URBAN ONE, INC. - Quarter Report: 2015 March (Form 10-Q)

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015

Commission File No. 0-25969

RADIO ONE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

1010 Wayne Avenue,

14th Floor

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

(Address of principal executive offices)

(301) 429-3200

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

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

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

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

Large accelerated filer   o     Accelerated filer   þ     Non-accelerated filer   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  þ

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

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

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

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

RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

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

RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

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

RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

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

RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Radio One, Inc. (a Delaware corporation referred to as “Radio One”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is an urban-oriented, multi-media company that primarily targets African-American and urban consumers. Our core business is our radio broadcasting franchise that is the largest radio broadcasting operation that primarily targets African-American and urban listeners. We currently own and/or operate 54 broadcast stations located in 16 urban markets in the United States.  While our primary source of revenue is the sale of local and national advertising for broadcast on our radio stations, our strategy is to operate the premier multi-media entertainment and information content provider targeting African-American and urban consumers. Thus, we have diversified our revenue streams by making acquisitions and investments in other complementary media properties. Our other media interests include our approximately 52.1% controlling ownership interest in TV One, LLC (“TV One”) an African-American targeted cable television network that we own together with an affiliate of Comcast Corporation (See Note 10 – Subsequent Events); our 80.0% controlling ownership interest in Reach Media, Inc. (“Reach Media”), which operates the Tom Joyner Morning Show and our other syndicated programming assets, including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, the Russ Parr Morning Show and the DL Hughley Show; and our ownership of Interactive One, LLC (“Interactive One”), our wholly owned online platform serving the African-American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment websites, including Global Grind (as defined below), News One, TheUrbanDaily and HelloBeautiful, and online social networking websites, including BlackPlanet and MiGente. In May 2014, the Company agreed to invest in MGM’s development of a world-class casino property, MGM National Harbor, located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Upon completion of the project, currently anticipated to be in the second half of 2016, this cost method investment will further diversify our platform in the entertainment industry while still focusing on our core demographic.

As part of our consolidated financial statements, consistent with our financial reporting structure and how the Company currently manages its businesses, we have provided selected financial information on the Company’s four reportable segments: (i) radio broadcasting; (ii) Reach Media; (iii) internet; and (iv) cable television. (See Note 8 – Segment Information.)

(b)  Interim Financial Statements

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

Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(c)  Financial Instruments

Financial instruments as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, consisted of cash and cash equivalents, investments, trade accounts receivable, long-term debt and redeemable noncontrolling interests. The carrying amounts approximated fair value for each of these financial instruments as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, except for the Company’s outstanding senior subordinated notes. The 9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes which are due in February 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) had a carrying value of approximately $335.0 million and fair value of approximately $319.9 million and $294.8 million as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively. The fair values of the 2020 Notes, classified as Level 2 instruments, were determined based on the trading values of these instruments in an inactive market as of the reporting date. The Company’s 10% Senior Secured TV One Notes due March 2016 are classified as Level 3 since they are not market traded financial instruments. (See Note 10 – Subsequent Events.)

(d)  Revenue Recognition

Within our radio broadcasting and Reach Media segments, the Company recognizes revenue for broadcast advertising when a commercial is broadcast and is reported, net of agency and outside sales representative commissions, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, “Revenue Recognition.”  Agency and outside sales representative commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing. Generally, clients remit the gross billing amount to the agency or outside sales representative, and the agency or outside sales representative remits the gross billing, less their commission, to the Company. For our radio broadcasting segment, agency and outside sales representative commissions were approximately $6.5 million and $7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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

TV One derives advertising revenue from the sale of television air time to advertisers and recognizes revenue when the advertisements are run. TV One also derives revenue from affiliate fees under the terms of various affiliation agreements based on a per subscriber fee multiplied by the most recent subscriber counts reported by the applicable affiliate. For our cable television segment, agency and outside sales representative commissions were $3.6 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

(e) Launch Support

TV One has entered into certain affiliate agreements requiring various payments by TV One for launch support. Launch support assets are used to initiate carriage under new affiliation agreements and are amortized over the term of the respective contracts. Launch support amortization is recorded as a reduction to revenue to the extent that revenue is recognized from the affiliate, and any excess amortization is recorded as launch support amortization expense. The weighted-average amortization period for launch support is approximately 10.9 years at each of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014. The remaining weighted-average amortization period for launch support is 0.8 years and 0.9 years as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, respectively. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2015, and 2014, launch asset amortization of $879,000 and approximately $2.5 million, respectively, was recorded as a reduction of revenue.

(f)  Barter Transactions

The Company provides advertising time in exchange for programming content and certain services and accounts for these exchanges in accordance with ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition.” The terms of these exchanges generally permit the Company to preempt such time in favor of advertisers who purchase time in exchange for cash. The Company includes the value of such exchanges in both net revenue and station operating expenses. The valuation of barter time is based upon the fair value of the network advertising time provided for the programming content and services received. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, barter transaction revenues were $564,000 and $819,000, respectively. Additionally, barter transaction costs were reflected in programming and technical expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses of $523,000 and $778,000 and $41,000 and $41,000, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

(g) Earnings Per Share

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

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

All stock options and unvested restricted stock awards were excluded from the diluted calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  The following table summarizes the potential common shares excluded from the diluted calculation.

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

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

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

As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis categorized as follows:

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2015. The following table presents the changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively:

Losses included in earnings were recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as corporate selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

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

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in ASC 820.  These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances.  Included in this category are goodwill, radio broadcasting licenses and other intangible assets, net, that are written down to fair value when they are determined to be impaired, as well as content assets that are periodically written down to net realizable value. The Company concluded these assets were not impaired during the three months ended March 31, 2015, and March 31, 2014, and, therefore, were reported at carrying value as opposed to fair value. 

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360)—Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations and having a major effect on the entity’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The Company will apply the provisions of ASU 2014-08 to future reporting of disposals.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition” and most industry-specific guidance throughout the codification. The standard requires that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. In April 2015, the FASB proposed deferring the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017, for annual reporting periods beginning after that date. The Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact of the new standard, including possible transition alternatives, on its financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This standard amends existing guidance to require the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its financial statements.

 (j) Redeemable noncontrolling interest

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

(k) Investments

Investment Securities

Investments consist primarily of corporate fixed maturity securities, government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities and mutual funds.

Investments with original maturities in excess of three months and less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Long-term investments have original maturities in excess of one year.

All of our investment securities are classified as “available-for-sale” and reported at fair value. Investments in available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are classified as either current or noncurrent assets based on their contractual maturities. Fixed maturity securities are carried at estimated fair value based on quoted market prices for the same or similar instruments. Investment income is recognized when earned and reported net of investment expenses. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized, unless the losses are deemed to be other than temporary. Realized gains or losses, including any provision for other-than-temporary declines in value, are included in the statements of operations. For purposes of computing realized gains and losses, the specific-identification method of determining cost was used.

Evaluating Investments for Other than Temporary Impairments

The Company periodically performs evaluations, on a lot-by-lot and security-by-security basis, of its investment holdings in accordance with its impairment policy to evaluate whether any declines in the fair value of investments are other than temporary. This evaluation consists of a review of several factors, including but not limited to: length of time and extent that a security has been in an unrealized loss position, the existence of an event that would impair the issuer’s future earnings potential, and the near-term prospects for recovery of the market value of a security. Any credit-related impairment of fixed maturity securities that the Company does not intend to sell, and is not likely to be required to sell, is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations, with the noncredit-related impairment recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The Company believes that it has adequately reviewed its investment securities for other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) and that its investment securities are carried at fair value. However, over time, the economic and market environment (including any ratings change for any such securities, including US treasuries and corporate bonds) may provide additional insight regarding the fair value of certain securities, which could change management’s judgment regarding OTTI. This could result in realized losses relating to other than temporary declines being charged against future income. Given the judgments involved, there is a continuing risk that further declines in fair value may occur and material OTTI may be recorded in future periods.

(l) Content Assets

TV One has entered into contracts to acquire entertainment programming rights and programs from distributors and producers. The Company also has programming for which the Company has engaged third parties to develop and produce, and it owns most or all rights. The license periods granted in these contracts generally run from one year to perpetuity. Contract payments are made in installments over terms that are generally shorter than the contract period. Each contract is recorded as an asset and a liability at an amount equal to its gross contractual commitment when the license period begins and the program is available for its first airing.

Program rights are recorded at the lower of amortized cost or estimated net realizable value. Program rights are amortized based on the greater of the usage of the program or term of license. Estimated net realizable values are based on the estimated revenues directly associated with the program materials and related expenses. The Company recorded additional amortization expense of $0 and $58,000 as a result of evaluating its contracts for recoverability for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and March 31, 2014, respectively. All produced and licensed content is classified as a long-term asset, except for the portion of the unamortized content balance that will be amortized within one year which is classified as a current asset.

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

(m) Derivatives

The Company recognizes all derivatives at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet as either an asset or liability. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item are recognized in the statement of operations. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income and are recognized in the statement of operations when the hedged item affects net income. If a derivative does not qualify as a hedge, it is marked to fair value through the statement of operations. 

The Company has accounted for an award called for in the CEO’s employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement Award”) as a derivative instrument in accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The Company estimated the fair value of the award at March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, to be approximately $18.4 million and $18.0 million, respectively, and accordingly, adjusted its liability to this amount. The long-term portion is recorded in other long-term liabilities and the current portion is recorded in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The expense associated with the Employment Agreement Award was recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as corporate selling, general and administrative expenses and was $368,000 and $953,000 for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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

2.  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS:

As of June 2011, our remaining Boston radio station was made the subject of a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”), similar in operation to a local marketing agreement (“LMA”), whereby, we have made available, for a fee, air time on this station to another party. On February 3, 2014, the Company executed a new TBA, effective December 1, 2013, for its remaining station in Boston.  The TBA has a three-year term, and at the conclusion of the TBA, the Company’s remaining Boston station will be conveyed to Radio Boston Broadcasting, Inc., an affiliate of Pacific Media International, LLC. As a result, that station’s radio broadcasting license was classified as a long-term other asset as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, and is being amortized through the anticipated conveyance date.

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

On February 27, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Gaffney Broadcasting, Incorporated (“Gaffney”), which consisted of an AM and FM station (WOSF-FM) in the Charlotte market.  Total consideration paid for the two stations was approximately $7.7 million, which included a deposit that was paid in a prior period. In connection with the acquisition, the Company added Gaffney as a party to the agreements governing its outstanding notes and its senior credit facility.  At the February 27, 2014 acquisition date, the AM station assets were classified as assets held for sale in the amount of $225,000. On March 31, 2014, the AM station assets held for sale were sold for $225,000. The Company’s purchase accounting to reflect the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed consisted of approximately $426,000 to fixed assets, $7.0 million to radio broadcasting licenses, $2.7 million to goodwill, $44,000 to other definite-lived intangible assets and $2.7 million to deferred tax liabilities.

On December 17, 2014, the Company acquired certain assets of GG Digital, Inc., including the website and brand Global Grind (“Global Grind”), and for accounting purposes this was considered a business acquisition. The Global Grind website and brand was integrated into Interactive One. Total consideration paid was approximately $2.0 million. The Company’s purchase accounting to reflect the fair value of assets acquired consisted of approximately $440,000 to content, approximately $1.2 million to goodwill, $314,000 to brand, $38,000 to mobile software application and $10,000 to trademarks, trade names and domain names.

3.  GOODWILL AND RADIO BROADCASTING LICENSES:

Impairment Testing

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

Valuation of Broadcasting Licenses

We did not identify any impairment indicators for the three months ended March 31, 2015. During the first quarter of 2014, the total market revenue growth for one of the markets in which we operate was below that used in our 2013 annual impairment testing. In combination with other factors, we deemed that to be an impairment indicator that warranted interim impairment testing of that market’s radio broadcasting licenses, which we performed as of March 31, 2014. There was no impairment identified as part of this testing. There were no impairment indicators present for any of our other radio broadcasting licenses. Below are some of the key assumptions used in the income approach model for estimating broadcasting licenses fair values for the annual impairment assessment as of October 1, 2014, and interim impairment assessment for the quarter ended March 31, 2014

Valuation of Goodwill

We did not identify any impairment indicators for the three months ended March 31, 2015. During the first quarter of 2014, we identified an impairment indicator at one of our radio markets, and as such, we performed an interim analysis for certain radio market goodwill as of March 31, 2014. No goodwill impairment was noted during the three months ended March 31, 2014. Below are some of the key assumptions used in the income approach model for estimating reporting unit fair values for the annual impairment assessment as of October 1, 2014, and interim impairment assessment for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

Goodwill Valuation Results

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

The increase to the Internet reporting unit’s goodwill carrying value for the three months ended March 31, 2015, relates to an adjustment of the Company’s purchase accounting related to Global Grind.

4.  INVESTMENTS:

The Company’s investments (short-term and long-term) as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, consist of the following:

The following tables show the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:

The Company’s investments in debt securities are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, which impact the fair value of individual securities. Unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in debt securities have occurred due to volatility and liquidity concerns within the capital markets during the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at March 31, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below.

A primary objective in the management of the fixed maturity portfolios is to maximize total return relative to underlying liabilities and respective liquidity needs. In achieving this goal, assets may be sold to take advantage of market conditions or other investment opportunities, as well as tax considerations. Sales will generally produce realized gains or losses. In the ordinary course of business, the Company may sell securities for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to: (i) changes to the investment environment; (ii) expectation that the fair value could deteriorate further; (iii) desire to reduce exposure to an issuer or an industry; (iv) changes in credit quality; and (v) changes in expected cash flow. Available-for-sale securities were sold as follows:

5.  LONG-TERM DEBT:

Long-term debt consists of the following:

Credit Facilities

Current Credit Facilities

On March 31, 2011, the Company entered into a senior secured credit facility (the “2011 Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks, and simultaneously borrowed $386.0 million to retire all outstanding obligations under the Company’s previous amended and restated credit agreement and to fund our obligation with respect to a capital call initiated by TV One.  The total amount available under the 2011 Credit Agreement was $411.0 million, initially consisting of a $386.0 million term loan facility that matured on March 31, 2016, and a $25.0 million revolving loan facility that matured on March 31, 2015 (See Note 10 – Subsequent Events). Borrowings under the credit facilities were subject to compliance with certain covenants including, but not limited to, certain financial covenants. Proceeds from the credit facilities could be used for working capital, capital expenditures made in the ordinary course of business, its common stock repurchase program, permitted direct and indirect investments and other lawful corporate purposes. On December 19, 2012, the Company entered into an amendment to the 2011 Credit Agreement (the “December 2012 Amendment”). The December 2012 Amendment: (i) modified financial covenant levels with respect to the Company's total-leverage, secured-leverage, and interest-coverage ratios; (ii) increased the amount of cash the Company can net for determination of its net indebtedness tests; and (iii) extended the time for certain of the 2011 Credit Agreement's call premium while reducing the time for its later and lower premium. On January 21, 2015, the Company entered into its second amendment to the 2011 Credit Agreement, which further modified certain financial covenants. The financial ratios below reflect the changes from the January 21, 2015 amendment which was effective as of March 31, 2015 (See Note 10 – Subsequent Events).

The 2011 Credit Agreement, as amended on December 19, 2012 and January 21, 2015, contained affirmative and negative covenants that the Company was required to comply with, including:

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

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

(c)   maintaining a total leverage ratio of no greater than:

(d)   limitations on:

As of March 31, 2015, ratios calculated in accordance with the 2011 Credit Agreement, as amended, were as follows:

In accordance with the 2011 Credit Agreement, as amended, the calculations for the ratios above did not include the operating results or related debt of TV One, but rather included our proportionate share of cash dividends received from TV One for periods presented.

As of March 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the 2011 Credit Agreement, as amended.  

Under the terms of the 2011 Credit Agreement, as amended, interest on base rate loans was payable quarterly and interest on LIBOR loans was payable monthly or quarterly. The base rate was equal to the greater of: (i) the prime rate; (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50%; or (iii) the LIBOR Rate for a one-month period plus 1.00%.  The applicable margin on the 2011 Credit Agreement was between (i) 4.50% and 5.50% on the revolving portion of the facility and (ii) 5.00% (with a base rate floor of 2.5% per annum) and 6.00% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.5% per annum) on the term portion of the facility. The average interest rate was 7.50% for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Quarterly installments of 0.25%, or $957,000, of the principal balance on the term loan were payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December.

The revolving credit facility expired on March 31, 2015. On February 24, 2015, the Company entered into a letter of credit reimbursement and security agreement. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had letters of credit totaling $1.0 million under the agreement. Letters of credit issued under the agreement are required to be collateralized with cash.

As of March 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding approximately $367.6 million on its term credit facility. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company repaid approximately $1.0 million under the 2011 Credit Agreement, as amended. The original issue discount is being reflected as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the debt obligation and amortized to interest expense over the term of the credit facility. According to the terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended, the Company did not make an excess cash flow payment in April 2015. According to the terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended, the Company made an excess cash flow payment of approximately $1.1 million in April 2014.

On January 21, 2015, the Company entered into a second amendment to the 2011 Credit Agreement (the “Second Amendment”) with its lenders.  The provisions of the 2011 Credit Agreement relating to the call premium were revised by the Second Amendment to extend the call protection from April 1, 2015 until maturity.  The Second Amendment provided a call premium of 101.5% if the 2011 Credit Agreement were refinanced with proceeds from a notes offering and 100.5% if the 2011 Credit Agreement was refinanced with proceeds from any other repayment, including proceeds from a new term loan. The call premium was payable at the earlier of any refinancing or final maturity. (See Note 10 – Subsequent Events.)

The Second Amendment also excluded any “going concern” or qualified audit opinion solely as a result of the upcoming revolver or term loan maturities from the Event of Default provisions of the 2011 Credit Agreement.  Next, the Second Amendment provided for the ability to “amend and extend” both the term loan and the revolving credit facility provided for by the 2011 Credit Agreement and added a $2 million lien basket for letters of credit not issued under the 2011 Credit Agreement.

Finally, beginning with the quarter ending March 31, 2015, the Second Amendment implemented certain changes to the financial covenants the Company must comply with in order to remain in compliance with the terms of the 2011 Credit Agreement.  The Interest Coverage Ratio set forth in the 2011 Credit Agreement was revised to provide that the Company would not permit the Interest Expense Coverage Ratio for any Test Period ending on the last day of any Fiscal Quarter of the Company to be less than 1.25:1.  The Total Leverage Ratio was revised to provide that the Company would not permit the Total Leverage Ratio to be greater than 8.0:1 on the last day of any Fiscal Quarter of the Company.  Lastly, the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio was revised to provide that the Company would not permit the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio to be greater than 4.25:1 through the quarter ending June 30, 2015 and 4.0:1 for the quarter ending September 30, 2015, and the last day of each Fiscal Quarter of the Company thereafter. (See Note 10 – Subsequent Events.)

Senior Subordinated Notes

On November 24, 2010, we issued $286.8 million of our 12.5%/15% Senior Subordinated Notes due May 2016 (the “2016 Notes”) in a private placement and exchanged and then cancelled approximately $97.0 million of $101.5 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 8⁷/₈% senior subordinated notes due 2011 (the “2011 Notes”) and approximately $199.3 million of $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 6³/₈% Senior Subordinated Notes that matured in February 2013 (the “2013 Notes” and the 2013 Notes together with the 2011 Notes, the “Prior Notes”).  Subsequently, we repurchased or redeemed all remaining Prior Notes pursuant to the terms of their respective indentures. Effective March 13, 2014, the Company repurchased or otherwise redeemed all of the amounts outstanding under the 2016 Notes using proceeds from our 2020 Notes (defined below). The Company recorded a loss on retirement of debt of approximately $5.7 million during the first quarter of 2014. This amount included a write-off of approximately $4.1 million of previously capitalized debt financing costs and approximately $1.6 million associated with the net premium paid to retire the 2016 Notes.

Interest on the 2016 Notes, that the Company repurchased or otherwise redeemed in March 2014, was initially payable in cash, or at our election, partially in cash and partially through the issuance of additional 2016 Notes (a “PIK Election”) on a quarterly basis in arrears. For fiscal 2014, interest accrued at a rate of 12.5% and was payable in cash.

On February 10, 2014, the Company closed a private placement offering of $335.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.25% senior subordinated notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”). The 2020 Notes were offered at an original issue price of 100.0% plus accrued interest from February 10, 2014. The 2020 Notes mature on February 15, 2020. Interest accrues at the rate of 9.25% per annum and is payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 in the amount of approximately $15.5 million, commencing on August 15, 2014. The 2020 Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries and any other subsidiaries that guarantee the existing senior credit facility or any of the Issuer's other syndicated bank indebtedness or capital markets securities. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering to repurchase or otherwise redeem all of the amounts currently outstanding under its 2016 Notes and to pay the related accrued interest, premiums, fees and expenses associated therewith.

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

The Company conducts a portion of its business through its subsidiaries. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries had fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Company’s 2020 Notes and the Company’s obligations under the 2011 Credit Agreement, as amended.

TV One Senior Secured Notes

TV One issued $119.0 million in senior secured notes on February 25, 2011. The proceeds from the notes were used to purchase equity interests from certain financial investors and TV One management. The notes bore interest at 10.0% per annum, which was payable monthly, and the entire principal amount was due on March 15, 2016. See Note 10 – Subsequent Events.

Future scheduled minimum principal payments of debt as of March 31, 2015, are as follows:

See Note 10 – Subsequent Events.

6.  INCOME TAXES:

The Company recorded tax expense of approximately $8.5 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of approximately $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, based on the actual effective tax rate for the current period. Because our income tax expense does not have a correlation to our pre-tax earnings, small changes in those earnings can have a significant impact on the income tax expense we recognize.  The Company continues to estimate a range of possible outcomes due to the proportion of deferred tax expense from indefinite-lived intangible assets over pre-tax earnings. As a result, we believe the actual effective tax rate best represents the estimated effective rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015, in accordance with ASC 740-270, “Interim Reporting.”

As of March 31, 2015, the Company continues to maintain a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets for substantially all entities and jurisdictions, for its net deferred tax assets, but excludes deferred tax liabilities related to indefinite-lived intangible assets. In accordance with ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, the Company continually assesses the adequacy of the valuation allowance by assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been realized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns, tax planning strategies, and future profitability. As of March 31, 2015, the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. As part of the assessment, the Company has not included the deferred tax liability related to indefinite-lived intangible assets as a source of future taxable income to support realization of the deferred tax assets.

7.  STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: 

Stock Repurchase Program

In January 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a repurchase of shares of the Company’s Class A and Class D common stock (the “January 2013 Repurchase Authorization”). Under the January 2013 Repurchase Authorization, the Company is authorized, but is not obligated, to repurchase up to $2.0 million worth of its Class A and/or Class D common stock. Subsequently, in May 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a further $1.5 million worth of stock repurchases (the “May 2013 Repurchase Authorization”). Thus, the aggregate amount authorized between the January 2013 Repurchase Authorization and the May 2013 Repurchase Authorization was $3.5 million. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had $57,000 remaining between the two authorizations with respect to its Class A and D common stock. Repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The timing and extent of any repurchases will depend upon prevailing market conditions, the trading price of the Company’s Class A and/or Class D common stock and other factors, and subject to restrictions under applicable law. The Company executes upon the stock repurchase program in a manner consistent with market conditions and the interests of the stockholders, including maximizing stockholder value. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not repurchase any Class A common stock or Class D common stock. In addition, the Company has limited but on-going authority to purchase shares of Class D common stock (in one or more transactions at any time there remain outstanding grants) under the Company’s 2009 Stock Plan (as defined below) to satisfy any employee’s or other recipient’s tax obligations in connection with the exercise of an option or a share grant under the 2009 Stock Plan such and to the extent that the Company has capacity under its financing agreements (i.e., its current credit facilities and indentures).

Stock Option and Restricted Stock Grant Plan

A stock option and restricted stock plan (“the 2009 Stock Plan”) was approved by the stockholders at the Company’s annual meeting on December 16, 2009.  The Company had the authority to issue up to 8,250,000 shares of Class D Common Stock under the 2009 Stock Plan.  On September 26, 2013, the Board of Directors adopted, and our stockholders approved on November 14, 2013, certain amendments to and restatement of the 2009 Stock Plan (the “Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan”). The amendments under the Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan primarily affected (i) the number of shares with respect to which options and restricted stock grants may be granted under the 2009 Stock Plan and (ii) the maximum number of shares that can be awarded to any individual in any one calendar year. The Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan increased the authorized plan shares remaining available for grant to 7,000,000 shares of Class D common stock after giving effect to the issuances prior to the amendment. Prior to the amendment, under the 2009 Plan, in any one calendar year, the compensation committee could not grant to any one participant options to purchase, or grants of, a number of shares of Class D common stock in excess of 1,000,000.  Under the Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan, this limitation was eliminated. The purpose of eliminating this limitation is to provide the compensation committee with maximum flexibility in setting executive compensation. As of March 31, 2015, 3,414,950 shares of Class D common stock were available for grant under the Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan.

On September 30, 2014, the Compensation Committee (“Compensation Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company approved the principal terms of new employment agreements for each of the Company’s named executive officers which included the granting of restricted shares and stock options under a long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) as follows, effective October 6, 2014:

Cathy Hughes, Founder and Executive Chairperson was awarded 456,000 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock vesting in approximately equal 1/3 tranches on April 20, 2015, December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, and stock options to purchase 293,000 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, vesting in approximately equal 1/3 tranches on April 6, 2015, December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016.

Alfred C. Liggins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Radio One, Inc. and TV One, LLC was awarded 913,000 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock vesting in approximately equal 1/3 tranches on April 20, 2015, December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, and stock options to purchase 587,000 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, vesting in approximately equal 1/3 tranches on April 6, 2015, December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016.

Peter Thompson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer was awarded 350,000 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock with 200,000 shares vesting on April 20, 2015 and with the remaining shares vesting in equal 75,000 share tranches on December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, and stock options to purchase 225,000 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock vesting in equal 112,500 share tranches on December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016.

Linda Vilardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer was awarded 225,000 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock vesting in equal 75,000 share tranches on April 20, 2015, December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016.  

Christopher Wegmann, President, radio division, was awarded 70,000 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock vesting in approximately equal 1/3 tranches on April 20, 2015, December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016.

Also on September 30, 2014, the Compensation Committee awarded 410,000 shares of restricted stock to certain employees pursuant to the Company’s LTIP. The grants were effective October 6, 2014, and will vest in three installments, with the first installment of 33% vesting on April 20, 2015. The remaining two installments will vest equally on December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016.  Pursuant to the terms of the 2009 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Grant Plan, as amended and restated as of December 31, 2013, and subject to the Company’s insider trading policy, a portion of each recipient’s vested shares may be sold in the open market for tax purposes on or about the vesting dates. In addition and in the alternative, the Company has limited but on-going authority to purchase shares of Class D common stock (in one or more transactions at any time there remain outstanding grants) under the Company’s 2009 Stock Plan (as defined below) to satisfy any employee’s or other recipient’s tax obligations in connection with the exercise of an option or a share grant under the 2009 Stock Plan such and to the extent that the Company has capacity under its financing agreements (i.e., its current credit facilities and indentures).

Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, was approximately $1.6 million and $45,000, respectively.

The Company did not grant stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Transactions and other information relating to stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2015, are summarized below:

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the difference between the Company’s stock closing price on the last day of trading during the three months ended March 31, 2015, and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares that would have been received by the holders of in-the-money options had all the option holders exercised their options on March 31, 2015. This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock. There were no options exercised and no options vested during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

As of March 31, 2015, approximately $2.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of eleven months. The stock option weighted-average fair value per share was $1.94 at March 31, 2015.

The Company did not grant shares of restricted stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. As noted above, during the year ended December 31, 2014, 2,424,000 restricted shares were issued to the Company’s Executives and LTIP participants. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, 56,050 and 109,645 shares of restricted stock were issued to the Company’s non-executive directors as a part of their 2013 and 2014 compensation packages. Each of the five non-executive directors received 11,210 shares of restricted stock or $50,000 worth of restricted stock based upon the closing price of the Company’s Class D common stock on June 14, 2014 and 21,929 shares of restricted stock or $50,000 worth of restricted stock based upon the closing price of the Company’s Class D common stock on June 14, 2013. Both of the grants vest over a two-year period in equal 50% installments.

Transactions and other information relating to restricted stock grants for the three months ended March 31, 2015, are summarized below:

The restricted stock grants were included in the Company’s outstanding share numbers on the effective date of grant. As of March 31, 2015, approximately $5.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock grants is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of ten months.

8.  SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company has four reportable segments: (i) radio broadcasting; (ii) Reach Media; (iii) internet; and (iv) cable television. These segments operate in the United States and are consistently aligned with the Company’s management of its businesses and its financial reporting structure.

The radio broadcasting segment consists of all broadcast results of operations. The Company aggregates the broadcast markets in which it operates into the radio broadcasting segment. The Reach Media segment consists of the results of operations for the Tom Joyner Morning Show and related activities and operations of other syndicated shows. The internet segment includes the results of our online business, including the operations of Interactive One. The cable television segment consists of TV One’s results of operations. Corporate/Eliminations/Other represents financial activity associated with our corporate staff and offices and intercompany activity among the four segments.

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

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

Detailed segment data for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, is presented in the following tables:

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Royalty Agreements

The Company has entered into fixed and variable fee music license agreements with performance rights organizations, which expire beginning December 31, 2015, and as late as December 31, 2016. During the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, the Company incurred expenses of approximately $2.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively, in connection with all performance rights organization agreements, including American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”).

Other Contingencies

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

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

On February 24, 2015, the Company entered into a letter of credit reimbursement and security agreement. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had letters of credit totaling $1.0 million under the agreement. Letters of credit issued under the agreement are required to be collateralized with cash.

Noncontrolling Interest Shareholders’ Put Rights

Beginning on January 1, 2018, the noncontrolling interest shareholders of Reach Media have an annual right to require Reach Media to purchase all or a portion of their shares at the then current fair market value for such shares (the “Put Right”).   Beginning in 2018, this annual right is exercisable for a 30-day period beginning January 1 of each year. The purchase price for such shares may be paid in cash and/or registered Class D common stock of Radio One, at the discretion of Radio One.

10.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

In connection with its planned investment in MGM’s development of MGM National Harbor, the Company committed to making a minimum investment of $5 million, with an option to invest up to an additional $35 million, which may be made by the Company any time prior to the earlier of (i) July 1, 2016 or (ii) the date the MGM National Harbor project opens to revenue-generating customers. Opening of the project currently is anticipated to be in the second half of 2016.  On April 10, 2015, the Company made its minimum $5 million investment associated with MGM National Harbor.

As noted in our current report on Form 8-K filed April 23, 2015, on April 17, 2015, the Company closed its previously announced private offering (the “Offering”) of $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior secured notes due 2022 (the “Notes”). The Notes were offered at an original issue price of 100.0% plus accrued interest from April 17, 2015 and will mature on April 15, 2022. Interest on the Notes accrues at the rate of 7.375% per annum and is payable semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15, commencing on October 15, 2015. The Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by the Company’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries, including TV One, that guarantee any of its new $350.0 million senior secured credit facility entered into concurrently with the closing of the Notes (the “New Credit Facility”), other syndicated bank indebtedness or capital markets securities.

The New Credit Facility matures on December 31, 2018. At the Company’s election, the interest rate on borrowings under the New Credit Facility is based on either (i) the then applicable base rate (as defined in the New Credit Facility as, for any day, a rate per annum (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next 1/100th of 1%) equal to the greater of (a) the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal, (b) 1/2 of 1% in excess rate of the overnight Federal Funds Rate at any given time and (c) the one-month LIBOR rate commencing on such day plus 1.00%), or (ii) the then applicable LIBOR rate (as defined in the New Credit Facility).

In connection with the closing of the financing transactions, the Company and the guarantor parties thereto entered into a Fourth Supplemental Indenture to the indenture governing the 2020 Notes. Pursuant to this Fourth Supplemental Indenture, TV One, which previously did not guarantee the 2020 Notes, became a guarantor under the 2020 Notes indentures. In addition, the provisions contained in the Third Supplemental Indenture previously disclosed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 1, 2015, which permitted the Company to complete the transactions became operative. The closing of the financing transactions caused a “Triggering Event” (as defined in the 2020 Notes Indenture) under the 2020 Notes Indenture and, as a result, the 2020 Notes became a general unsecured obligation of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors and rank equal in right of payment with the Company’s other senior indebtedness.

The Company used the net proceeds from the private offering, along with term loan borrowings under the New Credit Facility, to refinance its existing senior secured credit facility, refinance $119.0 million in outstanding indebtedness of TV One and TV One Capital Corp. (“Capital Corp.”), finance the previously announced purchase of the membership interests of an affiliate of Comcast Corporation (“Comcast”) in TV One (the “Comcast Buyout”) and pay the related accrued interest, premiums, fees and expenses associated therewith. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company capitalized $423,000 of costs associated with the financing transactions.

The Company paid approximately $211.1 million in cash at closing and issued to Comcast a senior unsecured promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $11.9 million (the “Comcast Note”). The purchase price was funded in part by net proceeds of the financing transactions and the Comcast Note. The Company now owns a 99.6% interest in TV One.

As of the closing of the financing transactions, future scheduled minimum principal payments of debt are as follows:

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

The following information should be read in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this report and the audited financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Introduction

Revenue

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

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

Adjusted for timing change of Fantastic Voyage and Women's Empowerment.   The reconciliation of Adjusted Net Revenue to Net Revenue is as follows:

Adjusted Net Revenue consists of gross revenue, net of local and national agency and outside sales representative commissions, net of a timing adjustment related to promotional events.

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

Reach’s Media’s net revenue decreased for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014 due primarily to the timing of the “Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage” which was held in the first quarter of 2014 and will be held in the second quarter of 2015. National advertising also includes advertising revenue generated from our internet segment. The balance of net revenue from our radio segment was generated from tower rental income, ticket sales and revenue related to our sponsored events, management fees and other revenue.

The following chart shows net revenue generated from our core radio business as a percentage of consolidated net revenue. In addition, it shows the percentages generated from local and national advertising as a subset of net revenue from our core radio business.

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

Interactive One derives its revenue principally from advertising services, including diversity recruiting advertising. Advertising services include the sale of banner and sponsorship advertisements. Advertising revenue is recognized either as impressions (the number of times advertisements appear in viewed pages)  are delivered, when “click through” purchases are made or leads are generated, or ratably over the contract period, where applicable. In addition, Interactive One derives revenue from its studio operations, which provide third-party clients with digital platforms and expertise.  In the case of the studio operations, revenue is recognized primarily based on fixed contractual monthly fees or as a share of the third party’s reported revenue.

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

Expenses

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

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

Measurement of Performance

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

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

(b) Station operating income:  Net income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, income taxes, interest expense, interest income, noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries, other (income) expense, corporate expenses, stock-based compensation, impairment of long-lived assets and loss on retirement of debt, is commonly referred to in our industry as station operating income. Station operating income is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Nevertheless, station operating income is a significant basis used by our management to measure the operating performance of our stations within the various markets. Station operating income provides helpful information about our results of operations, apart from expenses associated with our fixed and long-lived intangible assets, income taxes, investments, impairment charges, debt financings and retirements, corporate overhead and stock-based compensation. Our measure of station operating income may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies as our definition includes the results of all four of our operating segments (radio broadcasting, Reach Media, internet and cable television). Station operating income does not represent operating loss or cash flow from operating activities, as those terms are defined under GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to those measurements as an indicator of our performance.

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

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

Summary of Performance

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

The reconciliation of net loss to station operating income is as follows: