Back to GetFilings.com



Table of Contents



UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


Form 10-K

     
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
    For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 or
 
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the transition period from           to

Commission file number 0-15392


REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
  31-1492857
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

100 East RiverCenter Boulevard

Suite 900
Covington, Kentucky 41011
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(859) 292-0030

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

None

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

Common Stock, $.01 par value per share

(Title of class)

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

      Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).     Yes þ          No o

      As of June 28, 2002, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $261,468,877 based upon the closing sale price of $7.05 on the Nasdaq Stock Market’s National Market for that date. (For purposes hereof, directors, executive officers and 10% or greater stockholders have been deemed affiliates.)

      The number of common shares of registrant outstanding as of March 14, 2003 was 46,496,168.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

      Portions of registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed during April 2003 in connection with the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders presently scheduled to be held on May 14, 2003 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
Item 1. Business
Acquisitions
Dispositions
Item 2. Properties.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Regent Communications, Inc. Index to Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share amounts)
REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands)
REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) (In thousands, except share amounts)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) for the year ended December 31, 2002
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) for the year ended December 31, 2001
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) for the year ended December 31, 2000
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands) December 31, 2002
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands) December 31, 2001
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) For the year ended December 31, 2002
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) For the year ended December 31, 2001
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) For the year ended December 31, 2000
SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
Item 14. Controls and Procedures.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit 4E
Exhibit 10(E)
Exhibit 21
Exhibit 23
Exhibit 99.1
Exhibit 99.2


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT

ON FORM 10-K
             
Page

Part I
Item 1
  Business     2  
Item 2
  Properties     19  
Item 3
  Legal Proceedings     19  
Item 4
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     20  
Part II
Item 5
  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters     20  
Item 6
  Selected Financial Data     21  
Item 7
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     22  
Item 7A
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     34  
Item 8
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     35  
Item 9
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     71  
Part III
Item 10
  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant     71  
Item 11
  Executive Compensation     71  
Item 12
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management     71  
Item 13
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions     71  
Item 14
  Controls and Procedures     71  
Part IV
Item 15
  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K     72  


      Regent Communications, Inc. is a holding company. We own and operate our radio stations and hold our radio broadcast licenses in separate subsidiaries. In this report, when we use the term “Regent” and the pronouns “we,” “our” and “us,” we mean Regent Communications, Inc. and all its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.


1


Table of Contents

PART I

 
Item 1. Business

General Development of Business

      We are a radio broadcasting company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations in mid-sized and small markets. We currently own 53 FM and 20 AM radio stations in 17 markets in California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. We have entered into a written agreement to exchange our four radio stations serving the Duluth, Minnesota market for five radio stations serving the Evansville, Indiana market. In conjunction with the above exchange, we are currently providing programming and certain other services to the Evansville stations, and the purchaser of the Duluth stations are providing the same such services to those stations. We have also entered into written agreements to acquire two additional stations in an existing market and currently provide programming and certain other services to one of the stations pending completion of its purchase. After the completion of our pending transactions, we will own 56 FM and 20 AM radio stations in 16 markets. Our assembled clusters of radio stations rank first or second in terms of revenue share in all of our markets that are ranked by BIA Publications, Inc. in their Investing in Radio 2002 Market Report, except Albany, New York, where our cluster ranks third.

      Our primary strategy is to secure and maintain a leadership position in the markets we serve and to expand into additional mid-sized and small markets where we can achieve a leadership position. After we enter a market, we seek to acquire stations that, when integrated with our existing operations, will allow us to reach a wider range of demographic groups that appeal to advertisers, increase revenue and achieve substantial cost savings. Additionally, we believe that our advertising pricing on the basis of cost per thousand impressions, combined with the added reach of our radio station clusters, allows us to compete successfully for advertising revenue against non-radio competitors such as print media, television and outdoor advertising.

      Relative to the largest radio markets in the United States, we believe that the mid-sized and small markets represent attractive operating environments because they are generally characterized by the following:

  •  a greater use of radio advertising compared to the national average;
 
  •  substantial growth in advertising revenues as national and regional retailers expand into mid-sized and small markets;
 
  •  a weaker competitive environment characterized by small independent operators, many of whom lack the capital to produce locally-originated programming or to employ more sophisticated research, marketing, management and sales techniques;
 
  •  less direct format competition due to a smaller number of stations in any given market; and
 
  •  lower overall susceptibility to fluctuations in general economic conditions due to a lower percentage of national versus local advertising revenues.

      We believe that these operating characteristics, coupled with the opportunity to establish or expand radio station clusters within a specific market, create the potential for revenue growth and cost efficiencies.

      Our portfolio of radio stations is diversified in terms of geographic location, target demographics and format. We believe that this diversity helps insulate us from downturns in specific markets and changes in format preferences.

Completed Acquisitions and Dispositions

      We completed the following acquisitions and dispositions of radio stations during 2002. The purchase prices set forth below were paid in cash, except where otherwise indicated, and include, where applicable, amounts paid under non-competition agreements, but do not include transaction-related costs.

2


Table of Contents

Acquisitions

                                         
Purchase
No. of Price Date
Seller Market Stations Call Letters (in millions) Completed






The Frankenmuth Radio Co., Inc. and MTE Corporation
    Flint, MI       1       WRCL-FM     $ 2.0 (1)     6/01/02  
Haith Broadcasting Corporation and Connoisseur Communications of Flint, L.L.P.
    Grand Rapids, MI       1       WFGR-FM     $ 4.9 (2)     6/01/02  
Covenant Communications Corporation
    Flint, MI       2       WQUS-FM (3)   $ 1.3       10/01/02  
                      WLSP-AM                  

      We completed the following acquisition in 2003:

                                         
Purchase
No. of Price Date
Seller Market Stations Call Letters (in millions) Completed






Brill Media Company LLC and related entities
  Lancaster- Reading, PA     2       WIOV-AM
WIOV-FM
    $ 62.0       2/25/03  
      Evansville, IN/
Owensboro, KY
      3       WKDQ-FM                  
                    WBKR-FM
WOMI-AM
                 
      Ft Collins-
Greeley, CO
      3       KTRR-FM                  
      Duluth, MN               KUAD-FM
KKQZ-FM
(4)                
            4       KKCB-FM                  
                      KLDJ-FM                  
                      KBMX-FM                  
                      WEBC-AM                  


(1)  The purchase price paid consisted of approximately $0.6 million in cash and 209,536 shares of our common stock.
 
(2)  The purchase price paid consisted of approximately $3.9 million in cash and 174,917 shares of our common stock.
 
(3)  WQUS-FM formerly operated under the call letters WRXF-FM.
 
(4)  KKQZ-FM, purchased as a construction permit, began broadcast operations on November 1, 2002.

Dispositions

                                         
No. of Sale Price
Purchaser Market Stations Call Letters (in millions) Date Completed






ABC, Inc.
    Albany, NY       1       WGNA-AM     $ 2.0       03/12/2002  

Pending Transactions

      We currently have transactions pending which, if completed, will result in the purchase by us of seven radio stations and the sale by us of four radio stations. Closing of these transactions are subject to certain conditions, including required governmental approvals.

      On February 27, 2003, we entered into an agreement to exchange substantially all of the assets of KKCB-FM, KLDJ-FM, KBMX-FM and WEBC-AM, serving the Duluth, Minnesota market, plus $2.7 million in cash, for substantially all the assets of WYNG-FM, WDKS-FM, WKRI-FM, WGBF-FM and WGBF-AM, serving the Evansville, Indiana market. On March 1, 2003, we began providing programming and other

3


Table of Contents

services to the Evansville stations and the purchaser of the Duluth stations began providing the same such services to those stations.

      On January 10, 2003, we entered into an agreement to purchase substantially all of the assets of KKPL-FM and KARS-FM, serving the Fort Collins-Greeley, Colorado market from AGM-Nevada, L.L.C. for $7.75 million. The purchase price is payable in a combination of $5.0 million in cash and $2.75 million in Regent common stock, based on a per share price equal to the average daily closing price for the ten consecutive trading days ending on the second trading day immediately preceding the closing date. In the event the average share price for that period is less than $7.50 per share we may, at our sole discretion, reallocate the purchase price to increase the amount of cash consideration and reduce the portion paid in Regent common stock. On February 1, 2003, we began providing programming and other services to KKPL-FM under a time brokerage agreement. We have placed $387,500 in escrow to secure our obligations under this agreement.

Acquisition Strategy

      Our acquisition strategy is to expand within our existing markets and into new mid-sized and small markets where we believe we can effectively use our operating strategies. In considering new markets, we focus on those markets that have a minimum of $8.0 million in gross radio advertising revenue where we believe we can build a station cluster that will generate at least $1.0 million in annual broadcast cash flow. The term “broadcast cash flow” means operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, corporate general and administrative expenses, gain (loss) on sale of long-lived assets, and impairment of goodwill and FCC licenses. Although broadcast cash flow is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, we believe that broadcast cash flow is accepted by the broadcasting industry as a generally recognized measure of performance and is used by analysts who report publicly on the performance of broadcasting companies. Nevertheless, this measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), net cash provided by (used in) operating activities or any other measure for determining our operating performance or liquidity that is calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Although significant competition exists among potential purchasers for suitable radio station acquisitions throughout the United States, we believe that there is currently less competition, particularly from the larger radio operators, in the mid-sized and small markets. After entering a market, we seek to acquire additional stations that will allow us to reach a wider range of demographic groups to appeal to advertisers and increase revenue. We also integrate these stations into our existing operations in an effort to achieve substantial cost savings. We have sold or will sell stations in different markets that did not or do not fit within our existing acquisition strategy.

      We believe that the creation of strong station clusters in our local markets is essential to our operating success. In evaluating an acquisition opportunity in a new market, we assess our potential to build a leading radio station cluster in that market over time. We will not consider entering a new market unless we can acquire multiple stations in that market. We also analyze a number of additional factors we believe are important to success, including the number and quality of commercial radio signals broadcasting in the market, the nature of the competition in the market, our ability to improve the operating performance of the radio station or stations under consideration and the general economic conditions of the market.

      We believe that our acquisition strategy, properly implemented, affords a number of benefits, including:

  •  greater revenue and broadcast cash flow diversity;
 
  •  improved broadcast cash flow margins through the consolidation of facilities and the elimination of redundant expenses;
 
  •  enhanced revenue by offering advertisers a broader range of advertising packages;
 
  •  improved negotiating leverage with various key vendors;
 
  •  enhanced appeal to top industry management talent; and
 
  •  increased overall scale, which should facilitate our capital raising activities.

4


Table of Contents

      We have developed a process for integrating newly acquired properties into our overall culture and operating philosophy, which involves the following key elements:

  •  assess format quality and effectiveness so that we can refine station formats in order to increase audience and revenue share;
 
  •  upgrade transmission, audio processing and studio facilities;
 
  •  expand and strengthen sales staff through active recruiting and in-depth training;
 
  •  convert acquired stations to our communications network and centralized networked accounting system; and
 
  •  establish revenue and expense budgets consistent with the programming and sales strategy and corresponding cost adjustments.

      From time to time, in compliance with applicable law, we enter into a time brokerage agreement (under which separately owned and licensed stations agree to function cooperatively in terms of programming, advertising, sales and other matters), or a similar arrangement, with a target property prior to final Federal Communication Commission (“FCC”) approval and the consummation of the acquisition, in order to gain a head start on the integration process.

Operating Strategy

      Our operating strategy focuses on maximizing our radio stations’ appeal to listeners and advertisers and, consequently, increasing our revenue and broadcast cash flow. To achieve these goals, we have implemented the following strategies:

      Ownership of Strong Radio Station Clusters. We seek to secure and maintain a leadership position in the markets we serve by owning multiple stations in those markets. By coordinating programming, promotional and sales strategies within each local station cluster, we attempt to capture a wider range of demographic listeners to appeal to advertisers. We believe that the diversification of our programming formats and inventory of available advertising time strengthens relationships with advertisers, increasing our ability to maximize the value of our inventory. We believe that operating multiple stations in a market enhances our ability to market the advantages of advertising on radio versus other media, such as newspapers and television.

      We believe that our ability to utilize the existing programming and sales resources of our radio station clusters enhances the growth potential of both new and underperforming stations while reducing the risks associated with the implementation of station performance improvements, such as new format launches. We believe that operating leading station clusters allows us to attract and retain talented local personnel, who are essential to our operating success. Furthermore, we seek to achieve cost savings within a market through the consolidation of facilities, sales and administrative personnel, management and operating resources, such as on-air talent, programming and music research, and the reduction of other redundant expenses.

      Aggressive Sales and Marketing. We seek to maximize our share of local advertising revenue in each of our markets through aggressive sales and marketing initiatives. We provide extensive training through in-house sales and time management programs and independent consultants who hold frequent seminars and are available for consultation with our sales personnel. We emphasize regular, informal exchanges of ideas among our management and sales personnel across our various markets. We seek to maximize our revenue by utilizing sophisticated inventory management techniques to provide our sales personnel with frequent price adjustments based on regional and local market conditions. We further strengthen our relationship with some advertisers by offering the ability to create customer traffic through an on-site event staged at, and broadcast from, the advertiser’s business location. We believe that, prior to their acquisition, many of our newly acquired stations had underperformed in sales, due primarily to undersized sales staffs. Accordingly, we have significantly expanded the sales forces of many of our acquired stations.

      Targeted Programming and Promotion. To maintain or improve our position in each market, we combine extensive market research with an assessment of our competitors’ vulnerabilities in order to identify

5


Table of Contents

significant and sustainable target audiences. We then tailor the programming, marketing and promotion of each radio station to maximize its appeal to the targeted audience. We attempt to build strong markets by:

  •  creating distinct, highly visible profiles for our on-air personalities, particularly those broadcasting during morning drive time, which traditionally airs between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.;
 
  •  formulating recognizable brand names for select stations; and
 
  •  actively participating in community events and charities.

      Decentralized Operations. We believe that radio is primarily a local business and that much of our success will be the result of the efforts of regional and local management and staff. Accordingly, we decentralize much of our operations at these levels. Each of our station clusters is managed by a team of experienced broadcasters who understand the musical tastes, demographics and competitive opportunities of their particular market. Local managers are responsible for preparing annual operating budgets and a portion of their compensation is linked to meeting or surpassing their operating targets. Corporate management approves each station cluster’s annual operating budget and imposes strict financial reporting requirements to track station performance. Corporate management is responsible for long range planning, establishing corporate policies and serving as a resource to local management.

Station Portfolio

      When our pending acquisition transactions are completed, we will own 56 FM and 20 AM radio stations in 16 mid-sized and small markets. The following table sets forth information about the stations that we own and expect to own after giving effect to our pending transactions.

      As you review the information in the table below, you should note the following:

  •  The abbreviation “MSA” in the table means the market’s rank among the largest metropolitan statistical areas in the United States.
 
  •  The symbol “*” indicates a station that is the subject of one of our pending acquisitions, and the symbol “#” indicates a station that we have entered into an agreement to sell. The completion of each pending acquisition or disposition is subject to certain conditions, including governmental approvals. There can be no assurance that these conditions will be satisfied in any particular case.
 
  •  In the Primary Demographic Target column, the letter “A” designates adults, the letter “W” designates women and the letter “M” designates men. The numbers following each letter designate the range of ages included within the demographic group.
 
  •  Station Cluster Rank by Market Revenue Share in the table is the ranking, by radio cluster market revenue, of each of our radio clusters in its market among all other radio clusters in that market.
 
  •  We obtained all metropolitan statistical area rank information, market revenue information and station cluster market rank information for all of our markets from Investing in Radio 2002 Market Report, published by BIA Publications, Inc.
 
  •  We obtained all audience share information from the Fall 2002 Radio Market Report published by The Arbitron Company. We derived station cluster audience share based on persons ages 12 and over, listening Monday through Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight.
 
  •  N/A indicates the market has no MSA rank and is not rated by Arbitron.

6


Table of Contents

                                           
Station
Cluster Station
Rank by Cluster
Station Primary Market 12+
Radio Market/ MSA Programming Demographic Revenue Audience
Station Call Letters Rank Format Target Share Share






Albany, NY
    59                       3       19.7  
 
WQBJ(FM)
            Rock       M 18-49                  
 
WQBK(FM)
            Rock       M 18-49                  
 
WABT(FM)
            80’s       A 25-54                  
 
WGNA(FM)
            Country       A 25-54                  
 
WTMM(AM)
            Sports       M 35+                  
Chico, CA
    190                       1       17.1  
 
KFMF(FM)
            Rock       M 18-49                  
 
KALF(FM)
            Country       A 25-54                  
 
KQPT(FM)
            Alternative       A 18-34                  
 
KZAP(FM)
            Rhythmic CHR       A 18-34                  
Duluth, MN
    221                       2       24.8  
 
WEBC(AM)#
            News/Talk       A 35+                  
 
KLDJ(FM)#
            Oldies       A 35+                  
 
KKCB(FM)#
            Country       A 25-54                  
 
KBMX(FM)#
            Adult Contemporary       A 25-54                  
El Paso, TX
    70                       2       12.0  
 
KSII(FM)
            Hot Adult Contemporary       W 25-54                  
 
KLAQ(FM)
            Rock       M 18-49                  
 
KROD(AM)
            News/Talk       A 35+                  
Erie, PA
    156                       2       35.8  
 
WXKC(FM)
            Adult Contemporary       W 25-54                  
 
WXTA(FM)
            Country       A 25-54                  
 
WRIE(AM)
            Nostalgia       A 35+                  
 
WQHZ(FM)
            Classic Hits       A 25-54                  
Evansville, IN
    155                       2       39.0  
 
WKDQ(FM)
            Country       A 25-54                  
 
WYNG(FM)*
            Country       A 25-54                  
 
WDKS(FM)*
            CHR       A 18-34                  
 
WKRI(FM)*
            Rock       A 18-34                  
 
WGBF(FM)*
            Rock       A 25-54                  
 
WGBF(AM)*
            Talk       A 35+                  
Flint, MI
    119                       2       22.7  
 
WCRZ(FM)
            Adult Contemporary       W 25-54                  
 
WWBN(FM)
            Rock       M 18-49                  
 
WFNT(AM)
            Nostalgia       A 35+                  
 
WRCL(FM)
            Rhythmic CHR       A 18-34                  
 
WQUS(FM)
            Classic Hits       A 25-54                  
 
WLSP(AM)
            Variety       A 35+                  

7


Table of Contents

                                           
Station
Cluster Station
Rank by Cluster
Station Primary Market 12+
Radio Market/ MSA Programming Demographic Revenue Audience
Station Call Letters Rank Format Target Share Share






Ft. Collins-Greeley, CO.
    130                       1       15.4  
 
KUAD(FM)
            Country       A 25-54                  
 
KTRR(FM)
            Adult Contemporary       A 25-54                  
 
KKQZ(FM)
            Classic Rock       A 25-54                  
 
KKPL(FM)*
            Alternative       A 18-34                  
 
KARS(FM)*
            Rock       A 18-34                  
Grand Rapids, MI
    66                       2       16.6  
 
WLHT(FM)
            Adult Contemporary       W 25-54                  
 
WGRD(FM)
            New Rock       M 18-49                  
 
WTRV(FM)
            Soft Adult Contemporary       W 35+                  
 
WNWZ(AM)
            Talk       A 35+                  
 
WFGR(FM)
            Classical       A 35+                  
Lafayette, LA
    98                       1       25.3  
 
KPEL(FM)
            Talk       A 35+                  
 
KTDY(FM)
            Adult Contemporary       A 25-54                  
 
KRKA(FM)
            Classic Rock       M 25-54                  
 
KFTE(FM)
            Alternative       A 18-34                  
 
KMDL(FM)
            Country       A 25-54                  
 
KPEL(AM)
            Talk       A 35+                  
 
KROF(AM)
            Sports       A 35+                  
Lancaster-Reading, PA
    115                       2       8.2  
 
WIOV(AM)
            Talk       A 35+                  
 
WIOV(FM)
            Country       A 25-54                  
Owensboro, KY
    N/A                       N/A       N/A  
 
WOMI(AM)
            News/Talk       A 35+                  
 
WBKR(FM)
            Country       A 25-54                  
Peoria, IL
    135                       2       17.9  
 
WVEL(AM)
            Gospel       A 35+                  
 
WGLO(FM)
            Classic Rock       M 25-54                  
 
WIXO(FM)
            Alternative       A 18-34                  
 
WRVP(FM)
            CHR       A 18-34                  
 
WPPY(FM)
            CHR       A 18-34                  
 
WFYR(FM)
            Country       A 25-54                  
Redding, CA
    215                       1       43.2  
 
KSHA(FM)
            Soft Adult Contemporary       W 25-54                  
 
KNNN(FM)
            CHR       A 18-34                  
 
KRDG(FM)
            Oldies       A 35-54                  
 
KRRX(FM)
            Rock       M 18-49                  
 
KNRO(AM)
            ESPN       M 35+                  
 
KQMS(AM)
            News/Talk/Sports       A 35+                  

8


Table of Contents

                                           
Station
Cluster Station
Rank by Cluster
Station Primary Market 12+
Radio Market/ MSA Programming Demographic Revenue Audience
Station Call Letters Rank Format Target Share Share






St. Cloud, MN
    212                       1       28.3  
 
KMXK(FM)
            Adult Contemporary       W 25-54                  
 
WWJO(FM)
            Country       A 25-54                  
 
WJON(AM)
            News/Talk       A 35+                  
 
KLZZ(FM)
            Classic Rock       M 25-54                  
 
KKSR(FM)
            Dance CHR       A 18-34                  
 
KXSS(AM)
            Adult Standards       A 35-64                  
Utica-Rome, NY
    151                       1       34.6  
 
WODZ(FM)
            Oldies       A 35-54                  
 
WLZW(FM)
            Adult Contemporary       W 25-54                  
 
WFRG(FM)
            Country       A 25-54                  
 
WRUN(AM)
            Sports       M 35+                  
 
WIBX(AM)
            News/Talk       A 35+                  
Watertown, NY
    257                       1       39.5  
 
WCIZ(FM)
            Classic Hits       A 25-54                  
 
WFRY(FM)
            Country       A 25-54                  
 
WTNY(AM)
            Talk       A 35+                  
 
WNER(AM)
            ESPN       M 35+                  

Advertising Sales

      Virtually all of our revenue is generated from the sale of local, regional and national advertising for broadcast on our radio stations. In 2002, approximately 84% of our net broadcast revenue was generated from the sale of local and regional advertising. Additional broadcast revenue is generated from the sale of national advertising, network compensation payments and other miscellaneous transactions. The major categories of our advertisers include telephone companies, retail merchants, restaurants, fast food chains, automotive companies and grocery stores.

      Each station’s local sales staff solicits advertising either directly from the local advertiser or indirectly through an advertising agency. We pay a higher commission rate to our sales staff for direct advertising sales. Through direct advertiser relationships, we can better understand the advertiser’s business needs and more effectively design advertising campaigns to sell the advertiser’s products. We employ personnel in each of our markets to produce commercials for the advertiser. In-house production combined with effectively designed advertising establishes a stronger relationship between the advertiser and the station cluster. National sales are made by a firm specializing in radio advertising sales on the national level in exchange for a commission based on net revenue. Regional sales, which we define as sales in regions surrounding our markets to companies that advertise in our markets, are generally made by our local sales staff.

      Depending on the programming format of a particular station, we estimate the optimum number of advertising spots available. The number of advertisements that can be broadcast without jeopardizing listening levels is limited in part by the format of a particular station and by the volume of advertisements being run on competing stations in the local market. Our stations strive to maximize revenue by managing advertising inventory. Our stations adjust pricing based on local market conditions and the ability to provide advertisers with an effective means of reaching a targeted demographic group. Each of our stations has a general target level of on-air inventory. This target level of inventory may be different at different times of the day but tends to remain stable over time. Much of our selling activity is based on demand for our radio stations’ on-air inventory and, in general, we respond to this demand by varying prices rather than our target inventory level

9


Table of Contents

for a particular station. Therefore, most changes in revenue can be explained by demand-driven pricing changes.

      A station’s listenership is reflected in ratings surveys that estimate the number of listeners tuned to the station and the time they spend listening. Each station’s ratings are used by its advertisers and advertising representatives to consider advertising with the station and are used by us to chart audience levels, set advertising rates and adjust programming. The radio broadcast industry’s principal ratings service is The Arbitron Company, which publishes periodic ratings surveys for significant domestic radio markets. These surveys are our primary source of audience ratings data.

      We believe that radio is one of the most efficient and cost-effective means for advertisers to reach specific demographic groups. Advertising rates charged by radio stations are based primarily on the following:

  •  the supply of, and demand for, radio advertising time;
 
  •  a station’s share of audiences in the demographic groups targeted by advertisers, as measured by ratings surveys estimating the number of listeners tuned to the station at various times; and
 
  •  the number of stations in the market competing for the same demographic groups.

      Rates are generally highest during morning and afternoon commuting hours.

Competition

      The radio broadcasting industry is highly competitive. The success of each station depends largely upon audience ratings and its share of the overall advertising revenue within its market. Stations compete for listeners and advertising revenue directly with other radio stations within their respective markets. Radio stations compete for listeners primarily on the basis of program content that appeals to a particular demographic group. Building a strong listener base consisting of a specific demographic group in a market enables an operator to attract advertisers seeking to reach those listeners. Companies that operate radio stations must be alert to the possibility of another station changing format to compete directly for listeners and advertisers. A station’s decision to convert to a format similar to that of another radio station in the same geographic area may result in lower ratings and advertising revenue, increased promotion and other expenses and, consequently, lower broadcast cash flow.

      Factors that are material to a radio station’s competitive position include management experience, the station’s local audience rank in its market, transmitter power, assigned frequency, audience characteristics, local program acceptance and the number and characteristics of other radio stations in the market area. Management believes that radio stations that elect to take advantage of joint arrangements such as local marketing agreements or joint sales agreements may in certain circumstances have lower operating costs and may be able to offer advertisers more attractive rates and services.

      Although the radio broadcasting industry is highly competitive, some barriers to entry exist. The operation of a radio broadcast station requires a license from the FCC, and the number of radio stations that can operate in a given market is limited by the availability of FM and AM radio frequencies allotted by the FCC to communities in that market, as well as by the FCC’s rules and policies regulating the number of stations that may be owned or controlled by a single entity. A summary of certain of those rules and policies can be found under the heading Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting below.

      Our stations compete for advertising revenue with other stations and with other media, including newspapers, broadcast television, cable television, magazines, direct mail, coupons and outdoor advertising. In addition, the radio broadcasting industry is subject to competition from new media technologies that are being developed or introduced, such as the delivery of audio programming by cable or direct broadcast satellite television systems, by satellite-delivered digital audio radio service and by in-band digital audio broadcasting. Two providers of satellite-delivered digital audio broadcasting have commenced service and state that they intend to deliver by satellite to nationwide and regional audiences, multi-channel, multi-format, digital radio services with sound quality equivalent to compact discs. Furthermore, terrestrial in-band digital audio broadcasting may deliver multi-channel, multi-format programming in the same bands now used by AM and

10


Table of Contents

FM broadcasters. The delivery of information through the Internet also could create a new form of competition, as could the development of non-commercial low-power FM radio stations that serve small, localized areas.

      We cannot predict what additional new services or other regulatory matters might be considered in the future by the FCC, nor assess in advance what impact those proposals or changes might have on our business. The radio broadcasting industry historically has grown despite the introduction of new technologies for the delivery of entertainment and information. A growing population and greater availability of radios, particularly car and portable radios, have contributed to this growth. There can be no assurances, however, that this historical growth will continue.

Employees

      At March 14, 2003, we employed approximately 890 persons. Ten of our employees in Watertown, New York are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. None of our other employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. We consider our relations with our employees generally to be good.

Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting

      Introduction. Our ownership, operation, purchase and sale of radio stations is regulated by the FCC, which acts under authority derived from the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Among other things, the FCC:

  •  assigns frequency bands for broadcasting;
 
  •  issues, renews, revokes and modifies station licenses, and determines the location, power and other technical parameters of those licenses;
 
  •  determines whether to approve changes in ownership or control of station licenses;
 
  •  regulates equipment used by stations; and
 
  •  adopts and implements regulations and policies that directly or indirectly affect the ownership, operation and employment practices of stations.

      The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC regulations and policies. Failure to observe these or other rules and policies can result in the imposition of various sanctions, including fines, the grant of abbreviated license renewal terms or, for particularly egregious violations, the denial of a license renewal application, the revocation of a license or the denial of FCC consent to acquire additional radio stations.

      License Grant and Renewal. Radio stations operate under renewable broadcasting licenses that are ordinarily granted by the FCC for maximum terms of eight years. Licenses are renewed through an application to the FCC. Petitions to deny license renewals can be filed by interested parties, including members of the public. These petitions may raise various issues before the FCC. The FCC is required to hold hearings on renewal applications if the FCC is unable to determine that renewal of a license would serve the public interest, convenience and necessity, or if a petition to deny raises a substantial and material question of fact as to whether the grant of the renewal application would be inconsistent with the public interest, convenience and necessity. If, as a result of an evidentiary hearing, the FCC determines that the licensee has failed to meet certain requirements and that no mitigating factors justify the imposition of a lesser sanction, then the FCC may deny a license renewal application. Historically, FCC licenses have generally been renewed. We are not currently aware of any facts that would prevent the timely renewal of our licenses to operate our radio stations, although we cannot assure you that all of our licenses will be renewed.

      The FCC classifies each AM and FM station. An AM station operates on either a clear channel, regional channel or local channel. A clear channel is one on which AM stations are assigned to serve wide areas. Clear channel AM stations are classified as either: Class A stations, which operate on an unlimited time basis and are designed to render primary and secondary service over an extended area; Class B stations, which operate

11


Table of Contents

on an unlimited time basis and are designed to render service only over a primary service area; or Class D stations, which operate either during daytime hours only, during limited times only or on an unlimited time basis with low nighttime power. A regional channel is one on which Class B and Class D AM stations may operate and serve primarily a principal center of population and the rural areas contiguous to it. A local channel is one on which AM stations operate on an unlimited time basis and serve primarily a community and the suburban and rural areas immediately contiguous thereto. Class C AM stations operate on a local channel and are designed to render service only over a primary service area that may be reduced as a consequence of interference.

      The minimum and maximum facilities requirements for an FM station are determined by its class. FM class designations depend upon the geographic zone in which the transmitter of the FM station is located. In general, commercial FM stations are classified as follows, in order of increasing power and antenna height: Class A, B1, C3, B, C2, C1, C0 and C. The FCC recently adopted a rule that subjects Class C FM stations to involuntary downgrades to Class C0 if they do not meet certain antenna height specifications.

      The following table sets forth the market, call letters, FCC license classification, antenna height above average terrain (HAAT), power and frequency of each of the stations that are owned and operated by us or that are the subject of a pending acquisition or subsequent sale, and the date on which each station’s FCC license expires.

                                                 
Expiration
Date of
Station Call FCC HAAT in Power in FCC
Market Letters Class Meters Kilowatts Frequency License







Albany, NY
    WQBJ(FM)       B       150       50.0       103.5 MHz       06/01/06  
      WQBK(FM)       A       92       6.0       103.9 MHz       06/01/06  
      WABT(FM)       A       107       5.0       104.5 MHz       06/01/06  
      WGNA(FM)       B       300       12.5       107.7 MHz       06/01/06  
      WTMM(AM)       B       N/A       5.0       1300 kHz       06/01/06  
 
Chico, CA
    KFMF(FM)       B1       344       2.0       93.9 MHz       12/01/05  
      KQPT(FM)       B       193       28.0       107.5 MHz       12/01/05  
      KALF(FM)       B       386       7.0       95.7 MHz       12/01/05  
      KZAP(FM)       B1       393       1.5       96.7 MHz       12/01/05  
 
Duluth, MN
    WEBC(AM)#       B       N/A       5.0       560 kHz       04/01/05  
      KLDJ(FM)#       C2       251       18.5       101.7 MHz       04/01/05  
      KKCB(FM)#       C1       241       100.0       105.1 MHz       04/01/05  
      KBMX(FM)#       C2       278       7.7       107.7 MHz       04/01/05  
 
El Paso, TX
    KSII(FM)       C       433       98.0       93.1 MHz       08/01/05  
      KLAQ(FM)       C       424       88.0       95.5 MHz       08/01/05  
      KROD(AM)       B       N/A       5.0       600 kHz       08/01/05  
 
Erie, PA
    WXKC(FM)       B       150       50.0       99.9 MHz       08/01/06  
      WRIE(AM)       B       N/A       5.0       1260 kHz       08/01/06  
      WXTA(FM)       B1       154       10.0       97.9 MHz       08/01/06  
      WQHZ(FM)       A       187       1.7       102.3 MHz       08/01/06  

12


Table of Contents

                                                 
Expiration
Date of
Station Call FCC HAAT in Power in FCC
Market Letters Class Meters Kilowatts Frequency License







Evansville, IN
    WKDQ(FM)       C       300       100.0       99.5 MHz       08/01/04  
      WYNG(FM)*       B       150       50.0       105.3 MHz       08/01/04  
      WDKS(FM)*       A       100       6.0       106.1 MHz       08/01/04  
      WKRI(FM)*       B       128       50.0       94.9 MHz       08/01/04  
      WGBF(FM)*       A       138       3.2       103.1 MHz       08/01/04  
      WGBF(AM)*       B       N/A       5.0  daytime       1280 kHz       08/01/04  
                              1.0 night                  
Flint, MI
    WCRZ(FM)       B       101       50.0       107.9 MHz       10/01/04  
      WWBN(FM)       A       149       1.8       101.7 MHz       10/01/04  
      WFNT(AM)       B       N/A       5.0  daytime       1470 kHz       10/01/04  
                              1.0 night                  
      WZRZ(FM)       A       133       3.5       93.7 MHz       10/01/04  
      WQUS(FM)       A       91       3.0       103.1 MHz       10/01/04  
      WLSP(AM)       B       N/A       5.0       1530 kHz       10/01/04  
 
Ft. Collins-Greeley, CO.
    KUAD(FM)       C1       212       100.0       99.1 MHz       04/01/05  
      KTRR(FM)       C2       125       50.0       102.5 MHz       04/01/05  
      KKQZ(FM)       C3       168       8.7       94.3 MHz       04/01/05  
      KKPL(FM)*       C2       150       50.0       99.9 MHz       04/01/05  
      KARS(FM)*       C       372       100.0       102.9 MHz       04/01/05  
 
Grand Rapids, MI
    WLHT(FM)       B       168       40.0       95.7 MHz       10/01/04  
      WGRD(FM)       B       180       13.0       97.9 MHz       10/01/04  
      WTRV(FM)       A       92       3.50       100.5 MHz       10/01/04  
      WNWZ(AM)       B       N/A       1.0  daytime       1410 kHz       10/01/04  
                              .05 night                  
      WFGR(FM)       A       150       2.75       98.7 MHz       10/01/04  
 
Lafayette, LA
    KMDL(FM)       C2       171       38.0       97.3 MHz       06/01/04  
      KRKA(FM)       C1       263       97.0       107.9 MHz       06/01/04  
      KFTE(FM)       C2       163       42.0       96.5 MHz       06/01/04  
      KTDY(FM)       C       300       100.0       99.9 MHz       06/01/04  
      KPEL(FM)       C3       89       25.0       105.1 MHz       06/01/04  
      KPEL(AM)       B       N/A       1.0  daytime       1420 kHz       06/01/04  
                              0.75 night                  
      KROF(AM)       D       N/A       1.0  daytime       960 kHz       06/01/04  
                              .095 night                  
 
Lancaster-Reading, PA
    WIOV(AM)       C       N/A       1.0       1240 kHz       08/01/06  
      WIOV(FM)       B       214       25.0       105.1 MHz       08/01/06  
 
Owensboro, KY
    WOMI(AM)       C       N/A       0.83       1490 kHz       08/01/04  
      WBKR(FM)       C       320       100.0       92.5 MHz       08/01/04  

13


Table of Contents

                                                 
Expiration
Date of
Station Call FCC HAAT in Power in FCC
Market Letters Class Meters Kilowatts Frequency License







Peoria, IL
    WGLO(FM)       B1       189       7.0       95.5 MHz       12/01/04  
      WPPY(FM)       A       137       3.3       101.1 MHz       12/01/04  
      WRVP(FM)       A       100       6.0       98.5 MHz       12/01/04  
      WVEL(AM)       D       N/A       5.0  daytime       1140 kHz       12/01/04  
      WFYR(FM)       B1       103       23.5       97.3 MHz       12/01/04  
      WIXO(FM)       A       178       1.5       99.9 MHz       12/01/04  
 
Redding, CA
    KRRX(FM)       C       600       100.0       106.1 MHz       12/01/05  
      KNNN(FM)       C2       465       1.6       99.3 MHz       12/01/05  
      KQMS(AM)       C       N/A       1.0       1400 kHz       12/01/05  
      KSHA(FM)       C       475       100.0       104.3 MHz       12/01/05  
      KRDG(FM)       C1       379       28.0       105.3 MHz       12/01/05  
      KNRO(AM)       B       N/A       10.0  daytime       1670 kHz       12/01/05  
                              1.0 night                  
 
St. Cloud, MN
    KMXK(FM)       C2       150       50.0       94.9 MHz       04/01/05  
      WJON(AM)       C       N/A       1.0       1240 kHz       04/01/05  
      WWJO(FM)       C       305       97.0       98.1 MHz       04/01/05  
      KKSR(FM)       C2       138       50.0       96.7 MHz       04/01/05  
      KLZZ(FM)       C3       126       9.0       103.7 MHz       04/01/05  
      KXSS(AM)       B       N/A       2.5  daytime       1390 kHz       04/01/05  
                              1.0 night                  
 
Utica-Rome, NY
    WODZ(FM)       B1       184       7.4       96.1 MHz       06/01/06  
      WLZW(FM)       B       201       25.0       98.7 MHz       06/01/06  
      WFRG(FM)       B       151       100.0       104.3 MHz       06/01/06  
      WIBX(AM)       B       N/A       5.0       950 kHz       06/01/06  
      WRUN(AM)       B       N/A       5.0  daytime       1150 kHz       06/01/06  
                              1.0 night                  
 
Watertown, NY
    WCIZ(FM)       A       100       6.0       93.3 MHz       06/01/06  
      WFRY(FM)       C1       145       97.0       97.5 MHz       06/01/06  
      WTNY(AM)       B       N/A       1.0       790 kHz       06/01/06  
      WNER(AM)       D       N/A       3.5  daytime       1410 kHz       06/01/06  
                              0.04 night                  


* Stations indicated with an asterisk (*) are subject to acquisition by us under an existing agreement.
 
# Stations indicated with a pound sign (#) are subject to disposal by us under an existing agreement.

      Transfers or Assignment of Licenses. The Communications Act prohibits the assignment or transfer of a broadcast license without the prior approval of the FCC. In determining whether to grant approval, the FCC considers a number of factors pertaining to the licensee (and proposed licensee), including:

  •  compliance with the various rules limiting common ownership of media properties in a given market, as well as level of market concentration that would result from the proposed transaction;
 
  •  the “character” of the licensee and those persons holding “attributable” interests in the licensee; and

14


Table of Contents

  •  compliance with the Communications Act’s limitations on alien ownership as well as compliance with other FCC regulations and policies.

      To obtain FCC consent to assign or transfer control of a broadcast license, appropriate applications must be filed with the FCC. If the application involves a “substantial change” in ownership or control, the application must be placed on public notice for not less than 30 days during which time petitions to deny or other objections against the application may be filed by interested parties, including members of the public. Once the FCC grants an application, interested parties may seek reconsideration of that grant for 30 days, after which time the FCC may for another ten days reconsider the grant on its own motion. If the application does not involve a “substantial change” in ownership or control, it is a “pro forma” application. The “pro forma” application is nevertheless subject to having informal objections filed against it. When passing on an assignment or transfer application, the FCC is prohibited from considering whether the public interest might be served by an assignment or transfer of the broadcast license to any party other than the assignee or transferee specified in the application.

      Multiple Ownership Rules. The Communications Act, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and FCC rules impose specific limits on the number of commercial radio stations an entity can own in a single market. These rules preclude us from acquiring certain stations we might otherwise seek to acquire. The rules also effectively prevent us from selling stations in a market to a buyer that has reached its ownership limit in the market. The local radio ownership rules are as follows:

  •  in markets with 45 or more commercial radio stations, ownership is limited to eight commercial stations, no more than five of which can be either AM or FM;
 
  •  in markets with 30 to 44 commercial radio stations, ownership is limited to seven commercial stations, no more than four of which can be either AM or FM;
 
  •  in markets with 15 to 29 commercial radio stations, ownership is limited to six commercial stations, no more than four of which can be either AM or FM; and
 
  •  in markets with 14 or fewer commercial radio stations, ownership is limited to five commercial stations or no more than 50.0% of the market’s total, whichever is lower, and no more than three of which can be either AM or FM.

      The FCC generally applies its ownership limits to “attributable” interests held by an individual, corporation, partnership or other association. In the case of corporations directly or indirectly controlling broadcast licenses, the interests of officers, directors, and those who, directly or indirectly, have the right to vote 5.0% or more of the corporation’s voting stock are generally attributable. In addition, certain passive investors are attributable if they hold 20.0% or more of the corporation’s voting stock.

      The FCC has, for several years, followed a practice of reviewing proposed transactions based on the degree of concentration that would result from such transactions in the market for radio advertising revenue. This practice was made an official interim policy in November 2001. Under that interim policy, the FCC subjects to heightened scrutiny those applications that would result in a single entity controlling stations that generate 50 percent of the radio advertising in a given market, or in two entities controlling stations that together generate 70 percent of the radio advertising revenue in a given market. The FCC has stated that it will subject to such heightened scrutiny our proposed acquisitions of KKPL-FM (serving the Ft. Collins-Greeley, Colorado market), as well as WYNG-FM, WDKS-FM, WKRI-FM, WGBF-FM, and WGBF-AM (serving the Evansville, Indiana market). The FCC continues to follow that interim policy, but has undertaken a comprehensive review of what, if any, consideration should be given in its review of license transfer applications to issues of market concentration. The outcome of this review and its impact on our business remains uncertain.

      In addition to the limits on the number of radio stations that a single owner may own in a particular geographic market, the FCC also has cross-ownership rules that limit or prohibit radio station ownership by the owner of television stations or a newspaper in the same market. The FCC has revised its radio/ television cross-ownership rule to allow for greater common ownership of radio and television stations. The revised

15


Table of Contents

radio/ television cross-ownership rule permits a single owner to own up to two television stations, consistent with the FCC’s rules on common ownership of television stations, and one radio station in all markets. In addition, an owner can own additional radio stations, subject to local ownership limits for the market, as follows:

  •  in markets where 20 media voices will remain, an owner may own an additional five radio stations, or, if the owner only has one television station, an additional six radio stations; and
 
  •  in markets where ten media voices will remain, an owner may own an additional three radio stations.

      A “media voice” includes each independently owned, full power television and radio station and each newspaper, plus one voice for all cable television systems operating in the market. The FCC’s broadcast/ newspaper cross-ownership rule prohibits the same owner from owning a broadcast station and a daily newspaper in the same geographic market.

      The FCC also has a rule, known as the equity-debt-plus rule, which causes certain creditors or investors to be attributable owners of a station, regardless of whether there is a single majority shareholder. Under this rule, a major programming supplier or a same-market owner will be an attributable owner of a station if the supplier or owner holds debt or equity, or both, in the station that is greater than 33.0% of the value of the station’s total debt plus equity. A major programming supplier includes any programming supplier that provides more than 15.0% of the station’s weekly programming hours. A same-market owner includes any attributable owner of a media company, including broadcast stations, cable television, and newspapers, located in the same market as the station, but only if the owner is attributable under an FCC attribution rule other than the equity-debt-plus rule. The attribution rules limit the number of radio stations we may acquire or own in any market and may also limit the ability of certain potential buyers of stations owned by us from being able to purchase some or all of the stations which they might otherwise wish to purchase from us.

      The FCC is currently reviewing its broadcast ownership rules and policies, including those that affect the ownership of radio and television stations nationwide and in individual markets, as well as the broadcast/ newspaper cross ownership rule. The FCC may relax its existing standards, or it may impose more strict ownership limits. We are unable to predict the outcome of this proceeding, or its impact on our business.

      Alien Ownership Rules. The Communications Act prohibits the issuance or holding of broadcast licenses by aliens, including any corporation if more than 20.0% of its capital stock is owned or voted by aliens. In addition, the FCC may prohibit any corporation from holding a broadcast license if the corporation is directly or indirectly controlled by any other corporation of which more than 25.0% of the capital stock is owned of record or voted by aliens, if the FCC finds that the prohibition is in the public interest. These restrictions apply in similar fashion to other forms of businesses and organizations, including partnerships and limited liability companies. Our charter provides that our capital stock is subject to redemption by us by action of the Board of Directors to the extent necessary to prevent the loss of any license held by us, including any FCC license.

      Time Brokerage. Over the past few years, a number of radio stations have entered into what have commonly been referred to as time brokerage agreements or local marketing agreements. While these agreements may take varying forms, under a typical time brokerage agreement, separately owned and licensed radio stations agree to enter into cooperative arrangements of varying sorts, subject to compliance with the requirements of antitrust laws and with the FCC’s rules and policies. Under these arrangements, separately-owned stations could agree to function cooperatively in programming, advertising sales and similar matters, subject to the requirement that the licensee of each station maintain independent control over the programming and operations of its own station. One typical type of time brokerage agreement is a programming agreement between two separately-owned radio stations serving a common service area, whereby the licensee of one station provides substantial portions of the broadcast programming for airing on the other licensee’s station, subject to ultimate editorial and other controls being exercised by the latter licensee, and sells advertising time during those program segments.

      The FCC’s rules provide that a radio station that brokers more than 15.0% of its weekly broadcast time on another station serving the same market will be considered to have an attributable ownership interest in the

16


Table of Contents

brokered station for purposes of the FCC’s multiple ownership rules. As a result, in a market where we own a radio station, we would not be permitted to enter into a time brokerage agreement with another local radio station in the same market that we could not own under the local ownership rules, unless our programming on the brokered station constituted 15.0% or less of the other local station’s programming time on a weekly basis. FCC rules also prohibit a radio station from duplicating more than 25.0% of its programming on another station in the same broadcast service (i.e., AM-AM or FM-FM) through a time brokerage agreement where the brokered and brokering stations which it owns or programs serve substantially the same area.

      Programming and Operation. The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the public interest. Since 1981, the FCC gradually has relaxed or eliminated many of the more formalized procedures it developed to promote the broadcast of types of programming responsive to the needs of a station’s community of license. However, licensees continue to be required to present programming that is responsive to community problems, needs and interests and to maintain records demonstrating such responsiveness. Complaints from listeners concerning a station’s programming will be considered by the FCC when it evaluates the licensee’s renewal application, although listener complaints may be filed and considered at any time and must be maintained in the station’s public file.

      Stations also must pay regulatory and application fees and follow various FCC rules that regulate, among other things, political advertising, the broadcast of obscene or indecent programming, the advertisement of casinos and lotteries, sponsorship identification and technical operations, including limits on radio frequency radiation.

      The FCC has adopted rules prohibiting employment discrimination by broadcast stations on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, and gender; and requiring broadcasters to implement programs to promote equal employment opportunities (“EEO”) at their stations. The rules generally require broadcast stations to disseminate information about job openings widely so that all qualified applicants, including minorities and women, have an adequate opportunity to compete for the job. The rules require broadcasters to widely disseminate information about job openings to all segments of the community to ensure that all qualified applicants have sufficient opportunity to apply for the job, to send job vacancy announcements to recruitment organizations, and to undertake various “outreach” efforts such as job fairs, internship programs, and interaction with educational and community groups. Broadcasters must also: file reports with the FCC detailing outreach efforts; those with ten or more full-time employees must periodically certify their compliance with the EEO rules; and must file employment information with the FCC for statistical purposes.

      The FCC recently issued a decision holding that a broadcast station may not deny a candidate for federal political office a request for broadcast advertising time solely on the grounds that the amount of time requested is not the standard length of time which the station offers to its commercial advertisers. This decision is currently being reconsidered by the FCC. The effect that this FCC decision will have on our programming and commercial advertising is uncertain.

      Proposed and Recent Changes. In addition to those discussed elsewhere in this document, Congress and the FCC may in the future consider and adopt new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect the operation, ownership and profitability of our radio stations, result in the loss of audience share and advertising revenue for our radio stations, and affect our ability to acquire additional radio stations or finance such acquisitions. Such matters could include:

  •  proposals to impose spectrum use or other fees on FCC licensees;
 
  •  revisions to political broadcasting rules, including requirements that broadcasters provide free air time to candidates;
 
  •  technical and frequency allocation matters;
 
  •  proposals to restrict or prohibit the advertising of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages;
 
  •  changes in the FCC’s attribution and multiple ownership policies, including narrowing the definition of the local market for multiple ownership purposes;

17


Table of Contents

  •  changes to broadcast technical requirements;
 
  •  proposals to allow telephone or cable television companies to deliver audio and video programming to the home through existing phone, cable television or other communication lines; and
 
  •  proposals to limit the tax deductibility of advertising expenses by advertisers.

      The FCC has selected In-Band On-Channel™ as the exclusive technology for terrestrial digital operations by AM and FM radio stations. The FCC has authorized limited commencement of “hybrid” In-Band On-Channel™ transmissions, that is, simultaneous broadcast in both digital and analog format pending the adoption of formal licensing and service rules. The advantages of digital audio broadcasting over traditional analog broadcasting technology include improved sound quality and the ability to offer a greater variety of auxiliary services. In-Band On-Channel™ technology would permit an FM station to transmit radio programming in both analog and digital formats, and eventually in digital only formats, using the bandwidth that the radio station is currently licensed to use. It is unclear what formal licensing and service rules the FCC will adopt regarding In-Band On-Channel™ technology and what effect such regulations would have on our business or the operations of our radio stations. It is also unclear what impact the introduction of digital broadcasting will have on the markets in which we compete.

      Finally, the FCC has adopted procedures for the auction of broadcast spectrum in circumstances where two or more parties have filed for new or major change applications, which are mutually exclusive. Such procedures may limit our efforts to modify or expand the broadcast signals of our stations.

      We cannot predict what other matters might be considered in the future by the FCC or Congress, nor can we judge in advance what impact, if any, the implementation of any of these proposals or changes might have on our business.

      Federal Antitrust Considerations. The Federal Trade Commission and the United States Department of Justice, which evaluate transactions to determine whether those transactions should be challenged under the federal antitrust laws, have been increasingly active recently in their review of radio station acquisitions, particularly where an operator proposes to acquire additional stations in its existing markets.

      For an acquisition meeting certain size thresholds, the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder, require the parties to file Notification and Report Forms with the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice and to observe specified waiting period requirements before consummating the acquisition. During the initial 30-day period after the filing, the agencies decide which of them will investigate the transaction. If the investigating agency determines that the transaction does not raise significant antitrust issues, then it will either terminate the waiting period or allow it to expire after the initial 30 days. On the other hand, if the agency determines that the transaction requires a more detailed investigation, then, at the conclusion of the initial 30-day period, it will issue a formal request for additional information. The issuance of a formal request extends the waiting period until the 20th calendar day after the date of substantial compliance by all parties to the acquisition. Thereafter, the waiting period may only be extended by court order or with the consent of the parties. In practice, complying with a formal request can take a significant amount of time. In addition, if the investigating agency raises substantive issues in connection with a proposed transaction, then the parties frequently engage in lengthy discussions or negotiations with the investigating agency concerning possible means of addressing those issues, including persuading the agency that the proposed acquisition would not violate the antitrust laws, restructuring the proposed acquisition, divestiture of other assets of one or more parties, or abandonment of the transaction. These discussions and negotiations can be time consuming, and the parties may agree to delay completion of the acquisition during their pendency.

      At any time before or after the completion of a proposed acquisition, the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice could take such action under the antitrust laws as it considers necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking to enjoin the acquisition or seeking divestiture of the business or other assets acquired. Acquisitions that are not required to be reported under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act may be investigated by the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice under the antitrust laws before or

18


Table of Contents

after completion. In addition, private parties may under certain circumstances bring legal action to challenge an acquisition under the antitrust laws.

      As part of its increased scrutiny of radio station acquisitions, the Department of Justice has stated publicly that it believes that commencement of operations under time brokerage agreements, local marketing agreements, joint sales agreements and other similar agreements customarily entered into in connection with radio station transfers prior to the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act could violate the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. In connection with acquisitions subject to the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, so long as the Department of Justice policy on the issue remains unchanged, we would not expect to commence operation of any affected station to be acquired under time brokerage agreement, local marketing agreement or similar agreement until the waiting period has expired or been terminated.

      Our Internet site (www.regentcomm.com) makes available to interested parties our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, as well as all other reports and schedules we file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Commission. Interested parties may also find reports, proxy and information statements and other information on issuers that file electronically with the Commission at the Commission’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov).

 
Item 2.      Properties.

      The types of properties required to support each of our radio stations include offices, studios, transmitter sites and antenna sites. A station’s studios are generally housed with its offices in business districts. The transmitter sites and antenna sites are generally located so as to provide maximum market coverage.

      We currently own studio facilities in Redding, California; Burton (Flint), Michigan; Lafayette, Louisiana; Pekin (Peoria), Illinois; St. Cloud, Minnesota; Whitesboro (Utica-Rome), New York; Watertown, New York; Owensboro, Kentucky; Windsor (Ft. Collins), Colorado; and Ephrata (Lancaster), Pennsylvania. We own transmitter and antenna sites in Redding, California; Burton, Otisville, Millington and Lapeer (Flint), Michigan; St. Cloud, Rice, Stearns County and Graham Township (St. Cloud), Minnesota; Whitestown, Deerfield and Kirkland (Utica-Rome), New York; Watertown and Rutland (Watertown), New York; Peoria County and Woodford County (Peoria), Illinois; Lafayette and Abbeville (Lafayette), Louisiana; Albany, New York; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Owensboro, Utica and Henderson (Owensboro), Kentucky; Pierce, Windsor and Wellington (Ft. Collins), Colorado; Douglas County (Duluth), Minnesota; and Lancaster and Wyomissing (Lancaster), Pennsylvania. We expect to acquire additional and dispose of certain real estate in connection with our pending transactions. We lease our remaining studio and office facilities, including corporate office space in Covington, Kentucky, and our remaining transmitter and antenna sites. We do not anticipate any difficulties in renewing any facility leases or in leasing alternative or additional space, if required. We own substantially all of our other equipment, consisting principally of transmitting antennae, towers, transmitters, studio equipment and general office equipment.

      Substantially all of our personal property and equipment serve as collateral for our obligations under our existing credit facility.

 
Item 3.      Legal Proceedings.

      As previously reported, Regent Communications, Inc. and certain of its officers were named as defendants in a class action lawsuit relating to our initial public offering, which proceeding remains pending in the United States district court for the Southern District of New York. The suit against Regent is a related proceeding to the In re Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation brought by various plaintiffs in connection with various initial public offerings conducted during the applicable statute of limitations time periods. Although the suit remains in its preliminary stages, the Regent officers who were initially named as defendants have subsequently been dismissed from the proceeding. In addition, settlement discussions are ongoing with respect to the In re Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, in which Regent expects that it could elect to

19


Table of Contents

participate if a settlement is reached on a global basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the outcome of this litigation remains uncertain and we have not reserved for it.

      We currently and from time to time are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of our business, but we are not a party to any lawsuit or proceeding that, in our opinion, is likely to have a material adverse effect on us.

 
Item 4.      Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

      There were no matters submitted to our security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.

PART II

 
Item 5.      Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

      Shares of our common stock have been quoted on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol RGCI since January 25, 2000, following effectiveness of the registration statement for the initial public offering of our common stock. The following table sets forth, for each of the calendar quarters indicated, the reported high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported in the Nasdaq National Market.

                 
2002 High Low



First quarter
  $ 8.8800     $ 4.9000  
Second quarter
  $ 8.8999     $ 6.0100  
Third quarter
  $ 7.0000     $ 4.2600  
Fourth quarter
  $ 6.9000     $ 4.8100  
                 
2001

First quarter
  $ 9.7812     $ 5.6250  
Second quarter
  $ 11.9900     $ 6.0500  
Third quarter
  $ 8.7100     $ 5.7500  
Fourth quarter
  $ 7.3500     $ 4.8800  

      As of March 14, 2003, there were approximately 368 holders of record of our common stock. The number of record holders was determined from the records of our transfer agent and does not include beneficial owners of common stock whose shares are held in the names of securities brokers, dealers and registered clearing agencies.

      We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not intend to do so in the foreseeable future. In addition, our credit agreement with our lenders prohibits the payment of cash dividends on our common stock.

      In December 2002, 5,358 shares of our common stock were issued to a former director of Faircom Inc. at prices ranging from $0.89 to $3.73 per share upon the exercise of options that were outstanding under the Regent Communications, Inc. Faircom Conversion Stock Option Plan, which provided substitute options for those granted under the Faircom Inc. Stock Option Plan prior to our merger with Faircom Inc. These shares issued on exercise of options were issued pursuant to the exemptions contained in section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

20


Table of Contents

 
Item 6.      Selected Financial Data.

      The selected financial data below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this report.

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands, except per share data)
                                           
Year Ended December 31,

2002 2001 2000 1999 1998





OPERATING RESULTS(1)(2):
                                       
Net broadcast revenues
  $ 70,390     $ 53,745     $ 44,107     $ 23,854     $ 14,772  
Operating income (loss)
    9,460       (3,078 )     831       (612 )     (433 )
Income (loss) before income taxes, extraordinary items and cumulative effect of accounting change
    6,819       (2,378 )     14,966       (6,300 )     (3,290 )
Extraordinary items, net of taxes (3)
                (1,114 )     (471 )     (1,170 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of income taxes(4)
    (6,138 )                        
Net (loss) income
    (6,480 )     (1,713 )     13,852       (6,771 )     (4,460 )
Preferred stock dividend requirements
                (629 )     (5,205 )     (2,166 )
Preferred stock accretion(5)
                (26,611 )     (17,221 )     (4,787 )
Loss applicable to common shares
    (6,480 )     (1,713 )     (13,388 )     (29,197 )     (11,413 )
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS
                                       
 
PER COMMON SHARE:
                                       
Loss before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.39 )   $ (119.69 )   $ (42.67 )
Extraordinary items
                (0.03 )     (1.96 )     (4.88 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change
    (0.14 )                        
     
     
     
     
     
 
Basic and diluted net loss per common share
  $ (0.15 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.42 )   $ (121.65 )   $ (47.55 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic and diluted calculation
    43,177       34,218       31,715       240       240  
                                         
December 31,

2002 2001 2000 1999 1998





BALANCE SHEET DATA(1)(2):
                                       
Current assets
  $ 16,984     $ 12,179     $ 12,012     $ 10,329     $ 11,619  
Total assets
    308,030       306,356       252,733       83,727       67,618  
Current liabilities
    7,948       6,054       4,902       3,115       13,027  
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current portion
    11,449       87,094       45,094       25,331       34,618  
Redeemable preferred stock
                      89,265       27,406  
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
  $ 278,490     $ 208,338     $ 198,420     $ (37,810 )   $ (10,077 )


(1)  Acquisitions in 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998, affect comparability among years (see Note 2 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
(2)  On June 15, 1998, we acquired, pursuant to an agreement of merger, all of the outstanding common stock of Faircom Inc. for 3,700,000 shares of our Series C convertible preferred stock. The acquisition was treated for accounting purposes as the acquisition of Regent by Faircom under the purchase method of

21


Table of Contents

accounting, with Faircom as the accounting acquirer. Consequently, the historical financial statements prior to June 15, 1998, the date of merger, are those of Faircom.
 
(3)  Refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for discussion of year 2000 extraordinary item.
 
(4)  Refer to Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(5)  Refer to Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
Item 7.      Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Introduction

 
      General

      Our company was formed in November 1996 to acquire, own and operate clusters of radio stations in mid-sized and small markets. The proceeds from our January 2000 Initial Public Offering (“IPO”), proceeds from our April 2002 offering of common stock, and borrowings under our credit facility have given us the ability to increase our size significantly over the past three years. We currently own 73 radio stations in 17 markets. During 2002, we acquired three radio stations in our Flint, Michigan market, one radio station in our Grand Rapids, Michigan market, and disposed of one radio station in Albany, New York. In February 2003, we completed the purchase of 12 radio stations in five new markets. In conjunction with the pending acquisition of these stations, we provided the stations with programming and other services beginning in September 2002. We have the following pending transactions.

  •  The exchange of four radio stations we currently own in one market for five radio stations in a market we have a presence in. In March 2003, we began providing programming and other services to the stations we intend to acquire, and the purchaser of the stations we intend to sell began providing the same such services to those stations.
 
  •  The purchase of two radio stations in an existing market, one of which we began providing programming and other services to in February 2003.

      The principal source of our revenue is the sale of broadcasting time on our radio stations for advertising. As a result, our revenue is affected primarily by the advertising rates our radio stations charge. Correspondingly, the rates are based upon a station’s ability to attract audiences in the demographic groups targeted by its advertisers, as measured principally by periodic Arbitron Radio Market Reports. In 2002, our radio stations derived approximately 84% of their net broadcast revenues from local and regional advertising in the markets in which they operated, and the remainder resulted principally from the sale of national advertising, network compensation payments and other miscellaneous transactions.

      The financial results of our business are seasonal. As is typical in the radio broadcasting industry, our first calendar quarter will be expected to produce the lowest revenues for the year, and the fourth calendar quarter will be expected to produce the highest revenues for the year. Our operating results in any period may be affected by the incurrence of advertising and promotion expenses that do not necessarily produce commensurate revenues until the impact of the advertising and promotion is realized in future periods.

      Prior to 2002, and excluding gains on the sale or exchange of radio stations, we had historically generated net losses, primarily as a result of significant non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization relating to the acquisitions of radio stations and interest charges on outstanding debt. Prior to new guidance that was issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board in 2001 relating to purchase accounting and the amortization of intangible assets, we historically amortized on a straight-line method over a 15- to 40-year period, the FCC licenses and goodwill attributable to substantially all of our radio stations. During 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new guidance on purchase accounting and the amortization of intangible assets, which significantly reduced the amount of non-cash amortization charges we recognized in our financial statements in 2002. Goodwill and FCC licenses we recorded for acquisitions that we completed subsequent to July 1, 2001, were not amortized due to this new guidance, and beginning January 1, 2002, we ceased amortizing all goodwill and FCC licenses. Based upon the large number of acquisitions we

22


Table of Contents

consummated within the last three years, we anticipate that depreciation charges will continue to be significant for several years. To the extent that we complete additional acquisitions, our interest expense and depreciation charges related to property and equipment and other intangible assets are likely to increase.

      Our financial results are dependent on a number of factors, including the general strength of the local and national economies, population growth, the ability to provide popular programming, local market and regional competition, relative efficiency of radio broadcasting compared to other advertising media, signal strength and government regulation and policies. From time to time, the markets in which we operate experience weak economic conditions that may negatively affect our revenue. We believe, however, that this impact is somewhat mitigated by our diverse geographical presence.

 
      Effect of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

      In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123” (“SFAS 148”). SFAS 148 amends FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS 148 amends the disclosure requirements of Statement No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The transition guidance and annual disclosure provisions of SFAS 148 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002, with earlier application permitted in certain circumstances. The interim disclosure provisions are effective for financial reports containing financial statements for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. We have adopted the annual financial statement disclosure provisions of SFAS 148 and have reflected such disclosures in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We have not yet determined the impact, if any, of the transition and interim financial statement disclosure provisions of SFAS 148.

      In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”). FIN 45 provides for an interpretation of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 5, 57, and 107, and rescission of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 34. This interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. FIN 45 also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. We will adopt FIN 45 effective January 1, 2003 and will apply its provisions prospectively to all guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. We do not believe the impact of adoption, if any, will materially impact our financial position, cash flows or result of operations.

      In June 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146, “Accounting for Exit or Disposal Activities” (“SFAS 146”). SFAS 146 addresses the recognition, measurement, and reporting of costs that are associated with exit and disposal activities, including costs related to terminating contracts that are not capital leases and termination benefits that employees who are involuntarily terminated receive in certain instances. SFAS 146 supersedes Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (Including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)” (“EITF 94-3”) and requires liabilities associated with exit and disposal activities to be expensed as incurred. We will adopt SFAS 146 effective January 1, 2003, and apply its provisions accordingly.

      In April 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 145, “Rescission of SFAS Nos. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13 and Technical Corrections” (“SFAS 145”). SFAS 145 rescinds FASB Statement No. 4, “Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt,” and an amendment of that Statement, FASB Statement No. 64, “Extinguishments of Debt Made to Satisfy Sinking-Fund Requirements.” As a result, gains and losses from extinguishments of debt should be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet the criteria in APB Opinion No. 30, “Reporting

23


Table of Contents

the Results of Operations, Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions” (“APB 30”). Applying the provisions of APB 30 will distinguish transactions that are part of an entity’s recurring operations from those that are unusual or infrequent or that meet the criteria for classification as an extraordinary item. SFAS 145 also amends FASB Statement No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” to eliminate inconsistency between the required accounting for sale-leaseback transactions and the required accounting for certain lease modifications that have economic effects that are similar to sale-leaseback transactions. This statement also rescinds FASB Statement No. 44, “Accounting for Intangible Assets of Motor Carriers” and amends other existing authoritative pronouncements to make various technical corrections, clarify meanings or describe their applicability under changed conditions. We adopted this standard for lease transactions entered into after May 15, 2002 and have determined the impact of adoption to be immaterial. The provisions of SFAS 145 related to debt extinguishments will be adopted on January 1, 2003, and could have an impact on us, to the extent that we would make any changes to our credit facility. We had no debt extinguishments during the year ended December 31, 2002.

      In June 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (“SFAS 143”) that addresses the recognition of asset retirement obligations. The objective of SFAS 143 is to provide guidance for legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. We will adopt SFAS 143 as required in the year 2003, and have determined the impact of adoption to be immaterial.

 
      Critical Accounting Policies

      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgements and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, the most significant of which include establishing allowances for doubtful accounts, evaluating the realizability of our deferred tax assets, allocating the purchase price of acquisitions, and determining the recoverability of our long-lived assets. The basis for our estimates are historical experience and various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, given the available information at the time of the estimate, the results of which form the basis for making judgements about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

      We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

        Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We routinely review customer account activity in order to assess the adequacy of the allowances provided for potential losses. Our allowance is calculated based upon a percentage of cash revenues, and includes a provision for known issues. Based on historical information, we believe that our allowance is adequate. However, changes in general economic, business and market conditions could affect the ability of our customers to make their required payments; therefore, the allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed monthly and changes to the allowance are updated as new information is received. Although no near-term changes are expected, unforeseen changes to future allowance percentages could materially impact overall financial results.
 
        Deferred Tax Assets — At December 31, 2002, we had a deferred tax asset of approximately $13.4 million, the primary component of which is our net operating loss carryforwards. During the third and fourth quarters of 2002, we recorded $4.4 million of income tax expense to establish valuation allowances on net operating loss carryforwards scheduled to expire in the years 2002 through 2016. The recording of the $4.4 million valuation allowance resulted in a net deferred tax asset of $9.0 million. We have determined that it is not necessary to record a valuation allowance against our net operating loss carryforwards for years 2017 through 2022, based on estimated future taxable income during those years. Our estimated future taxable income in those periods takes into consideration the run-off of significant tax amortization related to existing FCC licenses and deductible goodwill by 2016. The decision to record

24


Table of Contents

  the valuation allowance was based on the downturn in economic conditions that have reduced private market values of radio station assets and limited our ability to implement our tax-planning strategy to utilize the net operating loss carryforwards. The need to record an additional valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets is reviewed quarterly, and if we were to determine that we would be unable to realize a portion, or the remainder of the deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be recorded as expense in the period such determination was made. Additionally, if it were determined that we would be able to utilize a portion of the net operating loss carryforwards that are reserved for in the valuation allowance, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be recorded as a reduction of expense. If our provisions for current or deferred taxes are not adequate due to unfavorable law changes or unforeseen economic conditions, we could experience losses in excess of the current or deferred income tax provisions we have established.
 
        Acquisition of Radio Stations — The total cost of acquired stations is allocated to the underlying net assets of such stations, based on their respective estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to asset lives and market multiples, among other items.
 
        Impairment of Long-Lived Assets — In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”), long-lived assets to be held and used (fixed assets and definite-lived intangible assets) are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposal of the asset. If we were to determine that the carrying amount of an asset was not recoverable, we would record an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. We determine the fair value of our long-lived assets based upon the market value of similar assets, if available, or independent appraisals, if necessary. Long-lived assets to be disposed of and/or held for sale are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell. We determine the fair value of these assets in the same manner as described for assets held and used.
 
        Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets — The FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”) and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”) in June 2001. SFAS 141 specifies criteria that intangible assets acquired in a purchase method business combination must be recognized and reported apart from goodwill. SFAS 142 requires that a company no longer amortize goodwill and intangible assets determined to have an indefinite life and also requires an annual impairment testing of those assets. Our FCC licenses qualify as indefinite-lived intangible assets, and represent a significant portion of the assets on our balance sheet. Consistent with the application provisions of SFAS 142, we apply a fair value approach employing a discounted cash flow methodology to test impairment of both indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill on a market by market basis. To arrive at a value for discounted cash flow of a market, management relies upon estimates of future cash flows and the effects of changes in business conditions. To the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets, an impairment loss will be recorded. SFAS 142 also requires intangible assets with definite useful lives to continue to be amortized over their respective useful lives and be tested for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

 
      Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

      This Form 10-K includes certain forward-looking statements with respect to our company and its business that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are influenced by our financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs and the plans and objectives of management for future operations. They use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “project” and other

25


Table of Contents

similar expressions. Although we believe our expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we cannot assure you that our expectations will prove correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those conveyed in the forward-looking statements. For these statements, we claim the protections for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

      Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-K include changes in general economic, business and market conditions, as well as changes in such conditions that may affect the radio broadcast industry or the markets in which we operate, including, in particular, the current political unrest and ongoing war on terrorism and in the Middle East, increased competition for attractive radio properties and advertising dollars, fluctuations in the cost of operating radio properties, our ability to manage our growth, our ability to integrate our acquisitions, and changes in the regulatory climate affecting radio broadcast companies. Further information on other factors that could affect the financial results of Regent Communications, Inc. is included in Regent’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents are available free of charge at the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and/or from Regent Communications, Inc. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-K. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, you should not conclude that we will make additional updates with respect to those or any other forward-looking statements.

Results of Operations

      Following is a discussion of the key factors that have affected our business over the last three years. This commentary should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related footnotes included herein.

 
      2002 Compared to 2001

      Results from operations in 2002, as compared to 2001, were affected considerably by full year results for our 2001 acquisitions in Peoria, Illinois, Lafayette, Louisiana, and to a lesser extent, Erie, Pennsylvania, and our 2002 acquisitions of radio stations in Flint and Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as the 2001 disposition of our stations in Palmdale, California. Additionally, in September 2002, we began operating the Brill Media stations under time brokerage agreements. Accordingly, the results of our operations in 2002 are not comparable to those of the prior period, nor are they necessarily indicative of future results. Additionally, our results for the third and fourth quarters of 2001 were negatively impacted by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and we cannot predict the effect on our operations, if any, of any future terrorist attacks or the impact of the war in the Middle East.

 
      Net Broadcast Revenues

      Net broadcast revenues were approximately $70.4 million in 2002, a 31.0% increase over 2001 net revenues of approximately $53.7 million. Approximately $9.3 million of the increase was attributable to full year results for stations we acquired in 2001. Results for the stations we acquired or began operations under time brokerage agreements in 2002 contributed approximately $6.6 million of the net revenue increase, and the remainder was due to revenue increases at stations we owned for both years, offset partially by the sale of our Palmdale, California stations during 2001.

 
      Station Operating Expenses

      Operating expenses were approximately $49.0 million in 2002, compared to approximately $38.5 million in 2001. The increase is primarily a result of full year results for the stations we acquired in 2001, which represented approximately $5.8 million of the increase, as well as expenses for the stations we purchased or operated under time brokerage agreements in 2002, which added approximately $5.6 million of additional operating expense. A significant portion of the increase in our operating expense was due to research and

26


Table of Contents

promotional expenses we incurred to properly target our intended demographic audiences within our markets, as well as to promote our radio stations through various advertising campaigns and contest prize give-aways, which we believe will promote long-term growth at our radio stations.
 
      Depreciation and Amortization

      Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by 75.0%, from approximately $13.4 million in 2001, to approximately $3.4 million in 2002. Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 142, which eliminated the amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets determined to have an indefinite life, and also requires an annual impairment testing of those assets. Amortization expense related to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets was approximately $6.3 million, net of income taxes, for the year ended December 31, 2001.

 
      Corporate Expense

      Corporate general and administrative expenses increased from approximately $4.9 million in 2001 to approximately $6.1 million in 2002. This increase was due to a combination of the following: salary components of two employees who were charged at the market level in 2001 and were charged to corporate expense in 2002, due to our ability to leverage those resources at the corporate level; increased legal expenses; implementation of and compliance with various provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; an increase in Directors’ and Officers’ insurance premiums; and compensation paid to outside Directors for their service on the Company’s Board of Directors, a policy which began in 2002.

 
      Impairment of Goodwill

      In conjunction with our annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, it was determined that the fair value of goodwill for our Peoria, Illinois market was less than the carrying value of the goodwill recorded in our financial statements. As a result, during the fourth quarter of 2002, we recorded an impairment charge of $1.8 million, net of income taxes, against operating income.

 
      Gain on Sale of Long-lived Assets

      On March 12, 2002, we completed the sale of WGNA-AM in Albany, New York for $2.0 million in cash. We recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $442,000 on the sale. We treated the disposal of WGNA-AM as the disposal of long-lived assets, rather than a business or a component of a business, due to the fact that the station had no independent revenue stream from its operations.

 
      Interest Expense

      Interest expense decreased by 32.7% in 2002 compared to 2001. The decrease was primarily the result of the paydown of outstanding debt under our credit facility with proceeds from our April 2002 stock offering. Also contributing to the decrease was lower interest rates throughout 2002, as compared to 2001. The weighted average interest rate for the year 2002 was 3.59%, compared to 5.32% for the 2001 year. The weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2002 was 2.67%, as compared to an average interest rate of 3.37% at December 31, 2001.

 
      Gain on the Sale of Radio Stations

      On June 1, 2001, we completed the sale of our three stations in Palmdale, California to Concord Media Group, Inc. We recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $4.4 million on this transaction, which is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2001.

 
      Income Taxes

      We recorded income tax expense of approximately $7.2 million in 2002, prior to the income tax benefit from cumulative effect of accounting change. This represents a 34% federal rate and a 4.8% state rate, and

27


Table of Contents

includes $4.4 million of income tax expense related to the establishment of valuation allowances on our federal and state net operating loss carryforwards scheduled to expire in the years 2002 through 2016. We have cumulative federal and state tax loss carryforwards of approximately $49.8 million at December 31, 2002 which expire in the years 2003 through 2022. The utilization of a portion of these net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes is limited, pursuant to the annual utilization limitations provided under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 382. In arriving at the determination as to the amount of the valuation allowance required for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, we considered the impact of deferred tax liabilities resulting from purchase transactions, statutory restrictions on the use of operating losses, and a tax planning strategy available to us. Consequently, during the second half of 2002, we determined that when considering the current state of private market values for radio station assets, it would be more likely than not that we would not be able to implement our tax planning strategy within the foreseeable future.
 
      Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

      Upon the adoption of SFAS 142, we completed a transitional impairment analysis of our indefinite-lived FCC licenses and recorded an impairment loss of approximately $3.9 million, net of income tax benefit of approximately $2.4 million. Additionally, we completed the two-step transitional impairment analysis of goodwill and recorded an impairment loss of approximately $2.2 million, net of income tax benefit of approximately $1.4 million. To estimate fair value, we used a discounted cash flow methodology. These losses are reflected as a cumulative effect of accounting change in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 
      Same Station Results

      The performance of a radio station group, such as ours, is customarily measured by its ability to generate broadcast cash flow. The term “broadcast cash flow” means operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, corporate general and administrative expenses, gain (loss) on sale of long-lived assets and impairment of goodwill and FCC licenses. Although broadcast cash flow is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, we believe that broadcast cash flow is accepted by the broadcasting industry as a generally recognized measure of performance and is used by analysts who report publicly on the performance of broadcasting companies. Nevertheless, this measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), net cash provided by (used in) operating activities or any other measure for determining our operating performance or liquidity that is calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

      While acquisitions have affected the comparability of our 2002 operating results to those of 2001, we believe meaningful quarter-to-quarter comparisons can be made for results of operations for those markets in which we have been operating for five full quarters, exclusive of markets disposed of during those years. These comparable results between 2002 and 2001 are listed in the table below by quarter, excluding the effect of barter transactions (dollars in thousands).

                                                 
2002 2001 2002 2001
Net Net % Broadcast Broadcast %
Revenue Revenue Change Cash Flow Cash Flow Change






Quarter 1
                                               
Same stations (43 stations in 10 markets)
  $ 9,732     $ 9,969       (2.4) %   $ 2,323     $ 2,572       (9.7) %
Remaining stations and barter effect
    3,254       1,365               717       321          
     
     
             
     
         
Total
  $ 12,986     $ 11,334             $ 3,040     $ 2,893          
     
     
             
     
         

      Revenue for the first quarter of 2002 was negatively impacted by the weak economy. In addition, we had a very successful first quarter of 2001, making comparable revenue growth in 2002 difficult, given the

28


Table of Contents

economic climate. These two factors resulted in a corresponding decrease in broadcast cash flow compared to the prior year quarter.
                                                 
2002 2001 2002 2001
Net Net % Broadcast Broadcast %
Revenue Revenue Change Cash Flow Cash Flow Change






Quarter 2
                                               
Same stations (43 stations in 10 markets)
  $ 12,904     $ 12,941       (0.3) %   $ 4,765     $ 4,544       4.9 %
Remaining stations and barter effect
    4,358       1,717               1,027       241          
     
     
             
     
         
Total
  $ 17,262     $ 14,658             $ 5,792     $ 4,785          
     
     
             
     
         

      Revenue for the second quarter was flat compared to the prior year quarter results, as economic conditions showed little improvement. Broadcast cash flow increased over the prior year quarter due to cost savings in administrative and promotional expenses.

                                                 
2002 2001 2002 2001
Net Net % Broadcast Broadcast %
Revenue Revenue Change Cash Flow Cash Flow Change






Quarter 3
                                               
Same stations (43 stations in 10 markets)
  $ 13,601     $ 12,548       8.4 %   $ 4,712     $ 3,932       19.8 %
Remaining stations and barter effect
    5,109       1,481               1,254       246          
     
     
             
     
         
Total
  $ 18,710     $ 14,029             $ 5,966     $ 4,178          
     
     
             
     
         

      The events of September 11, 2001 had a significant impact on the Company’s net revenue and broadcast cash flow for the third quarter of 2001. The third quarter of 2002 reflects improved results, as well as increases in political revenue due to cyclical elections.

                                                 
2002 2001 2002 2001
Net Net % Broadcast Broadcast %
Revenue Revenue Change Cash Flow Cash Flow Change






Quarter 4
                                               
Same stations (49 stations in 11 markets)
  $ 13,368     $ 12,160       9.9 %   $ 4,811     $ 3,652       31.7 %
Remaining stations and barter effect
    8,064       1,564               1,818       (293 )        
     
     
             
     
         
Total
  $ 21,432     $ 13,724             $ 6,629     $ 3,359          
     
     
             
     
         

      Net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2002 showed improvements in the advertising environment, along with the relative maturity of our portfolio over the same period of the prior year.

2001 Compared to 2000

 
Net Broadcast Revenue and Station Operating Expenses

      In 2001 compared to 2000, we experienced increases in net broadcast revenues and station operating expenses, due primarily to our year 2001 acquisition of radio stations in Peoria, Illinois and full year results for our year 2000 acquisitions in Albany, New York and Grand Rapids, Michigan. These acquisitions contributed approximately $12.9 million of the 21.9% increase in net revenue in 2001 over 2000, and approximately $9.3 million of the 27.7% increase in operating expense for the same periods. Offsetting these increases were decreases in the same categories due to the disposition in 2001 of our Palmdale, California radio stations and our year 2000 dispositions of our Flagstaff, Arizona, Mansfield, Ohio, and Victorville, California markets, which accounted for approximately $5.9 million and $4.2 million of the variances in net revenue and operating expense, respectively. Additionally, our 2001 results were impacted by the events of September 11, 2001.

29


Table of Contents

 
Depreciation and Amortization

      Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 56.2% from 2000. This is due to a combination of a full year of depreciation and amortization expense for acquisitions that occurred at various times throughout the 2000 year, plus depreciation expense on approximately $5.3 million of depreciable property and equipment additions attributable to station acquisitions in 2001, and to a lesser extent, depreciation on approximately $3.2 million of capital expenditures during 2001.

 
Corporate Expenses

      Corporate general and administrative expenses increased from approximately $4.5 million in 2000 to approximately $4.9 million in 2001. Beginning in the second quarter of 2000, we began increasing the size of our infrastructure to meet the demands of supporting a public company whose stock is listed on a national stock market.

 
      Interest Expense

      Interest expense decreased by 22.5% in 2001 compared to 2000. After removing the effect of approximately $1.5 million of the 2000 interest expense, which was the result of the mark to fair market value of our warrant liability, interest expense increased approximately 20.3%. The increase is due to an average debt level of approximately $47.5 million during 2001 compared to approximately $16.5 million in 2000. Average debt levels were lower in 2000 as we had paid down all our debt with proceeds from the IPO in January 2000 and subsequently did not incur any borrowings under our new credit facility until August 2000. The increase in interest expense was mitigated somewhat by significant decreases in interest rates during 2001. The weighted average interest rate was 5.32% for the 2002 year, compared to 7.90% for the 2000 year. The weighted average interest rates were approximately 3.37% and 8.05% at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 
      Gain on the Sale of Radio Stations

      On June 1, 2001, we completed the sale of our three stations in Palmdale, California to Concord Media Group, Inc. We recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $4.4 million on this transaction, which is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2001. On August 24, 2000, we completed an exchange agreement entered into with Clear Channel Broadcasting, Inc., Capstar Radio Operating Company and their affiliates, in which we exchanged our eight stations serving the Mansfield, Ohio (2 FM/1 AM) and Victorville, California (3 FM/2 AM) markets plus approximately $80.5 million in cash for ten stations serving the Grand Rapids, Michigan (3 FM/1 AM) and Albany, New York (4 FM/2 AM) markets. As a result of this transaction, we recognized a pre-tax gain on the exchange of approximately $17.8 million, which is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2000.

 
      Income Tax Benefit

      We recorded an income tax benefit of $665,000 in 2001. This tax benefit represents a 34% federal rate offset by state income taxes and the amortization of intangibles in excess of the amounts that are deductible for tax purposes. At December 31, 2001, we had cumulative federal and state tax loss carryforwards of approximately $40.0 million. These loss carryforwards had expiration dates in years 2002 through 2021. The utilization of a portion of these net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes is limited pursuant to the annual utilization limitations provided under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 382. In arriving at the determination as to the amount of the valuation allowance required for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, we considered the impact of deferred tax liabilities resulting from purchase transactions, statutory restrictions on the use of operating losses, and a tax planning strategy available to us. Consequently, we determined that no valuation allowance was required at December 31, 2001 and 2000. During 2000, we released the entire valuation allowance. As a result of these events, no income tax expense was recorded in 2000.

30


Table of Contents

 
      Extraordinary Loss

      On January 28, 2000, we paid off the outstanding debt, accrued interest and related fees from our old credit facility, totaling approximately $25.1 million, using proceeds from our IPO. This final paydown resulted in an extraordinary loss of approximately $1.1 million, net of income tax, from the write-off of deferred financing costs.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

      Our cash and cash equivalents balance at December 31, 2002 was approximately $2.7 million compared to approximately $1.8 million at December 31, 2001. Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $11.0 million in 2002, compared to approximately $8.4 million in 2001. The increase was due primarily to the operating activities of radio stations acquired or operated under time brokerage agreements in 2002 and in the latter part of 2001. Cash flow used in investing activities was approximately $8.3 million in 2002 compared to approximately $53.2 million in 2001. The decrease is due primarily to fewer acquisitions of radio stations in 2002 compared to 2001, offset by proceeds from the disposition of radio stations in 2001. Cash flows used in financing activities were approximately $1.8 million, compared to cash flows provided by financing activities of approximately $45.8 million in 2001. During 2002, proceeds received from our April 2002 stock offering and the final proceeds received from our November 2001 private placement of equity were used to repay borrowings under our credit facility. Additionally, approximately $1.1 million was used to purchase treasury stock during the last half of 2002. During 2001, cash provided by financing activities was primarily the result of debt issued in connection with our 2001 acquisitions and a private placement of equity securities during the fourth quarter.

 
Sources of Funds

      In 2002, our sources of cash totaled approximately $92.8 million and were derived from a combination of: net proceeds from our April 2002 common stock offering; cash provided by operating activities; borrowings under our credit facility; net proceeds from the sale of long-lived assets; and final payment for shares issued during our November 2001 private placement of equity.

      On April 29, 2002, we completed the sale of 10.5 million shares of common stock at a price of $7.50 per share. Net cash proceeds after underwriting discounts and commissions were approximately $74.6 million. Approximately $70.6 million of the proceeds were used to pay down outstanding borrowings under our credit facility. The remaining $4.0 million of proceeds were used to fund a portion of the purchase price of two radio stations purchased during 2002.

      We have a credit agreement with a group of lenders that provides for a senior reducing revolving credit facility in the initial amount of $125.0 million, maturing December 31, 2006. The credit facility permits the borrowing of available credit for working capital requirements and general corporate purposes, including transaction fees and expense, and to fund permitted acquisitions. The facility also permits us to request from time to time that the lenders issue letters of credit in an aggregate amount up to $25.0 million in accordance with the same lending provisions. Mandatory prepayments and commitment reductions are required upon certain asset sales, subordinated debt proceeds, excess cash flow amounts and sales of equity securities. On April 30, 2002, the provisions of the excess cash flow calculation reduced our available commitment by approximately $3.9 million, and in April 2003, the provisions under that calculation will further reduce our available commitment by approximately $3.6 million. The commitment and our maximum borrowings,

31


Table of Contents

including the permanent reduction due to excess cash flow and the scheduled quarterly reductions, reduce over five years, beginning in 2002, as follows (in thousands):
         
December 31, Commitment Amount


2001
  $ 125,000  
2002
    102,793  
2003
    77,919  
2004
    55,657  
2005
    33,394  
2006
    -0-  

      The scheduled reduction in available commitment amounts each year occurs ratably over each quarter. For 2002, the quarterly reduction amount for the first quarter was $4,687,500. The remaining 2002 quarterly reductions were reduced to approximately $4.5 million per quarter, due to the permanent reduction in the facility from the April 2002 excess cash flow reduction. The $25.0 million letter of credit sub-limit also reduces proportionately but not below $15.0 million. We received net proceeds of approximately $74.6 million from the April 29, 2002 public sale of our common stock, which we used to pay down approximately $70.6 million of outstanding indebtedness under the facility. Under the terms and conditions of the credit facility, the borrowings available to us would have been permanently reduced by the net proceeds we received from the stock offering. However, we exercised our option to provide a reinvestment notice to the lender, which allowed us to re-borrow substantially all of such proceeds for acquisitions and other permitted investments which were complete and/or for which binding agreements were obtained within 270 days of such election. Our Brill Media and AGM-Nevada purchases qualify under such election, and in February 2003, we re-borrowed $62.0 million of the amounts covered by the reinvestment notice to fund the Brill Media purchase. We intend to re-borrow at least $5.0 million of the purchase price of the AGM-Nevada acquisition, the minimum portion which must be paid in cash, and may, at our option, fund the entire $7.75 million purchase price through borrowings under the credit facility. Consequently, borrowings under the facility were permanently reduced in January 2003, by approximately $4.4 million.

      Under the credit facility, we are required to maintain a minimum interest rate coverage ratio, minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, maximum corporate overhead, and maximum financial leverage ratio and to observe negative covenants customary for facilities of this type. Borrowings under our credit facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either (a) the higher of the rate announced or published publicly from time to time by the agent as its corporate base of interest or the Overnight Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, in either case plus the applicable margin determined under the credit facility, or (b) the reserve-adjusted Eurodollar Rate plus the applicable margin which varies between 1.25% and 2.75% depending upon our financial leverage. Borrowings under the credit facility bore interest at an average rate of 2.67% as of December 31, 2002. We are required to pay certain fees to the agent and the lenders for the underwriting commitment, which varies between 0.375% and 0.75% depending upon the amount of the facility utilized and our leverage ratio, and for the administration and use of the credit facility. Our indebtedness under the credit facility is collateralized by liens on substantially all of our assets and by a pledge of our operating and license subsidiaries’ stock and is guaranteed by these subsidiaries. As of March 1, 2003 we had borrowings under this facility of approximately $71.5 million.

      On March 12, 2002, we completed the disposition of substantially all the operating assets of WGNA-AM, serving the Albany, New York market, for $2.0 million in cash to ABC, Inc. On February 15, 2002, ABC, Inc. began providing programming and other services to the station under a time brokerage agreement. We recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of approximately $442,000. The proceeds from the sale of the station were used to pay down borrowings under our credit facility.

      On February 5, 2002, we received approximately $1.2 million from the release of an escrow account holding 200,000 shares of our common stock. The shares, sold to a venture capital fund related to one of our independent directors, were part of our November 2001 private placement offering of 900,000 shares issued at $5.75 per share, and were held in escrow pending confirmation from Nasdaq that stockholder approval would

32


Table of Contents

not be required for such sale. The proceeds from the private placement were used to pay down borrowings under our credit facility.
 
Uses of Funds

      In 2002, we utilized our sources of cash primarily to: repay borrowings of approximately $80.7 million under our credit facility; acquire radio stations and pay related acquisition costs totaling approximately $6.2 million; and repurchase shares of our common stock for approximately $1.1 million. Additionally in 2002, we funded capital expenditures of approximately $3.9 million to upgrade our equipment and consolidate duplicate facilities in order to remain competitive and to create cost savings over the long term. We expect capital expenditures to be approximately $5.1 million in 2003. The increase is due primarily to; planned expansions to accommodate recent station acquisitions; consolidations to eliminate duplicate facilities; and general increases in expenditures due to significantly more owned and operated stations in 2003.

      On February 25, 2003, we completed the acquisition of 12 radio stations from Brill Media Company LLC and its related entities. We began providing programming and other services to the stations under a time brokerage agreement on September 11, 2002. The stations we acquired and the markets they serve are as follows:

  •  WIOV-FM and WIOV-AM, serving the Lancaster-Reading, Pennsylvania market
 
  •  WKDQ-FM, WBKR-FM and WOMI-AM, serving the Evansville, Indiana and Owensboro, Kentucky markets
 
  •  KTRR-FM, KUAD-FM and KKQZ-FM (formerly a construction permit prior to commencing broadcast operations on November 1, 2002) serving the Ft. Collins-Greeley, Colorado market, and
 
  •  KKCB-FM, KLDJ-FM, KBMX-FM and WEBC-AM, serving the Duluth, Minnesota market

The purchase price of these assets was approximately $62.0 million, which we paid in cash through borrowings under our credit facility.

 
Pending Sources and Uses of Funds

      On January 10, 2003, we entered into an agreement to purchase substantially all of the assets of KKPL-FM and KARS-FM, serving the Fort Collins-Greeley, Colorado market from AGM-Nevada, L.L.C. for $7.75 million. The purchase price is payable in a combination of $5.0 million in cash and $2.75 million in Regent common stock, based on a per share price equal to the average daily closing price for the ten consecutive trading days ending on the second trading day immediately preceding the closing date. In the event the average share price for that period is less than $7.50 per share we may, at our sole discretion, reallocate the purchase price to increase the amount of cash consideration and reduce the portion paid in Regent common stock. On February 1, 2003, we began providing programming and other services to KKPL-FM under a time brokerage agreement. We have placed $387,500 in escrow to secure our obligations under this agreement. The FCC has indicated that it will subject this acquisition to heightened scrutiny based on the competitive conditions in this market. Based on this review, we cannot predict when, or if, we will be allowed to complete this transaction.

      On February 27, 2003, we entered into an agreement with Clear Channel Broadcasting, Inc. and its affiliates (“Clear Channel”) to exchange our four stations (KKCB-FM, KLDJ-FM, KBMX-FM and WEBC-AM) serving the Duluth, Minnesota market and $2.7 million in cash for Clear Channel’s five stations (WYNG-FM, WDKS-FM, WKRI-FM, WGBF-FM and WGBF-AM) serving the Evansville, Indiana market. On March 1, 2003, we began providing programming and other services to the Evansville stations, and Clear Channel began providing the same such services to the Duluth stations. The FCC has indicated that it will subject this acquisition to heightened scrutiny based on the competitive conditions in this market. Based on this review, we cannot predict when, or if, we will be allowed to complete this transaction.

      On March 19, 2002 we filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 covering a combined $250.0 million of common stock, convertible preferred stock, depository shares, debt securities, warrants, stock purchase

33


Table of Contents

contracts and stock purchase units (the “Shelf Registration Statement”). The Shelf Registration Statement also covers debt securities issued by one of our subsidiaries, and guarantees of such debt securities by us. We used approximately $78.8 million of the amounts available under the Shelf Registration Statement for our April 2002 offering of common stock.

      Our Board of Directors has authorized us to repurchase shares of our common stock on the open market when the share price reaches predetermined levels set by the Board. During the third quarter of 2002, the amount of our common stock we were authorized to repurchase was increased to bring the level to $10.0 million. During the first quarter of 2003 we made purchases of our common stock totaling approximately $1.0 million under this program.

      We believe the cash generated from operations and available borrowings under our credit facility will be sufficient to complete our pending acquisitions and to meet our requirements for corporate expenses and capital expenditures for the remainder of the 2003 year, based on our projected operations and indebtedness and giving effect to scheduled quarterly credit facility commitment reductions. We are currently in discussions with a number of potential lenders for new financing alternatives, and expect to enter into a new financing agreement during the second quarter of 2003 that will increase our borrowing capacity. After giving effect to all completed and pending asset transactions, at December 31, 2003, outstanding borrowings under our existing credit facility would be approximately $74.0 million, with available borrowings of approximately $3.9 million, subject to the terms and conditions of the credit facility.

      We have no off-balance sheet financing arrangements with related or unrelated parties and no unconsolidated subsidiaries. Contractual obligations related to our credit facility and other long-term debt, capital leases and operating leases are summarized below (in thousands). Under the terms of our credit facility, our maximum borrowings will reduce over five years, beginning in 2002. Based upon our outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2002, the payments detailed below under Long-term Debt would be required to maintain compliance with our credit facility.

                                         
Payments Due by Period

One year Two to Four to
Contractual Obligation Total or less three years five years Thereafter






Long-term Debt
  $ 11,419     $ 60     $ 120     $ 11,239     $ -0-  
Capital Leases
    144       63       74       7       -0-  
Operating Leases
    9,847       1,271       1,951       1,781       4,844  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
  $ 21,410     $ 1,394     $ 2,145     $ 13,027     $ 4,844  
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
Item 7A.      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

      We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes as borrowings under our credit facility bear interest at variable interest rates. It is our policy to enter into interest rate transactions only to the extent considered necessary to meet our objectives. As of December 31, 2002, we have not employed any financial instruments to manage our interest rate exposure. Based on our exposure to variable rate borrowings at December 31, 2002, a one percent change in the weighted average interest rate would change the Company’s annual interest expense by approximately $110,000.

34


Table of Contents

 
Item 8.      Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Regent Communications, Inc.

Index to Financial Statements
           
Page

Financial Statements:
       
 
Report of Independent Accountants
    36  
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
    37  
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2002 and 2001
    38  
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
    39  
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
    40  
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    41  
Financial Statement Schedules:
       
 
For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002:
       
 
II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
    70  

      All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

35


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Regent Communications, Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Regent Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 8, effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio

March 5, 2003

36


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                             
Year Ended December 31,

2002 2001 2000



(In thousands, except
per share amounts)
Broadcast revenues, net of agency commissions of $7,296, $5,594 and $4,217 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively
  $ 70,390     $ 53,745     $ 44,107  
Station operating expenses
    48,963       38,530       30,173  
Depreciation and amortization
    3,360       13,436       8,602  
Corporate general and administrative expenses
    6,149       4,857       4,501  
Impairment of goodwill
    2,900              
Gain on sale of long-lived assets
    442              
     
     
     
 
   
Operating income (loss)
    9,460       (3,078 )     831  
Interest expense
    (2,208 )     (3,279 )     (4,229 )
Gain on exchange/sale of radio stations, net
          4,444       17,504  
Other (expense) income, net
    (433 )     (465 )     860  
     
     
     
 
   
Income (loss) before income taxes, extraordinary item, and cumulative effect of accounting change
    6,819       (2,378 )     14,966  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (7,161 )     665        
     
     
     
 
(Loss) income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting change
    (342 )     (1,713 )     14,966  
Extraordinary loss from debt extinguishment, net of taxes
                (1,114 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of applicable income taxes of $3,762
    (6,138 )            
     
     
     
 
NET (LOSS) INCOME
  $ (6,480 )   $ (1,713 )   $ 13,852  
     
     
     
 
LOSS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES:
                       
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (6,480 )   $ (1,713 )   $ 13,852  
 
Preferred stock dividend requirements
                (629 )
 
Preferred stock accretion
                (26,611 )
     
     
     
 
Loss applicable to common shares
  $ (6,480 )   $ (1,713 )   $ (13,388 )
     
     
     
 
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
                       
 
Loss before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.39 )
 
Extraordinary item
                (0.03 )
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
    (0.14 )            
     
     
     
 
   
Net loss per common share
  $ (0.15 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.42 )
     
     
     
 
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic and diluted calculation
    43,177       34,218       31,715  

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

37


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts)
                     
December 31,

2002 2001


ASSETS
Current assets:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 2,656     $ 1,765  
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $854 and $719 at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively
    13,517       9,772  
 
Other current assets
    811       642  
     
     
 
   
Total current assets
    16,984       12,179  
Property and equipment, net
    26,889       25,817  
Intangible assets, net
    238,706       253,643  
Goodwill, net
    24,200       12,777  
Other assets
    1,251       1,940  
     
     
 
   
Total assets
  $ 308,030     $ 306,356  
     
     
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Current liabilities:
               
 
Accounts payable
  $ 2,050     $ 2,044  
 
Accrued compensation
    2,158       1,000  
 
Other current liabilities
    3,740       3,010  
     
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    7,948       6,054  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    11,359       87,019  
Other long-term liabilities
    90       75  
Deferred taxes
    10,143       4,870  
     
     
 
   
Total liabilities
    29,540       98,018  
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
 
Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 48,047,382 and 36,948,362 shares issued at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively
    480       369  
 
Treasury shares, 1,488,556 and 1,308,173 shares, at cost at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively
    (7,575 )     (6,757 )
 
Additional paid-in capital
    348,033       270,694  
 
Accumulated deficit
    (62,448 )     (55,968 )
     
     
 
   
Total stockholders’ equity
    278,490       208,338  
     
     
 
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 308,030     $ 306,356  
     
     
 

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

38


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)
                             
Year Ended December 31,

2002 2001 2000



Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net (loss) income
  $ (6,480 )   $ (1,713 )   $ 13,852  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
   
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of applicable income taxes
    6,138              
   
Depreciation and amortization
    3,360       13,436       8,602  
   
Provision for doubtful accounts
    819       822       725  
   
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) and valuation allowance
    7,114       (847 )      
   
Non-cash interest expense
    281       283       1,579  
   
Non-cash charge for debt extinguishments
                1,114  
   
Non-cash charge for compensation
    499       491        
   
Gain on sale of radio stations, net
          (4,444 )     (17,504 )
   
Gain on sale of long-lived assets
    (442 )            
   
Impairment of goodwill
    2,900              
   
Other, net
    (422 )     160        
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
                       
   
Accounts receivable
    (4,576 )     (328 )     (6,249 )
   
Other assets
    (204 )     (107 )     (358 )
   
Current and long-term liabilities
    1,996       597       1,377  
     
     
     
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    10,983       8,350       3,138  
     
     
     
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
 
Acquisitions of radio stations, net of cash acquired, and escrow deposits on pending acquisitions
    (6,248 )     (63,450 )     (148,940 )
 
Capital expenditures
    (3,856 )     (3,161 )     (1,719 )
 
Net proceeds from sale of radio stations
          13,393       2,000  
 
Net proceeds from sale of long-lived assets
    1,829              
 
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and other
          27        
     
     
     
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (8,275 )     (53,191 )     (148,659 )
     
     
     
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    75,785       4,068       156,939  
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
    5,000       60,500       48,500  
 
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (80,660 )     (18,491 )     (28,824 )
 
Payment of financing costs
                (1,904 )
 
Payment of issuance costs
    (820 )     (249 )     (11,606 )
 
Treasury stock purchases
    (1,122 )           (7,063 )
 
Dividends paid on all series of preferred stock
                (8,153 )
 
Redemption of Series B preferred stock
                (5,000 )
     
     
     
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (1,817 )     45,828       142,889  
     
     
     
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    891       987       (2,632 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,765       778       3,410  
     
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 2,656     $ 1,765     $ 778  
     
     
     
 
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
                       
 
Common stock issued in conjunction with the acquisitions of radio stations
  $ 2,445     $ 7,459     $ 3,537  
     
     
     
 
 
Employer match on 401(k) plan
  $ 294     $ 307     $ 69  
     
     
     
 
Supplemental data:
                       
 
Cash paid for interest
  $ 2,082     $ 3,077     $ 2,115  
     
     
     
 
 
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 85     $ 128     $  
     
     
     
 

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

39


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(In thousands, except share amounts)
                                                 
Series C and E Total
Convertible Additional Stockholders’
Preferred Common Treasury Paid-In Accumulated Equity
Stock Stock Stock Capital Deficit (Deficit)






Balance, December 31, 1999
  $ 3,684     $ 2     $     $     $ (41,496 )   $ (37,810 )
Issuance of 18,400,000 shares of common stock, net of issuance costs of $12,460
          184             143,756             143,940  
Issuance of 333,000 shares of common stock in conjunction with acquisitions
          3             3,534             3,537  
Adjustment of converted redeemable preferred stock to market
                            (26,611 )     (26,611 )
Purchase of 1,364,000 shares of treasury stock
                (7,063 )                 (7,063 )
Conversion of Series C and E preferred stock to 3,831,000 shares of common stock
    (3,684 )     38             3,646              
Conversion of Series A,D,F,G,H,K redeemable preferred stock
          124             110,745             110,869  
Reclassification of liability associated with Series F convertible preferred stock put rights
                      5,239             5,239  
Exercise of 34,095 stock options and 100,000 stock warrants
          1             619             620  
Preferred stock dividends paid
                      (8,153 )           (8,153 )
Net income
                            13,852       13,852  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance, December 31, 2000
          352       (7,063 )     259,386       (54,255 )     198,420  
Issuance of 700,000 shares of common stock, net of issuance costs of $373
          7             3,644             3,651  
Exercise of 28,468 stock options and 37,230 stock warrants
                      30             30  
Issuance of 1,001,969 shares of common stock in conjunction with acquisitions
          10             7,449             7,459  
Stock bonus award (22,825 shares)
                      170             170  
Issuance of 55,579 shares of treasury stock for 401(k) match
                306       15             321  
Net loss
                            (1,713 )     (1,713 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance, December 31, 2001
          369       (6,757 )     270,694       (55,968 )     208,338  
Issuance of 10,700,000 shares of common stock, net of issuance costs of $4,832
          107             74,961             75,068  
Issuance of 384,453 shares of common stock in conjunction with acquisitions
          4             2,290             2,294  
Exercise of 16,074 stock options
                      20             20  
Issuance of 42,706 shares of treasury stock for 401(k) match, net of forfeitures
                235       38             273  
Issuance of 12,571 shares of treasury stock for employee stock purchase plan
                69       8             77  
Purchase of 235,660 shares of treasury stock
                (1,122 )                 (1,122 )
Stock compensation expense
                      22             22  
Net loss
                            (6,480 )     (6,480 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance, December 31, 2002
  $     $ 480     $ (7,575 )   $ 348,033     $ (62,448 )   $ 278,490  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

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

40


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.     Summary of Accounting Policies

 
     a.  Basis of Presentation:

      Regent Communications, Inc. (including its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the “Company” or “Regent”) was formed to acquire, own and operate radio stations in small and medium-sized markets in the United States. On June 15, 1998, the Company acquired, pursuant to an agreement of merger, all of the outstanding common stock of Faircom Inc. (“Faircom”). The acquisition was treated for accounting purposes as the acquisition of the Company by Faircom under the purchase method of accounting, with Faircom as the accounting acquirer. Consequently, the historical financial statements prior to June 15, 1998, the date of merger, are those of Faircom.

 
     b.  Consolidation:

      The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts and balances have been reclassified to conform to the current classifications with no effect on financial results.

 
     c.  Use of Estimates:

      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 
     d.  Cash and Cash Equivalents:

      Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.

 
     e.  Property and Equipment:

      Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets. Buildings are depreciated over forty years, broadcasting equipment over a six-to-thirteen year life and furniture and fixtures generally over a five-year life. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the terms of the related leases.

 
     f.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

      Intangible assets consist principally of the value of FCC licenses and the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets of acquired radio stations (goodwill). On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”) (See Note 8). SFAS 142 requires that a Company no longer amortize goodwill and intangible assets determined to have an indefinite life and also requires an annual impairment testing of those assets. Prior to the implementation of SFAS 142, FCC licenses and goodwill acquired through acquisitions prior to July 1, 2001, were amortized on a straight-line basis over lives ranging from 15 to 40 years. Non-competition agreements are amortized over the life of the agreement.

41


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
     g.  Long-Lived Assets:

      Long-lived assets (including property, equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization) to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposal of the asset. If it were determined that the carrying amount of an asset was not recoverable, an impairment loss would be recorded for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. The Company determines the fair value of its long-lived assets based upon the market value of similar assets, if available, or independent appraisals if necessary. Long-lived assets to be disposed of and/or held for sale are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell. The fair value of assets held for sale is determined in the same manner as described for assets held and used.

 
     h.  Deferred Financing Costs:

      Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the related debt.

 
     i.  Concentrations of Credit Risk:

      Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable. The credit risk is limited due to the large number of customers comprising the Company’s customer base and their dispersion across several different geographic areas of the country. The Company also maintains cash in bank accounts at financial institutions where the balance, at times, exceeds federally insured limits.

 
     j.  Revenue Recognition:
 
Broadcast Revenue

      Broadcast revenue for commercial broadcasting advertisements is recognized when the commercial is broadcast. Revenue is reported net of agency commissions. Agency commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for advertisers that use agencies. Agency commissions were $7.3 million, $5.6 million and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 
Barter Transactions

      Barter transactions (advertising provided in exchange for goods and services) are reported at the estimated fair value of the products or services received. Revenue from barter transactions is recognized when advertisements are broadcast, and merchandise or services received are charged to expense when received or used. If merchandise or services are received prior to the broadcast of the advertising, a liability (deferred barter revenue) is recorded. If advertising is broadcast before the receipt of the goods or services, a receivable is recorded. Barter revenue was approximately $4.5 million, $3.7 million, and $3.2 million and barter expense was approximately $4.1 million, $3.7 million, and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.

 
Time Brokerage Agreements

      At December 31, 2002, the Company operated twelve stations under the terms of time brokerage agreements (“TBAs”). Revenues and expenses related to such stations are included in operations since the effective dates of the TBAs. Fees paid under such TBAs are included in Other (expense) income, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

42


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
     k.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
 
Short-Term Instruments

      Due to their short-term maturity, the carrying amount of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximated their fair value at December 31, 2002 and 2001.

 
Long-Term Debt

      The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities. Based on borrowing rates currently available, the fair value of long-term debt approximates its carrying value at December 31, 2002 and 2001.

 
     l.  Income Taxes:

      Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not to be realized.

 
     m.  Advertising and Promotion Costs:

      Costs of media advertising and associated production costs are expensed the first time the advertising takes place.

 
     n.  Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

      The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance is calculated based on a percentage of cash revenue, and includes a provision for known issues. Customer account activity is routinely reviewed to assess the adequacy of the allowance provided for potential losses.

 
     o.  Stock-Based Compensation Plans:

      At December 31, 2002, the Company had four stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 6. The Company accounts for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations, under which compensation expense is recorded only to the extent that the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant exceeds the exercise price. The following table illustrates the effect on net (loss) income and loss per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions

43


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”), to stock-based employee compensation (in thousands except per share information).

                           
Year Ended December 31,

2002 2001 2000



(Unaudited)
Net (loss) income, as reported
  $ (6,480 )   $ (1,713 )   $ 13,852  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (1,546 )     (1,409 )     (720 )
     
     
     
 
Pro forma net (loss) income
  $ (8,026 )   $ (3,122 )   $ 13,132  
     
     
     
 
Pro forma loss applicable to common shares
  $ (8,026 )   $ (3,122 )   $ (14,108 )
     
     
     
 
Basic and diluted loss per share:
                       
 
As reported
  $ (0.15 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.42 )
 
Pro forma
  $ (0.19 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.44 )
 
2. Acquisitions and Dispositions
 
Pending Acquisitions and Dispositions

      On January 10, 2003, Regent entered into an agreement to purchase substantially all of the assets of KKPL-FM and KARS-FM, serving the Fort Collins-Greeley, Colorado market from AGM-Nevada, L.L.C. for $7.75 million. The purchase price is payable in a combination of $5.0 million in cash and $2.75 million in Regent common stock, based on a per share price equal to the average daily closing price for the ten consecutive trading days ending on the second trading day immediately preceding the closing date. In the event the average share price of Regent common stock for that period is less than $7.50 per share Regent may, at its sole discretion, reallocate the purchase price to increase the amount of cash consideration and reduce the portion paid in Regent common stock. On February 1, 2003, the Company began providing programming and other services to KKPL-FM under a time brokerage agreement. The Company has placed $387,500 in escrow to secure its obligations under this agreement. The FCC has indicated that it will subject this acquisition to heightened scrutiny based on the competitive conditions in this market. Based on this review, the Company cannot predict when, or if, this transaction will be completed.

      On February 27, 2003, Regent entered into an agreement with Clear Channel Broadcasting, Inc. and its affiliates (“Clear Channel”) to exchange four stations (KKCB-FM, KLDJ-FM, KBMX-FM and WEBC-AM) serving the Duluth, Minnesota market, which Regent acquired on February 25, 2003, and $2.7 million in cash, for five radio stations (WYNG-FM, WDKS-FM, WKRI-FM, WGBF-FM, and WGBF-AM) serving the Evansville, Indiana market. On March 1, 2003, Regent began providing programming and other services to the Evansville stations, and Clear Channel began providing the same such services to the Duluth stations. The FCC has indicated that it will subject this acquisition to heightened scrutiny based on the competitive conditions in this market. Based on this review, the Company cannot predict when, or if, this transaction will be completed.

 
Subsequently Completed Acquisitions

      On February 25, 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of 12 radio stations from Brill Media Company LLC and its related entities. Regent had been providing programming and other services to the

44


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

stations under a time brokerage agreement, which began on September 11, 2002. The stations acquired and the markets they serve are as follows:

  •  WIOV-FM and WIOV-AM, serving the Lancaster-Reading, Pennsylvania market
 
  •  WKDQ-FM, WBKR-FM and WOMI-AM, serving the Evansville, Indiana and Owensboro, Kentucky markets
 
  •  KTRR-FM, KUAD-FM and KKQZ-FM (formerly a construction permit prior to commencing broadcast operations on November 1, 2002) serving the Ft. Collins-Greeley, Colorado market, and
 
  •  KKCB-FM, KLDJ-FM, KBMX-FM and WEBC-AM, serving the Duluth, Minnesota market

      The purchase price of these assets was approximately $62.0 million, which Regent funded through borrowings under its credit facility. The allocation of the purchase price will be performed when the Company receives an independent appraisal for the purchase.

 
2002 Acquisitions and Dispositions

      On March 12, 2002, the Company completed the disposition of substantially all the operating assets of WGNA-AM, serving the Albany, New York market, for $2.0 million in cash to ABC, Inc. On February 15, 2002, ABC, Inc. began providing programming and other services to the station under a time brokerage agreement. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $442,000 on the sale. The Company treated the disposal of WGNA-AM as the disposal of long-lived assets, rather than a business or a component of a business, due to the fact that the station had no independent revenue stream from its operations.

      On June 1, 2002, the Company acquired, through a subsidiary merger with The Frankenmuth Radio Co., Inc., WRCL-FM (formerly WZRZ-FM) serving the Flint, Michigan market, for 209,536 shares of Regent common stock, valued at approximately $1.4 million. The Company also purchased the land and broadcasting assets used by WRCL-FM from MTE Corporation, a related entity, for approximately $0.6 million in cash, net of $125,000 that the Company placed in escrow in 2001 to secure its obligations under these agreements. Prior to the closing, the Company provided programming and other services to the station under a time brokerage agreement, which began January 1, 2002. The Company has allocated approximately $0.6 million of the total purchase price to fixed assets and approximately $1.4 million to FCC licenses. Additionally, the Company recorded approximately $0.5 million of goodwill and deferred taxes due to the difference between the fair market value and book value of the assets and liabilities acquired through the merger. The cash portion of the purchase price was funded primarily through proceeds received from our April 2002 common stock offering.

      Also on June 1, 2002, the Company purchased the outstanding stock of Haith Broadcasting Corporation, owner of WFGR-FM serving the Grand Rapids, Michigan market for approximately $3.9 million. The purchase price was paid in cash, net of $250,000 that the Company placed in escrow in 2001 to secure its obligations under this agreement. In conjunction with the above stock purchase, on February 4, 2002, the Company purchased the option to buy WFGR-FM from Connoisseur Communications of Flint, L.L.P., paid by the issuance of 174,917 shares of Regent common stock, valued at approximately $1.0 million. Prior to the closing of the agreement, the Company provided programming and other services to the station under a time brokerage agreement, which began January 1, 2002. The Company has allocated approximately $38,000 of the purchase price to fixed assets and approximately $4.9 million to FCC licenses. Additionally, the Company recorded approximately $1.4 million of goodwill and deferred taxes due to the difference between the fair market value and book value of the assets and liabilities acquired through the purchase. The cash portion of the purchase price was funded primarily through proceeds received from our April 2002 common stock offering.

      On October 1, 2002, the Company purchased substantially all of the broadcasting assets of WQUS-FM (formerly WRXF-FM) and WLSP-AM, serving the Flint, Michigan market, from Covenant Communica-

45


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

tions Corporation. Regent began providing programming and other services to the stations under a time brokerage agreement on December 3, 2001. The $1.3 million purchase price, net of $65,000 that was placed in escrow in 2001 to secure the Company’s obligations under this agreement, was paid using cash from current operations. The Company has allocated approximately $0.1 million of the purchase price to fixed assets and approximately $1.2 million to FCC licenses.

 
2001 Acquisitions and Dispositions

      On May 9, 2001, the Company completed the acquisition by merger with StarCom, Inc. of one AM and two FM radio stations (KXSS-AM, KKSR-FM and KLZZ-FM) serving the St. Cloud, Minnesota market for approximately $5.0 million in cash. Concurrent with the purchase, the Company entered into a $500,000 non-compete agreement with a former shareholder of StarCom, Inc., to be paid ratably over a five-year period. The purchase was funded from borrowings under Regent’s bank credit facility. Prior to the closing of the purchase, the Company provided programming and other services to the stations under a time brokerage agreement, which began in July 2000. The Company has allocated approximately $4.9 million of the purchase price to FCC licenses and approximately $0.1 million to fixed assets.

      On June 1, 2001, the Company completed the sale of substantially all the assets of its three radio stations serving the Palmdale, California market (KTPI-FM, KAVC-AM and KOSS-FM) to Concord Media Group, Inc. for approximately $13.5 million in cash. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $4.4 million on the sale.

      On August 29, 2001, the Company completed an acquisition from Two Petaz, Inc.; WFYR, Inc.; Winston Communications, Inc. of Illinois; and the Cromwell Group, Inc., of (i) substantially all the assets of radio stations WGLO-FM, WPPY-FM, WRVP-FM and WVEL-AM, serving the Peoria, Illinois market, for a purchase price of approximately $14.0 million in cash and (ii) substantially all the assets of radio stations WFYR-FM and WIXO-FM, also serving the Peoria market, in exchange for 786,141 shares of Regent common stock, valued at approximately $5.8 million. Prior to the closing of the purchase, the Company provided programming and other services to the stations under time brokerage agreements, which began in May 2001. The Company received a final appraisal for this purchase in 2002, and accordingly re-allocated the purchase price to conform to the appraisal. Based on the final appraisal, the Company has allocated approximately $14.3 million of the purchase price to FCC licenses, approximately $3.9 million to goodwill, $10,000 to non-compete agreements and approximately $1.6 million to fixed assets.

      On October 15, 2001, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of WQHZ-FM (formerly WJET-FM), serving the Erie, Pennsylvania market, from NextMedia Group II, Inc. for $4.9 million in cash. The Company has allocated substantially all of the purchase price to FCC licenses.

      On December 8, 2001 the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of seven radio stations serving the Lafayette, Louisiana market (KMDL-FM, KRKA-FM, KFTE-FM, KTDY-FM, KPEL-FM, KPEL-AM and KROF-AM) from ComCorp of Lafayette, Inc. and its affiliates for approximately $38.1 million in cash and 215,828 shares of Regent common stock, valued at approximately $1.5 million. The Company received a final appraisal for this purchase in 2002, and accordingly re-allocated the purchase price to conform to the appraisal. Based on the final appraisal, the Company has allocated approximately $27.8 million of the purchase price to FCC licenses, approximately $7.9 million to goodwill, and approximately $3.9 million to fixed assets.

 
2000 Acquisitions and Dispositions

      On January 28, 2000, Regent purchased the FCC licenses and related assets used in the operations of radio stations WODZ-FM, WLZW-FM, WFRG-FM, WIBX-AM and WRUN-AM in Utica-Rome, New York and WCIZ-FM, WFRY-FM, WTNY-AM and WNER-AM in Watertown, New York for approxi-

46


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

mately $43.8 million in cash and 100,000 shares of Regent’s common stock. Approximately $40.9 million of the total purchase price was allocated to FCC licenses and goodwill and the remaining $3.8 million was allocated to property and equipment.

      On January 31, 2000, Regent purchased the FCC licenses and related assets used in the operations of radio stations KLAQ-FM, KSII-FM and KROD-AM in El Paso, Texas for approximately $23.5 million in cash. Approximately $21.8 million of the purchase price was allocated to FCC licenses and goodwill and the remaining $1.7 million of the purchase price was allocated to property and equipment.

      On August 24, 2000, Regent completed an exchange agreement entered into with Clear Channel Broadcasting, Inc., Capstar Radio Operating Company and their affiliates. Under the agreement, Regent exchanged its eight stations serving the Mansfield, Ohio (2 FM/1 AM) and Victorville, California (3 FM/2 AM) markets plus approximately $80.5 million in cash for ten stations serving the Grand Rapids, Michigan (3 FM/1 AM) and Albany, New York (4 FM/2 AM) markets. Approximately $110.1 million of the purchase price was allocated to FCC licenses and goodwill and the remaining $5.2 million of the purchase price was allocated to property and equipment. As a result of this transaction, Regent recognized a gain on this exchange of approximately $17.8 million, which is reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2000.

      On September 29, 2000, Regent acquired radio station KZAP-FM in Chico, California, by acquiring the stock of KZAP, Inc. in exchange for 233,333 shares of Regent’s common stock with a market value of approximately $2.7 million at March 29, 2000, the date of Regent’s agreement to acquire the station. Approximately $2.4 million of the purchase price was allocated to FCC licenses and the remaining $0.3 million of the purchase price was allocated to property and equipment. Regent provided programming and other services to KZAP-FM under a time brokerage agreement commencing December 1, 1999.

      Also on September 29, 2000, Regent completed the sale of radio stations KZGL-FM, KVNA-AM and KVNA-FM in Flagstaff, Arizona to Yavapai Broadcasting Corporation for approximately $2.0 million in cash. Regent recognized a note receivable for the purchase price at September 30, 2000, which was collected on October 5, 2000. Yavapai had previously been operating the Flagstaff stations under a time brokerage agreement since May 1, 2000. The Company recognized a loss on this sale of approximately $0.1 million, which is reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2000.

      The Company accounted for all of its 2002, 2001 and 2000 acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. The Company allocated the aggregate purchase price from all acquisitions in 2002 and 2001 as follows (in thousands):

                 
2002 2001


Property and equipment
  $ 723     $ 5,613  
FCC licenses
    7,486       51,878  
Goodwill
    1,921       11,807  
Non-competition agreements
          510  
     
     
 
    $ 10,130     $ 69,808  
     
     
 

      The Company uses independent valuations to determine the fair values of significant assets acquired. The results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since their respective dates of acquisition or operation under time brokerage agreements.

      The following unaudited pro forma data summarize the combined results of operations of Regent, together with the operations of the significant stations acquired in 2002 and 2001, but excluding the operations

47


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

of the Palmdale, California stations disposed of in the second quarter of 2001, as though those transactions had occurred on January 1, 2001.

                   
Pro Forma
(Unaudited)

2002 2001


(In thousands)
Net broadcast revenues
  $ 70,390     $ 61,560  
Net (loss) income
  $ (107 )   $ 4,326  
Net (loss) income per common share:
               
 
Basic
  $ 0.00     $ 0.13  
 
Diluted
  $ 0.00     $ 0.12  

      These unaudited pro forma amounts do not purport to be indicative of the results that might have occurred if the foregoing transactions had been consummated on the indicated dates, nor is it indicative of future results of operations.

3.     Long-Term Debt

      Long-term debt consists of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):

                 
2002 2001


Senior reducing revolving credit facility
  $ 10,969     $ 86,569  
Subordinated promissory note
    450       510  
     
     
 
      11,419       87,079  
Less: current portion of long-term debt
    (60 )     (60 )
     
     
 
    $ 11,359     $ 87,019  
     
     
 

      Based upon our outstanding borrowings under the credit facility at December 31, 2002, and the balance of our subordinated promissory note, the payments detailed below would be required to maintain compliance with the maximum borrowings allowed under our credit facility over the next five years (in thousands):

         
2003
  $ 60  
2004
    60  
2005
    330  
2006
    10,969  
     
 
    $ 11,419  
     
 
 
      Senior Reducing Revolving Credit Facility

      The Company has a credit agreement with a group of lenders which provides for a senior reducing revolving credit facility expiring December 31, 2006, with an initial aggregate revolving commitment of up to $125.0 million (including a commitment to issue letters of credit of up to $25.0 million in aggregate face amount, subject to the maximum revolving commitment available) and an additional revolving loan facility with a maximum aggregate amount of $50.0 million available, subject to the terms of the credit agreement, which would convert, after two years, to a term loan maturing December 31, 2006. This additional $50.0 million borrowing capacity expired unused on January 27, 2002. Regent incurred approximately $2.0 million in financing costs related to this credit facility, which are being amortized over the life of the agreement. The credit facility is available for working capital and acquisitions, including related acquisition expenses. In accordance with the terms of the credit facility, during 2002, available borrowings under the

48


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

credit facility were permanently reduced in total by approximately $22.2 million due to scheduled permanent reductions in available borrowings and provisions of the excess cash flow calculation. The Company received approximately $74.6 million in net proceeds from the April 29, 2002 public sale of Regent common stock, and used approximately $70.6 million of such proceeds to pay down outstanding indebtedness under the credit facility. Under the terms and conditions of the credit facility, available borrowings under the facility would have been permanently reduced by the net proceeds received from the stock offering. However, the Company exercised its option to provide a reinvestment notice to the lender, which will allow Regent to re-borrow substantially all of the net proceeds received from the common stock offering for acquisitions and other permitted investments which are complete and/or for which binding agreements are obtained within 270 days of such repayment. The Brill Media and AGM-Nevada acquisitions (“qualifying acquisitions”) qualify for such treatment under the reinvestment notice and the Company will re-borrow at least $67.0 million of the purchase price for these acquisitions, and may, at its option, fund the entire $69.8 million purchase price of the qualifying acquisitions through borrowings under the facility. Any difference between the $74.6 million of net proceeds received from the common stock offering and the cash paid for the qualifying acquisitions and their related acquisition costs will be a permanent reduction in the available borrowings under the credit facility unless a waiver or modification of the credit facility terms is obtained. At December 31, 2002 and 2001 there were borrowings of approximately $11.0 million and $86.6 million, respectively, outstanding under the credit facility. Available borrowings were approximately $76.8 million and $37.4 million, respectively, for December 31, 2002 and 2001, which included reductions for commitments under letters of credit of $15.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

      Under the credit facility, the Company is required to maintain a minimum interest rate coverage ratio, minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, maximum corporate overhead, and maximum financial leverage ratio and to observe negative covenants customary for facilities of this type. Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, either (a) the higher of the rate announced or published publicly from time to time by the agent as its corporate base of interest or the Overnight Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, in either case plus the applicable margin determined under the credit facility, or (b) the reserve-adjusted Eurodollar Rate plus the applicable margin which varies between 1.25% and 2.75% depending upon the Company’s financial leverage. Borrowings under the credit facility bore interest at an average rate of 2.67% and 3.37% as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company is required to pay certain fees to the agent and the lenders for the underwriting commitment, which varies between 0.375% and 0.75% depending upon the amount of the facility utilized and the Company’s leverage ratio, and for the administration and use of the credit facility. The Company’s indebtedness under this credit facility is collateralized by liens on substantially all of its assets and by a pledge of its operating and license subsidiaries’ stock and is guaranteed by these subsidiaries.

      Prior to the credit facility, the Company had an agreement with a group of lenders that provided for a senior reducing revolving credit facility with a commitment of up to $55.0 million expiring in March 2005. On January 28, 2000, Regent paid off the outstanding debt, accrued interest and related fees totaling approximately $25.1 million under that credit facility. The pay-off was funded with proceeds from an initial public offering of Regent’s common stock, which was completed on January 28, 2000. This final paydown resulted in an extraordinary loss of approximately $1.1 million, net of income tax, from the write-off of deferred financing costs, which is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2000.

 
4. Supplemental Guarantor Information

      The Company conducts the majority of its business through its subsidiaries (“Subsidiary Guarantors”). The Subsidiary Guarantors are wholly owned by Regent Broadcasting, Inc. (“RBI”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regent Communications, Inc. (“RCI”). The Subsidiary Guarantors are guarantors of any debt securities that could be issued by RCI or RBI, and are therefore considered registrants of such securities. RCI

49


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

would also guarantee any debt securities that could be issued by RBI. All such guarantees will be full and unconditional and joint and several. No debt securities have been issued to date by RBI or RCI.

      Set forth below are consolidating financial statements for RCI, RBI and the Subsidiary Guarantors as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. The equity method of accounting has been used by the Company to report its investment in subsidiaries. Substantially all of RCI’s and RBI’s income and cash flow are generated by their subsidiaries. Separate financial statements for the Subsidiary Guarantors are not presented based on management’s determination that they do not provide additional information that is material to investors.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

(in thousands)
for the year ended December 31, 2002
                                         
Subsidiary
RCI RBI Guarantors Eliminations Total





Net broadcast revenue
  $     $     $ 70,390     $     $ 70,390  
Station operating expenses
                48,963             48,963  
Depreciation and amortization
    109             3,251             3,360  
Corporate general and administrative expenses
    6,088       61                   6,149  
Impairment of goodwill
                2,900             2,900  
Gain on sale of long-lived assets
                442             442  
(Loss in) equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (286 )     1,840             (1,554 )      
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating (loss) income
    (6,483 )     1,779       15,718       (1,554 )     9,460  
Interest expense, net
    (36 )     (2,172 )                 (2,208 )
Other (expense) income, net
          (88 )     (345 )           (433 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
(Loss) income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change
    (6,519 )     (481 )     15,373       (1,554 )     6,819  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (588 )     195       (7,395 )     627       (7,161 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
(Loss) income before cumulative effect of accounting change
    (7,107 )     (286 )     7,978       (927 )     (342 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
                (6,138 )           (6,138 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,107 )   $ (286 )   $ 1,840     $ (927 )   $ (6,480 )
     
     
     
     
     
 

50


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

(in thousands)
for the year ended December 31, 2001
                                         
Subsidiary
RCI RBI Guarantors Eliminations Total





Net broadcast revenue
  $     $     $ 53,745     $     $ 53,745  
Station operating expenses
                38,530             38,530  
Depreciation and amortization
    92             13,344             13,436  
Corporate general and administrative expenses
    4,808       49                   4,857  
(Loss in) equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (1,641 )     1,012             629        
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating (loss) income
    (6,541 )     963       1,871       629       (3,078 )
Interest expense, net
    (36 )     (3,243 )                 (3,279 )
Gain on exchange/sale of radio stations
    4,444                         4,444  
Other expense, net
                (465 )           (465 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
(Loss) income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change
    (2,133 )     (2,280 )     1,406       629       (2,378 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    597       639       (394 )     (177 )     665  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (1,536 )   $ (1,641 )   $ 1,012     $ 452     $ (1,713 )
     
     
     
     
     
 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

(in thousands)
for the year ended December 31, 2000
                                         
Subsidiary
RCI RBI Guarantors Eliminations Total





Net broadcast revenue
  $     $     $ 44,107     $     $ 44,107  
Station operating expenses
                30,173             30,173  
Depreciation and amortization
    56             8,546             8,602  
Corporate general and administrative expenses
    4,456       45                   4,501  
Equity in (loss in) earnings of subsidiaries
    896       6,248             (7,144 )      
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating (loss) income
    (3,616 )     6,203       5,388       (7,144 )     831  
Interest expense, net
    (36 )     (4,193 )                 (4,229 )
Gain on sale/exchange of radio stations
    17,504                         17,504  
Other income, net
                860             860  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item
    13,852       2,010       6,248       (7,144 )     14,966  
Income tax expense
                             
     
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before extraordinary item
    13,852       2,010       6,248       (7,144 )     14,966  
Extraordinary item
          (1,114 )                 (1,114 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 13,852     $ 896     $ 6,248     $ (7,144 )   $ 13,852  
     
     
     
     
     
 

51


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

(in thousands)
December 31, 2002
                                             
Subsidiary
RCI RBI Guarantors Eliminations Total





ASSETS
                                       
Current assets:
                                       
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 2,656     $     $     $ 2,656  
 
Accounts receivable, net
                13,517             13,517  
 
Other current assets
    297             514             811  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total current assets
    297       2,656       14,031             16,984  
Intercompany receivable
                28,048       (28,048 )      
Investment in subsidiaries
    269,302       304,105             (573,407 )      
Property and equipment, net
    464             26,425             26,889  
Intangible assets, net
                238,706             238,706  
Goodwill, net
    1,754       493       21,953             24,200  
Other assets
    9,021       1,149       43       (8,962 )     1,251  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total assets
  $ 280,838     $ 308,403     $ 329,206     $ (610,417 )   $ 308,030  
     
     
     
     
     
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 1,958     $ 84     $ 5,906     $     $ 7,948  
 
Intercompany payable
          28,048             (28,048 )      
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    1,958       28,132       5,906       (28,048 )     7,948  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    390       10,969                   11,359  
Deferred taxes and other long-term liabilities
                19,195       (8,962 )     10,233  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total liabilities
    2,348       39,101       25,101       (37,010 )     29,540  
Stockholders’ equity
    278,490       269,302       304,105       (573,407 )     278,490  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 280,838     $ 308,403     $ 329,206     $ (610,417 )   $ 308,030  
     
     
     
     
     
 

52


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

(in thousands)
December 31, 2001
                                             
Subsidiary
RCI RBI Guarantors Eliminations Total





ASSETS
                                       
Current assets:
                                       
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 1,765     $     $     $ 1,765  
 
Accounts receivable, net
                9,772             9,772  
 
Other current assets
    237             405             642  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total current assets
    237       1,765       10,177             12,179  
Intercompany receivable
                14,449       (14,449 )      
Investment in subsidiaries
    197,762       296,012             (493,774 )      
Property and equipment, net
    403             25,414             25,817  
Intangible assets, net
                253,643             253,643  
Goodwill, net
    1,754             11,023             12,777  
Other assets
    10,906       1,431       450       (10,847 )     1,940  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total assets
  $ 211,062     $ 299,208     $ 315,156     $ (519,070 )   $ 306,356  
     
     
     
     
     
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 2,274     $ 428     $ 3,352     $     $ 6,054  
 
Intercompany payable
          14,449             (14,449 )      
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    2,274       14,877       3,352       (14,449 )     6,054  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    450       86,569                   87,019  
Deferred taxes and other long-term liabilities
                15,792       (10,847 )     4,945  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total liabilities
    2,724       101,446       19,144       (25,296 )     98,018  
Stockholders’ equity
    208,338       197,762       296,012       (493,774 )     208,338  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 211,062     $ 299,208     $ 315,156     $ (519,070 )   $ 306,356  
     
     
     
     
     
 

53


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)
For the year ended December 31, 2002
                                           
Subsidiary
RCI RBI Guarantors Eliminations Total





Cash flows from operating activities:
                                       
 
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities
  $ (3,094 )   $ (2,651 )   $ 16,728     $     $ 10,983  
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
 
Acquisitions of radio stations and related acquisition costs
          (6,248 )                 (6,248 )
 
Capital expenditures
          (3,856 )                 (3,856 )
 
Net proceeds from sale of radio stations
                1,829             1,829  
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
          (10,104 )     1,829             (8,275 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
 
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
    75,785                         75,785  
 
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (60 )     (80,600 )                 (80,660 )
 
Long-term debt borrowings
          5,000                   5,000  
 
Purchase of treasury shares
    (1,122 )                       (1,122 )
 
Payment of equity issuance costs
    (820 )                       (820 )
 
Net transfers (to)/from subsidiaries
    (70,689 )     89,246       (18,557 )            
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    3,094       13,646       (18,557 )           (1,817 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
          891                   891  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
          1,765                   1,765  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $     $ 2,656     $     $     $ 2,656  
     
     
     
     
     
 

54


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)
For the year ended December 31, 2001
                                           
Subsidiary
RCI RBI Guarantors Eliminations Total





Cash flows from operating activities:
                                       
 
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities
  $ (2,463 )   $ (2,121 )   $ 12,934     $     $ 8,350  
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
 
Acquisitions of radio stations and related acquisition costs
          (63,450 )                 (63,450 )
 
Capital expenditures
          (3,161 )                 (3,161 )
 
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets
                27             27  
 
Net proceeds from sale of radio stations
    13,393                         13,393  
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    13,393       (66,611 )     27             (53,191 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
 
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
    4,068                         4,068  
 
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (60 )     (18,431 )                 (18,491 )
 
Long-term debt borrowings
          60,500                   60,500  
 
Payment of equity issuance costs
    (249 )                       (249 )
 
Net transfers (to)/from subsidiaries
    (14,689 )     27,650       (12,961 )            
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (10,930 )     69,719       (12,961 )           45,828  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
          987                   987  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
          778                   778  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $     $ 1,765     $     $     $ 1,765  
     
     
     
     
     
 

55


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)
For the year ended December 31, 2000
                                           
Subsidiary
RCI RBI Guarantors Eliminations Total





Cash flows from operating activities:
                                       
 
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities
  $ (3,993 )   $ (2,671 )   $ 9,802     $     $ 3,138  
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
 
Acquisitions of radio stations and related acquisition costs
          (148,940 )                 (148,940 )
 
Capital expenditures
          (1,719 )                 (1,719 )
 
Net proceeds from sale of radio stations
    2,000                         2,000  
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    2,000       (150,659 )                 (148,659 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    156,939                         156,939  
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
          48,500                   48,500  
 
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (60 )     (28,764 )                 (28,824 )
 
Payment of financing costs
          (1,904 )                 (1,904 )
 
Payment of issuance costs
    (11,606 )                       (11,606 )
 
Treasury stock purchases
    (7,063 )                       (7,063 )
 
Dividends paid on all series of preferred stock
    (8,153 )                       (8,153 )
 
Redemption of Series B preferred stock
    (5,000 )                       (5,000 )
 
Net transfers (to)/from subsidiaries
    (123,064 )     132,866       (9,802 )            
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    1,993       150,698       (9,802 )           142,889  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
          (2,632 )                 (2,632 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
          3,410                   3,410  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $     $ 778     $     $     $ 778  
     
     
     
     
     
 

56


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
5. Capital Stock, Redeemable Preferred Stock and Preferred Stock

      On January 28, 2000, Regent consummated an initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 16,000,000 shares of its common stock at an initial offering price of $8.50 per share. On February 7, 2000, the underwriters purchased an additional 2,400,000 shares of Regent’s common stock upon exercise of their over-allotment option. Regent received total proceeds from the completion of the offering, net of underwriter discounts, commissions and expenses related to the offering of $143.8 million. Of these proceeds, Regent used: $67.3 million to fund the acquisitions of stations in Utica-Rome and Watertown, New York and in El Paso, Texas; $27.1 million to pay in full the amounts borrowed, including accrued interest and related fees, under its prior bank credit facility and fees related to its new bank credit facility; $7.3 million to pay or reserve for payment accumulated, unpaid dividends on all series of convertible preferred stock converted into common stock; $5.9 million to redeem all outstanding shares of its Series B convertible preferred stock, including accumulated unpaid dividends; and $1.5 million to repurchase shares of its common stock from an affiliate of one of the underwriters in order to comply with rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Regent used the balance of the proceeds for working capital needs and to fund the cash portion of the purchase price of stations acquired in Albany and Grand Rapids during 2000.

      Regent adjusted the carrying values of its Series A, C, D, F, G, H, and K convertible preferred stock to fair value through January 28, 2000. This adjustment was recognized as a charge of $26.6 million to retained deficit (since there was no additional paid-in capital) resulting in an adjustment to loss from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders.

      In conjunction with the IPO, the Company redeemed 1,000,000 shares of its Series B convertible preferred stock, which constituted all outstanding shares of that series. Also in conjunction with the IPO, Regent required the conversion into common stock on a one-for-one basis of approximately 15,800,000 shares of convertible preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the preferred stock, and paid accumulated, unpaid dividends on those shares in the total amount of $7.3 million. These shares represented the balance of Regent’s outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock. Additionally, “put” rights associated with common stock purchase warrants issued in connection with the issuance of Regent’s Series B and Series F convertible preferred stock were terminated. Regent had previously classified approximately $3.7 million in long-term liabilities due to the associated “put” rights of the warrants at December 31, 1999. These warrant liabilities were reclassified to additional paid-in capital as of January 28, 2000 along with approximately $1.5 million of non-cash interest expense that had been recorded to account for an increase in the fair value of the warrants from January 1, 2000 to January 28, 2000.

      The Company’s authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of common stock and 40,000,000 shares of preferred stock. No shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding at December 31, 2002 or 2001. The Company has in the past designated shares of preferred stock in several different series. Of the available shares of preferred stock, 6,768,862 remain designated in several of those series and 33,231,138 shares are currently undesignated.

      On February 4, 2002, the Company issued 174,917 shares of common stock to Connoisseur Communications of Flint, L.L.P., valued at approximately $1.0 million, for the option to purchase WFGR-FM, serving the Grand Rapids, Michigan market.

      On April 29, 2002, the Company completed the sale of 10.5 million shares of its common stock at a price of $7.50 per share. Net cash proceeds to the Company after underwriting discounts and commissions were approximately $74.6 million. Approximately $70.6 million of the proceeds were used to pay down outstanding indebtedness under the Company’s credit facility. The remaining $4.0 million of proceeds were used to partially fund the Company’s acquisitions of WRCL-FM (formerly WZRZ-FM), serving the Flint, Michigan market, and WFGR-FM, serving the Grand Rapids, Michigan market, during the second quarter of 2002.

57


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      On June 1, 2002, the Company issued 209,536 shares of common stock, valued at approximately $1.4 million, in conjunction with its subsidiary merger with The Frankenmuth Radio Co., Inc.

      At various times during 2002, 16,074 options to purchase shares of Regent common stock were exercised by three former directors of Faircom Inc. at prices ranging from $0.89 to $3.73 per share. The options were issued under the Regent Communications, Inc. Faircom Conversion Stock Option Plan, which provided substitute options for those granted under the Faircom Inc. Stock Option Plan prior to the Company’s merger with Faircom Inc.

      Based on approval by Regent’s Board of Directors of a program to buy back up to $10.0 million of its common stock, during the third quarter of 2000, Regent began buying back shares of its common stock at certain market price levels. Regent acquired a total of 1,088,600 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $5.6 million in 2000. No purchases of common stock were made in 2001. During the third and fourth quarters of 2002, the Company acquired 235,660 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.1 million. In October 2002, Regent’s Board of Directors increased the amount of stock the Company could buy back by approximately $6.7 million, providing for an aggregate amount available for repurchase of $10.0 million at December 31, 2002.

      During 2002, Regent reissued 55,277 shares of treasury stock previously acquired, net of forfeited shares, as an employer match to employee contributions under the Company’s 401(k) plan, and to employees enrolled in the Company’s employee stock purchase plan. During 2001, the Company reissued 55,579 shares of treasury stock as an employer match under the 401(k) plan.

      On March 20, 2001, the Company issued 37,230 shares of Regent common stock to River Cities Capital Fund Limited Partnership upon the exercise in full, on a cashless “net issue” basis, of outstanding warrants which provided for the purchase of a total of 100,000 shares of Regent common stock at $5.00 per share. These warrants had been issued in 1998 in connection with the issuance of Series B and F convertible preferred stock, which converted to Regent common stock in January 2000. The remaining warrants, previously issued in connection with the Series A, B, and F convertible preferred stock, entitling the holders to purchase a total of 790,000 shares of Regent’s common stock at $5.00 per share with a five year expiration, remain outstanding.

      On March 26, 2001, Regent issued 22,825 shares of its common stock valued at approximately $7.469 per share as a stock bonus to certain corporate employees.

      On August 29, 2001, the Company issued 786,141 shares of Regent common stock to a stockholder of the selling corporations in connection with the acquisition of six radio stations in Peoria, Illinois.

      On November 26, 2001, Regent issued 900,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $5.75 per share in a private placement offering to qualified investors. 200,000 of the shares, sold to a venture capital fund related to one of the Company’s independent directors, and the associated cash proceeds of approximately $1.2 million, were held in escrow until February 5, 2002, pending confirmation from Nasdaq that stockholder approval would not be required for such sale.

      On December 8, 2001, the Company issued 215,828 shares of its common stock to the selling corporation in connection with the acquisition of seven radio stations in Lafayette, Louisiana.

      At various times throughout 2001, 25,968 options to purchase shares of Regent common stock were exercised by four former directors of Faircom Inc. at prices ranging from $1.2057 to $1.5603 per share. The options were issued under the Regent Communications, Inc. Faircom Conversion Stock Option Plan, which provided substitute options for those granted under the Faircom Inc. Stock Option Plan prior to the Company’s merger with Faircom Inc.

      At various times throughout 2001, three employees exercised a total of 2,500 stock options in exchange for shares of Regent common stock at exercise prices between $5.00 and $5.50 per share.

58


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
6. Stock-Based Compensation Plans
 
1998 Management Stock Option Plan

      The Regent Communications, Inc. 1998 Management Stock Option Plan, as amended (the “1998 Stock Option Plan”) provides for the issuance of up to an aggregate of 4,000,000 common shares in connection with the issuance of incentive stock options (“ISO’s”) and non-qualified stock options (“NQSO’s”). The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors determines eligibility. The exercise price of the options is to be not less than the fair market value of the underlying common stock at the grant date and in the case of ISO’s granted to a 10% owner (as defined), the exercise price must be at least 110% of the fair market value of the underlying common stock at the grant date. Under the terms of the 1998 Stock Option Plan, the options expire no later than ten years from the date of grant in the case of ISO’s (five years in the case of ISO’s granted to a 10% owner), no later than ten years and one day in the case of NQSO’s, or earlier in either case in the event a participant ceases to be an employee of the Company.

      The ISO’s vest ratably over a five-year period and the NQSO’s vest ratably over periods ranging from three to ten years.

 
Faircom Conversion Stock Option Plan

      Upon consummation of the Faircom merger, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the Regent Communications, Inc. Faircom Conversion Stock Option Plan (“Conversion Stock Option Plan”) which applies to those individuals previously participating in the Faircom Inc. Stock Option Plan (“Faircom Plan”). In exchange for relinquishing their options under the Faircom Plan, five former officers and members of Faircom’s Board of Directors were given, in total, the right to acquire 274,045 shares of the Company’s common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.89 to $3.73 per share and expiring from May 11, 1999 to July 1, 2002 (the “Converted Options”).

 
2001 Directors’ Stock Option Plan

      The Regent Communications, Inc. 2001 Directors’ Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Directors’ Option Plan”) provides for the issuance of up to an aggregate of 500,000 common shares in connection with the issuance of NQSO’s. Grants in the amount of 10,000 shares are awarded initially to each new outside Director at the date of his first attendance at a meeting of the Board of Directors, and thereafter, on each one year anniversary date of the first attendance at a meeting of the Board of Directors, each outside Director will be automatically granted a further option to purchase 5,000 shares. The exercise price of the options is to be equal to the fair market value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. Under the terms of the 2001 Directors’ Option Plan, the options are exercisable six months from the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant.

 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan

      In December 2001, the Company adopted the Regent Communications, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Stock Purchase Plan”) and reserved 500,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. Under the Stock Purchase Plan, participating employees may purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a price per share that is 90% of the lesser of the fair market value as of the beginning or the end of the semi-annual offering period. Effective January 1, 2003, the offering period was changed to a quarterly offering period. Under the terms of the Stock Purchase Plan, eligible employees may elect each offering period to have between 1 and 10% of their compensation withheld through payroll deductions. A total of approximately 24,000 shares of common stock have been issued under the Stock Purchase Plan for the 2002 offering periods.

      The Company applies the provisions of APB 25 in accounting for the 1998 Stock Option Plan, the 2001 Directors’ Option Plan, and the Stock Purchase Plan. Under APB 25, no compensation expense is recognized

59


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

for options granted to employees or Directors at exercise prices that are equal to or greater than the fair market value of the underlying common stock at the grant date, or for purchases of common stock under the Stock Purchase Plan. SFAS 123 requires the Company to provide, beginning with 1995 grants, pro forma information regarding net income (loss) and net income (loss) per common share as if compensation costs for the Company’s stock-based compensation plans had been determined in accordance with the fair value based method prescribed in SFAS 123. Such pro forma information is included in Footnote 1.

      The weighted average fair value per share for options granted under the 1998 Stock Option Plan and 2001 Directors’ Option Plan was $3.60, $4.10, and $3.42 for ISO’s in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, and $3.57, $4.12, and $3.71 for NQSO’s in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The weighted average fair value for options granted under the Conversion Stock Option Plan was approximately $230,000 and such amount was recognized at the time of conversion since the Converted Options are fully vested. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

                                                 
2002 2001 2000



ISO’s NQSO’s ISO’s NQSO’s ISO’s NQSO’s






Dividends
    None       None       None       None       None       None  
Volatility
    53.5%       53.5%       55.1%       55.1%       36.0%       36.0%  
Risk-free interest rate
    4.70%       4.68%       5.11%       5.12%       6.51%       6.88%  
Expected term
    5  years       5  years       5  years       5  years       5  years       5  years  

      The weighted average fair value per share for common stock issued under the Stock Purchase Plan was $1.61, calculated using an average risk-free interest rate of 1.66%, volatility of 53.5%, assuming no dividends and an expected term of six months. Presented below is a summary of the status of outstanding Company stock options issued to employees and Directors:

                   
Weighted Average
Shares Exercise Price


Company options held by employees and Directors:
               
 
At December 31, 1999
    1,840,498     $ 4.76  
 
Granted
    179,500     $ 7.23  
 
Exercised
    (34,095 )   $ 1.11  
 
Forfeited/ expired
    (7,500 )   $ 6.56  
Company options held by employees and Directors:
               
 
At December 31, 2000
    1,978,403     $ 5.04  
 
Granted
    672,750     $ 7.73  
 
Exercised
    (28,468 )   $ 1.65  
 
Forfeited/ expired
    (13,000 )   $ 5.25  
Company options held by employees and Directors:
               
 
At December 31, 2001
    2,609,685     $ 5.77  
 
Granted
    522,000     $ 6.95  
 
Exercised
    (16,074 )   $ 1.86  
 
Forfeited/ expired
    (32,750 )   $ 7.51  
     
     
 
Company options held by employees and Directors:
               
 
At December 31, 2002
    3,082,861     $ 5.97  
     
     
 

60


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      The following table summarizes the status of Company options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2002 under the 1998 Stock Option Plan, the Conversion Stock Option Plan, and the 2001 Directors’ Option Plan:

                                         
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable


Weighted
Average
Remaining Weighted Weighted
Contractual Average Average
Life Exercise Exercise
Exercise Price Shares (Years) Price Shares Price






$6.39 - $7.83
    1,314,000       9.5     $ 7.39       323,350     $ 7.66  
$5.00 - $5.93
    1,633,666       6.7     $ 5.02       1,305,866     $ 5.01  
$0.88 - $3.73
    135,195       0.5     $ 3.73       135,195     $ 3.73  
     
                     
         
      3,082,861                       1,764,411          
     
                     
         

      There were options exercisable into common stock of 1,764,411, 1,531,976, and 808,884 shares at weighted average exercise prices of $5.40, $5.24, and $5.18 per share at December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.

      As of December 31, 2002, the stock options granted under the 1998 Stock Option Plan entitle the holders to purchase 2,772,666 shares of the Company’s common stock. Stock options granted under the Conversion Stock Option Plan entitle the holders to purchase 135,195 shares of the Company’s common stock and stock options granted under the 2001 Directors’ Option Plan entitle the holders to purchase 175,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 
7. Earnings Per Share

      Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 (“SFAS 128”) calls for the dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The calculation of diluted earnings per share is similar to basic except that the weighted average number of shares outstanding includes the additional dilution that would occur if potential common stock, such as stock options or warrants, were exercised. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming that outstanding stock options and warrants with an exercise price in excess of the Company’s average stock price for the period were exercised, and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire shares of common stock at the average market price during the reporting period. The effects of the assumed exercise of 1,774,361, 2,609,685, and 1,913,711 outstanding options and 790,000, 790,000, and 890,000 warrants to purchase shares of common stock are excluded from the calculations of diluted net loss per share at December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, as their effect was anti-dilutive.

61


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the periods indicated (in thousands except per share data):

                             
Year Ended December 31,

2002 2001 2000



Net (loss) income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (342 )   $ (1,713 )   $ 14,966  
Extraordinary loss, net of income taxes
                (1,114 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of applicable income taxes of $3,762
    (6,138 )            
     
     
     
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (6,480 )   $ (1,713 )   $ 13,852  
     
     
     
 
(Loss) income applicable to common shares:
                       
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (6,480 )   $ (1,713 )   $ 13,852  
 
Preferred stock dividend requirements
                (629 )
 
Preferred stock accretion
                (26,611 )
     
     
     
 
Loss applicable to common shares
  $ (6,480 )   $ (1,713 )   $ (13,388 )
     
     
     
 
Weighted average shares
    43,177       34,218       31,715  
Net loss per common share:
                       
 
Basic and diluted:
                       
   
Net loss before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.39 )
   
Extraordinary loss
                (0.03 )
   
Cumulative effect of accounting change
    (0.14 )            
     
     
     
 
   
Net loss
  $ (0.15 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.42 )
     
     
     
 
 
8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

      The Company’s intangible assets consist principally of the value of FCC licenses and the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets of acquired radio stations (goodwill). On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 142, which requires that a Company no longer amortize goodwill and intangible assets determined to have an indefinite life and also requires an annual impairment testing of those assets. Consistent with the application provisions of SFAS 142, the Company applied a fair value approach to test impairment of both indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill on a market-by-market basis. Based on the results of this evaluation, during the first quarter of 2002, the Company recorded impairment charges against indefinite-lived intangibles of approximately $3.9 million, net of income taxes of approximately $2.4 million, and against goodwill of approximately $2.2 million, net of income taxes of approximately $1.4 million. Regent has reflected this charge as a component of cumulative effect of accounting change in its Consolidated Statements of Operations. In estimating future cash flows, the Company considered the impact of the economic slow down in the radio industry at the end of 2001. These conditions, combined with the change in methodology for testing for impairment, which previously employed the utilization of undiscounted cash flow projections, adversely impacted the cash flow projections used to determine the fair value of the FCC licenses, as well as each reporting unit. No impairment charge was appropriate under the FASB’s previous goodwill impairment standard, which was based on undiscounted cash flows.

62


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      During the fourth quarter of 2002, Regent performed its annual review of goodwill for impairment. Based on the Company’s methodology of comparing discounted cash flow projections for a reporting unit to the unit’s carrying value, it was determined that the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the Peoria market exceeded the fair value by $2.9 million. This amount was charged to operations in the fourth quarter and is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as an impairment of goodwill.

      Assuming amortization of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets had been discontinued at January 1, 2000, the comparable net (loss) income and net (loss) income per share (basic and diluted) for the prior-year periods would have been (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                         
Year Ended December 31,

2002 2001 2000



Reported net (loss) income
  $ (6,480 )   $ (1,713 )   $ 13,852  
Add back: Goodwill amortization
          597       290  
Add back: FCC license amortization
          6,976       3,681  
     
     
     
 
Adjusted net (loss) income
  $ (6,480 )   $ 5,860     $ 17,823  
     
     
     
 
Adjusted net (loss) income applicable to common shares
  $ (6,480 )   $ 5,860     $ (9,417 )
     
     
     
 
Basic and diluted (loss) income per share:
                       
Reported net loss per share
  $ (0.15 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.42 )
Impact of goodwill amortization
          0.02       0.01  
Impact of FCC license amortization
          0.20       0.11  
     
     
     
 
Adjusted net (loss) income per share
  $ (0.15 )   $ 0.17     $ (0.30 )
     
     
     
 
 
Definite-lived Intangible Assets

      The Company has definite-lived intangible assets that continue to be amortized in accordance with SFAS 142, consisting primarily of non-compete agreements. These agreements are amortized over the life of the agreement. In accordance with the transition requirements of SFAS 142, the Company reassessed the useful lives of these intangibles and made no changes to their useful lives. The following table presents the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for the Company’s definite-lived intangibles at December 31, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):

                                 
December 31, 2002 December 31, 2001


Gross Gross
Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated
Amount Amortization Amount Amortization




Non-compete agreements and other
  $ 762     $ 292     $ 862     $ 249  
     
     
     
     
 
Total
  $ 762     $ 292     $ 862     $ 249  
     
     
     
     
 

      The aggregate amortization expense related to the Company’s definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, was approximately $140,000, $35,000, and $21,000, respectively. The estimated annual amortization expense for the years ending December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, is approximately $153,000, $128,000, $105,000 and $83,000, respectively.

 
      Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

      The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of FCC licenses for radio stations. Upon adoption of SFAS 142, the Company ceased amortizing these assets, and instead tests the assets at least

63


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

annually for impairment. The following table presents the carrying amount for the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):

                 
December 31, December 31,
2002 2001


FCC licenses
  $ 238,236     $ 253,030  
     
     
 
Total
  $ 238,236     $ 253,030  
     
     
 

      The change in FCC licenses is due primarily to a reclassification from FCC licenses to goodwill upon the adoption of SFAS 142, and reclassifications, primarily between goodwill and FCC licenses, as the result of final appraisals for the acquisitions of radio stations in the Peoria, Illinois and Lafayette, Louisiana markets. The Company also recorded FCC licenses for the Haith, Frankenmuth and Covenant transactions.

 
      Goodwill

      SFAS 142 requires the Company to test goodwill for impairment using a two-step process. Step one identifies potential impairment, while step two measures the amount of the impairment. The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2002 (in thousands):

         
Goodwill

Balance as of December 31, 2001
  $ 12,777  
Adjustments
    14,903  
Acquisition related goodwill
    2,997  
Impairment loss related to the adoption of SFAS 142 (pre-tax)
    (3,577 )
Impairment of goodwill in Peoria
    (2,900 )
     
 
Balance as of December 31, 2002
  $ 24,200  
     
 

      The adjustment to goodwill primarily relates to a reclassification to goodwill from FCC licenses upon the adoption of SFAS 142, and reclassifications, primarily between goodwill and FCC licenses, as a result of final appraisals for the acquisitions of radio stations in the Peoria, Illinois and Lafayette, Louisiana markets.

9.     Income Taxes

      The Company’s income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

                         
2002 2001 2000



Current federal
  $ (46 )   $ 47     $  
Current state
    93       135        
     
     
     
 
Total current
  $ 47     $ 182     $  
     
     
     
 
Deferred federal
  $ 2,442     $ (640 )   $  
Deferred state
    267       (207 )      
     
     
     
 
Total deferred
  $ 2,709     $ (847 )   $  
     
     
     
 
Valuation allowance
  $ 4,405     $     $  
     
     
     
 
Net income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 7,161     $ (665 )   $  
     
     
     
 

64


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

  Additionally, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $3.8 million as a component of the cumulative effect of accounting change as of January 1, 2002.

      The components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):

                     
2002 2001


Deferred tax assets:
               
 
Net operating loss carryforwards
  $ 12,590     $ 10,374  
 
Miscellaneous accruals and credits
    453       200  
 
Accounts receivable reserve
    324       273  
     
     
 
   
Total deferred tax assets
    13,367       10,847  
     
     
 
 
Valuation allowance
    (4,405 )      
     
     
 
 
Net deferred tax assets
    8,962       10,847  
     
     
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
 
Property and equipment
    (1,656 )     (2,059 )
 
Intangible assets
    (17,449 )     (13,658 )
     
     
 
   
Total deferred tax liabilities
    (19,105 )     (15,717 )
     
     
 
   
Net deferred tax liabilities
  $ (10,143 )   $ (4,870 )
     
     
 

      The Company has cumulative federal and state tax loss carryforwards of approximately $49.8 million at December 31, 2002. These loss carryforwards will expire in years 2003 through 2022. The utilization of a portion of these net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes is limited pursuant to the annual utilization limitations provided under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 382.

      In the third quarter of 2000, the Company considered the impact of deferred tax liabilities resulting from purchase transactions, statutory restrictions on the use of operating losses, and a tax planning strategy available to the Company. Consequently, the Company determined that no valuation allowance was required for the year ended December 31, 2000, and released the entire valuation allowance. Similarly, there was no valuation allowance recorded for the year ended December 31, 2001. During the second half of 2002, the Company’s ability to implement its tax planning strategy to utilize net operating loss carryforwards was reevaluated based on the current state of private market values for radio station assets and the Company determined that it was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets would not be utilized in the foreseeable future. Consequently, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of approximately $4.4 million in 2002.

      The difference between the Company’s effective tax rate on (loss) income before income taxes and the federal statutory tax rate arise from the following:

                         
2002 2001 2000



Federal tax expense at statutory rate
    34.0 %     (34.0 )%     34.0 %
Amortization of intangibles and other non-deductible expenses
    0.5       5.8       1.0  
Increase (decrease) of valuation allowance
    64.6       0.0       (38.0 )
State tax, net of federal tax benefit
    4.8       (2.7 )     3.0  
Other
    1.1       3.0       0.0  
     
     
     
 
Effective tax rate
    105.0 %     (27.9 )%     0 %
     
     
     
 

65


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

10.     Savings Plans

 
Regent Communications, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan

      The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees. Both the employee and the Company can make voluntary contributions to the plan. In the third quarter of 2000, the Company added a matching feature to its contribution plan, in which the Company will match participant contributions in the form of employer stock. The matching formula is 50 cents for every dollar contributed up to the first 6% of compensation. Company matched contributions vest to the employees over a three-year period after one year of service. Contribution expense was approximately $294,000, $307,000 and $69,000 in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

 
      Regent Communications, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan

      On October 1, 2002, the Company implemented the Regent Communications, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan as a vehicle for highly compensated employees to defer compensation that they could not otherwise defer due to the limitations applicable to the Regent Communications, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and to provide an opportunity to share in matching contributions on a portion of such deferrals. The Board of Directors determines the Company’s matching cash contribution, if any, within 60 days after the end of the calendar year for which deferrals were made. For the short plan year period of October 1 through December 31, 2002, the matching contribution was 100% of the first 4% of deferrals contributed by participants. Contribution expense was approximately $5,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002. Participants are immediately vested in all of their deferral contributions. Matching contributions vest after attainment of age 65, termination of employment due to disability, a change in control of the Company, or if sooner, based on a vesting schedule of 33.3% after one year of service, 66.6% after two years of service, and 100% after three years of service.

 
11. Other Financial Information
 
      Property and Equipment:

      Property and equipment consists of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):

                   
2002 2001


Equipment
  $ 29,949     $ 27,765  
Furniture and fixtures
    1,699       1,271  
Building and improvements
    5,822       4,744  
Land
    3,658       3,139  
     
     
 
      41,128       36,919  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (14,239 )     (11,102 )
     
     
 
 
Net property and equipment
  $ 26,889     $ 25,817  
     
     
 

      Depreciation expense was approximately $3.2 million, $2.9 million, and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000.

66


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
      Other Current Liabilities:

      Other current liabilities consist of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):

                   
2002 2001


Balance Sheet:
               
 
Accrued interest
  $ 90     $ 351  
 
Current portion of long-term debt
    60       60  
 
Accrued professional fees
    327       336  
 
Accrued non-compete payments
    300       400  
 
Due to seller for collection of receivables and other
    349       361  
 
Accrued other
    2,614       1,502  
     
     
 
    $ 3,740     $ 3,010  
     
     
 
 
12. Commitments and Contingencies

      In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various regulatory proceedings, lawsuits, claims and other matters. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the eventual resolution of such matters for amounts above those reflected in the consolidated financial statements would not likely have a materially adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company.

      The Company leases certain facilities and equipment used in its operations. Certain of the Company’s operating leases contain renewal options and/or escalating rent provisions. Total rental expenses were approximately $2,043,000, $1,246,000, and $801,000 in 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.

      At December 31, 2002, the total minimum annual rental commitments under noncancelable leases are as follows (in thousands):

                 
Operating Capital
Leases Leases


2003
  $ 1,271     $ 63  
2004
    1,022       52  
2005
    929       22  
2006
    904       7  
2007
    877        
Thereafter
    4,844        
     
     
 
Total minimum payments
  $ 9,847     $ 144  
     
     
 
Amount representing interest
            9  
             
 
Present value of net minimum lease payments
          $ 135  
             
 

67


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
13. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited):

      All adjustments necessary for a fair statement of income for each period have been included (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                                           
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
ended ended ended ended Total
March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 Year





2002
                                       
 
Net broadcast revenues
  $ 12,986     $ 17,262     $ 18,710     $ 21,432     $ 70,390  
 
Operating income(1)
    1,111       3,400       3,670       1,279       9,460  
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of taxes(2)
    (6,138 )                       (6,138 )
 
NET (LOSS) INCOME:
    (6,070 )     1,674       1,817       (3,901 )     (6,480 )
 
BASIC AND DILUTED NET (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE(3)(4):
                                       
 
Before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ 0.00     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ (0.08 )   $ (0.01 )
 
Net (loss) income per common share
  $ (0.17 )   $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ (0.08 )   $ (0.15 )
 
2001
                                       
 
Net broadcast revenues
  $ 11,334     $ 14,658     $ 14,029     $ 13,724     $ 53,745  
 
Operating (loss) income
    (1,785 )     262       (429 )     (1,126 )     (3,078 )
 
NET (LOSS) INCOME:
    (1,008 )     2,498       (992 )     (2,211 )     (1,713 )
 
BASIC AND DILUTED NET (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE(3)(4):
                                       
 
Net (loss) income per common share
  $ (0.03 )   $ 0.07     $ (0.03 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.05 )


(1)  Results for the fourth quarter of 2002 include a charge of $2.9 million to operating income for the impairment of goodwill related to the Company’s Peoria market. Refer to Note 8 for further disclosures.
 
(2)  Refer to Note 8 for information regarding the cumulative effect of accounting change.
 
(3)  The sum of the quarterly net (loss) income per share amounts may not equal the annual amount reported, as per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter.
 
(4)  Despite net income in the second and third quarters of 2002 and the second quarter of 2001, net income per common share was the same for both the basic and diluted calculation.

 
14. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

      In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123” (“SFAS 148”). SFAS 148 amends FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS 148 amends the disclosure requirements of Statement No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The transition guidance and annual disclosure provisions of SFAS 148 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002, with earlier application permitted in certain circumstances. The interim disclosure provisions are effective for financial reports containing financial statements for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. Regent has adopted

68


Table of Contents

REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

the annual financial statement disclosure provisions of SFAS 148 and has reflected such disclosures in Note 1. The Company has not yet determined the impact, if any, of the transition and interim financial statement disclosure provisions of SFAS 148.

      In November 2002, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Series Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”), which provides for an interpretation of FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 5, 57, and 107 and rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34. FIN 45 elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. This interpretation also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The Company will adopt FIN 45 effective January 1, 2003 and does not believe that adoption will materially impact the Company’s financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

      In June 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146, “Accounting for Exit or Disposal Activities” (“SFAS 146”). SFAS 146 addresses the recognition, measurement, and reporting of costs that are associated with exit and disposal activities, including costs related to terminating contracts that are not capital leases and termination benefits that employees who are involuntarily terminated receive in certain instances. SFAS 146 supersedes Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)” (“EITF 94-3”) and requires liabilities associated with exit and disposal activities to be expensed as incurred. SFAS 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities of the Company that are initiated after December 31, 2002, and will be implemented accordingly.

      In April 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 145, “Rescission of SFAS Nos. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13 and Technical Corrections” (“SFAS 145”). SFAS 145 rescinds FASB Statement No. 4, “Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt,” and an amendment of that Statement, FASB Statement No. 64, “Extinguishments of Debt Made to Satisfy Sinking-Fund Requirements.” As a result, gains and losses from extinguishments of debt should be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet the criteria in APB Opinion No. 30, “Reporting the Results of Operations, Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions” (“APB 30”). Applying the provisions of APB 30 will distinguish transactions that are part of an entity’s recurring operations from those that are unusual or infrequent or that meet the criteria for classification as an extraordinary item. SFAS 145 also amends FASB Statement No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” to eliminate inconsistency between the required accounting for sale-leaseback transactions and the required accounting for certain lease modifications that have economic effects that are similar to sale-leaseback transactions. This statement also rescinds FASB Statement No. 44, “Accounting for Intangible Assets of Motor Carriers” and amends other existing authoritative pronouncements to make various technical corrections, clarify meanings or describe their applicability under changed conditions. The Company has adopted this standard for lease transactions entered into after May 15, 2002, and have determined the impact of adoption to be immaterial. The provisions of SFAS 145 related to debt extinguishments will be adopted on January 1, 2003, and could have an impact on the Company, to the extent that any changes are made to the Company’s credit facility. There were no debt extinguishments during the year ended December 31, 2002.

      In June 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” that addresses the recognition of asset retirement obligations. The objective of SFAS 143 is to provide guidance for legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company will adopt SFAS 143 as required in the year 2003, and have determined the impact of adoption to be immaterial.

69


Table of Contents

 

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(In thousands)
                                           
Additions

Balance at Charged to Charged to Balance at
Beginning Costs and Other the End
of Period Expenses Accounts Deductions(1) of Period





Allowance for doubtful accounts:
                                       
Years ended December 31,
                                       
 
2002
  $ 719       819             684     $ 854  
 
2001
  $ 403       822             506     $ 719  
 
2000
  $ 231       725             553     $ 403  
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance:
                                       
Years ended December 31,
                                       
 
2002
  $       4,405 (2)               $ 4,405  
 
2001
  $                       $  
 
2000
  $ 9,300                   (9,300 )(2)   $  


(1)  Represents accounts written off to the reserve.
 
(2)  See Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

70


Table of Contents

 
Item 9.      Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

      Not applicable.

PART III

 
Item 10.     Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

      The information required by this Item 10 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement, and specifically from the portions thereof captioned “Section 16 (a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Election of Directors” and “Executive Officers,” to be filed in April 2003 in connection with the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders presently scheduled to be held on May 14, 2003.

Item 11.     Executive Compensation.

      The information required by this Item 11 are hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in April 2003 in connection with the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, presently scheduled to be held on May 14, 2003, and specifically from the portions thereof captioned “Executive Compensation” and “Stock Performance Graph,” except that the information required by Items 402(k) and (l) of Regulation S-K which appear within such caption under the sub-heading “Compensation Committee Report” are specifically not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K or into any other filing by Regent under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

      Except for the information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, which is included below, the information required by this Item 12 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement, and specifically from the portion thereof captioned “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management,” to be filed in April 2003, in connection with the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, presently scheduled to be held on May 14, 2003.

                         
Number of
securities
remaining available
Number of securities Weighted average for issuance under
to be issued upon exercise price of equity compensation
exercise of outstanding plans (excluding
outstanding options, options, securities reflected
warrants and rights warrants and rights in column (a))
(a) (b) (c)



Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    3,122,092     $ 5.97       2,248,032  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
                 
     
     
     
 
Total
    3,122,092     $ 5.97       2,248,032  
     
     
     
 

Item 13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

      The information required by this Item 13 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement, and specifically from the portion thereof captioned “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” to be filed in April 2003 in connection with the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, presently scheduled to be held on May 14, 2003.

Item 14.     Controls and Procedures.

      The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is

71


Table of Contents

accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure based closely on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rule 13a-14c. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

      Within 90 days prior to the date of this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

      There have been no significant changes to the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls subsequent to the date the Company completed its evaluation. Therefore, no corrective actions were taken.

PART IV

Item 15.     Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.

      (a)1. Financial Statements.

      The consolidated financial statements of Regent Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are set forth under Item 8.

         2. Financial Statement Schedules.

      The financial statement schedule filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is set forth under Item 8.

         3. Exhibits.

      A list of the exhibits filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is set forth in the Index to Exhibits which immediately precedes such exhibits and is incorporated herein by this reference.

      (b) Reports on Form 8-K.

      No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of 2002.

72


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Regent Communications, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  REGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

  By:  /s/ TERRY S. JACOBS
 
  Terry S. Jacobs,
  Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer

Date: March 27, 2003

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

             
Signature Title Date



 
/s/ TERRY S. JACOBS

Terry S. Jacobs
  Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ WILLIAM L. STAKELIN

William L. Stakelin
  President, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ ANTHONY A. VASCONCELLOS

Anthony A. Vasconcellos
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer)   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ JOEL M. FAIRMAN

Joel M. Fairman
  Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ HENDRIK J. HARTONG, JR.

Hendrik J. Hartong, Jr.
  Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ WILLIAM H. INGRAM

William H. Ingram
  Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ R. GLEN MAYFIELD

R. Glen Mayfield
  Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ RICHARD H. PATTERSON

Richard H. Patterson
  Director   March 27, 2003

73


Table of Contents

             
Signature Title Date



 
/s/ WILLIAM P. SUTTER, JR.

William P. Sutter, Jr.
  Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ JOHN H. WYANT

John H. Wyant
  Director   March 27, 2003

74


Table of Contents

CERTIFICATIONS

      I, Terry S. Jacobs, certify that:

        1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Regent Communications, Inc.;
 
        2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
 
        3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
 
        4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

        a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
 
        b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
        c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

        a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
        b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

        6. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

  /s/ TERRY S. JACOBS
 
  Chairman of the Board and
  Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 27, 2003

75


Table of Contents

CERTIFICATIONS

      I, Anthony A. Vasconcellos, certify that:

        1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Regent Communications, Inc.;
 
        2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
 
        3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
 
        4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

        a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
 
        b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
        c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

        a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
        b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

        6. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

  /s/ ANTHONY A. VASCONCELLOS
 
  Chief Financial Officer
  and Senior Vice President

Date: March 27, 2003

76


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

      The following exhibits are filed, or incorporated by reference where indicated, as part of Part IV of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

         
Exhibit
Number Exhibit Description


  2(a)*     Asset Exchange Agreement dated as of March 12, 2000 by and among Clear Channel Broadcasting, Inc., Clear Channel Broadcasting Licenses, Inc., Capstar Radio Operating Company, Capstar TX Limited Partnership, Regent Broadcasting of Victorville, Inc., Regent Licensee of Victorville, Inc., Regent Broadcasting of Palmdale, Inc., Regent Licensee of Palmdale, Inc., Regent Broadcasting of Mansfield, Inc. and Regent Licensee of Mansfield, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 2(g) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  2(b)*     First Amendment to Asset Exchange Agreement made on May 31, 2000 by and among Clear Channel Broadcasting, Inc., Clear Channel Broadcasting Licenses, Inc., Capstar Radio Operating Company, Capstar TX Limited Partnership, Regent Broadcasting of Victorville, Inc., Regent Licensee of Victorville, Inc., Regent Broadcasting of Palmdale, Inc., Regent Licensee of Palmdale, Inc., Regent Broadcasting of Mansfield, Inc. and Regent Licensee of Mansfield, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 2(b) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  2(c)*     Second Amendment to Asset Exchange Agreement made on June 2, 2000 by and among Clear Channel Broadcasting, Inc., Clear Channel Broadcasting Licenses, Inc., Capstar Radio Operating Company, Capstar TX Limited Partnership, Regent Broadcasting of Victorville, Inc., Regent Licensee of Victorville, Inc., Regent Broadcasting of Palmdale, Inc., Regent Licensee of Palmdale, Inc., Regent Broadcasting of Mansfield, Inc. and Regent Licensee of Mansfield, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 2(c) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  2(d)*     Agreement of Merger dated March 29, 2000 by and among Regent Communications, Inc., Regent Broadcasting, Inc., KZAP, Inc. and Rob Cheal (previously filed as Exhibit 2(h) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  2(e)*     Asset Purchase Agreement dated March 29, 2000 by and between Yavapai Broadcasting Corporation, Regent Broadcasting of Flagstaff, Inc. and Regent Licensee of Flagstaff, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 2(i) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  2(f)*     Asset Purchase Agreement made as of October 31, 2000 among Concord Media Group of California, Inc., Regent Broadcasting of Palmdale, Inc. and Regent Licensee of Palmdale, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 2(d) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  2(g)*     Asset Purchase Agreement made December 28, 2000 among NextMedia Group II, Inc., NextMedia Licensing, Inc., Regent Broadcasting of Erie, Inc. and Regent Licensee of Erie, Inc. (excluding exhibits not deemed material or filed separately in executed form)(previously filed as Exhibit 2(g) to the Registrant’s 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  2(h)*     Agreement of Merger dated June 15, 2000 among StarCom, Inc., Dennis Carpenter and Regent Broadcasting, Inc., as amended by an Amendment, dated as of July 27, 2000, to Agreement of Merger, and as further amended by a Second Amendment, dated as of February 19, 2001, to Agreement of Merger (excluding exhibits not deemed material or filed separately in executed form)(previously filed as Exhibit 2(h) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  2(i)*     Asset Purchase Agreement made by and among Regent Communications, Inc. and Brill Media Company L.L.C. and certain of its subsidiaries dated August 22, 2002 (excluding exhibits not deemed material or filed separately in executed form) (previously filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated March 11, 2003 and incorporated herein by this reference)

E-1


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
Number Exhibit Description


  3(a)*     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Regent Communications, Inc., as amended by a Certificate of Designation, Number, Powers, Preferences and Relative, Participating, Optional and Other Special Rights and the Qualifications, Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Distinguishing Characteristics of Series G Preferred Stock of Regent Communications, Inc., filed January 21, 1999 (previously filed as Exhibit 3(a) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  3(b)*     Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Regent Communications, Inc. filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 19, 1999 (previously filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  3(c)*     Certificate of Decrease of Shares Designated as Series G Convertible Preferred Stock of Regent Communications, Inc., filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 21, 1999 amending the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Regent Communications, Inc., as amended (previously filed as Exhibit 3(c) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  3(d)*     Certificate of Designation, Number, Powers, Preferences and Relative, Participating, Optional and Other Special Rights and the Qualifications, Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Distinguishing Characteristics of Series H Preferred Stock of Regent Communications, Inc., filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 21, 1999 amending the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Regent Communications, Inc., as amended (previously filed as Exhibit 3(d) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  3(e)*     Certificate of Decrease of Shares Designated as Series G Convertible Preferred Stock of Regent Communications, Inc., filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 23, 1999 amending the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Regent Communications, Inc., as amended (previously filed as Exhibit 3(e) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended on September 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  3(f)*     Certificate of Increase of Shares Designated as Series H Convertible Preferred Stock of Regent Communications, Inc., filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 23, 1999 amending the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Regent Communications, Inc., as amended (previously filed as Exhibit 3(f) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended on September 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  3(g)*     Certificate of Designation, Number, Powers, Preferences and Relative, Participating, Optional, and Other Special Rights and the Qualifications, Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Distinguishing Characteristics of Series K Preferred Stock of Regent Communications, Inc., filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on December 13, 1999 amending the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Regent Communications, Inc., as amended (previously filed as Exhibit 3(g) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 333-91703 filed December 29, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  3(h)*     Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Regent Communications, Inc. filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 13, 2002 (previously filed as Exhibit 3(h) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  3(i)*     Amended and Restated By-Laws of Regent Communications, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-46435 filed April 8, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  3(j)*     Amendments to By-Laws of Regent Communications, Inc. adopted December 13, 1999 (previously filed as Exhibit 3(h) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 333-91703 filed December 29, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)

E-2


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
Number Exhibit Description


  4(a)*     Credit Agreement dated as of January 27, 2000 among Regent Broadcasting, Inc., Regent Communications, Inc., Fleet National Bank, as administrative agent, Fleet National Bank, as issuing lender, General Electric Capital Corporation, as syndication agent, Dresdner Bank AG, New York and Grand Cayman Branches, as document agent, and the several lenders party thereto (excluding exhibits not deemed material or filed separately in executed form) (previously filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed February 10, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  4(b)*     Omnibus Amendment No. 1 and Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement dated as of February 4, 2000 among Regent Broadcasting, Inc., Regent Communications, Inc., Fleet National Bank, as administrative agent, Fleet National Bank, as issuing lender, General Electric Capital Corporation, as syndication agent, Dresdner Bank AG, New York and Grand Cayman Branches, as document agent, and the several lenders party thereto (previously filed as Exhibit 4(e) to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed February 10, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  4(c)*     Amendment No. 2 and Consent, dated as of August 23, 2000, to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 27, 2000, as amended, among Regent Broadcasting, Inc., Regent Communications, Inc., Fleet National Bank, as administrative agent, Fleet National Bank, as issuing lender, General Electric Capital Corporation, as syndication agent, Dresdner Bank AG, New York and Grand Cayman Branches, as document agent, and the several lenders party thereto (previously filed as Exhibit 4(c) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  4(d)*     Amendment No. 3 dated as of December 1, 2000, to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 27, 2000, as amended, among Regent Broadcasting, Inc., Regent Communications, Inc., Fleet National Bank, as administrative agent, Fleet National Bank, as issuing lender, General Electric Capital Corporation, as syndication agent, Dresdner Bank AG, New York and Grand Cayman Branches, as document agent, and the several lenders party thereto (previously filed as Exhibit 4(d) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  4(e)     Amendment Agreement dated as of February 14, 2003 to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 27, 2000, as amended, among Regent Broadcasting, Inc., Regent Communications, Inc., Fleet National Bank, as administrative agent, Fleet National Bank, as issuing lender, General Electric Capital Corporation, as syndication agent, Dresdner Bank AG, New York and Grand Cayman Branches, as document agent, and the several lenders party thereto
  4(f)*     Revolving Credit Note dated as of February 7, 2000 made by Regent Broadcasting, Inc. in favor of Fleet National Bank in the original principal amount of $25 million (previously filed as Exhibit 4(f) to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed February 10, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference) (See Note 1 below)
  4(g)*     Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement dated as of January 27, 2000 among Regent Broadcasting, Inc., Regent Communications, Inc. and each of their subsidiaries and Fleet National Bank, as collateral agent (previously filed as Exhibit 4(c) to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed February 10, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  4(h)*     Pledge Agreement dated as of January 27, 2000 among Regent Broadcasting, Inc., Regent Communications, Inc. and each of their subsidiaries and Fleet National Bank, as collateral agent (previously filed as Exhibit 4(d) to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed February 10, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  4(i)*     Security Agreement dated as of January 27, 2000 among Regent Broadcasting, Inc., Regent Communications, Inc. and each of their subsidiaries and Fleet National Bank, as collateral agent (previously filed as Exhibit 4(b) to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed February 10, 2000 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(a)*#     Regent Communications, Inc. Faircom Conversion Stock Option Plan (previously filed as Exhibit 10(f) to the Registrant’s Form S-4 Registration Statement filed February 17, 1998 and incorporated herein by this reference)

E-3


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
Number Exhibit Description


  10(b)*#     Regent Communications, Inc. 1998 Management Stock Option Plan, as amended through May 17, 2001 and restated as of October 24, 2002 (previously filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(c)*#     Regent Communications, Inc. 2001 Directors’ Stock Option Plan dated May 17, 2001 (previously filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(d)*#     Regent Communications, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended on October 24, 2002 and effective January 1, 2003 (previously filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(e)     Regent Communications, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan dated July 25, 2002 and effective October 1, 2002
  10(f)*#     Employment Agreement between Regent Communications, Inc. and Terry S. Jacobs (previously filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(g)*#     Employment Agreement between Regent Communications, Inc. and William L. Stakelin (previously filed as Exhibit 10(c) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(h)*     Lease Agreement dated January 17, 1994 between CPX — RiverCenter Development Corporation and Regent Communications, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 10(z) to the Registrant’s S-4 filed on February 17, 1998 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(i)*     Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 15, 1998 among Regent Communications, Inc., Waller-Sutton Media Partners, L.P., WPG Corporate Development Associates V, L.C.C., WPG Corporate Development Associates (Overseas) V, L.P., General Electric Capital Corporation, River Cities Capital Fund Limited Partnership and William H. Ingram (excluding exhibits not deemed material or filed separately in executed form) (previously filed as Exhibit 4(d) to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed June 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(j)*     Registration Rights Agreement dated June 15, 1998 among Regent Communications, Inc., PNC Bank, N.A., Trustee, Waller-Sutton Media Partners, L.P., WPG Corporate Development Associates V, L.C.C., WPG Corporate Development Associates (Overseas) V, L.P., BMO Financial, Inc., General Electric Capital Corporation, River Cities Capital Fund Limited Partnership, Terry S. Jacobs, William L. Stakelin, William H. Ingram, Blue Chip Capital Fund II Limited Partnership, Miami Valley Venture Fund L.P. and Thomas Gammon (excluding exhibits not deemed material or filed separately in executed form) (previously filed as Exhibit 4(e) to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed June 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(k)*     Warrant for the Purchase of 650,000 Shares of Common Stock issued by Regent Communications, Inc. to Waller-Sutton Media Partners, L.P. dated June 15, 1998 (See Note 2 below) (previously filed as Exhibit 4(f) to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed June 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(l)*     Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 21, 1999 between Regent Communications, Inc. and Waller-Sutton Media Partners, L.P. relating to the purchase of 90,909 shares of Regent Communications, Inc. Series H convertible preferred stock (See Note 3 below) (excluding exhibits not deemed material or filed separately in executed form) (previously filed as Exhibit 4(aa) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(m)*     Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 21, 1999, among Regent Communications, Inc., WPG Corporate Development Associates V, L.L.C. and WPG Corporate Development Associates V (Overseas), L.P. relating to the purchase of 1,180,909 and 182,727 shares, respectively, of Regent Communications, Inc. Series H convertible preferred stock (excluding exhibits not deemed material or filed separately in executed form)(previously filed as Exhibit 4(bb) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)

E-4


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
Number Exhibit Description


  10(n)*     Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of August 31, 1999 among Regent Communications, Inc., The Roman Arch Fund L.P. and The Roman Arch Fund II L.P. relating to the purchase of 109,091 and 72,727 shares, respectively, of Regent Communications, Inc. Series H convertible preferred stock (excluding exhibits not deemed material or filed separately in executed form) (previously filed as Exhibit 4(ee) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended on September 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(o)*     First Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 31, 1999 among Regent Communications, Inc., PNC Bank, N.A., as trustee, Waller-Sutton Media Partners, L.P., WPG Corporate Development Associates V, L.L.C., WPG Corporate Development Associates (Overseas) V, L.P., BMO Financial, Inc., General Electric Capital Corporation, River Cities Capital Fund Limited Partnership, Terry S. Jacobs, William L. Stakelin, William H. Ingram, Blue Chip Capital Fund II Limited Partnership, Miami Valley Venture Fund L.P. and Thomas P. Gammon (excluding exhibits not deemed material or filed separately in executed form) (previously filed as Exhibit 4(gg) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended on September 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(p)*     Second Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 13, 1999, among Regent Communications, Inc., Terry S. Jacobs, William L. Stakelin, Blue Chip Capital Fund II Limited Partnership, Blue Chip Capital Fund III Limited Partnership, Miami Valley Venture Fund, L.P., PNC Bank, N.A., as trustee, PNC Bank, N.A., Custodian, Waller-Sutton Media Partners, L.P., River Cities Capital Fund Limited Partnership, Mesirow Capital Partners VII, WPG Corporate Development Associates V, L.L.C., WPG Corporate Development Associates V (Overseas) L.P., General Electric Capital Corporation, William H. Ingram, The Roman Arch Fund L.P., The Roman Arch Fund II L.P. and The Prudential Insurance Company of America (previously filed as Exhibit 4(hh) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 333-91703 filed December 29, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(q)*     Third Amended and Restated Stockholders’ Agreement dated as of December 13, 1999, among Regent Communications, Inc., Terry S. Jacobs, William L. Stakelin, Blue Chip Capital Fund II Limited Partnership, Blue Chip Capital Fund III Limited Partnership, Miami Valley Venture Fund, L.P., PNC Bank, N.A., as trustee, PNC Bank, N.A., Custodian, Waller-Sutton Media Partners, L.P., River Cities Capital Fund Limited Partnership, Mesirow Capital Partners VII, WPG Corporate Development Associates V, L.L.C., WPG Corporate Development Associates V (Overseas) L.P., General Electric Capital Corporation, William H. Ingram, Joel M. Fairman, The Roman Arch Fund L.P., The Roman Arch Fund II L.P. and the Prudential Insurance Company of America (previously filed as Exhibit 4(ii) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 333-91703 filed December 29, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(r)*     Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of November 24, 1999, between Regent Communications, Inc. and Blue Chip Capital Fund III Limited Partnership (see Note 4 below) (previously filed as Exhibit (jj) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Form S-1 Registration Statement filed December 29, 1999 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(s)*     Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2001, between Regent Communications, Inc. and Bayard H. Walters (previously filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(t)*     Third Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 28, 2001, among Regent Communications, Inc. and the Stockholders who are signatories thereto (previously filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(u)*     Form of Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of November 26, 2001 (see Note 5 below)(previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-74704 filed December 6, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference)

E-5


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
Number Exhibit Description


  10(v)*     Fourth Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 26, 2001, among Regent Communications, Inc. and the Stockholders who are signatories thereto (previously filed as Exhibit 10(t) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(w)*     Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 7, 2002, between Regent Communications, Inc. and ComCorp of Lafayette, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 10(u) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  10(x)*     Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 7, 2002 between Regent Communications, Inc. and Abbeville Broadcasting Service, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 10(v) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by this reference)
  21     Subsidiaries of Registrant
  23     Consent of Independent Accountants
  99.1     Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  99.2     Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


Incorporated by reference.

Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

Notes:

        1. Seven substantially identical notes were made by Regent Broadcasting, Inc. as follows:

         
Original Holder Principal Amount


General Electric Capital Corporation
  $ 22,000,000  
Dresdner Bank AG, New York and Cayman Island Branches
  $ 22,000,000  
Mercantile Bank National Association
  $ 16,000,000  
U.S. Bank National Association
  $ 10,000,000  
Summit Bank
  $ 10,000,000  
Michigan National Bank
  $ 10,000,000  
The CIT Group Equipment Financing, Inc.
  $ 10,000,000  

        2. Six substantially identical warrants for the purchase of shares of Registrant’s common stock were issued as follows:

         
Shares

Waller-Sutton Media Partners, L.P.
    650,000  
WPG Corporate Development Associates V, L.L.C
    112,580  
WPG Corporate Development Associates (Overseas) V, L.P.
    17,420  
General Electric Capital Corporation
    50,000  
River Cities Capital Fund Limited Partnership
    20,000  
William H. Ingram
    10,000  

        3. Two substantially identical stock purchase agreements were entered into for the purchase of Series H convertible preferred stock as follows:

         
Blue Chip Capital Fund II Limited Partnership
    363,636 shares  
PNC Bank, N.A., as trustee
    181,818 shares  

E-6


Table of Contents

        4. Four substantially identical stock purchase agreements were entered into for the purchase of Series K convertible preferred stock as follows:

         
WPG Corporate Development Associates V, L.L.C. and WPG Corporate Development Associates V (Overseas), L.P.
    181,818 shares  
PNC Bank, N.A., Custodian
    181,818 shares  
Mesirow Capital Partners VII
    818,181 shares  
The Prudential Insurance Company of America
    1,000,000 shares  

        5. Twenty-two substantially identical stock purchase agreements were entered into for the purchase of common stock as follows:

         
Purchaser Shares


U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Asset Management for benefit of Milwaukee Foundation MicroCap
    3,900  
U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Asset Management for benefit of WM Chester Small Cap
    400  
U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Asset Management for benefit of First American MicroCap Fund
    211,500  
U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Asset Management for benefit of Frantschi MicroCap
    11,300  
U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Asset Management for benefit of ES Tallmadge Res
    500  
U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Asset Management for benefit of Posner Partners MicroCap
    5,600  
U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Asset Management for benefit of Jane Petit MicroCap
    500  
Firstar Bank NA, Agent Lyndhurst Associates MicroCap Fund
    13,300  
Marshall & Isley Trust Company Custodian for the Milwaukee Jewish Federation
    3,000  
Edge Capital, L.P.
    100,000  
Pogue Capital International, LTD.
    52,000  
Oxa Trade & Finance, Inc.
    35,000  
Coditec International LTD — E — VBL
    13,000  
Blue Chip Capital Fund III Limited Partnership
    200,000  
Silverfin & Company
    12,800  
Capital Blue Cross Retirement Plan
    3,200  
Clippership & Company
    90,800  
Pitt & Company
    83,000  
Mellon Trust Company, Trustee for NYNEX Master Pension Trust
    45,900  
Capital Blue Cross
    3,800  
Silverbass & Company
    4,900  
Palmsail & Company
    5,600  

E-7