UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

[X] Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017or

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022 or

 

[   ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from _________ to _________ .

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from _________ to _________ .

 

Commission file number 1-13796

 

Gray Television, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Georgia

 

58-0285030

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

   

4370 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia

30319

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

30319

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip code)

 

(404) 504-9828

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

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

Title of each Class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A common stock (no par value)

GTN.A

New York Stock Exchange

common stock (no par value)

GTN

New York Stock Exchange

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☒   

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer (do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company ☐

Emerging growth company 

 

 

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

 

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

Yes ☐ No

 

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

Common Stock (No Par Value)

 

Class A Common Stock (No Par Value)

66,003,58885,521,216 shares outstanding as of October 31, 2017 28, 2022

 

6,598,3777,573,222 shares outstanding as of October 31, 2017 28, 2022

 


 

 

INDEX

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

 

 

  

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PAGE

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 
   
 

Condensed consolidatedconsolidated balance sheets (Unaudited)

- September 30, 20172022 and December 31, 20162021

3

   
 

Condensed consolidated statements of operations (Unaudited)

- three-months and nine-months ended September 30, 20172022 and 20162021

5

   
 

Condensed consolidated statementstatements of stockholders'stockholders' equity (Unaudited)

- nine-months – three-month periods ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 20172022 and 2021

6

   
 

Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (Unaudited)

- nine-months ended September 30, 20172022 and 20162021

 78

   
 

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (Unaudited)

- September 30, 2017

 89

   

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

2122

   

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative DisclosuresDisclosures About Market Risk

2829

   

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

2829

   

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

   

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

2929

  

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

29

   

Item 6.

Exhibits

30

   

SIGNATURES

 

3131

 


2

 

PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in millions)

 

 

September 30,

  

December 31,

  

September 30,

 

December 31,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2022

  

2021

 

Assets:

            

Current assets:

         

Cash

 $172,854  $325,189  $144  $189 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,040 and $3,163, respectively

  166,073   146,811 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $12 and $16, respectively

 615  624 

Current portion of program broadcast rights, net

  19,605   13,735  38  35 

Prepaid taxes

  15,953   14,641 

Income tax refund receivable

 22  21 

Prepaid income taxes

 61  40 

Prepaid and other current assets

  5,116   5,109   54   54 

Total current assets

  379,601   505,485  934  963 
         

Property and equipment, net

  351,961   326,093  1,366  1,165 

Operating leases right of use asset

 73  70 

Broadcast licenses

  1,530,123   1,340,305  5,326  5,303 

Goodwill

  611,100   485,318  2,657  2,649 

Other intangible assets, net

  80,172   56,250  687  825 

Deferred tax asset

  31,963   30,826 

Investments in broadcasting and technology companies

  16,599   16,599 

Investments in broadcasting, production and technology companies

 125  117 

Other

  12,091   22,455   15   16 

Total assets

 $3,013,610  $2,783,331  $11,183  $11,108 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 


3

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in thousands

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in millions, except for share data)

 

 

September 30,

  

December 31,

  

September 30,

 

December 31,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2022

  

2021

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:

            

Current liabilities:

         

Accounts payable

 $3,950  $5,257  $40  $59 

Employee compensation and benefits

  25,532   31,367  90  97 

Accrued interest

  23,076   32,453  86  52 

Accrued network programming fees

  19,157   14,982  39  34 

Other accrued expenses

  9,285   13,802  40  44 

Federal and state income taxes

  4,680   2,916  8  10 

Current portion of program broadcast obligations

  20,236   13,924  40  37 

Deferred revenue

  3,530   4,706  64  14 

Dividends payable

 14  13 

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

 10  9 

Current portion of long-term debt

  6,417   -   15   15 

Total current liabilities

  115,863   119,407  446  384 
         

Long-term debt

  1,831,610   1,756,747 

Long-term debt, less current portion and deferred financing costs

 6,590  6,740 

Program broadcast obligations, less current portion

  4,771   4,995  2  5 

Deferred income taxes

  437,989   373,837  1,468  1,471 

Accrued pension costs

  33,052   34,047  16  24 

Operating lease liabilities, less current portion

 65  63 

Other

  1,422   1,437   14   14 

Total liabilities

  2,424,707   2,290,470   8,601   8,701 
         

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

        

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

       
         

Stockholders’ equity:

        

Common stock, no par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued 71,538,664 shares and 71,229,497 shares, respectively

  660,377   658,135 

Class A common stock, no par value; authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued 8,349,069 shares and 8,073,993 shares, respectively

  23,841   21,764 

Accumulated deficit

  (3,876)  (101,365)

Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock, no par value; cumulative; redeemable; designated 1,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 650,000 shares, at each date and $650 aggregate liquidation value, at each date

  650   650 
 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

Common stock, no par value; authorized 200,000,000 shares, issued 105,104,057 shares and 104,286,324 shares, respectively outstanding 85,521,216 shares and 87,539,056 shares, respectively

 1,146  1,127 

Class A common stock, no par value; authorized 25,000,000 shares, issued 9,675,139 shares and 9,424,691 shares, respectively outstanding 7,573,222 shares and 7,426,512 shares, respectively

 44  39 

Retained earnings

 1,076  869 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax benefit

  (17,645)  (17,645)  (27)  (27)
  662,697   560,889  2,239  2,008 

Treasury stock at cost, common stock, 5,535,076 shares and 5,135,406 shares, respectively

  (49,562)  (44,688)

Treasury stock at cost, Class A common stock, 1,750,692 shares and 1,669,131 shares, respectively

  (24,232)  (23,340)

Total stockholders’ equity

  588,903   492,861 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 $3,013,610  $2,783,331 

Treasury stock at cost, common stock, 19,582,841 shares and 16,747,268 shares, respectively

 (277) (223)

Treasury stock at cost, class A common stock, 2,101,917 shares and 1,998,179 shares, respectively

  (30)  (28)

Total stockholders’ equity

  1,932   1,757 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 $11,183  $11,108 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 


4

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(in thousands

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(in millions, except for per share data)

 

 

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 
 

September 30,

  

September 30,

  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 
                 

Revenue (less agency commissions)

 $218,977  $204,490  $649,119  $574,846 

Revenue (less agency commissions):

 

Broadcasting

 $889  $581  $2,548  $1,648 

Production companies

  20   20   56   44 

Total revenue (less agency commissions)

 909  601  2,604  1,692 

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net:

                 

Broadcast

  139,430   120,717   406,446   346,620 

Broadcasting

 537  384  1,595  1,099 

Production companies

 16  13  56  39 

Corporate and administrative

  8,318   7,223   24,436   31,425  27  32  80  75 

Depreciation

  13,085   11,494   38,555   34,237  33  26  96  76 

Amortization of intangible assets

  6,460   4,235   18,684   12,365  52  28  156  81 

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net

  1,660   354   (75,139)  (66)

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net

  (1)  51   (6)  46 

Operating expenses

  168,953   144,023   412,982   424,581   664   534   1,977   1,416 

Operating income

  50,024   60,467   236,137   150,265  245  67  627  276 

Other income (expense):

                

Miscellaneous income, net

  28   30   36   740 

Other expense:

 

Miscellaneous expense, net

 (1) (1) (3) (7)

Interest expense

  (24,207)  (27,926)  (71,189)  (73,470)  (94)  (48)  (254)  (143)

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

  -   (31,987)  (2,851)  (31,987)

Income before income taxes

  25,845   584   162,133   45,548  150  18  370  126 

Income tax expense

  10,529   797   65,751   19,109   42   35   101   65 

Net income (loss)

 $15,316  $(213) $96,382  $26,439  108  (17) 269  61 

Preferred stock dividends

  13   13   39   39 

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

 $95  $(30) $230  $22 
                 

Basic per share information:

                 

Net income (loss)

 $0.21  $-  $1.34  $0.37 

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

 $1.04  $(0.32) $2.47  $0.23 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

  71,636   71,879   71,777   71,850   91   95   93   94 
                 

Diluted per share information:

                 

Net income (loss)

 $0.21  $-  $1.33  $0.36 

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

 $1.03  $(0.32) $2.47  $0.23 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

  72,454   71,879   72,491   72,723   92   95   93   95 
                  .  

Dividends declared per common share

 $-  $-  $-  $-  $0.08  $0.08  $0.24  $0.24 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 


5

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)

(in thousands

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)

(in millions, except for number of shares)

 

                                      

Accumulated

     
  

Class A

              

Class A

  

Common

  

Other

     
  

Common Stock

  

Common Stock

  

Accumulated

  

Treasury Stock

  

Treasury Stock

  

Comprehensive

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Deficit

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Loss

  

Total

 
                                             

Balance at December 31, 2016

  8,073,993  $21,764   71,229,497  $658,135  $(101,365)  (1,669,131) $(23,340)  (5,135,406) $(44,688) $(17,645) $492,861 
                                             

Adoption of ASU 2016-09 excess tax benefit for stock-based compensation

  -   -   -   -   1,107   -   -   -   -   -   1,107 
                                             

Net income

  -   -   -   -   96,382   -   -   -   -   -   96,382 
                                             

Issuance of stock:

                                            

401(k) plan

  -   -   1,224   16   -   -   -   -   -   -   16 

2007 Long Term Incentive Plan - restricted stock

  198,220       307,943   -   -   (81,561)  (892)  (77,632)  (874)  -   (1,766)

2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan - restricted stock

  76,856   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
                                             

Repurchase of common stock

  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (322,038)  (4,000)      (4,000)
                                             

Share-based compensation

  -   2,077   -   2,226   -   -   -   -   -   -   4,303 
                                             

Balance at September 30, 2017

  8,349,069  $23,841   71,538,664  $660,377  $(3,876)  (1,750,692) $(24,232)  (5,535,076) $(49,562) $(17,645) $588,903 
                                      

Accumulated

     
  

Class A

              

Class A

  

Common

  

Other

     
  

Common Stock

  

Common Stock

  

Retained

  

Treasury Stock

  

Treasury Stock

  

Comprehensive

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Earnings

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Loss

  

Total

 
                                             

Balance at December 31, 2020

  8,935,773  $34   103,100,856  $1,110  $862   (1,887,767) $(26)  (14,960,597) $(188) $(39) $1,753 
                                             

Net income

  -   -   -   -   39   -   -   -   -   -   39 
                                             

Preferred stock dividends

  -   -   -   -   (13)  -   -   -   -   -   (13)
                                             

Common stock dividends

  -   -   -   -   (8)  -   -   -   -   -   (8)
                                             

Issuance of common stock:

                                            

401(k) Plan

  -   -   390,389   7   -   -   -   -   -   -   7 

2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan:

                                            

Restricted stock awards

  233,425   -   296,042   -   -   (110,412)  (2)  (239,597)  (4)  -   (6)

Restricted stock unit awards

  -   -   60,050   -   -   -   -   (18,275)  (1)  -   (1)
                                             

Stock-based compensation

  -   1   -   2   -   -   -   -   -   -   3 
                                             

Balance at March 31, 2021

  9,169,198  $35   103,847,337  $1,119  $880   (1,998,179) $(28)  (15,218,469) $(193) $(39) $1,774 
                                             

Net income

  -   -   -   -   39   -   -   -   -   -   39 
                                             

Preferred stock dividends

  -   -   -   -   (13)  -   -   -   -   -   (13)
                                             

Common stock dividends

  -   -   -   -   (7)  -   -   -   -   -   (7)
                                             

Issuance of common stock:

                                            

401(k) Plan

  -   -   3,655   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 

2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan:

                                            

Restricted stock awards

  -   -   47,360   -   -   -   -   (16,991)  -   -   - 
                                             

Stock-based compensation

  -   1   -   3   -   -   -   -   -   -   4 
                                             

Balance at June 30, 2021

  9,169,198  $36   103,898,352  $1,122  $899   (1,998,179) $(28)  (15,235,460) $(193) $(39) $1,797 
                                             

Net loss

  -   -   -   -   (17)  -   -   -   -   -   (17)
                                             

Preferred stock dividends

  -   -   -   -   (13)  -   -   -   -   -   (13)
                                             

Common stock dividends

  -   -   -   -   (8)  -   -   -   -   -   (8)
                                             

Issuance of common stock:

                                            

2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan:

                                            

Restricted stock awards

  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (10,720)  -   -   - 
                                             

Stock-based compensation

  -   1   -   2   -   -   -   -   -   -   3 
                                             

Balance at September 30, 2021

  9,169,198  $37   103,898,352  $1,124  $861   (1,998,179) $(28)  (15,246,180) $(193) $(39) $1,762 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 


6

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) 

(in thousands) 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)

(in millions, except for number of shares)

 

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

 
  

2017

  

2016

 

Operating activities

        

Net income

 $96,382  $26,439 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

        

Depreciation

  38,555   34,237 

Amortization of intangible assets

  18,684   12,365 

Amortization of deferred loan costs

  3,466   3,664 

Net amortization of original issue discount and premium related to long-term debt

  (458)  (626)

Amortization of restricted stock and stock option awards

  4,303   3,827 

Amortization of program broadcast rights

  15,444   14,026 

Payments on program broadcast obligations

  (15,569)  (13,859)

Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan

  16   21 

Deferred income taxes

  64,121   18,335 

Gain on disposals of assets, net

  (75,139)  (66)

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

  2,851   31,987 

Other

  (1,188)  659 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable trade

  (18,587)  (8,677)

Prepaid taxes

  (1,311)  - 

Prepaid and other current assets

  371   (12,234)

Accounts payable

  (1,774)  728 

Employee compensation, benefits and pension cost

  (6,512)  (5,275)

Other current liabilities

  (1,696)  (3,692)

Income taxes payable

  1,763   719 

Accrued interest

  (9,376)  841 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  114,346   103,419 
         

Investing activities

        

Acquisitions of television businesses and licenses

  (415,438)  (432,220)

Proceeds from sale of television station

  -   11,200 

Proceeds from FCC spectrum auction

  90,824   - 

Purchases of property and equipment

  (21,426)  (33,238)

Proceeds from asset sales

  148   1,925 

Net decrease (increase) in acquisition prepayments and other

  9,558   (17,171)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (336,334)  (469,504)
         

Financing activities

        

Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt

  641,438   1,656,000 

Repayments of borrowings on long-term debt

  (561,037)  (1,100,000)

Payments for the repurchase of common stock

  (4,000)  - 

Tender and redemption premiums for 2020 Notes

  -   (27,502)

Deferred and other loan costs

  (4,981)  (27,881)

Payments for taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards

  (1,767)  (1,452)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  69,653   499,165 

Net (decrease) increase in cash

  (152,335)  133,080 

Cash at beginning of period

  325,189   97,318 

Cash at end of period

 $172,854  $230,398 
                                      

Accumulated

     
  

Class A

              

Class A

  

Common

  

Other

     
  

Common Stock

  

Common Stock

  

Retained

  

Treasury Stock

  

Treasury Stock

  

Comprehensive

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Earnings

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Loss

  

Total

 
                                             

Balance at December 31, 2021

  9,424,691  $39   104,286,324  $1,127  $869   (1,998,179) $(28)  (16,747,268) $(223) $(27) $1,757 
                                             

Net income

  -   -   -   -   62   -   -   -   -   -   62 
                                             

Preferred stock dividends

  -   -   -   -   (13)  -   -   -   -   -   (13)
                                             

Common stock dividends

  -   -   -   -   (8)  -   -   -   -   -   (8)
                                             

Issuance of common stock:

                                            

401(k) Plan

  -   -   307,885   7   -   -   -   -   -   -   7 

2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan:

                                            

Restricted stock awards

  250,448   -   333,382   -   -   (103,738)  (2)  (138,959)  (3)  -   (5)

Restricted stock unit awards

  -   -   108,921   -   -   -   -   (32,958)  (1)  -   (1)
                                             

Stock-based compensation

  -   2   -   3   -   -   -   -   -   -   5 
                                             

Balance at March 31, 2022

  9,675,139  $41   105,036,512  $1,137  $910   (2,101,917) $(30)  (16,919,185) $(227) $(27) $1,804 
                                             

Net income

  -   -   -   -   99   -   -   -   -   -   99 
                                             

Preferred stock dividends

  -   -   -   -   (13)  -   -   -   -   -   (13)
                                             

Common stock dividends

  -   -   -   -   (8)  -   -   -   -   -   (8)
                                             

Issuance of common stock:

                                            

2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan:

                                            

Restricted stock awards

  -   -   67,545   -   -   -   -   (17,463)  -   -   - 
                                             

Repurchase of common stock

  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (2,646,193)  (50)  -   (50)
                                             

Stock-based compensation

  -   2   -   4   -   -   -   -   -   -   6 
                                             

Balance at June 30, 2022

  9,675,139  $43   105,104,057  $1,141  $988   (2,101,917) $(30)  (19,582,841) $(277) $(27) $1,838 
                                             

Net income

  -   -   -   -   108   -   -   -   -   -   108 
                                             

Preferred stock dividends

  -   -   -   -   (13)  -   -   -   -   -   (13)
                                             

Common stock dividends

  -   -   -   -   (7)  -   -   -   -   -   (7)
                                             

Stock-based compensation

  -   1   -   5   -   -   -   -   -   -   6 
                                             

Balance at September 30, 2022

  9,675,139  $44   105,104,057  $1,146  $1,076   (2,101,917) $(30)  (19,582,841) $(277) $(27) $1,932 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 


7

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

 (in millions)

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Operating activities:

        

Net income

 $269  $61 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

        

Depreciation

  96   76 

Amortization of intangible assets

  156   81 

Amortization of deferred loan costs

  12   9 

Amortization stock-based compensation

  17   10 

Amortization of program broadcast rights

  36   26 

Payments on program broadcast obligations

  (37)  (27)

Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan

  -   1 

Deferred income taxes

  (4)  (18)

(Gain) loss on disposals of assets, net

  (6)  46 

Other

  2   (6)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable

  9   6 

Prepaid income taxes

  (22)  (28)

Other current assets

  1   33 

Accounts payable

  (20)  23 

Employee compensation, benefits and pension cost

  (5)  19 

Accrued network fees and other expenses

  10   (13)

Accrued interest

  34   13 

Income taxes payable

  (2)  (17)

Deferred revenue

  50   (12)

Net cash provided by operating activities

  596   283 
         

Investing activities:

        

Acquisitions of businesses and licenses, net of cash acquired

  (53)  (956)

Proceeds from sale of television stations

  -   470 

Purchases of property and equipment

  (298)  (154)

Proceeds from Repack reimbursement (Note 1)

  7   10 

Proceeds from asset sales

  2   3 

Investments in broadcast, production and technology companies

  (16)  (37)

Other

  (4)  - 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (362)  (664)
         

Financing activities:

        

Borrowings of long-term debt

  -   250 

Repayments of long-term debt

  (161)  (250)

Repurchase of common stock

  (50)  - 

Payments of common stock dividends

  (23)  (23)

Payments of preferred stock dividends

  (39)  (39)

Deferred and other loan costs

  -   (1)

Payments of taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards

  (6)  (7)

Net cash used in financing activities

  (279)  (70)

Net decrease in cash

  (45)  (451)

Cash at beginning of period

  189   773 

Cash at end of period

 $144  $322 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

1.

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Gray Television, Inc. (and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as the context otherwise provides,“Gray, “Gray,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) as of December 31, 2016, 2021, which was derived from the Company’s audited financial statements as of December 31, 2016, 2021, and our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2017 2022 and for the periods ended September 30, 2017 2022 and 20162021, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.S-X. Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statementpresentation have been included. Our operations consistWe manage our business on the basis of one reportable segment.two operating segments: broadcasting and production companies. Unless otherwise indicated, all station rank, in-market share and television household data herein are derived from reports prepared by Comscore, Inc. (“Comscore”). While we believe this data to be accurate and reliable, we have not independently verified such data nor have we ascertained the underlying assumptions relied upon therein, and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such data. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “20162021 (the “2021 Form 10-K”10-K”). Our financial condition as of, and operating results for the nine-month periodthree and nine-months ended September 30, 2017 2022, are not necessarily indicative of the financial condition or results that may be expected for any future interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2017.2022.

 

OverviewOverview.

We are a television broadcastmultimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that owns and/or operates over 100Georgia.  We are the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and leading digital assets in markets throughout the United States.  As of September 30, 2017, we owned and/or operatedOur television stations in 57serve 113 television markets broadcasting over 200 programming streams, including over 100 channels affiliatedthat collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households.  This portfolio includes 80 markets with the CBS Network (“CBS”)top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station.  We also own video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group (formerly Tupelo Honey), PowerNation Studios, as well as the NBC Network (“NBC”), the ABC Network (“ABC”)studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and the FOX Network (“FOX”). As of September 30, 2017, our station group reached approximately 10.4% of total United States television households.Third Rail Studios. 

 

CyclicalityInvestments in Broadcasting, Production and SeasonalityTechnology Companies. We have investments in several television, production and technology companies. We account for all material investments in which we have significant influence over the investee under the equity method of accounting. Upon initial investment, we record equity method investments at cost. The amounts initially recognized are subsequently adjusted for our appropriate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record any investee losses up to the carrying amount of the investment plus advances and loans made to the investee, and any financial guarantees made on behalf of the investee. We recognize our share in earnings and losses of the investee as miscellaneous (expense) income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Investments are also increased by contributions made to and decreased by the distributions from the investee. The Company evaluates equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may be impaired.

 

Broadcast advertising revenuesInvestments in non-public businesses that do not have readily determinable pricing, and for which the Company does not have control or does not exert significant influence, are generally highestcarried at cost less impairments, if any, plus or minus changes in observable prices for those investments. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the second and fourth quarters each year. This seasonality results partly from increasescarrying value of these investments are included as miscellaneous (expense) income, net in consumer advertising in the spring and retail advertising in the period leading up to and including the holiday season. Broadcast advertising revenuesour consolidated statements of operations. These investments are also typically higher in even-numbered years due to increased spending by political candidates, political parties and special interest groups in advance of elections. This political spending typically is heaviest during the fourth quarter.reported together as a non-current asset on our consolidated balance sheets.

 

Use of EstimatesEstimates.

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

 

Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”)

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


9

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

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

Earnings Per ShareShare.

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

 

The following table reconciles basic weighted-average shares outstanding to diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three-monththree and nine-monthnine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 2022 and 20162021, respectively (in thousands)millions):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 
 

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
 

September 30,

  

September 30,

  

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  
                 

Weighted-average shares outstanding-basic

  71,636   71,879   71,777   71,850  91  95  93  94 

Common stock equivalents for stock options and restricted stock

  818   -   714   873   1   -   -   1 

Weighted-average shares outstanding-diluted

  72,454   71,879   72,491   72,723   92   95   93   95 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossLoss.

Our accumulated other comprehensive loss balances as of September 30, 2017 2022 and December 31, 2016 2021, consist of adjustments to our pension liability and the related income tax benefit.effect. Our comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine-monthnine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 2022 and 20162021 consisted entirelysolely of our net income (loss). Therefore the consolidated statementincome. As of comprehensive income (loss) is not presented for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.2022 and December 31, 2021, the balances were as follows (in millions):

 


  

September 30,

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
         

Accumulated balances of items included in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

        

Increase in pension liability

 $(36) $(36)

Income tax benefit

  (9)  (9)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 $(27) $(27)

 

Property and EquipmentEquipment.

Property and equipment are carried at cost.cost, or in the case of acquired businesses, at fair value. Depreciation is computed principallyprincipally by the straight-line method. The following table lists the components of property and equipment by major category (dollars in millions):

          

Estimated

 
  

September 30,

  

December 31,

  

Useful Lives

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

(in years)

 

Property and equipment, net:

            

Land

 $287  $277     

Buildings and improvements

  466   453   7to40 

Equipment

  991   961   3to20 

Construction in progress

  299   63     
   2,043   1,754     

Accumulated depreciation

  (677)  (589)    

Total property and equipment, net

 $1,366  $1,165     

Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to operations as incurred; major replacements and betterments are capitalized. The cost of any assets divested, sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts at the time of disposition, and any resulting profitgain or loss is reflected in income or expense for the period.

In April 2017, the nine-months ended September 30, 2017,Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) began the process of requiring certain television stations to change channels and/or modify their transmission facilities (“Repack”). The majority of our total property and equipment balance, before accumulated depreciation, increased primarilycosts associated with Repack qualify for capitalization, rather than expense. Upon receipt of funds reimbursing us for our Repack costs, we record those proceeds as a resultcomponent of our (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net.

10

The following tables provide additional information related to gain on disposal of assets, net included in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and purchases of property and equipment acquiredincluded in connection with recent acquisitionsour condensed consolidated statements of television businesses. The remaining changes in the balances in the nine-months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were primarily due to routine property and equipment purchases and retirements. The following table lists the components of property and equipment by major category (dollars in thousands)cash flows (in millions):

 

          

Estimated

 
  

September 30,

  

December 31,

  

Useful Lives

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

(in years)

 

Property and equipment:

             

Land

 $49,651  $44,611      

Buildings and improvements

  154,391   139,078   7to40 

Equipment

  507,456   471,798   3to20 
   711,498   655,487      

Accumulated depreciation

  (359,537)  (329,394)     

Total property and equipment, net

 $351,961  $326,093      
  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 

Gain (loss) on disposal of assets, net:

                

Proceeds from sale of assets

 $-  $-  $2  $3 

Proceeds from FCC - Repack

  2   4   7   10 

Net book value of assets disposed

  (1)  (2)  (3)  (6)

Non-cash loss on divestitures

  -   (53)  -   (53)

Total

 $1  $(51) $6  $(46)
                 

Purchase of property and equipment:

                

Recurring purchases - operations

       $118  $57 

Assembly Atlanta project

        179   91 

Repack

        1   6 

Total

       $298  $154 

 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful AccountsCredit Losses. We record accounts receivable from sales and service transactions in our condensed consolidated balance sheets at amortized cost adjusted for any write-offs and net of allowance for credit losses. We are exposed to credit risk primarily through sales of broadcast and digital advertising with a variety of direct and agency-based advertising customers, retransmission consent agreements with multichannel video program distributors and program production sales and services.

Our allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses is equal to a portionan estimate of expected losses over the remaining contractual life of our receivable balances that are 120 days old or older.receivables based on an ongoing analysis of collectability, historical collection experience, current economic and industry conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance is calculated using a historical loss rate applied to the current aging analysis. We may provide allowances for certain receivable balances that are less than 120 days oldalso apply additional allowance when warranted by specific facts and circumstances. We generally write-offwrite off accounts receivable balances when the customer files for bankruptcy or when all commonly used methods of collection have been exhausted.

The following table provides a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses. The allowance is deducted from the amortized cost basis of accounts receivable in our condensed consolidated balance sheets (in millions):

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Beginning balance

 $16  $10 

Provision for credit losses

  (3)  2 

Amounts written off

  (1)  (1)

Ending balance

 $12  $11 

Recent Accounting PronouncementsPronouncements.

In May 2014, March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-092020-04, Revenue fromReference Rate Reform (Topic 848). Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 provides new guidance on revenue recognition for revenue from contracts with customers and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. This guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard is intended to improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities and provide more useful information through improved financial statement disclosures. In August 2015, January 2021, the FASB issued an amendment to ASU 2015-14,2020-04, ASU 2021-01, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)(Topic 606): Deferral, in response to concerns about structural risks of interbank offered rates, and, particularly, the risk of cessation of the Effective DateLondon Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The amendments in this ASU 2015-14 deferredapply to all entities that elect to apply the effectiveoptional guidance in Topic 848. An entity may elect to apply the amendments in this ASU on a full retrospective basis as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or on a prospective basis to new modifications from any date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to the date of ASU 2014-09 by one yearthe issuance of a final standard, up to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and permitted early adoption of the standard, but not beforedate that financial statements are available to be issued. We are currently evaluating the original effective date of December 15, 2016. The standard permits the use of either a retrospective to each reporting period presented method, or a retrospective with the cumulative effect method to adopt the standard. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. This ASU amends the guidance of ASU 2014-09 to clarify the identification of performance obligations and to provide additional licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. This ASU was issued to provide guidance in assessing collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition, in order to reduce the potential for diversity in practice at initial application, and to reduce the cost and complexity of applying the standard. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Technical Corrections and Improvements. This ASU was issued to clarify the standard and to correct unintended application of guidance. We have completed our internal evaluation of the standard and determined that the adoptionapplicability of this standard will not have a material effect on our balance sheets and statements of operations. We have determined that we will utilize the modified retrospective method to implement the standard. We are evaluating our footnote disclosures and expect that this standard’s most significant impact will be expanded disclosures related to deferred revenue from customer pre-payments. We will continue to develop these disclosures and the related tasks of gathering data to be disclosed, assessing our internal controls and availing ourselves of broadcasting industry related guidance.

 


11


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

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

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

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

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

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


Adoption of Accounting Standards and Reclassifications

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

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

Certain amounts in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flowsrevenues have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.presentation. Beginning in 2022, we present our “Core” advertising revenue. In prior periods, we had presented separate line items of local advertising revenue and national advertising revenue and these amounts are now combined into Core advertising revenue.

 

2.

Revenue

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue when we have completed a specified service and effectively transferred the control of that service to a customer in return for an amount of consideration we expect to be entitled to receive. The amount of revenue recognized is determined by the amount of consideration specified in a contract with our customers. We have elected to exclude taxes assessed by a governmental authority on transactions with our customers from our revenue. Any unremitted balance is included in current liabilities on our balance sheets.

We record a deposit liability for cash deposits received from our customers that are to be applied as payment once the performance obligation arises and is satisfied. These deposits are recorded as deposit liabilities on our balance sheets. When we invoice our customers for completed performance obligations, we are unconditionally entitled to receive payment of the invoiced amounts. Therefore, we record invoiced amounts in accounts receivable on our balance sheets. We generally require amounts payable under advertising contracts with our political advertising customers to be paid for in advance. We record the receipt of this cash as a deposit liability. Once the advertisement has been broadcast, the revenue is earned, and we record the revenue and reduce the balance in this deposit liability account. We recorded $13 million of revenue in the nine-months ended September 30, 2022 that was included in the deposit liability balance as of December 31, 2021. The deposit liability balance is included in deferred revenue on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The deposit liability balance was $51 million and $13 million as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

Disaggregation of Revenue. Revenue from our production companies segment is generated through our direct sales channel. Revenue from our broadcasting and other segment is generated through both our direct and advertising agency intermediary sales channels. The following table presents our revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by type of service and sales channel (in millions):

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 

Market and service type:

                

Advertising:

                

Core

 $359  $292  $1,090  $831 

Political

  144   9   260   24 

Total advertising

  503   301   1,350   855 

Retransmission consent

  368   266   1,143   755 

Production companies

  20   20   56   44 

Other

  18   14   55   38 

Total revenue

 $909  $601  $2,604  $1,692 
                 

Sales channel:

                

Direct

 $528  $402  $1,616  $1,117 

Advertising agency intermediary

  381   199   988   575 

Total revenue

 $909  $601  $2,604  $1,692 

 Acquisitions3.

Acquisition

 

On January 13, 2017, April 1, 2022, we acquired KTVF-TV (NBC), KXDF-TV (CBS), and KFXF-TV (FOX)television station WKTB-TV the Telemundo Network Group, LLC affiliate in the Fairbanks, Alaska televisionAtlanta, Georgia market (DMA 202), from Tanana Valley Television Company and Tanana Valley Holdings, LLC for $8.0 million (the “Fairbanks Acquisition”10), using cash on hand.

As described in Note 1. above, on January 17, 2017, we completed the Media General Acquisition,as well as certain digital media assets, for an adjusteda combined purchase price of $269.9$31 million, using cash on hand.

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

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

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

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

 


12


The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value estimatesvalues of the assets acquired liabilities assumed and resulting goodwill of the 2017 Acquisitions and the Clarksburg AcquisitionTelemundo Atlanta Transaction (in thousands)millions):

 

 

Acquisition

     
 

Fairbanks

  

Media General

  

Clarksburg

  

Diversified

  

Vermont

  

Total

 
                        

Current assets

 $122  $666  $462  $361  $312  $1,923 

Accounts receivable, net

 $1 

Property and equipment

  2,650   20,181   4,133   12,329   9,513   48,806  1 

Goodwill

  471   86,287   3,222   35,486   316   125,782  10 

Broadcast licenses

  2,228   149,846   17,003   26,219   7,592   202,888  1 

Network affiliation

 14 

Other intangible assets

  2,702   13,398   2,234   11,051   8,268   37,653   4 

Other non-current assets

  71   282   51   27   3,310   3,741 

Current liabilities

  (140)  (695)  (554)  (423)  (311)  (2,123)

Other long-term liabilities

  (84)  -   (51)  (50)  -   (185)
                        

Total

 $8,020  $269,965  $26,500  $85,000  $29,000  $418,485  $31 

 

Amounts in the table aboveThese amounts are based upon management’smanagement’s preliminary estimatesestimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. TheIn determining the preliminary fair value estimates areof the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the fair values were determined based on, but not limited to,among other factors, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated discount rates.

 

Property and equipment are recorded at their fair value and are being depreciated over their estimated useful lives ranging from three years3 to 40 years.

 

Other intangible assets represent primarily the estimated fair values of retransmission agreements of $29.1 million; advertising client relationships of $5.3 million;Amounts related to network affiliation and favorable income leases of $3.0 million. Theseother intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives of approximately 4.9 years for retransmission agreements; approximately 10.7 years for advertising client relationships; and approximately 11.9 years for favorable income leases.1 to 4 years.

 

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

 

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


13


34..

Long-term Debt

 

As of September 30, 2017 2022 and December 31, 2016, 2021, long-term debt primarily consisted of obligations under our 20172019 Senior Credit Facility (as defined below), our 2014 Senior Credit Facility (as defined below)5.875% senior notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”), our 5.125% Senior Notes7.0% senior notes due 20242027 (the “2024“2027 Notes”), our 4.75% senior notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”) and our 5.875% Senior Notes5.375% notes due 20262031 (the “2026“2031 Notes”), as follows (in thousands)millions):

 

  

September 30,

  

December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

 

Long-term debt including current portion:

        

2014 Senior Credit Facility

 $-  $556,438 

2017 Senior Credit Facility

  636,838   - 

2024 Notes

  525,000   525,000 

2026 Notes

  700,000   700,000 

Total outstanding principal

  1,861,838   1,781,438 

Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2014 Senior Credit Facility

  -   (12,158)

Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2017 Senior Credit Facility

  (12,406)  - 

Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2024 Notes

  (6,993)  (7,742)

Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2026 Notes

  (9,751)  (10,588)

Unamortized premium - 2026 Notes

  5,339   5,797 

Less current portion

  (6,417)  - 

Net carrying value

 $1,831,610  $1,756,747 
         

Borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility

 $100,000  $60,000 
  

September 30,

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Long-term debt:

        

2019 Senior Credit Facility:

        

2017 Term Loan (matures February 7, 2024)

 $445  $595 

2019 Term Loan (matures January 2, 2026)

  1,190   1,190 

2021 Term Loan (matures December 1, 2028)

  1,489   1,500 

2026 Notes (matures July 15, 2026)

  700   700 

2027 Notes (matures May 15, 2027)

  750   750 

2030 Notes (matures October 15, 2030)

  800   800 

2031 Notes (matures November 15, 2031)

  1,300   1,300 

Total outstanding principal, including current portion

  6,674   6,835 

Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2017 Term Loan

  (5)  (7)

Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2019 Term Loan

  (22)  (27)

Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2021 Term Loan

  (5)  (5)

Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2026 Notes

  (4)  (5)

Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2027 Notes

  (7)  (8)

Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2030 Notes

  (11)  (13)

Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2031 Notes

  (17)  (18)

Unamortized premium - 2026 Notes

  2   3 

Less current portion

  (15)  (15)

Net carrying value

 $6,590  $6,740 
         

Borrowing availability under Revolving Credit Facility

 $496  $497 

 

On February 7, 2017, we entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2017 Senior Credit Facility”), consistingAs of a $556.4 million term loan facility (the “2017 Initial Term Loan”) and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility (the “2017 Revolving Credit Facility”). AmountsSeptember 30, 2022, the interest rates on the balances outstanding under the 2017 Initial Term Loan were used to repay amounts outstanding under our prior credit agreement (the “2014 Senior Credit Facility”). On April 3, 2017, we borrowed $85.0 million under an incremental term loan (the “2017 Incremental Term Loan” and, together with the 2017 Initial Term Loan, the “2017 Term Loan”) under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility to fund the Diversified Acquisition. As of September 30, 2017, the 2017 Senior Credit Facility provided total commitments of $736.8 million, consisting of the $636.8 million 20172019 Term Loan and the $100.0 million 2017 Revolving Credit Facility. Our quarterly principal payments under the 20172021 Term Loan are $1.6 million.

Priorwere 5.2%, 5.1% and 5.6% respectively. We expect that interest rates applicable to the entry into the 20172019 Senior Credit Facility will be modified upon the 2014implementation of a LIBOR replacement rate that will apply to our current and future borrowings under the 2019 Senior Credit Facility consistedFacility. The components of a revolving loan and a term loan. Excluding accrued interest, the amount outstanding under our 2014 Senior Credit Facility as of December 31, 2016 consisted solely of a term loan balance of $556.4 million. As of December 31, 2016, the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the 2014 Senior Credit Facility was 3.9%.

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

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


 As a result of entering into the 2017 Senior Credit Facility, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.9 million in the nine-months ended September 30, 2017, and we incurred approximately $5.0 million in deferred financing costs that will be amortized over the life of the 2017 Senior Credit Facility.January 2, 2026 through December 1, 2026.

 

As of September 30, 20172022, the aggregate minimum principal maturities of our long term debt for the remainder of 2022 and December 31, 2016, we had $525.0 million of 2024 Notes outstanding. The interest rate and yield on the 2024 Notessucceeding 5 years were 5.125%. The 2024 Notes mature on October 15, 2024. Interest is payable semiannually, on April 15 and October 15 of each year.as follows (in millions):

 

  

Minimum Principal Maturities

 

Year

 

2021 Senior

Credit Facility

  

2026 Notes

  

2027 Notes

  

2030 Notes

  

2031 Notes

  

Total

 

Remainder of 2022

 $4  $-  $-  $-  $-  $4 

2023

  15   -   -   -   -   15 

2024

  460   -   -   -   -   460 

2025

  15   -   -   -   -   15 

2026

  1,205   700   -   -   -   1,905 

2027

  15   -   750   -   -   765 

Thereafter

  1,410   -   -   800   1,300   3,510 

Total

 $3,124  $700  $750  $800  $1,300  $6,674 

On June

14 2016, we completed the private placement of $500.0 million of our 2026 Notes (the “Original 2026 Notes”) at par. On September 14, 2016, we completed the private placement of an additional $200.0 million of our 2026 Notes (the “Additional 2026 Notes”). The Additional 2026 Notes were issued at a price of 103.0%, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $206.0 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest from and including June 14, 2016.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had $700.0 million of 2026 Notes outstanding. The interest rate and yield on the Original 2026 Notes were 5.875%. The interest rate and yield on the Additional 2026 Notes were 5.875% and 5.398%, respectively. The Additional 2026 Notes are an additional issuance of, rank equally with and form a single series with the Original 2026 Notes. The 2026 Notes mature on July 15, 2026. Interest is payable semiannually, on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

Collateral, Covenants and Restrictions

Our obligations under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of our consolidated assets, excluding real estate. In addition, substantially all of our subsidiaries are joint and several guarantors of, and our ownership interests in those subsidiaries are pledged to collateralize, our obligations under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility. Gray Television, Inc. is a holding company with no material independent assets or operations. For all applicable periods, the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several, senior unsecured basis, by substantially all of Gray Television, Inc.'s subsidiaries. Any subsidiaries of Gray Television, Inc. that do not gurantee the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes are minor. As of September 30, 2017, 2022, there were no significant restrictions on the ability of Gray Television, Inc.'s subsidiaries to distribute cash to Gray or to the guarantor subsidaries.

subsidiaries. The 20172019 Senior Credit Facility contains affirmative and restrictive covenants with which we must comply, including: (a) limitations on additional indebtedness, (b) limitations on liens, (c) limitations oncomply. The 2026 Notes, the sale of assets, (d) limitations on guarantees, (e) limitations on investments and acquisitions, (f) limitations on2027 Notes, the payment of dividends and share repurchases, (g) limitations on mergers and (h) maintenance of the First Lien Leverage Ratio while any amount is outstanding under the revolving credit facility, as well as other customary covenants for credit facilities of this type. The 20262030 Notes and 2024the 2031 Notes also include covenants with which we must comply which are typical for borrowing transactions of their nature.comply. As of September 30, 2017 2022 and December 31, 2016, 2021, we were in compliance with all required covenants under all our debt obligations.

For all our interest bearing obligations, we made interest payments of approximately $212 million and $121 million during the nine-months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we capitalized $4 million of interest payments related to our Assembly Atlanta project. We did not capitalize any interest payments during the nine-months ended September 30, 2021.

In the nine-months ended September 30, 2022, we paid the required principal reductions of $11 million of our 2021 Term Loan and voluntarily pre-paid $150 million of the outstanding principal balance of our 2017 Term Loan.

 

MaturitiesSubsequent Event. On November 1, 2022, we made an additional voluntary pre-payment of $100 million of the outstanding principal balance of our 2017 Term Loan.

 

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

  

Minimum Principal Maturities

 

Year

 

2017 Senior

Credit Facility

  

2024 Notes

  

2026 Notes

  

Total

 

2017

 $1,604  $-  $-  $1,604 

2018

  6,417   -   -   6,417 

2019

  6,417   -   -   6,417 

2020

  6,417   -   -   6,417 

2021

  6,417   -   -   6,417 

Thereafter

  609,566   525,000   700,000   1,834,566 

Total

 $636,838  $525,000  $700,000  $1,861,838 


4.5.

Fair Value Measurement

 

For purposesWe measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value, which are classified by the FASB Codification within the fair value hierarchy as level 1,2, or 3, on the basis of determining a fair valuewhether the measurement we utilizeemploys observable or unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data orobtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions and consider information about readily available market participant assumptions.

Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets

Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets

Level 3: Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable

Fair value is defined as the price that market participants would use in pricingbe received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, including assumptions about risk andin an orderly transaction between market participants at the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized into a hierarchy that gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (“Level 1”) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that require assumptions to measure fair value (“Level 3”). Level 2 inputs are those that are other than quoted prices on national exchanges included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly (“Level 2”).

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

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

 

The carrying amounts of the following instruments approximate fair value due to their short term to maturity: (i) accounts receivable, (ii) prepaid and other current assets, (iii) accounts payable, (iv) accrued employee compensation and benefits, (v) accrued interest, (vi) other accrued expenses, (vii) acquisition-related liabilities and (viii) deferred revenue.revenue approximate fair value at both September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

 

TheAs of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the carrying amount of our long-term debt was $1.9$6.6 billion and $1.8$6.8 billion, respectively, and the fair value was $1.9$6.0 billion and $1.8$6.9 billion, respectively, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Fairrespectively. The fair value of our long-term debt is based on observable estimates provided by third-partythird party financial professionals as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016each date, and as such is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

5.6.

 Stockholders’Stockholders Equity

 

We are authorized to issue 135245 million shares in total of all classes of stock consisting of which 1525 million shares are designated Classof class A common stock, 100200 million shares are designatedof common stock, and 20 million shares are designatedof “blank check” preferred stock for which our Board of Directors has the authority to determine the rights, powers, limitations and restrictions. The rights of our common stock and Classclass A common stock are identical, except that our Classclass A common stock has 10 votes per share and our common stock has one vote per share.

Our common stock and Class A common stock are entitled to receive cash dividends if declared, on an equal per-share basis. For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we did not declare or pay any common stock or Class A common stock dividends.

In each of March and November 2004, theThe Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of the Company authorized the Company to repurchase up to 2.0 million shares of the Company's$0.08 per share on our common stock and Class A common stock. In stock to shareholders of record on each of March 2006, this authorization15, June 15, and September 15, 2022 and 2021, payable on March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2022 and 2021. The total common stock and Class A common stock dividends declared and paid during each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was increased to an aggregate of 5.0 million shares (the “2004-2006 Repurchase Authorization”). As of December 31, 2016, 279,200 shares remain available for repurchase under this authorization, which has no expiration date. $23 million.

15

On November 6, 2016, theMay 5, 2022, our shareholders approved, and our Board of Directors of the Company authorized the Company to purchase up to an additional $75.0 million ofadopted, our outstanding common stock prior to December 31, 2019 (the “2016 Repurchase Authorization”).

The 2016 Repurchase Authorization prohibits the Company from purchasing shares directly from the Company’s officers, directors, or the Gray Television, Inc. Capital Accumulation2022 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “401k Plan”“2022 EICP”). During the nine months ended September 30, The 2022 EICP replaced our 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan. Under 2022 EICP, we purchased 322,038 shares of our common stock at an average purchase price of $12.39 per share under the 2016 Repurchase Authorization, for a total cost of $4.0 million. As of September 30, 2017, $69.0 million remains available to purchase shares of our common stock under the 2016 Repurchase Authorization.


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

Under our various employee benefit plans, including our 401k Plan, we may, at our discretion, issue authorized and unissued shares, or previously issued shares held in treasury, of our Class A common stock or common stock. As of September 30, 2017, 2022, we had reserved 1,923,1447.2 million shares and 7,632,4652.8 million shares of our Class A common stock and Class A common stock, respectively, for future issuance under various employee benefit plans.

6.

 Retirement Plans

The following table provides the componentsour 2022 EICP. As of net periodic benefit cost for our defined benefit pension plans for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

Service cost

 $-  $-  $-  $- 

Interest cost

  1,167   1,185   3,502   3,554 

Expected return on plan assets

  (1,412)  (1,298)  (4,236)  (3,892)

Loss amortization

  121   153   363   458 

Net periodic (benefit) cost

 $(124) $40  $(371) $120 

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, 2022, we contributed $0.6also have 2.8 million toshares of our defined benefit pension plans. During the remainder of 2017, we expect to make additional contributions to these plans of between $1.7 million and $2.4 million.common stock reserved for issuance under The Gray Television, Inc. Capital Accumulation Plan (the “401(k) Plan”).

 

During the three and nine-month periodsnine-months ended September 30, 2017, 2022, we repurchased 2.6 million shares of our common stock under our share repurchase programs for $50 million. As of September 30, 2022, approximately $124 million was available to repurchase shares of our common stock and/or Class A common stock under these programs.

7.

Retirement Plans

The components of our net periodic pension benefit are included in miscellaneous expense, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the nine-months ended September 30, 2022, the amount recorded as a benefit was not material. During the nine-months ended September 30, 2022, we contributed $1.4$4 million and $5.0to this plan.

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022, we contributed $13 million respectively, in matching cash contributions, and shares of our common stock valued at approximately $7 million for our 2021 discretionary profit-sharing contributions, to the 401k401(k) Plan. DuringThe discretionary profit-sharing contribution was recorded as an expense in 2021 and accrued as of December 31, 2021. Based upon employee participation as of September 30, 2022, during the remainder of 2017,2022, we estimate that ourexpect to contribute approximately $3 million of matching cash contributions to this plan will be approximately $1.5 million, excluding discretionary profit-sharing contributions.plan.

 

7.8.

 Share-basedStock-based Compensation

 

We recognize compensation expense for share-basedstock-based payment awards made to our employees, consultants and directors, including stock options and restricted shares awarded under our 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2017 EICP”); our 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2007 Incentive Plan”); and our Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan. Currently, there are no outstanding share awards under our Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan.directors. The following table provides information on our share-basedstock-based compensation expense and related income tax benefit for the three and nine-monthnine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 2022 and 2016, respectively2021 (in thousands)millions):

 

 

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 
 

September 30,

  

September 30,

  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 

Stock-based compensation expense, gross

 $1,532  $1,271  $4,305  $3,827  $6  $3  $17  $10 

Income tax benefit at our statutory rate associated with share-based compensation

  (597)  (496)  (1,679)  (1,493)  (2)  (1)  (4)  (3)

Stock-based compensation expense, net

 $935  $775  $2,626  $2,334  $4  $2  $13  $7 

 

The 2017 EICP provides for,All shares of class A common stock and while awards were available for grant thereunder the 2007 Incentive Plan provided for, the grant of incentivecommon stock options, nonqualified stock options,underlying outstanding restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights,units and performance awards to acquireare counted as issued at target levels under the 2022 EICP for purposes of determining the number of shares of our Class A common stock or common stock, or other awards based on our performance, to our employees, consultants and non-employee directors.available for future issuance.

 


16

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

307,943 shares of restricted common stock to certain employees, of which 102,648 shares will vest on each of January 31, 2018 and 2019; and 102,647 shares will vest on January 31, 2020;

198,220 shares of restricted Class A common stock to an employee, of which 66,073 shares will vest on each of January 31, 2018 and 2019, and 66,074 shares will vest on January 31, 2020; and

76,856 shares of restricted Class A common stock to our non-employee directors, all of which will vest on January 31, 2018.

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

218,452 shares of restricted common stock to certain employees, of which 72,816 shares vested on January 31, 2017; 72,816 shares will vest on January 31, 2018; and 72,820 shares will vest on January 31, 2019;

166,677 shares of restricted Class A common stock to an employee, of which 55,559 shares vested on January 31, 2017 and 55,559 shares will vest on each of January 31, 2018 and 2019; and

19,048 shares of restricted common stock and 51,935 shares of restricted Class A common stock to certain non-employee directors, all of which vested on January 31, 2017.


A summary of restricted common stock and Classclass A common stock, common stock and restricted stock units activity for the nine-monthnine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 2022 and 20162021 is as follows:

 

 

Nine Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
 

September 30, 2017

  

September 30, 2016

  

September 30, 2022

  

September 30, 2021

 
     

Weighted-

      

Weighted-

      

Weighted-

     

Weighted-

 
     

average

      

average

      

average

     

average

 
     

Grant Date

      

Grant Date

      

Grant Date

     

Grant Date

 
 

Number of

  

Fair Value

  

Number of

  

Fair Value

  

Number of

 

Fair Value

 

Number of

 

Fair Value

 
 

Shares

  

Per Share

  

Shares

  

Per Share

  

Shares

  

Per Share

  

Shares

  

Per Share

 

Restricted stock - common:

                 

Outstanding - beginning of period (1)

 1,035,728  $19.69  917,533  $16.84 

Granted(1)

 400,927  $21.68  343,402  $18.73 

Vested

  (341,918) $19.03   (613,179) $15.48 

Outstanding - end of period (1)

  1,094,737  $20.62   647,756  $19.13 
 

Restricted stock - class A common:

 

Outstanding - beginning of period (1)

 720,421  $18.22  480,042  $16.10 

Granted(1)

 250,448  $20.52  233,425  $17.67 

Vested

  (229,758) $16.99   (248,539) $15.00 

Outstanding - end of period (1)

  741,111  $19.38   464,928  $17.47 
 

Restricted stock units - common stock:

 

Outstanding - beginning of period

  396,033   $12.06   337,506   $9.57    125,247  $19.02  90,184  $18.92 

Granted

  307,943   $10.40   237,500   $12.88  259,079  $23.87  95,115  $19.05 

Vested

  (200,291)  $11.82   (178,973)  $8.46    (108,921) $19.03  (60,052) $18.92 

Forfeited

  (1,260) $19.05   -  $- 

Outstanding - end of period

  503,685   $11.14   396,033   $12.06   274,145  $23.60   125,247  $19.02 
                

Restricted stock - class A common:

                

Outstanding - beginning of period

  415,082   $10.15   374,693   $9.46   

Granted

  275,076   $10.84   218,612   $11.25 

Vested

  (227,526)  $10.00   (178,223)  $10.04 

Outstanding - end of period

  462,632   $10.63   415,082   $10.15 

 

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had outstanding options(1) For awards subject to acquire 274,746 shares of our common stock, all of which were vested and exercisable. The exercise price of all our outstanding stock optionsfuture performance conditions, amounts assume target performance.

9.

Leases

We determine if an arrangement is $1.99 per share. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we did not have any outstanding stock options for our Class A common stock. The aggregate intrinsic value of our outstanding stock options was $3.8 milliona lease at its inception. Operating lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the closing market pricepresent value of lease payments over the lease term. We generally use our common stockincremental borrowing rate based on September 30, 2017.

In October 2017, we granted restricted stock unitsthe information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of future payments, because the implicit rate of the lease is generally not known. Right-of-use (“RSUs”ROU”) representing 215,500 shares of our common stockassets related to certain non-executive employees, under the provisions of our 2017 EICP. These RSUs will vest on January 31, 2018 and may be settled only by the issuance of shares of our common stock. These RSUs were valued at $3.4 million as of their date of grant. This value will be recorded in our operating expenseslease liabilities are measured at lease commencement based on the initial measurement of the lease liability, plus any prepaid lease payments and less any lease incentives. Our lease terms that are used in determining our operating lease liabilities at lease commencement may include options to extend or terminate the leases when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options. We amortize our ROU assets as operating lease expense generally on a straight-line basis over the four-month vesting period.lease term and classify both the lease amortization and imputed interest as operating expenses. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, and in such cases, we generally account for the components separately with only the lease component included in the calculation of the ROU asset and lease liability.

We have operating leases that primarily relate to certain of our facilities, data centers and vehicles. As of September 30, 2022, our operating leases substantially have remaining terms of one year to 99 years, some of which include options to extend and/or terminate the leases. We do not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for any lease with an original lease term of less than one year.

Cash flow movements related to our lease activities are included in other assets and accounts payable and other liabilities as presented in net cash provided by operating activities in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine-months ended September 30, 2022.

 


17

As of September 30, 2022, the weighted-average remaining term of our operating leases was approximately 10 years. The weighted-average discount rate used to calculate the values associated with our operating leases was 6.63%. The table below describes the nature of lease expense and classification of operating lease expense recognized in the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively (in millions):

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 

Lease expense

                

Operating lease expense

 $4  $3  $13  $9 

Short-term lease expense

  1   1   2   2 

Total lease expense

 $5  $4  $15  $11 

 

8. CommitmentsThe maturities of operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2022, for the remainder of 2022 and Contingenciesthe succeeding years were as follows (in millions):

 

Year ending December 31,

 

Operating Leases

 

Remainder of 2022

 $4 

2023

  13 

2024

  13 

2025

  12 

2026

  10 

Thereafter

  51 

Total lease payments

  103 

Less: Imputed interest

  (28)

Present value of lease liabilities

 $75 

From time

10.

Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Matters. We are and expect to time, we are or may becomecontinue to be subject to legal actions, proceedings and claims that arise in the normal course of our business. In ourthe opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to knownthese actions, proceedings and claims will not materially affect our financial position. However, the outcomeposition, results of any oneoperations or more matters cannot be predicted with certainty,cash flows, although legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and the unfavorable resolution of any matterrulings or events could have a material adverse effectimpact on us.our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

9Assembly Atlanta. GoodwillOn June 1, 2022, we announced that we have entered into a long-term agreement with NBCUniversal Media, LLC (“NBCU”) for NBCU to lease and Intangible Assetsoperate new state-of-the-art studio facilities at our Assembly Atlanta development that is currently under construction.

 

DuringAssembly Atlanta is expected to be a 135-acre mixed-use real estate complex centered around the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017,studio industry at the former site of the General Motors Assembly Plant, located in the City of Doraville, Georgia. The Assembly Atlanta development includes the 43-acre Assembly Studios complex.

Under the terms of the lease, NBCU will manage all studio and production facilities on-site within the Assembly Studios complex, including Gray’s own studio facilities and Gray’s Third Rail Studios. This arrangement is expected to leverage NBCU’s extensive experience and expertise in managing studio lots, ensure consistency across all the studio operations and leasing opportunities for third parties, and permit Gray to retain its focus on its own video production business.

We currently expect that our capital expenditures related to Assembly Atlanta will approximate $201 million for full-year 2022 and $73 million for full-year 2023. These projected capital expenditure amounts are net of currently anticipated proceeds from property sales and incentive payments that we acquiredexpect to receive of approximately $43 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 and disposed$59 million, at various times, during the firstthree quarters of various television broadcast stations2023. We currently anticipate an additional $20 million of incentive payments after the third quarter of 2023. We can give no assurances of the actual proceeds to be received in the future from property sales and broadcast licenses. See Note 2 “Acquisitions and Dispositions” for more information regarding these transactions. As a resultincentive payments, nor the timing of these transactions, our goodwill and other intangible asset balances changed. any such proceeds.

18

11.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

A summary of changes in our goodwill and other intangible assets, on a net basis, for the nine-month periodnine-months ended September 30, 2017 2022 is as follows (in thousands)millions):

 

 

Net Balance at

  

Acquisitions

              

Net Balance at

  

Net Balance at December 31,

2021

  

Acquisitions

And

Adjustments, Net

  

Impairments

  

Amortization

  

Net Balance at

September 30,

2022

 
 

December 31,

  

And

              

September 30,

  
 

2016

  

Adjustments

  

Dispositions

  

Impairments

  

Amortization

  

2017

 
                        

Broadcast licenses

 $5,303  $23  $-  $-  $5,326 

Goodwill

 $485,318  $125,782  $-  $-  $-  $611,100  2,649  8  -  -  2,657 

Broadcast licenses

  1,340,305   202,923   (13,105)  -   -   1,530,123 

Definite lived intangible assets

  56,250   42,606   -   -   (18,684)  80,172 

Finite-lived intangible assets

  825   18   -   (156)  687 

Total intangible assets net of accumulated amortization

 $1,881,873  $371,311  $(13,105) $-  $(18,684) $2,221,395  $8,777  $49  $-  $(156) $8,670 

A summary of the changes in our goodwill, on a gross basis, for the nine-months ended September 30, 2022, is as follows (in millions):

  

As of

          

As of

 
  

December 31,

  

Net

      

September 30,

 
  

2021

  

Additions

  

Impairments

  

2022

 
                 

Goodwill, gross

 $2,748  $8  $-  $2,756 

Accumulated goodwill impairment

  (99)  -   -   (99)

Goodwill, net

 $2,649  $8  $-  $2,657 

 

As of September 30, 2017 2022 and December 31, 2016, 2021, our intangible assets and related accumulated amortization consisted of the following (in thousands)millions):

 

 

As of September 30, 2017

  

As of December 31, 2016

  

As of September 30, 2022

  

As of December 31, 2021

 
     

Accumulated

          

Accumulated

          

Accumulated

         

Accumulated

    
 

Gross

  

Amortization

  

Net

  

Gross

  

Amortization

  

Net

  

Gross

  

Amortization

  

Net

  

Gross

  

Amortization

  

Net

 

Intangible assets not currently subject to amortization:

                         

Broadcast licenses

 $1,583,822  $(53,699) $1,530,123  $1,394,004  $(53,699) $1,340,305  $5,380  $(54) $5,326  $5,356  $(53) $5,303 

Goodwill

  611,100   -   611,100   485,318   -   485,318   2,657   -   2,657   2,649   -   2,649 
 $2,194,922  $(53,699) $2,141,223  $1,879,322  $(53,699) $1,825,623  $8,037  $(54) $7,983  $8,005  $(53) $7,952 
                         

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

                         

Network affiliation agreements

 $6,134  $(2,905) $3,229  $1,264  $(1,264) $-  $218  $(77) $141  $204  $(44) $160 

Other definite lived intangible assets

  143,446   (66,503)  76,943   105,792   (49,542)  56,250 

Other finite lived intangible assets

  1,055   (509)  546   1,051   (386)  665 
 $149,580  $(69,408) $80,172  $107,056  $(50,806) $56,250  $1,273  $(586) $687  $1,255  $(430) $825 
                         

Total intangibles

 $2,344,502  $(123,107) $2,221,395  $1,986,378  $(104,505) $1,881,873  $9,310  $(640) $8,670  $9,260  $(483) $8,777 

 

Amortization expense for the nine-monthnine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 2022 and 20162021 was $18.7$156 million and $12.4$81 million, respectively. Based on the current amount of intangible assets subject to amortization as of September 30, 2022, we expect that amortization expense for the remainder of 2022 would be approximately $51 million, and, for the succeeding five years, amortization expense will be approximately as follows: 2018, $20.42023, $197 million; 2019, $15.22024, $132 million; 2020, $12.22025, $121 million; 2021, $8.12026, $91 million; and 2022, $4.82027, $49 million. If and when acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future, actual amounts may vary materially from these estimates.


Impairment of goodwill and broadcast licenses

 

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

10

19

12..     Income Taxes

Income Taxes

 

For the three and nine-monthnine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 2022 and 2016,2021, our income tax expense and effective income tax rates were as follows (dollars in thousands)millions):

 

 

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 
 

September 30,

  

September 30,

  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 

Income tax expense

 $10,529  $797  $65,751  $19,109  $42  $35  $101  $65 

Effective income tax rate

  40.7%  136.5%  40.6%  42.0% 28% 194% 27% 52%

 

We estimate our differences between taxable income or loss and recorded income or loss on an annual basis. Our tax provision for each quarter is based upon these full-yearfull year projections, which are revised each reporting period. These projections incorporate estimates of permanent differences between U.S. GAAP income or loss and taxable income or loss, state income taxes and adjustments to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits to adjust our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0%21% to our effective income tax rate. For the nine-monthnine-month period ended September 30, 2017, these estimates increased our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0% to our effective income tax rate of 40.6% as follows: state income taxes added 4.3% and permanent differences between our U.S. GAAP income and taxable income added 1.3%. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016, 2022, these estimates increased or decreased our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0% to our effective income tax rate of 42.0%27% as follows: state income taxes added 4.6%5%, permanent differences between our U.S. GAAP income and taxable income added 2.1%, and discrete items added 1.0%, while adjustments1%. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021, these estimates increased or decreased our statutory Federal income tax rate to our reserve for uncertaineffective income tax positionsrate of 52% as follows: state income taxes added 5%, permanent differences between our U.S. GAAP income and taxable income added 3% and divestiture of component 2 goodwill resulted in an increase of 23%.

During the nine-months ended September 30, 2022, we made $128 million of federal and state income tax payments, net of refunds. During the remainder of 2022, we anticipate making income tax payments (before deducting refunds) of approximately $58 million to $68 million. As of September 30, 2022, we have approximately $337 million of various state operating loss carryforwards, of which we expect that approximately half will be utilized.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, contains modifications on the limitation of business interest for tax years beginning in 2019 and 2020, and permits net operating loss (“NOL”) carryovers and carrybacks to offset 100% of taxable income for taxable years beginning before 2021. In addition, the CARES Act allows NOLs incurred in 2018,2019, and 2020 to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a reductionrefund of 0.7%.previously paid income taxes. During 2020, we carried back certain net operating losses resulting in a refund of $21 million, that is currently outstanding.

 


20

13.

Segment Information

 

The Company operates in two business segments: broadcasting and production companies. The broadcasting segment operates television stations in local markets in the U.S. The production companies segment includes the production of television content. Costs identified as other are primarily corporate and administrative expenses. The following tables present certain financial information concerning the Company’s operating segments (in millions):

      

Production

         

As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022:

 

Broadcasting

  

Companies

  

Other

  

Consolidated

 
                 

Revenue (less agency commissions)

 $2,548  $56  $-  $2,604 

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets, net:

  1,595   56   80   1,731 

Depreciation and amortization

  240   10   2   252 

Loss on disposal of assets, net

  (6)  -   -   (6)

Operating expenses

  1,829   66   82   1,977 

Operating income (loss)

 $719  $(10) $(82) $627 
                 

Interest expense

 $-  $-  $254  $254 

Capital expenditures (excluding business combinations)

 $114  $181  $3  $298 

Goodwill

 $2,612  $45  $-  $2,657 

Total assets

 $10,565  $358  $260  $11,183 
                 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021:

                
                 

Revenue (less agency commissions)

 $1,648  $44  $-  $1,692 

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and (gain) loss on disposal of assets, net:

  1,099   39   75   1,213 

Depreciation and amortization

  146   9   2   157 

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net

  46   -   -   46 

Operating expenses

  1,291   48   77   1,416 

Operating income (loss)

 $357  $(4) $(77) $276 
                 

Interest expense

 $-  $-  $143  $143 

Capital expenditures (excluding business combinations)

 $63  $88  $3  $154 
                 

As of December 31, 2021:

                
                 

Goodwill

 $2,604  $45  $-  $2,649 

Total assets

 $10,592  $269  $247  $11,108 

21

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

 

Executive Overview

 

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

The following analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Gray Television, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this report andthereto included elsewhere herein, as well as with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes containedthereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20162021 (the “2016“2021 Form 10-K”). filed with the SEC.

 

Recent AcquisitionsBusiness Overview. We are a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that is the nation’s second largest television broadcaster in terms of revenues. We are the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. Our television stations serve 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. This portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. We also own video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group (formerly Tupelo Honey), PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

 

On January 13, 2017,Our revenues are derived primarily from broadcasting and internet advertising, retransmission consent fees and, to a lesser extent, other sources such as production of television and event programming, television commercials, tower rentals and management fees. For the nine-months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, we acquired KTVF-TV (NBC), KXDF-TV (CBS),generated revenue of $2.6 billion and KFXF-TV (FOX)$1.7 billion, respectively.

Impact of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic and Related Government Restrictions on our Markets and Operations. The impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic and measures to prevent its spread continue to affect our businesses in a number of ways. The extent to which the COVID-19 global pandemic impacts our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the duration and scope of the pandemic; the negative impact it has on global and regional economies and economic activity, changes in advertising customers and consumer behavior, impact of governmental regulations that might be imposed in response to the pandemic; its short and longer-term impact on the levels of consumer confidence; actions governments, businesses and individuals take in response to the pandemic; and how quickly economies recover after the COVID-19 global pandemic subsides. The COVID-19 global pandemic’s impact on the capital markets could impact our cost of borrowing. See “The COVID-19 global pandemic has had and is expected to continue to have an adverse impact on our business.in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2021 Form 10-K.

Impact of Recent Acquisitions and Divestitures. As more fully described in our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, during 2021 we completed several transactions that have, collectively, had a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We refer to these transactions collectively as the “2021 Acquisitions”. The impact of the 2021 Acquisitions is described in more detail in the Fairbanks, Alaska television market (DMA 202)following discussion of our operating results. The 2021 Acquisitions included:

On April 7, 2021, we acquired land in the Atlanta suburb of Doraville, Georgia for an initial investment of approximately $80 million of cash. We acquired this property, in part, for the development of studio production facilities, currently in-progress. We refer to this development as “Assembly Atlanta”;

On August 2, 2021, we completed the acquisition of all the equity interests of Quincy Media, Inc. (“Quincy”). Net of divestitures to facilitate regulatory approvals, this transaction added 10 television stations in eight local markets. In connection with the acquisition we completed the divestiture to Allen Media (“Allen”) of television stations in seven markets previously owned by Quincy and located in our existing television markets, for an adjusted divestiture price of $398 million, which amount includes $18 million for working capital (the “Quincy Divestiture”). Net of divestitures the purchase price was $553 million;

On September 13, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Third Rail Studios for $27 million. The transaction represented an initial step in the broader development of Assembly Atlanta;

On September 23, 2021, to facilitate regulatory approvals for the acquisition of the Meredith Local Media Group (“Meredith”), we completed the divestiture of WJRT (ABC) in the Flint-Saginaw, Michigan market (DMA 64), to Allen for an adjusted purchase price of $72 million in cash, including working capital (the “Flint Divestiture”);

22

On November 9, 2021, to fund a portion of the purchase consideration for Meredith we issued $1.3 billion of our 2031 Notes;

On December 1, 2021, to fund a portion of the purchase consideration for Meredith we amended our Senior Credit facility and borrowed $1.5 billion under the 2021 Term Loan; and

On December 1, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Meredith for $2.8 billion net of one divestiture to facilitate regulatory approvals. This transaction added 17 television stations in 12 local markets to our operations.

The following table summarizes the “Transaction Related Expenses” incurred in connection with the 2021 Acquisitions during the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, by type and by financial statement line item (in millions):

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 

Transaction Related Expenses by type:

                

Legal, consulting and other professional fees

 $1  $11  $4  $19 

Incentive compensation and other severance costs

  -   -   2   - 

Termination of financing agreement

  -   -   -   7 

Total Transaction Related Expenses

 $1  $11  $6  $26 
                 

Transaction Related Expenses by financial statement line item:

                

Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net:

                

Broadcasting

 $1  $-  $5  $- 

Corporate and administrative

  -   11   1   19 

Miscellaneous (income) expense, net

  -   -   -   7 

Total Transaction Related Expenses

 $1  $11  $6  $26 

Due to the significant effect that the 2021 Acquisitions have had on our results of operations, and in order to provide more meaningful period over period comparisons, we present herein certain financial information excluding the impact of the 2021 Acquisitions. This financial information does not include any adjustments for $8.0 million (the “Fairbanks Acquisition”).other events attributable to the 2021 Acquisitions unless otherwise described.

 

On January 17, 2017, we acquired WBAY-TV (ABC),Revenues, Operations, Cyclicality and Seasonality. Broadcast advertising is sold for placement generally preceding or following a television station’s network programming and within local and syndicated programming. Broadcast advertising is sold in time increments and is priced primarily on the basis of a program’s popularity among the specific audience an advertiser desires to reach. In addition, broadcast advertising rates are affected by the number of advertisers competing for the available time, the size and demographic makeup of the market served by the station and the availability of alternative advertising media in the Green Bay, Wisconsin television market (DMA 69), and KWQC-TV (NBC), inarea. Broadcast advertising rates are generally the Davenport, Iowa, Rock Island, Illinois, and Moline, Illinois or “Quad Cities” television market (DMA 102) (collectively,highest during the “Media General Acquisition”), for $269.9 million.

On May 1, 2017, we acquired WDTV-TV (CBS) and WVFX-TV (FOX/CW) in the Clarksburg-Weston, West Virginia television market (DMA 169) from Withers Broadcasting Companymost desirable viewing hours, with corresponding reductions during other hours. The ratings of West Virginia (the “Clarksburg Acquisition”) for $26.5 million. On June 1, 2016, we began operating these stations, subject to the control of the seller, under a local marketing agreement (“LMA”) that terminated upon completionstation affiliated with a major network can be affected by ratings of the acquisition.

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

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

 

We refer to the eight stations acquired (excluding the stations acquired in the Clarksburg Acquisition) during the first nine monthsalso sell internet advertising on our stations’ websites and mobile apps. These advertisements may be sold as banner advertisements, video advertisements and other types of 2017advertisements or sponsorships.

Our broadcast and the stations we commenced operating under LMAs during that period as the “2017 Acquisitions.” We refer to the 13 stations acquired in 2016, andinternet advertising revenues are affected by several factors that we retainedconsider to be seasonal in those acquisitions (including the stations in the Clarksburg Acquisition that we commenced operating under an LMA on June 1, 2016) as the “2016 Acquisitions.”nature. These factors include:

 

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

Recent Financing Transactions

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

Spending by political candidates, political parties and special interest groups increases during the even-numbered “on-year” of the two-year election cycle. This political spending typically is heaviest during the fourth quarter of such years;

Broadcast advertising revenue is generally highest in the second and fourth quarters each year. This seasonality results partly from increases in advertising in the spring and in the period leading up to and including the holiday season;

Core advertising revenue on our NBC-affiliated stations increases in certain years as a result of broadcasts of the Olympic Games; and

Because our stations and markets are not evenly divided among the Big Four broadcast networks, our local and national advertising revenue can fluctuate between years related to which network broadcasts the Super Bowl.

 


23

 

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

Cyclicality, Seasonality and Advertising Concentrations

Broadcast stations like ours rely onWe derived a material portion of our non-political broadcast advertising revenue from advertisers in a limited number of industries, particularly the services sector, comprising financial, legal and as a result, they are sensitive to cyclical changes inmedical advertisers, and the economy. Ourautomotive industry. The services sector has become an increasingly important source of advertising revenue over the past few years. During each of the nine-months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, approximately 28% of our broadcast advertising revenue (excluding political advertising revenue is generally not as significantly affected by economic slowdowns or recessions asrevenue) was obtained from advertising sales to the services sector. During the nine-months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 approximately 16% and 18%, respectively, of our non-political advertising revenue.

Broadcastbroadcast advertising revenue is generally highest in the second and fourth quarters each year. This seasonality results partly(excluding political advertising revenue) was obtained from increases in consumer advertising in the spring and retail advertising in the period leading upsales to and including the Christmas holiday season. Broadcast advertisingautomotive customers. Revenue from these industries may represent a lower percentage of total revenue is also typically higher in even-numbered years due to, spending by political candidates, political parties and special interest groups duringamong other things, the “on year”decreased availability of advertising time, as a result of such years being the “on-year” of the two-year politicalelection cycle.

While our total revenues have increased in recent years as a result of our acquisitions, our revenue remains under pressure from the impact on the advertising cycle. This politicalmarket as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic and from the internet as a competitor for advertising spending typicallyspending. We have been taking steps to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and we continue to enhance and market our internet websites in an effort to generate additional revenue. Our aggregate internet revenue is heaviest during the fourth quarter.derived from both advertising and sponsorship opportunities directly on our websites.

Our primary broadcasting operating expenses are employee compensation, related benefits and programming costs. In addition, the broadcastbroadcasting operations incur overhead expenses, such as maintenance, supplies, insurance, rent and utilities. A large portion of Olympic Games bythe operating expenses of our NBC-affiliated stations during even-numbered years generally leadsbroadcasting operations is fixed. We continue to increased viewershipmonitor our operating expenses and revenue during those years.seek opportunities to reduce them where possible.

 

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, excluding political advertising revenue,Assembly Atlanta. On June 1, 2022, we entered into a long-term agreement with NBCU, for NBCU to lease and operate new state-of-the-art studio facilities (Assembly Studios) at our largest advertising customer category was automotive. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we earned approximately 25% and 23%, respectively, of our total broadcast advertising revenue, excluding political advertising revenue, from automotive customers. Our business and operating results could be materially adversely affected if advertising revenue from automotive customers were to decrease significantly. Our business and operating results could also be materially adversely affected if revenue decreased from one or more other significant advertising categories, such as the medical, restaurant, communications, furniture and appliances, entertainment, or financial service industries.Assembly Atlanta development that is currently under construction.

 

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

 

Revenue

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

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 
      

Percent

      

Percent

      

Percent

      

Percent

 
  

Amount

  

of Total

  

Amount

  

of Total

  

Amount

  

of Total

  

Amount

  

of Total

 

Revenue:

                                

Local (including internet/digital/mobile)

 $110,033     50.2%  $102,172    50.0%  $330,547    50.9%  $296,253      51.5% 

National

  31,027     14.2%   25,426    12.4%   86,822    13.4%   73,575      12.8% 

Political

  4,005       1.8%   22,272    10.9%   9,034      1.4%   41,576       7.2% 

Retransmission consent

  70,150     32.0%   51,096    25.0%   207,094     31.9%   148,914      25.9% 

Other

  3,762       1.8%   3,524      1.7%   15,622       2.4%   14,528       2.6% 

Total

 $218,977   100.0%  $204,490   100.0%  $649,119   100.0%  $574,846   100.0% 


  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

2022

  

2021

 
      

Percent

      

Percent

      

Percent

      

Percent

 
  

Amount

  

of Total

  

Amount

  

of Total

  

Amount

  

of Total

  

Amount

  

of Total

 

Revenue:

                                

Core advertising

 $359   39% $292   49% $1,090   42% $831   49%

Political

  144   16%  9   2%  260   10%  24   1%

Retransmission consent

  368   40%  266   44%  1,143   44%  755   45%

Production companies

  20   2%  20   3%  56   2%  44   3%

Other

  18   3%  14   2%  55   2%  38   2%

Total

 $909   100% $601   100% $2,604   100% $1,692   100%

 

Results of Operations

 

Three-MonthsThree-Months Ended September 30, 20172022 ( (“2017the 2022 three-month period”period) Compared to Three-Monthsto Three-Months Ended September 30, 20162021 ( (“2016the 2021 three-month period”period)

 

RevenueRevenue.. Total revenue increased $14.5$308 million, or 7%51%, to $219.0$909 million in the 20172022 three-month period. Total revenue increased primarily due to our 2021 Acquisitions, that made a net impact of $249 million. During the 2022 three-month period, compared toexcluding the 2016 three-month period. The 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions collectively accounted for approximately $59.3 million of total revenue in the 2017 three-month period. The 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $37.1 million of total revenue in the 2016 three-month period. Excluding thenet impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions, total revenue at our legacy stations decreased primarily due to a $14.2 million decrease in political advertising revenue, resulting primarily from 2017 being the “off-year” of the two-year election cycle. In addition, local and national advertising revenue was impacted by our broadcast of the 2016 Olympic Games in the 2016 nine-month period that produced approximately $8.2 million of local and national advertising revenue. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $10.0 million of retransmission consent revenue in the 2017 three-month period.2021 Acquisitions:

Political advertising revenue increased by $73 million, resulting primarily from 2022 being the “on-year” of the two-year election cycle;

24

Retransmission consent revenue was unchanged;

Core advertising decreased by $11 million largely as a result of the increase in political advertising revenue that reduces the number of time slots that are available for us to sell.

 

Broadcast expensesBroadcasting Expenses. BroadcastBroadcasting expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $18.7$153 million, or 16%40%, to $139.4$537 million in the 20172022 three-month period. Total broadcasting expenses increased primarily due to our 2021 Acquisitions that made a net impact of $142 million. During the 2022 three-month period, excluding the net impact of the 2021 Acquisitions:

Payroll broadcasting expenses increased by approximately $11 million as a result of routine increases in compensation.

Non-payroll broadcasting expenses increased by approximately $1 million.

Broadcast non-cash stock-based compensation expense was approximately $1 million in each of the 2022 and 2021 three-month periods.

Production company expenses. Production company operating expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) were $16 million in the 2022 three-month period, an increase of $3 million compared to the 2021 three-month period, due primarily to the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, which accounted for approximately $34.9 million of broadcast expenses in the 2017 three-month period. The 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $20.9 million of our broadcast expenses in the 2016 three-month period. In addition to the impactlessening effects of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions, non-compensation expense at our legacy stations increased $5.9 million primarily as a result of a $5.3 million increaseCOVID-19 global pandemic which had affected production operations in retransmission expense, consistent with the increase in retransmission consent revenue. Non-cash stock based compensation expenses were $0.4 million and $0.3 million in the 2017 and 2016 three-month periods, respectively.prior periods.

 

Corporate and administrative expenses.Administrative Expenses. Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $1.1decreased by $5 million, or 15%16%, to $8.3$27 million. During the 2022 three-month period compensation expense increased by $4 million and professional services decreased by $9 million. These decreases were primarily reductions in Transaction Related Expenses when compared to the 2021 three-month period. Non-cash stock-based compensation expenses increased to $4 million in the 20172022 three-month period compared to the 2016 three-month period, primarily as a result of increased professional services and promotional expenses. Non-cash share based compensation expenses were $1.2 million and $1.0$3 million in the 2017 and 20162021 three-month periods, respectively.period.

 

Depreciation.Depreciation of property and equipment increased $1.6totaled $33 million or 14%, to $13.1and $26 million in the 20172022 three-month period compared toand the 20162021 three-month period.period, respectively. Depreciation increased primarily due to the addition of depreciable assets acquired as a part ofin the 2017 Acquisitions and the 20162021 Acquisitions.

 

Amortization of intangible assets. . Amortization of intangible assets totaled $52 million and $28 million in the 2022 three-month period and the 2021 three-month period, respectively. Amortization increased approximately $2.2primarily due to the addition of finite-lived intangible assets acquired in the 2021 Acquisitions.

(Gain) Loss on Disposals of Assets, Net. We reported a gain of $1 million in the 2022 three-month period and a loss on disposals of assets of $51 million in the 2021 three-month period. In the 2021 three-month period, we reported a non-cash loss of $48 million on the Quincy Divestiture transaction and a non-cash loss of $5 million on the Flint Divestiture. These losses were partially offset by gains on asset disposals from the FCC Repack process and in the normal course of business.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $46 million, or 53%96%, to $6.5$94 million duringfor the 20172022 three-month period compared to the 2016 three-month period. Amortization expense increased primarily due to the additional definite-lived intangible assets acquired as a part of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions.

Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $3.7 million or 13% to $24.2 million in the 2017 three-month period compared to the 20162021 three-month period. This decreaseincrease was primarily attributable to the net effectaddition of an increase indebt related to the average borrowings outstanding, offset by a decrease in our average interest rates.2021 Acquisitions. The average interest rate, excluding amortization of deferred financing costs, on our total outstanding debt balance was 4.9% and 5.6%increased to 5.3% during the 20172022 three-month period, andcompared to 4.4% during the 20162021 three-month period, respectively.period. Our average outstanding debt principal balance was $1.9$6.7 billion and $1.7$4.0 billion during the 20172022 and 2021 three-month period and the 2016 three-month period, respectively, with the increase primarily attributable to the borrowings to finance the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions.periods, respectively.

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


 

Income tax expense.Tax Expense. We recognized income tax expense of $10.5$42 million and $0.8$35 million forin the 20172022 and 20162021 three-month periods, respectively. For the 2017 and 2016 three-month periods, ourOur effective income tax rate was 40.7%rates were 28% and 136.5%,194% in the 2022 and 2021 three-month periods, respectively. We estimate our differences between taxable income or loss and recorded income or loss on an annual basis. Our tax provision for each quarterinterim period is based upon these full-yearfull year projections that are revised each reporting period. These projections incorporate estimates of permanent differences between U.S. GAAP income or loss and taxable income or loss, state income taxes and adjustments to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits. For the 20172022 three-month period, these estimates increased or decreased our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0%21% to our effective income tax rate of 28% as follows: state income taxes added 4.5%,5% and permanent differences between our U.S. GAAP income and taxable income added 1.3%, and discrete items decreased the effective rate by 0.1%2%.

25

Nine-MonthsNine-Months Ended September 30, 20172022 (the 2022 nine-month period (“2017nine-month period”) Compared to Nine-Monthsto Nine-Months Ended September 30, 20162021 (the 2021 nine-month period (“)2016nine-month period”)

Revenue.

Revenue. Total revenue increased $74.3$912 million, or 13%54%, to $649.1 million$2.6 billion in the 20172022 nine-month period as compared tofrom the 20162021 nine-month period. The 2017Total revenue increased primarily due to our 2021 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions collectively accounted for approximately $167.9 millionthat made a net impact of total revenue in$735 million. During the 20172022 nine-month period. The 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $87.9 million of total revenue inperiod, excluding the 2016 nine-month period. Excluding thenet impact of the 2017 Acquisitions and the 2016 Acquisitions, total revenue at our legacy stations decreased primarily due to a decrease of $28.9 million in political advertising revenue, resulting primarily from 2017 being the “off-year” of the two-year election cycle. This decrease at our legacy stations was offset by increases of $28.9 million in retransmission consent revenue in the 2017 nine-month period.2021 Acquisitions:

 

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

Political advertising revenue increased by $133 million, resulting primarily from 2022 being the “on-year” of the two-year election cycle;

Retransmission consent revenue increased by $37 million due to an increase in rates;

Core advertising revenue was unchanged;

Core advertising revenue from the broadcast of the 2022 Super Bowl on our NBC-affiliated stations was approximately $5 million, compared to $6 million that we earned from the broadcast of the 2021 Super Bowl on our CBS-affiliated stations and $8 million of revenue from the broadcast of the Olympic Games; and

Production company revenue increased by $8 million in the 2022 nine-month period primarily due to the lessening effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic which had affected our customers in prior periods.

 

Broadcast expensesBroadcasting Expenses. BroadcastBroadcasting expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss (gain) on disposal of assets) increased $59.8$496 million, or 17%, to $406.4 million in$1.6 billion. Total broadcasting expenses increased primarily due to our 2021 Acquisitions that made a net impact of $452 million. During the 20172022 nine-month period, due primarily to the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions, which accounted for approximately $95.1 million of broadcast expenses in the 2017 nine-month period. The 2016 Acquisitions accounted for approximately $52.6 million of our broadcast expenses in the 2016 nine-month period. In addition toexcluding the impact of the 2017 Acquisitions2021 Acquisitions:

Payroll broadcasting expenses increased by approximately $25 million as a result of routine increases in compensation.

Non-payroll broadcasting expenses increased by approximately $19 million primarily because retransmission expense increased $26 million, partially offset by decreases of $7 million in syndicated programming expenses.

Broadcast non-cash stock-based compensation expense was $3 million and $2 million in the 2022 and 2021 nine-month periods, respectively.

Production Company Expenses. Production company expenses (before depreciation, amortization and the 2016 Acquisitions, non-compensation expense at our legacy stationsgain or loss on disposal of assets) increased $18.5 million primarily as a result of a $15.7 million increase in retransmission expense, consistent with the increased retransmission consent revenue, and $5.2 million of professional fees. Non-cash stock based compensation expenses were $1.1 million and $0.9by approximately $17 million in the 2017 and 20162022 nine-month period to $56 million, compared to $39 million in the 2021 nine-month period. The increase is due to the lessening effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic which had affected production operations in prior periods, respectively.

 

Corporate and administrative expenses.Administrative Expenses. Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain or loss (gain) on disposal of assets) decreased $7.0increased by $5 million, or 22%7%, to $24.4$80 million forin the 20172022 nine-month period period compared to the 20162021 nine-month period. These increases were primarily the result of routine increases in compensation expense of $12 million. Non-compensation expenses decreased by $8 million in the 2022 nine-month period primarily as a result of decreases of $7.7 million in professional fees related to acquisitions. We recorded corporate non-cashservices costs. Non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $3.2 million and $2.9expenses increased to $14 million in the 2017 and 20162022 nine-month periods, respectively.period compared to $9 million in the 2021 nine-month period.

 

Depreciation.Depreciation of property and equipment increased $4.3totaled $96 million or 13%, to $38.6and $76 million forin the 20172022 nine-month period as comparedand the 2021 nine-month period, respectively. Depreciation increased primarily due to the 2016 nine-month period. Depreciation increased due to additional property and equipment being placedaddition of depreciable assets acquired in service due to routine asset purchases and the 2017 Acquisitions and the 20162021 Acquisitions.

 

Amortization of intangible assets. . Amortization of intangible assets totaled $156 million and $81 million in the 2022 nine-month period and the 2021 nine-month period, respectively. Amortization increased $6.3primarily due to the addition of definite-lived intangible assets acquired in the 2021 Acquisitions.

(Gain) Loss on Disposals of Assets, Net. We reported non-cash gain on disposals of assets of $6 million or 51%, to $18.7 million duringin the 20172022 nine-month period compared to the 2016 nine-month period due to amortizationa loss on disposals of the additional definite-lived intangible assets of $46 million in the 2017 Acquisitions2021 nine-month period. We reported a non-cash loss of $48 million on the Quincy Divestiture and 2016 Acquisitions.a non-cash loss of $5 million on the Flint Divestiture in the 2021 nine-month period. These losses were partially offset by gains related to assets disposals from the Repack process and in the normal course of business.


26

 

Interest expense.Expense. Interest expense decreased $2.3was $254 million or 3%, to $71.2and $143 million forin the 20172022 and 2021 nine-month period compared to the 2016 nine-month period.periods, respectively. This increase was attributable to a decrease in our average interest rates, partially offset byboth an increase in our average borrowings outstanding.loan principal and increasing interest rates. The average interest rate, excluding amortization of deferred financing costs, on our total outstanding debt balance was 4.9%4.8% and 5.6%4.4% during the 20172022 and 2021 nine-month period and the 2016 nine-month period,periods, respectively. Our average outstanding debt balance was $1.8$6.8 billion and $1.6$4.1 billion during the 20172022 and 2021 nine-month period and the 2016 nine-month period, respectively, with the increase primarily attributable to the borrowings to finance the 2017 Acquisitions and 2016 Acquisitions.

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

 

Income tax expense.Tax Expense. We recognized income tax expense of $65.8$101 million and $19.1$65 million in the 20172022 and 20162021 nine-month periods, respectively. For the 2017 and 2016 nine-month periods, ourOur effective income tax rate was 40.6%rates were 27% and 42.0%, respectively. The primary reason for the increase in our income tax expense was the increase in our pre-tax income52% in the 20172022 and 2021 nine-month period compared to the 2016 nine-month period.periods, respectively. We estimate our differences between taxable income or loss and recorded income or loss on an annual basis. Our tax provision for each quarterinterim period is based upon these full-yearfull year projections that are revised each reporting period. These projections incorporate estimates of permanent differences between U.S. GAAP income or loss and taxable income or loss, state income taxes and adjustments to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits. For the 20172022 nine-month period, these estimates increased our statutory Federalfederal income tax rate of 35.0%21% to our effective income tax rate of 27% as follows: state income taxes added 4.3%5% and permanent differences between our U.S. GAAP income and taxable income added 1.3%1%.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

General

 

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

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2022

  

2021

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 $114,346  $103,419  $596  $283 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (336,334)  (469,504) (362) (664)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  69,653   499,165 

(Decrease) increase in cash

 $(152,335) $133,080 

Net cash used in financing activities

  (279)  (70)

Decrease in cash

 $(45) $(451)

 

  

As of

 
  

September 30, 2017

  

December 31, 2016

 

Cash

 $172,854  $325,189 

Long-term debt

 $1,831,610  $1,756,747 

Borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility

 $100,000  $60,000 

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


  

As of

 
  

September 30, 2022

  

December 31, 2021

 

Cash

 $144  $189 

Long-term debt, including current portion, less deferred financing costs

 $6,605  $6,755 

Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock

 $650  $650 

Borrowing availability under Revolving Credit Facility

 $496  $497 

 

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

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $114.3$596 million in the 20172022 nine-month period compared to $103.4$283 million in the 20162021 nine-month period. The increase of $10.9$313 million in the 20172022 nine-month period was the result of a $69.9$208 million increase in net income, partially offset by a $49.5primarily due to increases in political advertising revenue. Our increase in net income included an increase of $74 million decrease in net non-cash expenses, primarily depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, deferred income taxes and gain on disposal of assets. Changes in our working capital accounts used $9.5operating expenses. Approximately $31 million of cash. These changes were primarily due to the impact on our statement of operations fromcash was provided by changes in the components of our debt financing, changes in our tax position, the 2017 Acquisitions, the 2016 Acquisitions and the gain on disposal of assets resulting from the FCC Sprectrum Auction.net working capital.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $336.3$362 million in the 20172022 nine-month period compared to net cash used in investing activities of $469.5$664 million for the 20162021 nine-month period. The decrease in the amount used was largely due to decreased use of cash fora reduction in our acquisition activityactivities in the 20172022 nine-month period, compared to the 2021 nine-month period.

 

Net cash provided byused in financing activities was approximately $69.7$279 million in the 20172022 nine-month period compared to net cash provided byused in financing activities of $499.2$70 million in the 20162021 nine-month period. NetThe primary reasons for the increase in cash provided by financing activitiesused in the 20172022 nine-month period, was primarily from borrowingswere the use of $85.0 million under 2017 Term Loan; reduced by $4.6$161 million of quarterly principal payments undercash to reduce our outstanding debt in the 2017 Term Loan; reduced by $5.0 million of deferred financing costs primarily related to the 2017 Senior Credit Facility.2022 nine-month period. Also in the 20172022 nine-month period, we used $4.0$50 million to repurchase shares of our common stock and made $1.8 millionon the open market. In the 2021 nine-month period, we did not repurchase any shares of payments for taxes related to net share settlements of equity awards.our common stock.

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Liquidity

 

AsBased on our debt outstanding as of September 30, 2017,2022, we had $6.4 million in debt principal payments due over the next twelve months. We estimate that we will make approximately $90.8$386 million in debt interest payments over the twelve months immediately following September 30, 2017.2022. Interest rates have recently been increasing and may increase further over the remainder of 2022. Accordingly, our future debt interest payments may exceed our current estimate but we do not believe that the potential increase will have a material impact on our operations or liquidity.

 

Although our cash flows from operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the COVID-19 global pandemic and related economic effects, we anticipate that our cash on hand, future cash expected to be generated from operations, borrowings from time to time under the 20172019 Senior Credit Facility (or any such other credit facility as may be in place at the appropriate time) and, potentially, external equity or debt financing, will be sufficient to fund any debt service obligations, estimated capital expenditures and acquisition-related obligations. Any potential equity or debt financing would depend upon, among other things, the costs and availability of such financing at the appropriate time. We also presently believe that our future cash expected to be generated from operations and borrowing availability under the 20172019 Senior Credit Facility (or any such other credit facility) will be sufficient to fund our future capital expenditures and long-term debt service obligations until at least February 7, 2024, which is the maturity date of the term loans2017 Term Loan under the 20172019 Senior Credit Facility.

Debt. As of September 30, 2022, long-term debt consisted of obligations under our 2019 Senior Credit Facility, our 2026 Notes, our 2027 Notes, our 2030 Notes and our 2031 Notes. As of September 30, 2022, the 2019 Senior Credit Facility provided total commitments of $3.6 billion, consisting of our 2017 Term Loan, our 2019 Term Loan, our 2021 Term Loan and $496 million available under our Revolving Credit Facility. We were in compliance with the covenants in these debt agreements at September 30, 2022. In the nine-months ended September 30, 2022, we paid the required principal reductions of $11 million of our 2021 Term Loan and voluntarily pre-paid $150 million of the outstanding principal balance of our 2017 Term Loan. On November 1, 2022, we made an additional voluntary pre-payment of $100 million of the outstanding principal balance of our 2017 Term Loan.

 

Capital ExpendituresExpenditures.

Capital expenditures in the 2017 and 2016 nine-month periods were $21.4 million and $33.2 million, respectively. We anticipateexpect that our capital expenditures for the remainder of 2017 will range between approximately $14.0$120 million to $130 million during 2022 for routine purchases of broadcasting, production company and $15.0 million.

Resultscorporate purposes. In addition, we currently expect that our capital expenditures related to Assembly Atlanta will approximate $201 million for full-year 2022 and $73 million for full-year 2023. These projected capital expenditure amounts are net of FCC Spectrum Auction

On August 7, 2017,currently anticipated proceeds from property sales and incentive payments that we received $90.8expect to receive of approximately $43 million resulting from our relinquishment of two licenses in the FCC’s Spectrum Auction. Duefourth quarter of 2022 and $59 million, at various times, during the first three quarters of 2023. We currently anticipate an additional $20 million of incentive payments after the third quarter of 2023. We can give no assurances of the actual proceeds to prior planningbe received in connection with this transactionthe future from property sales and our recently completed acquisitions, we anticipate that we will be able to deferincentive payments, nor the timing of any related income tax payments on a long-term basis.such proceeds.


 

Other

We file a consolidated federal income tax return and such state and local tax returns as are required. During the 20172022 nine-month period, we made $128 million of federal or state income tax payments (net of refunds) of $1.2 million.payments. During the remainder of 2017,2022, we anticipate making income tax payments (net(before deducting refunds) within a range of refunds)$58 million to $68 million. As of September 30, 2022, we have an aggregate of approximately $0.6 million. Income$337 million of various state operating loss carryforwards, of which we expect that approximately half will be utilized.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, contains modifications on the limitation of business interest for tax payments are likely to be higheryears beginning in 2018, assuming no significant changes to the corporate tax code as currently in effect, as a result of our utilization of certain of our2019 and 2020, and permits net operating loss carryforwards.(“NOL”) carryovers and carrybacks to offset 100% of taxable income for taxable years beginning before 2021. In addition, the CARES Act allows NOLs incurred in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes. During 2020, we carried back certain net operating losses resulting in refunds of federal and state income taxes of $22 million, that are currently outstanding.

 

During the 20172022 nine-month period, we contributed $0.6$4 million to our defined benefit pension plan. During the remainder of 2017, we expect to make additional contributions to these plans of between $1.7 million and $2.4 million.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. There have been no material changes with respect to our off-balance sheet arrangements from those presented in our 2021 Form 10-K.

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Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments and estimations that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results couldcould differ from those estimates. We consider our accounting policies relating to intangible assets and income taxes to be critical policies that require judgments or estimations in their application where variances in those judgments or estimations could make a significant difference to future reported results. These critical accounting policies and estimates are more fully discussed in our 20162021 Form 10-K.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly(“Quarterly Report”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the SecuritiesSecurities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements are all statements other than those of historical fact. When used in this Quarterly Report,annual report, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “will,” “may,” “should” and similar words and expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. AmongThese forward-looking statements reflect our then-current expectations and are based upon data available to us at the time the statements are made. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, statements that describeabout the evolving and uncertain nature of the COVID-19 global pandemic and its impact on us, the media industry, and the economy in general, our expectations regarding ourstrategies, expected results of operations, general and industry-specific economic conditions, future pension plan contributions, future capital expenditures, are forward-looking statements.future income tax payments, future payments of interest and principal on our long-term debt, assumptions underlying various estimates and estimates of future obligations and commitments, and should be considered in context with the various other disclosures made by us about our business. Readers of this Quarterly Report are cautioned that any forward-looking statements, including those regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of our management, are not guarantees of future performance, results or events and involve significant risks and uncertainties, and that actual results and events may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, those listed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A. of our 2016Annual Report on Form 10-K and as may be described in subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, as well as the other factors described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-lookingSEC filings. The forward-looking statements speakincluded in this Quarterly Report are made only as of the date they are made.hereof. We undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

 

We believe that the market risk of our financial instruments as of September 30, 20172022 has not materially changed since December 31, 2016. The2021. Our market risk profile as ofon December 31, 20162021 is disclosed in our 20162021 Form 10-K.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosuredisclosure controls and procedures. Based on thatthis evaluation, the CEO and the CFO havehaving concluded that the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting initially reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022, respectively, has been remediated (as described below), management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2022.

Consistent with Managements’ Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting disclosed in Part II, Item 9A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the endyear ended December 31, 2021, we had identified a material weakness as a result of deficiencies identified in our controls over user access that did not adequately restrict or provision/deprovision user access related to certain financial reporting programs and did not ensure appropriate segregation of duties as it relates to review. Importantly, partly as a result of other internal controls over financial reporting, we did not identify any incidents of improper system access related to the period covered bymaterial weakness, nor did the identified weakness result in any identified misstatements to our financial statements.  There were no changes made, and no future changes intended to be made, to previously released financial results as a result of this material weakness.

As further described in our Quarterly Report ouron Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, we have implemented a series of remedial actions to address these control deficiencies. We have since successfully completed the testing of these remediated controls and management’s conclusions with respect to disclosure controls and procedures and internal control at September 30, 2022 are effectiveprovided above.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2022, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or furnish undermaterially affect, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

No system of controls, no matter how well designed and implemented, can provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the system of controls are met and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.


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

 

PART II.OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

Please referIn addition to the other information set out underforth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the heading “Risk Factors”risk factors that affect our business and financial results that are discussed in Part I, Item 1A, inof our 2016Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of riskthe fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. These factors that we determined to be most material to our financial condition and results of operations. We do not believe there have been any material changes in these risk factors. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we do not currently consider material may alsocould materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, andliquidity, results of operations and capital position, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from our historical results or the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in the future.

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

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

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

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

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

 


29

 

Item 6.Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report:

 

Exhibit 10.1

Number

Executive and Key Employee Change in Control Severance Plan*Description of Document

Exhibit 10.231.1

Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement pursuant to the Gray Television, Inc. 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan*

Exhibit 10.3

Form of Employee Restricted Stock Units Award Agreement pursuant to the Gray Television, Inc. 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan*

Exhibit 31.1

Rule 13(a) – 14(a) Certificate of Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

Rule 13(a) – 14(a) Certificate of Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1

Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 32.2

Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

The cover page from Gray Television, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2022 has been formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

 


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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.

 

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

(Registrant)

(Registrant)

    

Date: November 6, 2017 4, 2022

By:

/s/ James C. Ryan

James C. Ryan

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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