Initial Term Loan were used to repay amounts outstanding under our prior term loan.

On April 3, 2017, we borrowed $85.0 million under an incremental term loan (the “2017 Incremental Term Loan” and, together with the 2017 Initial Term Loan, the “2017 Term Loan”) under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility to fund the Diversified Acquisition. Our quarterly principal payments under the 2017 Term Loan are $1.6 million.

Cyclicality, Seasonality and Advertising Concentrations

Broadcast stations like ours rely on advertising revenue, and, as a result, they are sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy. Our political advertising revenue is generally not as significantly affected by economic slowdowns or recessions as our non-political advertising revenue.

Broadcast advertising revenue is generally highest in the second and fourth quarters each year. This seasonality results partly from increases in consumer advertising in the spring and retail advertising in the period leading up to and including the Christmas holiday season. Broadcast advertising revenue is also typically higher in even-numbered years due to spending by political candidates, political parties and special interest groups during the “on year” of the two-year political advertising cycle. This political advertising spending typically is heaviest during the fourth quarter. In addition, the broadcast of Olympic Games by our NBC-affiliated stations during even-numbered years generally leads to increased viewership and revenue during those years.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, excluding political advertising revenue, our largest advertising customer category was automotive. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we earned approximately 25% and 23%, respectively, of our total broadcast advertising revenue, excluding political advertising revenue, from automotive customers. Our business and operating results could be materially adversely affected if advertising revenue from automotive customers were to decrease significantly. Our business and operating results could also be materially adversely affected if revenue decreased from one or more other significant advertising categories, such as the medical, restaurant, communications, furniture and appliances, entertainment, or financial service industries.

Please see our “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections below for further discussion of our operating results.

Revenue

Set forth below are the principal types of revenue, less agency commissions, earned by us for the periods indicated and the percentage contribution of each type of revenue to our total revenue (dollars in thousands):

Results of Operations

Three-Months Ended September 30, 2017 (“2017 three-month period”) Compared to Three-Months Ended September 30, 2016 (“2016 three-month period”)

Revenue. Total revenue increased $14.5 million, or 7%, to $219.0 million in the 2017 three-month period compared to the 2016 three-month period. The 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions collectively accounted for approximately $59.3 million of total revenue in the 2017 three-month period. The 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $37.1 million of total revenue in the 2016 three-month period. Excluding the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions, total revenue at our legacy stations decreased primarily due to a $14.2 million decrease in political advertising revenue, resulting primarily from 2017 being the “off-year” of the two-year election cycle. In addition, local and national advertising revenue was impacted by our broadcast of the 2016 Olympic Games in the 2016 nine-month period that produced approximately $8.2 million of local and national advertising revenue. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $10.0 million of retransmission consent revenue in the 2017 three-month period.

Broadcast expenses. Broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets) increased $18.7 million, or 16%, to $139.4 million in the 2017 three-month period due primarily to the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, which accounted for approximately $34.9 million of broadcast expenses in the 2017 three-month period. The 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $20.9 million of our broadcast expenses in the 2016 three-month period. In addition to the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions, non-compensation expense at our legacy stations increased $5.9 million primarily as a result of a $5.3 million increase in retransmission expense, consistent with the increase in retransmission consent revenue. Non-cash stock based compensation expenses were $0.4 million and $0.3 million in the 2017 and 2016 three-month periods, respectively.

Corporate and administrative expenses. Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets) increased $1.1 million, or 15%, to $8.3 million in the 2017 three-month period compared to the 2016 three-month period, primarily as a result of increased professional services and promotional expenses. Non-cash share based compensation expenses were $1.2 million and $1.0 million in the 2017 and 2016 three-month periods, respectively.

Depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment increased $1.6 million, or 14%, to $13.1 million in the 2017 three-month period compared to the 2016 three-month period. Depreciation increased primarily due to the addition of depreciable assets acquired as a part of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions.

Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization of intangible assets increased approximately $2.2 million, or 53%, to $6.5 million during the 2017 three-month period compared to the 2016 three-month period. Amortization expense increased primarily due to the additional definite-lived intangible assets acquired as a part of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions.

Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $3.7 million or 13% to $24.2 million in the 2017 three-month period compared to the 2016 three-month period. This decrease was attributable to the net effect of an increase in the average borrowings outstanding, offset by a decrease in our average interest rates. The average interest rate on our total outstanding debt balance was 4.9% and 5.6% during the 2017 three-month period and the 2016 three-month period, respectively. Our average outstanding debt balance was $1.9 billion and $1.7 billion during the 2017 three-month period and the 2016 three-month period, respectively, with the increase primarily attributable to the borrowings to finance the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions.

Loss from early extinguishment of debt. In the 2016 three-month period we completed a tender offer and redemption of our then outstanding 7½% senior notes due 2020 (the “Tender Offer” and the “Redemption”). We recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $32.0 million ($19.5 million net of tax) in the 2016 three-month period, consisting of Tender Offer premiums of $18.2 million, premiums related to the Redemption of $9.1 million, the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs of $8.0 million and the payment of approximately $0.2 million in legal and other professional fees; but reduced by the recognition of un-accreted net premium of $3.5 million.

Income tax expense. We recognized income tax expense of $10.5 million and $0.8 million for the 2017 and 2016 three-month periods, respectively. For the 2017 and 2016 three-month periods, our effective income tax rate was 40.7% and 136.5%, respectively. We estimate our differences between taxable income or loss and recorded income or loss on an annual basis. Our tax provision for each quarter is based upon these full-year projections that are revised each reporting period. These projections incorporate estimates of permanent differences between U.S. GAAP income or loss and taxable income or loss, state income taxes and adjustments to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits. For the 2017 three-month period, these estimates increased or decreased our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0% to our effective income tax rate as follows: state income taxes added 4.5%, permanent differences between our U.S. GAAP income and taxable income added 1.3%, and discrete items decreased the effective rate by 0.1%.

Nine-Months Ended September 30, 2017 (“2017 nine-month period”) Compared to Nine-Months Ended September 30, 2016 (“2016 nine-month period”)

Revenue. Total revenue increased $74.3 million, or 13%, to $649.1 million in the 2017 nine-month period as compared to the 2016 nine-month period. The 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions collectively accounted for approximately $167.9 million of total revenue in the 2017 nine-month period. The 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $87.9 million of total revenue in the 2016 nine-month period. Excluding the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions, total revenue at our legacy stations decreased primarily due to a decrease of $28.9 million in political advertising revenue, resulting primarily from 2017 being the “off-year” of the two-year election cycle. This decrease at our legacy stations was offset by increases of $28.9 million in retransmission consent revenue in the 2017 nine-month period.

Local and national advertising revenue declined, in part, as a result of the impact of the broadcast of the 2017 Super Bowl on our FOX-affiliated stations generating approximately $0.6 million of local and national advertising revenue, compared to $1.6 million that we earned from the broadcast of the 2016 Super Bowl on our CBS-affiliated stations. Local and national advertising revenue also declined because the 2016 nine-month period included approximately $8.2 million of revenue from the broadcast of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Broadcast expenses. Broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization and loss (gain) on disposal of assets) increased $59.8 million, or 17%, to $406.4 million in the 2017 nine-month period due primarily to the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, which accounted for approximately $95.1 million of broadcast expenses in the 2017 nine-month period. The 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $52.6 million of our broadcast expenses in the 2016 nine-month period. In addition to the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions, non-compensation expense at our legacy stations increased $18.5 million primarily as a result of a $15.7 million increase in retransmission expense, consistent with the increased retransmission consent revenue, and $5.2 million of professional fees. Non-cash stock based compensation expenses were $1.1 million and $0.9 million in the 2017 and 2016 nine-month periods, respectively.

Corporate and administrative expenses. Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and loss (gain) on disposal of assets) decreased $7.0 million, or 22%, to $24.4 million for the 2017 nine-month period period compared to the 2016 nine-month period primarily as a result of decreases of $7.7 million in professional fees related to acquisitions. We recorded corporate non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $3.2 million and $2.9 million in the 2017 and 2016 nine-month periods, respectively.

Depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment increased $4.3 million, or 13%, to $38.6 million for the 2017 nine-month period as compared to the 2016 nine-month period. Depreciation increased due to additional property and equipment being placed in service due to routine asset purchases and the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions.

Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization of intangible assets increased $6.3 million, or 51%, to $18.7 million during the 2017 nine-month period compared to the 2016 nine-month period due to amortization of the additional definite-lived intangible assets of the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions.

Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $2.3 million, or 3%, to $71.2 million for the 2017 nine-month period compared to the 2016 nine-month period. This was attributable to a decrease in our average interest rates, partially offset by an increase in our average borrowings outstanding. The average interest rate on our total outstanding debt balance was 4.9% and 5.6% during the 2017 nine-month period and the 2016 nine-month period, respectively. Our average outstanding debt balance was $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion during the 2017 nine-month period and the 2016 nine-month period, respectively, with the increase primarily attributable to the borrowings to finance the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions.

Loss from early extinguishment of debt. In the 2017 nine-month period, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.9 million, as a result of entering into our 2017 Senior Credit Facility. In the 2016 nine-month period we completed the Tender Offer and Redemption, and we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $32.0 million ($19.5 million net of tax) in the 2016 nine-month period, consisting of Tender Offer premiums of $18.2 million, premiums related to the redemption of $9.1 million, the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs of $8.0 million and the payment of approximately $0.2 million in legal and other professional fees; but reduced by the recognition of un-accreted net premium of $3.5 million.

Income tax expense. We recognized income tax expense of $65.8 million and $19.1 million in the 2017 and 2016 nine-month periods, respectively. For the 2017 and 2016 nine-month periods, our effective income tax rate was 40.6% and 42.0%, respectively. The primary reason for the increase in our income tax expense was the increase in our pre-tax income in the 2017 nine-month period compared to the 2016 nine-month period. We estimate our differences between taxable income or loss and recorded income or loss on an annual basis. Our tax provision for each quarter is based upon these full-year projections that are revised each reporting period. These projections incorporate estimates of permanent differences between U.S. GAAP income or loss and taxable income or loss, state income taxes and adjustments to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits. For the 2017 nine-month period, these estimates increased our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0% to our effective income tax rate as follows: state income taxes added 4.3% and permanent differences between our U.S. GAAP income and taxable income added 1.3%.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

The following table presents data that we believe is helpful in evaluating our liquidity and capital resources (in thousands):

Our 2017 Senior Credit Facility consists of the 2017 Revolving Credit Facility and the 2017 Term Loan. Excluding accrued interest, the amount outstanding under our 2017 Senior Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017 and the 2014 Senior Credit Facility as of December 31, 2016 consisted solely of a term loan totaling $636.8 million and $556.4 million, respectively. On April 3, 2017, we borrowed $85.0 million under the 2017 Incremental Term Loan. Our maximum borrowing availability under our 2017 Revolving Credit Facility is limited by our required compliance with certain restrictive covenants, including a first lien net leverage ratio covenant.

As of September 30, 2017, the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility was 3.7%. As of December 31, 2016, the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the 2014 Senior Credit Facility was 3.9%.

Borrowings under the 2017 Term Loan currently bear interest, at our option, at either the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or the Base Rate (as defined below), in each case, plus an applicable margin. Currently, the applicable margin is 2.25% for LIBOR borrowings and 1.25% for Base Rate borrowings. The applicable margin is determined quarterly based on our leverage ratio as set forth in the 2017 Senior Credit Facility (the “Leverage Ratio”). If our Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 5.25 to 1.00, the applicable margin will be 2.25% for all LIBOR borrowings and 1.25% for all Base Rate borrowings and if the Leverage Ratio is greater than 5.25 to 1.00, the applicable margin will be 2.5% for all LIBOR borrowings.

Borrowings under the 2017 Revolving Credit Facility currently bear interest, at our option, at either LIBOR plus 1.50% or the Base Rate plus 0.50%, in each case based on a first lien leverage ratio test as set forth in the 2017 Senior Credit Facility (the “First Lien Leverage Ratio”). Base Rate is defined as the greatest of (i) the administrative agent’s prime rate, (ii) the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (iii) LIBOR plus 1.00%. We are required to pay a commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of the 2017 Revolving Credit Facility, which rate may range from 0.375% to 0.50% on an annual basis, based on the First Lien Leverage Ratio. The 2017 Revolving Credit Facility matures on February 7, 2022 and the 2017 Term Loan matures on February 7, 2024.

 As a result of the amendment and restatement of our prior senior credit facility in the form of the 2017 Senior Credit Facility, we recorded a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.9 million in the 2017 nine-month period, and we incurred approximately $5.0 million in deferred financing costs that will be amortized over the term of the 2017 Senior Credit Facility. Our quarterly principal payments under the 2017 Term Loan are $1.6 million.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had $525.0 million of 2024 Notes outstanding. The interest rate and yield on the 2024 Notes were 5.125%. The 2024 Notes mature on October 15, 2024. Interest is payable semiannually, on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on April 15, 2017.

On June 14, 2016, we completed the private placement of $500.0 million of our 2026 Notes (the “Original 2026 Notes”) at par. On September 14, 2016, we completed the private placement of an additional $200.0 million of our 2026 Notes (the “Additional 2026 Notes”). The Additional 2026 Notes were issued at a price of 103.0%, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $206.0 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest from and including June 14, 2016. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had $700.0 million of 2026 Notes outstanding. The interest rate and yield on the Original 2026 Notes were each 5.875%. The interest rate and yield on the Additional 2026 Notes were 5.875% and 5.398%, respectively. The Additional 2026 Notes are an additional issuance of, rank equally with and form a single series with the Original 2026 Notes. The 2026 Notes mature on July 15, 2026. Interest is payable semiannually, on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

Our obligations under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of our consolidated assets, excluding real estate. In addition, substantially all of our subsidiaries are joint and several guarantors of, and our ownership interests in those subsidiaries are pledged to collateralize, our obligations under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility. Gray Television, Inc. is a holding company with no material independent assets or operations. For all applicable periods, the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several, senior unsecured basis, by substantially all of Gray Television, Inc.'s subsidiaries. Any subsidiaries of Gray Television, Inc. that do not gurantee the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes are minor. As of September 30, 2017, there were no significant restrictions on the ability of Gray Television, Inc.'s subsidiaries to distribute cash to Gray or to the guarantor subsidaries.

The 2017 Senior Credit Facility contains affirmative and restrictive covenants with which we must comply, including: (a) limitations on additional indebtedness, (b) limitations on liens, (c) limitations on the sale of assets, (d) limitations on guarantees, (e) limitations on investments and acquisitions, (f) limitations on the payment of dividends and share repurchases, (g) limitations on mergers and (h) maintenance of the First Lien Leverage Ratio while any amount is outstanding under the revolving credit facility, as well as other customary covenants for credit facilities of this type. The 2026 Notes and 2024 Notes include covenants with which we must comply which are typical for borrowing transactions of their nature. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we were in compliance with all required covenants under all our debt obligations.

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating, Investing and Financing Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $114.3 million in the 2017 nine-month period compared to $103.4 million in the 2016 nine-month period. The increase of $10.9 million in the 2017 nine-month period was the result of a $69.9 million increase in net income, partially offset by a $49.5 million decrease in net non-cash expenses, primarily depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, deferred income taxes and gain on disposal of assets. Changes in our working capital accounts used $9.5 million of cash. These changes were primarily due to the impact on our statement of operations from changes in the components of our debt financing, changes in our tax position, the 2017 Acquisitions, the 2016 Acquisitions and the gain on disposal of assets resulting from the FCC Sprectrum Auction.

Net cash used in investing activities was $336.3 million in the 2017 nine-month period compared to net cash used in investing activities of $469.5 million for the 2016 nine-month period. The decrease was largely due to decreased use of cash for acquisition activity in the 2017 nine-month period.

Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $69.7 million in the 2017 nine-month period compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $499.2 million in the 2016 nine-month period. Net cash provided by financing activities in the 2017 nine-month period was primarily from borrowings of $85.0 million under 2017 Term Loan; reduced by $4.6 million of quarterly principal payments under the 2017 Term Loan; reduced by $5.0 million of deferred financing costs primarily related to the 2017 Senior Credit Facility. Also, in the 2017 nine-month period we used $4.0 million to repurchase shares of our common stock and made $1.8 million of payments for taxes related to net share settlements of equity awards.

Liquidity

As of September 30, 2017, we had $6.4 million in debt principal payments due over the next twelve months. We estimate that we will make approximately $90.8 million in debt interest payments over the twelve months immediately following September 30, 2017.

Although our cash flows from operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, we anticipate that our cash on hand, future cash expected to be generated from operations, borrowings from time to time under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility (or any such other credit facility as may be in place at the appropriate time) and, potentially, external equity or debt financing, will be sufficient to fund any debt service obligations, estimated capital expenditures and acquisition-related obligations. Any potential equity or debt financing would depend upon, among other things, the costs and availability of such financing at the appropriate time. We also presently believe that our future cash expected to be generated from operations and borrowing availability under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility (or any such other credit facility) will be sufficient to fund our future capital expenditures and long-term debt service obligations until at least February 7, 2024, which is the maturity date of the term loans under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures in the 2017 and 2016 nine-month periods were $21.4 million and $33.2 million, respectively. We anticipate that our capital expenditures for the remainder of 2017 will range between approximately $14.0 million and $15.0 million.

Results of FCC Spectrum Auction

On August 7, 2017, we received $90.8 million resulting from our relinquishment of two licenses in the FCC’s Spectrum Auction. Due to prior planning in connection with this transaction and our recently completed acquisitions, we anticipate that we will be able to defer any related income tax payments on a long-term basis.

Other

We file a consolidated federal income tax return and such state and local tax returns as are required. During the 2017 nine-month period we made income tax payments (net of refunds) of $1.2 million. During the remainder of 2017, we anticipate making income tax payments (net of refunds) of approximately $0.6 million. Income tax payments are likely to be higher beginning in 2018, assuming no significant changes to the corporate tax code as currently in effect, as a result of our utilization of certain of our net operating loss carryforwards.

During the 2017 nine-month period, we contributed $0.6 million to our defined benefit pension plan. During the remainder of 2017, we expect to make additional contributions to these plans of between $1.7 million and $2.4 million.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments and estimations that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We consider our accounting policies relating to intangible assets and income taxes to be critical policies that require judgments or estimations in their application where variances in those judgments or estimations could make a significant difference to future reported results. These critical accounting policies and estimates are more fully discussed in our 2016 Form 10-K.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than those of historical fact. When used in this Quarterly Report, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “will,” “may,” “should” and similar words and expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Among other things, statements that describe our expectations regarding our results of operations, general and industry-specific economic conditions, future pension plan contributions, future capital expenditures are forward-looking statements. Readers of this Quarterly Report are cautioned that any forward-looking statements, including those regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of our management, are not guarantees of future performance, results or events and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results and events may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, those listed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our 2016 Form 10-K and as may be described in subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, as well as the other factors described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

We believe that the market risk of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2017 has not materially changed since December 31, 2016. The market risk profile as of December 31, 2016 is disclosed in our 2016 Form 10-K.

Item 4.     Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or furnish under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. No system of controls, no matter how well designed and implemented, can provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the system of controls are met and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 identified in connection with this evaluation that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.     Risk Factors

Please refer to the information set out under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A in our 2016 Form 10-K for a description of risk factors that we determined to be most material to our financial condition and results of operations. We do not believe there have been any material changes in these risk factors. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we do not currently consider material may also materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations in the future.

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

In each of March and November 2004, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the Company to repurchase up to 2.0 million shares of the Company's common stock or Class A common stock. In March 2006, this authorization was increased to an aggregate of 5.0 million shares (the “2004-2006 Repurchase Authorization”). As of September 30, 2017, 279,200 shares remain available for repurchase under this authorization, which has no expiration date.

On November 6, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the Company to purchase up to an additional $75.0 million of our outstanding common stock prior to December 31, 2019 (the “2016 Repurchase Authorization”).

The extent to which the Company repurchases any of its shares, the number of shares and the timing of any repurchases will depend on general market conditions, regulatory requirements, alternative investment opportunities and other considerations. The Company is not required to repurchase a minimum number of shares, and the repurchase authorizations may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time without prior notice.

The Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock or Class A common stock under these authorizations during the three-months ended September 30, 2017.

Item 6.     Exhibits

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

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.

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