URBAN ONE, INC. - Quarter Report: 2019 September (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 September 30, 2019

Commission File No. 0-25969

URBAN 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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).   Yes  x   No  ¨

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

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  x

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 “Urban One,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Urban One, Inc. together with its subsidiaries.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

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.

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

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

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

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

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED)

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

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 (UNAUDITED) 

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

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

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

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Urban One, Inc. (a Delaware corporation referred to as “Urban One”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is an urban-oriented, multi-media company that primarily targets African-American and urban consumers. Our core business is our radio broadcasting franchise which is the largest radio broadcasting operation that primarily targets African-American and urban listeners. As of September 30, 2019, we owned and/or operated 58 broadcast stations (including all HD stations, translator stations and the low power television station we operate) located in 15 of the most populous African-American markets in the United States. While a core source of our revenue has historically been and remains the sale of local and national advertising for broadcast on our radio stations, our strategy is to operate the premier multi-media entertainment and information content provider targeting African-American and urban consumers. Thus, we have diversified our revenue streams by making acquisitions and investments in other complementary media properties. Our diverse media and entertainment interests include TV One, LLC (“TV One”), an African-American targeted cable television network; our 80.0% ownership interest in Reach Media, Inc. (“Reach Media”) which operates the Tom Joyner Morning Show and our other syndicated programming assets, including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the Russ Parr Morning Show and the DL Hughley Show; and Interactive One, LLC (“Interactive One”), our wholly owned digital platform serving the African-American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment websites, including its Cassius, Bossip, HipHopWired and MadameNoire digital platforms and brands. We also hold a minority ownership interest in MGM National Harbor, a gaming resort located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Through our national multi-media operations, we provide advertisers with a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to the African-American and urban audiences.

On January 19, 2019, the Company launched CLEO TV, a lifestyle and entertainment network targeting Millennial and Gen X women of color. CLEO TV offers quality content that defies negative and cultural stereotypes of today’s modern women. The results of CLEO TV’s operations will be reflected in the Company’s cable television segment.

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

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

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.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year sources of revenue to conform to the current year presentation as disclosed in Note 1 (d) – Revenue Recognition. These reclassifications had no effect on any other previously reported or consolidated total net revenue, net income or loss or any other statement of operations, balance sheet or cash flow amounts.

Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

Financial instruments as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, consisted of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade accounts receivable, asset-backed credit facility, long-term debt and redeemable noncontrolling interests. The carrying amounts approximated fair value for each of these financial instruments as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, except for the Company’s long-term debt. The 9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes, which were due in February 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) had a carrying value of approximately $2.0 million and fair value of approximately $2.0 million as of December 31, 2018. On January 17, 2019, the Company announced that it had given the required notice under the indenture governing its 2020 Notes to redeem for cash all outstanding aggregate principal amount of its Notes to the extent outstanding on February 15, 2019.  On February 15, 2019, the remaining 2020 Notes were redeemed. The fair values of the 2020 Notes, classified as Level 2 instruments, were determined based on the trading values of these instruments in an inactive market as of the reporting date. The 7.375% Senior Secured Notes that are due in March 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) had a carrying value of approximately $350.0 million and fair value of approximately $343.0 million as of September 30, 2019. The 2022 Notes had a carrying value of approximately $350.0 million and fair value of approximately $332.5 million as of December 31, 2018. The fair values of the 2022 Notes, classified as Level 2 instruments, were determined based on the trading values of these instruments in an inactive market as of the reporting date. On April 18, 2017, the Company closed on a $350.0 million senior secured credit facility (the “2017 Credit Facility”) which had a carrying value of approximately $321.5 million and fair value of approximately $310.5 million as of September 30, 2019, and had a carrying value of approximately $323.9 million and fair value of approximately $305.8 million as of December 31, 2018. The fair value of the 2017 Credit Facility, classified as a Level 2 instrument, was determined based on the trading values of this instrument in an inactive market as of the reporting date. On December 20, 2018, the Company closed on a new $192.0 million unsecured credit facility (the “2018 Credit Facility”) which had a carrying value of approximately $170.7 million and fair value of approximately $174.2 million as of September 30, 2019, and had a carrying value of approximately $192.0 million and fair value of approximately $195.9 million as of December 31, 2018. The fair value of the 2018 Credit Facility, classified as a Level 2 instrument, was determined based on the trading values of this instrument in an inactive market as of the reporting date. On December 20, 2018, the Company also closed on a new $50.0 million secured credit loan (the “MGM National Harbor Loan”) which had a carrying value of approximately $51.6 million and fair value of approximately $57.8 million as of September 30, 2019, and had a carrying value of approximately $50.1 million and fair value of approximately $56.1 million as of December 31, 2018. The fair value of the 2018 MGM National Harbor Loan, classified as a Level 2 instrument, was determined based on the trading values of this instrument in an inactive market as of the reporting date. The senior unsecured promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $11.9 million (the “Comcast Note”) had a fair value and carrying value of approximately $11.9 million as of December 31, 2018. On February 15, 2019, the Comcast Note was paid in full and retired. The fair value of the Comcast Note, classified as a Level 3 instrument, was determined based on the fair value of a similar instrument as of the reporting date using updated interest rate information derived from changes in interest rates since inception to the reporting date. There was no balance outstanding on the Company’s asset-backed credit facility (the “ABL Facility”) as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

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

Within our radio broadcasting and Reach Media segments, the Company recognizes revenue for broadcast advertising at a point in time when a commercial spot runs. The revenue is reported net of agency and outside sales representative commissions. Agency and outside sales representative commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing. Generally, clients remit the gross billing amount to the agency or outside sales representative, and the agency or outside sales representative remits the gross billing, less their commission, to the Company. For our radio broadcasting and Reach Media segments, agency and outside sales representative commissions were approximately $6.2 million and $6.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Agency and outside sales representative commissions were approximately $17.2 million in each of the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

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

Our cable television segment derives advertising revenue from the sale of television air time to advertisers and recognizes revenue when the advertisements are run. Advertising revenue is recognized at a point in time when the individual spots run. To the extent there is a shortfall in contracts where the ratings were guaranteed, a portion of the revenue is deferred until the shortfall is settled, typically by providing additional advertising units generally within one year of the original airing. Our cable television segment also derives revenue from affiliate fees under the terms of various multi-year affiliation agreements based on a per subscriber fee multiplied by the most recent subscriber counts reported by the applicable affiliate. The Company recognizes the affiliate fee revenue at a point in time as its performance obligation to provide the programming is met. The Company has a right of payment each month as the programming services and related obligations have been satisfied. For our cable television segment, agency and outside sales representative commissions were approximately $3.4 million and $3.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Agency and outside sales representative commissions were approximately $10.9 million and $10.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Revenue by Contract Type

The following chart shows our net revenue (and sources) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

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

Contract assets and liabilities

Contract assets (unbilled receivables) and contract liabilities (customer advances and unearned income and unearned event income) that are not separately stated in our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2019, December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018 were as follows:

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

For customer advances and unearned income as of January 1, 2019, $250,000 and approximately $2.3 million, respectively, was recognized as revenue during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. For customer advances and unearned income as of January 1, 2018, $241,000 and approximately $2.0 million was recognized as revenue during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. For unearned event income as of January 1, 2019, approximately $3.9 million was recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as the event took place during the second quarter of 2019.  For unearned event income as of January 1, 2018, approximately $4.1 million was recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as the event took place during the second quarter of 2018. 

Practical expedients and exemptions

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

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

The cable television segment has entered into certain affiliate agreements requiring various payments for launch support. Launch support assets are used to initiate carriage under affiliation agreements and are amortized over the term of the respective contracts. The Company did not pay any launch support for carriage initiation during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, there was a non-cash launch support addition of $976,000 for carriage initiation. The weighted-average amortization period for launch support was approximately 7.8 years as of September 30, 2019, and approximately 7.8 years as of December 31, 2018. The remaining weighted-average amortization period for launch support was 5.3 years and 6.1 years as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Amortization is recorded as a reduction to revenue to the extent that revenue is recognized from the vendor, and any excess amortization is recorded as launch support amortization expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, launch support asset amortization of $106,000 and $106,000, respectively, was recorded as a reduction of revenue, and $151,000 and $0, respectively, was recorded as an operating expense in selling, general and administrative expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, launch support asset amortization of $317,000 and $317,000, respectively, was recorded as a reduction of revenue, and $455,000 and $0, respectively, was recorded as an operating expense in selling, general and administrative expenses. Launch assets are included in other intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheets, except for the portion of the unamortized balance that is expected to be amortized within one year which is included in other current assets.

For barter transactions, the Company provides broadcast advertising time in exchange for programming content and certain services. The Company includes the value of such exchanges in both broadcasting net revenue and 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 September 30, 2019 and 2018, barter transaction revenues were $574,000 and $713,000, respectively. Additionally, for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, barter transaction costs were reflected in programming and technical expenses of $424,000 and $673,000, respectively, and selling, general and administrative expenses of $150,000 and $40,000, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, barter transaction revenues were approximately $1.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, barter transaction costs were reflected in programming and technical expenses of approximately $1.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively, and selling, general and administrative expenses of $451,000 and $121,000, respectively. The Company reached an agreement with a cable television provider related to an adjustment of previously estimated affiliate fees in the amount of approximately $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as final reporting became available. As settlement of this agreement, the Company will receive approximately $2.0 million in marketing services that will be utilized in future periods.

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):

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: 

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

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

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

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

As of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively, the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized as follows:

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

(b)  Each quarter, pursuant to an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) executed in April 2008, the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) is eligible to receive an award (the “Employment Agreement Award”) amount equal to approximately 4% of any proceeds from distributions or other liquidity events in excess of the return of the Company’s aggregate investment in TV One. The Company reviews the factors underlying this award at the end of each quarter including the valuation of TV One (based on the estimated enterprise fair value of TV One as determined by a discounted cash flow analysis), and an assessment of the probability that the Employment Agreement will be renewed and contain this provision. The Company’s obligation to pay the award was triggered after the Company recovered the aggregate amount of its capital contribution in TV One and only upon actual receipt of distributions of cash or marketable securities or proceeds from a liquidity event with respect to the Company’s aggregate investment in TV One. The CEO was fully vested in the award upon execution of the Employment Agreement, and the award lapses if the CEO voluntarily leaves the Company or is terminated for cause. A third-party valuation firm assisted the Company in estimating TV One’s fair value using a discounted cash flow analysis. Significant inputs to the discounted cash flow analysis include forecasted operating results, discount rate and a terminal value. In September 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved terms for a new employment agreement with the CEO, including a renewal of the Employment Agreement Award upon similar terms as in the prior Employment Agreement. Prior to the quarter ended September 30, 2018, there were probability factors included in the calculation of the award related to the likelihood that the award will be realized. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, management changed the methodology used in calculating the fair value of the Company's Employment Agreement Award liability to simplify the calculation. As part of the simplified calculation, the Company eliminated certain adjustments made to its aggregate investment in TV One, including the treatment of historical dividends paid and potential distribution of assets upon liquidation. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the simplified method which eliminates certain assumptions that were historically used in the determination of the fair value of this liability. 

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

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3 during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The following table presents the changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2019:

Losses and income included in earnings were recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as corporate selling, general and administrative expenses for the employment agreement award for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. Losses included in earnings were recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as selling, general and administrative expenses for contingent consideration for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.  

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

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in ASC 820.  These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances.  Included in this category are goodwill, radio broadcasting licenses and other intangible assets, net, that are written down to fair value when they are determined to be impaired, as well as content assets that are periodically written down to net realizable value. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $3.8 million related to its Detroit market radio broadcasting licenses. The Company concluded these assets were not impaired during the three months ended September 30, 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $2.7 million related to its Charlotte market goodwill and also a charge of approximately $3.8 million associated with our Detroit market radio broadcasting licenses. The Company concluded these assets were not impaired during the three months ended September 30, 2018. 

As of January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842, Leases, using the modification retrospective transition method. Prior comparative periods will be not be restated under this new standard and therefore those amounts are not presented below. The Company adopted a package of practical expedients as allowed by the transition guidance which permits the Company to carry forward the historical assessment of whether contracts contain or are leases, classification of leases and the remaining lease terms. The Company has also made an accounting policy election to exclude leases with an initial term of twelve months or less from recognition on the consolidated balance sheet. Short-term leases will be expensed over the lease term. The Company also elected to separate the consideration in the lease contracts between the lease and non-lease components. All variable non-lease components are expensed as incurred.

ASC 842 results in significant changes to the balance sheets of lessees, most significantly by requiring the recognition of right of use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases. Upon adoption of ASC 842, deferred rent balances, which were historically presented separately, were combined and presented net within the ROU asset. The adoption of this standard resulted in the Company recording an increase in ROU assets of approximately $49.8 million and an increase in lease liabilities of approximately $54.1 million. Approximately $4.3 million in deferred rent was also reclassified from liabilities to offset the applicable ROU asset. The tax impact of ASC 842, which primarily consisted of deferred gains related to previous transactions that were historically accounted for as sale and operating leasebacks in accordance with ASC Topic 840 were recognized as part of the cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings, resulting in an increase to retained earnings, net of tax, of approximately $5.8 million.

Many of the Company's leases provide for renewal terms and escalation clauses, which are factored into calculating the lease liabilities when appropriate. The implicit rate within the Company's lease agreements is generally not determinable and as such the Company’s collateralized borrowing rate is used.

The following table sets forth the components of lease expense and the weighted average remaining lease term and the weighted average discount rate for the Company’s leases as of September 30, 2019, dollars in thousands:

As of September 30, 2019, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

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

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

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

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.

On April 10, 2015, the Company made a $5 million investment in MGM’s world-class casino property, MGM National Harbor, located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, which has a predominately African-American demographic profile. On November 30, 2016, the Company contributed an additional $35 million to complete its investment. This investment further diversified our platform in the entertainment industry while still focusing on our core demographic. We account for this investment on a cost basis. Our MGM National Harbor investment entitles us to an annual cash distribution based on net gaming revenue. Our MGM investment is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets and its income in the amount of approximately $1.8 million and $1.7 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and approximately $5.2 million and $5.1 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, is recorded in other income on the consolidated statements of operations. The cost method investment is subject to a periodic impairment review in the normal course. The Company reviewed the investment and concluded that no impairment to the carrying value was required. As of December 4, 2018, the Company’s interest in the MGM National Harbor Casino secures the MGM National Harbor Loan (as defined in Note 4 – Long-Term Debt.)

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

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

Acquired program rights are recorded at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. Estimated net realizable values are based on the estimated revenues associated with the program materials and related expenses. The Company recorded an impairment and recorded additional amortization expense of $602,000 as a result of evaluating its contracts for recoverability for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. The Company did not record any additional amortization expense as a result of evaluating its contracts for recoverability for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. All produced and licensed content is classified as a long-term asset, except for the portion of the unamortized content balance that is expected to be amortized within one year which is classified as a current asset. 

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

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

The Company accounts for the Employment Agreement Award as a derivative instrument in accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The Company estimated the fair value of the award at September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, to be approximately $26.4 million and $25.7 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 $860,000 and approximately $(6.6) million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, and 2018, respectively, and was approximately $3.6 million and $(3.7) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Company’s obligation to pay the Employment Agreement Award was triggered after the Company recovered the aggregate amount of its capital contribution in TV One and only upon actual receipt of distributions of cash or marketable securities or proceeds from a liquidity event with respect to the Company’s aggregate investment in TV One. The CEO was fully vested in the award upon execution of the employment agreement, and the award lapses if the CEO voluntarily leaves the Company, or is terminated for cause. In September 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved terms for a new employment agreement with the CEO, including a renewal of the Employment Agreement Award upon similar terms as in the prior employment agreement. Prior to the quarter ended September 30, 2018, there were probability factors included in the calculation of the award related to the likelihood that the award will be realized. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, management changed the methodology used in calculating the fair value of the Company's Employment Agreement Award liability to simplify the calculation. As part of the simplified calculation, the Company eliminated certain adjustments made to its aggregate investment in TV One, including the treatment of historical dividends paid and potential distribution of assets upon liquidation. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the simplified method which eliminates certain assumptions that were historically used in the determination of the fair value of this liability.

Reach Media operates the Tom Joyner Foundation’s Fantastic Voyage^® (the “Fantastic Voyage^®”), a fund raising event, on behalf of the Tom Joyner Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”), a 501(c)(3) entity. The agreements under which the Fantastic Voyage^® operates provide that Reach Media provide all necessary operations of the cruise and that Reach Media will be reimbursed its expenditures and receive a fee plus a performance bonus for the cruise. Distributions from operating income or operating revenues, depending upon the year, are in the following order until the funds are depleted: up to $250,000 to the Foundation, reimbursement of Reach’s expenditures, up to $1.0 million fee to Reach, a performance bonus of up to 50% of remaining operating income to Reach, with the balance remaining with the Foundation. For years 2020 through 2022, $250,000 to the Foundation is guaranteed. Reach Media’s earnings for the Fantastic Voyage^® may not exceed $1.7 million in 2018 and 2019, nor $1.75 million in 2020 and thereafter. The Foundation’s remittances to Reach Media under the agreements are limited to its Fantastic Voyage^®-related cash collections. Reach Media bears the risk should the Fantastic Voyage^® sustain a loss and bears all credit risk associated with the related customer cabin sales. The agreement between Reach and the Foundation automatically renews annually unless termination is mutually agreed or unless a party’s financial requirements are not met, in which case that party not in breach of their obligations has the right, but not the obligation, to terminate unilaterally. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Foundation owed Reach Media approximately $2.1 million and $208,000, respectively, under the agreements for the operations on the cruises.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, Reach Media’s revenues, expenses, and operating income for the Fantastic Voyage were approximately $10.4 million, $8.7 million, and $1.7 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, approximately $9.3 million, $7.6 million, and $1.7 million, respectively. The Fantastic Voyage took place during the second quarters of both 2019 and 2018.

Additionally, Reach Media provides office facilities (including office space, telecommunications facilities, and office equipment) to the Foundation. Such services are provided to the Foundation on a pass-through basis at cost. Additionally, from time to time, the Foundation reimburses Reach Media for expenditures paid on its behalf at Reach Media-related events. Under these arrangements, as of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the Foundation owed $32,000 and $34,000, respectively, to Reach Media.

Karen Wishart is employed as an Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer of the Company and as a Vice President of each of the Company's subsidiaries. Ms. Wishart owns a controlling interest in a temporary staffing and recruiting services firm. Subsequent to Ms. Wishart’s hiring on October 2, 2017, on a limited basis, the staffing firm can continue to provide new staffing and/or recruiting services to the Company. However, the staffing firm will only be reimbursed for direct expenses actually incurred. During the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 and during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company did not pay any amount to the staffing and recruiting services firm. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company paid the staffing and recruiting services firm $25,000.

On October 20, 2011, we entered into a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) with WGPR, Inc. (“WGPR”). Pursuant to the TBA, beginning October 24, 2011, we began to broadcast programs produced, owned or acquired by the Company on WGPR’s Detroit radio station, WGPR-FM. We pay a monthly fee as well as certain operating costs of WGPR-FM, and in exchange we retain all revenues from the sale of the advertising within the programming we provide. 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. 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.

On August 31, 2019, the Company closed on its previously announced sale of assets of its Detroit, Michigan radio station, WDMK-FM and three translators W228CJ, W252BX, and W260CB for approximately $13.5 million to Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. The Company recognized a loss of $509,000 on the sale of the station during the quarter ended September 30, 2019.

On January 30, 2017, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell certain land, towers and equipment to a third party for $25 million. On May 2, 2017, the Company closed on its previously announced sale, and is leasing certain assets back from the buyer as a part of its normal operations. The Company received proceeds of approximately $25.0 million, resulting in an overall net gain on sale of approximately $22.5 million, of which approximately $14.4 million was recognized immediately during the second quarter of 2017, and approximately $8.1 million which was deferred and was recognized into income ratably over the lease term of ten years. Upon adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, the unamortized portion of this deferred gain, net of tax, was recognized as a cumulative adjustment to equity.

On August 8, 2018, the Company closed on its previously announced sale of the assets of one of its Detroit, Michigan radio stations, WPZR-FM (102.7 FM), to Educational Media Foundation, of California, for total consideration of approximately $12.7 million, of which approximately $12.2 million was received in cash. As part of the deal, the Company received 3 FM translators that service the Detroit metropolitan area. These signals were combined with the existing FM translator to multicast the Detroit Praise Network. The Company recognized an immaterial loss on the sale of the station during the year ended December 31, 2018.

On August 9, 2018, the Company closed on its previously announced acquisition of the assets of the radio station The Team 980 (WTEM 980 AM) from Red Zebra Broadcasting. Upon closing, the Company also entered into an agreement with the Washington Redskins to ensure that all Redskins games, as well as pregame and postgame programming, will remain on The Team 980.  The Company’s purchase accounting to reflect the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed consisted of approximately $2.0 million to radio broadcasting licenses, $1.1 million to land and land improvements, $512,000 to towers, $91,000 to goodwill, $206,000 to advertiser agreements, and $254,000 to other property and equipment assets.

Impairment Testing

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

Valuation of Broadcasting Licenses

We did not identify any impairment indicators for the three months ended September 30, 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $3.8 million associated with our Detroit market radio broadcasting licenses.

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

Valuation of Goodwill

We did not identify any impairment indicators at any of our reportable segments for the three months ended September 30, 2019. 

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

Goodwill Valuation Results

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

Long-term debt consists of the following:

2018 Credit Facility

On December 4, 2018, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement ("2018 Credit Facility"), among the Company, the lenders party thereto from time to time, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as administrative agent, and TCG Senior Funding L.L.C, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner. The 2018 Credit Facility provided $192.0 million in term loan borrowings, which was funded on December 20, 2018. The net proceeds of term loan borrowings under the 2018 Credit Facility were used to refinance, repurchase, redeem or otherwise repay the Company's outstanding 9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2020.

Borrowings under the 2018 Credit Facility are subject to customary conditions precedent, as well as a requirement under the 2018 Credit Facility that (i) the Company's total gross leverage ratio on a pro forma basis be not greater than 8:00 to 1:00 (this total gross leverage ratio test steps down as described below), (ii) neither of the administrative agents under the Company's existing credit facilities nor the trustee under the Company's existing senior secured notes due 2022 have objected to the terms of the new credit documents and (iii) certification by the Company that the terms and conditions of the 2018 Credit Facility satisfy the requirements of the definition of "Permitted Refinancing" (as defined in the agreements governing the Company's existing credit facilities) and neither of the administrative agents under the Company's existing credit facilities notifies the Company within five (5) business days prior to funding the borrowings under the 2018 Credit Facility that it disagrees with such determination (including a reasonable description of the basis upon which it disagrees).

The 2018 Credit Facility matures on December 31, 2022 (the "Maturity Date"). Interest rates on borrowings under the 2018 Credit Facility will be either (i) from the Funding Date to the Maturity Date, 12.875% per annum, (ii) 11.875% per annum, once 50% of the term loan borrowings have been repaid or (iii) 10.875% per annum, once 75% of the term loan borrowings have been repaid. Interest payments begin on the last day of the 3-month period commencing on the Funding Date.

The Company's obligations under the 2018 Credit Facility are not secured. The 2018 Credit Facility is guaranteed on an unsecured basis by each entity that guarantees the Company's outstanding $350.0 million 2017 Credit Facility (as defined below). 

The Company is required to repay principal to the extent then outstanding on each quarterly interest payment date, commencing on the last business day in March 2019, equal to one quarter of 7.5% of the aggregate initial principal amount of all term loans incurred on the Funding Date to December 2019, commencing on the last business day in March 2020, one quarter of 10.0% of the aggregate initial principal amount of all term loans incurred on the Funding Date to December 2021, and, commencing on the last business day in March 2021, one quarter of 12.5% of the aggregate initial principal amount of all term loans incurred on the Funding Date to December 2022. The Company is also required to use 75% of excess cash flow (“ECF payment”) as defined in the 2018 Credit Facility, which exclude any distributions to the Company or its restricted subsidiaries in respect of its interests in the MGM National Harbor to repay outstanding term loans at par, paid semiannually and to use 100% of all distributions to the Company or its restricted subsidiaries received in respect of its interest in the MGM National Harbor to repay outstanding terms loans at par. During the three and nine months September 30, 2019, the Company repaid approximately $7.1 million and $21.3 million, respectively, under the 2018 Credit Facility. Included in the repayments made during the quarter ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $3.5 million in ECF payments in accordance with the agreement.

The 2018 Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties and events of default, affirmative and negative covenants (in each case, subject to materiality exceptions and qualifications). The 2018 Credit Facility also contains certain financial covenants, including a maintenance covenant requiring the Company's total gross leverage ratio to be not greater than 8.0 to 1.00 in 2019, 7.5 to 1.00 in 2020, 7.25 to 1.00 in 2021 and 6.75 to 1.00 in 2022. As of September 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the 2018 Credit Facility.

As of September 30, 2019, the Company had outstanding approximately $170.7 million on its 2018 Credit Facility. The original issue discount in the amount of approximately $3.8 million and associated debt issuance costs in the amount of $875,000 has been reflected as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the debt obligation and amortized to interest expense over the term of the credit facility using the effective interest rate method. The amortization of deferred financing costs was charged to interest expense for all periods presented. The amount of deferred financing costs included in interest expense for all instruments, for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, was $986,000 and $718,000, respectively. The amount of deferred financing costs included in interest expense for all instruments, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, was approximately $2.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

MGM National Harbor Loan

Concurrently, on December 4, 2018, Urban One Entertainment SPV, LLC ("UONESPV") and its immediate parent, Radio One Entertainment Holdings, LLC ("ROEH"), each of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement, providing $50.0 million in term loan borrowings (the "MGM National Harbor Loan") which was funded on December 20, 2018.

The MGM National Harbor Loan matures on December 31, 2022 and bears interest at 7.0% per annum in cash plus 4.0% per annum paid-in kind. The loan has limited ability to be prepaid in the first two years. The loan is secured on a first priority basis by the assets of UONESPV and ROEH, including all of UONESPV's shares held by ROEH, all of UONESPV's interests in MGM National Harbor, its rights under the joint venture operating agreement governing the MGM National Harbor and UONESPV's obligation to exercise its put right under the joint venture operating agreement in the event of a UONESPV payment default or bankruptcy event, in each case, subject to applicable Maryland gaming laws and approvals. Exercise by UONESPV of its put right under the joint venture operating agreement is subject to required lender consent unless the proceeds are used to retire the MGM National Harbor Loan and any remaining excess is used to repay borrowings, if any, under the 2018 Credit Facility. The MGM National Harbor Loan also contains customary representations and warranties and events of default, affirmative and negative covenants (in each case, subject to materiality exceptions and qualifications).

As of September 30, 2019, the Company had outstanding approximately $51.6 million on its MGM National Harbor Loan. The original issue discount in the amount of approximately $1.0 million and associated debt issuance costs in the amount of approximately $1.7 million is being reflected as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the debt obligation and amortized to interest expense over the term of the obligation using the effective interest rate method. The amortization of deferred financing costs was charged to interest expense for all periods presented.

2017 Credit Facilities

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

The 2017 Credit Facility matures on the earlier of (i) April 18, 2023, or (ii) in the event such debt is not repaid or refinanced, 91 days prior to the maturity of the Company’s 2022 Notes (as defined below). At the Company’s election, the interest rate on borrowings under the 2017 Credit Facility are based on either (i) the then applicable base rate (as defined in the 2017 Credit Facility) as, for any day, a rate per annum (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next 1/100th of 1%) equal to the greater of (a) the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal, (b) 1/2 of 1% in excess rate of the overnight Federal Funds Rate at any given time, (c) the one-month LIBOR rate commencing on such day plus 1.00%) and (d) 2%, or (ii) the then applicable LIBOR rate (as defined in the 2017 Credit Facility). The average interest rate was approximately 6.41% for 2019 and was 5.82% for 2018.

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

In addition to any mandatory or optional prepayments, the Company is required to pay interest on the term loans (i) quarterly in arrears for the base rate loans, and (ii) on the last day of each interest period for LIBOR loans. Certain voluntary prepayments of the term loans during the first six months will require an additional prepayment premium. Beginning with the interest payment date occurring in June 2017 and ending in March 2023, the Company will be required to repay principal, to the extent then outstanding, equal to 1∕4 of 1% of the aggregate initial principal amount of all term loans incurred on the effective date of the 2017 Credit Facility. On December 19, 2018, upon drawing under the 2018 Credit Facility and MGM National Harbor Loan, the Company voluntarily prepaid approximately $20.0 million in principal on the 2017 Credit Facility. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company repaid $824,000 and approximately $2.5 million, respectively, under the 2017 Credit Facility. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company repaid $875,000 and approximately $2.6 million, respectively, under the 2017 Credit Facility.

The 2017 Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties and events of default, affirmative and negative covenants (in each case, subject to materiality exceptions and qualifications) which may be more restrictive than those governing the 2022 Notes. The 2017 Credit Facility also contains certain financial covenants, including a maintenance covenant requiring the Company’s interest expense coverage ratio (defined as the ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense) to be greater than or equal to 1.25 to 1.00 and its total senior secured leverage ratio (defined as the ratio of consolidated net senior secured indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA) to be less than or equal to 5.85 to 1.00. 

The net proceeds from the 2017 Credit Facility were used to prepay in full the Company’s previous senior secured credit facility and the agreement governing such credit facility.

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

As of September 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the 2017 Credit Facility.

As of September 30, 2019, the Company had outstanding approximately $321.5 million on its 2017 Credit Facility. The original issue discount is being reflected as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the debt obligations and amortized to interest expense over the term of the credit facility using the effective interest rate method. The amortization of deferred financing costs was charged to interest expense for all periods presented.

2022 Notes

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

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

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

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

On February 24, 2015, the Company entered into a letter of credit reimbursement and security agreement. See Note 9 – Subsequent Events. As of September 30, 2019, the Company had letters of credit totaling $848,000 under the agreement for certain operating leases and certain insurance policies. Letters of credit issued under the agreement are required to be collateralized with cash.

Senior Subordinated Notes

On February 10, 2014, the Company closed a private placement offering of $335.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.25% senior subordinated notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”). The 2020 Notes were offered at an original issue price of 100.0% plus accrued interest from February 10, 2014. The 2020 Notes were scheduled to mature on February 15, 2020. Interest accrued at the rate of 9.25% per annum and was payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 in the initial amount of approximately $15.5 million, which commenced on August 15, 2014. The 2020 Notes were guaranteed by certain of the Company’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries and any other subsidiaries that guarantee the existing senior credit facility or any of the Company’s other syndicated bank indebtedness or capital markets securities. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering to repurchase or otherwise redeem all of the amounts then outstanding under its previous notes and to pay the related accrued interest, premiums, fees and expenses associated therewith. During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, in conjunction with entering into the 2018 Credit Facility and MGM National Harbor Loan, the Company repurchased approximately $243.0 million of its 2020 Notes at an average price of approximately 100.88% of par. During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a loss on retirement of debt of approximately $2.8 million. This amount includes a write-off of previously capitalized debt financing costs and original issue discount associated with the 2020 Notes in the amount of $649,000 and also includes approximately $2.1 million associated with the premium paid to the bondholders. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the Company repurchased approximately $5.0 million of its 2020 Notes at an average price of approximately 97.25% of par. The Company recorded a net gain on retirement of debt of $120,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2018. During the quarter ended June 30, 2018, the Company repurchased approximately $14.0 million of its 2020 Notes at an average price of approximately 95.125% of par. The Company recorded a net gain on retirement of debt of $626,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, the Company repurchased approximately $11 million of its 2020 Notes at an average price of approximately 97.375% of par. The Company recorded a net gain on retirement of debt of $239,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had approximately $0 and $2.0 million, respectively, of our 2020 Notes outstanding.

On January 17, 2019, the Company announced that it had given the required notice under the indenture governing its 2020 Notes to redeem for cash all outstanding aggregate principal amount of its Notes to the extent outstanding on February 15, 2019 (the "Redemption Date").  The redemption price for the Notes will be 100.0% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date. On February 15, 2019, the remaining 2020 Notes were redeemed in full.

Comcast Note

The Company also had outstanding a senior unsecured promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $11.9 million due to Comcast (“Comcast Note”). The Comcast Note bears interest at 10.47%, is payable quarterly in arrears, and the entire principal amount is due on April 17, 2019. The Company is contractually required to retire the Comcast Note in February 2019 upon redemption of the remaining 2020 Notes. On February 15, 2019, upon redemption of the remaining 2020 Notes, the Comcast Note was paid in full and retired.

Asset-Backed Credit Facility

On April 21, 2016, the Company entered into a senior credit agreement governing an asset-backed credit facility (the “ABL Facility”) among the Company, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Wells Fargo Bank National Association, as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”). The ABL Facility provides for $25 million in revolving loan borrowings in order to provide for the working capital needs and general corporate requirements of the Company. As of September 30, 2019 and as of December 31, 2018, the Company did not have any borrowings outstanding on its ABL Facility.

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

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

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

The ABL Facility matures five years from the effective date, and as such, the maturity date is April 21, 2021.

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

The Company conducts a portion of its business through its subsidiaries. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Company’s 2022 Notes, the Company’s obligations under the 2017 Credit Facility, and the obligations under the 2018 Credit Facility. The Company’s interest in the MGM National Harbor Casino fully guarantees the MGM National Harbor Loan. 

Future Minimum Principal Payments

Future scheduled minimum principal payments of debt as of September 30, 2019, are as follows:  

The Company uses the estimated annual effective tax rate method under ASC 740-270, “Interim Reporting” to calculate the provision for income taxes. The Company recorded a provision for income taxes of approximately $8.3 million on pre-tax income from continuing operations of approximately $18.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, which results in a tax rate of approximately 45.9%. This tax rate is based on an estimated annual effective rate of 35.5%. The Company recorded discrete tax provision expense of approximately $1.9 million primarily due to provision to return adjustments related to state apportionment.

In accordance with ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, the Company continues to evaluate the realizability of its net deferred tax assets 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 September 30, 2019, the Company believes it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will be realized. 

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

Stock Repurchase Program

From time to time, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized repurchases of shares of the Company’s Class A and Class D common stock. On May 5, 2018, the Company authorized repurchases of up to $5.0 million through December 31, 2018. In addition, on December 20, 2018, the Company authorized repurchases up to $1.0 million through December 31, 2019 and on May 10, 2019, the Company authorized repurchases up to $2.0 million through December 31, 2019. On July 1, 2019, the Company authorized repurchases up to $800,000 through December 31, 2019. As of September 30, 2019, there was no amount remaining under any of these authorizations with respect to the Company’s Class A and Class D common stock. Under open authorizations, repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Shares are retired when repurchased. The timing and extent of any repurchases will depend upon prevailing market conditions, the trading price of the Company’s Class A and/or Class D common stock and other factors, and subject to restrictions under applicable law. When in effect, the Company executes upon stock repurchase programs in a manner consistent with market conditions and the interests of the stockholders, including maximizing stockholder value. During the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company repurchased 6,345 shares of Class A common stock in the amount of $14,000 at an average price of $2.20 per share and repurchased 448,742 shares of Class D common stock in the amount of $975,000 at an average price of $2.17 per share.  During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company repurchased 3,928 shares of Class A common stock in the amount of $9,000 at an average price of $2.26 per share and repurchased 702,282 shares of Class D common stock in the amount of approximately $1.5 million at an average price of $2.15 per share.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company repurchased 54,896 shares of Class A common stock in the amount of $120,000 at an average price of $2.19 per share and repurchased 1,709,315 shares of Class D common stock in the amount of approximately $3.5 million at an average price of $2.06 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company repurchased 4,160 shares of Class A common stock in the amount of $9,000 at an average price of $2.26 per share and repurchased 2,463,350 shares of Class D common stock in the amount of approximately $5.1 million at an average price of $2.05 per share.

In addition, the Company has limited but ongoing authority to purchase shares of Class D common stock (in one or more transactions at any time there remain outstanding grants) under the Company’s 2009 Stock Plan and 2019 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (as defined below). As of May 21, 2019, the 2019 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan will be used to satisfy any employee or other recipient tax obligations in connection with the exercise of an option or a share grant under the 2009 Stock Plan, to the extent that the Company has capacity under its financing agreements (i.e., its current credit facilities and indentures) (each a “Stock Vest Tax Repurchase”). During the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 13,264 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of $25,000 at an average price of $1.87 per share. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 20,787 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of $44,000 at an average price of $2.10 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 871,383 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of approximately $1.7 million at an average price of $1.94 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 599,224 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of approximately $1.1 million at an average price of $1.82 per share.

Stock Option and Restricted Stock Grant Plan

Our 2009 stock option and restricted stock plan (“the 2009 Stock Plan”) was originally 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.  Since its original approval, from time to time, the Board of Directors adopted and, as required, our stockholders approved certain amendments to and restatement of the 2009 Stock Plan (the “Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan”). The amendments under the Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan primarily affected (i) the number of shares with respect to which options and restricted stock grants may be granted under the 2009 Stock Plan and (ii) the maximum number of shares that can be awarded to any individual in any one calendar year.  On April 13, 2015, the Board of Directors adopted, and our stockholders approved on June 2, 2015, an amendment that replenished the authorized plan shares, increasing the number of shares of Class D common stock available for grant back up to 8,250,000 shares.  Our new stock option and restricted stock plan (“2019 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan”), currently in effect was approved by the stockholders at the Company’s annual meeting on May 21, 2019.  The Board of Directors adopted, and on May 21, 2019, our stockholders approved, the 2019 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan which is funded with 5,500,000 shares of Class D Common Stock. As of September 30, 2019, 3,247,067 shares of Class D common stock were available for grant under the 2019 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan.

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

 On June 12, 2019, the Compensation Committee awarded Catherine Hughes, Chairperson, 393,685 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 174,971 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective July 5, 2019 and will vest on January 6, 2020. 

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

 On June 12, 2019, the Compensation Committee awarded Alfred Liggins, Chief Executive Officer and President, 656,142 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 291,619 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective July 5, 2019 and will vest on January 6, 2020.

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

 On June 12, 2019, the Compensation Committee awarded Peter Thompson, Chief Financial Officer, 224,654 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 99,846 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective July 5, 2019 and will vest on January 6, 2020. 

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

On October 2, 2017, Karen Wishart, our Chief Administrative Officer, as part of her employment agreement, received an equity grant of 37,500 shares of the Company's Class D common stock as well as a grant of options to purchase 37,500 shares of the Company's Class D common stock.  The grants vest in equal increments on each of October 2, 2018, October 2, 2019 and October 2, 2020.

On June 12, 2019, the Compensation Committee awarded David Kantor, Chief Executive Officer – Radio Division, 195,242 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 86,774 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective July 5, 2019 and will vest on January 6, 2020. 

Pursuant to the terms of the 2019 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan and subject to the Company’s insider trading policy, a portion of each recipient’s vested shares may be sold in the open market for tax purposes on or about the vesting dates. 

Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, was approximately $1.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, was approximately $2.6 million and $3.6 million, respectively.

The Company granted 653,210 stock options stock options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. The Company did not grant stock options during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and granted 732,869 stock options during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Transactions and other information relating to stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2019, 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 September 30, 2019. This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.

There were no options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and there were 15,000 options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. There were no options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and there were 58,190 options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. No options vested during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 834,530 options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. No options vested during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 831,937 options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

As of September 30, 2019, $561,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of three months. The weighted-average fair value per share of shares underlying stock options was $1.54 at September 30, 2019.

The Company granted 1,499,723 shares of restricted stock during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and granted 2,379,962 shares of restricted stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Each of the four non-executive directors received 25,000 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 17, 2019. The Company did not grant restricted stock during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and granted 1,758,428 shares of restricted stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Each of the four non-executive directors received 23,256 shares of restricted stock or $50,000 worth of restricted stock based upon the closing price of the Company’s Class D common stock on June 15, 2018. The restricted stock grants for the non-executive directors vest over a two-year period in equal 50% installments.

Transactions and other information relating to restricted stock grants for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, are summarized below:

Restricted stock grants were and are included in the Company’s outstanding share numbers on the effective date of grant. As of September 30, 2019, approximately $2.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock grants is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of five months.

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

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

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

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

Detailed segment data for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, is presented in the following tables:

* Intercompany revenue included in net revenue above is as follows:

Capital expenditures by segment are as follows: