UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005
OR
For the transition period from to .
Commission File Number: 000-50478
NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State of Organization or
Incorporation)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
909 Lake Carolyn Parkway, Suite 1450
Irving, Texas 75039
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that it was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of October 31, 2005, the Registrant had outstanding:
14,289,310 shares of Class A Common Stock;
13,411,588 shares of Class B Common Stock; and
662,529 shares of Class C Common Stock
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXHIBIT INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share information)
September 30,
2005
December 31,
2004
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $875 and $1,119, respectively
Current portion of broadcast rights
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Property held for sale
Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Broadcast rights
Goodwill, net
Intangible assets, net
Other noncurrent assets
Total assets
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt
Current portion of broadcast rights payable
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Taxes payable
Interest payable
Deferred revenue
Total current liabilities
Debt
Broadcast rights payable
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred gain on sale of assets
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Minority interest in consolidated entity
Stockholders’ deficit:
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value, authorized 200,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding at both September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004
Common stock:
Class A Common - $0.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 14,289,310 at both September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004
Class B Common - $0.01 par value, authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 13,411,588 at both September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004
Class C Common - $0.01 par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 662,529 at both September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Total stockholders’ deficit
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
Revenue (excluding trade and barter)
Less: commissions
Net broadcast revenue (excluding trade and barter)
Trade and barter revenue
Total net revenue
Operating expenses (income):
Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
Merger related expenses
Loss on property held for sale
Loss (gain) on asset disposal (including deferred gain recognition), net
Amortization of broadcast rights
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation
Total operating expenses, net
Income from operations
Interest expense, including amortization of debt financing costs
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Interest income
Other income, net
Loss before income taxes
Income tax expense
Loss before minority interest in consolidated entity
Net loss
Net loss per common share:
Basic and diluted
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes
Depreciation of property and equipment
Amortization of debt financing costs
Amortization of broadcast rights, excluding barter
Payments for broadcast rights
Loss on asset disposal, net
Amortization of debt discount
Effect of accounting for derivative instruments
Call premium and interest paid in connection with repayments of senior discount and senior subordinated notes
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred gain on sale of assets
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment
Proceeds from sale of assets
Acquisition of broadcast properties and related transaction costs
Down payment on acquisition of station
Change in restricted cash
Net cash used for investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt issuance
Repayment of long-term debt
Proceeds from revolver draws
Repayment of senior discount notes
Repayment of senior subordinated notes
Payments for debt financing costs
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net
Cash paid for income taxes, net
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization and Business Operations
Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. (“Nexstar”) owns, operates, programs or provides sales and other services to 46 television stations, 45 of which are affiliated with the NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox or UPN television networks and one independent television station, in markets located in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Montana and Maryland. Through various local service agreements, Nexstar provides sales, programming and other services to stations owned and/or operated by independent third parties.
Nexstar is highly leveraged, which makes it vulnerable to changes in general economic conditions. Nexstar’s ability to repay or refinance its debt will depend on, among other things, financial, business, market, competitive and other conditions, many of which are beyond Nexstar’s control.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Interim Financial Statements
The condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2005 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 are unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, such financial statements include all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair statement of the financial information included herein in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Nexstar’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. The balance sheet at December 31, 2004 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nexstar and its subsidiaries. Also included in the financial statements are the accounts of independently-owned Mission Broadcasting, Inc. (“Mission”) (Nexstar and Mission are collectively referred to as “the Company”) and certain other entities where it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation on Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (“FIN No. 46”) as revised in December 2003 (“FIN No. 46R”).
All intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Mission
Mission is included in these consolidated financial statements because Nexstar is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in Mission for financial reporting purposes in accordance with FIN No. 46R as a result of (a) local service agreements Nexstar has with the Mission stations, (b) Nexstar’s guarantee of the obligations incurred under Mission’s senior credit facility and (c) purchase options granted by Mission’s sole shareholder which will permit Nexstar to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) consent. As of September 30, 2005, the assets of Mission consisted of current assets of $2.1 million (excluding broadcast rights), broadcast rights of $4.3 million, FCC licenses of $28.7 million, goodwill and other intangible assets of $65.7 million, property and equipment of $21.5 million and other noncurrent assets of $0.6 million. Substantially all of Mission’s assets, except for its FCC licenses, collateralize its secured debt obligation.
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2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—(Continued)
Nexstar has entered into local service agreements with Mission to provide sales and/or operating services to the Mission stations. The following table summarizes the various local service agreements Nexstar has with Mission as of September 30, 2005:
Service Agreements
Mission Stations
TBA (1)
SSA & JSA (2)
Nexstar does not own Mission or Mission’s television stations; however, Nexstar is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in them under U.S. GAAP while complying with the FCC’s rules regarding ownership limits in television markets. In order for both Nexstar and Mission to comply with FCC regulations, Mission maintains complete responsibility for and control over programming, finances, personnel and operations of its stations.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company, generally in connection with pending acquisitions subject to FCC consent, will enter into TBAs with non-owned stations. As a result of the TBA, the Company may determine that the station is a VIE and that the Company is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company makes specific periodic payments to the station’s owner-operator in exchange for the right to provide programming and sell advertising on a portion of the station’s broadcast time. Nevertheless, the owner-operator retains control and responsibility for the operation of the station, including responsibility over all programming broadcast on the station. The Company will continue to operate the station under a TBA until the termination of such agreement, which typically occurs on consummation of the acquisition of the station. The Company also may determine that a station is a VIE in connection with other types of local service agreements entered into with stations in markets in which the Company owns and operates a station.
VIEs included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as a result of TBAs entered into in connection with station acquisitions are discussed below.
As a result of TBAs the Company entered into with the owners of KFTA/KNWA, the NBC affiliate in Fort Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas and WTVO, the ABC affiliate in Rockford, Illinois, Nexstar and Mission determined that they were the primary beneficiary of the respective stations and, accordingly, had consolidated their financial statements in prior periods. As discussed further in Note 3, the Company completed its acquisitions of KFTA/KNWA and WTVO in January 2005 and operations under the TBAs were terminated. Therefore, the Company discontinued its consolidation of these stations as VIEs during the first quarter of 2005.
VIEs in connection with other types of local service agreements entered into with stations in markets in which the Company owns and operates a station are discussed below.
Nexstar has determined that it has a variable interest in KTVE, the NBC affiliate in El Dorado, Arkansas, owned by Piedmont Television of Monroe/El Dorado LLC (“Piedmont”) as a result of local service agreements Nexstar has with Piedmont. As successor to a JSA and SSA entered into effective March 21, 2001 by Quorum Broadcasting of Louisiana, Inc., Nexstar, (a) under the JSA, permits Piedmont to sell to advertisers all of the time available for commercial advertisements on KARD, the Nexstar television station in the related market in return for a monthly fee paid to Nexstar and (b) under the SSA, shares with Piedmont the costs of certain services and procurements, which they individually require in connection with the ownership and operation of their respective television stations. The terms of the JSA and SSA with Piedmont are 10 years and may be extended automatically for two additional 10-year terms unless the agreements are otherwise terminated. Nexstar has evaluated its arrangement with Piedmont and has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest, and therefore, has not consolidated KTVE under FIN No. 46R. Nexstar received payments under the JSA with Piedmont of approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $0.7 million and $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
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Nexstar has determined that it has a variable interest in WYZZ, the Fox affiliate in Peoria, Illinois, owned by a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcasting Group, Inc. (“Sinclair”) as a result of an outsourcing agreement it entered into effective December 1, 2001 with Sinclair to provide certain non-programming related engineering, production, sales and administrative services for WYZZ. The outsourcing agreement expires in December 2008, but at any time it may be canceled by either party upon 180 days written notice. Nexstar has evaluated its arrangement with Sinclair and has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest, and therefore, has not consolidated WYZZ under FIN No. 46R. Nexstar made payments to Sinclair under the outsourcing agreement of $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $0.9 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Nexstar has determined that it has a variable interest in WUHF, the Fox affiliate in Rochester, New York, owned by a subsidiary of Sinclair as a result of an outsourcing agreement it entered into effective September 1, 2005 with Sinclair to provide certain non-programming related engineering, production, sales and administrative services for WUHF. The outsourcing agreement expires in December 2012, but at any time it may be canceled by either party upon 180 days written notice. Nexstar has evaluated its arrangement with Sinclair and has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest, and therefore, has not consolidated WUHF under FIN No. 46R. Nexstar made payments to Sinclair under the outsourcing agreement of $0.1 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively.
Under the outsourcing agreements with Sinclair, Nexstar pays for certain operating expenses of WYZZ and WUHF, and therefore may have unlimited exposure to any potential operating losses. Nexstar believes that its minimum exposure to loss under the Sinclair service agreements consist of the fees paid to Sinclair. Additionally, Nexstar indemnifies the owners of KTVE, WYZZ and WUHF from and against all liability and claims arising out of or resulting from its activities, acts or omissions in connection with the agreements. The maximum potential amount of future payments Nexstar could be required to make for such indemnification is undeterminable at this time.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for Nexstar’s stock-based employee compensation plan under the alternative recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principle Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB No. 25”), and related interpretations rather than the fair value accounting method allowed by FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”). Under the intrinsic value method of accounting of APB No. 25, no compensation expense is recognized for stock options granted when the exercise price of the options is greater than or equal to the fair market value of Nexstar’s common stock on the date of the grant. Nexstar did not incur stock-based employee compensation costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 as all options granted under its stock-based employee compensation plan had an exercise price greater than or equal to the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.
The Company has adopted the disclosure only provisions of SFAS No. 123. The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and net loss per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based employee compensation.
Net loss, as reported
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effect
Pro forma net loss
Basic and diluted net loss per common share, as reported
Basic and diluted net loss per common share, pro forma
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Potential common shares consist of stock options granted to employees. There is no difference between basic and diluted net loss per
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share since the effect of stock options is not included in the computation of diluted net loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. Stock options for 2,025,685 and 1,380,978 weighted-average common shares were outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and stock options for 2,084,949 and 1,340,438 weighted-average common shares were outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, but were not included in the diluted per share computation because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common stock.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”) which replaces SFAS No. 123 and supercedes APB No. 25. Generally, the approach in SFAS No. 123(R) is similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123 as originally issued. However, SFAS No. 123(R) eliminates the use of the alternative APB No. 25 intrinsic value method of accounting that was provided in SFAS No. 123 and requires companies to expense the fair value of employee stock options and other forms of stock-based employee compensation in the financial statements over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award. The pro forma footnote disclosure previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 will no longer be an alternative to financial statement recognition. Under SFAS No. 123(R), compensation cost related to stock options is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award using an option-pricing model and will be recognized as expense ratably over the vesting period. SFAS No. 123(R) is effective as of the beginning of the first interim reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005; however, on April 14, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued a ruling that changed the effective date for public companies to fiscal years that begin after June 15, 2005 which for the Company is January 1, 2006. Nexstar has elected to adopt this new Standard as of the beginning of the 2006 fiscal year. Using the modified prospective method of adoption, beginning January 1, 2006 Nexstar will recognize compensation expense for all newly granted or modified stock options based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123(R) and will begin recognizing compensation expense over the remaining vesting period for the unvested portion of all stock options granted prior to adoption based on the fair values previously calculated for pro forma disclosure purposes. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model has been used to value Nexstar’s employee stock options for disclosure purposes and this option-pricing model will be used under SFAS No. 123(R).
As permitted by SFAS No. 123, Nexstar currently accounts for stock-based compensation to employees using the intrinsic value method of APB No. 25 and, as such, has not recognized compensation cost for employee stock options. Accordingly, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R)’s expense recognition provision will have a significant impact on the Nexstar’s results of operations, although it will have no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position. Nexstar is unable to quantify an estimate of the impact of adopting SFAS No. 123(R) at this time because it will depend on, among other factors, the market price of Nexstar’s common stock, and the terms, number and timing of future stock option award grants. However, had Nexstar adopted this new Standard in prior periods, the impact would not have been materially different from amounts determined for the pro forma footnote disclosure required by SFAS No. 123.
In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29” (“SFAS No. 153”). SFAS No. 153 requires that exchanges of nonmonetary assets be accounted for at fair value of the assets exchanged, unless the exchange lacks commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance when the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. This new Standard eliminates a provision in APB Opinion No. 29 that exempted nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets from fair value accounting. SFAS No. 153 is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Therefore, SFAS No. 153 was effective for the Company on July 1, 2005. The adoption of this new Standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In March 2005, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143” (“FIN No. 47”). FIN No. 47 clarifies that an entity must record a liability for a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. A conditional asset retirement obligation is a term used in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”, that refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. FIN No. 47 is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005, which is the Company’s current fiscal year ending December 31, 2005. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of FIN No. 47 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In May 2005, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3” (“SFAS No. 154”). SFAS No. 154 requires entities that voluntarily make a change in accounting principle to apply that change retrospectively to all prior period financial statements, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. Previously under APB Opinion No. 20, “Accounting Changes”, most voluntary changes in accounting principle were recognized by including in net income of the period of change the cumulative effect of changing to the new accounting principle. In addition to voluntary changes, this new Standard
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establishes retrospective application as the required method for adopting a newly issued accounting pronouncement when the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. SFAS No. 154 also requires that a change in method of depreciation, amortization, or depletion for long-lived, nonfinancial assets, be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate affected by a change in accounting principle, the effects of which are to be applied prospectively in the period of change and future periods. This Statement also makes a distinction between “retrospective application” of an accounting principle and the “restatement” of financial statements to reflect the correction of an error. SFAS No. 154 applies to accounting changes and error corrections that are made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company will adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 154, as applicable, beginning in fiscal 2006.
3. Acquisitions
During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the Company consummated the acquisitions listed below. These acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to assets acquired based on their estimated fair value on the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values assigned to the assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The consolidated financial statements include the operating results of each business from the TBA commencement date.
WTVO
On October 4, 2004, Mission entered into a purchase agreement and a TBA with Young Broadcasting, Inc. and Winnebago Television Corporation, which owned WTVO, the ABC affiliate in Rockford, Illinois. Mission commenced operations under the TBA on November 1, 2004 which terminated upon the purchase of the station. On January 4, 2005, Mission completed the acquisition of WTVO for total consideration of $20.75 million, exclusive of transaction costs. Pursuant to terms of the purchase agreement, Mission made an initial payment of $15.0 million against the purchase price on November 1, 2004, to acquire substantially all of the assets of WTVO, except for its FCC license and certain transmission equipment. Mission paid the remaining $5.75 million on January 4, 2005, exclusive of transaction costs, for the purchase of WTVO’s FCC license and certain transmission equipment.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired. Mission obtained third-party valuations of certain acquired intangible assets (in thousands).
Property and equipment
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Assets acquired
Of the $10.3 million of acquired intangible assets, $2.9 million was assigned to FCC licenses that are not subject to amortization and $6.7 million was assigned to network affiliation agreements (estimated useful life of 15 years). The remaining $0.7 million of acquired intangible assets have an estimated useful life of approximately 1 year. Goodwill of $3.7 million is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
KFTA/KNWA
On October 13, 2003, Nexstar entered into a purchase agreement and a TBA with J.D.G. Television, Inc., which owned KFTA/KNWA, the NBC affiliate in Fort Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas. Nexstar commenced operations under the TBA on October 16, 2003 which terminated upon the purchase of the station. On January 7, 2005, Nexstar purchased substantially all of the assets of KFTA/KNWA for $17.0 million, exclusive of transaction costs. Pursuant to terms of the purchase agreement, Nexstar made a down payment of $10.0 million against the purchase price on October 16, 2003 and paid $6.0 million upon consummation of the acquisition on January 7, 2005, exclusive of transaction costs. The remaining $1.0 million relates to a non-compete agreement being paid to a principal of the seller over a four year period.
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
3. Acquisitions—(Continued)
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition. Nexstar obtained third-party valuations of certain acquired intangible assets (in thousands).
Of the $11.1 million of acquired intangible assets, $3.6 million was assigned to FCC licenses that are not subject to amortization and $5.4 million was assigned to network affiliation agreements (estimated useful life of 15 years). The remaining $2.1 million of acquired intangible assets includes a $1.0 million non-compete agreement and $1.1 million of other intangible assets, which are being amortized over 1 to 4 years. Goodwill of $1.0 million is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The following unaudited pro forma information has been presented as if the acquisitions of WTVO and KFTA/KNWA had occurred on January 1, 2004:
September 30, 2004
Basic and diluted net loss per common share
The above selected unaudited pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of results of operations in future periods or results that would have been achieved had the Company owned the acquired stations during the specified period. There is no pro forma information presented for the comparable periods in fiscal year 2005 since the acquisitions were consummated near the beginning of the year and the pro forma results would not be materially different from the Company’s consolidated results of operations as reported.
4. Property Held for Sale
During the second quarter of 2005, management committed to a plan to sell buildings in Abilene, Texas and Utica, New York, which were vacated after the Company finalized consolidation of its station operations in these markets. Accordingly, the buildings, building improvements and land have been recorded at their estimated fair value less costs to sell. Fair value is based on management’s estimate of the amount that could be realized from the sale of the properties in a current transaction between willing parties. The estimate is derived from professional appraisals and quotes obtained from local real estate brokers. The carrying value of assets held for sale at September 30, 2005 was $0.5 million. During the second quarter of 2005, the Company recorded a loss of $0.6 million related to the write-down of these assets which comprises loss on property held for sale.
5. Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Intangible assets and goodwill consisted of the following:
Estimated
useful life
(years)
Network affiliation agreements
FCC licenses
Other intangible assets
Less: accumulated amortization
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization
Intangible assets and goodwill, net
Total amortization expense from definite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $6.6 million and $6.3 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $20.0 million and $20.2 million, respectively. The Company’s estimate of amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets recorded on its books as of September 30, 2005 is approximately $24 million for each year for the years of 2006 through 2010.
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5. Intangible Assets and Goodwill—(Continued)
The carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of FCC licenses and goodwill, at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was $284.7 million and $284.0 million, respectively (net of accumulated amortization of approximately $44.3 million). Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization, but are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. As of September 30, 2005, the Company did not identify any events that would trigger an impairment assessment.
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was as follows (in thousands):
Balance as of January 1, 2005
Acquisitions
Balance as of September 30, 2005
The consummation of the acquisitions of WTVO and KFTA/KNWA during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased goodwill by approximately $0.7 million.
6. Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consisted of the following:
Compensation and related taxes
Sales commissions
Employee benefits
Property taxes
Other accruals related to operating expenses
7. Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
Term loans
Revolving credit facilities
12% senior subordinated notes due 2008, net ofdiscount of $3,649
7% senior subordinated notes due 2014, net ofdiscount of $2,517 and $0
11.375% senior discount notes due 2013, net ofdiscount of $31,472 and $39,299
SFAS No. 133 hedge accounting adjustment
Less: current portion
The Nexstar and Mission Senior Secured Credit Facilities
On April 1, 2005, Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. (“Nexstar Broadcasting”), an indirect subsidiary of Nexstar, entered into a new senior secured credit facility agreement with a group of commercial banks which replaced Nexstar Broadcasting’s previous credit facility that had provided for an $83.0 million term loan and a $50.0 million revolving loan. As of September 30, 2005, Nexstar Broadcasting’s new senior secured credit facility consisted of a $175.8 million term loan ($182.3 million original amount less a voluntary repayment of $6.5 million made on September 30, 2005) and a $50.0 million revolving loan. All borrowings outstanding under this new credit facility are due to mature in 2012. The term loan, which matures in October 2012, is payable in consecutive quarterly installments amortized at 0.25% quarterly commencing on December 31, 2005, with the remaining 93.25% due at maturity. The term loan bears interest at either the higher of the prevailing prime rate or the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% (the “Base Rate”), plus an applicable margin of 0.50%; or LIBOR plus 1.75%. The revolving loan bears interest at either the Base Rate plus an applicable margin ranging between 0.00% and 0.75%; or LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging between 0.75% and 2.00%. Financial covenants under the new credit facility agreement include a maximum total combined leverage ratio of Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission of 7.50 times the last twelve months operating cash flow (as defined in the credit agreement) through June 30, 2006 and a maximum combined senior leverage ratio of Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission of 5.25 times the last twelve months operating cash flow through June 30, 2006. Covenants also include a minimum combined interest coverage ratio of 1.50 to 1.00 through December 30, 2008 and a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15 to 1.00. See Note 13 for a discussion on the subsequent modification to the debt covenant ratios.
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7. Debt—(Continued)
As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, Nexstar Broadcasting had $175.8 million and $82.6 million, respectively, outstanding under its term loan and no borrowings were outstanding under its revolving loan.
On April 1, 2005, Mission entered into a new senior secured credit facility agreement with a group of commercial banks which replaced its previous bank credit facility agreement that had provided for a $152.0 million term loan and a $30.0 million revolving loan. As of September 30, 2005, Mission’s new credit facility consisted of a $172.7 million term loan and a $47.5 million revolving loan. Terms of the new Mission credit facility, including maturity and interest rates, are the same as the terms of the new Nexstar credit facility described above.
As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, Mission had $172.7 million and $151.2 million, respectively, outstanding under its term loan and no borrowings and $21.5 million, respectively, were outstanding under its revolving loan.
As of September 30, 2005, there was approximately $97.5 million of total unused commitments under Nexstar Broadcasting’s and Mission’s senior secured credit facilities. Based on covenant calculations, as of September 30, 2005, there was approximately $6 million of total available borrowings that could be drawn under Nexstar Broadcasting’s and Mission’s senior secured credit facilities.
Senior Subordinated Notes
On April 1, 2005, Nexstar Broadcasting redeemed all the outstanding $160.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 12% senior subordinated notes (“12% Notes”) that were due to mature on April 1, 2008, at a price of $1,060 per $1,000 principal amount. Redemption of the 12% Notes was funded from proceeds obtained through a combination of an offering of senior subordinated notes (discussed below) and Nexstar Broadcasting’s senior secured credit facility. The aggregate redemption payment of $169.6 million plus accrued interest made on April 1, 2005 included a $9.6 million call premium related to the retirement of the notes. The redemption of the 12% Notes resulted in the recognition of a loss in the second quarter of 2005 consisting of $9.6 million in call premium, the write-off of approximately $3.6 million of previously capitalized debt financing costs and accelerated amortization of $3.4 million of unamortized discount on the notes. In conjunction with the redemption, Nexstar recorded a gain during the second quarter of 2005 of approximately $2.3 million from the derecognition of a SFAS No. 133 fair value hedge adjustment of the carrying amount of the 12% Notes.
On April 1, 2005, Nexstar Broadcasting issued $75.0 million in the aggregate principal amount of 7% senior subordinated notes at a price of 98.01% (“7% Notes”) due 2014. The 7% Notes were issued as an add-on to the $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7% Notes previously issued and registered under the Securities Act of 1933 by Nexstar Broadcasting. Proceeds obtained under the offering were net of a $1.1 million payment provided to investors purchasing the notes which is included as a component of the discount. The net proceeds from the offering, together with proceeds from Nexstar Broadcasting’s senior secured credit facility, were used to redeem the 12% Notes. The 7% Notes issued on April 1, 2005 have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 in accordance with the terms of a registration rights agreement.
Collateralization and Guarantees of Debt
The bank credit facilities described above are collateralized by a security interest in substantially all the combined assets, excluding FCC licenses, of Nexstar and Mission. Nexstar and its subsidiaries guarantee full payment of all obligations under Mission’s senior secured credit facility in the event of Mission’s default. Similarly, Mission is a guarantor of Nexstar Broadcasting’s senior secured credit facility and the senior subordinated notes issued by Nexstar Broadcasting.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
The refinancing of the Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission senior secured credit facilities in April 2005 resulted in the write-off of $0.4 million of previously capitalized debt financing costs and $1.0 million of transaction costs during the second quarter of 2005. The redemption of the 12% Notes resulted in the recognition of a loss in the second quarter of 2005 consisting of $9.6 million in call premium, the write-off of $3.6 million of previously capitalized debt financing costs and accelerated amortization of $3.4 million of unamortized discount on the notes. In conjunction with the redemption, Nexstar recorded a gain during the second quarter of 2005 of approximately $2.3 million from the derecognition of a SFAS No. 133 fair value hedge adjustment of the carrying amount of the 12% Notes. These amounts comprise loss on extinguishment of debt for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.
8. Income Taxes
The Company’s provision for income taxes is primarily comprised of deferred income taxes created by an increase in the deferred tax liabilities position during the year resulting from the amortization of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for income
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8. Income Taxes—(Continued)
tax purposes which are not amortized for financial reporting purposes. These deferred tax liabilities do not reverse on a scheduled basis and are not used to support the realization of deferred tax assets. The Company’s deferred tax assets primarily result from net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”). The Company’s NOLs are available to reduce future taxable income if utilized before their expiration. The Company has provided a valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets as it believes they may not be realized through future taxable earnings.
9. FCC Regulatory Matters
Television broadcasting is subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the “Communications Act”). The Communications Act prohibits the operation of television broadcasting stations, except under a license issued by the FCC, and empowers the FCC, among other things, to issue, revoke and modify broadcasting licenses, determine the location of television stations, regulate the equipment used by television stations, adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of the Communications Act and impose penalties for the violation of such regulations.
Some of the more significant FCC regulatory matters impacting the Company’s operations are discussed below.
Cable Retransmission Consent Rights
The Communications Act grants television broadcasters retransmission consent rights in connection with the carriage of their station’s signal by cable companies. If a broadcaster chooses to exercise retransmission consent rights, a cable television system which is subject to that election may not carry a station’s signal without the broadcaster’s consent. This generally requires the cable system operator and the television broadcaster to negotiate the terms under which the broadcaster will consent to the cable system’s carriage of its station’s signal. Nexstar and Mission have elected to exercise retransmission consent rights for all of their stations where they have a legal right to do so. Nexstar and Mission are in the process of negotiating these retransmission agreements and are unable to predict the outcome of these negotiations.
On October 20, 2005, Nexstar and Mission entered into a joint agreement with Cox Communications, Inc. (“Cox”) for the retransmission of their stations’ signals on the Cox cable systems in Abilene-Sweetwater, San Angelo, Lubbock, Amarillo, Odessa-Midland and Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas; Shreveport, Louisiana; Fort Smith, Little Rock and Monroe-El Dorado, Arkansas; Springfield and Joplin, Missouri; and Pittsburg, Kansas. Under this agreement, Cox has agreed to compensate Nexstar and Mission for the right to carry the Company’s stations in these markets over the next five years. As a result, Cox now carries Nexstar’s television stations KLST (San Angelo) and KTAL (Shreveport) and Mission’s television station KRBC (Abilene). These stations had previously been off Cox’s cable systems when retransmission consent agreements expired on December 31, 2004 and February 1, 2005. In connection with the agreement, Cox has withdrawn a complaint it had submitted to the FCC against Nexstar and Mission.
On December 31, 2004, retransmission consent agreements with Cable One, Inc. (“Cable One”) expired for Nexstar’s television stations KTAL (Texarkana-Shreveport) and KSNF (Joplin), and for Mission’s television station KODE (Joplin). As a result, Cable One is not permitted by law to carry these stations’ signals. Nexstar and Mission have requested that Cable One pay a cash per subscriber fee in exchange for the right to carry the stations’ signals under new agreements. Cable One has informed Nexstar and Mission that it will not pay any cash fees for the carriage of the stations on its cable systems. If Nexstar and Mission do not reach new agreements with Cable One, the stations in the affected markets could lose audience share which may impact the stations’ revenue. The Company is currently unable to determine the ultimate outcome of this matter, but does not believe it will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Digital Television Conversion
All commercial television stations in the United States were required to commence digital television (“DTV”) transmission operations by May 1, 2002, in addition to continuing their analog operations. Except for KNWA, all of the television stations the Company owns and operates are broadcasting at least a low power digital television signal. On August 31, 2004, the FCC granted consent to modify KNWA’s proposed DTV facilities, establishing a construction deadline of March 3, 2005. On January 21, 2005, Nexstar filed a request with the FCC to extend KNWA’s modified construction permit deadline. When the FCC acts on the extension request, Nexstar will have at least six months to complete construction of KNWA’s DTV facilities. If KNWA is not broadcasting a digital signal by the end of this six-month period, Nexstar could be subject to sanctions, including, eventually, loss of the DTV construction permit. The conversion to digital transmission required an average initial capital expenditure of $0.2 million per station for low-power transmission of a digital signal. Digital conversion expenditures were $4.3 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
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9. FCC Regulatory Matters—(Continued)
Stations may broadcast both analog and digital signals until at least December 31, 2006. After December 31, 2006, on a date determined by Congress or the FCC, stations will operate with digital-only facilities. The digital transmissions may initially be low-power, but as discussed below, full-power transmission will be required.
The FCC’s ongoing rule making proceeding concerning implementation of the transition from analog to digital television broadcasts is likely to have a significant impact on the television industry and the operation of the Company’s stations.
Full-Power DTV Facilities Construction
On August 4, 2004, the FCC released rules setting the dates by which all television stations must be broadcasting a full-power DTV signal. Under these rules, stations affiliated with the four largest networks (ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox) in the top-100 markets were required to construct full-power DTV facilities by July 1, 2005. All other stations are required to construct full-power DTV facilities by July 1, 2006. Management estimates that it will require an average capital expenditure of approximately $1.5 million per station (for 40 stations) to modify Nexstar’s and Mission’s stations’ DTV transmitters for full-power digital signal transmission, including costs for the transmitter, transmission line, antenna and installation, and estimated costs for tower upgrades and/or modifications. The Company anticipates these expenditures will be funded through available cash on hand and cash generated from operations as incurred in future years. Stations that fail to meet these build-out deadlines will lose interference protection for their signals outside their low-power coverage areas. As of September 30, 2005, only Mission’s stations WUTR and WTVO are transmitting full-power digital signals.
The FCC will accept requests for extensions of the applicable deadlines for stations that cannot meet the full-power DTV deadlines due to severe financial constraints or circumstances beyond licensee control (such as zoning issues). Nexstar has filed a request for extension of time to construct full-power DTV facilities for its top four network affiliates in the top one hundred market stations. Mission also has filed a request for such extension for its top four network affiliates in the top one hundred market stations. The FCC has not yet acted on these requests for extension of time.
Additional DTV Requirements
The FCC also adopted additional Program System and Information Protocol (“PSIP”) requirements. The equipment and related installation necessary to meet the PSIP requirements cost approximately $1.3 million in total for all of the television stations the Company owns and operates. These expenditures were funded in 2005 through available cash on hand and cash generated from operations.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Guarantee of Mission Debt
Nexstar and its subsidiaries guarantee full payment of all obligations incurred under Misson’s senior credit facility agreement. In the event that Mission is unable to repay amounts due under its credit facility, Nexstar will be obligated to repay such amounts. The maximum potential amount of future payments that Nexstar would be required to make under this guarantee would be generally limited to the amount of borrowings outstanding under the Mission credit facility. At September 30, 2005, Mission had $172.7 million outstanding under its senior credit facility.
Indemnification Obligations
In connection with certain agreements that the Company enters into in the normal course of its business, including local service agreements, business acquisitions and borrowing arrangements, the Company enters into contractual arrangements under which the Company agrees to indemnify the third party to such arrangement from losses, claims and damages incurred by the indemnified party for certain events as defined within the particular contract. Such indemnification obligations may not be subject to maximum loss clauses and the maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification arrangements may be unlimited. Historically, payments made related to these indemnifications have been immaterial and the Company has not incurred significant costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements.
Litigation
From time to time, the Company is involved with claims that arise out of the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, any resulting liability with respect to these claims would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
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11. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Senior Discount Notes
On March 27, 2003, Nexstar Finance Holdings, Inc. (“Nexstar Finance Holdings”), a 100% owned subsidiary of Nexstar, issued 11.375% senior discount notes (“11.375% Notes”) due in 2013. The 11.375% Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Nexstar. The following summarized consolidating financial information is presented in lieu of separate financial statements and other related disclosures of Nexstar Finance Holdings pursuant to Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or being Registered”. The following represents summarized condensed consolidating financial information as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 with respect to the financial position and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 for results of operations and for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 for cash flows of the Company and its 100%, directly or indirectly, owned subsidiaries.
The Nexstar column presents the parent company’s financial information. Nexstar is also the guarantor. The Nexstar Finance Holdings column presents the issuer’s financial information. The Non-Guarantor Subsidiary column presents the financial information of Nexstar Broadcasting, a 100% owned subsidiary of Nexstar Finance Holdings.
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11. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information—(Continued)
Balance Sheet
September 30, 2005
Other current assets
Investments in subsidiaries eliminated upon consolidation
Amounts due from parents eliminated upon consolidation
Other current liabilities
Amounts due to subsidiary eliminated upon consolidation
Other noncurrent liabilities
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Common stock
Other stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
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December 31, 2004
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Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
Gain on asset disposal (including deferred gain recognition), net
Total operating expenses
Income (loss) from operations
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Income tax (expense) benefit
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For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
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For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
Operating expenses:
Loss on property and asset disposal (including deferred gain recognition), net
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For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
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Statement of Cash Flows
Cash flows provided by operating activities
Additions to property and equipment, net
Other investing activites
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
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Cash flows provided by (used for) operating activities
Capital contributions/distributions
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On December 30, 2003 and April 1, 2005, Nexstar Broadcasting, a 100% owned subsidiary of Nexstar Finance Holdings, issued 7% senior subordinated notes (“7% Notes”) due in January 2014. The 7% Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Nexstar. The following summarized consolidating financial information is presented in lieu of separate financial statements and other related disclosures of Nexstar Broadcasting pursuant to Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or being Registered”. The following represents summarized condensed consolidating financial information as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 with respect to the financial position and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 for results of operations and for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 for cash flows of Nexstar and its 100%, directly or indirectly, owned subsidiaries and independently-owned Mission Broadcasting, Inc.
The Nexstar column presents the parent company’s financial information. Nexstar is also a guarantor. The Nexstar Broadcasting column presents the issuer’s financial information. The Mission column presents the financial information of Mission Broadcasting, Inc., an entity in which Nexstar Broadcasting is deemed to have a controlling financial interest and is required to be consolidated as a variable interest entity under FIN No. 46R (see Note 2). Mission is also a guarantor of the senior subordinated notes issued by Nexstar Broadcasting. The Non-Guarantor Subsidiary column presents the financial information of Nexstar Finance Holdings, the parent of Nexstar Broadcasting.
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Due from Mission
Due to Nexstar Broadcasting
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Revenue between consolidated entities
Selling, general, and administrative expenses between consolidated entities
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Loss (gain) on property and asset disposal (including deferred gain recognition), net
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30
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12. Related Party Transactions
Pursuant to a management services agreement, Mission paid compensation to its sole shareholder in the amount of $0.1 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 and $0.2 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
13. Subsequent Events
As discussed in Note 9, on October 20, 2005, Nexstar and Mission entered into a joint agreement with Cox Communications, Inc. consenting to the retransmission of their stations’ signals on Cox’s cable systems in certain markets, in exchange for compensation to Nexstar and Mission.
In October 2005, Nexstar’s credit facility agreement was amended to adjust certain financial covenant ratios for periods ended after September 30, 2005. As amended, the maximum total combined leverage ratio and maximum combined senior leverage ratio have been modified as follows:
Total combined leverage ratio:
Period
October 1, 2005 through and including December 31, 2005
January 1, 2006 through and including March 31, 2006
April 1, 2006 through and including June 30, 2006
July 1, 2006 through and including September 30, 2006
October 1, 2006 through and including December 31, 2007
January 1, 2008 through and including December 30, 2008
Combined senior leverage ratio:
January 1, 2006 through and including June 30, 2006
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ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2005, unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and other unaudited condensed financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
We make references throughout our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” to comparisons on a “same station basis” in order to provide a more meaningful comparison of annual growth from internal operations which may be masked by growth from acquisitions. Same station basis refers to the television markets in which we or Mission Broadcasting, Inc. (“Mission”) owned a television station at the beginning and end of a particular period. Television markets in the United States of America are generally recognized as Designated Market Areas, or DMAs, as reported by the A.C. Nielsen Company. In particular, references to a comparison on a same station basis for the three months ended September 30, 2005 versus the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the nine months ended September 30, 2005 versus the nine months ended September 30, 2004, include the following stations: WYOU, KQTV, WBRE, KFDX, KSNF, KBTV, WJET, WFXP, WROC, KJTL, KJBO-LP, KMID, KTAL, WCIA, WMBD, WYZZ, KODE, WCFN, WHAG, KSFX (formerly KDEB), WFFT, KAMR, KARD, KLBK, KSVI, WTVW, KOLR, KCIT, KCPN-LP, KAMC, KHMT, KARK, WDHN, KTAB and KRBC. As used in the report, unless the context indicates otherwise, “Nexstar” refers to Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries Nexstar Finance Holdings, Inc. and Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., and “Mission” refers to Mission Broadcasting, Inc. All references to “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Nexstar. All references to “the Company” refer to Nexstar and Mission collectively.
As a result of our controlling financial interest in Mission under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and in order to present fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, we consolidate the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Mission as if it were a wholly-owned entity. We believe this presentation is meaningful for understanding our financial performance. As discussed in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have considered the method of accounting under FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation on Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (“FIN No. 46”) as revised in December 2003 (“FIN No. 46R”) and have determined that we are required to continue consolidating Mission’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Therefore, the following discussion of our financial position and results of operations includes Mission’s financial position and results of operations.
Executive Summary
Overview of Operations
We own and operate 29 television stations as of September 30, 2005. Through various local service agreements, we currently program or provide sales and other services to 17 additional television stations, including 15 television stations owned and operated by Mission as of September 30, 2005. Mission is 100% owned by an independent third party.
The following table summarizes the various local service agreements we have implemented as of September 30, 2005 with Mission:
Our ability to receive cash from Mission is governed by these agreements. The arrangements under the SSAs and JSAs have had the effect of us receiving substantially all of the available cash, after debt service costs, generated by the stations listed above. The arrangements under the TBAs have also had the effect of us receiving substantially all of the available cash generated by the TBA stations listed above. We anticipate that we will continue to receive substantially all of the available cash, after payments for debt service costs, generated by the stations listed above.
We also guarantee the obligations incurred under Mission’s senior secured credit facility. Similarly, Mission is a guarantor of our senior secured credit facility and the senior subordinated notes we have issued. In consideration of our guarantee of Mission’s senior credit facility, the sole shareholder of Mission has granted us a purchase option to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to FCC consent. These option agreements are freely exercisable or assignable by us without consent or approval by the sole shareholder of Mission.
We do not own Mission or Mission’s television stations. However, as a result of our guarantee of the obligations incurred under Mission’s senior credit facility and our arrangements under the local service agreements and purchase option agreements with Mission,
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we are deemed under U.S. GAAP to have a controlling financial interest in Mission while complying with the FCC’s rules regarding ownership limits in television markets. In order for both us and Mission to comply with FCC regulations, Mission maintains complete responsibility for and control over programming, finances, personnel and operations of its stations.
The operating revenue of our stations is derived primarily from broadcast advertising revenue, which is affected by a number of factors, including the economic conditions of the markets in which we operate, the demographic makeup of those markets and the marketing strategy we employ in each market. Most advertising contracts are short-term and generally run for a few weeks. Excluding political revenue, 68.4% and 67.8% of our and Mission’s consolidated spot revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, was generated from local advertising. The remaining advertising revenue represents inventory sold for national or political advertising. Each station has an agreement with a national representative firm that provides for representation outside the particular station’s market. National commission rates vary within the industry and are governed by each station’s agreement. All national and political revenue is derived from advertisements placed by advertising agencies. The agencies receive a commission rate of 15.0% of the gross amount of advertising schedules placed by them. While the majority of local spot revenue is placed by local agencies, some advertisers place their schedules directly with the stations’ local sales staff, thereby eliminating the agency commission. Advertising revenue is positively affected by strong local economies, national and regional political election campaigns, and certain events such as the Olympic Games or the Super Bowl. Because television broadcast stations rely on advertising revenue, declines in advertising budgets, particularly in recessionary periods, adversely affect the broadcast industry, and as a result may contribute to a decrease in the revenue of broadcast television stations. The stations advertising revenue is generally highest in the second and fourth quarters of each year, due in part to increases in consumer advertising in the spring and retail advertising in the period leading up to, and including, the holiday season. In addition, advertising revenue is generally higher during even-numbered years resulting from political advertising and advertising aired during the Olympic Games.
Each of our stations and the stations we provide services to, except for KCPN-LP, has a network affiliation agreement pursuant to which the network provides programming to the station during specified time periods, including prime time. Each of NBC, CBS and ABC compensates the affiliated stations for distributing the network’s programming over the air and for allowing the network to keep a portion of advertising inventory during those time periods. The affiliation agreements with Fox and UPN do not provide for compensation.
Each station acquires licenses to broadcast programming in non-news and non-network time periods. The licenses are either purchased from a program distributor for cash and/or the program distributor is allowed to sell some of the advertising inventory as compensation to eliminate or reduce the cash cost for the license. The latter practice is referred to as barter broadcast rights. The station records the estimated fair market value of the licenses, including any advertising inventory given to the program distributor, as a broadcast right asset and liability. Barter broadcast rights are recorded at management’s estimate of the value of the advertising time exchanged using historical advertising rates, which approximates the fair value of the program material received. The assets are amortized as a component of amortization of broadcast rights. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method based on the license period or usage, whichever yields the greater expense. The cash broadcast rights liabilities are reduced by monthly payments while the barter liability is amortized over the life of the contract as barter revenue.
Our primary operating expenses consist of commissions on advertising revenue, employee compensation and related benefits, newsgathering and programming costs. A large percentage of the costs involved in the operation of our stations remain relatively fixed.
Industry Trends
Net broadcast revenue on a same station basis decreased 9.8% from $144.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 to $130.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Net broadcast revenue in 2004 was higher than in 2005 due to a few factors. The demand for advertising was favorably affected by the improving U.S. economy and by the volume of advertising time purchased by campaigns for elective offices and for political issues. The demand for political advertising is generally higher in even-numbered years, when congressional and presidential elections occur, than in odd-numbered years. During an election year, political revenue makes up a significant portion of the increase in revenue in that year. Since 2004 was an election year, a large percentage of the Company’s revenue growth in 2004 was attributable to political revenue. However, even during an election year, political revenue is influenced by geography and the competitiveness of the election races. Political revenue was $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, a significant decrease compared to $13.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.
The Television Bureau of Advertising reported that U.S. television advertising revenue increased 10.3% in 2004 largely due to political advertising and the Olympic Games. The Television Bureau of Advertising has forecasted advertising revenue to be flat in 2005 primarily due to less political spending in 2005 and the absence of Olympic spending.
Automotive-related advertising represented approximately 27% of our total net revenue for both the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Our automotive-related advertising decreased approximately 7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to the same period in 2004. A significant change in this advertising revenue source could materially affect our future results of operations.
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Station Acquisitions
On January 4, 2005, Mission completed the acquisition of WTVO, the ABC affiliate in Rockford, Illinois, for total consideration of $20.75 million, exclusive of transaction costs. Pursuant to terms of the purchase agreement, Mission made an initial payment of $15.0 million against the purchase price on November 1, 2004, to acquire substantially all of the assets of WTVO, except for its FCC license and certain transmission equipment. Mission paid the remaining $5.75 million on January 4, 2005, exclusive of transaction costs, for the purchase of WTVO’s FCC license and certain transmission equipment. Prior to its acquisition of the station, Mission had been operating WTVO under a TBA.
On January 7, 2005, we completed our acquisition of KFTA/KNWA, the NBC affiliate in Fort Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas, for total consideration of $17.0 million, exclusive of transaction costs. Pursuant to terms of the purchase agreement, we made a down payment of $10.0 million against the purchase price on October 16, 2003 and paid $6.0 million on January 7, 2005, exclusive of transaction costs. The remaining $1.0 million relates to a non-compete agreement being paid to a principal of the seller over a four year period. Prior to our acquisition of the station, we had been operating KFTA/KNWA under a TBA.
Refinancing of Long-term Debt Obligations
On April 1, 2005, we entered into a new senior credit facility agreement which replaced our previous credit facility agreement. Our new senior credit facility consists of a $175.8 million term loan ($182.3 million original amount less a voluntary repayment of $6.5 million made on September 30, 2005) and a $50.0 million revolving loan. All borrowings outstanding under this new credit facility are due to mature in 2012. The term loan, which matures in October 2012, is payable in consecutive quarterly installments amortized at 0.25% quarterly commencing on December 31, 2005, with the remaining 93.25% due at maturity. Borrowings under the new credit facility bear interest at either a base rate plus an applicable margin or, at our option, LIBOR plus an applicable margin. Under the new credit facility agreement, the applicable margin component of the revolving was decreased by 100 basis points, representing one percent. The financial covenant ratios contained in the new credit facility agreement are less restrictive than our previous credit facility. For a discussion of interest rates and financial covenant requirements of the new credit facility, we refer you to Note 7 of our consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Mission also entered into a new senior credit facility agreement on April 1, 2005 which replaced its previous credit facility. Mission’s new credit facility consists of a $172.7 million term loan and a $47.5 million revolving loan. Terms of the new Mission credit facility, including maturity and interest rates, are the same as the terms of our new credit facility.
Also on April 1, 2005, we redeemed all our outstanding $160.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 12% senior subordinated notes (“12% Notes”) that were due to mature on April 1, 2008, at a price of $1,060 per $1,000 principal amount. Redemption of the 12% Notes was funded from proceeds obtained through a combination of an offering of senior subordinated notes (as discussed below) and senior secured credit facility financing. The aggregate redemption payment of $169.6 million plus accrued interest made on April 1, 2005 included a $9.6 million call premium related to the retirement of the notes. The redemption of the 12% Notes resulted in the recognition of a loss in the second quarter of 2005 consisting of $9.6 million in call premium and the write-off of approximately $3.6 million of previously capitalized debt financing costs and accelerated amortization of $3.4 million of unamortized discount on the notes. In conjunction with the redemption, we recorded a gain during the second quarter of 2005 of approximately $2.3 million from the derecognition of a SFAS No. 133 fair value hedge adjustment of the carrying amount of the 12% Notes.
Additionally, on April 1, 2005, we issued $75.0 million in the aggregate principal amount of 7% senior subordinated notes at a price of 98.01% (“7% Notes”) due 2014. The 7% Notes were issued as an add-on to the $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of our previously issued 7% Notes. The net proceeds from the offering, together with proceeds from our senior secured credit facility, were used to redeem the 12% Notes.
Cable Television Retransmission
On December 31, 2004, retransmission consent agreements with Cable One, Inc. (“Cable One”) expired for our television stations KTAL (Texarkana-Shreveport) and KSNF (Joplin), and for Mission’s television station KODE (Joplin). As a result, Cable One is not permitted by law to carry these stations’ signals. We and Mission have requested that Cable One pay a cash per subscriber fee in exchange for the right to carry the stations’ signals under new agreements. Cable One has informed us and Mission that it will not pay any cash fees for the carriage of the stations on its cable systems. If we and Mission do not reach new agreements with Cable One, the stations in the affected markets could lose audience share which may impact the stations’ revenue. We are currently unable to determine the ultimate outcome of this matter, but do not believe it will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Recent Developments
Effective September 1, 2005, we entered into a seven year outsourcing agreement with a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcasting Group, Inc. (“Sinclair”) under which our station WROC will provide sales and other non-programming services to Sinclair’s station WUHF, the Fox affiliate in Rochester, New York. Through this agreement, we expect to achieve efficiencies by eliminating certain duplicative costs from combining certain operations of the two stations and also increase our revenue share in the market.
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On October 20, 2005, we and Mission entered into a joint agreement with Cox Communications, Inc. (“Cox”) for the retransmission of station signals in Abilene-Sweetwater, San Angelo, Lubbock, Amarillo, Odessa-Midland and Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas; Shreveport, Louisiana; Fort Smith, Little Rock and Monroe-El Dorado, Arkansas; Springfield and Joplin, Missouri; and Pittsburg, Kansas. Under this agreement, Cox has agreed to compensate us and Mission for the right to carry the Company’s stations in these markets over the next five years. As a result, Cox now carries our television stations KLST (San Angelo) and KTAL (Shreveport) and Mission’s television station KRBC (Abilene). These stations had previously been off Cox’s cable systems when retransmission consent agreements expired on December 31, 2004 and February 1, 2005. In connection with the agreement, Cox has withdrawn a complaint it had submitted to the FCC against us and Mission.
In October 2005, we amended our senior secured credit facility agreement to adjust certain financial covenant ratios for periods ended after September 30, 2005. The amended financial covenant ratios are less restrictive than the previously effective ratios. For a discussion of the amended financial covenant ratios, we refer you to Note 13 of our consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Historical Performance
Revenue
The following table sets forth the principal types of revenue received by the Company’s stations for the periods indicated and each type of revenue (other than trade and barter) as a percentage of total gross revenue, as well as agency and national sales representative commissions:
Local
National
Political
Network compensation
Other
Total gross revenue
Less: Agency and national representative commissions
Net broadcast revenue
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s operations for the periods indicated and their percentages of total net revenue:
Corporate expenses
Station direct operating expenses, net of trade
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Trade and barter expense
Depreciation and amortization
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2004.
Local revenue was $36.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $36.9 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 1.8%. An increase of $0.4 million was attributed to acquisitions that occurred in 2004 and 2005 and stations for which a local service arrangement was entered into after January 1, 2004. On a same station basis, local revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was $31.1 million, compared to $32.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 3.3%. The decrease in local revenue was primarily the result of a decline in demand for advertising from the automotive business category in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the third quarter of 2004.
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National revenue was $17.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $17.6 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 2.3%. A decrease of $0.2 million was attributed to acquisitions that occurred in 2004 and 2005 and stations for which a local service arrangement was entered into after January 1, 2004. On a same station basis, national revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was $15.5 million, compared to $15.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 1.2%. The decrease in national revenue was primarily the result of a decline in demand for advertising from the automotive, fast food/restaurants and medical/healthcare business categories in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the third quarter of 2004.
Political revenue was $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $6.1 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $5.8 million, or 95.9%. A decrease of $0.2 million was attributed to acquisitions that occurred in 2004 and 2005 and stations for which a local service arrangement was entered into after January 1, 2004. On a same station basis, political revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was $0.2 million, compared to $5.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $5.6 million, or 96.0%. The decrease in political revenue was attributed to presidential and/or statewide races in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2004 as compared to nominal political advertising during the three months ended September 30, 2005.
Operating Expenses
Corporate expenses, related to costs associated with the centralized management of Nexstar’s and Mission’s stations, were $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $0.2 million, or 8.5%. The increase during the three months ended September 30, 2005 was primarily attributed to higher payroll related costs associated with an increase in corporate personnel necessary to effectively support our growing television station portfolio, partially offset by a lower amount of bonuses accrued in 2005.
Station direct operating expenses, consisting primarily of news, engineering and programming, net of trade, and selling, general and administrative expenses were $30.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $30.1 million for the same period in 2004, an increase of $0.5 million, or 1.6%. An increase of $0.6 million was attributed to acquisitions that occurred in 2004 and 2005 and stations for which a local service arrangement was entered into after January 1, 2004. On a same station basis, station direct operating expenses, net of trade, and selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was $25.7 million, compared to $25.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 0.4%.
Amortization of broadcast rights, excluding barter, was $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $3.2 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 15.9%. The decrease was primarily attributed to negotiated lower cost of broadcast programming, partially offset by the amortization of broadcast rights from newly acquired television station WTVO.
The amortization of intangibles was $6.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $6.3 million for the same period in 2004, an increase of $0.3 million, or 5.1%. The increase was primarily attributed to the amortization of intangible assets from newly acquired television station WTVO, partially offset by assets at certain stations becoming fully amortized.
Depreciation of property and equipment was $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to $4.1 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 2.7%.
Income from Operations
Income from operations was $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $8.9 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $6.0 million, or 67.7%. A decrease of $1.3 million was attributed to acquisitions that occurred in 2004 and 2005 and stations for which a local service arrangement was entered into after January 1, 2004. On a same station basis, income from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was $3.9 million, compared to $8.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $4.7 million, or 54.8%. The decrease in income from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was primarily attributable to the decrease in total net revenue, particularly in political advertising revenue and to a lesser extent automotive-related advertising revenue.
Interest Expense
Interest expense, including amortization of debt financing costs, was $11.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $13.1 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 13.5%. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributed to the redemption of our 12% Notes in April 2005, partially offset by the issuance of the 7% Notes in April 2005, and higher interest rates and a greater amount of debt outstanding in 2005 on our and Mission’s senior credit facilities.
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Loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 consisted of the write off of $1.4 million of previously capitalized debt financing costs and $0.5 million of transaction costs related to the amending of the senior secured credit facilities for Nexstar and Mission in August 2004.
Other Income, Net
Other income was $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004. During 2004, we had an interest rate swap agreement that was terminated on December 31, 2004. The marking-to-market of the interest rate swap agreement resulted in recognition of $0.8 million in other income for the three months ended September 30, 2004. The change in market values was due to a fluctuation in market interest rates.
Income Taxes
Income taxes for both the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $0.9 million. Our provision for income taxes is primarily created by an increase in the deferred tax liabilities position during the year arising from the amortization of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for income tax purposes which are not amortized for financial reporting purposes. This expense has no impact on our cash flows. Based primarily on our recent history of net operating losses, we do not consider the realization of our net deferred tax assets to be more likely than not. Accordingly, we have provided a valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets excluding deferred tax liabilities attributable to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. No tax benefit was recorded with respect to the losses for 2005 and 2004, as the utilization of such losses is not likely to be realized in the foreseeable future.
Minority Interest in Consolidated Entity
The minority interest in consolidated entity of $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 related to the recognition of $0.6 million of expenses in stations KFTA/KNWA and KLST prior to the consummation of their acquisitions as a result of the application of FIN No. 46R.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004.
Local revenue was $110.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $109.8 million for the same period in 2004, an increase of $0.5 million, or 0.5%. An increase of $2.9 million was attributed to acquisitions that occurred in 2004 and 2005 and stations for which a local service arrangement was entered into after January 1, 2004. On a same station basis, local revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $94.4 million, compared to $96.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $2.4 million, or 2.5%. The decrease in local revenue was primarily the result of a decline in demand for advertising from the automotive and telecommunications business categories during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004.
National revenue was $51.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $52.2 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 2.2%. An increase of $0.6 million was attributed to acquisitions that occurred in 2004 and 2005 and stations for which a local service arrangement was entered into after January 1, 2004. On a same station basis, national revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $45.5 million, compared to $47.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $1.8 million, or 3.8%. The decrease in national revenue was primarily the result of a decline in demand for advertising from the automotive, telecommunications, department and retail stores, fast food/restaurants and medical/healthcare business categories during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004.
Political revenue was $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $13.7 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $12.3 million, or 90.0%. A decrease of $0.5 million was attributed to acquisitions that occurred in 2004 and 2005 and stations for which a local service arrangement was entered into after January 1, 2004. On a same station basis, political revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $1.2 million, compared to $13.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $11.8 million, or 90.8%. The decrease in political revenue was attributed to presidential and/or statewide races in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 as compared to nominal political advertising during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.
Corporate expenses, related to costs associated with the centralized management of Nexstar’s and Mission’s stations, were $8.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $6.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $1.1 million, or 16.2%. The increase during the first nine months of 2005 was primarily attributed to higher payroll related costs associated with an increase in corporate personnel necessary to effectively support our growing television station portfolio, along with an increase in regulatory compliance and financial reporting costs, partially offset by a lower amount of bonuses accrued in 2005.
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Station direct operating expenses, consisting primarily of news, engineering and programming, net of trade, and selling, general and administrative expenses were $89.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $88.0 million for the same period in 2004, an increase of $1.5 million, or 1.7%. An increase of $2.7 million was attributed to acquisitions that occurred in 2004 and 2005 and stations for which a local service arrangement was entered into after January 1, 2004. On a same station basis, station direct operating expenses, net of trade, and selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $75.3 million, compared to $76.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 1.6%.
Merger related expenses were $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Merger related expenses included costs to acquire the Quorum stations (accounted for as a merger under common control in a manner similar to pooling of interests) such as severance costs, termination of contracts, among others, for Quorum’s traffic systems, Nielsen rating services and website management.
Loss on property held for sale, which represented a write-down of vacated buildings at two of our television stations during the second quarter of 2005, was $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.
Amortization of broadcast rights, excluding barter, was $7.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $8.8 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 13.4%. The decrease was primarily attributed to negotiated lower cost of broadcast programming, partially offset by the amortization of broadcast rights from newly acquired or initially consolidated television stations WUTR, KLST and WTVO.
The amortization of intangibles was $20.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $20.2 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 0.8%. The decrease was primarily attributed to assets at certain stations becoming fully amortized, partially offset by the amortization of intangible assets from newly acquired or initially consolidated television stations WUTR, KLST and WTVO.
Depreciation of property and equipment was $12.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to $13.4 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 5.2%. The decrease was primarily attributed to assets at certain stations becoming fully depreciated during the fourth quarter of 2004.
Income from operations was $11.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $23.3 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $11.6 million, or 49.8%. A decrease of $2.5 million was attributed to acquisitions that occurred in 2004 and 2005 and stations for which a local service arrangement was entered into after January 1, 2004. On a same station basis, income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $13.7 million, compared to $22.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $9.1 million, or 39.9%. The decrease in income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was primarily attributable to the decrease in total net revenue, particularly in political advertising revenue and to a lesser extent automotive-related advertising revenue.
Interest expense, including amortization of debt financing costs, was $35.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $39.0 million for the same period in 2004, a decrease of $3.7 million, or 9.4%. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributed to the redemption of our 12% Notes in April 2005, partially offset by the issuance of the 7% Notes in April 2005, and higher interest rates and a greater amount of debt outstanding in 2005 on our and Mission’s senior credit facilities.
Loss on extinguishment of debt of $15.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 consisted of $9.6 million in call premium related to the redemption of the 12% Notes in April 2005, accelerated amortization of $3.4 million of unamortized discount on the 12% Notes, the write off of approximately $3.6 million of certain debt financing costs previously capitalized on the 12% Notes, the write off of $0.4 million of previously capitalized debt financing costs and $1.0 million of transaction costs related to the refinancing of the senior secured credit facilities for Nexstar and Mission in April 2005, net of a gain of $2.3 million during the second quarter of 2005 from the derecognition of a SFAS No. 133 fair value hedge adjustment of the carrying amount of the 12% Notes.
Loss on extinguishment of debt of $8.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 consisted of $5.9 million in call premium and accelerated amortization related to the January 2004 redemption of $37.0 million principal amount at maturity of senior discount notes (“16% Notes”) of Nexstar Finance Holdings, Inc. (“Nexstar Finance Holdings”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexstar, the write off of $0.9 million of certain debt financing costs previously capitalized on the 16% Notes and the write off of $1.4 million of previously capitalized debt financing costs and $0.5 million of transaction costs related to the amending of the senior secured credit facilities for Nexstar and Mission in August 2004.
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Other income was $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $4.4 million for the same period in 2004. During 2004, we had an interest rate swap agreement that was terminated on December 31, 2004. The marking-to-market of the interest rate swap agreement resulted in recognition of $2.6 million in other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The change in market values was due to a fluctuation in market interest rates. Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 also included a $1.8 million gain in the second quarter of 2004 related to a settlement concerning the terminated sale of our television station WTVW, the Fox affiliate in Evansville, Indiana.
Income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $3.8 million as compared to $2.8 million for the same period in 2004. Our provision for income taxes is primarily created by an increase in the deferred tax liabilities position during the year arising from the amortization of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for income tax purposes which are not amortized for financial reporting purposes. This expense has no impact on our cash flows. Based primarily on our recent history of net operating losses, we do not consider the realization of our net deferred tax assets to be more likely than not. Accordingly, we have provided a valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets excluding deferred tax liabilities attributable to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. No tax benefit was recorded with respect to the losses for 2005 and 2004, as the utilization of such losses is not likely to be realized in the foreseeable future.
The minority interest in consolidated entity of $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 related to the recognition of $1.6 million of expenses in stations WFXW (formerly WBAK), KFTA/KNWA and KLST prior to the consummation of their acquisitions as a result of the application of FIN No. 46R.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We and Mission are highly leveraged, which makes the Company vulnerable to changes in general economic conditions. Our and Mission’s ability to meet the future cash requirements described below depends on our and Mission’s ability to generate cash in the future, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other conditions, many of which are beyond our and Mission’s control. Based on current operations and anticipated future growth, we believe that our and Mission’s available cash, anticipated cash flow from operations and available borrowings under the Nexstar and Mission senior credit facilities will be sufficient to fund working capital, capital expenditure requirements, interest payments and scheduled debt principal payments for at least the next twelve months. In order to meet future cash needs we may, from time to time, borrow under credit facilities or issue other long- or short-term debt or equity, if the market and the terms of our existing debt arrangements permit, and Mission may, from time to time, borrow under its available credit facility. We will continue to evaluate the best use of Nexstar’s operating cash flow among its capital expenditures, acquisitions and debt reduction.
Overview
The following tables present summarized financial information management believes is helpful in evaluating the Company’s liquidity and capital resources:
Long-term debt including current portion(1)
Unused commitments under senior credit facilities
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On April 1, 2005, we and Mission refinanced borrowings outstanding under various long-term debt obligations. In connection with the refinancing, we redeemed $160.0 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 12% Notes, increased the borrowings under the term loan to our senior secured credit facility and issued $75.0 million in the aggregate principal amount of 7% Notes. A combination of proceeds obtained from borrowings under our senior credit facility and the issuance of the 7% Notes were used to fund the redemption of the 12% Notes. Additionally, on April 1, 2005, Mission increased the borrowings under the term loan to its senior secured credit facility.
Cash Flows – Operating Activities
The comparative net cash flows from operating activities decreased by $17.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. The decrease was primarily due to a further decline in operating results as reflected in the $21.4 million increase in net loss and a decrease of $12.5 million in cash flows from interest payable, partially offset by an increase of $6.3 million in cash flows from accounts receivable and an increase of $8.5 million in cash flows from accounts payable and accrued expenses. Also contributing to the decline was the increase in cash payments associated with debt extinguishments, which were $16.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the $5.9 million for the same period in 2004.
Cash paid for interest increased by $16.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. Cash payments of interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 included the original $6.4 million discount to the 12% Notes. Cash payments for interest for our 7% Notes were $11.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $4.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $6.7 million. Cash payments of interest on our and Mission’s senior credit facilities increased from $9.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 to $12.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 due to higher interest rates and a greater amount of debt outstanding in 2005 on the respective credit facilities.
Nexstar and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Mission files its own separate federal income tax return. Additionally, Nexstar and Mission file their own state and local tax returns as are required. Due to our and Mission’s recent history of net operating losses, we and Mission currently do not pay any federal income taxes. These net operating losses may be carried forward, subject to expiration and certain limitations, and used to reduce taxable earnings in future years. Through the use of available loss carryforwards, it is possible that we and Mission may not pay significant amounts of federal income taxes in the foreseeable future.
Cash Flows – Investing Activities
The comparative net cash used for investing activities increased by $8.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. Cash flows from investing activities consist primarily of cash used for capital additions and station acquisitions. The increase was due to increases in purchases of property and equipment and acquisition related payments.
Capital expenditures were $10.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $7.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The increase was primarily attributable to digital conversion expenditures, which increased from $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 to $4.3 million for the same period in 2005. We project that 2005 full-year capital expenditures will be approximately $14.0 million.
Cash used for station acquisitions was $12.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $8.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Acquisition related payments for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 included the remaining payments of $5.75 million and $6.0 million, exclusive of transaction costs, for Mission’s acquisition of WTVO and our acquisition of KFTA/KNWA, respectively. Acquisition related payments for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 included the $3.7 million purchase price, exclusive of transaction costs, of Mission’s acquisition of WUTR, the remaining $1.5 million payment, exclusive of transaction costs, for Mission’s acquisition of WFXW (formerly WBAK) and a down payment by us of $1.7 million against the purchase price for KLST.
Cash Flows – Financing Activities
The comparative net cash provided by financing activities increased by $8.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the amount of net proceeds received from our and Mission’s long-term debt financing activities in the current year as compared to the net amounts received from the prior year’s financing activities, partially offset by an increase in payments of debt financing costs of $2.6 million made in connection with the April 1, 2005 refinancing of our and Mission’s long-term debt obligations as compared to the payments made in connection with the August 2004 amending of our and Mission’s senior secured credit facilities.
The April 1, 2005 refinancing of our and Mission’s long-term debt obligations provided the Company net cash proceeds of $19.0 million, before the payment of transaction fees and expenses, consisting of gross proceeds obtained under senior credit facility term loans and our issuance of 7% Notes of $427.4 million and the repayments of previous senior credit facility term and revolving borrowings and our 12% Notes of $408.4 million. The August 2004 amending of our and Mission’s senior secured credit facilities provided the Company net cash proceeds of $1.0 million, before the payment of transaction fees and expenses, consisting of gross proceeds obtained under senior credit facility term loans of $235.0 million and the repayments of previous senior credit facility term and revolving borrowings of $234.0 million. The net amount of cash received from financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was primarily the result of net borrowings of $30.0 million under senior credit facility revolving loans, the repayments of our 16% senior discount notes of $28.9 million and senior credit facility term loan repayments of $1.6 million.
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During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, there were $8.1 million of other repayments under our and Mission’s senior secured credit facilities, consisting of scheduled term loan maturities of $1.6 million and the voluntary repayment of $6.5 million of term loan made on September 30, 2005.
Although the Nexstar and Mission senior credit facilities now allow for the payment of cash dividends to common stockholders, we and Mission do not currently intend to declare or pay a cash dividend.
Future Sources of Financing and Debt Service Requirements
As of September 30, 2005, Nexstar and Mission had total combined debt of $644.5 million, which represented 110.2% of Nexstar and Mission’s combined capitalization. Our and Mission’s high level of debt requires that a substantial portion of cash flow be dedicated to pay principal and interest on debt which will reduce the funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes.
The following table summarizes the approximate aggregate amount of principal indebtedness scheduled to mature for the periods referenced as of September 30, 2005:
Remainder
of 2005
Nexstar senior credit facility(1)
Mission senior credit facility(1)
7% senior subordinated notes due 2014
11.375% senior discount notes due 2013(2)
We make semiannual interest payments on our 7% Notes of $7.0 million on January 15th and July 15th. The 11.375% senior discount notes (“11.375% Notes”) will not begin to accrue cash interest until April 1, 2008. Commencing October 1, 2008 we will make semiannual interest payments on our 11.375% Notes on April 1st and October 1st. Interest payments on our and Mission’s senior credit facilities are generally paid every one to three months and are payable based on the type of interest rate selected.
The terms of the Nexstar and Mission senior credit facilities, as well as the indentures governing our publicly-held notes, limit, but do not prohibit us or Mission from incurring substantial amounts of additional debt in the future.
We do not have any rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of our debt. However, a downgrade in our credit rating could adversely affect our ability to renew existing, or obtain access to, new credit facilities or otherwise issue debt in the future and could increase the cost of such facilities.
Debt Covenants
Our bank credit facility agreement contains covenants which require us to comply with certain financial ratios, including: (a) maximum total and senior leverage ratios, (b) a minimum interest coverage ratio, and (c) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The covenants, which are formally calculated on a quarterly basis, are based on the combined results of Nexstar Broadcasting and Mission. The senior subordinated notes and senior discount notes contain restrictive covenants customary for borrowing arrangements of this type. Mission’s bank credit facility agreement does not contain financial covenant ratio requirements, but does provide for default in the event Nexstar does not adequately comply with all covenants contained in its credit agreement.
As of September 30, 2005, we believe that we were in compliance with all covenants contained in the credit agreements governing our senior secured credit facility and the indentures governing the publicly-held notes. We anticipate compliance with all the covenants through December 31, 2005. In October 2005, we amended our credit facility agreement to adjust the total and senior leverage ratios for periods ended after September 30, 2005. The amended financial covenant ratios are less restrictive than the previously effective ratios. For a discussion of financial ratio requirements and the subsequent amending of the financial covenant ratios, we refer you to Notes 7 and 13, respectively, of our consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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Future Cash Requirements for Digital Television (“DTV”) Conversion
DTV Conversion
It will be expensive to convert our and Mission’s stations from the current analog format to the digital broadcast format. This conversion required an average initial capital expenditure of approximately $0.2 million per station for low-power transmission of digital signal programming. Except for KNWA, all of the television stations we and Mission own and operate are broadcasting at least a low power digital television signal. Digital conversion expenditures were $4.3 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
We estimate that it will require an average capital expenditure of approximately $1.5 million per station (for 40 stations) to modify our and Mission’s stations’ DTV transmitters for full-power digital signal transmission, including costs for the transmitter, transmission line, antenna and installation, and estimated costs for tower upgrades and/or modifications. We anticipate these expenditures will be funded through available cash on hand and cash generated from operations as incurred in future years. Stations that fail to meet the FCC’s build-out deadlines will lose interference protection for their signals outside their low-power coverage areas. As of September 30, 2005, only Mission’s stations WUTR and WTVO are transmitting full-power digital signals. We have filed a request for extension of time to construct full-power DTV facilities for our top four network affiliates in the top one hundred market stations. Mission also has filed a request for such extension for its top four network affiliates in the top one hundred market stations.
The FCC also adopted additional Program System and Information Protocol (“PSIP”) requirements. The equipment and related installation necessary to meet the PSIP requirements cost approximately $1.3 million in total for our stations and the stations to which we provide services. These expenditures were funded in 2005 through available cash on hand and cash generated from operations.
No Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At September 30, 2005, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. All of our arrangements with Mission are on-balance sheet arrangements. We are, therefore, not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to intangible assets, bad debts, broadcast rights, trade and barter, income taxes, commitments and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
Information with respect to our critical accounting policies which we believe could have the most significant effect on our reported results and require subjective or complex judgments by management is contained on pages 59 through 62 in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. Management believes that as of September 30, 2005 there has been no material change to this information.
Valuation of Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization, but are tested for impairment at least annually. We and Mission will perform annual tests of impairment for indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of FCC licenses and goodwill, during the fourth quarter of 2005. These tests require management to make certain assumptions in determining the fair value of these intangible assets, including assumptions about the cash flow growth rates of our businesses. Additionally, the fair values are significantly impacted by economic factors affecting our industry at the time the impairment tests are performed. In connection with the annual impairment tests, management will consider various factors that have caused a recent decline in broadcaster company stock prices.
The carrying value of our and Mission’s indefinite-lived intangible assets at September 30, 2005 was $284.7 million. As of September 30, 2005, the Company did not identify any events that would trigger an impairment assessment. If the values of these intangible assets decrease in the future, the Company could be required to incur an impairment charge which could have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.
Refer to Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of the recently issued accounting pronouncements including our expected date of adoption and effects on results of operations and financial position.
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including: any projections or expectations of earnings, revenue, financial performance, liquidity and capital resources or other financial items; any assumptions or projections about the television broadcasting industry; any statements of our plans, strategies and objectives for our future operations, performance, liquidity and capital resources or other financial items; any statements concerning proposed new products, services or developments; any
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statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements may include the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and other similar words.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ from this projection or assumption in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial position and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and inherent risks and uncertainties, including those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are made only as of the date hereof, and we do not have or undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances unless otherwise required by law.
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our long-term debt obligations.
All borrowings at September 30, 2005 under the senior credit facilities bear interest at 5.77%, which represented the base rate, or LIBOR, plus the applicable margin, as defined. Interest is payable in accordance with the credit agreements.
The following table estimates the changes to cash flow from operations as of September 30, 2005 if interest rates were to fluctuate by 100 or 50 basis points, or BPS (where 100 basis points represents one percentage point), for a twelve-month period:
No change to
interest rate
Senior credit facilities
7% senior subordinated notes due 2014(1)
11.375% senior discount notes due 2013(1)
Total
In the past, we have used derivative instruments to manage our exposures to interest rate risks. As of September 30, 2005, we had no derivative financial instruments. Our objective for holding derivatives is to minimize these risks using the most effective methods to eliminate or reduce the impacts of these exposures. We used interest rate swap arrangements, not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS No. 133, in connection with our variable rate senior credit facilities. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.
Impact of Inflation
We believe that our results of operations are not affected by moderate changes in the inflation rate.
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer along with our Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Nexstar’s disclosure controls and procedures.
Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (i) were effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting material information required to be included in our periodic filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and (ii) include controls and other procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with the SEC was accumulated and communicated to management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the quarterly period as of the end of the period covered by this report, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Nexstar’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, Nexstar and Mission are involved in litigation that arises from the ordinary operations of business, such as contractual or employment disputes or other general actions. In the event of an adverse outcome of these proceedings, Nexstar and Mission believe the resulting liabilities would not have a material adverse effect on Nexstar’s and Mission’s financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
ITEM 5. Other Information
ITEM 6. Exhibits
Exhibit Index
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
/S/ PERRY A. SOOK
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/S/ G. ROBERT THOMPSON
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Dated: November 8, 2005
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