UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

[X]          QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

                ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

 

[   ]          TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

                 ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _________ TO __________

 

Commission File Number

001-09645

 

iHeartCommunications, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

                                                   Texas                                                                                                           74-1787539

                               (State or other jurisdiction of                                                                  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

                             incorporation or organization)

 

                           200 East Basse Road, Suite 100

                                      San Antonio, Texas                                                                                                    78209

                     (Address of principal executive offices)                                                                               (Zip Code)

 

(210) 822-2828

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

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

 

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

Large accelerated filer [   ]   Accelerated filer [   ]   Non-accelerated filer [X]  Smaller reporting company [   ]

 

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 3, 2015

                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                                                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                       Common Stock, $.001 par value                                                                                 500,000,000

 

The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this form in a reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction H(2).

  

 

 


 

IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
INDEX

 

 

 

Page No.

Part I – Financial Information

 

Item 1.       Financial Statements

1

                    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

1

                    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

2

                    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

3

                    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

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

16

Item 3.       Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

34

Item 4.       Controls and Procedures

35

Part II – Other Information

 

Item 1.       Legal Proceedings

36

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

36

Item 2.       Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds (intentionally omitted pursuant to General Instruction H(2)(b) of Form 10-Q)

36

Item 3.       Defaults Upon Senior Securities (intentionally omitted pursuant to General Instruction H(2)(b) of Form 10-Q)

36

Item 4.       Mine Safety Disclosures

36

Item 5.       Other Information

36

Item 6.       Exhibits

36

Signatures

38

  

 


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(In thousands, except share data)

September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

2015

 

December 31,

 

(Unaudited)

 

2014

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

 382,846  

 

$

 457,024  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $34,208 in 2015 and $32,396 in 2014

 

 1,433,353  

 

 

 1,395,248  

Prepaid expenses

 

 217,310  

 

 

 191,572  

Other current assets

 

 132,094  

 

 

 136,299  

 

Total Current Assets

 

 2,165,603  

 

 

 2,180,143  

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

Structures, net

 

 1,491,781  

 

 

 1,614,199  

Other property, plant and equipment, net

 

 850,305  

 

 

 1,084,865  

INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

 

 

 

 

 

Indefinite-lived intangibles - licenses

 

 2,413,483  

 

 

 2,411,071  

Indefinite-lived intangibles - permits

 

 1,043,727  

 

 

 1,066,748  

Other intangibles, net

 

 1,026,368  

 

 

 1,206,727  

Goodwill

 

 4,171,354  

 

 

 4,187,424  

OTHER ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

 296,608  

 

 

 289,065  

Total Assets

$

 13,459,229  

 

$

 14,040,242  

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

 117,020  

 

$

 132,258  

Accrued expenses

 

 738,278  

 

 

 799,475  

Accrued interest

 

 157,338  

 

 

 252,900  

Deferred income

 

 204,177  

 

 

 176,048  

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 2,464  

 

 

 3,604  

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 1,219,277  

 

 

 1,364,285  

Long-term debt

 

 20,585,954  

 

 

 20,322,414  

Deferred income taxes

 

 1,558,923  

 

 

 1,563,888  

Other long-term liabilities

 

 569,111  

 

 

 454,863  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 4)

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDER'S DEFICIT

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

 199,643  

 

 

 224,140  

Common stock, par value $.001 per share, authorized and issued

 

 

 

 

 

 

500,000,000 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively

 

 500  

 

 

 500  

Additional paid-in capital

 

 2,065,983  

 

 

 2,101,132  

Accumulated deficit

 

 (12,343,739) 

 

 

 (11,682,390) 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 (396,423) 

 

 

 (308,590) 

 

Total Shareholder's Deficit

 

 (10,474,036) 

 

 

 (9,665,208) 

Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Deficit

$

 13,459,229  

 

$

 14,040,242  

  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Revenue

$

 1,579,514  

 

$

 1,630,034  

 

$

 4,523,937  

 

$

 4,602,736  

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation

   and amortization)

 

 627,842  

 

 

 648,409  

 

 

 1,821,626  

 

 

 1,890,967  

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (excludes

   depreciation and amortization)

 

 428,967  

 

 

 427,259  

 

 

 1,269,318  

 

 

 1,260,823  

 

Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)

 

 74,542  

 

 

 78,202  

 

 

 232,422  

 

 

 233,104  

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 166,320  

 

 

 175,865  

 

 

 505,167  

 

 

 524,798  

 

Impairment charges

 

 21,631  

 

 

 35  

 

 

 21,631  

 

 

 4,937  

 

Other operating income, net

 

 6,914  

 

 

 47,172  

 

 

 98,694  

 

 

 45,709  

Operating income

 

 267,126  

 

 

 347,436  

 

 

 772,467  

 

 

 733,816  

Interest expense

 

 453,921  

 

 

 432,616  

 

 

 1,348,649  

 

 

 1,304,335  

Loss on investments, net

 

 (5,000) 

 

 

 -  

 

 

 (4,421) 

 

 

 -  

Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates

 

 (857) 

 

 

 3,955  

 

 

 (1,216) 

 

 

 (9,388) 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 -  

 

 

 (4,840) 

 

 

 (2,201) 

 

 

 (56,259) 

Other income (expense), net

 

 (17,976) 

 

 

 2,617  

 

 

 18,126  

 

 

 16,315  

Loss before income taxes

 

 (210,628) 

 

 

 (83,448) 

 

 

 (565,894) 

 

 

 (619,851) 

Income tax expense

 

 (2,841) 

 

 

 (24,376) 

 

 

 (81,523) 

 

 

 (92,142) 

Consolidated net loss

 

 (213,469) 

 

 

 (107,824) 

 

 

 (647,417) 

 

 

 (711,993) 

 

Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 8,448  

 

 

 7,028  

 

 

 13,932  

 

 

 13,679  

Net loss attributable to the Company

$

 (221,917) 

 

$

 (114,852) 

 

$

 (661,349) 

 

$

 (725,672) 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 (22,102) 

 

 

 (63,063) 

 

 

 (101,983) 

 

 

 (77,512) 

 

Unrealized holding gain (loss) on marketable securities

 

 (149) 

 

 

 (74) 

 

 

 540  

 

 

 605  

 

Other adjustments to comprehensive loss

 

 -  

 

 

 -  

 

 

 (1,154) 

 

 

 -  

 

Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on

   securities included in net loss

 

 -  

 

 

 -  

 

 

 -  

 

 

 3,309  

Other comprehensive loss

 

 (22,251) 

 

 

 (63,137) 

 

 

 (102,597) 

 

 

 (73,598) 

Comprehensive loss

 

 (244,168) 

 

 

 (177,989) 

 

 

 (763,946) 

 

 

 (799,270) 

 

 Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 (8,540) 

 

 

 (9,744) 

 

 

 (19,180) 

 

 

 (14,686) 

Comprehensive loss attributable to the Company

$

 (235,628) 

 

$

 (168,245) 

 

$

 (744,766) 

 

$

 (784,584) 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated net loss

 

 

 

$

 (647,417) 

 

$

 (711,993) 

Reconciling items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment charges

 

 

 

 

 21,631  

 

 

 4,937  

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 505,167  

 

 

 524,798  

 

Deferred taxes

 

 

 

 

 15,685  

 

 

 44,866  

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

 

 

 

 20,721  

 

 

 12,149  

 

Amortization of deferred financing charges and note discounts, net

 

 

 

 

 47,401  

 

 

 74,106  

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 7,918  

 

 

 8,064  

 

Gain on disposal of operating and fixed assets

 

 

 

 

 (108,090) 

 

 

 (45,709) 

 

Loss on investments, net

 

 

 

 

 4,421  

 

 

 -  

 

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates

 

 

 

 

 1,216  

 

 

 9,388  

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

 2,201  

 

 

 56,259  

 

Other reconciling items, net

 

 

 

 

 (18,716) 

 

 

 (16,291) 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of

    acquisitions and dispositions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable

 

 

 

 

 (93,312) 

 

 

 1,511  

 

 

Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

 

 

 (51,685) 

 

 

 (24,849) 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses

 

 

 

 

 (43,652) 

 

 

 10,120  

 

 

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

 

 

 

 

 (10,955) 

 

 

 1,419  

 

 

Decrease in accrued interest

 

 

 

 

 (62,149) 

 

 

 (7,890) 

 

 

Increase in deferred income

 

 

 

 

 36,579  

 

 

 41,247  

 

 

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 9,887  

 

 

 (10,592) 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

 

 

 

 (363,149) 

 

 

 (28,460) 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of other investments

 

 

 

 

 579  

 

 

 236,644  

 

Purchases of businesses

 

 

 

 

 (2,887) 

 

 

 841  

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 (192,492) 

 

 

 (195,008) 

 

Proceeds from disposal of assets

 

 

 

 

 405,284  

 

 

 10,367  

 

Purchases of other operating assets

 

 

 

 

 (6,358) 

 

 

 (3,279) 

 

Purchases of other investments

 

 

 

 

 (27,756) 

 

 

 (8,520) 

 

Change in other, net

 

 

 

 

 (2,419) 

 

 

 (4,444) 

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

 

 

 

 173,951  

 

 

 36,601  

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Draws on credit facilities

 

 

 

 

 310,000  

 

 

 65,820  

 

Payments on credit facilities

 

 

 

 

 (123,304) 

 

 

 (315,032) 

 

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 950,000  

 

 

 2,062,475  

 

Payments on long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 (931,372) 

 

 

 (1,944,564) 

 

Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 (42,798) 

 

 

 -  

 

Dividends and other payments to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 (28,088) 

 

 

 (32,581) 

 

Deferred financing charges

 

 

 

 

 (10,028) 

 

 

 (25,933) 

 

Change in other, net

 

 

 

 

 2,294  

 

 

 455  

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

 

 

 

 

 126,704  

 

 

 (189,360) 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

 

 

 (11,684) 

 

 

 (4,576) 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 (74,178) 

 

 

 (185,795) 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

 

 

 457,024  

 

 

 708,151  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

 

 

$

 382,846  

 

$

 522,356  

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

 

 

$

 1,364,055  

 

$

 1,214,129  

Cash paid for taxes

 

 

 

 

 37,299  

 

 

 30,384  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Preparation of Interim Financial Statements

All references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to iHeartCommunications, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.  The Company’s reportable segments are iHeartMedia (“iHM”), Americas outdoor advertising (“Americas outdoor” or “Americas outdoor advertising”) and International outdoor advertising (“International outdoor” or “International outdoor advertising”). 

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and, in the opinion of management, include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of the interim periods shown. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations. Management believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Due to seasonality and other factors, the results for the interim periods may not be indicative of results for the full year.  The financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

We are a holding company and have no significant assets other than the ownership interests in our subsidiaries. All of our operations and all of our operating assets are held by our subsidiaries.  Certain of our outstanding indebtedness is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by our parent, iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC (“Capital I”), and certain of our direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.  Not all of our subsidiaries guarantee our obligations under such outstanding indebtedness.  For a presentation of the allocation of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses attributable to the guarantors of our indebtedness in conformity with the SEC’s Regulation S-X Rule 3-10(d), please refer to Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements of Capital I as of and for the period ending September 30, 2015.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.  Also included in the consolidated financial statements are entities for which the Company has a controlling financial interest or is the primary beneficiary.  Investments in companies in which the Company owns 20% to 50% of the voting common stock or otherwise exercises significant influence over operating and financial policies of the company are accounted for under the equity method.  All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidation process.  Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation.

 

During the first quarter of 2015, in connection with the appointment of the new chief executive officer for Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (“CCOH”), an indirect non-wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and a new chief executive officer for the Americas outdoor business, the Company reevaluated its segment reporting and determined that its Latin American operations should be managed by its Americas outdoor leadership team.  As a result, the operations of Latin America are no longer reflected within the Company’s International outdoor segment and are included in the results of its Americas outdoor segment.  In addition, the Company reorganized a portion of its national representation business such that the cost of sales personnel for iHM radio stations are now included in the iHM segment and its national representation business no longer charges iHM for intercompany cost allocations.  Accordingly, the Company has recast the corresponding segment disclosures for prior periods to include Latin America within the Americas outdoor segment and has also recast the corresponding segment disclosures to reflect internal representation services as direct expenses of iHM.

 

The Company is a Texas corporation with all of its common stock being held by Capital I.  All of Capital I’s interests are held by iHeartMedia Capital II, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of iHeartMedia, Inc. (“Parent”). Parent was formed in May 2007 by private equity funds sponsored by Bain Capital Partners, LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (together, the “Sponsors”) for the purpose of acquiring the business of the Company.

 

Omission of Per Share Information

Net loss per share information is not presented as Capital I owns 100% of the Company’s common stock. The Company does not have any publicly traded common stock.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

During the first quarter of 2015, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360), Reporting Discontinued

4


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.  This update provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of discontinued operations. The update is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 15 December 2014 and interim periods within those years.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

During the first quarter of 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810), Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. This new standard eliminates the deferral of FAS 167, which has allowed entities with interest in certain investment funds to follow the previous consolidation guidance in FIN 46(R) and makes other changes to both the variable interest model and the voting model. The standard is effective for annual periods, and for interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of this new standard on its financial position and results of operations.

 

During the second quarter of 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This update requires entities to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that direct debt liability.  The standard is effective for annual periods, and for interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of this new standard on its financial position and results of operations.

 

During the third quarter of 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. This update provides a one-year deferral of the effective date for ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  ASU No. 2014-09 provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of revenue resulting from contracts with customers and will supersede virtually all of the current revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP.  The standard is effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of this new standard on its financial position and results of operations.

 

During the third quarter of 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This update eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, acquirers must recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amounts, including the effect on earnings of any amounts they would have recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of this new standard on its financial position and results of operations.

  

 

NOTE 2 – Property, plant and equipment, INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

Dispositions

During the first quarter of 2015, the Company sold two office buildings located in San Antonio, Texas for $34.3 million.  Concurrently with the sale of these properties, the Company entered into lease agreements for the continued use of the buildings, pursuant to which the Company will have annual lease payments of $2.6 million.  The Company recognized a gain of $8.1 million on the sale of one of the buildings, which is being recognized over the term of the lease. 

 

On December 11, 2014, Parent announced that its subsidiary had entered into an agreement with Vertical Bridge Holdings, LLC (“Vertical Bridge”) for the sale of up to 411 of our broadcast communications tower sites.  On April 3, 2015, an affiliate of Parent and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries completed the first closing for the sale of 367 of the Company’s broadcast communications tower sites and related assets for $369.2 million. Simultaneous with the sale, the Company entered into lease agreements for the continued use of 360 of the towers sold.  Upon completion of the transaction, the Company realized a net gain of $207.2 million, of which $108.1 million will be deferred and recognized over the lease term.  On July 16, 2015, Parent and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries completed the second closing for the sale of an additional nine of the Company’s broadcast communication tower sites and related assets for approximately $5.9 million. Simultaneous with the sale, the Company entered into lease agreements for the continued use of seven of the towers sold.  Upon completion of the second closing, the Company realized a net gain of $4.4 million, of which $1.7 million will be deferred and recognized over the lease term.  The Company incurred $5.2 million and $10.2 million in operating lease expense in relation to these agreements in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.  The leases entered into as a part of these transactions are for a term of fifteen years and include three optional five-year renewal periods.

    

 

5


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

The Company’s property, plant and equipment consisted of the following classes of assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

2015

 

2014

Land, buildings and improvements

$

 623,946  

 

$

 731,925  

Structures

 

 2,974,643  

 

 

 2,999,582  

Towers, transmitters and studio equipment

 

 345,002  

 

 

 453,044  

Furniture and other equipment

 

 579,147  

 

 

 536,255  

Construction in progress

 

 71,330  

 

 

 95,671  

 

 

 4,594,068  

 

 

 4,816,477  

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

 2,251,982  

 

 

 2,117,413  

Other property, plant and equipment, net

$

 2,342,086  

 

$

 2,699,064  

 

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) broadcast licenses in its iHM segment and billboard permits in its Americas outdoor advertising segment. Due to significant differences in both business practices and regulations, billboards in the International outdoor advertising segment and in Latin America are subject to long-term, finite contracts, unlike the Company’s permits in the United States and Canada. Accordingly, there are no indefinite-lived intangible assets in the International outdoor advertising segment.

 

Annual Impairment Test to FCC Licenses and Billboard Permits

Historically, the Company performed its annual impairment test on indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1 of each year.  Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, the Company began performing its annual impairment test on July 1 of each year.  

 

The impairment tests for indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of a comparison between the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset at the market level with its carrying amount.  If the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to that excess.  After an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of the indefinite-lived asset is its new accounting basis.  The fair value of the indefinite-lived asset is determined using the direct valuation method as prescribed in ASC 805-20-S99.  Under the direct valuation method, the fair value of the indefinite-lived assets is calculated at the market level as prescribed by ASC 350-30-35. The Company engaged Corporate Valuation Consulting LLC (formerly a Mesirow Financial Consulting Practice), a third-party valuation firm, to assist it in the development of the assumptions and the Company’s determination of the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets.

 

The application of the direct valuation method attempts to isolate the income that is properly attributable to the indefinite-lived intangible asset alone (that is, apart from tangible and identified intangible assets and goodwill).  It is based upon modeling a hypothetical “greenfield” build-up to a “normalized” enterprise that, by design, lacks inherent goodwill and whose only other assets have essentially been paid for (or added) as part of the build-up process.  The Company forecasts revenue, expenses, and cash flows over a ten-year period for each of its markets in its application of the direct valuation method.  The Company also calculates a “normalized” residual year which represents the perpetual cash flows of each market.  The residual year cash flow was capitalized to arrive at the terminal value of the licenses in each market.

 

Under the direct valuation method, it is assumed that rather than acquiring indefinite-lived intangible assets as part of a going concern business, the buyer hypothetically develops indefinite-lived intangible assets and builds a new operation with similar attributes from scratch.  Thus, the buyer incurs start-up costs during the build-up phase which are normally associated with going concern value.  Initial capital costs are deducted from the discounted cash flow model which results in value that is directly attributable to the indefinite-lived intangible assets.

 

The key assumptions using the direct valuation method are market revenue growth rates, market share, profit margin, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up capital costs and losses incurred during the build-up period, the risk-adjusted discount

6


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

rate and terminal values.  This data is populated using industry normalized information representing an average FCC license or billboard permit within a market.

 

The Company recognized an impairment charge related to its indefinite-lived intangible assets of $21.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. 

 

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets include definite-lived intangible assets and permanent easements.  The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets include primarily transit and street furniture contracts, talent and representation contracts, customer and advertiser relationships, and site-leases, all of which are amortized over the respective lives of the agreements or over the period of time the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the Company’s future cash flows. Permanent easements are indefinite-lived intangible assets which include certain rights to use real property not owned by the Company.  The Company periodically reviews the appropriateness of the amortization periods related to its definite-lived intangible assets.  These assets are recorded at cost.

 

The following table presents the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each major class of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

September 30, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

Gross Carrying Amount

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

Gross Carrying Amount

 

Accumulated Amortization

Transit, street furniture and other outdoor

   contractual rights

$

 663,303  

 

$

 (465,834) 

 

$

 716,723  

 

$

 (476,523) 

Customer / advertiser relationships

 

 1,222,519  

 

 

 (861,346) 

 

 

 1,222,518  

 

 

 (765,596) 

Talent contracts

 

 319,384  

 

 

 (245,378) 

 

 

 319,384  

 

 

 (223,936) 

Representation contracts

 

 242,413  

 

 

 (218,940) 

 

 

 238,313  

 

 

 (206,338) 

Permanent easements

 

 171,825  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 171,271  

 

 

 -    

Other

 

 388,542  

 

 

 (190,120) 

 

 

 388,160  

 

 

 (177,249) 

 

Total

$

 3,007,986  

 

$

 (1,981,618) 

 

$

 3,056,369  

 

$

 (1,849,642) 

 

Total amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $57.3 million and $65.7 million, respectively. Total amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $180.9 million and $198.9 million, respectively.

 

As acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future, amortization expense may vary.  The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years for definite-lived intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

2016

$

 221,016  

 

2017

 

 197,193  

 

2018

 

 131,081  

 

2019

 

 43,455  

 

2020

 

 36,317  

 

 

Annual Impairment Test to Goodwill

Historically, the Company performed its annual impairment test on goodwill as of October 1 of each year.  Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, the Company began performing its annual impairment test on July 1 of each year.  

 

Each of the Company’s U.S. radio markets and outdoor advertising markets are components.  The U.S. radio markets are aggregated into a single reporting unit and the U.S. outdoor advertising markets are aggregated into a single reporting unit for purposes of the goodwill impairment test using the guidance in ASC 350-20-55.  The Company also determined that each country within its Americas outdoor segment and International outdoor segment constitutes a separate reporting unit.

7


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step, used to screen for potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If applicable, the second step, used to measure the amount of the impairment loss, compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.

 

Each of the Company’s reporting units is valued using a discounted cash flow model which requires estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the reporting unit and discounting such cash flows to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate.  Terminal values were also estimated and discounted to their present value.  Assessing the recoverability of goodwill requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions about sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates based on its budgets, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and marketplace data.  There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying these factors.

 

The Company concluded no goodwill impairment charge was required for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Company’s reportable segments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

iHM

 

Americas Outdoor Advertising

 

International Outdoor Advertising

 

Other

 

Consolidated

Balance as of December 31, 2013

$

 3,270,521  

 

$

 585,227  

 

$

 264,907  

 

$

 81,532  

 

$

 4,202,187  

 

Acquisitions

 

 17,900  

 

 

 -  

 

 

 -  

 

 

 299  

 

 

 18,199  

 

Foreign currency

 

 -  

 

 

 (653) 

 

 

 (32,369) 

 

 

 -  

 

 

 (33,022) 

 

Other

 

 60  

 

 

 -  

 

 

 -  

 

 

 -  

 

 

 60  

Balance as of December 31, 2014

$

 3,288,481  

 

$

 584,574  

 

$

 232,538  

 

$

 81,831  

 

$

 4,187,424  

 

Acquisitions

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -  

 

Foreign currency

 

 -    

 

 

 (636) 

 

 

 (15,434) 

 

 

 -    

 

 

 (16,070) 

 

Other

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -  

Balance as of September 30, 2015

$

 3,288,481  

 

$

 583,938  

 

$

 217,104  

 

$

 81,831  

 

$

 4,171,354  

 

8


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 3 – LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2015

2014

Senior Secured Credit Facilities(1)

 

 $6,300,000  

 

 

 $7,231,222  

Receivables Based Credit Facility Due 2017(2)

 

 190,000  

 

 

 -    

9.0% Priority Guarantee Notes Due 2019

 

 1,999,815  

 

 

 1,999,815  

9.0% Priority Guarantee Notes Due 2021

 

 1,750,000  

 

 

 1,750,000  

11.25% Priority Guarantee Notes Due 2021

 

 575,000  

 

 

 575,000  

9.0% Priority Guarantee Notes Due 2022

 

 1,000,000  

 

 

 1,000,000  

10.625% Priority Guarantee Notes Due 2023

 

 950,000  

 

 

 -    

Subsidiary Revolving Credit Facility Due 2018(3)

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

Other Secured Subsidiary Debt(4)

 

 16,377  

 

 

 19,257  

Total Consolidated Secured Debt

 

 12,781,192  

 

 

 12,575,294  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.0% Senior Notes Due 2021(5)

 

 1,695,097  

 

 

 1,661,697  

The Company's Legacy Notes(6)

 

 667,900  

 

 

 667,900  

10.0% Senior Notes Due 2018

 

 730,000  

 

 

 730,000  

Subsidiary Senior Notes due 2022

 

 2,725,000  

 

 

 2,725,000  

Subsidiary Senior Subordinated Notes due 2020

 

 2,200,000  

 

 

 2,200,000  

Other Subsidiary Debt

 

 178  

 

 

 1,024  

Purchase accounting adjustments and original issue discount

 

 (210,949) 

 

 

 (234,897) 

Total debt

 

 20,588,418  

 

 

 20,326,018  

Less: current portion

 

 2,464  

 

 

 3,604  

Total long-term debt

$

 20,585,954  

 

$

 20,322,414  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Term Loan D and Term Loan E mature in 2019.

(2)

The Receivables Based Credit Facility provides for borrowings up to the lesser of $535.0 million (the revolving credit commitment) or the borrowing base, subject to certain limitations contained in the Company’s material financing agreements.

(3)

The Subsidiary Revolving Credit Facility provides for borrowings up to $75.0 million (the revolving credit commitment).

(4)

Other secured subsidiary debt matures at various dates from 2015 through 2045.

(5)

The 14.0% Senior Notes due 2021 are subject to required payments at various dates from 2018 through 2021.

(6)

The Company’s Legacy Notes, all of which were issued prior to the acquisition of the Company by Parent in 2008, consist of Senior Notes maturing at various dates in 2016, 2018 and 2027.

 

The Company’s weighted average interest rates as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were 8.4% and 8.1%, respectively.  The aggregate market value of the Company’s debt based on market prices for which quotes were available was approximately $17.2 billion and $19.7 billion as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Under the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820-10-35, the market value of the Company’s debt is classified as either Level 1 or Level 2.

 

Debt Issuance

 

During the third quarter of 2015, the Company borrowed $190.0 million aggregate principal amount under its receivables based credit facility due 2017 and used the borrowings for general corporate purposes.

 

On February 26, 2015, the Company issued at par $950.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.625% Priority Guarantee Notes due 2023.  The notes mature on March 15, 2023 and bear interest at a rate of 10.625% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on

9


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2015.  The Company used the net proceeds from the offering primarily to prepay its term loan facilities due 2016.

 

Debt Repayments, Maturities and Other

 

On February 26, 2015, the Company prepaid at par $916.1 million of loans outstanding under its Term Loan B facility and $15.2 million of loans outstanding under its Term Loan C asset sale facility, using the net proceeds of the Priority Guarantee Notes due 2023 issued on such date.

 

Surety Bonds, Letters of Credit and Guarantees

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had outstanding surety bonds, commercial standby letters of credit and bank guarantees of $63.4 million, $106.1 million and $58.7 million, respectively. Bank guarantees of $12.4 million were cash secured.  These surety bonds, letters of credit and bank guarantees relate to various operational matters including insurance, bid, concession and performance bonds as well as other items.

 

NOTE 4 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in certain legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and, as required, have accrued an estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of those claims for which the occurrence of loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.  These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies.  It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions or the effectiveness of the Company’s strategies related to these proceedings.  Additionally, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

Although the Company is involved in a variety of legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, a large portion of the Company’s litigation arises in the following contexts: commercial disputes; defamation matters; employment and benefits related claims; governmental fines; intellectual property claims; and tax disputes.

 

Los Angeles Litigation

In 2008, Summit Media, LLC, one of the Company’s competitors, sued the City of Los Angeles (the “City”), Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. (“CCOI”) and OUTFRONT Media Inc. (formerly CBS Outdoor Americas Inc.) in Los Angeles Superior Court (Case No. BS116611) challenging the validity of a settlement agreement that had been entered into in November 2006 among the parties and pursuant to which CCOI had taken down existing billboards and converted 83 existing signs from static displays to digital displays.  In 2009, the Los Angeles Superior Court ruled that the settlement agreement constituted an ultra vires act of the City, and nullified its existence.  After further proceedings, on April 12, 2013, the Los Angeles Superior Court invalidated 82 digital modernization permits issued to CCOI (77 of which displays were operating at the time of the ruling) and CCOI was required to turn off the electrical power to all affected digital displays on April 15, 2013.  The digital display structures remain intact but digital displays are currently prohibited in the City.  CCOI is seeking permits under the existing City sign code to either wrap the LED faces with vinyl or convert the LED faces to traditional static signs and has obtained a number of such permits.  CCOI is also pursuing a new ordinance to permit digital signage in the City.

 

International Outdoor Investigation

 

On April 21, 2015, inspections were conducted at the premises of Clear Channel in Denmark and Sweden as part of an investigation by Danish competition authorities.  Additionally, on the same day, Clear Channel UK received a communication from the UK competition authorities, also in connection with the investigation by Danish competition authorities. Clear Channel and its affiliates are cooperating with the national competition authorities.

 

 

 

 

  

 

10


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 5 – INCOME TAXES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax Expense

The Company’s income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, consisted of the following components:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Current tax expense

$

 (2,144) 

 

$

 (11,689) 

 

$

 (65,838) 

 

$

 (47,276) 

Deferred tax expense

 

 (697) 

 

 

 (12,687) 

 

 

 (15,685) 

 

 

 (44,866) 

Income tax expense

$

 (2,841) 

 

$

 (24,376) 

 

$

 (81,523) 

 

$

 (92,142) 

 

The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were (1.3)% and (14.4)%, respectively.  The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were (29.2)% and (14.9)%, respectively.  The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were primarily impacted by the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets resulting from applicable period net operating losses in U.S. federal, state and certain foreign jurisdictions due to the uncertainty of the ability to utilize those assets in future periods.

 

NOTE 6 – SHAREHOLDER’S DEFICIT

The Company reports its noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries as a component of equity separate from the Company’s equity.  The following table shows the changes in shareholder’s deficit attributable to the Company and the noncontrolling interests of subsidiaries in which the Company has a majority, but not total, ownership interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

The Company

 

Noncontrolling

Interests

 

Consolidated

Balances as of January 1, 2015

$

 (9,889,348) 

 

$

 224,140  

 

$

 (9,665,208) 

 

Net income (loss)

 

 (661,349) 

 

 

 13,932  

 

 

 (647,417) 

 

Dividends and other payments to noncontrolling interests

 

 -    

 

 

 (28,088) 

 

 

 (28,088) 

 

Purchase of additional noncontrolling interests

 

 (40,820) 

 

 

 (1,978) 

 

 

 (42,798) 

 

Share-based compensation

 

 1,873  

 

 

 6,045  

 

 

 7,918  

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 (82,865) 

 

 

 (19,118) 

 

 

 (101,983) 

 

Unrealized holding gain on marketable securities

 

 484  

 

 

 56  

 

 

 540  

 

Other adjustments to comprehensive loss

 

 (1,036) 

 

 

 (118) 

 

 

 (1,154) 

 

Other, net

 

 (618) 

 

 

 4,772  

 

 

 4,154  

Balances as of September 30, 2015

$

(10,673,679)

 

$

199,643

 

$

(10,474,036)

 

11


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

(In thousands)

The Company

 

Noncontrolling

Interests

 

Consolidated

Balances as of January 1, 2014

$

(8,942,166)

 

$

 245,531  

 

$

(8,696,635)

 

Net income (loss)

 

 (725,672) 

 

 

 13,679  

 

 

 (711,993) 

 

Dividends and other payments to noncontrolling interests

 

 -    

 

 

 (32,581) 

 

 

 (32,581) 

 

Share-based compensation

 

 2,352  

 

 

 5,712  

 

 

 8,064  

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 (62,754) 

 

 

 (14,758) 

 

 

 (77,512) 

 

Unrealized holding gain on marketable securities

 

 533  

 

 

 72  

 

 

 605  

 

Reclassifications

 

 3,309  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 3,309  

 

Other, net

 

 (864) 

 

 

 1,396  

 

 

 532  

Balances as of September 30, 2014

$

 (9,725,262) 

 

$

 219,051  

 

$

 (9,506,211) 

 

The Company does not have any compensation plans under which it grants awards to employees. Parent and CCOH have granted restricted stock, restricted stock units and options to purchase shares of their Class A common stock to certain key individuals.

 

NOTE 7 — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

There was no change in deferred income tax liabilities related to components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The total (decrease) increase in deferred income tax liabilities related to components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were $(0.6) million and $8.2 million, respectively.   

 

Barter and Trade

Barter and trade revenues and expenses from continuing operations are included in consolidated revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively.  Barter and trade revenues were $31.0 million and $19.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $87.6 million and $54.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Barter and trade expenses were $31.0 million and $22.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $84.1 million and $55.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

NOTE 8 – SEGMENT DATA

The Company’s reportable segments, which it believes best reflect how the Company is currently managed, are iHM, Americas outdoor advertising and International outdoor advertising.  Revenue and expenses earned and charged between segments are recorded at estimated fair value and eliminated in consolidation.  The iHM segment provides media and entertainment services via broadcast and digital delivery and also includes the Company’s events and national syndication businesses.  The Americas outdoor advertising segment consists of operations primarily in the United States, Canada and Latin America.  The International outdoor advertising segment primarily includes operations in Europe, Asia and Australia.  The Other category includes the Company’s media representation business as well as other general support services and initiatives that are ancillary to the Company’s other businesses.  Corporate includes infrastructure and support, including information technology, human resources, legal, finance and administrative functions for each of the Company’s reportable segments, as well as overall executive, administrative and support functions. Share-based payments are recorded in corporate expense.

 

12


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

During the first quarter of 2015, the Company revised its segment reporting, as discussed in Note 1.  The following table presents the Company’s reportable segment results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

iHM

 

Americas Outdoor Advertising

 

International Outdoor Advertising

 

Other

 

Corporate and other reconciling items

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

Revenue

$

 846,865  

 

$

 347,336  

 

$

 348,941  

 

$

 39,358  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 (2,986) 

 

$

 1,579,514  

Direct operating expenses

 

 253,848  

 

 

 149,072  

 

 

 223,644  

 

 

 3,174  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 (1,896) 

 

 

 627,842  

Selling, general and

   administrative expenses

 

 272,349  

 

 

 59,539  

 

 

 73,020  

 

 

 25,149  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 (1,090) 

 

 

 428,967  

Depreciation and

   amortization

 

 59,408  

 

 

 50,121  

 

 

 41,564  

 

 

 5,896  

 

 

 9,331  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 166,320  

Impairment charges

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 21,631  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 21,631  

Corporate expenses

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 74,542  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 74,542  

Other operating income, net

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 6,914  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 6,914  

Operating income (loss)

$

 261,260  

 

$

 88,604  

 

$

 10,713  

 

$

 5,139  

 

$

 (98,590) 

 

$

 -    

 

$

 267,126  

Intersegment revenues

$

 -    

 

$

 347  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 2,639  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 2,986  

Capital expenditures

$

 13,533  

 

$

 18,557  

 

$

 28,665  

 

$

 1,444  

 

$

 5,416  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 67,615  

Share-based compensation

   expense

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 2,991  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 2,991  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

Revenue

$

 830,509  

 

$

 350,464  

 

$

 392,330  

 

$

 61,096  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 (4,365) 

 

$

 1,630,034  

Direct operating expenses

 

 244,945  

 

 

 151,550  

 

 

 249,284  

 

 

 5,103  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 (2,473) 

 

 

 648,409  

Selling, general and

   administrative expenses

 

 259,283  

 

 

 60,994  

 

 

 78,619  

 

 

 30,245  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 (1,882) 

 

 

 427,259  

Depreciation and

   amortization

 

 59,359  

 

 

 51,303  

 

 

 47,775  

 

 

 8,389  

 

 

 9,039  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 175,865  

Impairment charges

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 35  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 35  

Corporate expenses

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 78,212  

 

 

 (10) 

 

 

 78,202  

Other operating income, net

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 47,172  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 47,172  

Operating income (loss)

$

 266,922  

 

$

 86,617  

 

$

 16,652  

 

$

 17,359  

 

$

 (40,114) 

 

$

 -    

 

$

 347,436  

Intersegment revenues

$

 10  

 

$

 721  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 3,634  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 4,365  

Capital expenditures

$

 9,336  

 

$

 22,392  

 

$

 19,448  

 

$

 1,235  

 

$

 1,176  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 53,587  

Share-based compensation

   expense

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 2,246  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 2,246  

 

13


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

iHM

 

Americas Outdoor Advertising

 

International Outdoor Advertising

 

Other

 

Corporate and other reconciling items

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

Revenue

$

 2,385,367  

 

$

 984,485  

 

$

 1,049,654  

 

$

 114,860  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 (10,429) 

 

$

 4,523,937  

Direct operating expenses

 

 709,503  

 

 

 445,018  

 

 

 663,011  

 

 

 9,611  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 (5,517) 

 

 

 1,821,626  

Selling, general and

   administrative expenses

 

 800,221  

 

 

 172,522  

 

 

 219,689  

 

 

 81,798  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 (4,912) 

 

 

 1,269,318  

Depreciation and

   amortization

 

 179,721  

 

 

 151,574  

 

 

 124,961  

 

 

 21,173  

 

 

 27,738  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 505,167  

Impairment charges

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 21,631  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 21,631  

Corporate expenses

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 232,422  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 232,422  

Other operating income, net

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 98,694  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 98,694  

Operating income (loss)

$

 695,922  

 

$

 215,371  

 

$

 41,993  

 

$

 2,278  

 

$

 (183,097) 

 

$

 -    

 

$

 772,467  

Intersegment revenues

$

 -    

 

$

 2,510  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 7,919  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 10,429  

Capital expenditures

$

 40,860  

 

$

 50,916  

 

$

 85,522  

 

$

 4,592  

 

$

 10,602  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 192,492  

Share-based compensation

   expense

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 7,918  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 7,918  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

Revenue

$

 2,307,193  

 

$

 985,420  

 

$

 1,173,830  

 

$

 149,818  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 (13,525) 

 

$

 4,602,736  

Direct operating expenses

 

 683,950  

 

 

 448,789  

 

 

 746,702  

 

 

 17,839  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 (6,313) 

 

 

 1,890,967  

Selling, general and

   administrative expenses

 

 763,308  

 

 

 175,811  

 

 

 237,023  

 

 

 91,883  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 (7,202) 

 

 

 1,260,823  

Depreciation and

   amortization

 

 178,914  

 

 

 150,862  

 

 

 143,995  

 

 

 25,763  

 

 

 25,264  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 524,798  

Impairment charges

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 4,937  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 4,937  

Corporate expenses

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 233,114  

 

 

 (10) 

 

 

 233,104  

Other operating income, net

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

 

 

 45,709  

 

 

 -    

 

 

 45,709  

Operating income (loss)

$

 681,021  

 

$

 209,958  

 

$

 46,110  

 

$

 14,333  

 

$

 (217,606) 

 

$

 -    

 

$

 733,816  

Intersegment revenues

$

 10  

 

$

 2,791  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 10,724  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 13,525  

Capital expenditures

$

 30,020  

 

$

 60,519  

 

$

 72,086  

 

$

 4,121  

 

$

 28,262  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 195,008  

Share-based compensation

   expense

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 -    

 

$

 8,064  

 

$

 -    

 

$

 8,064  

 

NOTE 9 – CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company is a party to a management agreement with certain affiliates of the Sponsors and certain other parties pursuant to which such affiliates of the Sponsors will provide management and financial advisory services until 2018.  These agreements require management fees to be paid to such affiliates of the Sponsors for such services at a rate not greater than $15.0 million per year, plus reimbursable expenses.  For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized management fees and reimbursable expenses of $3.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized management fees and reimbursable expenses of $11.7 million and $11.3 million, respectively.

 

Stock Purchases

On August 9, 2010, we announced that our board of directors approved a stock purchase program under which we or our subsidiaries may purchase up to an aggregate of $100.0 million of the Class A common stock of Parent and/or the Class A common stock of CCOH. The stock purchase program did not have a fixed expiration date and could be modified, suspended or terminated at any time at our discretion.  As of December 31, 2014, an aggregate $34.2 million was available under this program.  In January 2015, CC

14


iHeartCommunications, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

Finco, LLC (“CC Finco”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, purchased 2,000,000 shares of CCOH’s Class A common stock for $20.4 million.  On April 2, 2015, CC Finco purchased an additional 2,172,946 shares of CCOH’s Class A common stock for $22.2 million, increasing our collective holdings to represent slightly more than 90% of the outstanding shares of CCOH’s common stock on a fully-diluted basis, assuming the conversion of all of CCOH’s Class B common stock into Class A common stock. As a result of this purchase, the stock purchase program concluded. The purchase of shares in excess of the amount available under the stock purchase program was separately approved by the board of directors.

   

  

 

15


  

 

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Format of Presentation

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes.  Our discussion is presented on both a consolidated and segment basis.  All references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “we,” “us” and “our” refer to iHeartCommunications, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.  Our reportable segments are iHeartMedia (“iHM”), Americas outdoor advertising (“Americas outdoor” or “Americas outdoor advertising”) and International outdoor advertising (“International outdoor” or “International outdoor advertising”).  Our iHM segment provides media and entertainment services via broadcast and digital delivery and also includes our events and national syndication businesses.  Our Americas outdoor and International outdoor segments provide outdoor advertising services in their respective geographic regions using various digital and traditional display types. Included in the “Other” category are our media representation business, Katz Media Group, as well as other general support services and initiatives, which are ancillary to our other businesses.  Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation.

 

Effective during the first quarter of 2015, and in connection with certain changes in senior management at Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (“CCOH”), an indirect non-wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, we reevaluated our segment reporting and determined that the Latin American operations were more appropriately aligned with the operations of the Americas Outdoor segment. As a result, the operations of Latin America are no longer reflected within the Company’s International Outdoor segment and are currently included in the results of its Americas Outdoor segment. In addition, the Company reorganized a portion of its national representation business such that the cost of sales personnel for iHM radio stations are now included in the iHM segment and the national representation business no longer charges iHM for intercompany cost allocations. These changes have been reflected in the Company’s segment reporting beginning in the first quarter of 2015. Accordingly, the Company has recast the corresponding segment disclosures for prior periods presented.

 

We manage our operating segments primarily focusing on their operating income, while Corporate expenses, Other operating income (expense), net, Interest expense, Gain on marketable securities, Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates, Loss on extinguishment of debt, Other income, net and Income tax benefit are managed on a total company basis and are, therefore, included only in our discussion of consolidated results.

 

Our iHM business utilizes several key measurements to analyze performance, including average minute rates and minutes sold. Our iHM revenue is derived primarily from selling advertising time, or spots, on our radio stations, with advertising contracts typically less than one year in duration.  The programming formats of our radio stations are designed to reach audiences with targeted demographic characteristics that appeal to our advertisers.  We also provide streaming content via the Internet, mobile and other digital platforms that reach national, regional and local audiences and derive revenues primarily from selling advertising time with advertising contracts similar to those used by our radio stations. Additionally, we promote, produce and curate special nationally-recognized events for our listeners. 

 

Management typically monitors our Americas outdoor and International outdoor advertising businesses by reviewing the average rates, average revenue per display, occupancy and inventory levels of each of our display types by market.  Our outdoor advertising revenue is derived from selling advertising space on the displays we own or operate in key markets worldwide, consisting primarily of billboards, street furniture and transit displays.  Part of our long-term strategy for our Americas outdoor and International outdoor advertising businesses is to pursue the technology of digital displays, including flat screens, LCDs and LEDs, as additions to traditional methods of displaying our clients’ advertisements. We are currently installing these technologies in certain markets.

 

Our advertising revenue for all of our segments is correlated to changes in gross domestic product (“GDP”) as traditional advertising spending has historically trended in line with GDP, both domestically and internationally.  Internationally, our results are impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and economic conditions in the foreign markets in which we have operations.

 

Executive Summary

The key developments in our business for the three months ended September 30, 2015 are summarized below:

·         Consolidated revenue decreased $50.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $55.5 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, consolidated revenue increased $5.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.

16


  

·         iHM revenue increased $16.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.

·         Americas outdoor revenue decreased $3.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $7.1 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor revenue increased $4.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.

·         International outdoor revenue decreased $43.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $48.4 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor revenue increased $5.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.

·         Other revenues decreased $21.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.

·         We spent $17.0 million on strategic revenue and efficiency initiatives during the three months ended September 30, 2015 to realign and improve our on-going business operations—a decrease of $0.8 million compared to the same period of 2014.

 

Consolidated Results of Operations 

               The comparison of our historical results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

%

 

September 30,

 

%

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

Change

 

2015

 

2014

 

Change

Revenue

$

 1,579,514  

 

$

 1,630,034  

 

(3.1%)

 

$

 4,523,937  

 

$

 4,602,736  

 

(1.7%)

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct operating expenses (excludes

   depreciation and amortization)

 

 627,842  

 

 

 648,409  

 

(3.2%)

 

 

 1,821,626  

 

 

 1,890,967  

 

(3.7%)

 

 Selling, general and administrative expenses

   (excludes depreciation and amortization)

 

 428,967  

 

 

 427,259  

 

0.4%

 

 

 1,269,318  

 

 

 1,260,823  

 

0.7%

 

Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation

   and amortization)

 

 74,542  

 

 

 78,202  

 

(4.7%)

 

 

 232,422  

 

 

 233,104  

 

(0.3%)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 166,320  

 

 

 175,865  

 

(5.4%)

 

 

 505,167  

 

 

 524,798  

 

(3.7%)

 

Impairment charges

 

 21,631  

 

 

 35  

 

61702.9%

 

 

 21,631  

 

 

 4,937  

 

338.1%

 

Other operating income, net

 

 6,914  

 

 

 47,172  

 

(85.3%)

 

 

 98,694  

 

 

 45,709  

 

115.9%

Operating income

 

 267,126  

 

 

 347,436  

 

(23.1%)

 

 

 772,467  

 

 

 733,816  

 

5.3%

Interest expense

 

 453,921  

 

 

 432,616  

 

 

 

 

 1,348,649  

 

 

 1,304,335  

 

 

Loss on investments, net

 

 (5,000) 

 

 

 -    

 

 

 

 

 (4,421) 

 

 

 -    

 

 

Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

affiliates

 

 (857) 

 

 

 3,955  

 

 

 

 

 (1,216) 

 

 

 (9,388) 

 

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 -    

 

 

 (4,840) 

 

 

 

 

 (2,201) 

 

 

 (56,259) 

 

 

Other income (expense), net

 

 (17,976) 

 

 

 2,617  

 

 

 

 

 18,126  

 

 

 16,315  

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

 (210,628) 

 

 

 (83,448) 

 

 

 

 

 (565,894) 

 

 

 (619,851) 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 (2,841) 

 

 

 (24,376) 

 

 

 

 

 (81,523) 

 

 

 (92,142) 

 

 

Consolidated net loss

 

 (213,469) 

 

 

 (107,824) 

 

 

 

 

 (647,417) 

 

 

 (711,993) 

 

 

 

Less amount attributable to noncontrolling

   interest

 

 8,448  

 

 

 7,028  

 

 

 

 

 13,932  

 

 

 13,679  

 

 

Net loss attributable to the Company

$

 (221,917) 

 

$

 (114,852) 

 

 

 

$

 (661,349) 

 

$

 (725,672) 

 

 

 

Consolidated Revenue

Consolidated revenue decreased $50.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $55.5 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, consolidated revenue increased $5.0

17


  

million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. iHM revenue increased $16.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 driven primarily by sponsorship revenue related to the iHeartRadio Music Festival, barter and trade revenue, and digital revenue, partially offset by a decrease in political advertising revenues and lower core broadcast radio revenue. Americas outdoor revenue decreased $3.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $7.1 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor revenue increased $4.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily driven by higher revenues from our Spectacolor business and street furniture. International outdoor revenue decreased $43.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $48.4 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor revenue increased $5.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily driven by new contracts and higher occupancy in Europe.  Other revenues decreased $21.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily as a result of lower political advertising revenues in our media representation business.

 

Consolidated revenue decreased $78.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $178.4 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, consolidated revenue increased $99.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. iHM revenue increased $78.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 driven primarily by trade and barter revenue, traffic and weather business, events, syndication businesses and our core broadcast radio revenue, partially offset by decreases in political advertising revenues. Americas outdoor revenue decreased $0.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $16.0 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor revenue increased $15.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily driven by higher revenues from our Spectacolor business and digital billboards. International outdoor revenue decreased $124.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $162.4 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor revenue increased $38.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily driven by new contracts and growth in Europe, Australia and China.  Other revenues decreased $35.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily as a result of lower political advertising revenues from our media representation business.

 

Consolidated Direct Operating Expenses

Consolidated direct operating expenses decreased $20.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $37.7 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, consolidated direct operating expenses increased $17.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. iHM direct operating expenses increased $8.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, primarily due to higher lease expense as a result of the sale and subsequent leaseback of radio towers (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements located in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) and music license and performance royalties.  Americas outdoor direct operating expenses decreased $2.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $3.9 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor direct operating expenses increased $1.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher variable site lease expenses related to the increase in revenues. International outdoor direct operating expenses decreased $25.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $33.8 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor direct operating expenses increased $8.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily as a result of site lease termination fees incurred in connection with strategic efficiency initiatives.

 

Consolidated direct operating expenses decreased $69.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $116.5 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, consolidated direct operating expenses increased $47.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. iHM direct operating expenses increased $25.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, primarily due to higher lease expense as a result of the sale and subsequent leaseback of radio towers and music license and performance royalties.  Americas outdoor direct operating expenses decreased $3.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $9.1 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor direct operating expenses increased $5.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher variable site lease expenses related to the increase in revenues. International outdoor direct operating expenses decreased $83.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $107.4 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor direct operating

18


  

expenses increased $23.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily as a result of higher variable costs associated with higher revenue, as well as higher spending on strategic efficiency initiatives.

 

Consolidated Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses

Consolidated SG&A expenses increased $1.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $13.1 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, consolidated SG&A expenses increased $14.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. iHM SG&A expenses increased $13.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher barter and trade expenses, sales activation costs and commissions related to higher revenue. Americas outdoor SG&A expenses decreased $1.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $2.0 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor SG&A expenses increased $0.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. International outdoor SG&A expenses decreased $5.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $11.1 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor SG&A expenses increased $5.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher legal costs as well as higher compensation expense in certain countries. Additionally, SG&A expenses from our media representation business decreased $5.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to savings from past efficiency initiatives.

 

Consolidated SG&A expenses increased $8.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $40.3 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, consolidated SG&A expenses increased $48.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.  iHM SG&A expenses increased $36.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher barter and trade expenses and higher sales expense, including commissions related to higher revenue. Americas outdoor SG&A expenses decreased $3.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $4.3 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor SG&A expenses increased $1.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. International outdoor SG&A expenses decreased $17.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $36.0 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor SG&A expenses increased $18.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher compensation expense, including commissions in connection with higher revenues. Additionally, SG&A expenses from our media representation business decreased $10.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to savings from past efficiency initiatives.

 

Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses decreased $3.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $0.7 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, corporate expenses decreased $3.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.  Corporate expenses were primarily impacted by a decrease in spending related to our revenue and efficiency initiatives for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Corporate expenses decreased $0.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $3.2 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, corporate expenses increased $2.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to increased property and casualty insurance costs and employee benefits, as well as the impact of an $8.5 million insurance recovery related to shareholder litigation recognized in the first quarter of 2014. The increases were partially offset by lower severance costs, primarily as a result of $6.3 million in expense incurred in the first quarter 2014 related to the separation of the former iHM segment CEO. In addition, Corporate expenses were impacted by a $6.5 million increase in expenses related to the negotiation of digital royalties before the Copyright Royalty Board for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014. 

 

Revenue and Efficiency Initiatives

Included in the amounts for direct operating expenses, SG&A and corporate expenses discussed above are expenses incurred in connection with our strategic revenue and efficiency initiatives.  These costs consist primarily of severance related to workforce initiatives, consolidation of locations and positions, contract cancellation costs, consulting expenses, and other costs incurred in connection with improving our businesses. These costs are expected to provide benefits in future periods as the initiative results are realized.

19


  

 

Strategic revenue and efficiency costs were $17.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. Of these costs, $4.9 million was incurred by our iHM segment, $0.5 million was incurred by our Americas outdoor segment, $7.3 million was incurred by our International outdoor segment, $0.2 million was incurred in our Other category and $4.1 million was incurred by Corporate. Of these expenses, $7.9 million are reported within direct operating expenses, $5.0 million are reported within SG&A and $4.1 million are reported within corporate expense.  In the third quarter of 2014, strategic revenue and efficiency costs of $3.4 million were reported within direct operating expenses, $6.3 million were reported within SG&A and $8.1 million were reported within corporate expenses.

 

Strategic revenue and efficiency costs were $34.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Of these costs, $8.4 million was incurred by our iHM segment, $1.6 million was incurred by our Americas outdoor segment, $9.1 million was incurred by our International outdoor segment, $3.5 million was incurred by our Other category and $11.5 million was incurred by Corporate. Additionally, $11.0 million are reported within direct operating expenses, $11.6 million are reported within SG&A and $11.5 million are reported within corporate expense.  In the first nine months of 2014, strategic revenue and efficiency costs of $7.8 million were reported within direct operating expenses, $18.3 million were reported within SG&A and $25.5 million were reported within corporate expenses.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization decreased $9.5 million and $19.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2014.  The decreases were primarily due to  the impact from movements in foreign exchange rates and assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized.

 

Impairment Charges

Historically, the Company performed its annual impairment test on our goodwill, FCC licenses, billboard permits, and other intangible assets as of October 1 of each year.  Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, the Company began performing its annual impairment test on July 1 of each year.  In addition, we test for impairment of property, plant and equipment whenever events and circumstances indicate that depreciable assets might be impaired.  As a result of these impairment tests, we recorded impairment charges of $21.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 related to billboard permits in one outdoor market.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized impairment charges of $0.0 million and $4.9 million, respectively, primarily related to the impairment of property, plant and equipment.  Please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements located in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a further description of the impairment charges.

 

Other Operating Income, Net

Other operating income, net was $6.9 million and $98.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, related primarily to the sale and subsequent leaseback of radio towers (see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements located in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).

 

Other operating income was $47.2 million and $45.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, related primarily to a non-cash gain of $43.5 million recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2014 related to the sale of non-core radio stations in exchange for a portfolio of 29 stations in five markets.

                                                                                                                                                            

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $21.3 million and $44.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same period of 2014, due to a higher weighted average cost of debt.

 

Loss on Investments, Net

In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recognized a loss of $5.0 million related to cost method investments.  No impairment was recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Equity in Loss of Nonconsolidated Affiliates

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates was $0.9 million and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. 

 

20


  

Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates of $9.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily related to the $4.5 million gain on the sale of our 50% interest in Buspak in the third quarter of 2014, offset by the first quarter 2014 sale of our 50% interest in ARN, which included a loss on the sale of $2.4 million and $11.5 million of foreign exchange losses that were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income at the date of the sale.

 

Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net was ($18.0) million and $18.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, which primarily relates to foreign currency gains/(losses) recognized in connection with movements in the Euro compared to the British Pound, impacting intercompany notes.

 

Other income, net was $2.6 million and $16.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, which primarily relates to foreign currency gains/(losses) recognized in connection with movements in the Euro compared to the British Pound, impacting intercompany notes.

  

 Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

In connection with the first quarter 2015 prepayment of our Term Loan facilities due 2016, we recognized a loss of $2.2 million.

 

In September of 2014, we prepaid $974.9 million of the loans outstanding under its Term Loan B facility and $16.1 million of the loans outstanding under its Term Loan C-asset sale facility. In connection with these transactions, we recognized a loss of $4.8 million.

 

During June 2014, we redeemed $567.1 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 5.5% Senior Notes due 2014 and $241.0 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 4.9% Senior Notes due 2015. In connection with these transactions, we recognized a loss of $47.5 million.

 

During the first quarter of 2014, CC Finco, LLC (“CC Finco”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ours, repurchased $52.9 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 5.5% Senior Notes due 2014 and $9.0 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 4.9% Senior Notes due 2015 for a total of $63.1 million, including accrued interest, through open market purchases. In connection with these transactions, we recognized a loss of $3.9 million.

 

Income Tax Expense

The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were (1.3)% and (14.4)%, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were (29.2)% and (14.9)%, respectively.  The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were primarily impacted by the deferred tax valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets originating in the period from net operating losses in U.S federal, state and certain foreign jurisdictions.  

  

 

iHM Results of Operations

               Our iHM operating results were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

%

 

September 30,

 

%

 

2015

 

2014

 

Change

 

2015

 

2014

 

Change

Revenue

$

 846,865  

 

$

 830,509  

 

 2%  

 

$

 2,385,367  

 

$

 2,307,193  

 

 3%  

Direct operating expenses

 

 253,848  

 

 

 244,945  

 

 4%  

 

 

 709,503  

 

 

 683,950  

 

 4%  

SG&A expenses

 

 272,349  

 

 

 259,283  

 

 5%  

 

 

 800,221  

 

 

 763,308  

 

 5%  

Depreciation and amortization

 

 59,408  

 

 

 59,359  

 

 0%  

 

 

 179,721  

 

 

 178,914  

 

 0%  

Operating income

$

 261,260  

 

$

 266,922  

 

 (2%) 

 

$

 695,922  

 

$

 681,021  

 

 2%  

 

21


  

Three Months

 

iHM revenue increased $16.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 driven primarily by barter and trade revenue, sponsorship revenue related to the iHeartRadio Music Festival and digital revenue. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in political advertising revenues, lower core broadcast radio revenue and prior year revenue from the radio towers sold this year (see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements located in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).

 

iHM direct operating expenses increased $8.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, primarily due to higher lease expense as a result of the sale and subsequent leaseback of radio towers (see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements located in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) and higher music license and performance royalties. iHM SG&A expenses increased $13.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher barter and trade expenses, sales activation costs, investments in national sales capabilities and higher commissions related to higher revenue. Strategic revenue and efficiency spending included in SG&A expenses decreased $0.5 million compared to the same period last year.

 

Nine Months

 

iHM revenue increased $78.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 driven primarily by increases in trade and barter revenue, traffic and weather business and events, such as the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the iHeartRadio Music Awards and the iHeartRadio Country Festival. The remaining increase resulted from growth in our syndication business driven by growth in our news/talk format, as well as higher revenue from our core broadcast radio business.  Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in political advertising revenues.

 

iHM direct operating expenses increased $25.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, primarily due to higher lease expense as a result of the sale and subsequent leaseback of radio towers (see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements located in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) and higher music license and performance royalties. iHM SG&A expenses increased $36.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher barter and trade expenses, investments in national and digital sales capabilities and higher commissions related to higher revenue. Strategic revenue and efficiency spending included in SG&A expenses decreased $5.3 million compared to the same period last year.

 

Americas Outdoor Advertising Results of Operations

             Our Americas outdoor operating results were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

%

 

September 30,

 

%

 

2015

 

2014

 

Change

 

2015

 

2014

 

Change

Revenue

$

 347,336  

 

$

 350,464  

 

 (1%) 

 

$

 984,485  

 

$

 985,420  

 

 (0%) 

Direct operating expenses

 

 149,072  

 

 

 151,550  

 

 (2%) 

 

 

 445,018  

 

 

 448,789  

 

 (1%) 

SG&A expenses

 

 59,539  

 

 

 60,994  

 

 (2%) 

 

 

 172,522  

 

 

 175,811  

 

 (2%) 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 50,121  

 

 

 51,303  

 

 (2%) 

 

 

 151,574  

 

 

 150,862  

 

 0%  

Operating income

$

 88,604  

 

$

 86,617  

 

 2%  

 

$

 215,371  

 

$

 209,958  

 

 3%  

 

Three Months

 

Americas outdoor revenue decreased $3.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $7.1 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor revenue increased $4.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 driven primarily by higher revenues from our Spectacolor and street furniture businesses.  These increases were partially offset by lower advertising revenues from our static and digital bulletins and posters.

 

Americas outdoor direct operating expenses decreased $2.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $3.9 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor direct operating expenses increased $1.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher variable site lease expenses related to the increase in revenues. Americas outdoor SG&A

22


  

expenses decreased $1.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $2.0 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor SG&A expenses increased $0.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.

 

Nine Months

 

Americas outdoor revenue decreased $0.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $16.0 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor revenue increased $15.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 driven primarily by an increase in revenues from our Spectacolor business, as well as our digital billboards as a result of increased occupancy, partially offset by lower advertising revenues from our static bulletins and posters.

 

Americas outdoor direct operating expenses decreased $3.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $9.1 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor direct operating expenses increased $5.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher variable site lease expenses related to the increase in revenues. Americas outdoor SG&A expenses decreased $3.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $4.3 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, Americas outdoor SG&A expenses increased $1.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.

 

International Outdoor Advertising Results of Operations

               Our International outdoor operating results were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

%

 

September 30,

 

%

 

2015

 

2014

 

Change

 

2015

 

2014

 

Change

Revenue

$

 348,941  

 

$

 392,330  

 

 (11%) 

 

$

 1,049,654  

 

$

 1,173,830  

 

 (11%) 

Direct operating expenses

 

 223,644  

 

 

 249,284  

 

 (10%) 

 

 

 663,011  

 

 

 746,702  

 

 (11%) 

SG&A expenses

 

 73,020  

 

 

 78,619  

 

 (7%) 

 

 

 219,689  

 

 

 237,023  

 

 (7%) 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 41,564  

 

 

 47,775  

 

 (13%) 

 

 

 124,961  

 

 

 143,995  

 

 (13%) 

Operating income

$

 10,713  

 

$

 16,652  

 

 (36%) 

 

$

 41,993  

 

$

 46,110  

 

 (9%) 

 

Three Months

 

International outdoor revenue decreased $43.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $48.4 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor revenue increased $5.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily driven by new contracts and higher occupancy in certain European countries, including the UK, Norway and Italy, partially offset by decreases in other countries, including France.

 

International outdoor direct operating expenses decreased $25.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $33.8 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor direct operating expenses increased $8.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily as a result of site lease termination fees incurred in connection with strategic efficiency initiatives, as well as higher site lease expense related to higher revenues, in certain countries. International outdoor SG&A expenses decreased $5.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $11.1 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor SG&A expenses increased $5.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher legal costs as well as higher compensation expense in certain countries.

 

Nine Months

 

International outdoor revenue decreased $124.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $162.4 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor revenue increased $38.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily driven by

23


  

new contracts and higher occupancy in certain European countries, including Italy, Norway, Sweden and the UK, as well as growth in Australia and China, partially offset by decreases in certain countries including France and Denmark.

 

International outdoor direct operating expenses decreased $83.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $107.4 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor direct operating expenses increased $23.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily as a result of higher variable costs associated with higher revenue, as well as site lease termination fees incurred in connection with strategic efficiency initiatives. International outdoor SG&A expenses decreased $17.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Excluding the $36.0 million impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, International outdoor SG&A expenses increased $18.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to higher compensation expense, including commissions in connection with higher revenues.

  

 

Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Consolidated Operating Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

iHM

$

 261,260  

 

$

 266,922  

 

$

 695,922  

 

$

 681,021  

Americas outdoor advertising

 

 88,604  

 

 

 86,617  

 

 

 215,371  

 

 

 209,958  

International outdoor advertising

 

 10,713  

 

 

 16,652  

 

 

 41,993  

 

 

 46,110  

Other

 

 5,139  

 

 

 17,359  

 

 

 2,278  

 

 

 14,333  

Impairment charges

 

 (21,631) 

 

 

 (35) 

 

 

 (21,631) 

 

 

 (4,937) 

Other operating income, net

 

 6,914  

 

 

 47,172  

 

 

 98,694  

 

 

 45,709  

Corporate expense (1)

 

 (83,873) 

 

 

 (87,251) 

 

 

 (260,160) 

 

 

 (258,378) 

Consolidated operating income

$

 267,126  

 

$

 347,436  

 

$

 772,467  

 

$

 733,816  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Corporate expenses include expenses related to iHM, Americas outdoor, International outdoor and our Other category, as well as overall executive, administrative and support functions.

 

Share-Based Compensation Expense

We do not have any compensation plans under which we grant stock awards to employees. Certain employees receive equity awards from Parent’s and CCOH’s equity incentive plans.

 

Share-based compensation payments are recorded in corporate expenses and were $3.0 million and $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $7.9 million and $8.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

As of September 30, 2015, there was $28.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements that will vest based on service conditions.  Based on the terms of the award agreements, this cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately three years.  In addition, as of September 30, 2015, there was $25.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements that will vest based on market, performance and service conditions.  This cost will be recognized when it becomes probable that the performance condition will be satisfied.

  

24


  

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows

               The following discussion highlights cash flow activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 (In thousands)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

Cash provided by (used for):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

$

 (363,149) 

 

$

 (28,460) 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

$

 173,951  

 

$

 36,601  

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

$

 126,704  

 

$

 (189,360) 

 

Operating Activities

Cash used for operating activities was $363.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $28.5 million of cash used during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  Our consolidated net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 included non-cash items of $499.6 million and $672.6 million, respectively. Non-cash items affecting our net loss include depreciation and amortization, deferred taxes, provision for doubtful accounts, amortization of deferred financing charges and note discounts, net, share-based compensation, gain on disposal of operating and fixed assets, gain on marketable securities, equity in (earnings) loss of nonconsolidated affiliates, loss on extinguishment of debt, and other reconciling items, net as presented on the face of the consolidated statement of cash flows. The increase in cash used for operating activities can be partially attributed to changes in working capital balances, particularly accounts receivable, as well as accrued expenses and accrued interest resulting from the timing of payments.  Cash paid for interest during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $1,364.1 million as compared to $1,214.1 million paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Investing Activities

Cash provided by investing activities of $174.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 primarily reflected proceeds of $374.9 million from the sale of broadcasting towers and related property and equipment, as well as proceeds of $34.3 million from the sale of our San Antonio office buildings, partially offset by closing costs incurred in relation to the sale of broadcasting towers of $10.0 million. We are leasing back a portion of the radio towers and related property and equipment, as well as the San Antonio office buildings, under long-term operating leases. Those sale proceeds were partially offset by $192.5 million used for capital expenditures. We spent $40.9 million for capital expenditures in our iHM segment primarily related to leasehold improvements and IT infrastructure, $50.9 million in our Americas outdoor segment primarily related to the construction of new advertising structures, such as digital displays, $85.5 million in our International outdoor segment primarily related to billboard and street furniture advertising structures, $4.6 million in our Other category and $10.6 million in Corporate primarily related to equipment and software purchases.

 

Cash provided by investing activities of $36.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily reflected proceeds of $236.6 million from the sale of our 50% interest in ARN and the sale of our 50% interest in Buspak, partially offset by capital expenditures of $195.0 million.  We spent $30.0 million for capital expenditures in our iHM segment primarily related to leasehold improvements and equipment, $48.4 million in our Americas outdoor segment primarily related to the construction of new advertising structures such as digital displays, $84.2 million in our International outdoor segment primarily related to billboard and street furniture advertising structures, $4.1 million in our Other category, and $28.3 million by Corporate primarily related to equipment and software.

 

Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities of $126.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 primarily resulted from draws under our receivables based credit facility of $190.0 million and the net effect of the proceeds from the issuance of $950 million of 10.625% Priority Guarantee Notes due 2023 and the use of the net proceeds primarily to prepay at par $916.1 million of the loans outstanding under our Term Loan B facility and $15.2 million of the loans outstanding under our Term Loan C asset sale facility, offset by cash paid of $42.6 million to purchase CCOH’s Class A common stock.

 

Cash used for financing activities of $189.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily reflected payments on credit facilities and long-term debt, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and the payment by

25


CCOH of a dividend to Class A CCOH shareholders.  We received cash proceeds from the issuance of 10% Senior Notes due 2018 ($850.0 million in aggregate principal amount), the sale by a subsidiary of ours of 14% Senior Notes due 2021 to private purchasers ($227.0 million in aggregate principal amount) and the issuance to private purchasers of 9% Priority Guarantee Notes due 2022 ($1,000.0 million in aggregate principal amount).  This was partially offset by the redemption of $567.1 million principal amount outstanding of our 5.5% Senior Notes due 2014 (including $158.5 million principal amount of the notes held by a subsidiary of the Company) and $241.0 million principal amount outstanding of our 4.9% Senior Notes due 2015, the repayment of the full $247.0 million principal amount outstanding under our  receivables-based credit facility, and the prepayment of $974.9 million aggregate principal amount of the Term B facility due 2016 and $16.1 million aggregate principal amount of the Term loan C facility due 2016.  In addition, we redeemed all of the outstanding $94.3 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Cash Pay Notes due 2016, and the $127.9 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Toggle Notes due 2016.

 

Anticipated Cash Requirements

Our primary source of liquidity is cash on hand, cash flows from operations and borrowing capacity under our domestic receivables based credit facility, subject to certain limitations contained in our material financing agreements. A significant amount of our cash requirements are for debt service obligations.  We anticipate cash interest requirements of approximately $313.8 million for the remainder of 2015.  As of September 30, 2015, we had debt maturities totaling $0.6 million, $195.4 million, $196.4 million and $934.1 million in the remaining three months of 2015, and in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.  As of September 30, 2015, we had $382.8 million of cash on our balance sheet, with $163.1 million in consolidated cash balances held outside the U.S. by our subsidiaries, a portion of which is held by non-wholly owned subsidiaries or is otherwise subject to certain restrictions and not readily accessible to us.  It is our policy to permanently reinvest the earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries as these earnings are generally redeployed in those jurisdictions for operating needs and continued functioning of their businesses.  We have the ability and intent to indefinitely reinvest the undistributed earnings of consolidated subsidiaries based outside of the United States.  If any excess cash held by our foreign subsidiaries were needed to fund operations in the United States, we could presently repatriate available funds without a requirement to accrue or pay U.S. taxes.  This is a result of significant current and historic deficits in our foreign earnings and profits, which gives us flexibility to make future cash distributions as non-taxable returns of capital.

 

Our ability to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, debt service and other obligations, and to comply with the financial covenants under our financing agreements, depends on our future operating performance and cash from operations and our ability to generate cash from other liquidity-generating transactions, which are in turn subject to prevailing economic conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.  We are currently exploring, and expect to continue to explore, a variety of transactions to provide us with additional liquidity.  We cannot assure you that we will enter into or consummate any such liquidity-generating transactions, or that such transactions will provide sufficient cash to satisfy our liquidity needs, and we cannot currently predict the impact that any such transaction, if consummated, would have on us. If our future operating performance does not meet our expectations or our plans materially change in an adverse manner or prove to be materially inaccurate, we may not be able to refinance our debt as currently contemplated.  Our ability to refinance the debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at the time.  There can be no assurance that refinancing alternatives will be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. Even if refinancing alternatives are available to us, we may not find them suitable or at comparable interest rates to the indebtedness being refinanced.  In addition, the terms of our existing or future debt agreements may restrict us from securing a refinancing on terms that are available to us at that time.  If we are unable to obtain sources of refinancing or generate sufficient cash through liquidity-generating transactions, we could face substantial liquidity problems, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and on our ability to meet our obligations.

 

Our financing transactions during 2014 and the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased our annual interest expense.  Our increased interest payment obligations will reduce our liquidity over time, which could in turn reduce our financial flexibility and make us more vulnerable to changes in operating performance and economic downturns generally and could negatively affect our ability to obtain additional financing in the future.

 

We frequently evaluate strategic opportunities both within and outside our existing lines of business. We expect from time to time to pursue acquisitions or dispositions, which could be material.  Our and our subsidiaries’ significant amount of indebtedness may limit our ability to pursue acquisitions.  The terms of our existing or future debt agreements may also restrict our ability to engage in these transactions.

 

Based on our current and anticipated levels of operations and conditions in our markets, we believe that cash on hand, cash flow from operations, borrowing capacity under our receivables based credit facility and cash from liquidity generating transactions will enable us to meet our working capital, capital expenditure, debt service and other funding requirements for at least the next 12 months.  Significant assumptions underlie this belief, including, among other things, that we will continue to be successful in implementing our business strategy and that there will be no material adverse developments in our business, liquidity or capital

26


  

requirements and that we will be able to consummate liquidity-generating transactions in a timely manner and on terms acceptable to us.  We cannot assure you that this will be the case.  If our future cash flows from operations, financing sources and other liquidity-generating transactions are insufficient to pay our debt obligations as they mature or to fund our liquidity needs, we may be forced to reduce or delay our business activities and capital expenditures, sell material assets, seek additional capital or refinance our and our subsidiaries’ debt.  We cannot assure you that we would be able to accomplish any of these alternatives on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, if at all.

 

We were in compliance with the covenants contained in our material financing agreements as of September 30, 2015, including the maximum consolidated senior secured net debt to consolidated EBITDA limitation contained in our senior secured credit facilities. We believe our long-term plans, which include promoting spending by advertisers in our industries and capitalizing on our diverse geographic and product opportunities, including the continued investment in our media and entertainment initiatives and continued deployment of digital billboards, will enable us to continue generating cash flows from operations sufficient to meet our liquidity and funding requirements long-term.  However, our anticipated results are subject to significant uncertainty and there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain compliance with these covenants.  In addition, our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. The breach of any covenants set forth in our financing agreements would result in a default thereunder. An event of default would permit the lenders under a defaulted financing agreement to declare all indebtedness thereunder to be due and payable prior to maturity. Moreover, the lenders under the receivables based credit facility under our senior secured credit facilities would have the option to terminate their commitments to make further extensions of credit thereunder. If we are unable to repay our obligations under any secured credit facility, the lenders could proceed against any assets that were pledged to secure such facility. In addition, a default or acceleration under any of our material financing agreements could cause a default under other of our obligations that are subject to cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions. The threshold amount for a cross-default under the senior secured credit facilities is $100.0 million.

  

 

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Sources of Capital

               As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had the following debt outstanding, net of cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In millions)

September 30, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

Senior Secured Credit Facilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Term Loan B Facility Due 2016

 

 -    

 

 

 916.1  

 

Term Loan C - Asset Sale Facility Due 2016

 

 -    

 

 

 15.2  

 

Term Loan D Facility Due 2019

 

 5,000.0  

 

 

 5,000.0  

 

Term Loan E Facility Due 2019

 

 1,300.0  

 

 

 1,300.0  

Receivables Based Credit Facility Due 2017 (1)

 

 190.0  

 

 

 -    

9.0% Priority Guarantee Notes Due 2019

 

 1,999.8  

 

 

 1,999.8  

9.0% Priority Guarantee Notes Due 2021

 

 1,750.0  

 

 

 1,750.0  

11.25% Priority Guarantee Notes Due 2021

 

 575.0  

 

 

 575.0  

9.0% Priority Guarantee Notes Due 2022

 

 1,000.0  

 

 

 1,000.0  

10.625% Priority Guarantee Notes Due 2023

 

 950.0  

 

 

 -    

Subsidiary Revolving Credit Facility due 2018

 

 -    

 

 

 -    

Other Secured Subsidiary Debt (2)

 

 16.4  

 

 

 19.2  

Total Secured Debt

 

 12,781.2  

 

 

 12,575.3  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.0% Senior Notes Due 2021

 

 1,695.1  

 

 

 1,661.7  

Legacy Notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.5% Senior Notes Due 2016

 

 192.9  

 

 

 192.9  

 

6.875% Senior Notes Due 2018

 

 175.0  

 

 

 175.0  

 

7.25% Senior Notes Due 2027

 

 300.0  

 

 

 300.0  

10.0% Senior Notes Due 2018

 

 730.0  

 

 

 730.0  

Subsidiary Senior Notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.5% Series A Senior Notes Due 2022

 

 735.8  

 

 

 735.8  

 

6.5% Series B Senior Notes Due 2022

 

 1,989.2  

 

 

 1,989.2  

Subsidiary Senior Subordinated Notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.625% Series A Senior Notes Due 2020

 

 275.0  

 

 

 275.0  

 

7.625% Series B Senior Notes Due 2020

 

 1,925.0  

 

 

 1,925.0  

Other Subsidiary Debt

 

 0.2  

 

 

 1.0  

Purchase accounting adjustments and original issue discount

 

 (211.0) 

 

 

 (234.9) 

Total Debt

 

 20,588.4  

 

 

 20,326.0  

Less:  Cash and cash equivalents

 

 382.8  

 

 

 457.0  

 

 

$

 20,205.6  

 

$

 19,869.0  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

The receivables based credit facility provides for borrowings of up to the lesser of $535.0 million (the revolving credit commitment) or the borrowing base amount, as defined under the receivables based credit facility, subject to certain limitations contained in our material financing agreements.

(2)

The subsidiary revolving credit facility provides for borrowings of up to $75.0 million (the revolving credit commitment).

 

Our subsidiaries have from time to time repurchased certain debt obligations of ours and outstanding equity securities of Parent and CCOH, and may in the future, as part of various financing and investment strategies, purchase additional outstanding indebtedness of ours or our subsidiaries or outstanding equity securities of Parent or CCOH, in tender offers, open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. We or our subsidiaries may also sell certain assets, securities or properties. These purchases or sales, if any, could have a material positive or negative impact on our cash available to repay outstanding debt obligations or on our consolidated results of operations. These transactions could also require or result in amendments to the agreements governing outstanding debt obligations or changes in our leverage or other financial ratios, which could have a material positive or negative impact on our ability to comply with the covenants contained in our debt agreements. These transactions, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

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Senior Secured Credit Facilities

The senior secured credit facilities require us to comply on a quarterly basis with a financial covenant limiting the ratio of consolidated secured debt, net of cash and cash equivalents, to consolidated EBITDA (as defined by our senior secured credit facilities) for the preceding four quarters.  Our secured debt consists of the senior secured credit facilities, the receivables based credit facility, the priority guarantee notes and certain other secured subsidiary debt.  As required by the definition of consolidated EBITDA in our senior secured credit facilities, our consolidated EBITDA for the preceding four quarters of $1.9 billion is calculated as operating income (loss) before depreciation, amortization, impairment charges and other operating income (expense), net plus share-based compensation and is further adjusted for the following items: (i) costs incurred in connection with the closure and/or consolidation of facilities, retention charges, consulting fees and other permitted activities; (ii) extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses or expenses and severance; (iii) non-cash charges; (iv) cash received from nonconsolidated affiliates; and (v) various other items.

 

               The following table reflects a reconciliation of consolidated EBITDA (as defined by our senior secured credit facilities) to operating income and net cash provided by operating activities for the four quarters ended September 30, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four Quarters Ended

(In Millions)

September 30, 2015

Consolidated EBITDA (as defined by our senior secured credit facilities)

$

 1,888.4  

Less adjustments to consolidated EBITDA (as defined by our senior secured credit facilities):

 

Costs incurred in connection with the closure and/or consolidation of facilities, retention charges,

   consulting fees and other permitted activities

 

 (59.6) 

 

Extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses or expenses and severance (as referenced in the definition of consolidated EBITDA in our senior secured credit facilities)

 

 (32.2) 

 

Non-cash charges

 

 (20.1) 

 

Cash received from nonconsolidated affiliates

 

 -   

 

Other items

 

 (9.2) 

Less: Depreciation and amortization, Impairment charges, Other operating income (expense), net,

   and Share-based compensation expense

 

 (647.1) 

Operating income

 

 1,120.2  

Plus: Depreciation and amortization, Impairment charges, Gain (loss) on disposal of operating and fixed assets,

    and Share-based compensation expense

 

 635.8  

Less: Interest expense

 

 (1,785.9) 

Less: Current income tax expense

 

 (43.1) 

Plus: Other income (expense), net

 

 10.9  

Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net loss to net cash provided by operating activities (including

   Provision for doubtful accounts, Amortization of deferred financing charges and note discounts, net

   and Other reconciling items, net)

 

 69.0  

Change in assets and liabilities, net of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

 

 (96.5) 

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

 (89.6) 

 

The maximum ratio permitted under this financial covenant was 8.75:1 for the four quarters ended September 30, 2015.  As of September 30, 2015, our ratio was 6.6:1.

 

 

Debt Issuance

 

On February 26, 2015, we issued at par $950.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.625% Priority Guarantee Notes due 2023.  The notes mature on March 15, 2023 and bear interest at a rate of 10.625% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2015.  We used the net proceeds from the offering primarily to

29


  

prepay our term loan facilities due 2016. 

 

During the third quarter of 2015, we borrowed $190.0 million aggregate principal amount under its receivables based credit facility due 2017 and used the borrowings for general corporate purposes.

 

Sale Leasebacks

 

During the first quarter of 2015, Parent sold two office buildings located in San Antonio, TX in exchange for proceeds of $34.3 million.  Concurrently with the sale of these properties, Parent entered into lease agreements for the continued use of the buildings, pursuant to which the Company will have annual lease payments of $2.6 million.  The Company recognized a gain of $8.1 million on the sale of one of the buildings, which is being recognized over the term of the lease. 

 

On December 11, 2014, Parent announced that its subsidiary had entered into an agreement with Vertical Bridge Holdings, LLC (“Vertical Bridge”) for the sale of up to 411 of our broadcast communications tower sites.  On April 3, 2015, an affiliate of Parent and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries completed the first closing for the sale of 367 of the Company’s broadcast communications tower sites and related assets for $369.2 million. Simultaneous with the sale, the Company entered into lease agreements for the continued use of 360 of the towers sold.  Upon completion of the transaction, the Company realized a net gain of $207.2 million, of which $108.1 million will be deferred and recognized over the lease term.  On July 16, 2015, Parent and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries completed the second closing for the sale of an additional nine of the Company’s broadcast communication tower sites and related assets for approximately $5.9 million. Simultaneous with the sale, the Company entered into lease agreements for the continued use of seven of the towers sold.  Upon completion of the second closing, the Company realized a net gain of $4.4 million, of which $1.7 million will be deferred and recognized over the lease term.  The Company incurred $5.2 million and $10.2 million in operating lease expense in relation to these agreements in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.  The leases entered into as a part of these transactions are for a term of fifteen years and include three optional five-year renewal periods.

 

Uses of Capital

Debt Repayments, Maturities and Other

On February 26, 2015, we prepaid at par $916.1 million of loans outstanding under its Term Loan B facility and $15.2 million of loans outstanding under our Term Loan C asset sale facility, using a portion of the net proceeds of the Priority Guarantee Notes due 2023 issued on such date.

 

Stock Purchases

On August 9, 2010, we announced that our board of directors approved a stock purchase program under which we or our subsidiaries may purchase up to an aggregate of $100.0 million of the Class A common stock of Parent and/or the Class A common stock of CCOH. The stock purchase program did not have a fixed expiration date and could be modified, suspended or terminated at any time at our discretion.  As of December 31, 2014, an aggregate $34.2 million was available under this program.  In January 2015, CC Finco purchased 2,000,000 shares of CCOH’s Class A common stock for $20.4 million.  On April 2, 2015, CC Finco purchased an additional 2,172,946 shares of CCOH’s Class A common stock for $22.2 million, increasing our collective holdings to represent slightly more than 90% of the outstanding shares of CCOH’s common stock on a fully-diluted basis, assuming the conversion of all of CCOH’s Class B common stock into Class A common stock. As a result of this purchase, the stock purchase program concluded. The purchase of shares in excess of the amount available under the stock purchase program was separately approved by the board of directors.

 

Certain Relationships with the Sponsors

We are party to a management agreement with certain affiliates of the Sponsors and certain other parties pursuant to which such affiliates of the Sponsors will provide management and financial advisory services until 2018.  These arrangements require management fees to be paid to such affiliates of the Sponsors for such services at a rate not greater than $15.0 million per year, plus reimbursable expenses.  For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we recognized management fees and reimbursable expenses of $3.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we recognized management fees and reimbursable expenses of $11.7 million and $11.3 million, respectively.

 

CCOH Note

In connection with the cash management arrangements for CCOH, we maintain an intercompany revolving promissory note payable by us to CCOH (the “Note”), which consists of the net activities resulting from day-to-day cash management services

30


  

provided by us to CCOH.  As of September 30, 2015, the balance of the Note was $913.7 million, all of which is payable on demand.  The Note is eliminated in consolidation in our consolidated financial statements.

The Note previously was the subject of litigation. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement of that litigation, CCOH’s board of directors established a committee for the specific purpose of monitoring the Note. That committee has the non-exclusive authority, pursuant to the terms of its charter, to demand payments under the Note under certain specified circumstances tied to the Company’s liquidity or the amount outstanding under the Note as long as CCOH makes a simultaneous dividend equal to the amount so demanded.

Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and, as required, have accrued our estimate of the probable costs for resolution of those claims for which the occurrence of loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.  These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings.  Please refer to “Legal Proceedings” in Part II, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Seasonality

Typically, the iHM, Americas outdoor and International outdoor segments experience their lowest financial performance in the first quarter of the calendar year, with International outdoor historically experiencing a loss from operations in that period. Our International outdoor segment typically experiences its strongest performance in the second and fourth quarters of the calendar year. We expect this trend to continue in the future. In addition, the majority of interest payments made in relation to long-term debt are paid in the first and third quarters of each calendar year. Due to this seasonality and certain other factors, the results for the interim periods may not be indicative of results for the full year. 

 

Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks arising from changes in market rates and prices, including movements in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and inflation.

 

Interest Rate Risk

A significant amount of our long-term debt bears interest at variable rates. Accordingly, our earnings will be affected by changes in interest rates. As of September 30, 2015, approximately 31% of our aggregate principal amount of long-term debt bears interest at floating rates. Assuming the current level of borrowings and assuming a 100% change in LIBOR, it is estimated that our interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 would have changed by $9.0 million.

 

In the event of an adverse change in interest rates, management may take actions to mitigate our exposure.  However, due to the uncertainty of the actions that would be taken and their possible effects, the preceding interest rate sensitivity analysis assumes no such actions.  Further, the analysis does not consider the effects of the change in the level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We have operations in countries throughout the world.  Foreign operations are measured in their local currencies.  As a result, our financial results could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in the foreign markets in which we have operations.  We believe we mitigate a small portion of our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations with a natural hedge through borrowings in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Our foreign operations reported a net loss of $7.3 million and net income of $19.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.  We estimate a 10% increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies would have decreased our net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2015 by $0.7 million and we estimate that our net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 would have decreased by $2.0 million.  A 10% decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 would have increased our net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and increased our net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 by corresponding amounts.

 

This analysis does not consider the implications that such currency fluctuations could have on the overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment in the U.S. or the foreign countries or on the results of operations of these foreign entities.

 

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Inflation

Inflation is a factor in the economies in which we do business and we continue to seek ways to mitigate its effect.  Inflation has affected our performance in terms of higher costs for wages, salaries and equipment.  Although the exact impact of inflation is indeterminable, we believe we have offset these higher costs by increasing the effective advertising rates of most of our broadcasting stations and outdoor display faces in our iHM, Americas outdoor and International outdoor operations.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates that are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The result of these evaluations forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported amount of expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such difference could be material.  Our significant accounting policies are discussed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Note 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Management believes that the following accounting estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  The following narrative describes these critical accounting estimates, the judgments and assumptions and the effect if actual results differ from these assumptions.

 

Historically, the Company performed its annual impairment test on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1 of each year.  Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, the Company began performing its annual impairment test on July 1 of each year.  

                 

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

In connection with the Merger Agreement pursuant to which Parent acquired us in 2008, we allocated the purchase price to all of our assets and liabilities at estimated fair values, including our FCC licenses and our billboard permits.  Indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as our FCC licenses and our billboard permits, are reviewed annually for possible impairment using the direct valuation method as prescribed in ASC 805-20-S99.  Under the direct valuation method, the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets was calculated at the market level as prescribed by ASC 350-30-35.  Under the direct valuation method, it is assumed that rather than acquiring indefinite-lived intangible assets as a part of a going concern business, the buyer hypothetically obtains indefinite-lived intangible assets and builds a new operation with similar attributes from scratch.  Thus, the buyer incurs start-up costs during the build-up phase which are normally associated with going concern value.  Initial capital costs are deducted from the discounted cash flows model, which results in value that is directly attributable to the indefinite-lived intangible assets.

 

Our key assumptions using the direct valuation method are market revenue growth rates, market share, profit margin, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up capital costs and losses incurred during the build-up period, the risk-adjusted discount rate and terminal values.  This data is populated using industry normalized information representing an average asset within a market.

 

On July 1, 2015, we performed our annual impairment test in accordance with ASC 350-30-35 and did not recognize any aggregate impairment charges related to FCC Licenses and recognized an impairment of $21.6 million related to billboard permits in one of our outdoor markets.

 

In determining the fair value of our FCC licenses, the following key assumptions were used:

§  Revenue growth sales forecasts published by BIA Financial Network, Inc. (“BIA”), varying by market, were used for the initial four-year period;

§  2.0% revenue growth was assumed beyond the initial four-year period;

§  Revenue was grown proportionally over a build-up period, reaching market revenue forecast by year 3;

§  Operating margins of 12.5% in the first year gradually climb to the industry average margin in year 3 of up to 27.1%, depending on market size; and

§  Assumed discount rates of 9.0% for the 13 largest markets and 9.5% for all other markets.

 

In determining the fair value of our billboard permits, the following key assumptions were used:

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§  Industry revenue growth forecast at 3.0% was used for the initial four-year period;

§  3.0% revenue growth was assumed beyond the initial four-year period;

§  Revenue was grown over a build-up period, reaching maturity by year 2;

§  Operating margins gradually climb to the industry average margin of up to 56.0%, depending on market size, by year 3; and

§  Assumed discount rate of 8.0%.

 

While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions to calculate the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets, it is possible a material change could occur.  If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, we may be exposed to impairment charges in the future.  The following table shows the change in the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets that would result from a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate and profit margin assumptions and a 100 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption:

 

(In thousands)

 

Revenue

 

Profit

 

Discount

Description

 

Growth Rate

 

Margin

 

Rates

FCC license

 

$

 394,350  

 

$

 153,665  

 

$

 445,694  

Billboard permits

 

$

 959,600  

 

$

 161,500  

 

$

 965,100  

 

The estimated fair value of our FCC licenses and billboard permits at July 1, 2015 was $6.1 billion while the carrying value was $3.5 billion.  The estimated fair value of our FCC licenses and billboard permits at October 1, 2014 was $5.5 billion while the carrying value was $3.5 billion.

 

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations.  We test goodwill at interim dates if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired.  The fair value of our reporting units is used to apply value to the net assets of each reporting unit.  To the extent that the carrying amount of net assets would exceed the fair value, an impairment charge may be required to be recorded.

 

The discounted cash flow approach we use for valuing goodwill as part of the two-step impairment testing approach involves estimating future cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, discounted to their present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate.  Terminal values are also estimated and discounted to their present value.

 

On July 1, 2015, we performed our annual impairment test in accordance with ASC 350-30-35, resulting in no goodwill impairment charge. In determining the fair value of our reporting units, we used the following assumptions:

§  Expected cash flows underlying our business plans for the periods 2015 through 2019. Our cash flow assumptions are based on detailed, multi-year forecasts performed by each of our operating segments, and reflect the advertising outlook across our businesses.

§  Cash flows beyond 2019 are projected to grow at a perpetual growth rate, which we estimated at 2.0% for our iHM segment, 3.0% for our Americas outdoor and International outdoor segments, and 2.0% for our Other segment.

§  In order to risk adjust the cash flow projections in determining fair value, we utilized a discount rate of approximately 8.0% to 11.5% for each of our reporting units.

Based on our annual assessment using the assumptions described above, a hypothetical 10% reduction in the estimated fair value in each of our reporting units would not result in a material impairment condition.

 

While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions to calculate the estimated fair value of our reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, we may be exposed to impairment charges in the future. The following table shows the decline in the fair value of each of our reportable segments that would result from a 100 basis point decline in our discrete and terminal period revenue growth rate and profit margin assumptions and a 100 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption:

 

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(In thousands)

 

Revenue

 

Profit

 

Discount

Description

 

Growth Rate

 

Margin

 

Rates

iHM

 

$

 1,440,000  

 

$

 320,000  

 

$

 1,400,000  

Americas Outdoor

 

$

 920,000  

 

$

 190,000  

 

$

 890,000  

International Outdoor

 

$

 450,000  

 

$

 230,000  

 

$

 420,000  

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf.  Except for the historical information, this report contains various forward-looking statements which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including, without limitation, our future operating and financial performance, our ability to comply with the covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness and the availability of capital and the terms thereof.  Statements expressing expectations and projections with respect to future matters are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  We caution that these forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are subject to many variables which could impact our future performance.  These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions, as of the time the statements are made, regarding future events and performance.  There can be no assurance, however, that management’s expectations will necessarily come to pass.  Actual future events and performance may differ materially from the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements.  We do not intend, nor do we undertake any duty, to update any forward-looking statements.

 

A wide range of factors could materially affect future developments and performance, including but not limited to:

 

·         the impact of our substantial indebtedness, including the effect of our leverage on our financial position and earnings;

·         our ability to generate sufficient cash from operations or other liquidity-generating transactions and our need to allocate significant amounts of our cash to make payments on our indebtedness, which in turn could reduce our financial flexibility and ability to fund other activities;

·         risks associated with weak or uncertain global economic conditions and their impact on the capital markets;

·         other general economic and political conditions in the United States and in other countries in which we currently do business, including those resulting from recessions, political events and acts or threats of terrorism or military conflicts;

·         industry conditions, including competition;

·         the level of expenditures on advertising;

·         legislative or regulatory requirements;

·         fluctuations in operating costs;

·         technological changes and innovations;

·         changes in labor conditions, including on-air talent, program hosts and management;

·         capital expenditure requirements;

·         risks of doing business in foreign countries;

·         fluctuations in exchange rates and currency values;

·         the outcome of pending and future litigation;

·         taxes and tax disputes;

·         changes in interest rates;

·         shifts in population and other demographics;

·         access to capital markets and borrowed indebtedness;

·         our ability to implement our business strategies;

·         the risk that we may not be able to integrate the operations of acquired businesses successfully;

·         the risk that our strategic revenue and efficiency initiatives may not be entirely successful or that any cost savings achieved from such strategic revenue and efficiency initiatives may not persist; and

·         certain other factors set forth in our other filings with the SEC.

This list of factors that may affect future performance and the accuracy of forward-looking statements is illustrative and is not intended to be exhaustive.  Accordingly, all forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty.

 

 

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ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Required information is presented under “Market Risk” within Item 2 of this Part I.

 

ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC.  Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2015 at the reasonable assurance level.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

  

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PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We currently are involved in certain legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and, as required, have accrued an estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of those claims for which the occurrence of loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.  These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies.  It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings.  Additionally, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

Although we are involved in a variety of legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, a large portion of our litigation arises in the following contexts: commercial disputes; defamation matters; employment and benefits related claims; governmental fines; intellectual property claims; and tax disputes.

 

Los Angeles Litigation

 

In 2008, Summit Media, LLC, one of the Company’s competitors, sued the City of Los Angeles (the “City”), Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. (“CCOI”) and OUTFRONT Media Inc. (formerly CBS Outdoor Americas Inc.) in Los Angeles Superior Court (Case No. BS116611) challenging the validity of a settlement agreement that had been entered into in November 2006 among the parties and pursuant to which CCOI had taken down existing billboards and converted 83 existing signs from static displays to digital displays.  In 2009, the Los Angeles Superior Court ruled that the settlement agreement constituted an ultra vires act of the City, and nullified its existence.  After further proceedings, on April 12, 2013, the Los Angeles Superior Court invalidated 82 digital modernization permits issued to CCOI (77 of which displays were operating at the time of the ruling) and CCOI was required to turn off the electrical power to all affected digital displays on April 15, 2013.  The digital display structures remain intact but digital displays are currently prohibited in the City.  CCOI is seeking permits under the existing City sign code to either wrap the LED faces with vinyl or convert the LED faces to traditional static signs and has obtained a number of such permits.  CCOI is also pursuing a new ordinance to permit digital signage in the City.

 

International Outdoor Investigation

 

On April 21, 2015, inspections were conducted at the premises of Clear Channel in Denmark and Sweden as part of an investigation by Danish competition authorities.  Additionally, on the same day, Clear Channel UK received a communication from the UK competition authorities, also in connection with the investigation by Danish competition authorities. Clear Channel and its affiliates are cooperating with the national competition authorities.

 

 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

For information regarding our risk factors, please refer to Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.  There have not been any material changes in the risk factors disclosed in the Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

            Intentionally omitted in accordance with General Instruction H(2)(b) of Form 10-Q.

36


  

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Intentionally omitted in accordance with General Instruction H(2)(b) of Form 10-Q.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit Number

 

Description

 

31.1*

 

Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2*

 

Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1**

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2**

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

101*

 

Interactive Data Files.

 

*

Filed herewith.

 

**

Furnished herewith.

 

37


  

 

 

Signatures

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

 

IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.

 

 

 

November 5, 2015

/s/ SCOTT D. HAMILTON

Scott D. Hamilton

Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary

38