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URBAN ONE, INC. - Quarter Report: 2020 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, 2020

 

Commission File No. 0-25969

 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

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

 

1010 Wayne Avenue,

14th Floor

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(301) 429-3200

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

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

 

Title of each class:   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered:
Class A Common Stock   UONE   NASDAQ Stock Market
Class D Common Stock   UONEK   NASDAQ Stock Market

  

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.

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨ Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer  x Smaller reporting company x
  Emerging growth company ¨

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Class   Outstanding at November 6, 2020  
Class A Common Stock, $.001 Par Value    

4,441,635

 
Class B Common Stock, $.001 Par Value     2,861,843  
Class C Common Stock, $.001 Par Value     2,928,906  
Class D Common Stock, $.001 Par Value    

37,515,801

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
  PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited) 5
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited) 6
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019 7
  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) 8
  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (Unaudited) 9
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited) 10
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 11
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 40
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 61
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 61
     
  PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 63
Item 1A. Risk Factors 63
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 64
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 64
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 64
Item 5. Other Information 64
Item 6. Exhibits 64
  SIGNATURES 65

 

 2 

 

 

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

 

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

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

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

 

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

 

  · our high degree of leverage, certain cash commitments related thereto and potential inability to finance strategic transactions given fluctuations in market conditions;

 

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

 

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

 

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

  

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 3 

 

 

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

 

  · the impact of our acquisitions, dispositions and similar transactions, as well as consolidation in industries in which we and our advertisers operate;
     
  · developments and/or changes in laws and regulations, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act or other similar federal or state regulation through legislative action and revised rules and standards;

 

  · disruptions to our technology network including computer systems and software, whether by man-made or other disruptions of our operating systems, structures or equipment as well as natural events such as pandemic, severe weather, fires, floods and earthquakes;

 

  · disruptions to our business operations, investments and our sales resulting from quarantines of employees, customers and suppliers in areas affected by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak and reduced consumer spending given uncertainty around the duration of the virus’ impact; and

 

  · other factors mentioned in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) including the factors discussed in detail in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2019 as well as the factors discussed in Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in each of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020.

  

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.

 

 4 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 

 

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2020     2019     2020     2019  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands, except share data)  
NET REVENUE   $ 91,912     $ 111,055     $ 262,795     $ 331,075  
OPERATING EXPENSES:                                
Programming and technical including stock-based compensation of $4 and $23, and $16 and $70, respectively     24,206       31,060       75,700       93,849  
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation of $99 and $263, and $263 and $460, respectively     23,615       36,637       75,372       115,634  
Corporate selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation of $691 and $1,595, and $1,176 and $2,062, respectively     8,584       9,648       24,541       28,307  
Depreciation and amortization     2,489       2,593       7,419       14,451  
Impairment of long-lived assets     29,050             82,700       3,800  
Total operating expenses     87,944       79,938       265,732       256,041  
Operating income (loss)     3,968       31,117       (2,937 )     75,034  
INTEREST INCOME     178       45       212       131  
INTEREST EXPENSE     18,243       20,239       55,776       61,647  
OTHER INCOME, net     (1,684 )     (1,299 )     (3,282 )     (4,669 )
(Loss) income before (benefit from) provision for income taxes and noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries     (12,413     12,222       (55,219 )     18,187  
(BENEFIT FROM) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     (136     6,535       (21,526     8,342  
CONSOLIDATED NET (LOSS) INCOME     (12,277     5,687       (33,693     9,845  
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS     495       328       846       999  
CONSOLIDATED NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS   $ (12,772   $ 5,359     $ (34,539   $ 8,846  
                                 
BASIC NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS                                
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders   $ (0.29   $ 0.12     $ (0.77   $ 0.20  
                                 
DILUTED NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS                                
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders   $ (0.29   $ 0.12     $ (0.77   $ 0.19  
                                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:                                
Basic     44,175,385       44,315,077       44,738,635       44,912,673  
Diluted     44,175,385       46,118,702       44,738,635       46,965,245  

  

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

 

 5 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2020     2019     2020     2019  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME   $ (12,277 )   $ 5,687     $ (33,693 )   $ 9,845  
LESS:  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS     495       328       846       999  
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS   $ (12,772 )   $ 5,359     $ (34,539 )   $ 8,846  

  

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

 

 6 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    As of  
    September 30,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 
    (Unaudited)        
    (In thousands, except share data)  
ASSETS            
CURRENT ASSETS:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 102,223     $ 33,073  
Restricted cash     473       473  
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,276 and $7,416, respectively     92,357       106,148  
Prepaid expenses     3,936       11,261  
Current portion of content assets     30,314       30,642  
Other current assets     4,240       4,442  
Total current assets     233,543       186,039  
CONTENT ASSETS, net     66,917       70,121  
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net     23,306       24,393  
GOODWILL     223,872       239,772  
RIGHT OF USE ASSETS     43,389       44,922  
RADIO BROADCASTING LICENSES     516,372       582,697  
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net     54,585       58,212  
OTHER ASSETS     48,553       43,763  
Total assets   $ 1,210,537     $ 1,249,919  
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Accounts payable   $ 6,399     $ 5,919  
Accrued interest     14,465       9,094  
Accrued compensation and related benefits     5,487       10,903  
Current portion of content payables     17,338       14,804  
Current portion of lease liabilities     9,158       8,980  
Other current liabilities     19,899       25,393  
Current portion of long-term debt     49,997       25,945  
Total current liabilities     122,743       101,038  
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion, original issue discount and issuance costs     827,128       850,308  
CONTENT PAYABLES, net of current portion     11,616       14,826  
LONG-TERM LEASE LIABILITIES     38,868       40,494  
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES     33,929       25,054  
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES, net     2,711       24,560  
Total liabilities     1,036,995       1,056,280  
                 
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS     11,117       10,564  
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                
Convertible preferred stock, $.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019            
Common stock — Class A, $.001 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 4,441,635 and 1,582,375 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively     4       2  
Common stock — Class B, $.001 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 2,861,843 shares issued and outstanding as of June September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019     3       3  
Common stock — Class C, $.001 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 2,928,906 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019     3       3  
Common stock — Class D, $.001 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 37,520,026 and 38,752,749 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively     38       39  
Additional paid-in capital     993,722       979,834  
Accumulated deficit     (831,345 )     (796,806 )
Total stockholders’ equity     162,425       183,075  
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and stockholders’ equity   $ 1,210,537     $ 1,249,919  

  

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

 

 7 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (UNAUDITED) 

 

    Convertible
Preferred
Stock
    Common
Stock
Class A
    Common
Stock
Class B
    Common
Stock
Class C
    Common
Stock
Class D
    Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
    (In thousands, except share data)  
BALANCE, as of December 31, 2019   $     $ 2     $ 3     $ 3     $ 39     $ 979,834     $ (796,806 )   $ 183,075  
Consolidated net loss                                         (34,539 )     (34,539 )
Repurchase of 3,915,055 shares of Class D common stock                             (3 )     (3,604 )           (3,607 )
Issuance of 2,859,276 shares of Class A common stock           2                         14,770             14,772  
Exercise of options for 1,032,922 shares of Class D common stock                             2       1,974             1,976  
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to estimated redemption value                                   (707 )           (707 )
Stock-based compensation expense                                   1,455             1,455  
BALANCE, as of September 30, 2020   $     $ 4     $ 3     $ 3     $ 38     $ 993,722     $ (831,345 )   $ 162,425  

  

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

 

 8 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

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

 

   Convertible
Preferred
Stock
   Common
Stock
Class A
   Common
Stock
Class B
   Common
Stock
Class C
   Common
Stock
Class D
   Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   Accumulated
Deficit
   Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
   (In thousands, except share data) 
BALANCE, as of December 31, 2018  $   $2   $3   $3   $39   $978,628   $(803,534)  $175,141 
Consolidated net income                           8,846    8,846 
Repurchase of 54,896 shares of Class A common stock and 2,588,796 shares of Class D common stock                   (2)   (5,321)       (5,323)
Adoption of ASC 842                           5,803    5,803 
Exercise of options for 15,000 shares of common stock                       29        29 
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to estimated redemption value                       984        984 
Issuance of 755,239 shares of Class D common stock                       1,609        1,609 
Stock-based compensation expense                   2    2,590        2,592 
BALANCE, as of September 30, 2019  $   $2   $3   $3   $39   $978,519   $(788,885)  $189,681 

 

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

 

 9 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2020     2019  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
Consolidated net (loss) income   $ (33,693 )   $ 9,845  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization     7,419       14,451  
Amortization of debt financing costs     3,248       2,893  
Amortization of content assets     27,607       34,167  
Amortization of launch assets     770       772  
Deferred income taxes     (21,849     8,874  
Amortization of right of use assets     5,974       5,184  
Non-cash lease liability expense     3,692       4,095  
Non-cash interest expense     1,614       1,513  
Impairment of long-lived assets     82,700       3,800  
Stock-based compensation     1,455       2,592  
Effect of change in operating assets and liabilities, net of assets acquired:                
Trade accounts receivable     13,791        7,258  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     6,342        (2,567 )
Other assets     (10,764)       (4,270
Accounts payable     480        (2,072 )
Accrued interest     5,371        7,729  
Accrued compensation and related benefits     (5,416)       (6,538 )
Other liabilities     452        (38
Payments for content assets     (24,750)       (36,640 )
Net cash flows provided by operating activities     64,443        51,048  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
Purchases of property and equipment     (3,176 )     (3,947 )
Proceeds from sale of radio station           13,500  
Acquisition of broadcasting assets     (475 )      
Net cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities     (3,651 )     9,553  
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Repayment of 2017 credit facility     (2,473 )     (2,473 )
Distribution of contingent consideration           (658 )
Repayment of Comcast Note           (11,872 )
Proceeds of Asset-backed credit facility, net     27,500        
Proceeds from issuance of Class A common stock, net of fees     14,772          —   
Proceeds of MGM National Harbor Loan     3,600        
Repayment of 2018 credit facility     (32,410 )     (21,254 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options     1,976       29  
Repayment of 2020 Notes           (2,037 )
Payment of dividends to noncontrolling interest members of Reach Media     (1,000 )     (1,000 )
Repurchase of common stock     (3,607 )     (5,323 )
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities     8,358       (44,588 )
INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH     69,150       16,013  
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period     33,546       15,890  
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period   $ 102,696     $ 31,903  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:                
Cash paid for:                
Interest   $ 45,542     $ 49,512  
Income taxes, net of refunds   $ 509     $ 458  
                 
NON-CASH OPERATING, FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
Issuance of common stock   $     $ 1,609  
Right of use asset additions upon adoption of ASC 842   $     $ 49,803  
Lease liability additions upon adoption of ASC 842   $     $ 54,113  
Right of use asset and lease liability additions   $ 5,483     $ 1,341  

   

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

 

 10 

 

 

URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

 

  (a) Organization

 

Urban One, Inc. (a Delaware corporation referred to as “Urban One”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is an urban-oriented, multi-media company that primarily targets African-American and urban consumers. Our core business is our radio broadcasting franchise which is the largest radio broadcasting operation that primarily targets African-American and urban listeners. As of September 30, 2020, we owned and/or operated 61 broadcast stations (including all HD stations, translator stations and the low power television stations we operate) located in 14 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 Rickey Smiley Morning Show and our other syndicated programming assets, including 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 and 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, CLEO TV, Reach Media and Interactive One, while developing additional branding reflective of our diverse media operations and targeting our African-American and urban audiences.

 

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

 

  (b) Interim Financial Statements

 

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

 

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company revised the interest expense component of operating leases accounted for under ASC 842 from interest expense into operating expenses. Operating income for the quarters ended March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019 have been reclassified in the amounts of approximately $1.3 million, $1.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively, to reflect the interest expense component of operating leases from interest expense into operating expenses. The financial statements for the quarterly periods ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2019 were not restated as management determined that the impact of this error is immaterial to the interim consolidated financial statements filed for each quarterly period in 2019. These revisions had no effect on any other previously reported or consolidated net income or loss or any other statement of operations, balance sheet or cash flow amounts. 

 

 11 

 

 

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 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.   

  

  (c) Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019, except for the Company’s long-term debt. The 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due in April 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) had a carrying value of approximately $350.0 million and fair value of approximately $316.8 million as of September 30, 2020. The 2022 Notes had a carrying value of approximately $350.0 million and fair value of approximately $344.8 million as of December 31, 2019. 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. See Note 9 – Subsequent Events. 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 $318.2 million and fair value of approximately $266.0 million as of September 30, 2020, and had a carrying value of approximately $320.6 million and fair value of approximately $309.1 million as of December 31, 2019. 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 $192.0 million unsecured credit facility (the “2018 Credit Facility”) which had a carrying value of approximately $134.7 million and fair value of approximately $137.4 million as of September 30, 2020, and had a carrying value of approximately $167.1 million and fair value of approximately $170.5 million as of December 31, 2019. 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 $50.0 million secured credit loan (the “MGM National Harbor Loan”) which had a carrying value of approximately $57.3 million and fair value of approximately $64.2 million as of September 30, 2020, and had a carrying value of approximately $52.1 million and fair value of approximately $58.4 million as of December 31, 2019. 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 Company’s asset-backed credit facility (the “ABL Facility”) had a carrying value of approximately $27.5 million and fair value of approximately $27.5 million as of September 30, 2020. There was no balance outstanding on the ABL Facility as of December 31, 2019. 

 

  (d) Revenue Recognition

 

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” the Company recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it 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 $4.2 million and $6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Agency and outside sales representative commissions were approximately $11.4 million and $17.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

 12 

 

 

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 $3.7 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Agency and outside sales representative commissions were approximately $10.5 million and $10.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

   

Revenue by Contract Type

 

The following chart shows our net revenue (and sources) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: 

 

    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2020     2019     2020     2019  
    (In thousands, unaudited)  
Net Revenue:                                
Radio Advertising   $ 34,919     $ 50,813     $ 98,695     $ 144,958  
Political Advertising     4,324       300       7,089       741  
Digital Advertising     8,121       8,171       20,514       23,270  
Cable Television Advertising     19,603       20,649       59,576       60,658  
Cable Television Affiliate Fees     24,421       25,330       75,247       79,404  
Event Revenues & Other     524       5,792       1,674       22,044  
Net Revenue (as reported)   $ 91,912     $ 111,055     $ 262,795     $ 331,075  

  

 13 

 

 

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, 2020, December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019 were as follows: 

 

   September 30,
2020
   December 31,
2019
   September 30,
2019
 
   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited) 
     (In thousands) 
Contract assets:               
Unbilled receivables  $7,085   $3,763   $5,968 
                
Contract liabilities:               
Customer advances and unearned income  $4,587   $3,048   $3,403 
Unearned event income   6,809    6,645    3,831 

 

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, 2020, approximately $103,000 and approximately $2.2 million was recognized as revenue during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. For unearned event income, there was no revenue recognized during the three months or nine months ended September 30, 2020. 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 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. 

 

Practical expedients and exemptions

 

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

  

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

 

  (e) Launch Support

 

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, 2020 and 2019. The weighted-average amortization period for launch support is approximately 7.8 years as of September 30, 2020, and approximately 7.8 years as of December 31, 2019. The remaining weighted-average amortization period for launch support is 4.3 years and 5.1 years as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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, 2020 and 2019, launch support asset amortization of $106,000 and $106,000, respectively, was recorded as a reduction of revenue, and $151,000 and $151,000, respectively, was recorded as an operating expense in selling, general and administrative expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, launch support asset amortization of $317,000 and $317,000, respectively, was recorded as a reduction of revenue, and $454,000 and $455,000, 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. 

 

  (f) Barter Transactions

 

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, 2020 and 2019, barter transaction revenues were $523,000 and $574,000, respectively. Additionally, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, barter transaction costs were reflected in programming and technical expenses of $380,000 and $424,000, respectively, and selling, general and administrative expenses of $143,000 and $150,000, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, barter transaction revenues were approximately $1.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, barter transaction costs were reflected in programming and technical expenses of approximately $1.1 million and 1.3 million, respectively, and selling, general and administrative expenses of $429,000 and $451,000, 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 year ended December 31, 2018, as final reporting became available. Upon settlement of this agreement, the Company will receive approximately $2.0 million in marketing services that will be utilized in future periods.

 

 14 

 

 

  (g) Earnings Per Share

 

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

 

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

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2020   2019   2020   2019  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands, except share data)  
Numerator:                          
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders   $ (12,772)   $ 5,359   $ (34,539)   $ 8,846  
Denominator:                          
Denominator for basic net (loss) income per share - weighted average outstanding shares     44,175,385     44,315,077     44,738,635     44,912,673  
Effect of dilutive securities:                          
Stock options and restricted stock         1,803,625         2,052,572  
Denominator for diluted net (loss) income per share - weighted-average outstanding shares     44,175,385     46,118,702     44,738,635     46,965,245  
                           
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders per share – basic   $ (0.29 $ 0.12   $ (0.77 $ 0.20  
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders per share –diluted   $ (0.29 $ 0.12   $ (0.77 $ 0.19  

  

All stock options and restricted stock awards were excluded from the diluted calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  The following table summarizes the potential common shares excluded from the diluted calculation.  

  

 15 

 

  

    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2020     2020  
    (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Stock options     3,849       3,849  
Restricted stock awards     1,818       1,886  

  

  (h) Fair Value Measurements

 

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

  

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

 

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, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively, the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized as follows:

  

   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
   (Unaudited) 
   (In thousands) 
As of September 30, 2020                    
Liabilities subject to fair value measurement:                    
Contingent consideration (a)  $1,154           $1,154 
Employment agreement award (b)   27,710            27,710 
Total  $28,864   $   $   $28,864 
                     
Mezzanine equity subject to fair value measurement:                    
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (c)  $11,117   $   $   $11,117 
                     
As of December 31, 2019                    
Liabilities subject to fair value measurement:                    
Contingent consideration (a)  $1,921           $1,921 
Employment agreement award (b)   27,017            27,017 
Total  $28,938   $   $   $28,938 
                     
Mezzanine equity subject to fair value measurement:                    
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (c)  $10,564   $   $   $10,564 

 

 16 

 

    

(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. The long-term portion of the contingent consideration is recorded in other long-term liabilities and the current portion is recorded in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

(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 certain pre-April 2015 capital contributions in TV One, and payment is required only upon actual receipt of distributions of cash or marketable securities or proceeds from a liquidity event with respect to such invested amount. The long-term portion of the award is recorded in other long-term liabilities and the current portion is recorded in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. 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, 2020. 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, 2020:

 

    Contingent
Consideration
    Employment
Agreement
Award
    Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
    (In thousands)  
Balance at December 31, 2019   $ 1,921     $ 27,017     $ 10,564  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests                 846  
Distribution     (766 )     (1,625 )      
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests                 (1,000 )
Change in fair value     (1 )     2,318       707  
Balance at September 30, 2020   $ 1,154     $ 27,710     $ 11,117  
                         
The amount of total (losses)/income for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized losses/income relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date   $ 1     $ (2,318 )   $  

  

 17 

 

 

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, 2020 and 2019. 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, 2020 and 2019.  

      Significant  As of 
September 30,
2020
   As of 
December 31,
2019
 
Level 3 liabilities  Valuation Technique  Unobservable Inputs  Significant Unobservable Input Value 
Contingent consideration  Monte Carlo Simulation  Expected volatility   39.1%   20.8%
Contingent consideration  Monte Carlo Simulation  Discount Rate   16.5%   14.5%
Employment agreement award  Discounted Cash Flow  Discount Rate   10.0%   10.0%
Employment agreement award  Discounted Cash Flow  Long-term Growth Rate   2.0%   2.0%
Redeemable noncontrolling interest  Discounted Cash Flow  Discount Rate   11.0%   11.0%
Redeemable noncontrolling interest  Discounted Cash Flow  Long-term Growth Rate   1.0%   1.0%

 

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

 

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in ASC 820.  These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances.  Included in this category are goodwill, radio broadcasting licenses and other intangible assets, net, that are written down to fair value when they are determined to be impaired, as well as content assets that are periodically written down to net realizable value. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $10.0 million related to its Atlanta market and Indianapolis goodwill balances and also an impairment charge of approximately $19.1 million associated with our Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Raleigh market radio broadcasting licenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $15.9 million related to its Atlanta market and Indianapolis goodwill balances and also an impairment charge of approximately $66.8 million associated with our Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Richmond and St. Louis market radio broadcasting licenses. 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. 

  

  (i) Leases

 

As of January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), 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.

 

 18 

 

 

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 prior guidance ASC Topic 840 was 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:

 

    Three Months
Ended September 30,
    Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
    2020      2019     2020     2019  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    (Dollars
In thousands)
    (Dollars
In thousands)
 
Operating Lease Cost (Cost resulting from lease payments)   $ 3,166     $ 3,200     $ 9,477     $ 9,642  
Variable Lease Cost (Cost excluded from lease payments)     34       40       109       116  
Total Lease Cost   $ 3,200     $ 3,240     $ 9,586     $ 9,758  
                                 
Operating Lease - Operating Cash Flows (Fixed Payments)   $ 3,241     $ 3,212     $ 9,897     $ 10,010  
Operating Lease - Operating Cash Flows (Liability Reduction)   $ 2,080     $ 1,888     $ 6,258     $ 6,653  
                                 
Weighted Average Lease Term - Operating Leases     5.42 years       5.91 years       5.42 years       5.91 years  
Weighted Average Discount Rate - Operating Leases     11.00     11.00     11.00 %     11.00 %

   

As of September 30, 2020, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

 

For the Year Ended December 31,  (Dollars in
thousands)
 
For the remaining three months ending December 31, 2020  $3,394 
2021   13,304 
2022   12,664 
2023   10,916 
2024   9,795 
Thereafter   13,904 
Total future lease payments   63,977 
Imputed interest   (15,951)
Total  $48,026 

 

 19 

 

 

  (j) Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

  

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. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates.” ASU 2019-10 defers the effective date of credit loss standard ASU 2016-13 by two years for smaller reporting companies and permits early adoption. ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2023. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on its financial statements.

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”, which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2020, and adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

  (k) Redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

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

 

  (l) Investments – Cost Method

 

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 $1.7 million and $1.8 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and approximately $3.3 million and $5.2 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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. In connection with its impairment analysis for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, 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).

 

  (m) Content Assets

 

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.

   

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

  

Acquired program rights are recorded at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. Estimated net realizable values are based on the estimated revenues associated with the program materials and related expenses. The Company did not record any additional amortization expense as a result of evaluating its contracts for recoverability for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. 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.

 

  (n) Derivatives

 

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

 

The Company accounts for the Employment Agreement Award as a derivative instrument in accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The Company estimated the fair value of the award at September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, to be approximately $27.7 million and $27.0 million, respectively, and accordingly adjusted its liability to this amount. The long-term portion is recorded in other long-term liabilities and the current portion is recorded in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The expense associated with the Employment Agreement Award was recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as corporate selling, general and administrative expenses and was approximately $1.0 million and $860,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, and 2019, respectively, and was approximately $2.3 million and $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 recurs 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.

 

  (o) Related Party Transactions

 

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 agreement under which the Fantastic Voyage® operates provides 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. Distributions from operating revenues are in the following order until the funds are depleted: up to $250,000 to the Foundation, reimbursement of Reach’s expenditures, up to a $1.0 million fee to Reach, a performance bonus of up to 50% of remaining operating revenues to Reach Media, with the balance remaining to the Foundation. For 2021 and 2022, $250,000 to the Foundation is guaranteed. Reach Media’s earnings for the Fantastic Voyage® in any given year may not exceed $1.75 million. 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 passenger cruise package 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 the party not in breach of their obligations has the right, but not the obligation, to terminate unilaterally. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 cruise has been rescheduled to November 2021 and passengers have been given the option to have the majority of their payments refunded. As of September 30, 2020, due to such refunds, Reach Media has an estimated net liability to the Foundation of approximately $2.7 million. As of December 31, 2019, the Foundation owed Reach Media $24,000 under the agreements for the operation of the cruises.

  

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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, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Foundation owed $21,000 and $32,000, respectively, to Reach Media.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, Reach Media’s revenues, expenses, and operating income for the Fantastic Voyage were approximately $10.2 million, $8.5 million, and $1.7 million, respectively. The Fantastic Voyage took place during the second quarter of 2019. Due to the aforementioned reschedule of the Fantastic Voyage, no cruise will be operated in 2020.

 

  (p) Going Concern Assessment

 

As part of its internal control framework, the Company routinely performs a going concern assessment. The Company has concluded that it has sufficient resources to meet its financial obligations, has additional capacity to access ABL Facility funds to finance working capital needs should the need arise, and that cash flows from operations are sufficient to meet the liquidity needs. As a result, the Company is projecting compliance with all debt covenants through the one year period following the financial statement issuance date.

 

Beginning in March 2020, the Company noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting government stay at home orders across the markets in which we operate were dramatically impacting certain of the Company's revenues. Most notably, a number of advertisers across significant advertising categories have reduced or ceased advertising spend due to the outbreak and stay at home orders which effectively shut many businesses down.  This has been particularly true within our radio segment which derives substantial revenue from local advertisers who have been particularly hard hit due to social distancing and government interventions. Further, the COVID-19 outbreak has caused the postponement of our 2020 Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage cruise and impaired ticket sales of other tent pole special events, some of which we had to cancel. We do not carry business interruption insurance to compensate us for losses that may occur as a result of any of these interruptions and continued impacts from the COVID-19 outbreak. Continued or future outbreaks and/or the speed at which businesses reopen (or reclose) in the markets in which we operate could have material impacts on our liquidity and/or operations including causing potential impairment of assets and of our financial results.

 

Given the expected continued decreases in revenues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we assessed our operations considering a variety of factors, including but not limited to, media industry financial reforecasts for 2020, expected operating results, estimated net cash flows from operations, future obligations and liquidity, capital expenditure commitments and projected debt covenant compliance.  If the Company were unable to meet its financial covenants, an event of default would occur and the Company’s debt would have to be classified as current, which the Company would be unable to repay if lenders were to call the debt.  We concluded that the potential that the Company could incur considerable decreases in operating profits and the resulting impact on the Company’s ability to meet its debt service obligations and debt covenants were probable conditions giving rise to assess whether substantial doubt existed over the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

As a result, during the third quarter of 2020, the Company performed a complete reforecast of its 2020 anticipated results extending through one year from the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements. In reforecasting its results, the Company considered the offsetting impact of certain of cost-cutting measures including furloughs, layoffs, salary reductions, other expense reduction (including eliminating travel and entertainment expenses), eliminating discretionary bonuses and merit raises, decreasing or deferring marketing spend, deferring programming/production costs, reducing special events costs, and implementing a hiring freeze on open positions.

 

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Out of an abundance of caution and to provide for further liquidity given the uncertainty around the pandemic, the Company drew approximately $27.5 million on its ABL Facility on March 19, 2020.  As of September 30, 2020, that amount remained on the Company’s balance sheet and together with other cash on hand improved our cash balance to approximately $102.2 million.  As of November 9, 2020 our cash on hand balance is approximately $94.6 million. Based on the Company’s forecast operational activity, its ability to manage and delay any capitalized expenditures and additional variable cost-cutting measures, the Company has adequate cash reserves and sufficient liquidity into the foreseeable future or for the next 12 months. As a result of the cost reduction measures that the Company took in in response to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company’s current cash balance and further, considering certain remaining countermeasures the Company can implement in the event of further or continued downturn, the Company anticipates meeting its debt service requirements and is projecting compliance with all debt covenants through one year from the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements. This estimate is, however, subject to substantial uncertainty, in particular due to the unpredictable extent and duration of the impact of COVID-19 on our business, and the concentration of certain of our revenues in areas that could be deemed “hotspots” for the pandemic, and other factors described in Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” herein and Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as well as the factors discussed in Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in each of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020. 

 

2. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS:

 

On October 20, 2011, we entered into a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) with WGPR, Inc. (“WGPR”). Pursuant to the TBA, on October 24, 2011, we began to broadcast programs produced, owned or acquired by the Company on WGPR’s Detroit radio station, WGPR-FM. We paid a monthly fee as well as certain operating costs of WGPR-FM, and in exchange we retained all revenues from the sale of the advertising within the programming we provided. 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 which date we ceased operation of the station on our behalf. While we ceased operations of the station on December 31, 2019, the Company continues to provide certain limited management services to the current owner and operator of WGPR.

 

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 an immaterial loss on the sale of the station during the year ended December 31, 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 of the assets back from the buyer as a part of its normal operations. The Company received proceeds of approximately $25.0 million, resulting in an overall net gain on sale of approximately $22.5 million, of which approximately $14.4 million was recognized immediately during the second quarter of 2017, and approximately $8.1 million which was deferred and 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 December 19, 2019, we entered into both an asset purchase agreement (“APA”) and a TBA with Guardian Enterprise Group, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “GEG”) with respect to the acquisition and interim operation of low power television station WQMC-LD in Columbus, Ohio. Pursuant to the TBA, in January 2020, we began to operate WQMC-LD until such time as the purchase transaction can close under the APA. Under the terms of the TBA, we pay a monthly fee as well as certain operating costs of WQMC-LD, and, in exchange, we will retain all revenues from the sale of the advertising within the programming. After receipt of FCC approval, we closed the transactions under the APA and took ownership of WQMC-LD on February 24, 2020 for total consideration of $475,000.

 

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3. GOODWILL AND RADIO BROADCASTING LICENSES:

 

Impairment Testing

 

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

 

Valuation of Broadcasting Licenses

 

Beginning in March 2020, the Company noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting government stay at home orders were dramatically impacting certain of the Company's revenues. Most notably, a number of advertisers across significant advertising categories have reduced or ceased advertising spend due to the outbreak and stay at home orders which effectively shut many businesses down in the markets in which we operate.  This was particularly true within our radio segment which derives substantial revenue from local advertisers who have been particularly hard hit due to social distancing and government interventions. As a result of COVID-19, the total market revenue growth for certain markets in which we operate was below that assumed in our annual impairment testing. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $47.7 million associated with our Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Richmond and St. Louis radio market broadcasting licenses. We did not identify any impairment indicators for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Based on the latest market data obtained by the Company in the third quarter of 2020, the total anticipated market revenue growth for certain markets in which we operate continues to be below that assumed in our first quarter 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, 2020. As a result of that testing, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $19.1 million associated with our Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Raleigh market radio 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. Below are some of the key assumptions used in the income approach model for estimating broadcasting licenses fair values for the interim impairment assessments where impairment was recorded for 2020.

 

Radio Broadcasting   September 30,     March 31,  
Licenses   2020 (a)     2020 (a)  
Impairment charge (in millions)   $ 19.1     $ 47.7  
Discount Rate     9.0 %     9.5 %
Year 1 Market Revenue Growth Rate Range     (10.7)% – (16.8) %     (13.3) %
Long-term Market Revenue Growth Rate Range (Years 6 – 10)     0.7% – 1.1 %     0.7% – 1.1 %
Mature Market Share Range     6.7% – 23.9 %     6.9% – 25.0 %
Mature Operating Profit Margin Range     27.7% –37.1 %     27.6% –39.7 %

 

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

 

Valuation of Goodwill

 

As noted above, during the first and third quarters of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we identified impairment indicators at certain of our radio markets, and, as such, we performed an interim analysis for certain radio market goodwill. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $6.0 million to reduce the carrying value of our Atlanta and Indianapolis market goodwill balances. We did not identify any impairment indicators at any of our other reportable segments for the three months ended June 30, 2020. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $10.0 million related to its Atlanta market and Indianapolis market goodwill balances. We did not identify any impairment indicators at any of our reportable segments for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Below are some of the key assumptions used in the income approach model for estimating reporting unit fair values for the interim impairment assessments where impairment was recorded for 2020.

 

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Goodwill (Radio Market   September 30,     March 31,  
Reporting Units)   2020 (a)     2020 (a)  
Impairment charge (in millions)   $ 10.0     $ 6.0  
                 
Discount Rate     9.0  %     9.5 %
Year 1 Market Revenue Growth Rate Range     (26.6)% – 34.7 %     (14.5)% – (12.9) %
Long-term Market Revenue Growth Rate Range (Years 6 – 10)     0.9% – 1.1 %     0.9% – 1.1 %
Mature Market Share Range     8.4% – 12.7 %     11.1% – 13.0 %
Mature Operating Profit Margin Range     27.7% – 48.1 %     29.4% – 39.0 %

  

(a) Reflects the key assumptions for testing only those radio markets with remaining goodwill.

 

Goodwill Valuation Results

 

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

 

    Radio
Broadcasting
Segment
    Reach
Media
Segment
    Digital
Segment
    Cable
Television
Segment
    Total  
    (In thousands)  
Gross goodwill   $ 155,000     $ 30,468     $ 27,567     $ 165,044     $ 378,079  
Additions                              
Impairments     (15,900 )                       (15,900 )
Accumulated impairment losses     (101,848 )     (16,114 )     (20,345 )           (138,307 )
Net goodwill at September 30, 2020   $ 37,252     $ 14,354     $ 7,222     $ 165,044     $ 223,872  

  

4. LONG-TERM DEBT:

 

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

    September 30,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 
    (Unaudited)        
    (In thousands)  
2018 Credit Facility   $ 134,736     $ 167,145  
MGM National Harbor Loan     57,312       52,099  
2017 Credit Facility     318,156       320,629  
7.375% Senior Secured Notes     350,000       350,000  
Asset-backed credit facility     27,500        
Total debt     887,704       889,873  
Less: current portion of long-term debt     49,997       25,945  
Less: original issue discount and issuance costs     10,579       13,620  
Long-term debt, net   $ 827,128     $ 850,308  

 

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.

 

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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 term loans could have been voluntarily prepaid prior to February 15, 2020 subject to payment of a prepayment premium. 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 ended September 30, 2020, the Company repaid approximately $12.1 million and $32.4 million, respectively under the 2018 Credit Facility. Included in the repayments made during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was approximately $11.1 million in ECF payments in accordance with the agreement. 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, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the 2018 Credit Facility.

 

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had outstanding approximately $134.7 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 is being reflected as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the debt obligation and amortized to interest expense over the term of the credit facility 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, 2020 and 2019, was approximately $1.1 million and $986,000, respectively. The amount of deferred financing costs included in interest expense for all instruments, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was approximately $3.2 million and $2.9 million, respectively.

 

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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. On June 25, 2020, the Company borrowed an incremental $3.6 million on the MGM National Harbor Loan and used the proceeds to pay down the higher coupon 2018 Credit Facility by the same amount.

 

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, 2020, the Company had outstanding approximately $57.3 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 5.23% for 2020 and was 6.41% for 2019.

 

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 each of the three month periods in September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company repaid $824,000 under the 2017 Credit Facility. During each of the nine month periods in September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company repaid approximately $2.5 million under the 2017 Credit Facility.

 

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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:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  (c) limitations on:

 

  § liens;
  § sale of assets;
  § payment of dividends; and
  § mergers.

 

As of September 30, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the 2017 Credit Facility.

 

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had outstanding approximately $318.2 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.

 

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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. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had outstanding approximately $350.0 million of the 2022 Notes. See Note 9 – Subsequent Events.

 

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.

 

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 was 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

 

Until February 2019, 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 bore interest at 10.47%, was payable quarterly in arrears, and the entire principal amount was due on April 17, 2019. However, the Company was 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.

 

 29 

 

 

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 originally provided for $25 million in revolving loan borrowings in order to provide for the working capital needs and general corporate requirements of the Company. On November 13, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment to the ABL Facility, (the “ABL Amendment”), which increased the borrowing capacity from $25 million in revolving loan borrowings to $37.5 million in order to provide for the working capital needs and general corporate requirements of the Company and provides for a letter of credit facility up to $7.5 million as a part of the overall $37.5 million in capacity. The ABL Amendment also redefines the “Maturity Date” to read as follows: “Maturity Date" shall mean the earlier to occur of (a) April 21, 2021 and (b) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the earlier to occur of (i) the Term Loan Maturity Date (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement as in effect on the Effective Date or as the same may be extended in accordance with the terms of the Term Loan Credit Agreement), and (ii) the Stated Maturity (as defined in the Senior Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement)) of the Notes (as defined in the Senior Secured Notes Indenture as in effect on the Effective Date or as the same may be extended in accordance with the terms of the Senior Secured Notes Indenture).”

 

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.

 

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.

 

As of December 31, 2019, the Company did not have any borrowings outstanding on its ABL Facility. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had approximately $27.5 million in borrowings outstanding on its ABL Facility.

 

Letter of Credit Facility

 

On February 24, 2015, the Company entered into a letter of credit reimbursement and security agreement. On October 8, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment to its letter of credit reimbursement and security agreement and extended the term to October 8, 2024. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had letters of credit totaling $871,000 under the agreement. Letters of credit issued under the agreement are required to be collateralized with cash.  

 

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. 

 

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Future Minimum Principal Payments

 

Future scheduled minimum principal payments of debt as of September 30, 2020, are as follows:  

 

    2018
 Credit
Facility
    MGM
National
Harbor Loan
    Asset-backed
Credit Facility
    2017
 Credit
 Facility
    7.38%
Senior
Secured
Notes
 due April
2022
    Total  
    (In thousands)  
October - December 2020   $ 4,800     $     $     $ 824     $     $ 5,624  
2021     19,200             27,500       3,297             49,997  
2022     110,736       57,312             3,297       350,000       521,345  
2023                       310,738             310,738  
2024                                    
2025 and thereafter                                    
Total Debt   $ 134,736     $ 57,312     $ 27,500     $ 318,156     $ 350,000     $ 887,704  

  

5. INCOME TAXES:

 

The Company generally utilizes the estimated annual effective tax rate method (“Estimated AETR Method”) prescribed under ASC 740-270, “Interim Reporting” to calculate the provision for income taxes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded a benefit from income taxes of approximately $21.5 million on pre-tax loss from continuing operations of approximately $55.2 million utilizing the actual effective tax rate (“Discrete Method”) for the period. Economic disruptions caused by COVID-19 have impacted the Company’s ability to accurately forecast earnings in certain segments, therefore the Company continues to utilize the Discrete Method to calculate the interim tax provision for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) accepted the Company’s petition to extend the time to file certain procedural elections of a subsidiary corporation. The IRS acceptance resulted in a reduction of the valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) for our net operating losses. As a result of the reduction of the valuation allowance, the Company recorded a tax benefit of approximately $12.5 million that is included in the $21.5 million benefit from income taxes recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

 

In accordance with ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, the Company continues to evaluate the realizability of its net DTAs by assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns, tax planning strategies, and future profitability. As of September 30, 2020, the Company believes it is more likely than not that these DTAs 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.

 

  6. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

On June 16, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an amendment (the “Potential Amendment”) of Urban One's certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split across all classes of common stock by a ratio of not less than one-for-two and not more than one-for-fifty at any time prior to December 31, 2021, with the exact ratio to be set at a whole number within this range as determined by our board of directors in its discretion. The Company’s shareholders approved the Potential Amendment at the annual meeting of the shareholders June 16, 2020. The Company has not acted on the Potential Amendment but may do so as determined by our board of directors in its discretion.

 

On August 18, 2020, the Company entered into an Open Market Sales Agreement with Jefferies LLC (“Jefferies”) under which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, (the “Current ATM Program”) shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class A Shares”) up to an aggregate offering price of $25 million. Jefferies is acting as sales agent for the Current ATM Program. In August 2020, the Company issued 2,859,276 shares of its Class A Shares at a weighted average price of $5.39 for approximately $14.8 million of net proceeds after associated fees and expenses.  While the Company still has Class A Shares available for issuance under the Current ATM Program, the Company may also enter into new additional ATM programs and issue additional common stock from time to time under those programs.

 

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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. As of March 13, 2020, the Company’s Board authorized a new repurchase plan of up to $2.6 million of the Company’s Class A and Class D shares through December 31, 2020. In addition, on June 11, 2020, the Company’s Board authorized a repurchase of $2.4 million of the Company’s Class D shares. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had $2.6 million remaining under its open authorization with respect to its 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, 2020, the Company did not repurchase any shares of Class A and/or Class D common stock. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company did not repurchase any shares of Class A common stock and repurchased 3,208,288 shares of Class D common stock in the amount of approximately $2.4 million at an average price of $0.76 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.

 

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 (both 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, 2020, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 3,195 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of $6,000 at an average price of $1.74 per share. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 706,767 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of approximately $1.2 million at an average price of $1.64 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.

 

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. The Company uses an average life for all option awards. The Company settles stock options upon exercise by issuing stock. As of September 30, 2020, 690,336 shares of Class D common stock were available for grant under the 2019 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan.

  

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On August 7, 2017, the Compensation Committee (“Compensation Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company 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 vested on January 6, 2020. 

 

On June 12, 2019, the Compensation Committee awarded Catherine Hughes, Chairperson, 427,148 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 189,843 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective June 5, 2020 and will vest on January 6, 2021. 

 

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 vested on January 6, 2020.

 

On June 12, 2019, the Compensation Committee awarded Alfred Liggins, Chief Executive Officer and President, 711,914 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 316,406 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective June 5, 2020 and will vest on January 6, 2021. 

 

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 vested on January 6, 2020. 

 

On June 12, 2019, the Compensation Committee awarded Peter Thompson, Chief Financial Officer, 243,750 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 108,333 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective June 5, 2020 and will vest on January 6, 2021. 

 

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 have vested or will vest in three installments, with the first installment of 33% having vested on January 5, 2018, and the second installment having vested on January 5, 2019, and the remaining installment vesting on January 5, 2020.

 

On October 2, 2017, Karen Wishart, our current 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 have vested or 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 vested on January 6, 2020. 

 

On June 12, 2019, the Compensation Committee awarded David Kantor, Chief Executive Officer – Radio Division, 211,838 restricted shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, and stock options to purchase 94,150 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. The grants were effective June 5, 2020 and will vest on January 6, 2021. 

  

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Pursuant to the terms of each of our stock plans 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, 2020 and 2019, was $794,000 and approximately $1.9 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was approximately $1.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

 

There were no stock options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and there were 708,732 stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The Company granted 653,210 stock options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

Transactions and other information relating to stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, are summarized below: 

 

    Number of
Options
    Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
    Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term (In
Years)
    Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2019     4,197,000     $ 2.13       6.70     $ 255,000  
Grants     709,000     $ 2.00                  
Exercised     1,033,000     $ 1.91                  
Forfeited/cancelled/expired/settled     24,000     $ 3.17                  
Balance as of September 30, 2020     3,849,000     $ 2.16       6.59     $ 34,000  
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020     3,815,000     $ 2.12       6.56     $ 34,000  
Unvested at September 30, 2020     726,000     $ 2.00       9.61     $  
Exercisable at September 30, 2020     3,123,000     $ 2.19       5.89     $ 34,000  

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the difference between the Company’s stock closing price on the last day of trading during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, 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, 2020. 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, 2020 and there were 1,032,922 options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. 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. No options vested during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 624,770 options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. No options vested during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 834,530 options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

As of September 30, 2020, $135,000 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 $1.39 at September 30, 2020.

 

The Company did not grant restricted stock during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and granted 1,649,394 shares of restricted stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Each of the three non-executive directors received 18,248 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 16, 2020. 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.

 

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Transactions and other information relating to restricted stock grants for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, are summarized below:  

 

    Shares    

Average

Fair Value

at Grant

Date

 
Unvested at December 31, 2019     1,814,000     $ 2.14  
Grants     1,649,000     $ 1.02  
Vested     (1,727,000 )   $ 2.14  
Forfeited/cancelled/expired         $  
Unvested at September 30, 2020     1,736,000     $ 1.07  

 

Restricted stock grants were and are included in the Company’s outstanding share numbers on the effective date of grant. As of September 30, 2020, approximately $1.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock grants is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of four months. 

 

  7. SEGMENT INFORMATION:

 

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

 

The radio broadcasting segment consists of all broadcast results of operations. The Reach Media segment consists of the results of operations for the related activities and operations of our 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. 

  

 35 

 

 

Detailed segment data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, is presented in the following tables:

  

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2020     2019  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
Net Revenue:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 31,645     $ 46,467  
Reach Media     7,751       10,917  
Digital     8,451       8,170  
Cable Television     44,746       45,981  
Corporate/Eliminations*     (681 )     (480 )
Consolidated   $ 91,912     $ 111,055  
                 
Operating Expenses (including stock-based compensation and excluding depreciation and amortization and impairment of long-lived assets):                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 20,368     $ 29,776  
Reach Media     4,632       9,011  
Digital     6,860       7,530  
Cable Television     18,420       23,921  
Corporate/Eliminations     6,125       7,107  
Consolidated   $ 56,405     $ 77,345  
                 
Depreciation and Amortization:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 759     $ 791  
Reach Media     59       60  
Digital     483       474  
Cable Television     934       953  
Corporate/Eliminations     254       315  
Consolidated   $ 2,489     $ 2,593  
                 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 29,050     $  
Reach Media            
Digital            
Cable Television            
Corporate/Eliminations            
Consolidated   $ 29,050     $  
                 
Operating income:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ (18,532 )   $ 15,900  
Reach Media     3,060       1,846  
Digital     1,108       166  
Cable Television     25,392       21,107  
Corporate/Eliminations     (7,060 )     (7,902 )
Consolidated   $ 3,968     $ 31,117  

  

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

 

Radio Broadcasting   $ (681 )   $ (480 )

  

Capital expenditures by segment are as follows:

 

Radio Broadcasting   $ 306     $ 1,406  
Reach Media     9       31  
Digital     180       348  
Cable Television     8       15  
Corporate/Eliminations     23       37  
Consolidated   $ 526     $ 1,837  

 

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    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2020     2019  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
Net Revenue:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 87,066     $ 132,528  
Reach Media     20,709       36,660  
Digital     20,844       23,280  
Cable Television     136,003       140,234  
Corporate/Eliminations*     (1,827 )     (1,627 )
Consolidated   $ 262,795     $ 331,075  
                 
Operating Expenses (including stock-based compensation and excluding depreciation and amortization and impairment of long-lived assets):                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 67,373     $ 89,142  
Reach Media     15,468       30,955  
Digital     19,778       22,310  
Cable Television     55,772       75,284  
Corporate/Eliminations     17,222       20,099  
Consolidated   $ 175,613     $ 237,790  
                 
Depreciation and Amortization:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 2,266     $ 2,510  
Reach Media     178       178  
Digital     1,248       1,395  
Cable Television     2,817       9,430  
Corporate/Eliminations     910       938  
Consolidated   $ 7,419     $ 14,451  
                 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 82,700     $ 3,800  
Reach Media            
Digital            
Cable Television            
Corporate/Eliminations            
Consolidated   $ 82,700     $ 3,800  
                 
Operating (loss) income:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ (65,273 )   $ 37,076  
Reach Media     5,063       5,527  
Digital     (182 )     (425 )
Cable Television     77,414       55,520  
Corporate/Eliminations     (19,959 )     (22,664 )
Consolidated   $ (2,937 )   $ 75,034  

   

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

 

Radio Broadcasting   $ (1,827 )   $ (1,627 )

 

Capital expenditures by segment are as follows:

 

Radio Broadcasting   $ 1,826     $ 2,269  
Reach Media     75       97  
Digital     616       1,066  
Cable Television     72       173  
Corporate/Eliminations     587       342  
Consolidated   $ 3,176     $ 3,947  

  

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    September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
    (Unaudited)        
    (In thousands)  
Total Assets:                
Radio Broadcasting   $ 628,195     $ 721,295  
Reach Media     44,829       41,892  
Digital     19,553       22,223  
Cable Television     383,782       388,465  
Corporate/Eliminations     134,178       76,044  
Consolidated   $ 1,210,537     $ 1,249,919  

  

  8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

 

Royalty Agreements

 

Musical works rights holders, generally songwriters and music publishers, have been traditionally represented by performing rights organizations, such as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”), Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”) and SESAC, Inc. (“SESAC”).  The market for rights relating to musical works is changing rapidly. Songwriters and music publishers have withdrawn from the traditional performing rights organizations, particularly ASCAP and BMI, and new entities, such as Global Music Rights, Inc. (“GMR”), have been formed to represent rights holders. These organizations negotiate fees with copyright users, collect royalties and distribute them to the rights holders.  We currently have arrangements with ASCAP, SESAC and GMR. On April 22, 2020, the Radio Music License Committee (“RMLC”), an industry group which the Company is a part of, and BMI have reached agreement on the terms of a new license agreement that covers the period January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2021. Upon approval of the court of the BMI/RMLC agreement, the Company automatically became a party to the agreement and a license through December 31, 2021.

 

Other Contingencies

 

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

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

On February 24, 2015, the Company entered into a letter of credit reimbursement and security agreement. On October 8, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment to its letter of credit reimbursement and security agreement and extended the term to October 8, 2024. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had letters of credit totaling $871,000 under the agreement for certain operating leases and certain insurance policies. Letters of credit issued under the agreement are required to be collateralized with cash.

 

Noncontrolling Interest Shareholders’ Put Rights

 

Beginning on January 1, 2018, the noncontrolling interest shareholders of Reach Media have had an annual right to require Reach Media to purchase all or a portion of their shares at the then current fair market value for such shares (the “Put Right”).  This annual right is exercisable for a 30-day period beginning January 1 of each year. The purchase price for such shares may be paid in cash and/or registered Class D common stock of Urban One, at the discretion of Urban One. The noncontrolling interest shareholders of Reach Media did not exercise their Put Right for the 30-day period ending January 30, 2020. Management, at this time, cannot reasonably determine the period when and if the put right will be exercised by the noncontrolling interest shareholders.

 

  9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

  

On October 2, 2020, the Company announced the launch of an offer to eligible holders of its 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “Existing Notes”) to exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) any and all of their Existing Notes for newly issued 8.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “New Notes”). The New Notes are secured (i) on a first priority basis by substantially all of the Company’s and certain subsidiary guarantors’ current and future property and assets other than certain property and assets securing the Company’s asset-backed revolving credit facility (such property and assets, “ABL Priority Collateral”) and (ii) on a second priority basis by the ABL Priority Collateral. Eligible holders who validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their Existing Notes in the Exchange Offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 16, 2020, were eligible to receive $1,000 in principal amount of New Notes plus $10.00 in cash per $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes. For any Existing Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but before 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on October 30, 2020, were eligible to receive $1,000 in principal amount of New Notes plus $5.00 in cash per $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes. The New Notes were offered to provide the Company with additional financial flexibility as the New Notes mature eight months after the Existing Notes are scheduled to mature. The New Notes will mature on December 15, 2022.

 

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In connection with the Exchange Offer, the Company also entered into an amendment to certain terms of its Unsecured Term Loan, dated December 4, 2018, by and among the Company, the Lenders party thereto from time to time and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Administrative Agent (the “2018 Credit Facility”), including the extension of the maturity date by 90 days which maturity is more than 90 days after the maturity date of the New Notes.

 

In conjunction with the Exchange Offer, the Company also solicited consents (the “Consent Solicitation”) from holders of the Existing Notes (the “Consents”) to certain proposed amendments to the indenture governing the Existing Notes (the “Existing Notes Indenture”), by and among the Company, the guarantors party thereto, Wilmington Trust National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent, to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain of the default provisions contained in the Existing Notes Indenture and to enter into a new intercreditor agreement among the Company, the trustee for the New Notes, the trustee for the Existing Notes, the collateral agent for the New Notes and the collateral agent for the Existing Notes (collectively, the “Proposed Amendments”).

 

The consummation of the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation was subject to customary conditions, including the receipt of Consents from at least 90% of the eligible holders and the satisfaction or waiver of other conditions set forth in the offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement prepared by the Company in connection with the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation.

 

On October 19, 2020, the Company announced the early tender results of the Exchange Offer. Based on the early tenders as of 5:00 p.m. on the Early Tender Date, eligible holders had validly tendered and not validly withdrawn $347.0 million aggregate principal amount, representing 99.15% of the outstanding principal amount, of the Existing Notes in the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation.

 

As of the expiration date, October 30, 2020, an aggregate of $347.0 million principal amount of Existing Notes were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn. Eligible holders who validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their Existing Notes received the early participation payments and accrued and unpaid interest in cash on their Existing Notes accepted for exchange to, but not including, the Settlement Date for the Exchange Offer. In connection with the settlement of the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation, on November 9, 2020, the Company issued $347,016,000 aggregate principal amount of the New Notes.

 

Further information concerning the Exchange Offer and the results can be found in the Current Reports on Form 8-K dated October 2, 2020, October 19, 2020, and November 9, 2020, as on file with the SEC.

 

On October 30, 2020, we entered into a local marketing agreement (“LMA”) with Southeastern Ohio Broadcasting System for the operation of station WWCD-FM in Columbus, Ohio beginning November 2020. Under the terms of the LMA, we will pay a monthly fee as well as certain operating costs, and, in exchange, we will retain all revenues from the sale of the advertising within the programming.

 

On November 6, 2020, the Company announced it had signed a definitive asset exchange agreement with Entercom Communications Corp. where the Company will receive Charlotte stations: WLNK-FM (Adult Contemporary); WBT-AM & FM (News Talk Radio); and WFNZ-AM & 102.5 FM Translator (Sports Radio). As part of the transaction, Urban One will transfer three radio stations to Entercom: St. Louis, WHHL-FM (Urban Contemporary); Philadelphia, WPHI-FM (Urban Contemporary); and Washington, DC, WTEM-AM (flagship station of the Washington Football Team); as well as the intellectual property its St. Louis radio station, WFUN-FM (Adult Urban Contemporary). The Company and Entercom will begin operation of the exchanged stations on or about November 23, 2020 under LMAs until FCC approval is obtained. The deal is subject to FCC approval and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021. In addition, we have entered into an asset purchase agreement with Gateway Creative Broadcasting, Inc. for the remaining assets of our WFUN station.

 

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

 

The following information should be read in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this report and the audited financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Introduction

 

Revenue

 

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

 

 40 

 

 

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

 

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

 

   

For The Three Months

Ended September 30,

   

For The Nine Months

Ended September 30,

 
    2020     2019     2020     2019  
Radio broadcasting segment     34.4 %     41.8 %     33.1 %     40.0 %
                                 
Reach Media segment     8.4 %     9.8 %     7.9 %     11.1 %
                                 
Digital segment     9.2 %     7.4 %     7.9 %     7.0 %
                                 
Cable television segment     48.7 %     41.4 %     51.8 %     42.4 %
                                 
Corporate/eliminations     (0.7 )%     (0.4 )%     (0.7 )%     (0.5 )%

  

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

 

  

For The Three Months

Ended September 30,

   For The Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2020   2019   2020   2019 
Percentage of core radio business generated from local advertising   53.1%   57.1%   55.6%   58.1%
                     
Percentage of core radio business generated from national advertising, including network advertising   45.7%   37.8%   43.1%   36.4%

  

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

 

The following charts show our net revenue (and sources) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

             
    2020     2019     $ Change     % Change  
   

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

             
Net Revenue:                                
Radio Advertising   $ 34,919     $ 50,813     $ (15,894 )     (31.3 )%
Political Advertising     4,324       300       4,024       1,341.3  
Digital Advertising     8,121       8,171       (50 )     (0.6 )
Cable Television Advertising     19,603       20,649       (1,046 )     (5.1 )
Cable Television Affiliate Fees     24,421       25,330       (909 )     (3.6 )
Event Revenues & Other     524       5,792       (5,268 )     (91.0 )
Net Revenue (as reported)   $ 91,912     $ 111,055     $ (19,143 )     (17.2 )%

  

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Nine Months Ended

September 30,

             
    2020     2019     $ Change     % Change  
   

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

             
Net Revenue:                                
Radio Advertising   $ 98,695     $ 144,958     $ (46,263 )     (31.9 )%
Political Advertising     7,089       741       6,348       856.7  
Digital Advertising     20,514       23,270       (2,756 )     (11.8 )
Cable Television Advertising     59,576       60,658       (1,082 )     (1.8 )
Cable Television Affiliate Fees     75,247       79,404       (4,157 )     (5.2 )
Event Revenues & Other     1,674       22,044       (20,370 )     (92.4 )
Net Revenue (as reported)   $ 262,795     $ 331,075     $ (68,280 )     (20.6 )%

   

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

 

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

 

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

 

Reach Media primarily derives its revenue from the sale of advertising in connection with its syndicated radio shows, including the Tom Joyner Morning Show and our other syndicated programming assets, including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the Russ Parr Morning Show and the DL Hughley Show. Mr. Joyner was a leading nationally syndicated radio personality. Mr. Joyner announced his then forthcoming retirement in 2018 and, in December 2019, the Tom Joyner Morning Show ceased being broadcast upon Mr. Joyner’s retirement. Up until his retirement in December 2019, the Tom Joyner Morning Show was broadcast on 71 affiliate stations across the United States. Reach Media also operates www.BlackAmericaWeb.com, an African-American targeted news and entertainment website.  Additionally, Reach Media operates various other event-related activities.

   

Expenses

 

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

 

 42 

 

 

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

  

Measurement of Performance

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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Summary of Performance

 

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

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2020     2019     2020     2019  
    (In thousands, except margin data)  
    (Unaudited)  
Net revenue   $ 91,912     $ 111,055     $ 262,795     $ 331,075  
Broadcast and digital operating income     44,194       43,644       112,002       122,122  
Broadcast and digital operating income margin     48.1 %     39.3 %     42.6 %     36.9 %
Consolidated net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders   $ (12,772 )   $ 5,359     $ (34,539 )   $ 8,846  

  

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

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2020     2019     2020     2019  
    (In thousands, unaudited)  
Consolidated net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders   $ (12,772 )   $ 5,359     $ (34,539 )   $ 8,846  
Add back non-broadcast and digital operating income items included in consolidated net (loss) income:                                
Interest income     (178 )     (45 )     (212 )     (131 )
Interest expense     18,243       20,239       55,776       61,647  
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes     (136 )     6,535       (21,526 )     8,342  
Corporate selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation     7,893       8,053       23,365       26,245  
Stock-based compensation     794       1,881       1,455       2,592  
Other income, net     (1,684 )     (1,299 )     (3,282 )     (4,669 )
Depreciation and amortization     2,489       2,593       7,419       14,451  
Impairment of long-lived assets     29,050             82,700       3,800  
Noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries     495       328       846       999  
Broadcast and digital operating income   $ 44,194     $ 43,644     $ 112,002     $ 122,122  

  

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

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2020     2019     2020     2019  
    (In thousands, unaudited)  
Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation:                                
Consolidated net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders, as reported   $ (12,772 )   $ 5,359     $ (34,539 )   $ 8,846  
Add back non-broadcast and digital operating income items included in consolidated net (loss) income:                                
Interest income     (178 )     (45 )     (212 )     (131 )
Interest expense     18,243       20,239       55,776       61,647  
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes     (136 )     6,535       (21,526 )     8,342  
Depreciation and amortization     2,489       2,593       7,419       14,451  
EBITDA   $ 7,646     $ 34,681     $ 6,918     $ 93,155  
Stock-based compensation     794       1,881       1,455       2,592  
Other income, net     (1,684 )     (1,299 )     (3,282 )     (4,669 )
Noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries     495       328       846       999  
Employment Agreement Award, incentive plan award expenses and other compensation     1,008       860       2,318       3,576  
Contingent consideration from acquisition     5       53       (1 )     219  
Severance-related costs     559       358       2,145       1,178  
Impairment of long-lived assets     29,050             82,700       3,800  
Cost method investment income     1,695       1,809       3,266       5,167  
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 39,568     $ 38,671     $ 96,365     $ 106,017  

  

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URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table summarizes our historical consolidated results of operations:

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 (In thousands) 

 

    Three Months
Ended September 30,
       
    2020     2019     Increase/(Decrease)  
    (Unaudited)              
Statements of Operations:                                
Net revenue   $ 91,912     $ 111,055     $ (19,143 )     (17.2 )%
Operating expenses:                                
Programming and technical, excluding stock-based compensation     24,202       31,037       (6,835 )     (22.0 )
Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation     23,516       36,374       (12,858 )     (35.3 )
Corporate selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation     7,893       8,053       (160 )     (2.0 )
Stock-based compensation     794       1,881       (1,087 )     (57.8 )
Depreciation and amortization     2,489       2,593       (104 )     (4.0 )
Impairment of long-lived assets     29,050             29,050       100.0  
   Total operating expenses     87,944       79,938       8,006       10.0  
   Operating income     3,968       31,117       (27,149 )     (87.2 )
Interest income     178       45       133       295.6  
Interest expense     18,243       20,239       (1,996 )     (9.9 )
Other income, net     (1,684 )     (1,299 )     385       29.6  
(Loss) income before (benefit from) provision for income taxes and noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries     (12,413 )     12,222       (24,635 )     (201.6 )
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes     (136 )     6,535       (6,671 )     (102.1 )
   Consolidated net (loss) income     (12,277 )     5,687       (17,964 )     (315.9 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests     495       328       167       50.9  
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders   $ (12,772 )   $ 5,359     $ (18,131 )     (338.3 )%

  

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Net revenue

 

Three Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ 91,912     $ 111,055     $   (19,143)     (17.2 )%

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, we recognized approximately $91.9 million in net revenue compared to approximately $111.1 million during the same period in 2019. These amounts are net of agency and outside sales representative commissions. The decrease in net revenue was due primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic which continued to weaken demand for advertising in general, impaired ticket sales and caused the postponement or cancellation of major tent pole special events. Net revenues from our radio broadcasting segment decreased 31.9% compared to the same period in 2019. Based on reports prepared by the independent accounting firm Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co., LLP (“Miller Kaplan”), the markets we operate in (excluding Richmond and Raleigh, both of which no longer participate in Miller Kaplan) decreased 30.0% in total revenues. With the exception of our Philadelphia market, we experienced net revenue declines in all of our radio markets for the quarter, primarily due to lower advertising sales. We recognized approximately $44.7 million of revenue from our cable television segment during the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $46.0 million for the same period in 2019 with the decrease primarily in advertising sales and affiliate fees. Net revenue from our Reach Media segment decreased approximately $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 due primarily to the cancellation of special events. Finally, net revenues for our digital segment increased approximately $281,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Programming and technical, excluding stock-based compensation

 

Three Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ 24,202     $ 31,037     $ (6,835 )     (22.0 )%

  

Programming and technical expenses include expenses associated with on-air talent and the management and maintenance of the systems, tower facilities, and studios used in the creation, distribution and broadcast of programming content on our radio stations. Programming and technical expenses for the radio segment also include expenses associated with our programming research activities and music royalties. For our digital segment, programming and technical expenses include software product design, post-application software development and maintenance, database and server support costs, the help desk function, data center expenses connected with ISP hosting services and other internet content delivery expenses. For our cable television segment, programming and technical expenses include expenses associated with technical, programming, production, and content management. The decrease in programming and technical expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 is primarily due to several cost-cutting initiatives, specifically compensation savings from employee layoffs, furloughs and salary reductions and on-air talent reductions. Our radio broadcasting segment generated a decrease of approximately $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 due primarily to lower compensation costs, contract labor costs and music licensing fees. Our Reach Media segment generated a decrease of approximately $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 due primarily to lower contract labor and talent costs. Our cable television segment generated a decrease of approximately $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 due primarily to lower compensation costs and lower content amortization expense. Our digital segment generated a decrease of $559,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.

 

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Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation

 

Three Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ 23,516     $ 36,374     $ ( 12,858)     (35.3 )%

   

Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses associated with our sales departments, offices and facilities and personnel (outside of our corporate headquarters), marketing and promotional expenses, special events and sponsorships and back office expenses. Expenses to secure ratings data for our radio stations and visitors’ data for our websites are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses. In addition, selling, general and administrative expenses for the radio broadcasting segment and digital segment include expenses related to the advertising traffic (scheduling and insertion) functions. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include membership traffic acquisition costs for our online business. The decrease in expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 is primarily due to special events costs that were eliminated, lower commissions and national representative fees due to declining revenue, lower compensation expenses resulting from employee layoffs, furloughs and salary cuts. Other savings include lower promotional expenses and reduced travel and entertainment spending due to pandemic related restrictions and safety measures. Our radio broadcasting segment generated a decrease of approximately $7.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 primarily due to lower compensation costs, national rep fees, lower professional fees, special event costs and promotional spending. Our Reach Media segment generated a decrease of approximately $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to the cancellation of special events. Our cable television segment generated a decrease of approximately $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 primarily due to lower promotional and advertising expenses and lower compensation costs. Our digital segment generated a decrease of approximately $105,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.

 

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

 

Three Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ 7,893     $ 8,053     $ (160 )     (2.0 )%

 

Corporate expenses consist of expenses associated with our corporate headquarters and facilities, including personnel as well as other corporate overhead functions. The decrease in expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 is primarily due to lower expenses at our cable television segment.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

Three Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ 794     $ 1,881     $ (1,087 )     (57.8 )%

 

The decrease in stock-based compensation for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, is primarily due to grants and vesting of stock awards for certain executive officers and other management personnel.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

Three Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ 2,489     $ 2,593     $ (104 )     (4.0 )%

 

The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was due to the mix of assets approaching or near the end of their useful lives.

 

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Impairment of long-lived assets

 

Three Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ 29,050     $     $ 29,050       100.0 %

  

The impairment of long-lived assets for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was related to a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $10.0 million recorded to reduce the carrying value of our Atlanta and Indianapolis market goodwill balances and a charge of approximately $19.1 million associated with our Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Raleigh market radio broadcasting licenses. 

 

Interest expense

 

Three Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ 18,243     $ 20,239     $ (1,996 )     (9.9 )%

 

Interest expense decreased to approximately $18.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $20.2 million for the same period in 2019, due to lower overall debt balances outstanding and lower average interest rates on its 2017 Credit Facility.

 

Other income, net

 

Three Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ (1,684 )   $ (1,299)     $ 385       29.6 %

 

Other income, net, was approximately $1.7 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We recognized other income in the amount of approximately $1.7 million and approximately $1.8 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to our MGM investment. In addition, we recognized a loss of $509,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 related to the sale of its remaining Detroit station and translators.

 

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes

 

Three Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ (136 )   $ (6,535)     $ (6,671 ) (102.1 )%

  

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, we recorded a benefit from income taxes of $136,000 on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of approximately $12.4 million based on the actual effective tax rate for the year to date, which results in an effective tax rate of 1.1%. This rate includes $176,000 of tax benefit related to provision to return adjustments and $114,000 of tax expense related to non-deductible officers’ compensation. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded a provision for income taxes of approximately $6.5 million on pre-tax income from continuing operations of approximately $12.2 million, which results in a tax rate of 53.5%. This tax rate is based on an estimated annual effective tax rate of 35.5%, and discrete tax provision adjustments of approximately $1.9 million primarily due to provision to return adjustments related to state apportionment.

   

Noncontrolling interests in (loss) income of subsidiaries  

 

Three Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ 495     $ 328      $ 167   50.9 %

     

The increase in noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries was due primarily to higher net income recognized by Reach Media during the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019.

 

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Other Data

 

Broadcast and digital operating income

 

Broadcast and digital operating income increased to approximately $44.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $43.6 million for the comparable period in 2019, an increase of $550,000 or 1.3%. The increase was primarily due to higher broadcast and digital operating income at our Reach Media, digital and cable television segments, which was partially offset by lower broadcast and digital operating income at our radio broadcasting segment. Our radio broadcasting segment generated $11.4 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $17.0 million broadcast and digital operating income during the three months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $5.6 million, primarily due to lower net revenues. Reach Media generated approximately $3.7 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $2.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019, primarily due to overall lower expenses. Our digital segment generated $1.6 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $652,000 of broadcast and digital operating income during the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in the digital segment’s broadcast and digital operating income is primarily from higher net revenue and lower expenses. Finally, TV One generated approximately $27.5 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $23.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019, with the increase primarily due to overall lower expenses.

 

Broadcast and digital operating income margin

 

Broadcast and digital operating income margin increased to 48.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from 39.3% for the comparable period in 2019. The margin increase was primarily attributable to higher broadcast and digital operating income at our Reach Media, cable television and digital segment, partially offset by a decrease at our radio broadcasting segment as noted above.

 

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URBAN ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table summarizes our historical consolidated results of operations:

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (In thousands)

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
       
    2020     2019     Increase/(Decrease)  
    (Unaudited)              
Statements of Operations:                        
Net revenue   $ 262,795     $ 331,075     $ (68,280 )     (20.6 )%
Operating expenses:                                
Programming and technical, excluding stock-based compensation     75,684       93,779       (18,095 )     (19.3 )
Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation     75,109       115,174       (40,065 )     (34.8 )
Corporate selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation     23,365       26,245       (2,880 )     (11.0 )
Stock-based compensation     1,455       2,592       (1,137 )     (43.9 )
Depreciation and amortization     7,419       14,451       (7,032 )     (48.7 )
Impairment of long-lived assets     82,700       3,800       78,900       2,076.3  
Total operating expenses     265,732       256,041       9,691       3.8  
Operating (loss) income     (2,937 )     75,034       (77,971 )     (103.9 )
Interest income     212       131       81       61.8  
Interest expense     55,776       61,647       (5,871 )     (9.5 )
Other income, net     (3,282 )     (4,669 )     (1,387 )     (29.7 )
(Loss) income before (benefit from) provision for income taxes and noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries     (55,219 )     18,187       (73,406 )     (403.6 )
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes     (21,526 )     8,342       (29,868 )     (358.0 )
Consolidated net (loss) income     (33,693 )     9,845       (43,538 )     (442.2 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests     846       999       (153 )     (15.3 )
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders   $ (34,539 )   $ 8,846     $ (43,385 )     (490.4 )%

  

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Net revenue

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019              
$ 262,795     $ 331,075     $ (68,280 )     (20.6 )%

  

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recognized approximately $262.8 million in net revenue compared to approximately $331.1 million during the same period in 2019. These amounts are net of agency and outside sales representative commissions. The decrease in net revenue was due primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic which continued to weaken demand for advertising in general, impaired ticket sales and caused the postponement or cancellation of major tent pole special events. Net revenues from our radio broadcasting segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, decreased 34.3% from the same period in 2019. Based on reports prepared by Miller Kaplan, the markets we operate in decreased 31.5% in total revenues. We experienced net revenue declines in all of our radio markets primarily due to lower advertising sales. Reach Media’s net revenues decreased 43.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, due primarily to the postponement of our annual cruise and cancellation of other special events. We recognized approximately $136.0 million and $140.2 million of revenue from our cable television segment during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and 2019, respectively, due primarily to lower affiliate sales. Net revenue for our digital segment decreased approximately $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 primarily from lower direct revenues.

  

Operating Expenses

 

Programming and technical, excluding stock-based compensation

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019              
$ 75,684     $ 93,779     $ (18,095 )     (19.3 )%

  

Programming and technical expenses include expenses associated with on-air talent and the management and maintenance of the systems, tower facilities, and studios used in the creation, distribution and broadcast of programming content on our radio stations. Programming and technical expenses for the radio segment also include expenses associated with our programming research activities and music royalties. For our internet segment, programming and technical expenses include software product design, post-application software development and maintenance, database and server support costs, the help desk function, data center expenses connected with ISP hosting services and other internet content delivery expenses. For our cable television segment, programming and technical expenses include expenses associated with technical, programming, production, and content management. The decrease in programming and technical expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 is primarily due to several cost-cutting initiatives, specifically compensation savings from employee layoffs, furloughs and salary reductions and on-air talent reductions at all our segments. Our radio broadcasting segment generated a decrease of approximately $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 due primarily to lower compensation costs, contract labor costs and music licensing fees. Our Reach Media segment generated a decrease of approximately $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 due primarily to contract labor and talent cost reductions. Our cable television segment generated a decrease of approximately $9.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 due primarily to lower content amortization expense, contract labor and lower compensation costs.

 

Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019              
$ 75,109     $ 115,174     $ (40,065 )     (34.8 )%

  

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Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses associated with our sales departments, offices and facilities and personnel (outside of our corporate headquarters), marketing and promotional expenses, special events and sponsorships and back office expenses. Expenses to secure ratings data for our radio stations and visitors’ data for our websites are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses. In addition, selling, general and administrative expenses for the radio broadcasting segment and internet segment include expenses related to the advertising traffic (scheduling and insertion) functions. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include membership traffic acquisition costs for our online business. The decrease in expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 is primarily due to special events costs that were eliminated, lower commissions and national representative fees due to declining revenue, lower compensation expenses resulting from employee layoffs, furloughs and salary cuts. Other savings include lower promotional expenses and reduced travel and entertainment spending. Our radio broadcasting segment generated a decrease of approximately $16.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 primarily due to lower compensation costs, national rep fees, special event costs and promotional spending. Our Reach Media segment generated a decrease of approximately $12.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to the cancellation of special events. Our cable television segment generated a decrease of approximately $9.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 primarily due to lower promotional and advertising expenses, compensation costs and travel and entertainment spending. Our digital segment generated a decrease of approximately $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to lower compensation costs.

  

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

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019              
$ 23,365     $ 26,245     $ (2,880 )     (11.0 )%

 

Corporate expenses consist of expenses associated with our corporate headquarters and facilities, including personnel as well as other corporate overhead functions. The decrease in corporate selling, general and administrative expenses was due to a decrease in compensation costs.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019              
$ 1,455     $ 2,592     $ (1,137 )     (43.9 )%

 

The decrease in stock-based compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, is primarily due to a decrease in grants and vesting of stock awards for certain executive officers and other management personnel.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019              
$ 7,419     $ 14,451     $ (7,032 )     (48.7 )%

 

The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was due to the mix of assets approaching or near the end of their useful lives, most notably the Company’s affiliate agreements.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019              
$ 82,700     $ 3,800     $ 78,900       2,076.3 %

  

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The impairment of long-lived assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was related to a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $15.9 million recorded to reduce the carrying value of our Atlanta and Indianapolis market goodwill balances and a charge of approximately $66.8 million associated with our Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Richmond and St. Louis radio market broadcasting licenses. The impairment of long-lived assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, was related to a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $3.8 million associated with our Detroit market radio broadcasting licenses.

  

Interest expense

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019              
$ 55,776     $ 61,647     $ (5,871 )     (9.5 )%

 

Interest expense decreased to approximately $55.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $61.6 million for the same period in 2019, due to lower overall debt balances outstanding and lower average interest rates on its 2017 Credit Facility.

 

Other income, net

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ (3,282   $ (4,669 )   $ (1,387 )     (29.7 )%

 

Other income, net decreased to approximately $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $4.7 million for the same period in 2019. We recognized other income in the amount of approximately $3.3 million and $5.2 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to our MGM investment. The decrease is due to the closure of the MGM casino as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

(Benefit from) provision for income taxes

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019        
$ (21,526 )   $ 8,342     $ (29,868 )     (358.0 )%

  

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recorded a benefit from income taxes of approximately $21.5 million. This amount is based on the actual effective tax rate of 39.0%, which includes -6.0% related to non-deductible impairments related to goodwill, and 22.7% related to the release of valuation allowance for certain of our net operating losses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded a provision for income taxes of approximately $8.3 million on a pre-tax income from continuing operations of approximately $18.2 million, which results in a tax rate of 45.9%. This tax rate was based on an estimated annual effective rate of 35.5% and a discrete tax provision adjustment of approximately $1.9 million primarily due to provision to return adjustments related to state apportionment.

 

Noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase/(Decrease)  
2020     2019              
$ 846     $ 999     $ (153 )     (15.3 )%
                             

  

The decrease in noncontrolling interests in income of subsidiaries was due to lower net income recognized by Reach Media during nine months ended September 30, 2020, versus the same period in 2019.

 

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Other Data

 

Broadcast and digital operating income

 

Broadcast and digital operating income decreased to approximately $112.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $122.1 million for the comparable period in 2019, a decrease of approximately $10.1 million or 8.3%. This decrease was primarily due to declines in net revenue as a result of weakened advertising demand given the COVID-19 pandemic in our radio broadcasting and Reach Media segments, which was partially offset by higher broadcast and digital operating income at our digital and cable television segments. Our radio broadcasting segment generated approximately $19.9 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $43.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of approximately $23.9 million, primarily from lower net revenues, partially offset by lower expenses. Reach Media generated approximately $7.2 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $7.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, with the decrease primarily due to lower net revenues, partially offset by lower expenses. Our digital segment generated $1.1 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $1.0 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, with the increase primarily due to overall lower expenses. Finally, TV One generated approximately $83.8 million of broadcast and digital operating income during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to approximately $69.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, with the increase primarily due to overall lower expenses.

 

Broadcast and digital operating income margin

 

Broadcast and digital operating income margin increased to 42.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 36.9% for the comparable period in 2019. The margin increase was primarily attributable to higher broadcast and digital operating income at our digital and cable television segments as noted above.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our primary source of liquidity is cash provided by operations and, to the extent necessary, borrowings available under our asset-backed credit facility (the “ABL Facility”).  

 

Beginning in March 2020, the Company noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting government stay at home orders across the markets in which we operate were dramatically impacting certain of the Company's revenues. Most notably, a number of advertisers across significant advertising categories have reduced or ceased advertising spend due to the outbreak and stay at home orders which effectively shut many businesses down.  This has been particularly true within our radio segment which derives substantial revenue from local advertisers who have been particularly hard hit due to social distancing and government interventions. Further, the COVID-19 outbreak has caused the postponement of our 2020 Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage cruise and impaired ticket sales of other tent pole special events, some of which we had to cancel. We do not carry business interruption insurance to compensate us for losses that may occur as a result of any of these interruptions and continued impacts from the COVID-19 outbreak. Continued or future outbreaks and/or the speed at which businesses reopen (or reclose) in the markets in which we operate could have material impacts on our liquidity and/or operations including causing potential impairment of assets and of our financial results.

 

Given the expected continued decreases in revenues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we assessed our operations considering a variety of factors, including but not limited to, media industry financial reforecasts for 2020, expected operating results, estimated net cash flows from operations, future obligations and liquidity, capital expenditure commitments and projected debt covenant compliance.  If the Company were unable to meet its financial covenants, an event of default would occur and the Company’s debt would have to be classified as current, which the Company would be unable to repay if lenders were to call the debt.  We concluded that the potential that the Company could incur considerable decreases in operating profits and the resulting impact on the Company’s ability to meet its debt service obligations and debt covenants were probable conditions giving rise to assess whether substantial doubt existed over the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

As a result, during the third quarter of 2020, the Company performed a complete reforecast of its 2020 anticipated results extending through one year from the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements. In reforecasting its results, the Company considered the offsetting impact of certain of cost-cutting measures including furloughs, layoffs, salary reductions, other expense reduction (including eliminating travel and entertainment expenses), eliminating discretionary bonuses and merit raises, decreasing or deferring marketing spend, deferring programming/production costs, reducing special events costs, and implementing a hiring freeze on open positions.

 

Out of an abundance of caution and to provide for further liquidity given the uncertainty around the pandemic, the Company drew approximately $27.5 million on its ABL Facility on March 19, 2020.  As of September 30, 2020, that amount remained on the Company’s balance sheet and together with other cash on hand improved our cash balance to approximately $102.2 million.  As of November 9, 2020 our cash on hand balance is approximately $94.6 million. Based on the Company’s forecast operational activity, its ability to manage and delay any capitalized expenditures and additional variable cost-cutting measures, the Company has adequate cash reserves and sufficient liquidity into the foreseeable future or for the next 12 months. As a result of the cost reduction measures that the Company took in response to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company’s current cash balance and further, considering certain remaining countermeasures the Company can implement in the event of further or continued downturn, the Company anticipates meeting its debt service requirements and is projecting compliance with all debt covenants through one year from the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements. This estimate is, however, subject to substantial uncertainty, in particular due to the unpredictable extent and duration of the impact of COVID-19 on our business, and the concentration of certain of our revenues in areas that could be deemed “hotspots” for the pandemic, and other factors described in Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” herein and Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as well as the factors discussed in Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in each of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020.

 

On August 18, 2020, the Company entered into an Open Market Sale AgreementSM (the “ATM Sale Agreement”) with Jefferies LLC (“Jefferies”) under which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class A Shares”), through Jefferies as its sales agent. The Company also filed a prospectus supplement pursuant to the Sale Agreement for the offer and sale of its Class A Shares having an aggregate offering price of up to $25 million.

 

Pursuant to the ATM Sale Agreement, sales of the Class A Shares, if any, will be made under the Company’s previously filed and effective Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-241635) and an applicable prospectus supplement, by any method that is deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Subject to the terms and conditions of the ATM Sale Agreement, Jefferies may sell the Class A Shares by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Jefferies will use commercially reasonable efforts to sell the Class A Shares from time to time, based upon instructions from the Company (including any price, time or size limits or other customary parameters or conditions the Company may impose). The Company will pay Jefferies a commission equal to three percent (3.0%) of the gross sales proceeds of any Class A Shares sold through Jefferies under the ATM Sale Agreement. In addition, the Company has agreed to reimburse certain legal expenses and fees by Jefferies in connection with the offering, in addition to certain ongoing disbursements of Jefferies’ counsel.

 

As of September 30, 2020, the Company has issued and sold an aggregate of 2,859,276 Class A Shares pursuant to the ATM Sale Agreement and received gross proceeds of approximately $15.4 million and net proceeds of approximately $14.8 million, after deducting commissions to Jefferies and other offering expenses.

 

On October 2, 2020, a private offer to certain eligible noteholders to exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) any and all of its outstanding $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “Existing Notes”) for newly issued 8.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “New Notes”) commenced. As of the expiration date, October 30, 2020, an aggregate of $347.0 million principal amount of Existing Notes were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn. Eligible holders who validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their Existing Notes received the early participation payments and accrued and unpaid interest in cash on their Existing Notes accepted for exchange to, but not including, the Settlement Date for the Exchange Offer. In connection with the settlement of the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation, on November 9, 2020, the Company issued $347,016,000 aggregate principal amount of the New Notes.

 

See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements – Long-Term Debt for further information on liquidity and capital resources and see Note 9 – Subsequent Events in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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As of September 30, 2020, ratios calculated in accordance with the 2017 Credit Facility were as follows:

  

    As of
September 30, 2020
    Covenant
Limit
      Excess
Coverage
   
Interest Coverage                            
Covenant EBITDA / Interest Expense     2.02 x     1.25 x       0.77 x  
                             
Senior Secured Leverage                            
Senior Secured Debt / Covenant EBITDA     4.55 x     5.85 x       1.30 x  

   

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

 

As of September 30, 2020, ratios calculated in accordance with the 2018 Credit Facility were as follows:

  

    As of
September 30, 2020
    Covenant
Limit
      Excess
Coverage
   
Total Gross Leverage                      
Consolidated Indebtedness / Covenant EBITDA   6.36 x   7.50 x     1.14 x  

  

Covenant EBITDA – Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) adjusted for certain other adjustments, as defined in the 2018 Credit Facility

 

The following table summarizes the interest rates in effect with respect to our debt as of September 30, 2020:

 

Type of Debt   Amount Outstanding     Applicable
Interest
Rate
 
    (In millions)        
2017 Credit Facility, net of original issue discount and issuance costs (at variable rates)(1)   $ 313.9       5.0 %
7.375% Senior Secured Notes, net of original issue discount and issuance costs (fixed rate)     348.3       7.375 %
2018 Credit Facility, net of original issue discount and issuance costs (fixed rate)     131.8       12.875 %
MGM National Harbor Loan, net of original issue discount and issuance costs (fixed rate, including PIK)     55.6       11.0 %
Asset-backed credit facility (variable rate)(1)     27.5       2.40 %

 

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

  

The following table provides a comparison of our statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively: 

 

    2020     2019  
    (In thousands)  
Net cash flows provided by operating activities   $   64,443      $ 51,048  
Net cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities   $       (3,651 )   $ 9,553  
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities   $ 8,358      $ (44,588 )

 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities were approximately $64.4 million and $51.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net cash flow from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, increased from the prior year primarily due to timing of collections of accounts receivable and lower payments for content assets. Cash flows from operations, cash and cash equivalents, and other sources of liquidity are expected to be available and sufficient to meet foreseeable cash requirements.

  

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Net cash flows used in investing activities were approximately $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and net cash flows provided by investing activities were $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Capital expenditures, including digital tower and transmitter upgrades, and deposits for station equipment and purchases were approximately $3.2 million and $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company received proceeds of approximately $13.5 million for the sale of the remaining Detroit station and translators. We took ownership of WQMC-LD on February 24, 2020 for total consideration of $475,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

 

Net cash flows provided by financing activities were approximately $8.4 million compared to net cash flows used in financing activities of approximately $44.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we repaid approximately $34.9 million and $37.6 million in outstanding debt, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 we received net proceeds of approximately $27.5 million on our ABL Facility. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we borrowed approximately $3.6 million on the MGM National Harbor Loan. We repurchased approximately $3.6 million and $5.3 million of our Class A and Class D Common Stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we received proceeds of approximately $2.0 million from the exercise of stock options. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company distributed $658,000 of contingent consideration related to the Moguldom acquisition. Reach Media paid approximately $1.0 million in dividends to noncontrolling interest shareholders during each of the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Finally, the Company received proceeds of approximately $14.8 million from the issuance of Class A Common Stock, net of fees paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

 

Credit Rating Agencies

 

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

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In Management’s Discussion and Analysis contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, we summarized the policies and estimates that we believe to be most critical in understanding the judgments involved in preparing our consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. There have been no material changes to our existing accounting policies or estimates since we filed our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Goodwill and Radio Broadcasting Licenses

 

Impairment Testing

 

We have made several acquisitions in the past for which a significant portion of the purchase price was allocated to radio broadcasting licenses and goodwill. Goodwill exists whenever the purchase price exceeds the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired in business combinations. As of September 30, 2020, we had approximately $516.4 million in broadcast licenses and $223.8 million in goodwill, which totaled $740.2 million, and represented approximately 61.2% of our total assets. Therefore, we believe estimating the fair value of goodwill and radio broadcasting licenses is a critical accounting estimate because of the significance of their carrying values in relation to our total assets.

 

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $15.9 million related to its Atlanta market and Indianapolis goodwill balances and also a charge of approximately $66.8 million associated with our Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Richmond and St. Louis market radio broadcasting licenses. 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. 

  

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

 

Valuation of Broadcasting Licenses

  

Beginning in March 2020, the Company noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting government stay at home orders were dramatically impacting certain of the Company's revenues. Most notably, a number of advertisers across significant advertising categories have reduced or ceased advertising spend due to the outbreak and stay at home orders which effectively shut many businesses down in the markets in which we operate.  This was particularly true within our radio segment which derives substantial revenue from local advertisers who have been particularly hard hit due to social distancing and government interventions. As a result of COVID-19, the total market revenue growth for certain markets in which we operate was below that assumed in our annual impairment testing. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $47.7 million associated with our Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Richmond and St. Louis radio market broadcasting licenses. We did not identify any impairment indicators for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Based on the latest market data obtained by the Company in the third quarter of 2020, the total anticipated market revenue growth for certain markets in which we operate continues to be below that assumed in our first quarter 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, 2020. As a result of that testing, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $19.1 million associated with our Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Raleigh market radio 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. Below are some of the key assumptions used in the income approach model for estimating broadcasting licenses fair values for the interim impairment assessments where impairment was recorded for 2020.

 

Radio Broadcasting   September 30,     March 31,  
Licenses   2020 (a)     2020 (a)  
Impairment charge (in millions)   $ 19.1     $ 47.7  
Discount Rate     9.0  %     9.5 %
Year 1 Market Revenue Growth Rate Range     (10.7)% – (16.8) %     (13.3) %
Long-term Market Revenue Growth Rate Range (Years 6 – 10)     0.7% – 1.1 %     0.7% – 1.1 %
Mature Market Share Range     6.7% – 23.9 %     6.9% – 25.0 %
Mature Operating Profit Margin Range     27.7% –37.1 %     27.6% –39.7 %

 

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

 

Valuation of Goodwill

 

As noted above, during the first and third quarters of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we identified impairment indicators at certain of our radio markets, and, as such, we performed an interim analysis for certain radio market goodwill. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $6.0 million to reduce the carrying value of our Atlanta and Indianapolis market goodwill balances. We did not identify any impairment indicators at any of our other reportable segments for the three months ended June 30, 2020. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $10.0 million to reduce the carrying value of our Atlanta and Indianapolis market goodwill balances. We did not identify any impairment indicators at any of our reportable segments for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Below are some of the key assumptions used in the income approach model for estimating reporting unit fair values for the interim impairment assessments where impairment was recorded for 2020.

  

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Goodwill (Radio Market   September 30,     March 31,  
Reporting Units)   2020 (a)     2020 (a)  
Impairment charge (in millions)   $ 10.0     $ 6.0  
Discount Rate     9.0  %     9.5 %
Year 1 Market Revenue Growth Rate Range     (26.6)% – 34.7 %     (14.5)% – (12.9) %
Long-term Market Revenue Growth Rate Range (Years 6 – 10)     0.9% – 1.1 %     0.9% – 1.1 %
Mature Market Share Range     8.4% – 12.7 %     11.1% – 13.0 %
Mature Operating Profit Margin Range     27.7% – 48.1 %     29.4% – 39.0 %

  

(a) Reflects the key assumptions for testing only those radio markets with remaining goodwill.

 

As part of our annual testing, when arriving at the estimated fair values for radio broadcasting licenses and goodwill, we also performed an analysis by comparing our overall average implied multiple based on our cash flow projections and fair values to recently completed sales transactions, and by comparing our fair value estimates to the market capitalization of the Company. The results of these comparisons confirmed that the fair value estimates resulting from our annual assessment for 2019 were reasonable.

 

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

 

Realizability of Deferred Tax Assets

 

As of each reporting date, management considers new evidence, both positive and negative, that could affect its conclusions regarding the future realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets (“DTAs”). During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, management continues to believe that there is sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not the DTAs are realizable. The assessment to determine the value of the DTAs to be realized under ASC 740 is highly judgmental and requires the consideration of all available positive and negative evidence in evaluating the likelihood of realizing the tax benefit of the DTAs in a future period. Circumstances may change over time such that previous negative evidence no longer exists, and new conditions should be evaluated as positive or negative evidence that could affect the realization of the DTAs. Since the evaluation requires consideration of events that may occur some years into the future, significant judgment is required, and our conclusion could be materially different if certain expectations do not materialize.

 

In the assessment of all available evidence, an important piece of objectively verifiable evidence is evaluating a cumulative income or loss position over the most recent three-year period. Historically, the Company maintained a full valuation against the net DTAs, principally due to overwhelming objectively verifiable negative evidence in the form of a cumulative loss over the most recent three-year period. However, during the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company achieved three years of cumulative income, which removed the most heavily weighted piece of objectively verifiable negative evidence from our evaluation of the realizability of DTAs. Moreover, in combination with the three years of cumulative income and other objectively verifiable positive evidence that existed as of the quarter ended December 31, 2018, management believed that there was sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it was more likely than not that a material portion of its net DTAs were realizable. Consequently, the Company reduced its valuation allowance during the quarter ended December 31, 2018, in addition to the reduction of the valuation allowance during the quarter ended December 31, 2017.

 

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As of the quarter ended September 30, 2020, management continues to weigh the objectively verifiable evidence associated with its cumulative income or loss position over the most recent three-year period. Further, as of the quarter ended September 30, 2020, the Company continues to have three years of cumulative income. Management also considered the cumulative income includes non-deductible pre-tax expenditures that, while included in pre-tax earnings, are not a component of taxable income and therefore are not expected to negatively impact the Company's ability to realize the tax benefit of the DTAs in current or future years. 

 

As part of the 2017 Tax Act, IRC Section 163(j) limits the timing of the tax deduction for interest expense. In conjunction with evaluating and weighing the aforementioned negative and positive evidence from the Company’s historical cumulative income or loss position, management also evaluated the impact that interest expense has had on our cumulative income or loss position over the most recent three-year period. A material component of the Company’s expenses is interest and has been the primary driver of historical pre-tax losses. As part of our evaluation of positive evidence, management is adjusting for the IRC Section 163(j) interest expense limitation on projected taxable income as part of developing forecasts of taxable income sufficient to utilize the Company’s federal and state net operating losses that are not subject to annual limitation resulting from the 2009 ownership shift as defined under IRC Section 382.

 

Realization of the Company’s DTAs is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in future periods, and although management believes it is more likely than not future taxable income will be sufficient to realize the DTAs, realization is not assured and future events may cause a change to the judgment of the realizability of the DTAs. If a future event causes management to re-evaluate and conclude that it is not more likely than not, that all or a portion of the DTAs are realizable, the Company would be required to establish a valuation allowance against the assets at that time, which would result in a charge to income tax expense and a decrease to net income in the period which the change of judgment is concluded.

  

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

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

 

CAPITAL AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS:

 

Radio Broadcasting Licenses

 

Each of the Company’s radio stations operates pursuant to one or more licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission that have a maximum term of eight years prior to renewal. The Company’s radio broadcasting licenses expire at various times beginning in December 2020 through October 2028. Although the Company may apply to renew its radio broadcasting licenses, third parties may challenge the Company’s renewal applications. The Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would prevent the Company from having its current licenses renewed.

 

Indebtedness

 

We have several debt instruments outstanding within our corporate structure. We incurred senior bank debt as part of our 2017 Credit Facility in the amount of $350.0 million that matures on the earlier of (i) April 18, 2023, or (ii) in the event such debt is not repaid or refinanced, 91 days prior to the maturity of the Company’s 2022 Notes. We also have approximately $350.0 million outstanding in our 2022 Notes. Finally, on December 20, 2018, the Company closed on a $192.0 million unsecured credit facility (the “2018 Credit Facility”) and the Company also closed on a $50.0 million loan secured by our interest in the MGM National Harbor Casino (the “MGM National Harbor Loan”). See “Liquidity and Capital Resources.” See the current balances outstanding in the “Type of Debt” section as part of the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section above. See Note 9 – Subsequent Events in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Royalty Agreements

 

Musical works rights holders, generally songwriters and music publishers, have been traditionally represented by performing rights organizations, such as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”), Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”) and SESAC, Inc. (“SESAC”).  The market for rights relating to musical works is changing rapidly. Songwriters and music publishers have withdrawn from the traditional performing rights organizations, particularly ASCAP and BMI, and new entities, such as Global Music Rights, Inc. (“GMR”), have been formed to represent rights holders. These organizations negotiate fees with copyright users, collect royalties and distribute them to the rights holders.  We currently have arrangements with ASCAP, SESAC and GMR. On April 22, 2020, the Radio Music License Committee (“RMLC”), an industry group which the Company is a part of, and BMI have reached agreement on the terms of a new license agreement that covers the period January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2021. Upon approval of the court of the BMI/RMLC agreement, the Company automatically became a party to the agreement and a license through December 31, 2021.

  

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Lease obligations

 

We have non-cancelable operating leases for office space, studio space, broadcast towers and transmitter facilities that expire over the next 11 years.

 

Operating Contracts and Agreements

 

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

 

Reach Media Noncontrolling Interest Shareholders’ Put Rights

 

Beginning on January 1, 2018, the noncontrolling interest shareholders of Reach Media have had an annual right to require Reach Media to purchase all or a portion of their shares at the then current fair market value for such shares (the “Put Right”).  This annual right is exercisable for a 30-day period beginning January 1 of each year. The purchase price for such shares may be paid in cash and/or registered Class D common stock of Urban One, at the discretion of Urban One. The noncontrolling interest shareholders of Reach Media did not exercise their Put Right for the 30-day period ending January 30, 2020. Management, at this time, cannot reasonably determine the period when and if the put right will be exercised by the noncontrolling interest shareholders.

 

Contractual Obligations Schedule

 

The following table represents our scheduled contractual obligations as of September 30, 2020:

 

    Payments Due by Period  
Contractual Obligations   Remainder
of 2020
    2021     2022     2023     2024     2025 and
Beyond
    Total  
    (In thousands)  
7.375% Senior Subordinated Notes(1)   $ 6,453     $ 25,813     $ 357,529     $     $     $     $ 389,795  
2017 Credit facility(2)     5,598       24,907       24,633       316,363                   371,501  
2018 Credit facility(2)     9,233       35,216       124,009                         168,458  
Other operating contracts/agreements(3)    

 

27,181

      67,454       20,939       12,325       10,834       35,395       174,128  
Operating lease obligations    

 

3,352

      12,547       11,499       9,618       8,812       11,660       57,488  
MGM National Harbor Loan    

 

1,598

      6,518       69,433                         77,549  
Total   $ 53,415     $ 172,455     $ 608,042     $ 338,306     $ 19,646     $ 47,055     $ 1,238,919  

    

(1) Includes interest obligations based on effective interest rates on senior secured notes outstanding as of September 30, 2020.

 

(2) Includes interest obligations based on effective interest rate, and projected interest expense on credit facilities outstanding as of September 30, 2020.

 

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

 

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Of the total amount of other operating contracts and agreements included in the table above, approximately $87.7 million has not been recorded on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2020, as it does not meet recognition criteria. Approximately $8.6 million relates to certain commitments for content agreements for our cable television segment, approximately $13.6 million relates to employment agreements, and the remainder relates to other agreements.

 

Other Contingencies

 

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

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

On February 24, 2015, the Company entered into a letter of credit reimbursement and security agreement. On October 8, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment to its letter of credit reimbursement and security agreement and extended the term to October 8, 2024. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had letters of credit totaling $871,000 under the agreement. Letters of credit issued under the agreement are required to be collateralized with cash.  

 

Item 3:  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk affecting Urban One, see Item 7A: “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.  Our exposure related to market risk has not changed materially since December 31, 2019.

  

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

We have carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures are not effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic SEC reports due to the material weaknesses discussed below. Disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, are controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide a reasonable level of assurance of reaching our desired disclosure controls objectives. Our management, including our CEO and CFO, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are not effective in reaching that level of reasonable assurance.

 

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Changes in internal control over financial reporting

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

 

As part of the Urban One Form 10-K filing for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company identified three material weaknesses that required remediation.  The Company began addressing these areas during the first quarter of 2020. We have substantially completed the remediation activities and believe that we have strengthened our controls to address the identified material weaknesses. However, control weaknesses are not considered remediated until new internal controls have been operational for a period of time, are tested, and management concludes that these controls are operating effectively. We expect to complete the remediation process in 2020. Other than the remediation actions disclosed in Item 9A. of the 2019 Form 10-K, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2020 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. As discussed in Item 9A. of our 2019 Form 10-K, we have initiated several remedial procedures to address the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. These remedial procedures will continue through fiscal year 2020, with the goal to fully remediate all remaining material weaknesses by fiscal year end. 

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

Legal Proceedings

 

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

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

Impact of Public Health Crisis

 

An epidemic or pandemic disease outbreak, such as the current COVID-19 outbreak, could cause, is currently causing and could continue to cause, significant disruption to our business operations. Measures taken by governmental authorities and private actors to limit the spread of this virus are interfering with the ability of the Company’s employees, suppliers, and customers to conduct their functions and business in a normal manner. Further, the demand for advertising across our various segments/platforms is linked to the level of economic activity and employment in the United States. Specifically, our business is heavily dependent on the demand for advertising from consumer-focused companies. The recent and significant dislocation of consumer demand due to social distancing and government interventions (such as lockdowns or shelter in place policies) has caused, and could further cause, advertisers to reduce, postpone or eliminate their marketing spending generally, and on our platforms in particular. Continued or future social distancing, government interventions and/or recessions could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Moreover, continued or future declines or disruptions due to the COVID-19 outbreak, could adversely affect our business and financial performance. The COVID-19 outbreak has had an impact on certain of the Company’s revenue and alternative revenue sources. Most notably, a number of advertisers across significant advertising categories have reduced advertising spend due to the outbreak, particularly within our radio segment which derives substantial revenue from local advertisers, including in areas currently considered “hotspots” such as Texas, Ohio and Georgia, who have been particularly hard hit due to social distancing and government interventions. Further, the COVID-19 outbreak has caused the postponement of our 2020 Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage cruise and impaired ticket sales of other tent pole special events, some of which we had to cancel. We do not carry business interruption insurance to compensate us for losses that may occur as a result of any of these interruptions and continued impacts from the COVID-19 outbreak. Outbreaks in the markets in which we operate could have material impacts on our liquidity, operations including potential impairment of assets, and our financial results. 

 

We anticipate continued decreases in revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such we assessed our operations considering a variety of factors, including but not limited to, media industry financial reforecasts for 2020, expected operating results, estimated net cash flows from operations, future obligations and liquidity, capital expenditure commitments and projected debt covenant compliance. If the Company were unable to meet financial covenant under certain of our outstanding debt covenants, an event of default would occur and the Company’s debt would have to be classified as current, which the Company would be unable to repay if lenders were to call the debt.

 

To address the matter, the Company proactively implemented certain cost-cutting measures including furloughs, layoffs, salary reductions, other expense reduction (including eliminating travel and entertainment expenses), eliminating discretionary bonuses and merit raises, decreasing or deferring marketing spend, deferring programming/production costs, reducing special events costs, and implementing a hiring freeze on open positions. Further, out of an abundance of caution and to provide for further liquidity given the uncertainty around the pandemic, the Company drew approximately $27.5 million on its ABL Facility on March 19, 2020. While management estimates that these expense reduction measures, as well as other certain other remedial actions that remain available in the event of sustained or further revenue decline, will be sufficient to provide the Company with adequate liquidity and capacity to maintain covenant compliance, given the unprecedented nature of the pandemic (including the breadth and duration of its economic impact on both business and consumer spending), the extent to which the pandemic impacts our results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with complete accuracy. 

 

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In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (the “2019 Annual Report”), which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our 2019 Annual Report, as updated by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, are not the only risks facing our Company.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial, may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

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

 

None.

 

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

  

Item 5.  Other Information

 

None.

   

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number
  Description
     
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101     Financial information from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, formatted in XBRL.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

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

 

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

 

November 12, 2020

 

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