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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS

PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

 

Commission file number: 333-84416

 

NEXTMEDIA OPERATING, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware   84-154397
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
6312 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 360E Englewood, CO   80111
(Address of Principal Executive Office)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 694-9118

 

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

None

 


(Title of Class)

 

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

None

 


(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 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 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. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

 

Yes ¨ No x

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates as of March 30, 2004 was $0. The total number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of March 30, 2004 was 3,000.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

None

 



Table of Contents

NEXTMEDIA OPERATING, INC.

FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page

PART I         1
   

ITEM 1.

   BUSINESS    1
   

ITEM 2.

   PROPERTIES    17
   

ITEM 3.

   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    17
   

ITEM 4.

   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS    17
PART II         18
   

ITEM 5.

   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS    18
   

ITEM 6.

   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA    18
   

ITEM 7.

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    19
   

ITEM 7A.

   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    28
   

ITEM 8.

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA    28
   

ITEM 9.

   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE    28
   

ITEM 9A.

   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    28
PART III         29
   

ITEM 10.

   DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT    29
   

ITEM 11.

   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION    30
   

ITEM 12.

   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT    30
   

ITEM 13.

   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS    31
   

ITEM 14.

   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES    31
PART IV         32
   

ITEM 15.

   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES and REPORTS ON FORM 8-K    32

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements discussed in Item 1 (Business), Item 3 (Legal Proceedings), Item 7 (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations), Item 7A (Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk) and elsewhere in this Form 10-K constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to management’s expectations, strategic objectives, business prospects, trends, anticipated economic performance and financial condition and other similar matters and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, trends, performance or achievements of results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements discussed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other important factors include, among others: general economic and business conditions, the cyclical nature of our business, the volume of advertising spending, competition, regulatory initiatives, customer preferences and various other matters, many of which are beyond our control. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are made, and we disclaim any obligation to provide any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based.

 

MARKET SHARE AND INDUSTRY DATA

 

We have based or derived the market share and industry data we present in this report from third-party sources, primarily from the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, or OAAA, the Radio Advertising Bureau, or RAB, BIA Financial Network, Inc.’s Radio Market Report 2002 and Inside Radio, Incorporated’s “Who Owns What?”, and audience measurement information from the Arbitron Company. While we believe that these sources are reliable, we can give no assurance that these market share and industry data are accurate in all material respects.

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Unless the context indicates otherwise, any reference to “we,” “our” and “us” refers to NextMedia Operating, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries, and “NextMedia” refers only to NextMedia Operating, Inc., which was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 2000.

 

Overview

 

We are a rapidly growing out-of-home media company that owns and operates radio stations and outdoor advertising properties throughout the United States. We operate 60 radio stations in 14 small to mid-size markets. Our outdoor advertising business consists of traditional outdoor properties, including more than 7,000 outdoor advertising displays and alternative advertising displays located in more than 3,000 retail locations across the United States, primarily in 18 of the 20 largest metropolitan statistical areas, or MSAs. For financial information with respect to our radio broadcasting and outdoor advertising divisions, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

 

Radio Broadcasting Division

 

Radio Station Portfolio

 

We operate 60 AM and FM radio stations in 14 markets throughout the United States. The following chart sets forth certain information about the radio stations we own and operate in rated markets.

 


Table of Contents
    Market Rank

           Fall 2003

Market/Stations


  2002
Radio
Revenues


  2002
Metro
Rank


  Frequency

   Format

 

Target

Demographic(1)


 

Audience

Share in

Target

Demographic(2)


  Audience
Rank in
Target
Demographic


 

Market

Audience

Share(2)


Wilmington

  81   77                         

WJBR-FM

          99.5    Adult Contemporary   W25-54   12.3     2     8.8%

Reno, NV

  88   127                         

KRZQ-FM

          100.9    Alternative Rock   M18-34     5.0     8     2.5

KTHX-FM

          100.1    Adult Rock   P25-54     5.9     5     4.1

KURK-FM(4)

          92.9    Classic Rock   M25-54     4.2     7     2.1

KJZS-FM

          92.1    Smooth Jazz   P35-54     6.1     6     4.1
                                
                                 12.8

Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, MI

  91   130                         

WGER-FM

          106.3    Adult Contemporary   W25-54     7.6     5     4.1

WSGW-AM

          790    News Talk   P12+   11.1     1   11.1

WXQL-FM(5)

          100.5    Contemporary Hit Radio   W18-34     6.3     4     2.1

WTLZ-FM

          107.1    Urban   P18-49     7.8     4     6.0

WCEN-FM

          94.5    Country   P25-54     7.4     3     5.6
                                
                                 28.9

Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, NC

  98   84                         

WRNS-AM/FM

          960/95.1    Country   P25-54   12.8     1   13.4

WERO-FM

          93.3    Top 40   W18-44     6.8     4     4.3

WKOO-FM

          98.7    Oldies   P35-64     3.7     6     2.7

WANG-AM/FM

          1330/105.1    Adult Standards   P35-64     0.9   13     0.9

WXQR-FM

          105.5    Rock   M18-34     8.8     1     3.5

WQSL-FM(3)

          92.3    Rhythmic Contemporary Hit Radio   P18-34     5.9     1     3.7

WQZL-FM(3)

          101.1    Rhythmic Contemporary Hit Radio   P18-34     5.9     1     2.7

WDLX-AM

          930    News/Talk   P25-54     0.8   15     0.6
                                
                                 31.8

Lubbock, TX

  159   181                         

KLLL-FM

          96.3    Country   P25-54   10.9     1   12.2

KMMX-FM

          100.3    Hot Adult Contemporary   W25-44     8.8     4     4.4

KONE-FM

          101.1    Classic Rock   M25-54   10.8     2     6.8

KBTE-FM (LMA)

          104.9    Rhythmic Contemporary Hit Radio   P18-34   12.7     2   10.1
                                
                                 33.5

Myrtle Beach, SC

  163   167                         

WQJM-AM

          1450    News/Talk Sports   P25-54   —     —     —  

WRNN-FM

          99.5    News/Talk   P25-54     6.3     3     8.9

WYAV-FM

          104.1    Classic Rock   M25-54   17.1     1     6.3

WKZQ-FM

          101.7    Active Rock   M18-34   11.6     2     3.9

WMYB-FM

          92.1    Adult Contemporary   W25-54     6.5     2     4.3
                                
                                 23.4

Canton, OH

  167   129                         

WHBC-FM

          94.1    Adult Contemporary   W25-54   19.4     1   11.4

WHBC-AM

          1480    Full Service   P35-64     9.7     2   13.2
                                
                                 24.6

Erie, PA

  171   166                         

WRTS-FM

          103.7    Contemporary Hit Radio/Top-40   W18-49   31.8     1   19.8

WRKT-FM

          100.9    Rock   M25-54   13.3     2     6.9

WFGO-FM

          94.7    Oldies   P25-54     8.1     4     7.3

WFNN-AM

          1330    Sports   M25-54     7.2     5     3.3

WJET-AM

          1400    News/Talk   P25-54     3.1     9     4.3

WUSE-FM

          93.9    Country   P25-54     3.1     9     3.3
                                
                                 44.9

Decatur, IL

  260   267                         

WSOY-FM

          102.9    Top 40   W25-44   21.1     1   10.6

WCZQ-FM

          105.5    Rhythmic Contemporary   P18-34   10.0     3     4.4

WDZQ-FM

          95.1    Country   P25-54     5.0     5     5.3

WSOY-AM

          1340    News/Talk/Sports   P25-54     8.3     2   11.5

WDZ-AM

          1050    Urban Adult Contemporary   P25-54     3.3     8     4.4
                                
                                 36.2

(1) P = Persons; M = Men; W = Women.

 

(2) Reflects the radio station’s share among all radio station signals received in that market.

 

(3) Stations are simulcast.

 

(4) Formerly KNHK-FM.

 

(5) Formerly WTCF-FM.

 

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Wilmington, Delaware. Wilmington is the 77th ranked MSA and the 81st ranked radio market in the United States based on estimated 2002 radio advertising revenue of $26.1 million, of which we had a 25.6% share. According to BIA’s Financial Network, Inc.’s Radio Market Report 2002, radio advertising revenue in Wilmington grew at a compound rate of 4.8% during the five-year period ended December 31, 2002.

 

The Wilmington market has a population of approximately 663,100. Our signal in Wilmington also reaches Philadelphia, including many of its affluent suburban communities. WJBR-FM has been the number one or two rated station in the Wilmington market for the last five years. In addition, WJBR’s citygrade signal over the metropolitan Philadelphia area enables us to attract advertisers seeking to reach residents in Philadelphia’s affluent suburbs.

 

Reno, Nevada. Reno is the 127th ranked MSA and the 88th ranked radio market in the United States based on estimated 2002 radio advertising revenue of $23.6 million, of which we had a 16.9% share. Radio advertising revenue in Reno grew at a compound rate of 8.7% during the five-year period ended December 31, 2002.

 

The Reno market has a population of approximately 410,800, which has historically grown faster than the national average. We have capitalized on Reno’s rapid population growth and popularity as a vacation destination, and believe that our high quality adult programming will enable us to increase our market share and revenue. Reno continues to present an attractive opportunity due to higher than average population growth.

 

Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, Michigan is the 130th ranked MSA and the 91st ranked radio market in the United States based on estimated 2002 radio advertising revenue of $22.5 million, of which we had a 40.4% share. Radio advertising in Saginaw grew at a compound rate of 6.9% during the five-year period ended December 31, 2002.

 

The Saginaw-Bay City-Midland market has a population of approximately 402,400 and is a local vacation destination for Michigan and the surrounding states. While we have achieved a leading position in the market in terms of ratings and revenue, we believe the market presents the opportunity for further development and growth.

 

Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, North Carolina. Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville is the 84th ranked MSA and the 98th ranked radio market in the United States based on estimated 2002 radio advertising revenue of $21.4 million, of which we had a 38.3% share. Radio advertising revenue in Greenville grew at a compound rate of 4.4% during the five-year period ended December 31, 2002.

 

The Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville market is the largest market that Arbitron covers in terms of geographic area and has a population of approximately 587,400. We operate ten stations in the market, including WRNS-FM, the leading regional country music station in the market. Combined with our radio and outdoor operations in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, our stations in this market make us the leading out-of-home media provider in the Coastal Carolina region. We expect our position to help us continue to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities in Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville.

 

Lubbock, Texas. Lubbock is the 181st ranked MSA and the 159th ranked radio market in the United States based on estimated 2002 radio advertising revenue of $12.2 million, of which we had a 26.8% share. Radio advertising revenue in Lubbock grew at a compound rate of 3.2% during the five-year period ended December 31, 2002.

 

The Lubbock market has a population of approximately 246,700. One of our stations, KLLL-FM, is the leading country station in the market, and has featured the top-rated morning show in the market for the last several years. In 2003 we entered into a long term LMA to operate station KBTE-FM. In its first six months of operation, KBTE-FM became the number two rated station in the market and has positioned our cluster to experience above-average growth.

 

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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Myrtle Beach is the 167th ranked MSA and the 163rd ranked radio market in the United States based on estimated 2002 radio advertising revenue of $11.8 million, of which we had a 29.2% share. Radio advertising revenue in Myrtle Beach grew at a compound rate of 5.2% during the five-year period ended December 31, 2002.

 

The Myrtle Beach market has a population of approximately 264,000. Myrtle Beach is one of the fastest growing cities on the east coast of the United States and is a major vacation destination. Subsequent to entering the market in July 2000, we changed some of the formats and signals in our Myrtle Beach stations and in the fall of 2002 became the market leader in ratings and revenue. We expect our strong ratings position and our strong performance in the Coastal Carolina region to drive future growth.

 

Canton, Ohio. Canton is the 129th ranked MSA and the 167th ranked radio market in the United States based on estimated 2002 radio advertising revenue of $11.7 million, of which we had a 60.6% share. Radio advertising revenue in Canton grew at a compound rate of 4.0% during the five-year period ended December 31, 2002.

 

The Canton market has a population of approximately 406,500. We believe that Canton represents a significant growth opportunity for our business because the market is not home to any major television broadcasting station. As a result, the competition for local advertising spending in on-air broadcast space is limited. Our two stations are Canton’s leading radio group in terms of revenue and ratings.

 

Erie, Pennsylvania. Erie is the 166th ranked MSA and the 171st ranked radio market in the United States based on estimated 2002 radio advertising revenue of $11.1 million, of which we had a 61.0% share. Radio advertising revenue in Erie grew at a compound rate of 1.6% during the five-year period ended December 31, 2002.

 

The Erie market has a population of approximately 279,000. We have established our six stations as the leading radio cluster in the market in terms of ratings and revenue. Since entering the market in 2000, we have acquired an additional FM station, secured an additional AM frequency and consolidated three sites into one facility to streamline our operations and reduce costs.

 

Decatur, Illinois. Decatur is the 267th ranked MSA and the 260th ranked radio market in the United States based on estimated 2002 radio advertising revenue of $4.9 million, of which we had a 55.1% share. Radio advertising revenue in Decatur grew at a compound rate of 4.6% during the five-year period ended December 31, 2002.

 

The Decatur market has a population of approximately 113,300. WSOY-AM, which commenced broadcasting in 1946, is one of the leading news/talk and agricultural information stations in the market. Since acquiring our stations in 2000, we changed the format of WDZ-AM from agricultural to urban, and WCZQ-FM from country to rhythmic contemporary, targeting African-American and younger audiences, which we believe were previously underserved by Decatur’s existing radio stations.

 

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The following chart sets forth certain information about the radio stations we own and operate in unrated suburban markets.

 

Market/Stations


   Frequency

   Format

  

Target

Demographic(1)


Suburban Chicago

              

Aurora, IL

              

WERV-FM

     95.9    Classic Hits    P25-54

Crystal Lake, IL

              

WZSR-FM

   105.5    Adult Contemporary    W25-54

Joliet, IL

              

WRXQ-FM

   100.7    Classic Rock    M25-54

WSSR-FM(2)

     96.7    Adult Contemporary    M18-34

WJOL-AM

    1340    News/Talk/Sports    P25-54

WCCQ-FM

     98.3    Country    P25-54

Kenosha, WI/Waukegan, IL

              

WIIL-FM

     95.1    Rock    M18-49

WXLC-FM

   102.3    Hot Adult Contemporary    W25-44

WKRS-AM

    1220    News/Talk/Sports    P25-54

WEXT-FM

   104.7    Country    P25-54

WLIP-AM

    1050    Adult Standards    P35-64

Suburban Dallas

              

Sherman-Denison-Ardmore

              

KLAK-FM

     97.5    Adult Contemporary    W25-54

KMKT-FM

     93.1    Country    P25-54

KMAD-FM

   102.3    Classic Rock    M25-54

KKAJ-FM

     95.7    Country    P25-54

KVSO-AM

    1240    Sports/Talk    M25-54

KTRX-FM

     92.7    Classic Rock    M25-54

KYNZ-FM

   106.7    Hot Adult Contemporary    W18-49

(1) P = Persons; M = Men; W = Women

 

(2) Formerly WLLI-FM.

 

Suburban Chicago. Chicago is the third ranked MSA and the third ranked radio market in the United States based on estimated 2002 radio advertising revenue of $560.6 million. Radio advertising revenue in Chicago grew at a compound rate of 7.6% during the five-year period ended December 31, 2002. The markets that comprise suburban Chicago are currently non-rated; however, six of our eleven stations have achieved ratings in metropolitan Chicago.

 

The greater Chicago metropolitan area is comprised of 11 counties from Southeast Wisconsin to Northwest Indiana. Our Greater Chicago cluster consists of four adjacent areas within this area: (i) Waukegan-Kenosha, (ii) Crystal Lake, (iii) Joliet and (iv) Aurora-Naperville. Moreover, our signals in this cluster reach approximately 4.1 million people (representing 45% of Chicago’s 9.1 million total population). For purposes of comparison, a standalone market having a population of 3.2 million would constitute the 16th largest metropolitan area in the United States, ranking immediately below Phoenix, Arizona (3.3 million) and above Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota (3.0 million). The demographic characteristics of the population within our Greater Chicago cluster are also particularly attractive. For example, the median household income of $58,355 represents 138% of the national average.

 

Suburban Dallas (Sherman-Denison-Ardmore). Dallas is the 5th ranked MSA and the 5th ranked radio market in the United States based on estimated 2002 radio advertising revenue of $383.8 million. Radio advertising revenue in Dallas grew at a compound rate of 9.0% during the five-year period ended December 31, 2002. Sherman-Denison-Ardmore, an outlying suburb of northern Dallas and Fort Worth, is currently a non-rated market.

 

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Dallas is one of the fastest growing metropolitan centers in the United States and is expanding northward to the suburban markets that we serve.

 

Suburban Dallas is defined as three adjacent counties: (i) Denton, (ii) Collin, and (iii) Grayson. This region includes 1.2 million people (representing 23% of Dallas’ 5.4 million total population). Each of the individual counties is estimated to grow at a double-digit rate over the five-year period ended December 31, 2005. For purposes of comparison, a standalone market having a population of 1.2 million would constitute the 49th largest metropolitan area in the U.S., ranking immediately below Memphis, Tennessee (1.2 million) and above Hartford-New Britain-Middletown, Connecticut (1.2 million).

 

Our assets within Suburban Dallas cover Grayson County, which includes (i) Lake Texoma, a popular vacation and recreation area in northern Texas, (ii) Sherman-Denison, a fast-growing metropolitan area north of Dallas and (iii) Ardmore, Oklahoma, immediately north of the Lake Texoma area in southern Oklahoma. The Sherman-Denison-Ardmore market has as an aggregate population of approximately 295,000.

 

Advertising Sales

 

In each of the radio markets we serve, we invest heavily in recruiting and training a large local sales organization to effectively serve our existing and prospective advertising clients. Our market sales force solicits local and regional advertising for each of our markets. We employ Interep and Katz Media Group as our national advertising representatives to solicit and service our national advertising clients.

 

Upon the acquisition of a radio station or a cluster of radio stations in a new market, our salespeople and sales trainees are initially compensated by salary and commissions. As our salespeople and sales trainees gain experience in their markets and become familiar with our standards and accountability systems, we compensate them exclusively with commissions. The sales organization in each of our markets is configured to complement the formats of our stations, the number of our stations, our air-time inventory, and the relative size of that market.

 

Our revenue mix between local and national advertising varies significantly by market. Currently, across all of our markets, approximately 90% of our advertising revenue is local and approximately 10% is national. We believe local advertising represents a more stable revenue source than national advertising. However, we consider national advertising important because it generally commands a higher dollar rate for each advertising spot than local advertising.

 

In 2003, no single advertising customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated radio broadcasting or total revenues.

 

Programming

 

Within each of our network clusters, we target diverse demographic groups with a broad range of programming formats, including rock, adult contemporary, oldies, news/talk, country and alternative. We believe that this diversity of programming formats enables advertisers to target their audiences more accurately by selecting one or more stations on which to broadcast their commercials.

 

We generally broadcast live local programming daily during the peak listening hours of 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. We design the overall mix of each station’s programming to fit the station’s specific format, to target specific demographic audiences and to serve its local community. In determining the format for each of our stations, our station managers, together with our vice president of programming, consider local demographics and programming history to identify programming gaps within the specific market. In addition, we evaluate whether filling a programming gap would generate sufficient listenership to achieve desired revenue levels.

 

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Outdoor Advertising Division

 

Products

 

We seek to offer advertisers a range of outdoor advertising products and we continually assess opportunities to complement our existing portfolio with new products. Our inventory of outdoor advertising products consists of both traditional outdoor displays and alternative displays, including:

 

  Bulletins, which are large advertising faces that range in size from 14 feet high and 48 feet long to 20 feet high and 60 feet long. Advertisements are typically made of a durable computer printed vinyl that is either wrapped to the billboard face or affixed with a self-adhesive backing. The bulletins are strategically placed in high traffic locations, typically along interstate highways. Billboard structures are durable, have long useful lives and do not require substantial maintenance.

 

  Wall displays, which are located on the sides of buildings and range in size from 14 feet high and 14 feet long to 60 feet high and 60 feet long. These advertisements are made from computer generated vinyl. We generally place these displays in large metropolitan areas with substantial amounts of traffic. These displays are durable, have long useful lives and require nominal maintenance.

 

  8-sheet posters, which are generally 6 feet high and 12 feet wide. Advertisements are applied to a display face by means of a pre-pasted silkscreen or lithographed paper sheets. We generally place these displays on high- to medium-traffic streets in metropolitan areas.

 

  Indoor displays located in retail locations, such as restaurants, gas stations, bars, retail stores, health clubs and sporting arenas. We install a variety of displays, typically located in restrooms and dressing rooms and above gas pumps. Because these displays are viewed by specific demographic groups in an isolated environment, they represent a unique opportunity for advertisers to more effectively target these groups.

 

We have more than 2,000 bulletins and wall displays and 3,500 posters. In addition, we have exclusive arrangements with national and local retailers, including restaurant and bar chains and retail stores, to operate indoor advertising displays in more than 3,200 alternative display sites.

 

Although our outdoor advertising business focuses primarily on bulletins, 8-sheet posters, wall displays and indoor displays, we also offer a limited number of additional products, including 30-sheet posters and bus shelter displays.

 

The following table sets forth selected information about traditional outdoor advertising markets among the top fifty ranked markets in which we operate.

 

Traditional Outdoor Display Market


   Market Rank

   # of
Bulletins


   # of
Walls


   # of
Posters


New Jersey

   NA    183    —      2,024

San Francisco

   4    —      30    —  

St. Louis

   20    20    —      —  

Hartford

   49    184    —      144

Myrtle Beach

   167    757    —      495

Northern Colorado

   NA    563    —      660

Missouri

   NA    703    —      30

All other

   NA    4    —      364

Total

        2,414    30    3,717
         
  
  

 

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The following table sets forth selected information about our alternative outdoor advertising markets.

 

Alternative Display Market


   Market Rank

   # of Retail
Locations


   # of Displays

New York

   1    397    1,926

Los Angeles

   2    226    1,309

Chicago

   3    170    1,195

San Francisco

   4    71    409

Dallas

   5    165    882

Philadelphia

   6    139    538

Houston

   7    86    474

Washington, D.C.

   8    85    178

Boston

   9    97    305

Detroit

   10    150    1,065

Atlanta

   11    132    597

Miami

   12    58    154

Puerto Rico

   13    —      —  

Seattle

   14    248    1,325

Phoenix

   15    34    80

Minneapolis/St. Paul

   16    381    3,173

San Diego

   17    —      —  

Nassau-Suffolk

   18    —      —  

Baltimore

   19    69    281

St. Louis

   20    71    375

All Other

   21 or higher    696    2,689
         
  

Total

        3,275    16,955
         
  

 

Advertising Sales

 

Local advertising currently comprises approximately 70% of our total outdoor advertising sales.

 

Our traditional outdoor salespeople have strong ties with the advertising community and have local market experience, which we believe will enable us to quickly identify and take advantage of new opportunities for building display sites.

 

We have alternative advertising sales offices in New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Hartford and Minneapolis. Although we generally employ at least one sales representative in each office who is dedicated exclusively to national sales, we encourage our sales representatives to develop national, regional and local accounts to maximize occupancy rates and advertising revenues.

 

Our customer contracts with local advertisers typically range from four to twelve months for bulletins and from one to twelve months for poster and alternative displays. National advertisers for our outdoor advertising products generally enter into contracts for one to three months. In addition, advertisers occasionally purchase advertising to promote particular events.

 

As of December 31, 2003, the average occupancy rate of our bulletins across all of our traditional outdoor markets was approximately 74%. Although we seek to improve both pricing and occupancy across our markets, we emphasize different goals according to the particular characteristics of each market. We typically enter into contracts with our advertisers to place advertisements in numerous displays at a particular site and we price our displays according to the product type, location and number of displays covered by a contract.

 

In 2003, no single advertising customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated outdoor advertising or total revenues.

 

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Site Leases

 

We believe that obtaining attractive sites for our displays is critical to generating advertising sales and building our business. Currently, most of our traditional outdoor displays are located on leased properties; in some instances, however, we purchase the premises on which our display is located or we rely on an easement to use the property. Most of our leases have terms of 5 to 20 years. We also are developing new sites in our existing markets. However, we generally do not begin construction on a new site until we have pre-sold a certain amount of advertising for that site and expect the new site to achieve our targeted rate of return.

 

We lease indoor display sites under exclusive agreements with either corporate customers, individual franchisees or local proprietors. Most of our alternative display sites are subject to revenue sharing provisions, under which we typically retain 80% to 90% of the revenue. Our leases typically have terms of three to five years.

 

In each of our outdoor advertising markets, we have real estate teams focused on developing new sites. Our director of real estate oversees real estate and lease development, including regulatory issues, across our markets. Our local real estate managers are focused on achieving competitive lease rates on attractive sites in each of our markets.

 

In early 2003, we entered into an agreement with Loews Theatres to place indoor advertising in their theatres in the top 20 MSAs. We believe the addition of this inventory and the distribution outlet it provides will create a significant opportunity to expand our alternative advertising business.

 

Installation and Maintenance

 

Each of our advertisers pays the production cost of its displays. While our national customers generally provide their own advertisements, we often assist our local customers in creating or procuring their advertisements. We use two or three printers in each market to create alternative displays and we have an in-house art department based in Minneapolis that produces alternative displays for our local advertisers. We obtain frames produced specifically for our displays from third party vendors and then assemble the displays in Minneapolis before we ship them to the installation sites.

 

We generally employ third party contractors to paint and post our traditional outdoor advertisements. Our sales force inspects the displays weekly to ensure that the advertisements are both clean and well lit. Depending on the market, we have or employ third party maintenance crews to regularly monitor and maintain the displays. In most of our markets, we are able to guarantee our advertisers a maximum 48-hour period in which we can replace damaged displays. Our crews also change displays in our 8-sheet posters and alternative displays at regular intervals in accordance with some of our customer contracts.

 

During 2002, we restructured our operations in the alternative advertising business to eliminate full-time installation and maintenance offices in certain markets. We have outsourced the installation and maintenance in these markets to a strategic partner. Since we no longer incur installation and maintenance costs in the related markets unless we sell advertising into those markets, our profitability is less affected by declines in advertising revenue.

 

Employees

 

As of January 31, 2004, we had a staff of 613 full-time employees and 359 part-time employees. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.

 

Seasonality

 

Our business experiences seasonal revenue fluctuations due primarily to fluctuations in advertising expenditures by local and national advertisers, with revenues typically being the lowest in the first calendar

 

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quarter. In addition, the operating results of certain of our radio stations in any period may be affected by advertising and promotional expenditures that do not necessarily produce revenues in the period in which the expenditures are made.

 

Geographic Information

 

Since our inception, all of our assets have been located in the United States and all of our revenues have been generated from transactions originating in the United States.

 

Competition

 

The out-of-home media industry is highly competitive. Our out-of-home media properties compete for advertising revenues within their respective markets with other out-of-home media properties, as well as with other forms of local media such as newspapers, magazines, network and cable television, the Internet and direct mail.

 

Radio Broadcasting Division. The success of each of our radio stations depends largely upon audience ratings and our share of the overall advertising revenue within a market. Our 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. In addition, each radio station competes on the basis of management experience, the station’s local audience share in its market, transmitter power, assigned frequency, local program acceptance and the number of other radio stations and other advertising media in the market area.

 

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to competition from new or developing media technologies. For example:

 

  cable television operators have introduced a service commonly referred to as “cable radio” which provides cable television subscribers with several high-quality channels of music, news and other information;

 

  direct satellite broadcast television and satellite radio broadcast companies are supplying subscribers with several high-quality music channels;

 

  the Internet offers new and diverse forms of program distribution;

 

  satellite digital audio radio technology, initially developed for automotive applications, could result in new high quality satellite radio services; and

 

  the introduction of in-band on-channel digital radio and new low-power FM radio could provide radio services in the same bandwidth currently occupied by traditional FM and AM radio services.

 

The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, has adopted licensing and operating rules for satellite delivered audio and awarded two licenses for this service in April 1997. Satellite delivered audio may provide a medium for the delivery by satellite or terrestrial means of multiple new audio programming formats to local and/or national audiences. Digital technology also may be used by terrestrial radio broadcast stations on broadcasting frequencies, and the FCC has changed its rules to permit AM and FM radio stations to offer digital sound. We cannot predict what other matters might be considered in the future by the FCC, nor can we assess in advance what impact, if any, the implementation of any of these changes might have on our business.

 

Outdoor Advertising Division. In each of our outdoor advertising markets, we face competition from a wide variety of in-home media, including broadcast and cable broadcasting, print media and direct mail marketers, as well as other out-of-home media. We compete primarily on the basis of the location of our displays and, to a lesser extent, on the cost-per-thousand impressions. According to the OAAA and

 

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industry reports, the traditional outdoor advertising industry is highly fragmented, with over 1,000 companies operating approximately 200,000 advertising displays. Similarly, the alternative advertising industry is highly fragmented and characterized by a large number of local operators, many of whom focus on particular products, including products that we currently offer or intend to offer.

 

On a national level, we compete with a small number of major outdoor advertising companies such as Clear Channel Communications, Viacom Outdoor and Lamar Advertising Co., as well as with other small and mid-sized operators. In each of our markets, we compete primarily on the basis of advertising rates, the locations in which we have displays, and the quality of our customer service. Many of our competitors have greater experience and more established customer relationships than we have in the markets in which we currently operate or in which we seek to operate. We believe we will be able to compete effectively upon entering new markets on the strength of our existing national advertising accounts. Moreover, we believe our strong emphasis on developing local relationships and expertise will enable us to secure attractive sites at competitive rates and to develop long-term advertising relationships in each of our markets.

 

Government Regulation

 

Radio Licensing and Regulation

 

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to extensive and changing regulation of, among other things, program content, advertising content, technical operations and business and employment practices. The ownership, operation and sale of radio stations are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC. Among other things, the FCC:

 

  assigns frequency bands for broadcasting;

 

  determines the particular frequencies, locations and operating power of stations;

 

  issues, renews, revokes and modifies station 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 affect the ownership, operation and employment practices of stations.

 

The FCC is authorized to impose penalties for violations of its rules or the Communications Act, including the imposition of monetary forfeitures, the issuance of short-term licenses, the imposition of a condition on the renewal of a license, nonrenewal of licenses and the revocation of operating authority.

 

FCC Licenses. Radio stations operate pursuant to renewable broadcasting licenses that are ordinarily granted by the FCC for maximum terms of eight years. A station may continue to operate beyond the expiration date of its license if a timely filed license renewal application is pending. During the periods when renewal applications are pending, petitions to deny license renewals can be filed by interested parties, including members of the public. The FCC is required to hold hearings on a station’s renewal application if a substantial or material question of fact exists as to whether the station has served 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. Only after a license renewal application is denied will the FCC accept and consider competing applications for the vacant frequency. Historically, the FCC has generally renewed licenses. We have no reason to believe that our licenses will not be renewed in the ordinary course, although we cannot assure you that any or all of our licenses will be renewed. The non-renewal of one or more of our licenses could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

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

 

  compliance with the various rules limiting common ownership of media properties in a given market;

 

  the character of the licensee and those persons holding attributable interests in the licensee;

 

  history of compliance with the Communications Act’s limitations on alien ownership, and

 

  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, for example, the transfer or acquisition of 50.0% or more of the voting stock, 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. These types of petitions are filed from time to time with respect to proposed acquisitions. If the FCC grants an assignment or transfer application, interested parties have 30 days from public notice of the grant to seek reconsideration of that grant. The FCC usually has an additional ten days to set aside the grant on its own motion. An application that does not involve a substantial change in ownership or control (a “pro forma application”) is not subject to the public notice and 30-day petition to deny procedure. The pro forma application is nevertheless subject to informal objections that may be filed against it at any time until the FCC acts on the application. When ruling 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 control of the broadcast license to any party other than the assignee or transferee specified in the application.

 

Multiple Ownership Rules. The Communications Act and FCC rules and policies impose specific limits on the number of commercial radio stations an entity can own in a single market. These rules and policies may preclude us from acquiring certain stations we might otherwise seek to acquire. The rules and policies also effectively prevent us from selling stations in a market to a buyer that has reached its ownership limit in the market unless that buyer divests other stations. 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 has adopted policies providing for special review of a proposed transaction that raises competitive concerns. The FCC uses a “50/70” revenue test to identify these applications. Specifically, an application proposing a radio station combination having 50% or more of the revenue in an Arbitron metropolitan market or an application that will result in two station owners controlling stations having 70% or more of the revenue in an Arbitron metropolitan market is placed on public notice with a special legend inviting public comment on the application’s impact on competition and diversity in the market. In the past, the FCC has delayed or withheld approval of these applications. The FCC has introduced a policy of preparing

 

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draft actions on these applications within six months after filing. Applications determined to be ungrantable due to competition or diversity concerns will be designated for hearing or, at the applicant’s option, deferred until after finalization of the rule changes.

 

The FCC’s revised 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, together with one radio station in all markets. In addition, an owner is permitted to own additional radio stations, not to exceed the 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 10 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 daily newspaper that has a circulation exceeding 5.0% of the households in the market, plus one voice for all cable television systems operating in the market.

 

In addition to the limits on the number of radio stations and radio/television combinations that a single owner may own, 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 generally applies its ownership limitations to attributable interests held by an individual, corporation, partnership or other association. In the case of corporations controlling broadcast licenses, the interests of officers, directors and those who, directly or indirectly, have the right to vote 5% 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 treats all partnership interests as attributable, except for those limited partnership interests that under FCC policies are considered “insulated” from “material involvement” in the management or operation of the media related activities of the partnership. The FCC currently treats limited liability companies like limited partnerships for purposes of attribution.

 

The FCC has a rule known as the equity-debt-plus rule that causes certain otherwise unattributable creditors or investors to be attributable owners of a station. 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’s interest in the media company is attributable under an FCC attribution rule other than the equity-debt-plus rule.

 

Over the past few years, a number of radio stations have entered into what have commonly been referred to as local marketing agreements (“LMAs”). While these agreements may take varying forms, under a typical local marketing 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 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 local marketing 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.

 

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The FCC’s rules provide that a radio station that brokers more than 15.0% of the weekly broadcast time on another station serving the same market will be considered to have an attributable ownership interest in the brokered station for purposes of the FCC’s local radio ownership limits. As a result, in a market where we own a radio station, we would not be permitted to enter into a local marketing agreement with another radio station in the same market if we could not own the brokered station under the multiple ownership rules, unless our programming on the brokered station constituted 15% or less of the brokered station’s programming time on a weekly basis. FCC rules also prohibit a broadcast station from duplicating more than 25.0% of its programming on another station in the same broadcast service, that is AM-AM or FM-FM, through a local marketing agreement where the brokered and brokering stations which it owns or programs serve substantially the same area.

 

Joint sales agreements (“JSAs”) permit broadcasters to sell advertising time on stations owned by others. In the past, the FCC has declined to consider JSAs as attributable media interests because they do not generally affect programming.

 

New Multiple Ownership Rules. The FCC adopted revisions to its Multiple Ownership Rules in June 2003. Among other things, these new rules would have the effect of (a) changing the definition of local radio market in Arbitron rated markets, (b) changing the methodology for counting commonly owned radio stations in non-Arbitron radio markets, (c) relaxing newspaper/broadcasting cross-ownership limitations, and (d) counting JSAs as attributable interests the same way local marketing agreements are counted. These new rules were appealed in an action before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The Court of Appeals issued an order staying the effective date of the new rules and keeping the prior rules in effect until resolution of the appeal.

 

While it is impossible to predict how the Court of Appeals might rule on the multiple ownership appeal, the new radio market definitions, if implemented, could limit or prevent expansion of our radio holdings in some Arbitron radio markets. Similarly, the attribution of JSAs could require us to terminate such agreements in at least one market.

 

Alien Ownership Rules. The Communications Act prohibits the issuance or holding of broadcast licenses by persons who are not U.S. citizens, whom the Communications Act refers to as “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 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. The limited liability company agreement of our indirect parent, NextMedia Investors, LLC, prohibits the ownership, voting and transfer of our capital stock in violation of these FCC restrictions, and limits the issuance of capital stock or the voting rights such capital stock represents to or for the account of aliens or corporations otherwise subject to domination or control by aliens in excess of the FCC limits. The certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to enforce these provisions.

 

Programming and Operations. The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the public interest. The FCC gradually has relaxed or eliminated many of the more formalized procedures it had developed in the past to promote the broadcast of certain types of programming responsive to the needs of a station’s community of license. A licensee continues to be required, however, to present programming that is responsive to community problems, needs and interests and to maintain records demonstrating this responsiveness. Complaints from listeners concerning a station’s programming often will be considered by the FCC when it evaluates renewal applications of a licensee, but listener complaints may be filed at any time. Complaints are required to be maintained in the station’s public file and generally may be considered by the FCC at any time. Stations also must pay regulatory and application fees and follow various rules promulgated under the Communications Act. Those rules regulate, among other things, political

advertising, sponsorship identifications, the advertisement of contests and lotteries, obscene and indecent broadcasts and technical operations, including limits on human exposure to radio frequency radiation.

 

In November 2002, the FCC adopted new rules prohibiting employment discrimination by broadcast stations on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin and gender; and requiring broadcasters to

 

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implement programs to promote equal employment opportunities at their stations. Under these new equal opportunity rules, radio stations are expected to recruit community-wide for most full time job vacancies. They must undertake certain long term recruitment and training initiatives and file reports with the FCC on their efforts.

 

Proposed and Recent Changes. Congress and the FCC may in the future consider and adopt new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could affect, directly or indirectly, the operation, ownership and profitability of our radio stations, including the loss of audience share and advertising revenues for our radio stations, and an inability to acquire additional radio stations or to finance those acquisitions. These matters may include:

 

  changes in the FCC’s cross-interest, multiple ownership and attribution policies;

 

  regulatory fees, spectrum use fees or other fees on FCC licenses;

 

  foreign ownership of broadcast licenses;

 

  revisions to the FCC’s rules relating to political broadcasting;

 

  technical and frequency allocation matters; and

 

  proposals to restrict or prohibit the advertising of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages on radio.

 

The FCC has adopted standards for authorizing and implementing terrestrial digital audio broadcasting technology, using in-band on-channel technology for AM and FM radio stations. Digital audio broadcasting’s advantages 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 permits an AM or FM station to transmit radio programming in both analog and digital formats, or in digital only formats, using the bandwidth that the radio station is currently licensed to use. It is unclear what effect digital audio broadcasting regulations will have on our business or the operations of our radio stations.

 

The FCC has created a new low-power FM (“LPFM”) radio service, which operates at a maximum power of between 10 and 100 watts in the existing FM commercial and noncommercial band. LPFM stations are used by governmental and nonprofit organizations to provide noncommercial educational programming or public safety and transportation radio services. No existing broadcaster or other media entity, including us, is permitted to have an ownership interest or enter into any program or operating agreement with any LPFM station. During the first two years of the new service, applicants must be based in the area that they propose to serve. Applicants will not be permitted to own more than one station nationwide during the initial two-year period. After the initial two-year period, entities will be allowed to own up to five stations nationwide, and after three years, the limit will be raised to ten stations nationwide. A single person or entity may not own two LPFM stations whose transmitters are less than seven miles from each other. The authorizations for the new stations will not be transferable.

 

At this time, it is difficult to assess the competitive impact of the LPFM stations. The LPFM stations must comply with certain technical requirements aimed at protecting existing FM radio stations from interference, although we cannot be certain of the level of interference that LPFM stations will cause after they begin operating. Moreover, if LPFM stations are licensed in the markets in which we operate our stations, the low-power stations may compete for listeners. The LPFM stations may also limit our ability to obtain new licenses or to modify our existing facilities, although FCC engineers have conducted interference testing and have concluded that the new 10-watt power LPFM stations will not produce unacceptable levels of interference to existing FM stations, such as those owned by us.

 

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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.

 

Federal Antitrust Laws. The agencies responsible for enforcing the federal antitrust laws, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, may investigate certain acquisitions. We cannot predict the outcome of any specific FTC or Department of Justice investigation. Any decision by the FTC or the Department of Justice to challenge a proposed acquisition could affect our ability to consummate an acquisition or to consummate it on terms acceptable to us.

 

For an acquisition meeting certain size thresholds, the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act requires the parties to file Notification and Report Forms concerning antitrust issues with the FTC and the Department of Justice and to observe specified waiting period requirements before consummating the acquisition. 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 restructuring the proposed acquisition or divesting assets. In addition, the investigating agency could file suit in federal court to enjoin the acquisition or to require the divestiture of assets, among other remedies. Acquisitions that are not required to be reported under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act may be investigated by the FTC or the Department of Justice under the antitrust laws before or after consummation. In addition, private parties may under certain circumstances bring legal actions 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 local marketing agreements, joint sales agreements and other similar agreements customarily entered into in connection with radio station transfers could violate the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act if such agreements take effect prior to the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Furthermore, the Department of Justice has noted that joint sales agreements may raise antitrust concerns under Section 1 of the Sherman Act and has challenged joint sales agreements in certain locations. The Department of Justice also has stated publicly that it has established certain revenue and audience share concentration benchmarks with respect to radio station acquisitions, above which a transaction may receive additional antitrust scrutiny. However, to date, the Department of Justice has also investigated transactions that do not meet or exceed these benchmarks and has cleared transactions that do exceed these benchmarks.

 

Regulation of Outdoor Advertising

 

The outdoor advertising industry is subject to governmental regulation at the federal, state and local levels. Federal law, principally the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, established incentives for states to implement legislation to restrict billboards located within 660 feet of, or visible from, interstate and primary highways, except in commercial or industrial areas. Every state has adopted regulations at least as stringent as the provisions of the Highway Beautification Act, including prohibitions on the construction of new billboards adjacent to federally-aided highways and the removal at the owner’s expense and without any compensation of any illegal signs on such highways. The Highway Beautification Act, and the various state statutes implementing it, require the payment of just compensation whenever government authorities require the removal from federally-aided highways of billboards that have been legally erected and maintained.

 

Numerous state and local jurisdictions have, in some cases, passed additional and more restrictive regulations on the construction, repair, upgrading, height, size and location of, and, in some instances, content of advertising copy being displayed on outdoor advertising structures adjacent to federally-aided highways and other thoroughfares. These regulations, often in the form of municipal building, sign or zoning ordinances, specify minimum standards for the height, size and location of billboards. In some cases, the construction of new billboards or relocation of existing billboards is prohibited. Some jurisdictions also have restricted the ability to enlarge or upgrade existing billboards, such as converting from wood to steel or from non-illuminated to illuminated structures. From time to time governmental authorities order the removal of billboards by the exercise of eminent domain. We may be unable to obtain satisfactory compensation for the government-ordered removal of any of our structures.

 

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Amortization of billboards has also been adopted in varying forms in certain jurisdictions. Amortization permits the billboard owner to operate its billboard as a non-conforming use for a specified period of time until it has recouped its investment, after which it must remove or otherwise conform its billboard to the applicable regulations at its own cost without any compensation. Amortization and other regulations requiring the removal of billboards without compensation have been subject to vigorous litigation in state and federal courts and cases have reached differing conclusions as to the constitutionality of these regulations. To date, regulations in our markets have not materially affected our operations.

 

As the owner, lessee or operator of various real properties and facilities, we are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Historically, compliance with these laws and regulations has not had a material adverse effect on our business. There can be no assurance, however, that compliance with existing or new environmental laws and regulations will not require us to make significant expenditures of funds.

 

Available Information

 

Information about us, including recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may be found at our internet website: www.nextmediagroup.net.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 6312 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 360E, Englewood, Colorado 80111. In each of our radio markets, we typically lease offices, studios and transmitter and antenna sites. In each of our outdoor advertising markets, we typically lease or have easements on the property on which our billboard and poster displays are located.

 

No single facility is material to us. We believe that our facilities are generally in good condition and suitable for our operations. However, we continually look for opportunities to upgrade our facilities and may do so in the future.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

In January 2003, we withheld approximately $1.5 million from PNE Media (which represents a net working capital payment otherwise payable to PNE Media) as an offset to indemnification claims in accordance with the contribution and purchase and sale agreement related to our 2001 acquisition of certain outdoor advertising assets of PNE Media. In May 2003, PNE Media filed a demand for arbitration for misrepresentations or omissions in connection with its July 2001 investment in NextMedia Investors, LLC, our ultimate parent. PNE Media sought the withheld amount, together with additional unspecified damages. A panel of three arbitrators heard the dispute during a week-long evidentiary hearing in January 2004. In March 2004, the arbitration panel delivered an award that was favorable to us and, after certain set-offs, resulted in a net recovery of approximately $3.6 million. At this time, PNE Media and we are in the process of implementing the arbitration award.

 

We are involved in various legal and other proceedings which are incidental to the conduct of our business. We do not believe that any of these proceedings, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

All outstanding shares of our common stock are held by our parent, NextMedia Group, Inc. As of March 30, 2004, there were 3,000 shares of our common stock outstanding.

 

We have not paid any cash dividends in respect of our common stock since our inception and we have no present intention to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Instead, we intend to retain earnings for working capital and to finance the expansion of our business. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness and contractual restrictions, including the provisions of our amended senior credit facility and provisions applicable to our 10.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011, and any other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors in its sole discretion.

 

Since our inception, we have not made any sales of equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We have no compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods and at the dates indicated, our selected historical and consolidated financial data, in thousands of dollars, except per share data. You should read this financial data in conjunction with the information contained in or referenced under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements” in Parts II and IV of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     1999

    2000

    2001

    2002

    2003

 
     (in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Operating Data:

                                        

Net revenue

   $ 171     $ 39,820     $ 71,721     $ 91,330     $ 106,959  

Market level expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     305       25,913       46,819       59,330       66,532  

Corporate expenses

     685       5,475       8,834       8,116       8,518  

Depreciation and amortization

     8       4,325       11,053       5,523       10,291  

Local marketing agreement fees(1)

     35       2,913       20       —         42  

Impairment loss

     —         —         —         42,956       —    
    


 


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     (862 )     1,194       4,995       (24,595 )     21,576  

Interest expense, net

     6       3,805       15,815       22,444       22,369  

Other (income) expense

     —         38       (574 )     (1,370 )     (20,764 )
    


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (868 )     (2,649 )     (10,246 )     (45,669 )     19,971  

Provisions for deferred income taxes

     —         —         —         4,311       10,464  
    


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (868 )     (2,649 )     (10,246 )     (49,980 )     9,507  

(Income) loss from discontinued operations including loss on disposition

     —         189       662       3,475       (l )
    


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ (868 )   $ (2,838 )   $ (10,908 )   $ (53,455 )   $ 9,508  
    


 


 


 


 


Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):

                                        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 529     $ 836     $ 30,501     $ 14,446     $ 707  

Working capital

     645       2,736       28,149       12,225       (1,156 )

Intangibles assets, net

     121       284,666       408,794       388,901       452,746  

Total assets

     1,355       327,067       506,537       491,980       543,377  

Long-term debt

     1,520       106,945       197,102       197,276       199,634  

Stockholder’s equity

     (568 )     208,382       282,631       257,368       294,055  

(1) Represents fees associated with operating radio stations prior to acquisition. Prior to acquisition, we recognize revenues and related expenses following execution of a local marketing agreement. Upon our acquisition of assets previously operated under a local marketing agreement, we no longer pay the local marketing fees associated with those assets.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

Our business consists of two out-of-home media divisions: radio broadcasting and outdoor advertising. Our radio broadcasting business consists of radio stations for which we provide programming and sell on-air advertising time. Our outdoor advertising business includes traditional outdoor advertising displays, such as bulletins and posters, as well as alternative advertising displays in public locations, including restaurants, health clubs, retail stores and entertainment venues.

 

Radio Broadcasting Division

 

We derive our radio broadcast revenues primarily from the sale of advertising time to local and national advertisers. Our radio division operating expenses consist primarily of employee salaries and commissions, programming expenses, advertising and promotional expenses, rental for studio premises, rental of transmission tower space and music license royalty fees. We seek to control these expenses by centralizing certain functions, such as finance, accounting, legal, human resources and management information systems and the overall programming management function and by requiring adherence to strict cost controls at the station level.

 

Our radio advertising revenues generally reflect the advertising rates that our radio stations can charge and the number of advertisements that we can broadcast without jeopardizing listener levels and resulting ratings. We typically base our advertising rates upon demand for a station’s advertising inventory and its ability to attract audiences in targeted demographic groups, as well as by the number of stations competing in the market.

 

Most of our markets are mid-sized or suburban markets, which typically attract a larger percentage of advertising revenues from local, rather than national, advertising.

 

The radio broadcast industry typically experiences seasonal revenue fluctuations due primarily to fluctuations in advertising expenditures by local and national advertisers, with revenues typically being the lowest in the first calendar quarter of each year. A radio station’s operating results in any period also may be affected by advertising and promotional expenditures that do not necessarily produce revenues in the period in which the expenditures are made.

 

Outdoor Advertising Division

 

We derive our outdoor advertising revenues primarily through contracts with local and national advertisers. Our outdoor division operating expenses consist primarily of employee salaries and commissions, rental of sites for advertising displays, costs for the installation of advertising frames, maintenance and shipping costs, printing of advertisements and production costs.

 

Our outdoor advertising revenues reflect advertising rates prevailing in the relevant market, the location of our displays and our available inventory. We generally base our advertising rates on a particular display’s exposure, or number of “impressions” delivered, in relation to the demographics of the particular market and its location within that market. Our outdoor advertising display contracts typically have terms ranging from one month to one year.

 

We estimate the number of impressions delivered by an outdoor display, for example, by estimating the number of individuals viewing the site during a defined period. We apply a similar formula for determining advertising rates for our other display products. Because roadside bulletin displays are large

 

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and generate a higher number of impressions than other outdoor products, advertising rates for bulletins are significantly higher than those for our other outdoor and alternative display products.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions. A summary of our significant accounting policies is provided in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. The following section is a summary of certain aspects of those accounting policies that both require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments and are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Acquisitions. We account for our business acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 141, Business Combinations. The total cost of acquisitions is allocated to the underlying net assets, 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 judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items. These estimates and assumptions affect future amortization expense and gains or losses recorded on the sale of properties.

 

Intangible Assets. We record identified intangible assets, including but not limited to FCC licenses, advertising permits, customer relationships, non-compete agreements, and favorable/unfavorable lease obligations, at their fair value using our estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect future amortization expense and gains or losses recorded on the sale of properties. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of tangible assets and identified intangible assets acquired in a business combination. For indefinite lived intangibles related to acquisitions prior to July 1, 2001, amortization was provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, primarily 40 years, through December 31, 2001. No amortization has been recorded for indefinite lived intangible assets acquired subsequent to July 1, 2001. From January 1, 2002 through present, in accordance with SFAS 142, no amortization has been recorded on any indefinite lived intangible assets.

 

Impairment. In January 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142), which changes the accounting for goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, such as FCC licenses and advertising permits, from an amortization method to an impairment-only approach, and introduces a new model for determining impairment charges. The new model requires us to evaluate our indefinite lived intangible assets and goodwill for impairment at least annually. In applying the new model, we first evaluate our indefinite lived intangible assets. To the extent that the estimated fair value of the indefinite lived intangible assets is less than the net book value, we record an impairment charge to reduce the net book value to estimated fair value. Subsequent to the impairment analysis of our indefinite lived intangible assets, we evaluate each of our reporting units (principally our markets) for impairment. If the estimated fair value of our reporting units is less than the net book value, we perform a second step to quantify the amount of the impairment. In this process, the fair value of each of the assets, including goodwill, is estimated and compared to the related net book value. The shortfall of the fair value below net book value of all of the assets represents the amount of impairment. Determining the fair value of our indefinite lived intangible assets and reporting units requires judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to, among other items, future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates and terminal valuation multiples.

 

Bad debt allowance. We evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific reserve to reduce receivables to what we believe will be collected. For all other customers, we recognize reserves based on historical experience of bad debts as a percent of revenues for each business unit, adjusted for relative improvements or deteriorations in collectibility and changes in current economic conditions.

 

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Income Taxes. We account for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes. Our income tax provision is based on calculations and assumptions that are subject to examination by many different tax authorities. We adjust our income tax provision in the period it is probable that actual results will differ from our estimates. Tax law and rate changes are reflected in the income tax provision in the period in which such changes are enacted.

 

We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is likely to be realized. While we consider future taxable income, if any, in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, in the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period a determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

 

Factors Affecting Comparability

 

We commenced operations in late-1999 when our predecessor by merger completed its first acquisition. Our results of operations from period to period are not comparable because of the impact of the various acquisitions and dispositions that we have completed, as well as our rapid build-up in personnel in anticipation of additional acquisitions. Moreover, our expected growth through acquisitions is likely to continue to limit the comparability of our results of operations.

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following tables present certain summary historical financial data in dollars and as a percentage of net revenues for the periods indicated on a consolidated basis and for each of our out-of-home media divisions.

 

     Year Ended December 31,

     2001

    %

   2002

    %

   2003

    %

Consolidated Operating Data:

                                      

Net revenue

   $ 71,721     100.0    $ 91,330     100.0    $ 106,959     100.0

Market level expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     46,819     65.3      59,330     65.0      66,532     62.2

Corporate expenses

     8,834     12.3      8,116     8.9      8,518     8.0

Depreciation and amortization

     11,053     15.4      5,523     6.0      10,291     9.6

Local marketing agreement fees

     20     0.0      —       0.0      42     0.0

Impairment loss

     —       0.0      42,956     NM      —       0.0
    


      


      


   

Operating income (loss)

     4,995     7.0      (24,595 )   NM      21,576     20.2

Interest expense, net

     15,815            22,444            22,369      

Other (income) expense

     (574 )          (1,370 )          (20,764 )    

Provision for deferred income taxes

     —              4,311            10,464      

Discontinued operations

     662            3,475            (1 )    
    


      


      


   

Net income (loss)

   $ (10,908 )        $ (53,455 )        $ 9,508      
    


      


      


   

Radio Broadcasting Operating Data:

                                      

Net revenues

   $ 56,334     100.0    $ 64,064     100.0    $ 72,876     100.0

Market level expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     36,937     65.6      40,065     62.5      44,432     61.0

Depreciation and amortization

     9,684     13.5      3,523     3.9      5,974     8.2

LMA fees

     20     0.0      —       0.0      42     0.0
    


      


      


   

Segment operating income

   $ 9,693     17.2    $ 20,476     32.0    $ 22,428     30.8
    


      


      


   

Outdoor Advertising Operating Data:

                                      

Net revenues

   $ 15,387     100.0    $ 27,266     100.0    $ 34,083     100.0

Market level expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     9,882     64.2      19,265     70.7      22,100     64.8

Depreciation and amortization

     1,369     8.9      2,000     7.3      4,317     12.7

Impairment loss

     —       0.0      42,956     NM      —       —  
    


      


      


   

Segment operating income (loss)

     4,136     26.9    $ (36,955 )   NM    $ 7,666     22.5
    


      


      


   

 

Comparison of Fiscal Year 2003 to Fiscal Year 2002

 

Net Revenues. Consolidated net revenues increased $15.7 million to $107.0 million in 2003 from $91.3 million in 2002. Radio net revenues increased $8.8 million to $72.9 million in 2003 from $64.1 million in 2002. Outdoor advertising net revenues increased $6.8 million to $34.1 million in 2003 from $27.3 million in 2002. Net revenues increased $12.6 million due to acquisitions, net of dispositions, with the remaining $3.1 million increase attributable to organic growth in the assets that we owned and operated at December 31, 2003. Of the $3.1 million of organic growth, $4.0 million was related to the outdoor division, offset by a decline of $0.9 million in the radio division. We expect 2004 net revenues to exceed 2003 net revenues due to continued acquisition activity and organic growth.

 

Market Level Expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization. Consolidated operating expenses increased $7.2 million to $66.5 million in 2003 from $59.3 million in 2002. Radio operating expenses increased $4.3 million to $44.4 million in 2003 from $40.1 million in 2002. Outdoor advertising operating expenses increased $2.8 million to $22.1 million in 2003 from $19.3 million in 2002. These increases were attributable primarily to our completion of acquisitions in 2002 and 2003. As a percentage of net revenues, consolidated operating expenses decreased from 65.0% to 62.2% because revenue growth did not require a proportionate increase in expenses.

 

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Corporate Expenses. Corporate expenses increased $402,000 to $8.5 million in 2003 from $8.1 million in 2002. This increase was due primarily to severance costs of $400,000 associated with the reduction of corporate staff in 2002. As a percentage of net revenues, corporate expenses declined from 8.9% to 8.0% because we did not add significant corporate costs in connection with our acquisitions.

 

Other Operating Expenses. Consolidated depreciation and amortization increased $4.8 million to $10.3 million in 2003 from $5.5 million in 2002. Radio depreciation and amortization increased $2.5 million to $6.0 million in 2003 from $3.5 million in 2002. Outdoor advertising depreciation and amortization increased $2.3 million to $4.3 million in 2003 from $2.0 million in 2002. The increase in radio and outdoor depreciation and amortization was attributable to the acquisitions during the year which resulted in the addition of depreciable fixed assets and definite lived intangibles which are amortized over their useful lives.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2003, we conducted our annual evaluation of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets pursuant to SFAS 142. As a result of this evaluation, we identified no impairment. In 2002, we recorded a $43.0 million non-cash impairment loss related to our outdoor advertising assets, $19.6 million of which related to advertising permits and $23.4 million of which related to goodwill. The non-cash impairment of these indefinite lived intangible assets was primarily caused by unfavorable economic conditions in the outdoor advertising markets in which we operated during 2002. These weak market conditions adversely impacted the cash flow projections used to determine the fair value of our advertising permits and reporting units and resulted in the non-cash impairment.

 

Interest and Other Income (Expense) Net. Interest expense, net, was flat at $22.4 million in 2003 due to an increase resulting from indebtedness incurred in connection with our acquisitions offset by proceeds from our interest rate swaps. Other income (expense), net increased to $20.8 million in 2003 as a result of gains on our asset sales during the year, including $18.9 million on the sale of station WJTW-FM and $1.7 million on the sale of station WAIT-FM.

 

Income Tax. In connection with the adoption of SFAS 142 and suspension of amortization of FCC licenses, advertising permits and goodwill, we expected that our deferred tax liabilities would not reverse within our net operating loss carry-forward period. Accordingly, we recorded deferred tax expense throughout the year to establish a valuation allowance against net operating loss carry-forwards generated by amortization of goodwill and broadcast licenses that is deductible for tax purposes, but is no longer amortized.

 

Discontinued Operations. In 2003, we had no significant discontinued operations. In 2002, we incurred a loss on discontinued operations of $3.5 million primarily related to the loss on sale of our Panama City, Florida assets.

 

Net Income (loss). Consolidated net income increased $63.0 million to $9.5 million in 2003 from a $53.5 million loss in 2002 as a result of the factors described above.

 

Comparison of Fiscal Year 2002 to Fiscal Year 2001

 

Net Revenues. Consolidated net revenues increased $19.6 million to $91.3 million in 2002 from $71.7 million in 2001. Radio net revenues increased $7.8 million to $64.1 million in 2002 from $56.3 million in 2001. Outdoor advertising net revenues increased $11.9 million to $27.3 million in 2002 from $15.4 million in 2001. Net revenues increased $11.7 million due to acquisitions with the remaining $7.9 million increase attributable to organic growth in the assets that we owned and operated at December 31, 2002. Of the $7.9 million of organic growth, $9.6 million was related to the radio division which was offset by a decline of $1.7 million in the outdoor division.

 

Market Level Expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization. Consolidated operating expenses increased $12.5 million to $59.3 million in 2002 from $46.8 million in 2001. Radio operating expenses increased $3.2 million to $40.1 million in 2002 from $36.9 million in 2001. Outdoor advertising operating expenses increased $9.4 million to $19.3 million in 2002 from $9.9 million in 2001. These increases were

 

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attributable primarily to our completion of acquisitions in 2001 and 2002. As a percentage of net revenues, consolidated operating expenses decreased marginally from 65.3% to 65.0%.

 

Corporate Expenses. Corporate expenses decreased $700,000 to $8.1 million in 2002 from $8.8 million in 2001. This decrease was due primarily to reductions in salaries due to organizational changes in the fourth quarter of 2001. As a percentage of net revenues, corporate expenses declined from 12.3% to 8.9% as we reduced corporate costs despite growth through acquisitions and operations.

 

Other Operating Expenses. Consolidated depreciation and amortization decreased $5.6 million to $5.5 million in 2002 from $11.1 million in 2001. Radio depreciation and amortization decreased $6.2 million to $3.5 million in 2002 from $9.7 million in 2001. Outdoor advertising depreciation and amortization increased $600,000 to $2.0 million in 2002 from $1.4 million in 2001. The decrease in radio depreciation and amortization was attributable primarily to the adoption of SFAS 142, which required that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives no longer be amortized. As a result, we ceased the amortization of FCC licenses and goodwill. The increase in outdoor depreciation and amortization was attributable to the acquisitions during the year which resulted in the addition of depreciable fixed assets and definite lived intangibles which are amortized over their useful lives.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2002, we conducted our annual evaluation of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets pursuant to SFAS 142. As a result of this evaluation, we recorded a $43.0 million non-cash impairment loss related to our outdoor advertising assets, $19.6 million of which related to advertising permits and $23.4 million of which related to goodwill. The non-cash impairment of these indefinite lived intangible assets was primarily caused by unfavorable economic conditions in the outdoor advertising markets in which we operated during 2002. These weak market conditions adversely impacted the cash flow projections used to determine the fair value of our advertising permits and reporting units and resulted in the non-cash impairment.

 

Interest and Other Income (Expense) Net. Interest expense, net, increased to $22.4 million in 2002 from $15.8 million in 2001 due to indebtedness incurred in connection with our acquisitions. Other income (expense), net increased to $1.4 million of income in 2002 as a result of gains on our interest rate swap arrangements.

 

Income Tax. In connection with the adoption of SFAS 142 and suspension of amortization of FCC licenses, advertising permits and goodwill, we expected that our deferred tax liabilities would not reverse within our net operating loss carry-forward period. Accordingly, on January 1, 2002, we recorded a one time non-cash charge of $11,600 to deferred tax expense to establish an additional valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. We recorded additional deferred tax expense throughout the year to establish a valuation allowance against net operating loss carry-forwards generated by amortization of goodwill and broadcast licenses that is deductible for tax purposes, but is no longer amortized.

 

This deferred tax expense was partially offset by the tax benefit associated with the $43.0 million impairment loss on goodwill. As a result of the impairment loss, a significant portion of our deferred tax liability, resulting from the difference between book and tax amortization of goodwill, was reversed. Consequently, we recorded a deferred tax benefit of $15.4 million during the fourth quarter offsetting previously recognized expense of $19.7 million.

 

Discontinued Operations. In the second quarter of 2002, we entered into an agreement to sell the assets of radio stations, WYOO-FM, WPCF-AM, WQJM-FM, WILN-FM and WYYX-FM in exchange for approximately $5.5 million. This sale was completed in January 2003. The assets sold consist primarily of FCC licenses, broadcast equipment and accounts receivable. We recorded a loss of approximately $3.3 million in discontinued operations in the second quarter for the difference between the carrying value of this reporting unit and the expected proceeds of the sale, less expected selling costs. No tax benefit was recognized in connection with this loss. We classified the remaining carrying value of the assets to be sold as held for sale on the balance sheet and the results of operations for this reporting unit have been classified as discontinued operation in all periods presented. During the year ended December 31, 2002, these assets

 

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generated net revenues of approximately $807,000. Management decided to sell these assets because we believe there are alternative uses of capital which may provide a higher return on investment.

 

Net Loss. Consolidated net loss increased $42.6 million to $53.5 million in 2002 from $10.9 million in 2001 as a result of the factors described above.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Sources of Funds

 

Our cash and cash equivalents balance at December 31, 2003 was approximately $707,000 compared to $14.4 million at December 31, 2002. The decrease was due primarily to acquisitions, capital expenditures and financing costs partially offset by cash from operations and previously committed equity capital contributions.

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $6.9 million and $(302,000) in 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in our net cash provided by operating activities was due primarily to growth in revenue and cash flow due to acquisitions completed during 2002 and 2003. During the second half of 2002 and January 2003, we completed several acquisitions funded substantially with equity contributions, which had a positive impact on ongoing cash from operations.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $28.7 million and $27.6 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities was $49.4 million and $43.3 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively. These cash flows primarily reflect borrowings, capital contributions and expenditures for acquisitions and dispositions.

 

As of December 31, 2003 we had net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $71.4 million, which are available to reduce future federal and state income taxes. The federal net operating loss carry forwards begin to expire at various times commencing in 2020.

 

Uses of Funds

 

We use a significant portion of our capital resources to consummate acquisitions. Through December 31, 2003, we funded our acquisitions from: (i) equity capital contributions of approximately $354.0 million from NextMedia Investors, funded by equity investments from several private investment funds and our senior management, (ii) aggregate borrowings of approximately $202.0 million, and (iii) cash from operations. We expect to obtain financing for future acquisitions through the incurrence of debt, additional equity contributions, internally generated funds or a combination of the foregoing. There can be no assurance, however, that external financing will be available to us on terms we consider favorable or that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund our ongoing liquidity requirements.

 

Credit Facility and Senior Subordinated Notes

 

On July 31, 2000, we entered into a credit agreement with various banks (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility, as amended, consists of a $75.0 million revolving loan facility. Amounts available under the Revolving Credit Facility began reducing quarterly beginning in October 2003. The maximum amount available for borrowing at March 1, 2004 was $69,375 as a result of the reduction

 

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beginning in October 2003. By December 31, 2004, the maximum amount available for borrowing will have been reduced to $63,000 as a result of further reductions. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on July 31, 2007. Included within the Revolving Credit Facility is $30.0 million available to us for the issuance of letters of credit. At December 31, 2003, $2,904 of letters of credit were outstanding. Amounts available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility are determined based on certain leverage requirements.

 

Our senior credit facility contains customary restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness and liens in connection therewith, pay dividends and make capital expenditures above specified limits. Under the senior credit facility, we must satisfy specified financial covenants, such as a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum senior leverage ratio and a minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated net cash interest expense. As of December 31, 2003, we were in compliance with all of these covenants. After taking into account our restrictive covenants, as of March 1, 2004, we had approximately $22.0 million of borrowing capacity under our credit facility.

 

On July 5, 2001, we completed an offering of $200.0 million of our 10.75% senior subordinated notes due 2011. Under the terms of the notes, semi-annual interest payments of approximately $10.8 million are due January 1 and July 1 of each year. The indenture governing the notes contains certain restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness and pay dividends. As of December 31, 2003, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures in the year ended December 31, 2003 decreased to $5.0 million from approximately $6.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 due to reduced expenditures for the consolidation of radio broadcasting facilities and new outdoor advertising site development. The following table sets forth our capital expenditures for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002 and 2003. Recurring capital expenditures are related to the maintenance of our existing broadcast facilities and outdoor structures. Non-recurring capital expenditures are related primarily to radio signal upgrades and facility consolidations. Revenue producing capital expenditures are related to the construction of new outdoor structures which management believes will generate future revenue.

 

    

Twelve Months Ended

    December 31, 2002    


  

Twelve Months Ended

    December 31, 2003    


     (in thousands)

Recurring

   $ 1,489    $ 2,019

Non-recurring

     1,017      517

Revenue producing

     3,935      2,506
    

  

Total capital expenditures

   $ 6,441    $ 5,042
    

  

 

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Commitments and Contractual Obligations

 

The following table sets forth future payments due under our debt and lease obligations as of December 31, 2003 (in thousands):

 

     10¾% Senior
Subordinated Notes (1)


   Non-Cancellable
Operating Leases


   Total

2004

   $ —      $ 5,727    $ 5,727

2005

     —        5,247      5,247

2006

     —        4,564      4,564

2007

     —        3,730      3,730

2008 and thereafter

   $ 200,000    $ 28,657    $ 228,657
    

  

  

     $ 200,000    $ 47,925    $ 247,925
    

  

  


(1) In each year from 2004 through 2010, we will make semi-annual cash interest payments of $10,750.

 

We believe that cash from operations, together with available borrowings under our senior credit facility, will be sufficient to permit us to meet our financial obligations and to fund our existing operations for the foreseeable future.

 

On November 7, 2002, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services placed our B+ corporate credit rating on credit watch with negative implications. If we were downgraded by Standard & Poor’s, our ability to raise capital on acceptable terms or at all could be impaired.

 

Inflation

 

To date, our results of operations have not been affected materially by inflation.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FASB) No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (SFAS 143). SFAS 143 applies to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from acquisition, construction, development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. SFAS 143 is effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. On January 1, 2003 we adopted SFAS 143 Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. Some of our lease agreements and easements require that we remove our owned equipment located on the premises at the termination of the applicable lease or easement should it not be renewed. This equipment typically consists of advertising displays or transmitting equipment. We do not believe that these potential future obligations will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” FIN 46 must be applied to interests in variable interest entities created before February 1, 2003 beginning in the first interim or annual period beginning after March 15, 2004. For variable interest entities created after February 1, 2003, FIN 46 is effective for the first interim period after December 31, 2003. During the three month period ended September 30, 2003, we entered into an LMA agreement to operate a station in the Lubbock, Texas market. We considered the applicability of FIN 46 to this LMA agreement and determined that, in this case, the LMA agreement did not meet the criteria established by FIN 46 for consolidation. Consequently, the adoption of FIN 46 has not had a material impact on our financial statements.

 

In November 2002, the Emerging Issues Task Force reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangement with Multiple Deliverables” (“EITF No. 00-21”). This issue addresses how revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting and how the arrangement consideration should be allocated to the identified separate accounting units. EITF No. 00-21 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. Where multiple elements exist in an arrangement, the arrangement fee is allocated to the different elements based upon verifiable objective evidence of the fair value of the elements. The adoption of EITF No. 00-21 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS 149 provides for certain changes in the accounting treatment of derivative contracts. SFAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except for certain provisions that relate to SFAS No. 133 Implementation Issues that have been effective for fiscal quarters that began prior to June 15, 2003, which should continue to be applied in accordance with their respective effective dates. The guidance should be applied prospectively. The adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

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Also in May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”. This new statement changes the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under previous guidance, issuers could account for as equity. It requires that those instruments be classified as liabilities in the balance sheets. Most of the guidance in SFAS 150 is effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of our first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

SAB 104 was released in December 2003. SAB 104 updates interpretative guidance in the codification of staff accounting bulletins to provide consistent accounting guidance on revenue recognition. We adopted SAB 104 in December 2003 with no impact to our financial statements or our financial reporting.

 

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

From January 2002 through January 2004, we were party to various interest rate swap agreements with aggregate notional amounts ranging from $75.0 million to $100.0 million. Pursuant to these swaps, we paid a floating rate of interest and received a fixed rate of interest on the notional amount. Pursuant to the swaps, we received net interest proceeds of $950,000 and $2.0 million in 2002 and 2003, respectively. We recognized quarterly income or expense to record the swaps at fair value during the periods they were outstanding. In February 2004, we terminated the existing swaps, realized a $1.6 million gain, and received proceeds of $1.6 million. We are no longer party to any swaps.

 

Our remaining long-term debt has a fixed interest rate. Consequently, we do not believe we are currently exposed to any material interest rate or market risk in connection with our remaining long-term debt.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The consolidated financial statements and related notes are included in Part IV of this Form 10-K, beginning on page F-1.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Based on their evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures conducted within 90 days of the date of filing this report on Form 10-K, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the date of their evaluation, our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are effective.

 

There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation in connection with the preparation of this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The names of our executive officers, directors and senior officers and their respective ages and positions are as follows:

 

Name


   Age

  

Position


Carl E. Hirsch

   57    Director, Executive Chairman of the Board

Steven Dinetz

   57    Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

Sean Stover

   41    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Samuel “Skip” Weller

   48    President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of the Radio Division

Jeffrey Dinetz

   45    Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of the Radio Division

Jim Matalone

   42    President and Chief Operating Officer of the Outdoor Division

Schuyler Hansen

   35    Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary

Matthew Leibowitz

   53    Secretary

 

Carl E. Hirsch has been our Executive Chairman of the Board since our inception and Executive Chairman of the Board of NextMedia Investors LLC since its inception. From February 1997 to March 1999, Mr. Hirsch was President and Chief Executive Officer of OmniAmerica, Inc., a broadcast and telecommunications tower company. From January 1991 to February 1997, Mr. Hirsch was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OmniAmerica Group, a multimarket radio station group operator.

 

Steven Dinetz has been our President and Chief Executive Officer since our inception and President and Chief Executive Officer of NextMedia Investors LLC since its inception. From October 1998 to March 1999, Mr. Dinetz was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Capstar Broadcasting Company. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Dinetz was President and Chief Executive Officer of Chancellor Broadcasting.

 

Sean Stover has been our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since our inception. From October 1996 to November 1999, Mr. Stover was a partner in the mergers and acquisitions practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Mr. Stover has an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Business.

 

Samuel “Skip” Weller has been President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of our radio division since our inception. From September 1998 to October 1999, Mr. Weller was retired. From January 1996 to September 1998, Mr. Weller was Executive Vice President and Regional Manager for Chancellor Media Corporation and AMFM, Inc., overseeing 24 radio stations in Denver, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Long Island and Sacramento.

 

Jeffrey Dinetz has been the Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of our radio division since January 2001. From October 1997 to December 1999, Mr. Dinetz was a Vice President and Regional Manager of the midwestern markets of Connoisseur Communications. From January 1996 to September 1997, he was Vice President and General Manager of WHTZ-FM for Chancellor Broadcasting Company. Jeffrey Dinetz is the nephew of Steven Dinetz.

 

Jim Matalone has been the President and Chief Operating Officer of the outdoor division since February 2001. From April 1999 to May 2000, Mr. Matalone served as the Chief Operating Officer of Advantage Outdoor Inc. From October 1996 to April 1999, Mr. Matalone served as the Northeast Regional Manager for Universal Outdoor Holdings. From April 1994 to September 1996, Mr. Matalone served as general manager for Trade Advantage, a division of PLA, an outdoor advertising company.

 

Schuyler Hansen has been our Treasurer, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary since September 2001. From July 1999 to September 2000, Mr. Hansen was Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of AMFM Inc., formerly Chancellor Broadcasting Company. Prior to that, Mr. Hansen was a Director in the mergers and acquisitions practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Mr. Hansen has an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin Graduate School of Business.

 

Matthew Leibowitz has been our Secretary since our inception. Since 1981, Mr. Leibowitz has run the law firm of Leibowitz & Associates, P.A., which he founded. Mr. Leibowitz has a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law.

 

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Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of NextMedia Group, Inc. is comprised of Messrs. James M. McElwee and Lawrence S. Sorrel, and performs the functions of an audit committee with respect to us. Mr. McElwee is a Genral Partner at Weston Presidio Capital III and Mr. Sorrel is a Managing Partner at Tailwind Capital Partners LLC, an affiliate of Thomas Weisel Capital Partners, L.P. The Audit Committee makes recommendations concerning the engagement of independent public accountants, reviews with the independent public accountants the scope and results of the audit engagement, approves professional services provided by the independent public accountants, reviews the independence of the independent public accountants, considers the range of audit and non-audit fees and reviews the adequacy of our internal accounting controls. We have determined that the Audit Committee does not include a financial expert as defined in Item 401 of Regulation S-K. We believe that the Audit Committee members are sufficiently sophisticated in financial matters to adequately carry out their responsibilities as members of the Audit Committee.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We currently have a general code of ethics that applies to all of our employees, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer. We expect to amend our code of ethics in 2004 to address the elements of financial reporting and disclosure as defined in Item 406 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The following table sets forth, for the year ended December 31, 2003, the compensation paid to the chief executive officer and the other four most highly-paid executives in 2003. We have not granted any stock options.

 

     Annual Compensation

  

All Other

Compensation


Name and Principal Position


   Year

   Salary

   Bonus

  

Carl E. Hirsch

   2003    $ 300,000    $ —      —  

Executive Chairman of the Board

   2002    $ 300,000      —      —  
     2001    $ 300,000    $ 100,000    —  

Steven Dinetz

   2003    $ 300,000    $ —      —  

President and Chief Executive Officer

   2002    $ 300,000    $ 300,000    —  
     2001    $ 300,000    $ 100,000    —  

Sean Stover

   2003    $ 287,500    $ 172,500    —  

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   2002    $ 270,000    $ 175,000    —  
     2001    $ 270,000    $ 130,000    —  

Samuel Weller

   2003    $ 287,500    $ 70,000    —  

President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of the Radio Division

   2002    $ 275,000    $ 175,000    —  
     2001    $ 270,833    $ 130,000    —  

Jeffrey Dinetz

   2003    $ 272,500    $ 45,000    —  

Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of the Radio Division

   2002    $ 260,000    $ 160,000    —  
     2001    $ 258,333    $ 100,000    —  

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

Our parent company, NextMedia Group, Inc., owns 100% of our outstanding shares of common stock. NextMedia Group, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of NextMedia Investors LLC.

 

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The following table sets forth the amount of NextMedia Investors LLC membership interests beneficially owned by our directors as of March 29, 2004. The address of our directors is c/o NextMedia Operating, Inc. 6312 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 360E, Englewood, CO 80111.

 

Title of Class


   Name of Beneficial Owner

  

Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership


   Percent of Class

 

Class A

   Carl E. Hirsch    12.2 million of membership interests, direct    4.2 %

Class B

        13.6 units, direct    26.3 %

Class A

   Steven Dinetz    12.2 million of membership interests, direct    4.2 %

Class B

        13.6 units, direct    26.3 %

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

NextMedia Investors Limited Liability Company Agreement

 

NextMedia Investors was established pursuant to a limited liability company agreement, dated as of February 28, 2000, and amended and restated as of April 17, 2000 and as of June 13, 2001. The NextMedia Investors limited liability company agreement provides for three classes of membership interests: Class A, Class B and Class C membership interests.

 

The Class A members consist of Thomas Weisel Capital Partners, L.P., Weston Presidio Capital III, LP, Alta Communications VIII, LP, GS Capital Partners 2000, LP, PNE Media LLC and their respective affiliates, Steven Dinetz, Carl E. Hirsch and certain of the other Class B members listed below. Under the terms of the agreement, each Class A member has made capital contributions to fund investment opportunities.

 

The Class B members consist of Steven Dinetz, Carl E. Hirsch, Samuel Weller, Jeffrey Dinetz, Sean Stover, Schuyler Hansen, Allen Stieglitz, Steven Smith, Matthew Leibowitz, James Matalone, Scot McArtor, Bruce Washburn and Michael Morrill. Approximately 53.0 percent of the authorized Class B membership interests are currently issued and outstanding. The Class B Members are not required to make capital contributions to NextMedia Investors in their capacity as Class B members.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, NextMedia Investors may issue non-voting Class C membership interests. Currently there are thirteen Class C members representing an aggregate deemed capital contribution of approximately $10.0 million. The Class C members are not required to make additional capital contributions to NextMedia Investors.

 

In the event that NextMedia Investors makes any distribution, the distribution will be paid first to certain Class A and Class C members based on a formula set forth in the agreement, generally until such members have recovered their total contributions. A portion of the excess over amounts contributed by Class A and Class C members in addition to a portion of the excess over amounts contributed by Class A members and Class C members prior to June 13, 2001 and before the distribution of other contributed amounts will be distributed to the Class B members based on a formula set forth in the agreement, and the Class A members and Class C members will be entitled to the remaining amounts. In general, the portion to be received by the Class B members, which will be allocated among them in proportion to their respective Class B membership interests, will equal approximately 13.8% with respect to capital contributed or committed as of the date hereof. This percentage will decline in accordance with the terms of the agreement in the event that additional equity is contributed after the date hereof.

 

Under the terms of the limited liability company agreement, the board of directors of NextMedia Investors shall be comprised of nine seats, two of which may be designated by Thomas Weisel Capital Partners, two of which may be designated by the holders of the Class B interests who are Management Members (as such term is defined in the NextMedia Investors limited liability company agreement), one of which may be designated by Weston Presidio Capital, one of which may be designated by Alta Communications, two of which may be designated by GS Capital Partners. The board seats designated by GS Capital Partners are nonvoting.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

Aggregate fees were billed to us by our principal accountants, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, for audit services related to the two most recent fiscal years and for other professional services billed in the most recent two fiscal years were as follows:

 

     2002

   2003

Audit Fees

   $ 300,952    $ 332,402

Audit-Related Fees

     79,346      —  

Tax Fees

     255,650      138,218

All Other Fees

     —        —  
    

  

Total

   $ 635,948    $ 470,620
    

  

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

  (a) Documents filed as part of this report:

 

  1. Financial Statements. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.

 

  2. Financial Statement Schedules. None.

 

  3. Exhibits:

 

Exhibit
Number


 

Description


  3.01*   Certificate of Incorporation of NextMedia Operating, Inc.
  3.02*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of NextMedia Operating, Inc.
  3.03*   Bylaws of NextMedia Operating, Inc.
  4.01*   Indenture dated as of July 5, 2001 between NextMedia Operating, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, with respect to the 10 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011.
  4.02*   Form of 10 3/4% Senior Subordinated Note due 2011 (included in Exhibit 4.1).
  4.03*   Registration Rights Agreement dated June 28, 2001, among NextMedia Operating, Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Inc., CIBC World Markets Corp. and Thomas Weisel Partners LLC.
  4.04***   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2002, to be effective as of July 5, 2001, among Crickett Ltd. and Chesapeake Outdoor Enterprises, Inc., each as Guarantor, NextMedia Operating, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

 

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Exhibit

Number


 

Description


  4.05***   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 30, 2002, among NextMedia Northern Colorado, Inc., as Guarantor, NextMedia Operating, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.
10.01*   Credit Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2000, by and among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., a guarantor thereunder, the lenders party thereto and Bankers Trust Company as Administrative Agent.
10.02*   First Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2000, among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., NextMedia Group II, Inc., the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and Bankers Trust Company, as administrative agent.
10.03*   Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2001, among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and Bankers Trust Company, as administrative agent.
10.04*   Third Amendment and Consent to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2001, among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and Bankers Trust Company, as administrative agent.
10.05*   Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2001, among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and Bankers Trust Company, as administrative agent.
10.06***   Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June 25, 2002, among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (f/k/a Bankers Trust Company), as administrative agent.
10.07**   Sixth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2002, among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (f/k/a Bankers Trust Company), as administrative agent.
10.08*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999, among NextMedia Group, LLC and Rambaldo Communications, Inc., Rambaldo AM Communications, Inc. and Rambaldo AM Broadcasting Company.
10.09*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1999, between NextMedia Group, LLC and Empire Broadcasting System LLP.
10.10*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 2, 1999, between NextMedia Group, LLC and Styles Broadcasting of Alabama, Inc.
10.11*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 21, 1999, between NextMedia Group, LLC and The Jet Broadcasting Co., Inc.
10.12*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 18, 1999 among NextMedia Outdoor, L.L.C., Promote It, Inc. d/b/a Gas Station Advertising Network and Jim and Lori Baxter.

 

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Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number


 

Description


10.13*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 20, 1999, between NextMedia Group, LLC and Wilmington WJBR-FM, L.L.C.
10.14*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 6, 1999, between NextMedia Group, LLC and Salt Broadcasting LLC.
10.15*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 11, 2000, among NextMedia Group, LLC and Pinnacle Broadcasting Company, Inc., WSOY Decatur, Inc., Pinnacle Southeast, Inc., Pinnacle Myrtle Corp., Atlantic Towers, Inc., El Paso and Lubbock, Inc., WFXC & WDUR, Inc., and Pinnacle S.C., Inc.
10.16*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2000 between NextMedia Group, LLC and Hirsch Broadcasting Group, LP.
10.17*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2000, among NextMedia Group, LLC and Lake Broadcasting, Inc. and Red River Radio, Inc.
10.18*        Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and AJ Indoor Advertising, Inc.
10.19*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Beaverkettle Company.
10.20*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2000, between NextMedia Operating, Inc. and Belvidere Broadcasting, L.P.
10.21*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2000, between NextMedia Operating, Inc. and Pride Communications, LLC.
10.22*   Asset Exchange Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2000, among NextMedia Operating, Inc. and Cumulus Broadcasting Inc., Cumulus Wireless Services, Inc., Cumulus Licensing Corp., and the Myrtle Beach Stations Trust.
10.23*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2000, between Myrtle Beach Stations Trust and Fidelity Broadcasting Corporation.
10.24*   KLAK-FM Option Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2000, among First Broadcasting Company, L.P., NextMedia Licensing, Inc. and NextMedia Operating, Inc.
10.25*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 28, 2000, among NextMedia Group II, Inc., NextMedia Licensing, Inc., Regent Broadcasting of Erie, Inc. and Regent Licensee of Erie, Inc.
10.26*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2001, among NextMedia Operating, Inc. and NextMedia Licensing, Inc. and Radioworks, Inc., WFVR, Inc. and WKKD, Inc.
10.27*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2001, among NextMedia Outdoor, Inc. and CityVision, LLC, CityVision Connecticut, LLC and CityVision Massachusetts, LLC.
10.28*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2001, between NextMedia Operating, Inc. and Fairview Radio, Inc.

 

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Exhibit
Number


 

Description


10.29*   Amendment No. 1 to the Asset Exchange Agreement, dated April 30, 2001, among NextMedia Operating, Inc. and Cumulus Broadcasting Inc., Cumulus Wireless Services, Inc., Cumulus Licensing Corp., and the Myrtle Beach Stations Trust.
10.30*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2001, between NextMedia Outdoor, Inc. and Great Advertising, LLC.
10.31*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2001, between NextMedia Outdoor, Inc. and Great Outdoor, Inc.
10.32*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2001, between NextMedia Outdoor, Inc. and Media Displays, Inc.
10.33*   Contribution and Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2001, among NextMedia Investors, LLC, NextMedia Outdoor, Inc. and PNE Media, LLC.
10.34*   Amendment No. 2 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2001, among NextMedia Outdoor, Inc. and CityVision, LLC, CityVision Mid-America, LLC, CityVision Connecticut, LLC and CityVision Massachusetts, LLC.
10.35*        Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2001, among Capital Advertising, Inc., Capital Media II, Inc., and Capital Outdoor, Inc. and NextMedia.
10.36*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2001 between Sailing Billboards Outdoor Media, LLC and NextMedia Outdoor, Inc.
10.37*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Carl E. Hirsch.
10.38*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Steven Dinetz.
10.39*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Sean Stover.
10.40*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Samuel Weller.
10.41*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Jeffrey Dinetz.
10.42*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Steven Smith.
10.43*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Schuyler Hansen.
10.44*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Outdoor, Inc., NextMedia Group, Inc. and James Matalone.

 

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Exhibit
Number


 

Description


10.45*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Outdoor, Inc., NextMedia Group, Inc. and Scot McArtor.
10.46***   Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2002, by and among Wilks Broadcasting, LLC, Wilks License Co. LLC, NextMedia Operating, Inc. and NM Licensing LLC.
21.1+   List of subsidiaries of NextMedia Operating, Inc.
31.1+   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2+   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1+   Certification 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.
32.2+   Certification 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.

+ Filed herewith.

 

* Incorporated herein by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-4/A, dated April 8, 2002.

 

** Incorporated herein by reference to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 2002.

 

*** Incorporated herein by reference to our annual report on Form 10-K, dated March 27, 2003.

 

  (b) Reports on Form 8-K:

 

On March 11, 2004, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K announcing earnings results for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NEXTMEDIA OPERATING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

     Page

Report of Independent Auditors

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2003

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

   F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-7

 

F-1


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

To the Stockholder of

NextMedia Operating, Inc.

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholder’s equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NextMedia Operating, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill on January 1, 2002, as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

 

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

 

Denver, Colorado

March 29, 2004

 

F-2


Table of Contents

NEXTMEDIA OPERATING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     December 31,
2002


    December 31,
2003


 

Assets

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,446     $ 707  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,248 and 1,111, respectively

     14,407       16,452  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     2,225       3,209  
    


 


Total current assets

     31,078       20,368  

Property and equipment, net

     52,916       58,016  

Other assets

     13,674       12,247  

Goodwill, net

     34,922       63,590  

Advertising permits

     94,142       103,555  

FCC licenses, net

     256,410       276,997  

Easements, net

     2,467       2,595  

Other intangibles, net

     960       6,009  

Assets held for sale

     5,411       —    
    


 


Total assets

   $ 491,980     $ 543,377  
    


 


Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

                

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 2,481     $ 1,699  

Accrued expenses

     15,740       17,484  

Deferred revenue

     622       516  

Other

     10       1,825  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     18,853       21,524  

Long-term debt

     197,276       199,634  

Deferred tax liability

     16,396       26,858  

Other long-term liabilities

     2,087       1,306  
    


 


Total liabilities

     234,612       249,322  
    


 


Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

                

Stockholder’s equity:

                

Common stock, no par value, 3,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding, respectively

     1       1  

Additional paid-in capital

     325,436       352,615  

Accumulated deficit

     (68,069 )     (58,561 )
    


 


Total stockholder’s equity

     257,368       294,055  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

   $ 491,980     $ 543,377  
    


 


 

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

 

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Table of Contents

NEXTMEDIA OPERATING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Gross revenue

   $ 76,936     $ 99,047     $ 116,001  

Less: agency commissions

     5,215       7,717       9,042  
    


 


 


Net revenue

     71,721       91,330       106,959  

Market level expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown separately below

     46,819       59,330       66,532  

Corporate expenses

     8,834       8,116       8,518  

Depreciation and amortization

     11,053       5,523       10,291  

Local marketing agreement fees

     20       —         42  

Impairment loss

     —         42,956       —    
    


 


 


Total operating expenses

     66,726       115,925       85,383  
    


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     4,995       (24,595 )     21,576  

Other (income) expense:

                        

Interest expense, net

     15,815       22,444       22,369  

Other income

     (574 )     (1,370 )     (20,764 )
    


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

     (10,246 )     (45,669 )     19,971  

Provision for deferred income taxes

     —         4,311       10,464  
    


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (10,246 )     (49,980 )     9,507  

Discontinued operations (Note 2):

                        

(Income) loss from discontinued operations (including loss on disposal of $3,272 for the year ended December 31, 2002)

     662       3,475       (1 )
    


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ (10,908 )   $ (53,455 )   $ 9,508  
    


 


 


 

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

 

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NEXTMEDIA OPERATING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Common Stock

    Additional
Paid-In
Capital


   Accumulated
Deficit


    Total

 
     Shares

    Amount

        

Balance, December 31, 2000

   3,001,010     $ 31     $ 212,057    $ (3,706 )   $ 208,382  

Merger of NextMedia Group II, Inc. into NextMedia Group, Inc. (Note 1)

   (3,000,010 )     (30 )     30      —         —    

Issuance of shares in connection with merger (Note1)

   2,000       —         —        —         —    

Capital contributions from Parent, net

   —         —         85,115      —         85,115  

Vesting of Parent Company Class B membership units

   —         —         42      —         42  

Net loss

   —         —         —        (10,908 )     (10,908 )
    

 


 

  


 


Balance, December 31, 2001

   3,000       1       297,244      (14,614 )     282,631  

Capital contributions from Parent, net

   —         —         28,113      —         28,113  

Vesting of Parent Company Class B membership units

   —         —         79      —         79  

Net loss

   —         —         —        (53,455 )     (53,455 )
    

 


 

  


 


Balance, December 31, 2002

   3,000       1       325,436      (68,069 )     257,368  

Capital contributions from Parent, net

   —         —         27,100      —         27,100  

Vesting of Parent Company Class B membership units

   —         —         79      —         79  

Net income (loss)

   —         —         —        9,508       9,508  
    

 


 

  


 


Balance, December 31, 2003

   3,000     $ 1     $ 352,615    $ (58,561 )   $ 294,055  
    

 


 

  


 


 

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

 

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Table of Contents

NEXTMEDIA OPERATING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

                        

Net income (loss)

   $ (10,908 )   $ (53,455 )   $ 9,508  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     11,379       5,572       10,291  

Non-cash interest expense

     728       1,256       1,238  

Provision for bad debt expense

     1,773       1,034       888  

Non-cash compensation expense

     42       79       79  

Loss/(Gain) on sale of properties

     (1,354 )     3,321       (21,848 )

Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate swap

     —         (1,853 )     118  

Provision for deferred taxes

     —         4,311       10,464  

Impairment loss

     —         42,956       —    

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:

                        

Accounts receivable

     (3,385 )     (2,143 )     (2,958 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (1,035 )     (214 )     (947 )

Accounts payable

     728       (372 )     (878 )

Accrued expenses

     11,325       (741 )     1,090  

Deferred revenue

     234       (54 )     (111 )

Other current liabilities

     (23 )     1       13  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     9,504       (302 )     6,947  
    


 


 


Cash Flows From Investing Activities

                        

Purchase of equipment

     (7,077 )     (6,441 )     (5,042 )

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (112,953 )     (38,449 )     (81,250 )

Proceeds from sale of properties, net

     5,442       1,581       36,908  
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (114,588 )     (43,309 )     (49,384 )
    


 


 


Cash Flows From Financing Activities

                        

Proceeds from Senior Subordinated Notes

     197,020       —         —    

Proceeds from revolving credit facilities

     18,000       —         44,000  

Repayment of revolving credit facilities

     (124,945 )     —         (42,000 )

Equity capital contributions from Parent, net

     53,465       28,113       27,100  

Payments of financing related costs

     (8,408 )     (711 )     (90 )

Other

     (383 )     154       (312 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     134,749       27,556       28,698  
    


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     29,665       (16,055 )     (13,739 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     836       30,501       14,446  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 30,501     $ 14,446     $ 707  
    


 


 


Supplemental Cash Flow Information

                        

Cash payments during the period for:

                        

Interest

   $ 5,742     $ 22,318     $ 22,969  
    


 


 


Taxes

   $ —       $ —       $ —    
    


 


 


Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:

                        

Capital contribution in the form of outdoor advertising assets

   $ 31,650     $ —       $ —    
    


 


 


 

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

 

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Table of Contents

NEXTMEDIA OPERATING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Company

 

NextMedia Operating, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), operates two advertising media segments: a group of radio broadcast stations in fourteen small and mid-sized markets and an outdoor advertising business.

 

The Company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of NextMedia Group, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NextMedia Investors LLC, (the “Parent”) an investment partnership formed by Thomas Weisel Merchant Banking Partners, Weston Presidio Capital, Alta Communications, Inc., GS Capital Partners 2000 L.P. and management of the Company.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NextMedia Operating, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Prior to January 10, 2001, the operations of the Company took place through three entities, NextMedia Operating, Inc., and its subsidiaries, NextMedia Group II, Inc. and NextMedia Outdoor LLC. NextMedia Group II, Inc. and NextMedia Outdoor LLC were effectively controlled by NextMedia Operating, Inc. based on its ownership of 99.99% of the economic interest of NextMedia Group II, Inc. and NextMedia Outdoor LLC and the existence of common management. By January 10, 2001, NextMedia Group II, Inc. and NextMedia Outdoor LLC were merged into NextMedia Operating, Inc. Since this was a combination of entities under common control, there was no change in accounting basis. Accordingly, the results for 2001 and future periods have been consolidated.

 

NextMedia Operating, Inc. was formed in early 2000. NextMedia Group II, Inc. was formed in late 1999 (as NextMedia Group, LLC and converted to NextMedia Group II, Inc. in early 2000). NextMedia Outdoor LLC was formed in late 1999. The Company commenced operations in late 1999 with the acquisition of an 80% interest in GSA Network, an outdoor advertising company, for $300.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in order to conform with the current year presentation. In the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company determined that it had acquired certain previously unrecognized intangible assets (advertising permits and easements) in connection with certain of its outdoor advertising acquisitions. As a result, the Company has reclassified from goodwill and property and equipment the estimated fair value of the advertising permits and easements at the respective dates of their acquisition. Since the book basis of the advertising permits exceeds their tax basis, the Company has recorded the additional deferred tax impact of the reclassification. This basis difference, previously in goodwill, was formerly accounted for as a permanent difference in accordance with SFAS 109, paragraph 30. These adjustments had no effect on the Company’s historical statements of operations, cash flow or shareholder’s equity. The notes to the financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the impact of this reclassification in all periods presented.

 

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Table of Contents

The chart below demonstrates the effect of the advertising permit and easement reclassifications in 2002, including the additional deferred tax impact of the advertising permits:

 

Account


   Previously
Reported


    Reclassification

   

Reclassifed

2002


 

Property and equipment, net

   $ 53,103     $ (187 )   $ 52,916  

Easements, net

     —         2,467       2,467  

Goodwill, net

     119,259       (84,337 )     34,922  

Advertising permits, net

     —         94,142       94,142  

Deferred tax liabilities

     (4,311 )     (12,085 )     (16,396 )
    


 


 


Total

   $ 168,051     $ —       $ 168,051  
    


 


 


 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 104. The primary source of the Company’s radio revenues is the sale of broadcasting time for local, regional and national advertising. The primary source of the Company’s outdoor/indoor display advertising revenue is the sale of signage space. Revenues for radio broadcasting advertisements are recognized when the commercial is broadcast. Revenues for outdoor/indoor sign advertising contracts are recognized ratably over the period in which advertisement displays are posted in the display units. Payments received in advance of billings are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized over the remaining period of the contract, generally less than one year in duration.

 

Trade Agreements

 

The Company trades commercial air time and display advertising for goods and services used principally for promotional, sales and other business activities. An asset and liability are recorded at the fair market value of the goods or services received. Trade revenue is recorded and the liability relieved when commercials are broadcast or displayed and the trade expense is recorded and the asset relieved when goods or services are received or used. The net trade asset or liability is included in current assets or liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. The Company recognized trade revenue and expense in the indicated periods as follows:

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

Trade revenue, included in gross revenue

   $ 3,934    $ 5,238    $ 5,043

Trade expense, included in operating expenses

     3,763      5,301      5,072

 

Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers liquid investments with maturities at date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Accounts receivable

 

Accounts receivable are recorded at cost, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company evaluates the collectibility of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, it records a specific reserve to reduce receivables to what it believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes reserves based on historical experience of bad debts as a percent of revenues for each business unit, adjusted for relative improvements or deteriorations in collectibility and changes in current economic conditions. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reconciled as follows for the years indicated:

 

    

Years ended

December 31,


 
     2002

    2003

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts—opening balance

   $ 1,209     $ 1,248  

Provision for bad debt expense

     959       888  

Write-offs

     (920 )     (1,025 )
    


 


Allowance for doubtful accounts—closing balance

   $ 1,248     $ 1,111  
    


 


 

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Table of Contents

Property and Equipment

 

Assets acquired in business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and are recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date. Property and equipment additions are recorded at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

 

Impairment

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment charge recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. The cost of assets retired or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in income.

 

Acquisitions

 

The Company accounts for business acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 141, Business Combinations. The total cost of acquisitions is allocated to the underlying net assets, 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 judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items. These estimates and assumptions affect future amortization expense and gains or losses recorded on the sale of properties.

 

Intangible Assets

 

The Company records identified intangible assets at their estimated fair value upon acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets. For indefinite lived intangibles related to acquisitions prior to July 1, 2001, amortization was provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, primarily 40 years, through December 31, 2001. No amortization has been recorded for indefinite lived intangible assets acquired subsequent to July 1, 2001. From January 1, 2002 through present, in accordance with SFAS 142, no amortization has been recorded on any indefinite lived intangible assets.

 

In January 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142), which changes the accounting for goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, such as FCC licenses and advertising permits, from an amortization method to an impairment-only approach, and introduces a new model for determining impairment charges. The new model requires the Company to evaluate its indefinite lived intangible assets and goodwill for impairment at least annually. In applying the new model, the Company first evaluated its indefinite lived intangible assets. To the extent that the estimated fair value of the indefinite lived intangible assets is less than the net book value, the Company records an impairment charge to reduce the net book value to estimated fair value. Subsequent to the impairment analysis of the Company’s indefinite lived intangible assets, the Company evaluates each of its reporting units (principally its markets) for impairment. If the estimated fair value of the reporting units is less than the net book value, the Company performs a second step to quantify the amount of the impairment. In this process, the fair value of each of the assets, including goodwill, is estimated and compared to the related net book value. The shortfall of the fair value below net book value of all of the assets represents the amount of impairment. Determining the fair value of the Company’s indefinite lived intangible assets and reporting units requires judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to, among other items, future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates and terminal valuation multiples.

 

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Debt Issuance Costs

 

Debt issue costs which consist of legal, professional, commissions and financing fees incurred in connection with the issuance of the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Revolving Credit Facility are included in other non-current assets and are being amortized over the term of the related agreements on the interest method. During the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, the Company recognized interest expense related to amortization of debt issuance costs of approximately $728, $1,256 and $1,238, respectively.

 

Concentration of Credit Risks

 

In the opinion of management, credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the large number of diversified customers and the geographic diversification of the Company’s customer base. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and believes that adequate allowances for any uncollectible accounts receivable are maintained.

 

Local Marketing Agreements

 

The Company enters into local marketing agreements (“LMAs”) with respect to certain radio stations it intends to acquire. The Company operates the stations under the LMA whereby the Company agrees to purchase from the broadcast station licensee certain broadcast time and provide programming to and sell advertising on the stations during the purchased time. Fees incurred pursuant to LMAs are recognized as operating expenses. The Company’s financial statements include broadcasting revenues and operating expenses of stations marketed under LMAs. The LMA generally terminates upon the closing of the acquisition of the station(s). The company operated four radio stations under LMAs at some point during the year ended December 31, 2001 but did not operate any radio stations under LMAs during the year ended December 31, 2002. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company entered into an LMA to operate a station in the Lubbock, Texas market pursuant to an LMA agreement.

 

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.

 

Derivatives

 

Periodically, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to modify the interest characteristics of its outstanding debt. These agreements involve the exchange of amounts based on a fixed interest rate for amounts based on variable interest rates over the life of the agreement without an exchange of the notional amount upon which the payments are based. The differential to be paid or received as interest rates change is recognized as interest expense. The fair value of the swap agreements and changes in the fair value as a result of changes in market interest rates are recognized in these consolidated financial statements.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

The Company has adopted Statement of Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income (SFAS 130). SFAS 130 establishes standards for reporting and displaying

 

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comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose financial statements. There was no difference between the Company’s net loss and its total comprehensive loss in any periods presented.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FASB) No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (SFAS 143). SFAS 143 applies to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from acquisition, construction, development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. SFAS 143 is effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. On January 1, 2003 the Company adopted SFAS 143 Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. Some of the Company’s lease agreements and easements require that we remove our owned equipment located on the premises at the termination of the applicable lease or easement should it not be renewed. This equipment typically consists of advertising displays or transmitting equipment. The Company does not believe that these potential future obligations will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” FIN 46 must be applied to interests in variable interest entities created before February 1, 2003 beginning in the first interim or annual period beginning after March 15, 2004. For variable interest entities created after February 1, 2003, FIN 46 is effective for the first interim period after December 31, 2003. During the three month period ended September 30, 2003, the Company entered into an LMA agreement to operate a station in the Lubbock, Texas market. The Company considered the applicability of FIN 46 to this LMA agreement and determined that, in this case, the LMA agreement did not meet the criteria established by FIN 46 for consolidation. Consequently, the adoption of FIN 46 has not had a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In November 2002, the Emerging Issues Task Force reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangement with Multiple Deliverables” (“EITF No. 00-21”). This issue addresses how revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting and how the arrangement consideration should be allocated to the identified separate accounting units. EITF No. 00-21 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. Where multiple elements exist in an arrangement, the arrangement fee is allocated to the different elements based upon verifiable objective evidence of the fair value of the elements. The adoption of EITF No. 00-21 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS 149 provides for certain changes in the accounting treatment of derivative contracts. SFAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except for certain provisions that relate to SFAS No. 133 Implementation Issues that have been effective for fiscal quarters that began prior to June 15, 2003, which should continue to be applied in accordance with their respective effective dates. The guidance should be applied prospectively. The adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Also in May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”. This new statement changes the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under previous balance sheets. Most of the guidance in SFAS 150 is effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the Company’s first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

SAB 104 was released in December 2003. SAB 104 updates interpretative guidance in the codification of staff accounting bulletins to provide consistent accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The Company adopted SAB 104 in December 2003 with no impact to our financial statements or its financial reporting.

 

2. Acquisitions and Dispositions

 

Part of the Company’s operating strategy is to expand through prudent acquisition of broadcasting and outdoor advertising properties. The Company acquired each of the advertising assets identified below to help achieve this objective. In seeking acquisition opportunities, the Company generally seeks; (i) assets in markets with a demographic propensity for growth (ie. population growth above average, above average growth in retail sales, etc.), (ii) markets where the Company believes it can

 

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assemble a group of assets generating over $1,000 in annual cash flow from operations, and (iii) assets in markets where the Company believes it can become a leader in terms of ratings, revenue share, or number of advertising faces.

 

As the Company typically negotiates and determine purchase price based on estimated future cash flows generated by the assets acquired, the purchase price of its acquisitions is typically more than the historical cost to construct the assets. As a result, there is generally a residual amount of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets that is assigned to goodwill.

 

The Company completed 12 acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2001. The aggregate purchase price for these acquisitions (including acquisition costs) was $141,189, in cash and non-cash capital contributions from the Parent. During 2002, we completed six outdoor advertising acquisitions with purchase prices greater than $750 and several smaller outdoor advertising acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $1,514. The aggregate purchase price of our 2002 acquisitions was $37,964 in cash, $28,113 of which was funded with equity contributions from the Company’s Parent made during the year. The aggregate purchase price of our 2003 acquisitions was $80,934 in cash, which were funded with (i) proceeds of $27,100 from equity contributions from the Company’s Parent, (ii) borrowings under the Company’s Senior Credit Facility, (iii) proceeds of $37,836 from asset sales, and (iv) cash generated from operations.

 

The acquisitions were accounted for by the purchase method of accounting. As such, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet includes the acquired assets and liabilities and the statement of operations includes the results of operations of the acquired entities from their respective dates of acquisition. A summary of the transactions is presented below:

 

Transaction


   Date of
Acquisition


   Purchase
Price


2001:

           

CitiVision, Inc.

   28 February    $ 4,206

Cumulus Broadcasting

   30 April      2,158

Radioworks

   30 April      3,583

KMAD

   15 June      562

PNE Media

   5 July      92,953

GAESS Outdoor

   5 July      10,141

Scenic Outdoor

   6 October      161

Fairview Radio

   15 October      4,326

Capital Outdoor

   16 October      8,951

Sailing Billboards Outdoor Media, LLC

   26 October      12,093

AMI, LLC

   19 December      855

Onsite Advertising Services, LLC

   27 December      1,200
         

          $ 141,189
         

2002:

           

Philcor Media, LLC

   4 January    $ 1,811

Camden Outdoor, LLC

   30 April      1,899

AMI, LLC

   12 July      820

Flack Outdoor (acquired 100% of the voting equity interests)

   30 August      25,730

Matt Outdoor

   Various      4,461

Klein Outdoor Advertising, Inc

   Various      1,729

Miscellaneous other acquisitions

   Various      1,514
         

          $ 37,964
         

2003:

           

Wilks Broadcasting, LLC

   6 January    $ 55,753

Matt Outdoor

   8 January      409

Chuckie Broadcasting Company

   31 January      5,807

NJ Outdoor Advertising

   19 February      4,083

Outdoor Partnership, LLC

   14 March      1,374

CitiVision

   2 April      392

Impact Marketing

   15 April      571

Prime Outdoor

   18 June      1,010

Great Outdoor Advertising

   21 August      2,243

KC Signs

   30 September      218

Patriot

   8 December      2,024

AllVision

   Various      2,632

Citadel Broadcasting Company (KNHK-FM)

   15 December      4,332

Red Peak Tower

   31 December      86
         

          $ 80,934
         

 

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Table of Contents

An allocation of the aggregate purchase prices to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is presented below.

 

     As of December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Current assets

   $ —       $ 337     $ 76  

Property and equipment

     12,836       11,816       6,380  

FCC licenses

     10,290       177       29,994  

Goodwill – radio division

     —         —         26,628  

Goodwill – outdoor division(1)

     22,185       19,849       3,639  

Advertising permits

     100,471       13,296       9,413  

Easements

     2,280       187       160  

Customer base, non-compete agreements and other

     —         475       5,316  

Current liabilities

     —         (1,521 )     (672 )

Long-term liabilities

     (6,873 )     (6,652 )     —    
    


 


 


     $ 141,189     $ 37,964     $ 80,934  
    


 


 


 

(1) Approximately $8,774 and $6,138 of the goodwill acquired in 2001 and 2002, respectively, is not deductible for tax purposes.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2001, the Parent issued its Class C stock to the seller for part of the PNE Media assets, which was valued at $31,650 and contributed these assets to the Company. The value assigned to the shares of stock issued in connection with the acquisition was determined based on concurrent cash sales of stock.

 

In October and November 2001, the Company sold a radio frequency and related radio station assets in Erie, Pennsylvania for an aggregate of $5,442 with a resultant gain of $1,354.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company sold radio station WKKD-AM located in Aurora, Illinois for approximately $800. The Company received additional proceeds of approximately $781 in connection with the disposition of various non-core assets and pieces of real property.

 

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In the second quarter of 2002, we entered into an agreement to sell the assets of radio stations, WYOO-FM, WPCF-AM, WQJM-FM, WILN-FM and WYYX-FM in exchange for approximately $5,500 in cash. This sale was completed in January 2003. The assets sold consist primarily of FCC licenses, broadcast equipment and accounts receivable. We recorded a loss of approximately $3,272 in discontinued operations in the second quarter of 2002 for the difference between the carrying value of this reporting unit and the expected proceeds of the sale, less expected selling costs. We classified the remaining carrying value of the assets to be sold as held for sale on the balance sheet and the results of operations for this reporting unit were classified as discontinued operations in all periods presented. During the year ended December 31, 2002, these assets generated net revenues of approximately $807. Management decided to sell these assets because we believe there are alternative uses of capital which may provide a higher return on investments.

 

In September of 2003, the Company sold certain of the assets of WJTW-FM licensed to Joliet, Illinois to Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation for $21,000 in cash and recognized a $18,900 gain related to the disposition. In October of 2003, the Company sold the assets of WAIT-FM licensed to Crystal Lake, Illinois to Newsweb Corporation for $8,250 in cash and recognized a $1,653 gain related to the disposition. In December of 2003, the Company sold the assets of KSRN-FM licensed to Reno, Nevada to Lazer Broadcasting Corp for $2,500 in cash and recognized a $760 gain related to the disposition.

 

Subsequent to certain acquisitions, the Company collects amounts for receivables and other assets, which were not purchased. Such amounts are remitted periodically to the sellers and at December 31, 2002 and 2003, $1.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively, were due to sellers.

 

The following unaudited pro forma income statement information has been prepared as if the significant acquisitions and dispositions made during the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 had occurred on January 1, 2002. The pro forma income statement information is not necessarily indicative of the results, which actually would have occurred if these acquisitions had been consummated on January 1, 2002.

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2002

    2003

Net revenues

   $ 103,266     $ 106,403

Total expenses

     138,464       96,498
    


 

Net loss

   $ (52,592 )   $ 9,905
    


 

 

In January 2004, in exchange for its outdoor advertising assets in New York, New York and Baltimore, Maryland, the Company acquired outdoor advertising assets in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. While the company has not finalized its purchase accounting for the acquisition of the assets in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, it expects to allocate a significant portion of the acquisition cost to indefinite lived intangibles in the form of either advertising permits or goodwill.

 

In February 2004, the Company completed its previously announced acquisition of WCCQ-FM licensed to Crest Hill, Illinois for $14,000 in cash. The Company funded the acquisition with borrowings under its credit facility. While the Company has not finalized its purchase accounting for the acquisition of these assets, it expects to allocate a significant portion of the acquisition cost to indefinite lived intangibles in the form of either FCC licenses or goodwill.

 

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Table of Contents
3. Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:

 

     Years ended
December 31,


     2002

   2003

Prepaid rent

   $ 1,227    $ 1,282

Other receivables

     —        1,248

Prepaid insurance, taxes and other

     998      679
    

  

     $ 2,225    $ 3,209
    

  

 

4. Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consist of the following:

 

     Depreciable
Life


   As of December 31,

 
        2002

    2003

 

Land and improvements

   —      $ 5,198       5,729  

Construction in progress

   —        935       870  

Buildings and improvements

   20      8,308       9,893  

Leasehold improvements

   10      1,971       1,833  

Broadcast equipment

   5 – 20      7,042       8,445  

Office equipment

   7      1,691       1,814  

Computer software and systems

   3 – 5      1,638       1,930  

Tower and antennae

   5 – 20      3,250       4,931  

Vehicles

   3      1,376       1,734  

Furniture and fixtures

   7      1,176       1,319  

Advertising displays

   3 – 15      29,461       34,654  
         


 


            62,046       73,152  

Less accumulated depreciation

          (9,130 )     (15,136 )
         


 


          $ 52,916     $ 58,016  
         


 


 

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 was $4,975 and $6,254, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents
5. Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets consist of the following:

 

    

Estimated

Useful
Life


   As of December 31,

 
        2002

    2003

 

Gross:

                   

FCC licenses

   —      $ 265,471     285,755  

Goodwill

   —        35,848     64,516  

Advertising permits

   —        94,142     103,555  

Easements

   —        2,467     2,595  

Definite lived intangibles, primarily customer base and non-compete agreements

   1-15      2,356     11,441  
         


 

          $ 400,284     467,862  
         


 

Less, accumulated amortization:

                   

FCC licenses

        $ (9,061 )   (8,758 )

Goodwill

          (926 )   (926 )

Advertising permits

          —       —    

Easements

          —       —    

Definite lived intangibles, primarily customer base and non-compete agreements

          (1,396 )   (5,432 )
         


 

          $ (11,383 )   (15,116 )
         


 

Net:

                   

FCC licenses

        $ 256,410     276,997  

Goodwill

          34,922     63,590  

Advertising permits

          94,142     103,555  

Easements

          2,467     2,595  

Definite lived intangibles, primarily customer base and non- compete agreements

          960     6,009  
         


 

          $ 388,901     452,746  
         


 

 

Indefinite Lived Intangibles

 

In the first quarter of 2002, the Company completed its transitional assessment of goodwill and other identifiable intangibles in accordance with SFAS No. 142. The Company believes that FCC licenses, easements and advertising permits are indefinite-lived intangibles under the new standard. The Company’s transitional assessment did not identify any impairments in goodwill or its other indefinite-lived intangibles. Amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles ceased upon adoption of SFAS No. 142.

 

The table below compares the net loss reported for the year ended December 31, 2001 as if SFAS No. 142 was adopted January 1, 2001:

 

    

Years ended

December 31,


 
     2001

 

Net loss

   $ (10,908 )

Add back goodwill and FCC license amortization

     7,288  

Related tax effect

     (2,915 )
    


Adjusted net loss

   $ (6,535 )
    


 

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Table of Contents

Activity affecting the Company’s indefinite-lived intangibles during 2002 and 2003 is summarized below:

 

     FCC
Licenses


    Goodwill

    Advertising
Permits


    Easements

 

Gross balance at December 31, 2001

   $ 274,556     $ 40,802     $ 100,471     $ 2,280  

Additions due to acquisition

     —         19,849       13,296       187  

Reductions due to dispositions

     (9,262 )     (5 )     —         —    

Reduction due to impairment loss

     —         (23,331 )     (19,625 )     —    

Other(1)

     177       (1,467 )     —         —    
    


 


 


 


Gross balance at December 31, 2002

     265,471       35,848       94,142       2,467  

Accumulated amortization

     (9,061 )     (926 )     —         —    
    


 


 


 


Net balance at December 31, 2002

   $ 256,410     $ 34,922     $ 94,142     $ 2,467  
    


 


 


 


Gross balance at December 31, 2002

   $ 265,471     $ 35,848     $ 94,142     $ 2,467  

Additions due to acquisition

     29,994       30,267       9,413       160  

Reductions due to disposition

     (9,710 )     —         —         (32 )

Other(1)

     —         (1,599 )     —         —    
    


 


 


 


Gross balance at December 31, 2003

     285,755       64,516       103,555       2,595  

Accumulated amortization

     (8,758 )     (926 )     —         —    
    


 


 


 


Net balance at December 31, 2003

   $ 276,997     $ 63,590     $ 103,555     $ 2,595  
    


 


 


 



(1) Other consists of adjustments to finalize preliminary purchase accounting for acquisitions completed in earlier periods. The Company’s purchase accounting for recent acquisitions is preliminary and subject to receipt of final appraisals.

 

While FCC licenses are renewed annually, under current regulations, the renewal is conditioned only on continued compliance with the terms of the license and payment of the annual license fee. As a result, as long as the Company continues to comply with the license terms and pays the annual fee (both of which are within the Company’s control) the license will not expire or be revoked. Additionally, the Company believes that there are no current competitive forces which threaten the viability of FCC licenses as a useful asset in the long term. Consequently, the Company believes that the license has an indefinite life as defined by SFAS 142. The Company’s billboard permits are issued in perpetuity by state and local governments and are transferable or renewable at little or no cost. Permits typically include the location for which the permit allows the Company the right to operate an advertising structure. The Company’s permits are located on either owned or leased land. In cases where the Company’s permits are located on leased land, the leases are typically renewed indefinitely. In the rare circumstances that the Company loses its lease, the Company will occasionally obtain permission to relocate the permit or bank it with the municipality for future use. The Company’s easement rights are permanent; consequently, they have an indefinite life.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company conducted its annual evaluation of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets pursuant to SFAS No. 142. As a result of this evaluation, the Company recorded a $42,956 non-cash impairment loss related to its outdoor advertising assets, $19,625 of which related to advertising permits and $23,331 of which related to goodwill. The non-cash impairment of these indefinite lived intangible assets was primarily caused by unfavorable economic conditions in the outdoor advertising markets in which we operated during 2002. These weak market conditions adversely impacted the cash flow projections used to determine the fair value of the Company’s reporting units and resulted in the non-cash impairment of goodwill and advertising permits related to those reporting units.

 

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Table of Contents

Definite-lived Intangibles

 

The Company has definite-lived intangible assets that continue to be amortized in accordance with SFAS 142. These assets consist primarily of customer relationships and non-compete agreements which are amortized over their lives. In accordance with the transitional requirements of SFAS 142, the Company reassessed the useful lives of these intangibles and made no material changes to their useful lives.

 

Total amortization expense from definite-lived intangibles for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 was approximately $561, $597 and $4,036, respectively. The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years for definite-lived intangibles as of December 31, 2003:

 

2004

   $ 2,145

2005

     1,242

2006

     748

2007

     492

2008

     340

 

6. Accrued Expenses

 

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

 

     As of December 31,

     2002

   2003

Accrued compensation and bonuses

   $ 1,298    $ 1,198

Accrued commissions

     579      839

Accrued interest

     10,253      10,753

Accrued property taxes

     415      352

Accrued rents

     574      643

Unfavorable leases

     405      347

Accrued franchise taxes

     461      331

Accrued legal and professional fees

     696      1,044

Accrued insurance costs

     530      550

Accrued music license fees

     61      572

Other

     468      855
    

  

     $ 15,740    $ 17,484
    

  

 

7. Long-Term Debt

 

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

     As of December 31,

 
     2002

    2003

 

Revolving Credit Facility

   $ —         2,000  

Senior Subordinated Notes

     200,000       200,000  

Unamortized discount

     (2,724 )     (2,366 )
    


 


Total long-term debt

   $ 197,276     $ 199,634  
    


 


 

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Table of Contents

Revolving Credit Facility

 

On July 31, 2000, the Company entered into a credit agreement with various banks (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility, as amended, consists of a $75,000 revolving loan facility. Amounts available under the Revolving Credit Facility began reducing quarterly beginning in October 2003. The maximum amount available for borrowing at March 1, 2004 was $69,375 as a result of the reductions beginning in October 2003. By December 31, 2004, the maximum amount available for borrowing will have been reduced to $63,000 as a result of further reductions. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on July 31, 2007. Included within the Revolving Credit Facility is $30,000 available to the Company for the issuance of letters of credit. At December 31, 2003, $2,904 of letters of credit were outstanding. Amounts available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility are determined based on certain leverage requirements.

 

Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate based, at the option of the Company, on (i) a base rate defined as the higher of the Prime Lending Rate at such time and one-half of 1% in excess of the overnight Federal Funds Rate at such time plus an incremental rate or (ii) the Eurodollar rate plus an incremental rate. The Company pays fees on the aggregate unused portion of the loan commitment based on the leverage ratio for the most recent quarter ended. Commitment fees were $391, $745 and $371 in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. In addition, the Company is required to pay letter of credit fees.

 

The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary restrictive covenants which, among other things and with certain exceptions, limit the ability of the Company to incur additional indebtedness and liens, pay dividends and make capital expenditures above specified limits. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company is required to satisfy certain financial covenants such as maximum total leverage ratio, maximum senior leverage ratio and minimum consolidated EBITDA to consolidated net cash interest expense. The Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants during all periods presented. After taking into account our restrictive covenants, as of March 1, 2004, we had approximately $22,000 of borrowing capacity on the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

NextMedia Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries have collateralized the Revolving Credit Facility by granting a first priority-perfected pledge of its assets including, without limitation, the capital stock of NextMedia Operating, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. NextMedia Group, Inc. guarantees the obligations of the Company, its direct wholly-owned subsidiary, under the Revolving Credit Facility, and each of the Company’s subsidiaries has guaranteed the obligations of the Company under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company (and all its subsidiaries) are prohibited from dividending or transferring monies or assets to NextMedia Group, Inc. except for very limited purposes, including the payment of general corporate expenses and taxes.

 

Senior Subordinated Notes

 

On July 5, 2001, the Company issued $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10¾% Senior Subordinated Notes due July 1, 2011 (the “Notes”). The Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company, subordinated to all senior indebtedness of the Company, and are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis, jointly and severally, by all of the Company’s subsidiaries. The subsidiary guarantors are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. The Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after July 1, 2006 at prices ranging from 105.375% at July 1, 2006 and declining to 100% after July 1, 2009, plus in each case accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, prior to July 1, 2004, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes at a price equal to 110.75% plus accrued and unpaid interest, out of the proceeds of one or more public equity offerings. Upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the Note indenture), holders of the Notes can require the Company to repurchase the Notes and the Company will be required to make an offer to purchase the Notes at a price of 101%, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Notes indenture contains limitations on incurrence of additional indebtedness, and restricted payments, including a restriction on the payment of dividends to NextMedia Operating, Inc. unless certain financial conditions are

 

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Table of Contents

met, as well as other restrictive covenants. Interest is payable on the Notes on January 1 and July 1 of each year.

 

There are no maturities or sinking fund requirements related to outstanding long-term debt until 2011.

 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

From January 2002 through January 2004, the Company was party to various interest rate swap agreements (the “Swaps”) with aggregate notional amounts ranging from $75,000 to $100,000. Pursuant to the Swaps, the Company paid a floating rate of interest on the notional amount and received a fixed rate of interest on the notional amount. Pursuant to the Swaps, the Company received net interest proceeds of $950 and $1,976 in 2002 and 2003, respectively. The Company recognizes quarterly income or expense to record the Swaps at fair value during the periods they were outstanding. In February 2004, the Company terminated the existing Swaps, realized a $1,600 gain, and received proceeds of $1,600. The Company is no longer party to any Swaps.

 

8. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Leases

 

The Company leases office, studio, tower space and space to display advertising structures under various non-cancelable operating leases expiring through 2018. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 was approximately $4,513, $9,104 and $10,296, respectively. Contingent rentals are included in certain leases for advertising space and are determined based on a percentage of net revenue. Future minimum lease commitments are as follows:

 

Year ended December 31:

      

2004

   $ 5,727

2005

     5,247

2006

     4,564

2007

     3,730

Thereafter

     28,657
    

     $ 47,925
    

 

Equity Interests Granted to Management

 

In connection with the formation of NextMedia Investors, LLC (Note 1), Class B ownership units of NextMedia Investors, LLC were granted to certain members of management of the Company. The Class B units provide a 12.9% interest in the capital in excess of the amount of capital committed by the Class A members of NextMedia Investors, LLC upon the occurrence of a defined liquidity event. The interest vests over four years. Vesting accelerates in the event of a change of control. No expense has been recorded by the Company related to the Class B units issued to management as the grant price equaled fair value at the date of grant.

 

Additional Class B ownership units of NextMedia Investors, LLC were granted to certain members of management in 2001, providing for an additional 0.9% interest, with like vesting provisions. Non-cash compensation expense of $315 in aggregate, is recorded ratably over the vesting period as the fair value at the date of grant exceeded the grant price.

 

Legal

 

In January 2003, the Company withheld approximately $1.5 million from PNE Media (which represents a net working capital payment otherwise payable to PNE Media) as an offset to indemnification claims in accordance with the contribution and purchase and sale agreement related to the Company’s 2001 acquisition of certain outdoor advertising assets of PNE Media. In May 2003, PNE Media filed a demand for arbitration for misrepresentations or omissions in connection with its July 2001 investment in NextMedia Investors, LLC, the Company’s ultimate parent. PNE Media sought the withheld amount, together with additional unspecified damages. A panel of three arbitrators heard the dispute during a week-long evidentiary hearing in January 2004. In March 2004, the arbitration panel delivered an award that was favorable to the Company and, after certain set-offs, resulted in a net recovery of approximately $3.6 million. At this time, PNE Media and the Company are in the process of implementing the arbitration award.

 

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial position or results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

 

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Table of Contents

Guarantees

 

The Company has no indirect or direct guarantees of indebtedness of others.

 

9. Income Taxes

 

The Company has not provided any current United States federal or state income tax provision or benefit as it has experienced operating losses since its inception. The Company has provided a valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asset exclusive of the deferred tax liability for indefinite lived intangibles as discussed below.

 

The Company adopted SFAS No. 142 on January 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 does not change the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, for recognition of deferred taxes related to indefinite lived intangibles and tax-deductible goodwill. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 142, a deferred tax benefit for the difference between book and tax amortization on the Company’s indefinite lived intangibles and goodwill will no longer be recognized as these assets are no longer amortized for book purposes. As the majority of the Company’s deferred tax liability recorded on the balance sheet relates to the difference between book and tax basis of FCC licenses and goodwill, the deferred tax liability will not reverse over time unless impairment charges are recognized on FCC licenses or goodwill, or the FCC licenses or assets supporting the goodwill are sold.

 

In connection with the suspension of amortization of FCC licenses and goodwill for accounting purposes, we expected that our deferred tax liabilities would not reverse within our net operating loss carry-forward period. Accordingly, on January 1, 2002, we recorded a one time non-cash charge of $11,600 to deferred tax expense to establish an additional valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. We recorded additional deferred tax expense throughout the year to establish a valuation allowance against net operating loss carry-forwards generated by amortization of goodwill and FCC licenses that is deductible for tax purposes, but is no longer amortized in the financial statements.

 

As a result of the December 31, 2002 $42,956 impairment loss on goodwill and advertising permits discussed in Note 5, a significant portion of the Company’s deferred tax liability, resulting from the difference between book and tax amortization of goodwill, was reversed. Consequently, we recorded a deferred tax benefit of $15,341 during the fourth quarter offsetting previously recognized expense of $19,652.

 

As of December 31, 2003 the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $71,420, related to United States federal and state jurisdictions. The federal net operating loss begins to expire at various times beginning in 2021.

 

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

 

     Years ended December 31

     2001

   2002

   2003

Current:

                    

Federal

   $  —      $ —      $ —  

State

     —        —        —  
    

  

  

Total current

     —        —        —  
    

  

  

Deferred

                    

Federal

     —        3,846      9,337

State

     —        465      1,127
    

  

  

Total deferred

     —        4,311      10,464
    

  

  

Provision for income taxes

   $  —      $ 4,311    $ 10,464
    

  

  

 

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Table of Contents

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

     As of December 31

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Deferred tax assets:

                        

Net operating loss carryforward

   $ 16,747     $ 28,075     $ 27,997  

Accrued liabilities

     475       925       794  

Other

     805       1,664       563  
    


 


 


Total deferred tax assets

     18,027       30,664       29,354  
    


 


 


Deferred tax liabilities:

                        

Property, equipment and intangibles

     (20,347 )     (20,955 )     (30,409 )

Other

     26       (1,093 )     (680 )
    


 


 


Total deferred tax liabilities

     (20,321 )     (22,047 )     (31,089 )
    


 


 


Net deferred tax assets/liabilities

     (2,294 )     8,617       (1,735 )

Valuation allowance

     (4,579 )     (25,013 )     (25,123 )
    


 


 


Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (6,873 )   $ (16,396 )   $ (26,858 )
    


 


 


 

The net change in the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes in 2002 was $20,434. The Company has provided a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset, excluding the deferred tax liability for amortization of intangibles, because the Company believes the realization of those tax benefits is not more likely than not. Due to the adoption of SFAS 142, the Company has determined that the deferred tax liability related to amortization of intangibles meets the indefinite reversal criteria of SFAS 109, and therefore, the determination of the generation of future taxable income related to the reversal of the deferred tax liability must be considered separately. The change in the valuation allowance differs from the amount shown in the effective rate reconciliation by $1,362. This difference is due to the valuation allowance allocable to discontinued operations.

 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to income (loss) before income taxes as follows for the year ended:

 

     Years ended December 31

     2001

    2002

    2003

US federal income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate

   $ (3,586 )   $ (15,984 )   $ 6,990

State income taxes

     (461 )     (1,619 )     849

Change in valuation allowance(1)

     3,547       19,072       2,582

Other permanent items, principally non-deductible goodwill

     500       2,842       43
    


 


 

Provision for deferred income taxes

   $ —       $ 4,311     $ 10,464
    


 


 


(1) The change in the valuation allowance affecting the rate reconciliation does not equal the total change in the valuation allowance in 2003 due to changes in the valuation allowance resulting from purchase accounting.

 

F-22


Table of Contents
10. Segment Data

 

The Company determined that two reportable operating segments—radio broadcasting and outdoor advertising—best reflect how the Company is currently managed.

 

The radio broadcasting segment is comprised of radio stations and networks for which the Company is the licensee or for which the Company programs and sells on-air advertising time under local marketing agreements. At December 31, 2003, the radio broadcasting segment included 60 radio stations owned and operated by the Company. All of these stations operate in domestic markets. The radio broadcasting segment also operates various radio networks.

 

The outdoor advertising segment includes traditional outdoor advertising displays, such as roadside bulletins, posters and transit displays that the Company owns or operates under lease arrangements, as well as advertising displays that the Company installs in public locations, including restaurants, health clubs, retail stores and entertainment venues. At December 31, 2003, the outdoor advertising segment owned or operated over 7,000 outdoor billboard displays and, indoor advertising display faces in more than 3,000 retail locations across the United States. All of these displays are located in domestic markets.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1. There are no intersegment sales or transfers.

 

There are no customers that comprise greater than 10% of the consolidated revenues of the Company for the years presented.

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

    2003

Net revenue:

                     

Radio Broadcasting

   $ 56,334    $ 64,064     $ 72,876

Outdoor Advertising

     15,387      27,266       34,083
    

  


 

Consolidated

     71,721      91,330       106,959
    

  


 

Market level expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below:

                     

Radio Broadcasting

     36,937      40,065       44,432

Outdoor Advertising

     9,882      19,265       22,100
    

  


 

Consolidated

     46,819      59,330       66,532
    

  


 

Depreciation and amortization:

                     

Radio Broadcasting

     9,684      3,523       5,974

Outdoor Advertising

     1,369      2,000       4,317
    

  


 

Consolidated

     11,053      5,523       10,291
    

  


 

Other segment costs:

                     

Local marketing agreement fees - Radio Broadcasting

     20      —         42

Impairment loss-Outdoor Advertising

     —        42,956       —  
    

  


 

Segment Profit:

                     

Radio Broadcasting

     9,693      20,476       22,428

Outdoor Advertising

     4,136      (36,955 )     7,666
    

  


 

       13,829      (16,479 )     30,094

 

F-23


Table of Contents
     Years ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Corporate Expenses

     8,834       8,116       8,518  
    


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     4,995       (24,595 )     21,576  

Interest expense, net

     15,815       22,444       22,369  

Other (income) expense

     (574 )     (1,370 )     (20,764 )
    


 


 


Income (Loss) from continuing operations before taxes

   $ (10,246 )   $ (45,669 )     19,971  
    


 


 


                          
                          
     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Total identifiable assets:

                        

Radio Broadcasting

   $ 343,588     $ 323,543     $ 357,810  

Outdoor Advertising

     162,947       168,437       185,567  
    


 


 


Consolidated

   $ 506,537     $ 491,980       543,377  
    


 


 


Goodwill, net:

                        

Radio Broadcasting

   $ —       $ —       $ 26,628  

Outdoor Advertising

     39,876       34,922       36,962  
    


 


 


Consolidated

     39,876     $ 34,922       63,590  
    


 


 


Additions to long lived assets:

                        

Radio Broadcasting

   $ 10,448     $ 2,088     $ 68,967  

Outdoor Advertising

     109,378       54,887       17,930  
    


 


 


Consolidated

   $ 119,826     $ 56,975     $ 86,897  
    


 


 


 

11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying value of receivables, payables and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated at $226,000 at December 31, 2003 based on current market rates.

 

12. Supplemental Guarantor Information

 

The Company’s senior subordinated notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis, jointly and severally, by all of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The Company has collateralized the revolving credit facility by granting a first priority-perfected pledge of its assets including, without limitation, the capital stock of the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

NextMedia Operating, Inc.

Supplemental Combining Balance Sheet

December 31, 2002

 

     NextMedia
Group, Inc.


   Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminating
Entries


    Total

Assets

                             

Current assets:

                             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,951    $ (505 )   $ —       $ 14,446

Accounts receivable, net

     9,974      4,433       —         14,407

Prepaid and other current assets

     426      1,799       —         2,225
    

  


 


 

Total current assets

     25,351      5,727       —         31,078

Property and equipment, net

     23,511      29,405       —         52,916

Intangibles, net

     438      388,463       —         388,901

Other

     13,634      1,252       (1,212 )     13,674

Assets held for sale

     486      4,925       —         5,411

Investment in subsidiaries

     410,963      —         (410,963 )     —  
    

  


 


 

Total assets

   $ 474,383    $ 429,772     $ (412,175 )   $ 491,980
    

  


 


 

Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

                             

Current liabilities:

                             

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   $ 14,936    $ 5,129     $ (1,212 )   $ 18,853
    

  


 


 

Total current liabilities

     14,936      5,129       (1,212 )     18,853

Long-term debt

     197,276      —         —         197,276

Other long-term liabilities

     4,803      13,680       —         18,483
    

  


 


 

Total liabilities

     217,015      18,809       (1,212 )     234,612

Stockholder’s equity

     257,368      410,963       (410,963 )     257,368
    

  


 


 

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

   $ 474,383    $ 429,772     $ (412,175 )   $ 491,980
    

  


 


 

 

F-25


Table of Contents

NextMedia Operating, Inc.

Supplemental Combining Balance Sheet

December 31, 2003

 

     NextMedia
Group, Inc.


   Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminating
Entries


    Total

Assets

                             

Current assets:

                             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,138    $ (431 )   $ —       $ 707

Accounts receivable, net

     11,181      5,271       —         16,452

Prepaid and other current assets

     1,665      1,544       —         3,209
    

  


 


 

Total current assets

     13,984      6,384       —         20,368

Property and equipment, net

     25,924      32,092       —         58,016

Intangibles, net

     30,569      422,177       —         452,746

Other assets

     6,632      807       4,808       12,247

Investment in subsidiaries

     447,196      —         (447,196 )     —  
    

  


 


 

Total assets

   $ 524,305    $ 461,460     $ (442,388 )   $ 543,377
    

  


 


 

Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

                             

Current liabilities:

                             

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   $ 15,518    $ 1,198     $ 4,808     $ 21,524
    

  


 


 

                               

Total current liabilities

     15,518      1,198       4,808       21,524

Long-term debt

     199,634      —         —         199,634

Other long-term liabilities

     15,098      13,066       —         28,164
    

  


 


 

Total liabilities

     230,250      14,264       4,808       249,322

Stockholder’s equity

     294,055      447,196       (447,196 )     294,055
    

  


 


 

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

   $ 524,305    $ 461,460     $ (442,388 )   $ 543,377
    

  


 


 

 

F-26


Table of Contents

NextMedia Operating, Inc.

Supplemental Combining Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2001

 

     NextMedia
Group, Inc.


    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminating
Entries


    Total

 

Net revenue

   $ 56,334     $ 15,387     $ —       $ 71,721  

Market level expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     36,937       9,882       —         46,819  

Corporate expenses

     5,441       3,393       —         8,834  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,359       7,694       —         11,053  

Local marketing agreement fees

     20       —         —         20  
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     10,577       (5,582 )     —         4,995  

Interest expense, net

     15,812       3       —         15,815  

Other income

     (574 )     —         —         (574 )

Equity in loss of subsidiaries

     5,797       —         (5,797 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     (10,458 )     (5,585 )     5,797       (10,246 )

Provision for deferred income taxes

     —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss) from continuing operations

     (10,458 )     (5,585 )     5,797       (10,246 )

Loss on discontinued operations

     450       212       —         662  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ (10,908 )   $ (5,797 )   $ 5,797     $ (10,908 )
    


 


 


 


 

F-27


Table of Contents

NextMedia Operating, Inc.

Supplemental Combining Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

     NextMedia
Group, Inc.


    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminating
Entries


    Total

 

Net revenue

   $ 64,064     $ 27,266     $ —       $ 91,330  

Market level expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     40,065       19,265       —         59,330  

Corporate expenses

     5,609       2,507       —         8,116  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,523       2,000       —         5,523  

Impairment loss

     —         42,956       —         42,956  
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     14,867       (39,462 )     —         (24,595 )

Interest expense, net

     22,447       (3 )     —         22,444  

Other income

     (1,267 )     (103 )     —         (1,370 )

Equity in loss of subsidiaries

     42,628       —         (42,628 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     (48,941 )     (39,356 )     42,628       (45,669 )

Provision for deferred income taxes

     4,311       —                 4,311  

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

     (53,252 )     (39,356 )     42,628       (49,980 )

Loss on discontinued operations

     203       3,272       —         3,475  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ (53,455 )   $ (42,628 )   $ 42,628     $ (53,455 )
    


 


 


 


 

F-28


Table of Contents

NextMedia Operating, Inc.

Supplemental Combining Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

     NextMedia
Group, Inc.


    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminating
Entries


    Total

 

Net revenue

   $ 72,876     $ 34,083     $ —       $ 106,959  

Market level expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below

     44,432       22,100       —         66,532  

Corporate expenses

     6,197       2,321       —         8,518  

Depreciation and amortization

     5,974       4,317       —         10,291  

Local marketing agreement fees

     42       —         —         42  
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     16,231       5,345       —         21,576  

Interest expense, net

     22,369       —         —         22,369  

Other income

     (20,762 )     (2 )     —         (20,764 )

Equity in loss of subsidiaries

     (5,347 )     —         5,347       —    
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     19,971       5,347       (5,347 )     19,971  

Provision for deferred income taxes

     10,464       —         —         10,464  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss) from continuing operations

     9,507       5,347       (5,347 )     9,507  

Loss on discontinued operations

     (1 )     —         —         (1 )
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 9,508     $ 5,347     $ (5,347 )   $ 9,508  
    


 


 


 


 

F-29


Table of Contents

NextMedia Operating, Inc.

Supplemental Combining Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended December 31, 2001

 

     NextMedia
Group, Inc.


    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminating
Entries


   Total

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operations

   $ 8,446     $ 1,058     $ —      $ 9,504  
    


 


 

  


Cash Flows From Investing Activities

                               

Purchase of equipment

     (3,892 )     (3,185 )     —        (7,077 )

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (112,953 )     —         —        (112,953 )

Proceeds from sale of broadcasting properties

     5,442       —         —        5,442  
    


 


 

  


Net cash used in investing activities

     (111,403 )     (3,185 )     —        (114,588 )
    


 


 

  


Cash Flows From Financing Activities

                               

Proceeds from Senior Subordinated Notes

     197,020       —         —        197,020  

Proceeds from revolving credit facilities

     18,000       —         —        18,000  

Repayment of revolving credit facilities

     (124,945 )     —         —        (124,945 )

Capital contributions from Parent

     53,465       —         —        53,465  

Payments of financing related costs

     (8,408 )     —         —        (8,408 )

Other

     (1,456 )     1,073       —        (383 )
    


 


 

  


Net cash provided by financing activities

     133,676       1,073       —        134,749  
    


 


 

  


Net increase in cash

     30,719       (1,054 )            29,665  

Cash at beginning of period

     325       511       —        836  
    


 


 

  


Cash at end of period

   $ 31,044     $ (543 )   $ —      $ 30,501  
    


 


 

  


 

F-30


Table of Contents

NextMedia Operating, Inc.

Supplemental Combining Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

     NextMedia
Group, Inc.


    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminating
Entries


   Total

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operations

   $ (4,420 )   $ 4,118     $ —      $ (302 )
    


 


 

  


Cash Flows From Investing Activities

                               

Purchase of equipment

     (2,088 )     (4,353 )     —        (6,441 )

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (38,449 )     —         —        (38,449 )

Proceeds from sale of broadcasting properties

     1,581       —         —        1,581  
    


 


 

  


Net cash used in investing activities

     (38,956 )     (4,353 )     —        (43,309 )
    


 


 

  


Cash Flows From Financing Activities

                               

Capital contributions from Parent

     28,113       —         —        28,113  

Payments of financing related costs

     (711 )     —         —        (711 )

Other

     (119 )     273       —        154  
    


 


 

  


Net cash provided by financing activities

     27,283       273       —        27,556  
    


 


 

  


Net decrease in cash

     (16,093 )     38              (16,055 )

Cash at beginning of period

     31,044       (543 )     —        30,501  
    


 


 

  


Cash at end of period

   $ 14,951     $ (505 )   $ —      $ 14,446  
    


 


 

  


 

F-31


Table of Contents

NextMedia Operating, Inc.

Supplemental Combining Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

     NextMedia
Group, Inc.


    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminating
Entries


   Total

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operations

   $ 3,844     $ 3,103     $ —      $ 6,947  
    


 


 

  


Cash Flows From Investing Activities

                               

Purchase of equipment

     (2,013 )     (3,029 )     —        (5,042 )

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (81,250 )     —         —        (81,250 )

Proceeds from sale of broadcasting properties

     36,908       —         —        36,908  
    


 


 

  


Net cash used in investing activities

     (46,355 )     (3,029 )     —        (49,384 )
    


 


 

  


Cash Flows From Financing Activities

                               

Proceeds from revolving credit facilities

     44,000       —         —        44,000  

Repayment of revolving credit facilities

     (42,000 )     —         —        (42,000 )

Capital contributions from Parent

     27,100       —         —        27,100  

Payments of financing related costs

     (90 )     —         —        (90 )

Other

     (312 )     —         —        (312 )
    


 


 

  


Net cash provided by financing activities

     28,698       —         —        28,698  
    


 


 

  


Net increase in cash

     (13,813 )     74       —        (13,739 )

Cash at beginning of period

     14,951       (505 )     —        14,446  
    


 


 

  


Cash at end of period

   $ 1,138     $ (431 )   $ —      $ 707  
    


 


 

  


 

F-32


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

NEXTMEDIA OPERATING, INC.

(Registrant)

By:   /s/    STEVEN DINETZ        
   
    Steven Dinetz,
    President and Chief Executive Officer

Date:

  March 30, 2004

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and 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/    CARL E. HIRSCH        


Carl E. Hirsch

  

Executive Chairman of the Board

  March 30, 2004

/s/    STEVEN DINETZ        


Steven Dinetz

   Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)   March 30, 2004

/s/    SEAN R. STOVER        


Sean R. Stover

   Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)   March 30, 2004

/s/    SCHUYLER HANSEN        


Schuyler Hansen

   Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)   March 30, 2004

 

37


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number


 

Description


  3.01*   Certificate of Incorporation of NextMedia Operating, Inc.
  3.02*   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of NextMedia Operating, Inc.
  3.03*   Bylaws of NextMedia Operating, Inc.
  4.01*   Indenture dated as of July 5, 2001 between NextMedia Operating, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, with respect to the 10 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011.
  4.02*   Form of 10 3/4% Senior Subordinated Note due 2011 (included in Exhibit 4.1).
  4.03*   Registration Rights Agreement dated June 28, 2001, among NextMedia Operating, Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Inc., CIBC World Markets Corp. and Thomas Weisel Partners LLC.
  4.04***   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2002, to be effective as of July 5, 2001, among Crickett Ltd. and Chesapeake Outdoor Enterprises, Inc., each as Guarantor, NextMedia Operating, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.
  4.05***   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 30, 2002, among NextMedia Northern Colorado, Inc., as Guarantor, NextMedia Operating, Inc., the other Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.
10.01*   Credit Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2000, by and among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., a guarantor thereunder, the lenders party thereto and Bankers Trust Company as Administrative Agent.
10.02*   First Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2000, among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., NextMedia Group II, Inc., the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and Bankers Trust Company, as administrative agent.
10.03*   Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2001, among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and Bankers Trust Company, as administrative agent.
10.04*   Third Amendment and Consent to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2001, among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and Bankers Trust Company, as administrative agent.
10.05*   Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2001, among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and Bankers Trust Company, as administrative agent.

 

38


Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number


 

Description


10.06***   Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June 25, 2002, among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (f/k/a Bankers Trust Company), as administrative agent.
10.07**   Sixth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2002, among NextMedia Group, Inc., NextMedia Operating, Inc., the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (f/k/a Bankers Trust Company), as administrative agent.
10.08*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999, among NextMedia Group, LLC and Rambaldo Communications, Inc., Rambaldo AM Communications, Inc. and Rambaldo AM Broadcasting Company.
10.09*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1999, between NextMedia Group, LLC and Empire Broadcasting System LLP.
10.10*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 2, 1999, between NextMedia Group, LLC and Styles Broadcasting of Alabama, Inc.
10.11*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 21, 1999, between NextMedia Group, LLC and The Jet Broadcasting Co., Inc.
10.12*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 18, 1999 among NextMedia Outdoor, L.L.C., Promote It, Inc. d/b/a Gas Station Advertising Network and Jim and Lori Baxter.
10.13*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 20, 1999, between NextMedia Group, LLC and Wilmington WJBR-FM, L.L.C.
10.14*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 6, 1999, between NextMedia Group, LLC and Salt Broadcasting LLC.
10.15*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 11, 2000, among NextMedia Group, LLC and Pinnacle Broadcasting Company, Inc., WSOY Decatur, Inc., Pinnacle Southeast, Inc., Pinnacle Myrtle Corp., Atlantic Towers, Inc., El Paso and Lubbock, Inc., WFXC & WDUR, Inc., and Pinnacle S.C., Inc.
10.16*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2000 between NextMedia Group, LLC and Hirsch Broadcasting Group, LP.
10.17*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2000, among NextMedia Group, LLC and Lake Broadcasting, Inc. and Red River Radio, Inc.
10.18*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and AJ Indoor Advertising, Inc.
10.19*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Beaverkettle Company.
10.20*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2000, between NextMedia Operating, Inc. and Belvidere Broadcasting, L.P.

 

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Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number


 

Description


10.21*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2000, between NextMedia Operating, Inc. and Pride Communications, LLC.
10.22*   Asset Exchange Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2000, among NextMedia Operating, Inc. and Cumulus Broadcasting Inc., Cumulus Wireless Services, Inc., Cumulus Licensing Corp., and the Myrtle Beach Stations Trust.
10.23*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2000, between Myrtle Beach Stations Trust and Fidelity Broadcasting Corporation.
10.24*   KLAK-FM Option Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2000, among First Broadcasting Company, L.P., NextMedia Licensing, Inc. and NextMedia Operating, Inc.
10.25*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 28, 2000, among NextMedia Group II, Inc., NextMedia Licensing, Inc., Regent Broadcasting of Erie, Inc. and Regent Licensee of Erie, Inc.
10.26*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2001, among NextMedia Operating, Inc. and NextMedia Licensing, Inc. and Radioworks, Inc., WFVR, Inc. and WKKD, Inc.
10.27*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2001, among NextMedia Outdoor, Inc. and CityVision, LLC, CityVision Connecticut, LLC and CityVision Massachusetts, LLC.
10.28*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2001, between NextMedia Operating, Inc. and Fairview Radio, Inc.
10.29*        Amendment No. 1 to the Asset Exchange Agreement, dated April 30, 2001, among NextMedia Operating, Inc. and Cumulus Broadcasting Inc., Cumulus Wireless Services, Inc., Cumulus Licensing Corp., and the Myrtle Beach Stations Trust.
10.30*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2001, between NextMedia Outdoor, Inc. and Great Advertising, LLC.
10.31*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2001, between NextMedia Outdoor, Inc. and Great Outdoor, Inc.
10.32*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2001, between NextMedia Outdoor, Inc. and Media Displays, Inc.
10.33*   Contribution and Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2001, among NextMedia Investors, LLC, NextMedia Outdoor, Inc. and PNE Media, LLC.
10.34*   Amendment No. 2 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2001, among NextMedia Outdoor, Inc. and CityVision, LLC, CityVision Mid-America, LLC, CityVision Connecticut, LLC and CityVision Massachusetts, LLC.
10.35*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2001, among Capital Advertising, Inc., Capital Media II, Inc., and Capital Outdoor, Inc. and NextMedia.
10.36*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2001 between Sailing Billboards Outdoor Media, LLC and NextMedia Outdoor, Inc.

 

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Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number


 

Description


10.37*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Carl E. Hirsch.
10.38*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Steven Dinetz.
10.39*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Sean Stover.
10.40*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Samuel Weller.
10.41*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Jeffrey Dinetz.
10.42*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Steven Smith.
10.43*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Group, Inc. and Schuyler Hansen.
10.44*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Outdoor, Inc., NextMedia Group, Inc. and James Matalone.
10.45*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2000, between NextMedia Outdoor, Inc., NextMedia Group, Inc. and Scot McArtor.
10.46***   Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2002, by and among Wilks Broadcasting, LLC, Wilks License Co. LLC, NextMedia Operating, Inc. and NM Licensing LLC.
21.1+   List of subsidiaries of NextMedia Operating, Inc.
31.1+   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2+   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1+   Certification 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.
32.2+   Certification 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.

+ Filed herewith.

 

* Incorporated herein by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-4/A, dated April 8, 2002.

 

** Incorporated herein by reference to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 2002.

 

*** Incorporated herein by reference to our annual report on Form 10-K, dated March 27, 2003.

 

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