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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark one)

x   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE  
       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

      

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2003

 

OR

 

¨   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

       FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM: NOT APPLICABLE

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-14776

 


 

HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   74-2717523

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

888 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10106

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(212) 887-6800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

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

 

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

 

As of July 29, 2003, the registrant had 92,600,469 shares of common stock outstanding, consisting of 51,301,821 shares of Series A Common Stock, and 41,298,648 shares of Series B Common Stock.

 



Table of Contents

HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

 

Index

 

          Page No.

Part I Financial Information     
Item 1.   

Financial Statements

    
    

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2003 (unaudited) and December 31, 2002

   1
    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (unaudited)

   3
    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002(unaudited)

   4
    

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   5
Item 2.   

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

   11
Item 3.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   16
Item 4.   

Controls and Procedures

   16

Part II Other Information

    
Item 4.   

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   17
Item 6.   

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   17
Signatures         19
Exhibit Index         20
Certifications          

 

 


Table of Contents

PART I

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.   Financial Statements

 

HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    

    June 30, 2003      

    (Unaudited)    


   December 31, 2002

     (In thousands)

Assets

             
Current assets:              

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 7,071    $ 4,442

Accounts receivable, net

     142,587      143,347

Program and barter rights

     18,965      58,510

Deferred income taxes

     2,873      2,873

Other

     6,277      7,024
    

  

Total current assets

     177,773      216,196
    

  

Property, plant and equipment, net      301,954      310,138
    

  

Intangible assets, net      2,353,425      2,354,658
    

  

Goodwill, net      799,160      799,160
    

  

Other noncurrent assets:              

Deferred financing and acquisition costs, net

     16,089      17,306

Investments

     27,136      26,925

Program and barter rights

     3,994      6,096

Other

     31,553      32,446
    

  

Total other noncurrent assets

     78,772      82,773
    

  

Total assets

   $ 3,711,084    $ 3,762,925
    

  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—(Continued)

 

         June 30, 2003      
    (Unaudited)      


    December 31, 2002

 
     (In thousands)  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

                

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 9,075     $ 14,085  

Accrued liabilities

     49,685       54,127  

Program and barter rights payable

     19,411       57,672  

Payable to The Hearst Corporation

     —         533  

Current portion of long-term debt

     43,165       121  

Other

     4,331       4,141  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     125,667       130,679  
    


 


Noncurrent liabilities:

                

Program and barter rights payable

     6,097       8,723  

Long-term debt, less current portion

     882,501       973,378  

Deferred income taxes

     853,392       844,781  

Other liabilities

     24,879       26,102  
    


 


Total noncurrent liabilities

     1,766,869       1,852,984  
    


 


Company obligated redeemable convertible preferred securities of subsidiary trust holding solely parent company debentures

     200,000       200,000  
    


 


Stockholders’ equity:

                

Series A preferred stock

     1       1  

Series B preferred stock

     1       1  

Series A common stock

     545       543  

Series B common stock

     413       413  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,283,852       1,281,288  

Retained earnings

     418,813       382,093  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net

     (4,378 )     (4,378 )

Treasury stock, at cost

     (80,699 )     (80,699 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     1,618,548       1,579,262  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 3,711,084     $ 3,762,925  
    


 


 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


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HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

    

Three Months

Ended June 30,


   

Six Months

Ended June 30,


 
     2003

   2002

    2003

   2002

 
    

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Total revenues

   $ 179,605    $ 182,303     $ 328,881    $ 337,225  

Station operating expenses:

                              

Salaries, benefits and other operating costs

     81,028      79,826       160,861      159,103  

Amortization of program rights

     15,830      14,650       31,922      29,589  

Depreciation and amortization

     13,136      10,476       24,096      20,921  

Corporate general and administrative expenses

     4,884      4,394       9,758      8,239  
    

  


 

  


Operating income

     64,727      72,957       102,244      119,373  

Interest expense, net

     17,351      18,786       34,760      37,163  

Dividends on redeemable convertible preferred securities

     3,750      3,750       7,500      7,500  

Other income, net

     —        299       —        299  

Equity in income (loss) of affiliates

     370      (1,226 )     234      (2,276 )
    

  


 

  


Income before income taxes

     43,996      49,494       60,218      72,733  

Income taxes

     16,718      18,715       22,883      27,639  
    

  


 

  


Net income

     27,278      30,779       37,335      45,094  

Less preferred stock dividends

     297      355       615      711  
    

  


 

  


Income applicable to common stockholders

   $ 26,981    $ 30,424     $ 36,720    $ 44,383  
    

  


 

  


Income per common share—basic:

   $ 0.29    $ 0.33     $ 0.40    $ 0.48  
    

  


 

  


Number of common shares used in the calculation

     92,554      92,099       92,495      91,985  
    

  


 

  


Income per common share—diluted:

   $ 0.29    $ 0.33     $ 0.40    $ 0.48  
    

  


 

  


Number of common shares used in the calculation

     92,963      92,683       92,856      92,401  
    

  


 

  


 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2003

    2002

 
    

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

Operating Activities

                

Net income

   $ 37,335     $ 45,094  

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

                

Depreciation

     22,863       20,866  

Amortization of program rights

     31,922       29,589  

Program payments

     (31,161 )     (29,158 )

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1,455       1,456  

Amortization of intangible assets

     1,233       55  

Deferred income taxes

     8,611       17,349  

Equity in (income) loss of affiliates

     (234 )     2,276  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     144       2,976  

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

     34       82  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                

Accounts receivable

     616       (2,668 )

Other assets

     1,640       180  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (9,690 )     3,537  

Other liabilities

     (1,566 )     (6,786 )
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     63,202       84,848  
    


 


Investing Activities

                

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment:

                

Digital

     (3,011 )     (8,112 )

Maintenance

     (6,764 )     (2,891 )

Special projects/towers

     (4,828 )     (2,112 )

Other, net

     142       52  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (14,461 )     (13,063 )
    


 


Financing Activities

                

Credit Facility:

                

Proceeds

     172,150       227,000  

Repayment

     (220,150 )     (305,000 )

Dividends paid on preferred stock

     (615 )     (711 )

Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan

     1,069       844  

Proceeds from stock option exercises

     1,496       7,234  

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

     (62 )     (53 )
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (46,112 )     (70,686 )
    


 


Increase in cash and cash equivalents

     2,629       1,099  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     4,442       3,260  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 7,071     $ 4,359  
    


 


                  
     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:    2003

    2002

 
    

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

Cash paid during the period:

                

Interest

   $ 33,342     $ 35,929  
    


 


Dividends on redeemable convertible preferred securities

   $ 7,500     $ 4,250  
    


 


Income taxes, net of refunds

   $ 11,971     $ 5,814  
    


 


Non-cash investing and financing activities:

                

Capital lease obligations entered into during the period

   $ 229     $ —    
    


 


 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

4


Table of Contents

HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2003

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

General

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are normal and recurring in nature. Operating results for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2002 condensed consolidated financial statements to conform with classifications used as of and for the period ended June 30, 2003.

 

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN 46”). The Hearst-Argyle Capital Trust (the “Capital Trust”), a wholly-owned and currently consolidated subsidiary trust of the Company, is considered to be a variable interest entity under FIN 46. The Company, in consultation with its advisors, is reviewing FIN 46 to determine whether or not it will require the Company to de-consolidate the Capital Trust. The provisions of FIN 46 are effective for the Company on July 1, 2003. Should de-consolidation be required, the primary effect upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements will be to require the reclassification of the $200 million “Company obligated redeemable convertible preferred securities of subsidiary trust holding solely parent company debentures” to “Long-term debt payable to the Hearst-Argyle Capital Trust.” The Company does not believe that such potential balance sheet reclassification will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Such potential balance sheet reclassification would have no effect upon the Company’s current debt covenants.

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS 149”). SFAS 149 amends and clarifies accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except in certain instances, and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. In addition, except in those certain instances, all provisions of SFAS 149 should be applied prospectively. Since the Company is not currently involved in any derivative financial instruments, the Company does not believe that the adoption of SFAS 149 will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity (“SFAS 150”). SFAS 150 establishes standards for how a company classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company does not believe that SFAS 150 will affect the classification or measurement of any of its financial instruments.

 

5


Table of Contents

HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2003

 

3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company accounts for employee stock-based compensation under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”) and related interpretations. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company’s employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, the stock options have no intrinsic value and therefore no compensation expense is recognized. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting For Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS 123”).

 

The following table details the effect on net income and earnings per share had compensation expense been recorded based on the fair value method under SFAS 123, as amended, utilizing the Black-Scholes option valuation model:

 

    

Three Months

Ended June 30,


   

Six Months

Ended June 30,


 
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

(In thousands, except per share data)


   2003

    2002

    2003

    2002

 

Reported net income

   $ 27,278     $ 30,779     $ 37,335     $ 45,094  

Add:

                                

Total stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

     —         —         —         —    

Deduct:

                                

Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     (1,677 )     (1,449 )     (3,390 )     (2,859 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net income

   $ 25,601     $ 29,330     $ 33,945     $ 42,235  
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net income applicable to common stockholders

   $ 25,304     $ 28,975     $ 33,330     $ 41,524  
    


 


 


 


Earnings per share:

                                

Basic-as reported

   $ 0.29     $ 0.33     $ 0.40     $ 0.48  

Basic-pro forma

   $ 0.27     $ 0.31     $ 0.36     $ 0.45  
    


 


 


 


Diluted-as reported

   $ 0.29     $ 0.33     $ 0.40     $ 0.48  

Diluted-pro forma

   $ 0.27     $ 0.31     $ 0.36     $ 0.45  
    


 


 


 


 

4. LONG-TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 consisted of the following:

 

    

June 30,

2003


   

December 31,

2002


 
     (Unaudited)        
     (In thousands)  

Credit facility

   $ 43,000     $ 91,000  

Senior notes

     432,110       432,110  

Private placement debt

     450,000       450,000  

Capital lease obligations

     556       389  
    


 


       925,666       973,499  

Less current portion:

                

Credit facility

     (43,000 )     —    

Capital lease obligations

     (165 )     (121 )
    


 


       (43,165 )     (121 )
    


 


Total long-term debt

   $ 882,501     $ 973,378  
    


 


 

6


Table of Contents

HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2003

 

5. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The calculation of basic earnings per share (“EPS”) for each period is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The calculation of dilutive EPS for each period is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus the effect, if any, of dilutive common stock equivalent shares. The following tables set forth a reconciliation between basic and diluted EPS:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

   Three Months Ended June 30, 2002

    (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)
   

Income

(Numerator)


   

Shares

(Denominator)


  

Per Share

Amount


  

Income

(Numerator)


   

Shares

(Denominator)


  

Per Share

Amount


    (In thousands, except per share data)    (In thousands, except per share data)

Net income

  $ 27,278                 $ 30,779             

Less: Preferred stock dividends

    (297 )                 (355 )           
   


             


          

Basic EPS:

                                      

Income applicable to common stockholders

  $ 26,981     92,554    $ 0.29    $ 30,424     92,099    $ 0.33

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

                                      

Assumed exercise of stock options

    —       409             —       584       
   


 
  

  


 
  

Diluted EPS:

                                      

Income applicable to common stockholders plus assumed conversions

  $ 26,981     92,963    $ 0.29    $ 30,424     92,683    $ 0.33
   


 
  

  


 
  

 

     Six Months Ended June 30, 2003

   Six Months Ended June 30, 2002

     (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)
    

Income

(Numerator)


   

Shares

(Denominator)


  

Per Share

Amount


  

Income

(Numerator)


   

Shares

(Denominator)


  

Per Share

Amount


     (In thousands, except per share data)    (In thousands, except per share data)

Net income

   $ 37,335                 $ 45,094             

Less: Preferred stock dividends

     (615 )                 (711 )           
    


             


          

Basic EPS:

                                       

Income applicable to common stockholders

   $ 36,720     92,495    $ 0.40    $ 44,383     91,985    $ 0.48

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

                                       

Assumed exercise of stock options

     —       361             —       416       
    


 
  

  


 
  

Basic EPS:

                                       

Income applicable to common stockholders plus assumed conversions

   $ 36,720     92,856    $ 0.40    $ 44,383     92,401    $ 0.48
    


 
  

  


 
  

 

7


Table of Contents

HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2003

 

6. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Goodwill and intangible assets as of June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 consisted of the following:

 

    

June 30,

2003


   

December 31,

2002


 
     (Unaudited)        
     (In thousands)  

Gross value:

                

FCC licenses

   $ 2,479,034     $ 2,479,034  

Goodwill

     957,281       957,281  

Network affiliations

     95,493       95,493  

Favorable leases

     723       723  
    


 


Total gross value

     3,532,531       3,532,531  

Accumulated amortization:

                

FCC licenses

     (190,866 )     (190,866 )

Goodwill

     (158,121 )     (158,121 )

Network affiliations

     (30,513 )     (29,318 )

Favorable leases

     (446 )     (408 )
    


 


Total accumulated amortization

     (379,946 )     (378,713 )
    


 


Total goodwill and intangible assets, net

   $ 3,152,585     $ 3,153,818  
    


 


 

On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”), which requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives (FCC licenses) no longer be amortized, but instead be assessed for impairment at least annually by applying a fair value-based test. SFAS 142 also requires that intangible assets with determinable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The Company’s annual amortization expense for intangible assets with determinable useful lives is estimated to be approximately $2.5 million per year.

 

 

The Company completed its initial goodwill impairment review during the first quarter of 2002 and its annual goodwill impairment review during the fourth quarter of 2002 using a fair value approach in accordance with SFAS 142 and found no impairment. In addition, no evidence of impairment was found with regard to the Company’s FCC licenses. In 2002, the Company made an adjustment of approximately $0.4 million to the carrying value of goodwill to finalize certain purchase accounting adjustments.

 

7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Hearst Corporation. As of June 30, 2003, The Hearst Corporation (“Hearst”) owned approximately 37.7% of the Company’s outstanding Series A common stock and 100% of the Company’s Series B common stock, representing in the aggregate approximately 65.5% of the outstanding voting power of the Company’s common stock. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, the Company entered into the following transactions with Hearst or parties related to Hearst:

 

    Management Agreement. The Company recorded revenues of approximately $1.0 million and $1.9 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively, and approximately $1.0 million and $1.6 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2002, respectively, relating to a management agreement with Hearst (the “Management Agreement”). Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Company provides certain management services, such as sales, news, programming, and financial and accounting management services, with respect to certain Hearst owned or operated television and radio stations. The Company believes that the terms of the Management Agreement are reasonable to both parties; however, there can be no assurance that more favorable terms would not be available from third parties.

 

8


Table of Contents

HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2003

 

    Services Agreement. The Company incurred expenses of approximately $0.9 million and $1.9 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively, and approximately $0.9 million and $1.8 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2002, respectively, relating to a services agreement with Hearst (the “Services Agreement”). Pursuant to the Services Agreement, Hearst provides the Company certain administrative services such as accounting, financial, legal, insurance, data processing and employee benefits administration. The Company believes that the terms of the Services Agreement are reasonable to both parties; however, there can be no assurance that more favorable terms would not be available from third parties.

 

    Dividends on Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities. The Company incurred dividends expense relating to redeemable convertible preferred securities of $0.75 million and $1.5 million in both the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, relating to dividends payable to Hearst, which holds $40.0 million of the total $200.0 million of redeemable convertible preferred securities issued in December 2001 by Hearst-Argyle Capital Trust, a wholly-owned subsidiary trust of the Company.

 

    Radio Facilities Lease. Pursuant to the Studio Lease Agreement, Hearst paid the Company approximately $0.2 million and $0.4 million in both the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Under the Studio Lease Agreement, Hearst leases from the Company premises for WBAL-AM and WIYY-FM, Hearst’s Baltimore, Maryland radio stations. The term of the lease commenced September 1, 2000 and will continue as to the space occupied by each radio station, respectively, until the earlier of (i) Hearst’s divestiture of the radio station to a third party, in which case either party (i.e., the Company or the buyer of the station) will be entitled to terminate the lease with respect to that station upon certain prior written notice, or (ii) August 31, 2003. The Company currently anticipates that the lease will be renewed.

 

    Lifetime Entertainment Services. The Company recorded revenues of approximately $0.4 million and $0.9 million from Lifetime Entertainment Services (“Lifetime”) in the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively, and approximately $1.0 million and $1.4 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2002, respectively. The Company has an agreement with Lifetime, an entity owned 50% by an affiliate of Hearst and 50% by ABC, whereby (i) the Company assists Lifetime in securing Lifetime Movie Channel distribution and subscribers; and (ii) Lifetime provides services to the Company in respect to the negotiation of the Company’s retransmission consent agreements.

 

    Other Transactions with Hearst. The Company recorded no revenues in the three months ended June 30, 2002, and in the six months ended June 30, 2002, the Company recorded net revenues of approximately $0.7 million relating to advertising sales to Hearst on behalf of ESPN Classic, a property of ESPN, Inc., which is owned 20% by an affiliate of Hearst and 80% by ABC. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, the Company did not receive advertising revenues from Hearst.

 

NBC. In August 2001, the Company contributed its production-and-distribution unit to NBC/Hearst-Argyle Syndication, LLC in exchange for a 20% equity interest in this entity. NBC/Hearst-Argyle Syndication, LLC is a limited liability company formed by NBC Enterprises and the Company to produce and syndicate first-run broadcast and original-for-cable programming. This investment is accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s share of the income (loss) in NBC/Hearst-Argyle Syndication, LLC is included in Equity in income (loss) of affiliates in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. Emerson Coleman, Vice President, Programming of the Company, is a member of the Board of Directors of NBC/Hearst-Argyle Syndication, LLC, from which he does not receive compensation for his services.

 

IBS. In December 1999, the Company invested $20 million of cash in Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. (“IBS”) in exchange for an equity interest in IBS. In May 2001, the Company invested an additional $6 million of cash for a total investment of $26 million in IBS. This investment is accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s share of the income (loss) of IBS is included in Equity in income (loss) of affiliates in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. Since January 2001, Harry T. Hawks, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and since October 2002 Terry Mackin, Executive Vice President of the Company, have both served on the Board of Directors of IBS, from which they do not receive compensation for their services. From December 1999 through October 2002, David J. Barrett, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, served on the Board of Directors of IBS, from which he did not receive compensation for his services. In addition, IBS also provides hosting services for the Company’s corporate Web site for a nominal amount.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2003

 

ProAct Technologies Corporation. In March 2000, the Company invested $25 million in ProAct Technologies Corp. (“ProAct”) for an equity interest in ProAct. As this investment represents less than a 20% interest in ProAct, the investment is accounted for using the cost method. In March 2001, the Company wrote-down its investment in ProAct by $18.8 million in order to approximate the investment realizable value. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, the Company did not receive revenues from ProAct. The Company recorded no revenues in the three months ended June 30, 2002, and approximately $3.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, relating to advertising sales to ProAct. Since February 2003, Harry T. Hawks, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has served on the Board of Directors of ProAct, from which he does not receive compensation for his services. From March 2000 through December 2002, Bob Marbut, former Chairman of the Board of Directors and Co-Chief Executive Officer and a current Director of the Company, served on the Board of Directors of ProAct, from which he did not receive compensation for his services.

 

J.P. Morgan Chase Bank. The lead agent bank under the Company’s $750 million credit facility entered into in April 1999 is J.P. Morgan Chase Bank (“Chase”). The credit facility matures on April 12, 2004, and borrowings thereunder bear interest at an applicable margin that varies based on the Company’s ratio of total debt to operating cash flow. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee based on the unused portion of the credit facility. Frank A. Bennack, Jr., a Director of the Company and former President and Chief Executive Officer of The Hearst Corporation, is also a Director of Chase.

 

Argyle Communications, Inc. The Company had a consulting agreement with Argyle Communications, Inc. (“ACI”) through December 31, 2002 for the services of Bob Marbut, the Company’s former non-executive Chairman of its Board of Directors, in connection with his rendering advice and his participation in strategic planning and other similar services. The Company made payments of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2002, respectively, in connection with the consulting agreement with ACI. Mr. Marbut is the sole stockholder of ACI.

 

Small Business Television. The Company utilizes Small Business Television’s (“SBTV”) services to provide television stations with additional revenue through the marketing and sale of commercial time to smaller businesses that do not traditionally use television advertising due to costs. In both the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, these sales generated revenues of approximately $0.3 million, of which approximately $0.1 million was distributed to SBTV and approximately $0.2 million was distributed to the Company. In both the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, the revenues from the SBTV services were approximately $0.5 million, of which approximately $0.2 million was distributed to SBTV and approximately $0.3 million was distributed to the Company. Mr. Dean Conomikes, the owner of SBTV, is the son of John J. Conomikes, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Other Related Parties. In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into transactions with other related parties, none of which were significant to the Company’s financial results during the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

On July 4, 2003, the Company experienced a collapse of its tower at KETV, the Company’s television station in Omaha, Nebraska. Although no one was injured in the accident, the station’s tower was destroyed and its transmitter building was damaged. Further, there was some damage to a nearby tower owned by another broadcaster. At the time of the accident, the station was on air with its auxiliary site and therefore no interruption to on-air coverage occurred. The cause of the accident is unknown and the Company is currently in the process of its investigation. The Company anticipates that its insurance policy will cover the cost to rebuild or repair the damaged property, in excess of the insurance policy’s deductible of $250,000.

 

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HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

 

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

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) own and operate 24 network-affiliated television stations and provide management services to two network-affiliated and one independent television stations and two radio stations (collectively the “Managed Stations”) in exchange for a management fee. See Note 7 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 include: (i) the results of the Company’s 24 television stations which were owned for the entire periods presented and (ii) the management fees earned by the Company from the Managed Stations for the entire periods presented.

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2002

 

Total revenues. Total revenues include primarily (i) cash and barter advertising revenues, net of agency and national representatives’ commissions; and, to a lesser extent (ii) network compensation and (iii) other revenues. Other revenues represented less than 3.0% of total revenues. Total revenues in the three months ended June 30, 2003 were $179.6 million, as compared to $182.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2002, a decrease of $2.7 million or 1.5%. This decrease was primarily attributable to the following: (i) a decrease in net political advertising revenues of $5.4 million, as a result of the normal, cyclical nature of the television broadcasting business, in which the demand for advertising by candidates running for political office decreases in odd-numbered years (such as 2003); (ii) macro-economic factors, such as continued economic weakness nationally and regionally in certain of the Company’s larger markets, as well as geopolitical uncertainty internationally; and (iii) the effect of ABC’s underperformance in primetime ratings upon the Company’s ABC-affiliated stations. These factors were partially offset by an increase in demand by national and local advertisers, particularly in the categories of financial services, automotive, attractions, packaged goods, furniture and housewares, retail and telecommunications.

 

Salaries, benefits and other operating costs. Salaries, benefits and other operating costs were $81.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $79.8 million in the three months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $1.2 million or 1.5%. This increase was primarily due to (i) an increase in insurance costs and (ii) an increase in employee benefits and pension expenses; partially offset by (iii) a decrease in bad debt expense.

 

Amortization of program rights. Amortization of program rights was $15.8 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $14.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $1.1 million or 7.5%. This increase was primarily due to new strategic program rights acquisitions at the Company’s television stations in the Sacramento, California and Winston-Salem/Greensboro, North Carolina markets.

 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $13.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $10.5 million in the three months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $2.6 million or 24.8%. Depreciation expense was $12.5 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $10.5 million in the three months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $2.0 million or 19.0%. This increase was primarily due to the Company’s recording of approximately $2.1 million of accelerated depreciation in the three months ended June 30, 2003 on certain broadcasting equipment which management determined to be obsolete. Management reviews, on a continuing basis, the financial statement carrying value of property, plant and equipment for impairment. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset carrying value may not be recoverable, the carrying value is written down through accelerated depreciation. Amortization was $0.6 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $0.02 million in the three months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $0.58 million, principally resulting from amortization of network affiliation agreement intangible assets. The Company estimates its amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets (which includes network affiliation agreements) to be approximately $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. See Note 6 of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Corporate, general and administrative expenses. Corporate, general and administrative expenses were $4.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $4.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $0.5 million or 11.4%. This increase was primarily due to: (i) an increase in director and officer liability insurance premiums; and (ii) an increase in professional fees.

 

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Operating income. Operating income was $64.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $73.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2002, a decrease of $8.3 million or 11.4%. This net decrease in operating income was due to the items discussed above.

 

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net of interest income, was $17.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $18.8 million in the three months ended June 30, 2002, a decrease of $1.4 million or 7.4%. This decrease in interest expense, net, was primarily due to a lower outstanding debt balance in the second quarter of 2003 than in the second quarter of 2002. The Company’s outstanding debt balance as of June 30, 2003 was approximately $925.7 million, as compared to approximately $1.1 billion as of June 30, 2002. See Note 4 of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Dividends on redeemable convertible preferred securities. Dividends on redeemable convertible preferred securities were $3.75 million in both the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002. The dividends are accrued in connection with the private placement of redeemable convertible preferred securities in the amount of $200 million by a consolidated subsidiary trust of the Company, in December 2001. The dividend payments are tax-deductible by the Company. The net proceeds of $194.8 million (after payment of issuance costs of $5.2 million) from the private placement were utilized by the Company to reduce outstanding borrowings under the credit facility.

 

Other income, net. Other income, net, recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2002 represented an escrow closing fee paid to the Company by Emmis Communications Corporation in connection with the Phoenix/WMUR Swap transaction, which occurred in March 2001.

 

Equity in income (loss) of affiliates. Equity in income (loss) of affiliates was approximately $0.4 million of income in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $1.2 million of loss in the three months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $1.6 million or 133.3%. This increase was primarily due to the improved operating results of the operating entities related to Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. (“IBS”). Equity in income (loss) of affiliates represents the Company’s equity interests in the financial results of its unconsolidated affiliates, which included (i) IBS and related entities and (ii) NBC/Hearst-Argyle Syndication, LLC in the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

Income taxes. Income tax expense was $16.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $18.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2002, a decrease of $2.0 million or 10.7%. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in income attributable to the items described above. The effective tax rate was 38.0% in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to 37.8% in the three months ended June 30, 2002. The Company expects its effective tax rate for the year ending December 31, 2003 to be approximately 38.0%. Income tax expense represents federal and state income taxes as calculated on the Company’s income before income taxes.

 

Net income. Net income was $27.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $30.8 million in the three months ended June 30, 2002, a decrease of $3.5 million or 11.4%. This decrease was due to the items discussed above, primarily a decrease of $8.3 million in operating income; partially offset by a decrease of $1.4 million in interest expense, net; an increase of $1.6 million in equity in income (loss) in affiliates; and a decrease of $2.0 million in income tax expense, in the three months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002.

 

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Six Months Ended June 30, 2003

 

Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2002

 

Total revenues. Total revenues include primarily (i) cash and barter advertising revenues, net of agency and national representatives’ commissions; and, to a lesser extent (ii) network compensation and (iii) other revenues. Other revenues represented less than 3.0% of total revenues. Total revenues in the six months ended June 30, 2003 were $328.9 million, as compared to $337.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, a decrease of $8.3 million or 2.5%. This decrease was primarily attributable to the following: (i) a decrease in net political advertising revenues of $9.6 million, as a result of the normal, cyclical nature of the television broadcasting business, in which the demand for advertising by candidates running for political office decreases in odd-numbered years (such as 2003); (ii) a decrease in net advertising revenues due to the absence of approximately $8.0 million in revenues, which the Company estimates to have been the incremental portion of the $15.3 million in revenue generated in the first quarter of 2002 during the broadcast of the Winter Olympics by the Company’s ten NBC affiliates; (iii) the effect of ABC’s underperformance in primetime ratings upon the Company’s ABC-affiliated stations; (iv) macro-economic factors, such as continued economic weakness nationally and regionally in certain of the Company’s larger markets, as well as geopolitical uncertainty internationally, specifically the loss of approximately $5.0 million in net advertising revenues during March 2003 due to advertiser cancellations, schedule adjustments, pre-emptions for network news coverage, and lost new bookings, as a result of the war in Iraq. These factors were partially offset by an increase in demand by core national and local advertisers, particularly in the categories of financial services, automotive, attractions, packaged goods, furniture and housewares, retail and telecommunications.

 

Salaries, benefits and other operating costs. Salaries, benefits and other operating costs were $160.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $159.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $1.8 million or 1.1%. This increase was primarily due to (i) an increase in insurance costs and (ii) an increase in employee benefits and pension expenses; partially offset by (iii) a decrease in bad debt expense.

 

Amortization of program rights. Amortization of program rights was $31.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $29.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $2.3 million or 7.8%. This increase was primarily due to new strategic program rights acquisitions at the Company’s television stations in the Sacramento, California and Winston-Salem/Greensboro, North Carolina markets.

 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $24.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $20.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $3.2 million or 15.3%. Depreciation expense was $22.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $20.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $2.0 million or 9.6%. This increase was primarily due to the Company’s recording of approximately $2.1 million of accelerated depreciation in the six months ended June 30, 2003 on certain broadcasting equipment which management determined to be obsolete. Management reviews, on a continuing basis, the financial statement carrying value of property, plant and equipment for impairment. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset carrying value may not be recoverable, the carrying value is written down through accelerated depreciation. Amortization was $1.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $0.06 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $1.14 million, principally resulting from amortization of network affiliation agreement intangible assets. The Company estimates its amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets (which includes network affiliation agreements) to be approximately $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. See Note 6 of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Corporate, general and administrative expenses. Corporate, general and administrative expenses were $9.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $8.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $1.6 million or 19.5%. This increase was primarily due to: (i) an increase in director and officer liability insurance premiums; and (ii) an increase in professional fees.

 

Operating income. Operating income was $102.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $119.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, a decrease of $17.2 million or 14.4%. This net decrease in operating income was due to the items discussed above.

 

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net of interest income, was $34.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $37.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, a decrease of $2.4 million or 6.5%. This decrease in interest expense, net, was primarily due to a lower outstanding debt balance in the first and second quarters of 2003 than in 2002. The Company’s outstanding debt balance as of June 30, 2003 was approximately $925.7 million, as compared to approximately $1.1 billion as of June 30, 2002. See Note 4 of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Dividends on redeemable convertible preferred securities. Dividends on redeemable convertible preferred securities were $7.5 million in both the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002. The dividends are accrued quarterly in the amount of $3.75 million in connection with the private placement of redeemable convertible preferred securities in the amount of $200 million by a consolidated subsidiary trust of the Company, in December 2001. The dividend payments are tax-deductible by the Company. The net proceeds of $194.8 million (after payment of issuance costs of $5.2 million) from the private placement were utilized by the Company to reduce outstanding borrowings under the credit facility.

 

Other income, net. Other income, net, recorded in the six months ended June 30, 2002 represented an escrow closing fee paid to the Company by Emmis Communications Corporation in connection with the Phoenix/WMUR Swap transaction, which occurred in March 2001.

 

Equity in income (loss) of affiliates. Equity in income (loss) of affiliates was approximately $0.2 million of income in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $2.3 million of loss in the six months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $2.5 million or 108.7%. This increase was primarily due to the improved operating results of the operating entities related to Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. (“IBS”). Equity in income (loss) of affiliates represents the Company’s equity interests in the financial results of its unconsolidated affiliates, which included (i) IBS and related entities and (ii) NBC/Hearst-Argyle Syndication, LLC in the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

Income taxes. Income tax expense was $22.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $27.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, a decrease of $4.7 million or 17.0%. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in income attributable to the items described above. The effective tax rate was 38.0% in both the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002. The Company expects its effective tax rate for the year ending December 31, 2003 to be approximately 38.0%. Income tax expense represents federal and state income taxes as calculated on the Company’s income before income taxes.

 

Net income. Net income was $37.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $45.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, a decrease of $7.8 million or 17.3%. This decrease was due to the items discussed above, primarily a decrease of $17.2 million in operating income; partially offset by a decrease of $2.4 million in interest expense, net; an increase of $2.5 million in equity in income (loss) in affiliates; and a decrease of $4.7 million in income tax expense, in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2002.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $63.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $84.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, a decrease of $21.6 million or 25.5%. This decrease was primarily due to (i) the decrease in the Company’s net revenues and net income compared to the same period in 2002, as discussed above under “Total revenues” and “Net income”; (ii) an increase in net cash paid for income taxes; and (iii) changes in working capital, primarily a decrease in accrued liabilities (see “changes in operating assets and liabilities” in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows). See the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for a reconciliation of “net income” to “net cash provided by operating activities.”

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $14.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $13.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, an increase of $1.4 million or 10.7%. During both periods, the Company’s primary investing activities were equipment purchases related to (i) special projects and towers; (ii) digital conversions, as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”); and (iii) maintenance.

 

Capital expenditures were $14.6 million and $13.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and were funded using the Company’s net cash provided by operating activities. For the year ended December 31, 2002, capital expenditures were $25.9 million, including approximately (i) $15.4 million in digital conversion; (ii) $5.4 million in maintenance projects; and (iii) $5.1 million in special projects. For the year ending December 31, 2003, the Company expects to make approximately $30.0 million in capital expenditures, including approximately (i) $5.0 million in digital projects; (ii) $16.5 million in maintenance projects; and (iii) $8.5 million in special projects. Since 1997 through June 30, 2003, the Company has made capital expenditures of approximately $57.8 million related to digital conversions. The Company anticipates that it will make additional investments of approximately $7.0 to $9.0 million by December 31, 2004 on digital conversions.

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $46.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, as compared to $70.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002, a decrease of $24.6 million or 34.8%. The Company used cash provided by operating activities to pay down the credit facility in the net amount of $48.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003 and $78.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002.

 

The Company’s debt obligations contain certain financial and other covenants and restrictions on the Company. Certain of the financial covenants include credit ratios such as leverage, interest coverage and fixed charges coverage, but such covenants do not include any triggers explicitly tied to the Company’s credit ratings or stock price. The Company is in compliance with all such covenants and restrictions as of June 30, 2003.

 

On February 27, 2003, a holder of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, exercised their right to convert 1,900 shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 89,445 shares of the Company’s Series A Common Stock. On July 29, 2002, a holder of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, exercised their right to convert 1,657 shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 79,959 shares of the Company’s Series A Common Stock. As of June 30, 2003, the Company had 7,381 shares outstanding of Series A Preferred Stock and 10,938 shares outstanding of Series B Preferred Stock.

 

In May 2003, the Company reclassified its borrowings under the credit facility, which matures on April 12, 2004, from long-term debt into current liabilities. See Notes 4 and 7 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. As of June 30, 2003, the outstanding balance under the credit facility was $43.0 million. The Company is currently reviewing its options to enter into a new credit facility prior to the maturity of its existing one.

 

As of June 30, 2003, the Company’s long-term debt obligations, exclusive of capital lease obligations, were $882.1 million, all of which mature after 2005. See Note 4 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. All of the Company’s long-term debt obligations as of June 30, 2003 bear interest at a fixed rate. The Company’s credit ratings for its long-term debt obligations, respectively, were BBB- by Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings and Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, as of June 30, 2003. Such credit ratings are considered to be investment grade.

 

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The Company anticipates that its primary sources of cash, which include current cash balances, cash provided by operating activities, and amounts available under the existing credit facility, will be sufficient to finance the operating and working capital requirements of its stations, as well as the Company’s debt service requirements, anticipated capital expenditures, and other obligations of the Company for both the next 12 months and the foreseeable future thereafter. The Company is currently reviewing its options to enter into a new credit facility prior to the maturity of its existing one on April 12, 2004.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report includes or incorporates forward-looking statements. The Company has based these forward-looking statements on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events. Forward-looking statements may be contained in this report, concerning, among other things, trends involving net revenues, cash flow and operating expenses, involve risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various important factors, including the impact of changes in national and regional economies, the Company’s ability to service and refinance its outstanding debt, successful integration of acquired television stations (including achievement of synergies and cost reductions), pricing fluctuations in local and national advertising, future regulatory actions and conditions in the television stations’ operating areas, competition from others in the broadcast television markets served by the Company, volatility in programming costs, the effects of governmental regulation of broadcasting, industry consolidation, technological developments, and major world news events. Other matters set forth in this report, or in the documents incorporated herein by reference may also cause actual results in the future to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this report might not occur.

 

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The Company’s credit facility is sensitive to changes in interest rates. As of June 30, 2003, the Company was not involved in any derivative financial instruments. However, the Company may consider certain interest-rate risk strategies in the future.

 

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

 

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the quarter ended June 30, 2003. Based on that evaluation, and as of the end of the quarter for which this report is made, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s quarter ended June 30, 2003 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

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

 

All nominees standing for election as directors were elected at our annual shareholders’ meeting, which was held on May 6, 2003. The following chart indicates the number of votes cast for, the number of votes withheld and the number of broker non-votes with respect to each nominee for director:

 

Proposal One (1)

 

Nominee


 

For


 

Withheld


 

Broker Non-Votes


David Pulver (2)

  42,439,917   1,035,246   0

David J. Barrett (3)

  41,298,648   0   0

Ken J. Elkins (3)

  41,298,648   0   0

Victor F. Ganzi (3)

  41,298,648   0   0

William Randolph Hearst III (3)

  41,298,648   0   0

Michael E. Pulitzer (3)

  41,298,648   0   0

Virginia H. Randt (3)

  41,298,648   0   0

(1)   Abstentions were not counted in the election of the directors.
(2)   Series A Director. Elected by the holders of Series A Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock voting as a class.
(3)   Series B Director. Elected by the holders of Series B Common Stock voting as a class.

 

The term of office of the following other directors continued after the annual shareholders’ meeting: Caroline L. Williams, Frank A. Bennack, Jr., John G. Conomikes, George R. Hearst, Jr., Bob Marbut and Gilbert C. Maurer.

 

The proposal to approve an Incentive Compensation Plan under which the Company may award various forms of incentive compensation to officers and other key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Incentive Compensation Plan Proposal”) was also approved at the annual shareholders’ meeting. The following chart indicates the number of votes cast for and against, the number of votes withheld and the number of broker non-votes with respect to the Incentive Compensation Plan Proposal:

 

Proposal Two

 

For

  

84,601,685

Against (1)

  

997,247

Withheld

  

4,060

Broker Non-Votes

  

0


(1)   Abstentions were counted as a vote against the Incentive Compensation Plan Proposal.

 

Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

 

(a) Exhibits:

 

31.1   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

31.2   

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

32    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

 

On April 4, 2003, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K reporting the issuance of a press release disclosing the scheduled date (May 2, 2003) for release of its first-quarter results and updating its earnings guidance for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2003.

 

On May 2, 2003, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K reporting the issuance of a press release reporting financial results and earnings for the Company’s quarterly period ended March 31, 2003. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial information referred to in the press release was furnished with the Report.

 

On June 3, 2003, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K reporting that it would participate at the 11th Annual Deutsche Bank Securities Media Conference and the Bear Stearns 12th Annual Global Credit Research Conference. A copy of the Company’s presentation materials for the conferences was furnished with the Report.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION, INC.

By:

 

/s/    JONATHAN C. MINTZER        


Name:

  Jonathan C. Mintzer

Title:

  Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel

 

Dated:

 

July 31, 2003


 

Name


  

Title


 

Date


/s/    HARRY T. HAWKS        


Harry T. Hawks

  

Executive Vice President

and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

  July 31, 2003

/s/    J. BRADFORD HINCKLEY        


J. Bradford Hinckley

  

Corporate Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

  July 31, 2003

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description


31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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