gtn20131021_10q.htm

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

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

      

       For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013 or

 

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

    

       For the transition period from _________ to _________ .

 

Commission file number 1-13796

 

Gray Television, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Georgia

 

58-0285030

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification Number)

     

4370 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia

 

30319

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

(404) 504-9828

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Not Applicable

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes     No____

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes     No____

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☒

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

Smaller Reporting Company ☐

                                    

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

Yes           No        

 

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

 

Common Stock (No Par Value)

 

Class A Common Stock (No Par Value)

52,241,716 shares outstanding as of November 4, 2013

 

5,753,020 shares outstanding as of November 4, 2013

 

 
 

 

 

INDEX

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

 

         

PART I.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

PAGE

         

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

   
         
   

Condensed consolidated balance sheets (Unaudited) – September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012

 

3

         
   

Condensed consolidated statements of operations (Unaudited) –

three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

 

 

5

         
   

Condensed consolidated statement of stockholders' equity (Unaudited) - nine months ended

      September 30, 2013

 

6

         
   

Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (Unaudited) –

nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

 

 

7

         
   

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (Unaudited) –

September 30, 2013

 

 

8

         

Item 2.

 

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

 

17

         

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

23

         

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

 

24

         

PART II.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

   
         

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

24

         

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

24

         

SIGNATURES

     

26

 

 
2

 

 

PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.       Financial Statements

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

   

September 30,

2013

   

December 31,

2012

 

Assets:

               

Current assets:

               

Cash

  $ 43,320     $ 11,067  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $637 and $2,064, respectively

    59,582       62,472  

Current portion of program broadcast rights, net

    10,184       7,463  

Deferred tax asset

    12,550       12,550  

Prepaid and other current assets

    5,222       2,831  

Total current assets

    130,858       96,383  
                 

Property and equipment, net

    135,269       135,138  

Deferred loan costs, net

    10,471       11,692  

Broadcast licenses

    820,516       819,188  

Goodwill

    170,522       170,522  

Other intangible assets, net

    597       637  

Investment in broadcasting company

    13,599       13,599  

Other

    3,497       2,629  

Total assets

  $ 1,285,329     $ 1,249,788  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

  

 
3

 

 

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in thousands except for share data)

 

   

September 30,

2013

   

December 31,

2012

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 1,531     $ 2,379  

Employee compensation and benefits

    12,705       9,844  

Accrued interest

    17,077       10,214  

Accrued network programming fees

    2,229       5,422  

Other accrued expenses

    4,874       5,083  

Federal and state income taxes

    1,312       1,911  

Current portion of program broadcast obligations

    12,301       9,648  

Deferred revenue

    2,606       3,216  

Total current liabilities

    54,635       47,717  
                 

Long-term debt

    833,073       832,867  

Program broadcast obligations, less current portion

    1,617       356  

Deferred income taxes

    194,422       184,440  

Long-term deferred revenue

    101       450  

Accrued pension costs

    41,826       39,051  

Other

    869       972  

Total liabilities

    1,126,543       1,105,853  
                 

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6 and 9)

               
                 

Stockholders’ equity:

               

Common stock, no par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued 57,010,132 shares and 56,503,759 shares, respectively

    482,793       480,773  

Class A common stock, no par value; authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued 7,331,574 shares

    15,321       15,321  

Accumulated deficit

    (256,201 )     (269,288 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax benefit

    (20,170 )     (20,170 )
      221,743       206,636  

Treasury stock at cost, common stock, 4,768,925 shares and 4,739,462 shares, respectively

    (40,559 )     (40,303 )

Treasury stock at cost, Class A common stock, 1,578,554 shares

    (22,398 )     (22,398 )

Total stockholders’ equity

    158,786       143,935  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 1,285,329     $ 1,249,788  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 
4

 

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(in thousands except for per share data)

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
   

2013

   

2012

   

2013

   

2012

 
                                 

Revenue (less agency commissions)

  $ 88,288     $ 102,879     $ 250,742     $ 278,244  

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

                               

Broadcast

    53,516       52,034       158,817       155,635  

Corporate and administrative

    4,470       4,010       13,587       10,745  

Depreciation

    6,024       5,725       17,762       17,332  

Amortization of intangible assets

    9       19       40       56  

Loss (gain) on disposals of assets, net

    49       28       (56 )     (454 )

Operating expenses

    64,068       61,816       190,150       183,314  

Operating income

    24,220       41,063       60,592       94,930  

Other income (expense):

                               

Miscellaneous income, net

    -       -       -       2  

Interest expense

    (12,656 )     (15,155 )     (37,790 )     (45,444 )

Income before income taxes

    11,564       25,908       22,802       49,488  

Income tax expense

    4,491       10,035       9,715       19,250  

Net income

    7,073       15,873       13,087       30,238  
                                 

Preferred stock dividends (includes accretion of issuance cost of $0, $479, $0, and $633, respectively)

    -       1,233       -       3,591  

Net income available to common stockholders

  $ 7,073     $ 14,640     $ 13,087     $ 26,647  
                                 

Basic per share information:

                               

Net income available to common stockholders

  $ 0.12     $ 0.26     $ 0.23     $ 0.47  

Weighted-average shares outstanding

    57,713       57,155       57,600       57,151  
                                 

Diluted per share information:

                               

Net income available to common stockholders

  $ 0.12     $ 0.26     $ 0.23     $ 0.47  

Weighted-average shares outstanding

    58,078       57,287       57,907       57,209  
                                 

Dividends declared per common share

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 
5

 

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)

(in thousands except for number of shares)

 

   

Class A

Common Stock

   

Common Stock

   

Accumulated

   

Class A

Treasury Stock

   

Common

Treasury Stock

   

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

         
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Shares

   

Amount

    Deficit    

Shares

   

Amount

   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Loss

   

Total

 
                                                                                         
                                                                                         

Balance at December 31, 2012

    7,331,574     $ 15,321       56,503,759     $ 480,773     $ (269,288 )     (1,578,554 )   $ (22,398 )     (4,739,462 )   $ (40,303 )   $ (20,170 )   $ 143,935  
                                                                                         

Net income

    -       -       -       -       13,087       -       -       -       -       -       13,087  
                                                                                         

Issuance of common stock:

                                                                                       

401(k) plan

    -       -       4,489       21       -       -       -       -       -       -       21  

2007 Long Term Incentive Plan - restricted stock awards

    -       -       382,062       -       -       -       -       (29,463 )     (256 )     -       (256 )

2007 Long Term Incentive Plan - option exercises

    -       -       119,822       280       -       -       -       -       -       -       280  
                                                                                         

Share-based compensation

    -       -       -       1,719       -       -       -       -       -       -       1,719  
                                                                                         

Balance at September 30, 2013

    7,331,574     $ 15,321       57,010,132     $ 482,793     $ (256,201 )     (1,578,554 )   $ (22,398 )     (4,768,925 )   $ (40,559 )   $ (20,170 )   $ 158,786  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 

 

 
6

 

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
   

2013

   

2012

 

Operating activities

               

Net income

  $ 13,087     $ 30,238  

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

               

Depreciation

    17,762       17,332  

Amortization of intangible assets

    40       56  

Amortization of deferred loan costs

    1,235       2,259  

Amortization of original issue discount related to long-term debt

    206       1,015  

Amortization of restricted stock and stock option awards

    1,719       324  

Amortization of program broadcast rights

    8,492       8,250  

Payments on program broadcast obligations

    (8,549 )     (8,386 )

Deferred income taxes

    9,981       19,405  

Gain on disposals of assets, net

    (56 )     (454 )

Other

    1,970       (412 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Receivables

    2,886       716  

Other current assets

    (2,016 )     (660 )

Accounts payable

    (678 )     238  

Other current liabilities

    (1,352 )     11,095  

Accrued interest

    6,863       9,322  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    51,590       90,338  
                 

Investing activities

               

Purchases of property and equipment

    (18,441 )     (17,661 )

Purchases of broadcast licenses

    (1,329 )     -  

Proceeds from asset sales

    160       787  

Payments on acquisition-related liabilities

    -       (129 )

Other

    7       (224 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (19,603 )     (17,227 )
                 

Financing activities

               

Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt

    -       3,000  

Repayments of borrowings on long-term debt

    -       (15,617 )

Deferred loan costs

    (14 )     -  

Series D perpetual preferred stock dividends paid

    -       (7,713 )

Repurchases of preferred stock

    -       (12,276 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

    280       -  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    266       (32,606 )

Net increase in cash

    32,253       40,505  

Cash at beginning of period

    11,067       5,190  

Cash at end of period

  $ 43,320     $ 45,695  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 
7

 

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

1.     Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Gray Television, Inc. (“we”, “us”, “our”, “Gray” or the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, which was derived from the Company’s audited balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, and our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2013 and for the periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement have been included. Our operations consist of one reportable segment. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Form 10-K”). Our financial condition as of, and operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended, September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the financial condition or results that may be expected for any future interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2013.

 

Seasonality and Cyclicality

 

Broadcast advertising revenues are generally highest in the second and fourth quarters each year. This seasonality results partly from increases in consumer advertising in the spring and increases in retail advertising in the period leading up to and including the holiday season. Broadcast advertising revenues are also typically higher in even-numbered years due to increased spending by political candidates, political parties and special interest groups in advance of elections. This political spending typically is heaviest during the fourth quarter.

 

Use of Estimates

 

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

 

Earnings Per Share

 

We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the relevant period. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding does not include restricted shares. These shares, although classified as issued and outstanding, are considered contingently returnable until the restrictions lapse and, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, are not included in the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest. Diluted earnings per share is computed by including common stock equivalents for all potentially dilutive common shares, including restricted shares and shares underlying stock options, in the denominator of the diluted earnings per weighted-average share calculation, unless their inclusion would be antidilutive. Common stock equivalents are calculated using the treasury stock method.

 

 
8

 

 

The following table reconciles basic weighted-average shares outstanding to diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
   

2013

   

2012

   

2013

   

2012

 
                                 

Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic

    57,713       57,155       57,600       57,151  

Common stock equivalents attributable to stock options and restricted stock

    365       132       307       58  

Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted

    58,078       57,287       57,907       57,209  

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

Our accumulated other comprehensive loss balances as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consist of adjustments to our pension liability and income tax benefit as follows (in thousands):

 

   

September 30,

2013

   

December 31,

2012

 
                 

Accumulated balances of items included in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

               

Increase in pension liability

  $ (33,065 )   $ (33,065 )

Income tax benefit

    (12,895 )     (12,895 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  $ (20,170 )   $ (20,170 )

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 

Our comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 consists entirely of net income. Therefore, a consolidated statement of comprehensive income is not presented for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method. Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to operations as incurred; major replacements and betterments are capitalized. The cost of any assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts at the time of disposition, and any resulting profit or loss is reflected in income or expense for the period. The following table lists components of property and equipment by major category (dollars in thousands):

 

   

September 30,

2013

   

December 31,

2012

   

Estimated

Useful Lives

(in years)

 

Property and equipment:

                         

Land

  $ 24,614     $ 24,383            

Buildings and improvements

    57,530       55,709     7 to 40  

Equipment

    322,262       313,761     3 to 20  
      404,406       393,853            

Accumulated depreciation

    (269,137 )     (258,715 )          

Total property and equipment, net

  $ 135,269     $ 135,138            

  

 
9

 

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

Our allowance for doubtful accounts is equal to at least 85% of our receivable balances that are 120 days old or older. We may provide allowances for certain receivable balances that are less than 120 days old when warranted by specific facts and circumstances. We generally write-off accounts receivable balances when the customer files for bankruptcy or when all commonly used methods of collection have been exhausted.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This ASU clarifies guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. We are currently evaluating the expected effects of this ASU; however, we do not anticipate that our adoption of this ASU will result in a material change in our financial statement presentation.

 

2.      Long-term Debt

 

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, long-term debt consisted of our obligations under our senior credit facility (the “2012 Senior Credit Facility”) and our 7½% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) as follows (in thousands):

 

   

September 30,

2013

   

December 31,

2012

 

Long-term debt including current portion:

               

2012 Senior Credit Facility

  $ 535,000     $ 535,000  

2020 Notes

    300,000       300,000  

Total long-term debt at liquidation value

    835,000       835,000  

Less unamortized discount on 2020 Notes

    (1,927 )     (2,133 )

Total long-term debt at recorded value

  $ 833,073     $ 832,867  
                 

Borrowing availability under the 2012 Senior Credit Facility

  $ 40,000     $ 40,000  

 

Our 2012 Senior Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan and a term loan facility. Excluding accrued interest, the amount outstanding under our 2012 Senior Credit Facility as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was comprised solely of a term loan balance of $535.0 million. Our maximum borrowing availability is limited by our required compliance with certain restrictive covenants, including a first lien net leverage ratio covenant.

 

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had $300.0 million of our 2020 Notes outstanding.

 

On October 18, 2013, we issued $375.0 million of additional 2020 Notes (the "Additional Notes"), and used the net proceeds therefrom, after deducting transaction fees and estimated expenses, to repay $376.0 million of the term loan outstanding under the 2012 Senior Credit Facility.  For additional information on this transaction, see Note 9 "Subsequent Events."

 

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the 2012 Senior Credit Facility was 4.8%. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the coupon interest rate and the yield on the 2020 Notes outstanding at those dates were 7.5% and 7.6%, respectively. The yield on the 2020 Notes exceeded the coupon interest rate because the 2020 Notes outstanding at those dates were issued with “original issue discount”.

 

 
10

 

 

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had a deferred loan cost balance, net of accumulated amortization, of $4.1 million and $4.6 million, respectively, related to the 2012 Senior Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had a deferred loan cost balance, net of accumulated amortization, of $6.4 million and $7.1 million, respectively, related to our 2020 Notes.

 

Our obligations under the 2012 Senior Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets, including real estate. In addition, our subsidiaries are joint and several guarantors of these obligations and our ownership interests in our subsidiaries are pledged to collateralize such obligations. The 2012 Senior Credit Facility contains affirmative and restrictive covenants that we must comply with, including (a) limitations on additional indebtedness, (b) limitations on liens, (c) limitations on the sale of assets, (d) limitations on guarantees, (e) limitations on investments and acquisitions, (f) limitations on the payment of dividends and share repurchases, (g) limitations on mergers, and (h) maintenance of a total leverage ratio as set forth in the 2012 Senior Credit Facility not to exceed certain maximum limits, as well as other customary covenants for credit facilities of this type. As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants required under our debt obligations.

 

3.      Fair Value Measurement

 

To determine fair value, we utilize market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized into a hierarchy that gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (“Level 1”) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that require assumptions to measure fair value (“Level 3”). Level 2 inputs are those that are other than quoted prices on national exchanges included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly (“Level 2”).

 

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

 

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

 

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

 

The carrying amount of our long-term debt was $833.1 million and $832.9 million, respectively, and the fair value was $849.7 million and $844.4 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. We classify our long-term debt within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Fair value of our long-term debt is based on observable estimates provided by third-party financial professionals as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

 
11

 

  

4.      Retirement Plans

 

The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension plans for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively (in thousands):

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
   

2013

   

2012

   

2013

   

2012

 

Service cost

  $ 1,291     $ 1,243     $ 3,871     $ 3,538  

Interest cost

    967       899       2,899       2,559  

Expected return on plan assets

    (926 )     (739 )     (2,774 )     (2,104 )

Loss amortization

    824       624       2,468       1,775  

Net periodic benefit cost

  $ 2,156     $ 2,027     $ 6,464     $ 5,768  

 

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, we contributed $3.7 million to our pension plans. During the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2013, we expect to contribute an additional $1.7 million to $4.3 million to our pension plans.

 

5.      Stock-based Compensation

 

We recognize compensation expense for stock-based payment awards made to our employees and directors, including stock options and restricted stock under our 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2007 Incentive Plan”). The following table provides our stock-based compensation expense and related income tax benefit for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively (in thousands).

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
   

2013

   

2012

   

2013

   

2012

 

Stock-based compensation expense, gross

  $ 255     $ 170     $ 1,719     $ 324  

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

    (99 )     (66 )     (670 )     (126 )

Stock-based compensation expense, net

  $ 156     $ 104     $ 1,049     $ 198  

 

The 2007 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, and performance awards to our officers, employees and non-employee directors to acquire shares of our Class A common stock or common stock, or to receive other awards based on our performance. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, we granted 318,852 shares of restricted common stock to our executive officers and as described below, 107,224 of these shares vested in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. Of the remaining shares granted to our executive officers, 70,542 shares will vest on each of March 19, 2014, March 19, 2015 and March 19, 2016. Also during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, we granted 63,210 shares of restricted common stock to our non-employee directors. These 63,210 shares will vest on January 1, 2014. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012, we granted 432,396 shares of restricted common stock, which shares have vested, and we also granted options to acquire 359,568 shares of our common stock.

 

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, the vesting dates of 107,224 previously granted shares of restricted common stock and stock options to purchase 63,616 shares of common stock were accelerated, resulting in $1.0 million of stock-based compensation expense being recognized by the Company in those periods. Had the vesting dates of these stock awards not been accelerated, these shares of restricted common stock and unvested stock options would have fully vested by March 19, 2016 and April 2, 2016, respectively. These stock awards were held by a former employee.

 

 
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We did not have any stock options or restricted stock outstanding for our Class A common stock during any period presented.

 

A summary of restricted stock activity related to our common stock for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

 

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30, 2013

   

September 30, 2012

 
   

Number of

Shares

   

Weighted-

average

Grant Date

Fair Value

Per Share

   

Number of

Shares

   

Weighted-

average

Grant Date

Fair Value

Per Share

 

Restricted stock - common:

                               

Outstanding - beginning of period

    -     $ -       -     $ -  

Granted

    382,062       5.20       432,396       1.65  

Vested

    (107,224 )     7.16       -       -  

Outstanding - end of period

    274,838     $ 4.43       432,396     $ 1.65  

 

A summary of stock option activity related to our common stock for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

 

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30, 2013

   

September 30, 2012

 
   

Number of Shares Underlying Options

   

Weighted- Average Exercise Price

   

Number of Shares Underlying Options

   

Weighted- Average Exercise Price

 

Stock options - common:

                               

Outstanding - beginning of period

    1,316,068     $ 5.98       1,002,350     $ 7.50  

Options granted

    -     $ -       359,568     $ 1.99  

Options exercised

    (119,822 )   $ 2.34       -     $ -  

Options expired

    (921,500 )   $ 7.64       (32,150 )   $ 8.61  

Options forfeited

    -     $ -       (1,500 )   $ 7.64  

Options outstanding - end of period

    274,746     $ 1.99       1,328,268     $ 5.98  
                                 

Exercisable at end of period

    68,688     $ 1.99       968,700     $ 7.47  

 

         The aggregate intrinsic value of our outstanding stock options was $1.6 million based on the closing market price of our common stock on September 30, 2013.

 

6.      Commitments and Contingencies

 

Legal Proceedings and Claims

 

From time to time, we are or may become subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the normal course of our business. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to known actions, will not materially affect our financial position. However, the outcome of any one or more matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and the unfavorable resolution of any matter could have a material adverse effect on us in any period.

  

 
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Sports Marketing Agreement

 

On October 12, 2004, the University of Kentucky (“UK”) awarded a sports marketing agreement jointly to us and IMG Worldwide, Inc. (“IMG”) (the “UK Agreement”). The UK Agreement expires April 15, 2015.

 

The UK Agreement provides that we will share in profits in excess of certain amounts specified by the agreement, if any, but not losses. The agreement also provides that we will separately retain all local broadcast advertising revenue and pay all local broadcast expenses for activities under the agreement. Under the agreement, IMG agreed to make all license fee payments to UK. However, if IMG is unable to pay the license fee to UK, we will then be required to pay the unpaid portion of the license fee to UK. As of September 30, 2013, the aggregate license fee to be paid by IMG to UK over the remaining term of the agreement is approximately $17.6 million. If we make advances on behalf of IMG, IMG is required to reimburse us for the amount paid within 60 days after the close of each contract year, which ends on June 30th. IMG has also agreed to pay interest on any advance at a rate equal to the prime rate. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, we did not advance any amounts to UK on behalf of IMG under this agreement. As of September 30, 2013, we do not consider the risk of non-performance by IMG to be high.

 

Non-compete and Non-solicitation Payments

 

In connection with the resignation of an employee in June 2013, the Company entered into an arrangement that included, among other things, certain non-compete and non-solicitation commitments with respect to the Company for a two year period ending June 2015. Under that arrangement, the Company is required to make payments to the former employee totaling $1.9 million over a three-year period. Of this amount, $1.5 million remained unpaid as of September 30, 2013. Related expense of $0.3 million was recognized during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. The expense attributable to this arrangement is being recognized over the period beginning June 2013 and ending June 2015.

 

7.      Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Our intangible assets are primarily comprised of network affiliations and broadcast licenses. We purchased broadcast licenses for approximately $1.3 million during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. There were no triggering events that required a test of impairment of our goodwill or intangible assets during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. Upon renewal of intangible assets such as network affiliations and broadcast licenses, we expense all related fees as incurred.

 

8.      Income Taxes

 

For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, our income tax expense and effective income tax rates were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
   

2013

   

2012

   

2013

   

2012

 

Income tax expense

  $ 4,491     $ 10,035     $ 9,715     $ 19,250  

Effective income tax rate

    38.8 %     38.7 %     42.6 %     38.9 %

 

We estimate our differences between taxable income and recorded income on an annual basis. Our tax provision for each interim reporting period is based upon these full year projections which are revised each interim reporting period. These projections incorporate estimates of permanent differences between U.S. GAAP income and taxable income, state income taxes, adjustments to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and other items as necessary to adjust our statutory Federal income tax rate to our effective income tax rate.

 

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, these estimates increased or decreased our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0% to our effective income tax rate of 42.6% as follows: an adjustment resulting from the expiration of certain unexercised stock options added 2.7%, state income taxes added 2.9%, permanent differences between our U.S. GAAP income and taxable income added 1.8%, and an adjustment for the write off of stock options deferred under Section 162(m) of the internal revenue code added 0.6%, while adjustments to our reserve for uncertain tax positions resulted in a reduction of 0.4%.

 

 
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For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012, these estimates increased or decreased our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0% to our effective income tax rate of 38.9% as follows: state income taxes added 4.6% and permanent differences between our U.S. GAAP income and taxable income added 0.5%, while adjustments to our reserve for uncertain tax positions resulted in a reduction of 1.2%.

 

9.      Subsequent Events

 

Acquisition of Yellowstone Television, LLC. 

 

On November 4, 2013, Gray announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Yellowstone Television, LLC (“Yellowstone”). Yellowstone owns the following stations:

 

• KGNS-TV in the Laredo, Texas market. Its channels are affiliated with NBC, CW, and Telemundo;

 

• KGWN-TV in the Cheyenne, Wyoming-Scottsbluff, Nebraska market. Its channels are affiliated with CBS and CW. KGWN-TV extends throughout the market on KSTF (TV) in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and K19FX in Laramie, Wyoming;

 

• KCHY-LP is the NBC affiliate for the Cheyenne-Scottsbluff market. It will now integrate its operations with KGWN-TV; and

 

• KCWY-TV in the Casper, Wyoming market. Its primary channel is affiliated with NBC.

 

This acquisition will represent Gray’s first stations in these markets. Gray used cash on hand of $23.0 million to acquire a 99% non-voting interest in the parent company of Yellowstone, and it began operating the Yellowstone stations pursuant to a local marketing agreement. Subject to the receipt of regulatory and other approvals, Gray expects to acquire voting control of Yellowstone by the first quarter of 2014.

 

We have not yet completed our initial accounting for this acquisition, including determination of the fair value of the acquired assets, as of the date of filing this quarterly report.

 

Shared Services Relationship with Excalibur Broadcasting, LLC

 

On November 1, 2013, we announced that Gray and Excalibur Broadcasting, LLC (“Excalibur”) had consummated the previously announced acquisition of KJCT(TV) and associated low power stations (collectively, “KJCT”) broadcasting ABC, CW, Telemundo and local programming in the Grand Junction, Colorado, market. In that transaction, Excalibur acquired the license assets of KJCT, and Gray acquired various non-license assets related to KJCT for approximately $9.0 million using cash on hand. Gray now provides back office, engineering and sales support services to Excalibur pursuant to a shared services agreement. Excalibur is wholly owned by a third party, and Excalibur maintains complete responsibility for and control over programming, finances, personnel and operations of KJCT and any other stations that it acquires. However, Gray has an option to purchase the assets and assume the liabilities of KJCT, subject to FCC consent.

 

In connection with the consummation of the transactions relating to KJCT, Gray has guaranteed approximately $3.0 million of Excalibur’s debt.

 

We have not yet completed our initial accounting for this transaction, including determination of the fair value of the acquired assets, as of the date of filing this quarterly report.

 

 
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Issuance of $375.0 Million of Additional Notes

        On October 18, 2013, Gray completed its previously announced offering of $375.0 million of Additional Notes.  The Additional Notes were issued at a price of 102.125%, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $383.0 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest from and including October 1, 2013.  Based on the issue price, the Additional Notes have a yield to worst of 6.984%.

        The Additional Notes are an additional issuance of, and rank equally and form a single series with, the 2020 Notes that were issued on October 9, 2012 (the “Existing Notes”).  The Additional Notes have the same terms as the Existing Notes, including being senior unsecured obligations of the Company, and being guaranteed by all of the Company’s existing, and certain future, subsidiaries.  
       
        On October 18, 2013, Gray used net proceeds from the offering of Additional Notes to repay $376.0 million of the term loan outstanding under its 2012 Senior Credit Facility.

  

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

 

Executive Overview

 

Introduction

 

The following analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Gray Television, Inc. (“we”, “us”, “our”, “Gray” or the “Company”) should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this report and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Form 10-K”).

 

Overview

 

We are a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that owns and operates television stations in 31 television markets broadcasting 46 channels affiliated with one of the “Big 4 Networks” (ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC) and 42 additional channels of programming. We also operate additional television stations that broadcast channels affiliated with ABC, CBS, NBC, CW, and Telemundo.  Our owned and/or operated television stations collectively broadcast twenty-three channels affiliated with the CBS Network, fourteen channels affiliated with the NBC Network, nine channels affiliated with the ABC Network and five channels affiliated with the FOX Network.

 

Within a market, our additional broadcast channels are generally affiliated with networks different from those affiliated with our “Big 4 Network” channels, and are operated by us to make better use of our broadcast spectrum by providing supplemental and/or alternative programming to our “Big 4 Network” channels. Certain of our additional channels are affiliated with more than one network simultaneously. Our additional channels are affiliated with networks such as “MyNetworkTV”, the CW Network or the CW Plus Network, the MeTV Network, This TV Network, the Live Well Network, Antenna TV and Telemundo. We also broadcast eight local news/weather channels in certain of our existing markets. Our combined TV station group reaches approximately 6.5% of total United States households.

 

Television Industry Background

 

The Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) grants broadcast licenses to television stations. Historically, there have been a limited number of channels available for broadcasting in any one geographic area.

 

Television station revenue is derived primarily from local, regional and national advertising. Television station revenue is derived to a much lesser extent from retransmission consent fees; network compensation; studio and tower space rental; and commercial production activities. “Advertising” refers primarily to advertisements broadcast by television stations, but it also includes advertisements placed on a television station’s website and sponsorships of television programming and off-line content (such as email messages, mobile applications, and other electronic content distributed by stations). Advertising rates are based upon: (i) the size of a station’s market, (ii) a station’s overall ratings, (iii) a program’s popularity among targeted viewers, (iv) the number of advertisers competing for available time, (v) the demographic makeup of the station’s market, (vi) the availability of alternative advertising media in the market, (vii) the presence of effective sales forces and (viii) the development of projects, features and programs that tie advertiser messages to programming. Rates can also be determined in part by a station’s overall ratings and in-market share, as well as the station’s ratings and market share among particular demographic groups that an advertiser may be targeting. Advertisers’ budgets, which can be affected by broad economic trends, can affect the broadcast industry in general and the revenue of individual broadcast television stations.

 

Revenues, Cyclicality and Seasonality

 

Broadcast stations like ours rely on advertising revenue and this revenue is sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy. As a result, our non-political advertising revenue improved along with the general economic environment in 2012 and has continued to improve in 2013.

 

 
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Broadcast advertising revenue is generally highest in the second and fourth quarters each year. This seasonality results partly from increases in consumer advertising in the spring and retail advertising in the period leading up to and including the holiday season. Broadcast advertising revenue is also typically higher in even-numbered years due to increased spending by political candidates, political parties and special interest groups in advance of elections. This political spending typically is heaviest during the fourth quarter.

 

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, our largest advertising customer category was automotive. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we earned approximately 25% and 20%, respectively, of our total broadcast advertising revenue from our automotive advertising customers. Our business and operating results could be materially adversely affected if automotive advertising revenue decreases. Our business and operating results could also be materially adversely affected if revenue decreased from one or more other significant advertising categories, such as advertisers in the medical, restaurant, communications, furniture and appliances, entertainment, or financial services industries.

 

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

 

Revenue

 

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

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2013

   

2012

   

2013

   

2012

 
   

Amount

   

Percent

of Total

   

Amount

   

Percent

of Total

   

Amount

   

Percent

of Total

   

Amount

   

Percent

of Total

 

Revenue:

                                                               

Local

  $ 48,728       55.2 %   $ 46,670       45.4 %   $ 146,025       58.2 %   $ 140,962       50.7 %

National

    13,585       15.4 %     14,341       13.9 %     42,061       16.8 %     41,668       15.0 %

Internet

    6,476       7.3 %     6,369       6.2 %     18,439       7.4 %     18,420       6.6 %

Political

    1,377       1.6 %     24,508       23.8 %     2,769       1.1 %     42,605       15.3 %

Retransmission consent

    9,165       10.4 %     8,518       8.3 %     28,253       11.3 %     25,275       9.1 %

Other

    1,814       2.1 %     1,923       1.9 %     6,052       2.4 %     7,419       2.7 %

Consulting

    7,143       8.0 %     550       0.5 %     7,143       2.8 %     1,895       0.6 %

Total

  $ 88,288       100.0 %   $ 102,879       100.0 %   $ 250,742       100.0 %   $ 278,244       100.0 %

 

Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 (“2013 three-month period”) Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 (“2012 three-month period”)

 

Revenue. Total revenue decreased $14.6 million, or 14%, to $88.3 million in the 2013 three-month period. Local advertising revenue increased approximately $2.1 million, or 4%, to $48.7 million. National advertising revenue decreased approximately $0.8 million, or 5%, to $13.6 million. Our local and national advertising revenue did not have the benefit of Olympic advertising revenue as it did in the previous year. During the 2012 three-month period, we earned approximately $4.0 million of revenue from local and national advertisers and $1.1 million of revenue from political advertisers during the broadcast of the 2012 Summer Olympics on our ten primary NBC stations. Retransmission consent revenue increased $0.6 million, or 8%, to $9.2 million primarily due to increased subscriber counts and rates. Political advertising revenue decreased $23.1 million, or 94%, to $1.4 million, reflecting decreased advertising from political candidates and special interest groups in the 2013 three-month period due to this being the “off year” of the two-year political advertising cycle.

 

As previously disclosed, during the 2013 three-month period, we recognized a one-time payment of $7.1 million as incentive consulting revenue associated with a now-expired consulting agreement for services rendered prior to the expiration thereof. We do not expect to recognize any further revenue from this agreement.

 

 
18

 

 

For the 2013 three-month period, our five largest nonpolitical advertising customer categories on a combined local and national basis, by customer type, demonstrated the following changes in revenue compared to the 2012 three-month period: automotive increased 5%; restaurant increased 2%; medical decreased 9%; communications increased 6%; and furniture and appliances increased 2%.

 

Broadcast expenses. Broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets) increased $1.5 million, or 3%, to $53.5 million in the 2013 three-month period, due primarily to an increase in compensation expense of $1.7 million offset, in part, by a decrease in non-compensation expense of $0.2 million. Compensation expense increased primarily due to routine increases in salaries, healthcare expense and pension expense offset, in part, by a decrease in incentive compensation. Non-compensation expense increased primarily due to increases in programing costs, software license fees and bad debt expense offset, in part, by decreases in national sales commissions, legal expense and repairs and maintenance expense. As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, we employed 2,092 and 2,062 total employees, respectively, in our broadcast operations.

 

Corporate and administrative expenses. Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of assets) increased $0.5 million, or 11%, to $4.5 million in the 2013 three-month period. The increase was due primarily to increases in compensation expense of $0.2 million and non-compensation expense of $0.3 million. Compensation expense increased primarily due to an increase in salaries, relocation expense and stock-based compensation expense offset, in part, by a decrease in incentive compensation. We recorded non-cash stock-based compensation expense during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 of $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

 

Depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment increased $0.3 million, or 5%, to $6.0 million during the 2013 three-month period compared to the 2012 three-month period. Depreciation increased due to additional property and equipment having been placed in service during 2013.

 

Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $2.5 million, or 16%, to $12.7 million for the 2013 three-month period. This decrease was attributable to a decrease in average interest rates partially offset by an increase in average borrowings outstanding. Our average debt balance was $835.0 million and $825.2 million during the 2013 and 2012 three-month periods, respectively. The average interest rate on our total debt balances was approximately 5.7% and 7.0% during the 2013 and 2012 three-month periods, respectively.

 

Income tax expense. We recognized income tax expense of $4.5 million and $10.0 million for the 2013 and 2012 three-month periods, respectively. For the 2013 and 2012 three-month periods, our effective income tax rate was 38.8% and 38.7%, respectively. We estimate differences between taxable income and recorded income on an annual basis. Our tax provision for each interim reporting period is based upon these full year projections which are revised each interim reporting period. These projections incorporate estimates of permanent differences between U.S. GAAP income and taxable income, state income taxes, adjustments to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and other items as necessary to adjust our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0% to our effective income tax rate.

 

Preferred stock dividends. Preferred stock dividends decreased $1.2 million, or 100%, to $0.0 million for the 2013 three-month period. We repurchased all outstanding shares of our Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock in the year ended December 31, 2012 and, as a result, no dividends were paid in the 2013 three-month period.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 (“2013 nine-month period”) Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 (“2012 nine-month period”)

 

Revenue. Total revenue decreased $27.5 million, or 10%, to $250.7 million in the 2013 nine-month period. Local advertising revenue increased approximately $5.1 million, or 4%, to $146.0 million. National advertising revenue increased approximately $0.4 million, or 1%, to $42.1 million. Local and national advertising revenue in the 2013 nine-month period was positively influenced by the broadcast of the 2013 Super Bowl on our 20 CBS channels, earning us approximately $1.1 million, an increase of approximately $0.3 million compared to the broadcast of the 2012 Super Bowl on our 10 NBC channels that earned us approximately $0.8 million. However, local and national advertising revenue in the 2013 nine-month period did not benefit from any Olympic Games advertising. Retransmission consent revenue increased $3.0 million, or 12%, to $28.3 million in the 2013 nine-month period compared to the 2012 nine-month period primarily due to increased subscriber counts and rates. Political advertising revenue decreased $39.8 million, or 94%, to $2.8 million, reflecting decreased advertising from political candidates and special interest groups in the 2013 nine-month period due to this being the “off year” of the two-year political advertising cycle. Other revenue decreased $1.4 million, or 18%, to $6.1 million in the 2013 nine-month period compared to the 2012 nine-month period due primarily to an anticipated reduction in certain copyright royalty payments.

 

 
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As described above, in the 2013 nine-month period we recorded $7.1 million of incentive consulting revenue from a now expired consulting agreement.

 

In the 2013 nine-month period, our five largest nonpolitical advertising customer categories on a combined local and national basis, by customer type, demonstrated the following changes in revenue compared to the 2012 nine-month period: automotive increased 8%; medical decreased 6%; restaurant decreased 1%; communications increased 3%; and furniture and appliances increased 4%.

 

Broadcast expenses. Broadcast expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets) increased $3.2 million, or 2%, to $158.8 million in the 2013 nine-month period, due primarily to an increase in compensation expense of $2.6 million and non-compensation expense of $0.6 million. Compensation expense increased primarily due to increases in salaries, healthcare expense and pension expense offset, in part, by a decrease in incentive compensation. Non-compensation expense increased primarily due to an increase in programing costs, market research and software license fees offset, in part, by a decrease in national sales commissions, legal expense and repairs and maintenance expense.

 

Corporate and administrative expenses. Corporate and administrative expenses (before depreciation, amortization and gain on disposal of assets) increased $2.8 million, or 26%, to $13.6 million for the 2013 nine-month period. The increase was due primarily to an increase in compensation expense of $1.5 million and an increase in non-compensation expense of $1.3 million. Compensation expense increased primarily due to an increase in stock-based compensation expense and severance expense resulting from the resignation of a former employee in June 2013. We recorded non-cash stock-based compensation expense during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 of $1.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Non-compensation expense increased primarily due to increased consulting expenses, legal expenses and travel expenses.

 

Depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment increased $0.4 million, or 2%, to $17.8 million for the 2013 nine-month period. Depreciation increased due to additional property and equipment having been placed in service during 2013.

 

Gain on disposal of assets. Gain on disposal of assets decreased $0.4 million to $0.1 million during the 2013 nine-month period as compared to the 2012 nine-month period. The decrease was due primarily to a gain recognized in the prior year period on a weather related tower collapse at one of our stations. We did not have a similar event in the current year period.

 

Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $7.7 million, or 17%, to $37.8 million for the 2013 nine-month period. This decrease was attributable to a decrease in average interest rates partially offset by an increase in average borrowings outstanding. Our average debt balance was $835.0 million and $827.2 million during the 2013 and 2012 nine-month periods, respectively. The average interest rates on our total debt balances were 5.7% and 7.0% during the 2013 and 2012 nine-month periods, respectively.

 

Income tax expense. We recognized income tax expense of $9.7 million and $19.3 million in the 2013 and 2012 nine-month periods, respectively. For the 2013 and 2012 nine-month periods, our effective income tax rate was 42.6% and 38.9%, respectively. Our effective income tax rate for the 2013 nine-month period as compared to the 2012 nine-month period increased primarily due to an adjustment resulting from the expiration of certain unexercised stock options in the 2013 nine-month period.

 

 
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Preferred stock dividends. Preferred stock dividends decreased $3.6 million, or 100%, to $0.0 million for the 2013 nine-month period. The decrease in the dividend was due to no shares of our Series D Perpetual Preferred Stock being outstanding during the 2013 nine-month period.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

General

 

The following table presents data that we believe is helpful in evaluating our liquidity and capital resources (in thousands).

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2013

   

2012

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 51,590     $ 90,338  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (19,603 )     (17,227 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    266       (32,606 )

Increase in cash

  $ 32,253     $ 40,505  

 

   

As of

 
   

September 30, 2013

   

December 31, 2012

 

Cash

  $ 43,320     $ 11,067  

Long-term debt

  $ 833,073     $ 832,867  

Borrowing availability under 2012 Senior Credit Facility

  $ 40,000     $ 40,000  

 

Long-term Debt

 

Our 2012 Senior Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan and a term loan. Excluding accrued interest, the amount outstanding under our 2012 Senior Credit Facility as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was comprised solely of a term loan balance of $535.0 million. Our maximum borrowing availability is limited by our required compliance with certain restrictive covenants, including a first lien net leverage ratio covenant.

 

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had $300.0 million of our 2020 Notes outstanding.

 

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the senior credit facility was 4.8%. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the coupon interest rate and the yield on the 2020 Notes outstanding on such dates were 7.5% and 7.6%, respectively. The yield on the 2020 Notes outstanding on such dates exceeded the coupon interest rate because the 2020 Notes outstanding on such dates were issued with “original issue discount”.

 

Subsequent to September 30, 2013, we issued $375.0 million of additional 2020 Notes (the "Additional Notes").   The Additional Notes were issued at a price of 102.125%, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of approxmately $383.0 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest from and including October 1, 2013.  We used net proceeds from the issuance of Additional Notes to repay $376.0 million of the term loan outstanding under the 2012 Senior Credit Facility.   Based on the issue price, the Additional Notes have a yield to worst of 6.984%.   For addional information on this transaction, see " - Liquidity" below.

 

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had a deferred loan cost balance, net of accumulated amortization, of $4.1 million and $4.6 million, respectively, related to the 2012 Senior Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had a deferred loan cost balance, net of accumulated amortization, of $6.4 million and $7.1 million, respectively, related to our 2020 Notes.

 

 
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Our obligations under our 2012 Senior Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets, including real estate. In addition, our subsidiaries are joint and several guarantors of these obligations and our ownership interests in our subsidiaries are pledged to collateralize such obligations. The 2012 Senior Credit Facility contains affirmative and restrictive covenants that we must comply with, including (a) limitations on additional indebtedness, (b) limitations on liens, (c) limitations on the sale of assets, (d) limitations on guarantees, (e) limitations on investments and acquisitions, (f) limitations on the payment of dividends and share repurchases, (g) limitations on mergers, and (h) maintenance of a total leverage ratio as set forth in the 2012 Senior Credit Facility not to exceed certain maximum limits, as well as other customary covenants for credit facilities of this type. As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants required under our debt obligations.

 

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

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $51.6 million in the 2013 nine-month period compared to $90.3 million in the 2012 nine-month period. The decrease in cash provided by operations was due primarily to decreases in political advertising revenue and increases in broadcast and corporate and administrative expenses described elsewhere herein.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $19.6 million in the 2013 nine-month period compared to net cash used in investing activities of $17.2 million for the 2012 nine-month period. The increase in cash used in investing activities was largely due to increased spending for equipment and the purchases of broadcast licenses in the 2013 nine-month period.

 

Net provided by financing activities in the 2013 nine-month period was $0.3 million compared to net cash used in financing activities of $32.6 million in the 2012 nine-month period. This increase in cash provided by financing activities was due primarily to a decrease in cash used for debt repayments and the repurchase of preferred stock offset, in part, by a decrease in cash provided by borrowings of long-term debt in the 2013 nine-month period compared to the 2012 nine-month period.

 

Liquidity

 

As of September 30, 2013, we were not required to make any debt principal payments during the twelve months immediately following September 30, 2013. On October 18, 2013, we used proceeds from the issuance of the Additional Notes to repay $376.0 million of the term loan outstanding under the 2012 Senior Credit Facility. We currently estimate that we will make approximately $58.0 million in debt interest payments and $20.0 million in capital expenditures during the twelve months immediately following September 30, 2013.

 

Although our cash flows from operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, we anticipate that our cash on hand, future cash expected to be generated from operations, and future borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility under our 2012 Senior Credit Facility (or any such other credit facility as may be in place at the appropriate time) will be sufficient to fund these debt service obligations and estimated capital expenditures.  We also presently believe that our future cash expected to be generated from operations and borrowing availability under our 2012 Senior Credit Facility (or any such other credit facility) will be sufficient to fund our future capital expenditures and long-term debt service obligations for the foreseeable future. As a result of the completion of the offering of Additional Notes and the use of net proceeds therefrom to repay a portion of the term loan outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility, Gray expects to continue to have the ability to incur significant additional indebtedness, including at least $541.0 million of additional senior secured indebtedness, which includes $40.0 million under its existing revolving credit facility.

 

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

        There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations from those disclosed in the table entitled "Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations as of December 31, 2012" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 except that, as a result of the issuance of the Additional Notes and the use of proceeds therefrom, the Company's long-term debt obligation disclosed as payable in 2016-2017 has become payable in the period "2018 and thereafter."

 

 
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Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures in the 2013 and 2012 nine-month periods were $18.4 million and $17.7 million, respectively. We anticipate that our capital expenditures for the remainder of 2013 will range between approximately $4.6 million and $5.6 million.

 

Other

 

We file a consolidated federal income tax return and such state or local tax returns as are required. Although we may earn taxable operating income in future years, as of September 30, 2013, we anticipate that through the use of our available loss carryforwards we will not pay significant amounts of federal or state income taxes in the next several years.

 

We do not believe that inflation has had a significant impact on our results of operations nor is inflation expected to have a significant effect upon our business in the near future.

 

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, we contributed $3.7 million to our pension plans. During the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2013, we expect to contribute an additional $1.7 million to $4.3 million to our pension plans.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments and estimations that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We consider our accounting policies relating to intangible assets and income taxes to be critical policies that require judgments or estimations in their application where variances in those judgments or estimations could make a significant difference to future reported results. These critical accounting policies and estimates are more fully disclosed in our 2012 Form 10-K.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than those of historical fact. When used in this Quarterly Report, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “will,” “may,” “should” and similar words and expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Among other things, statements that describe our expectations regarding our results of operations, general and industry-specific economic conditions, future pension plan contributions and capital expenditures are forward-looking statements. Readers of this Quarterly Report are cautioned that any forward-looking statements, including those regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of our management, are not guarantees of future performance, results or events and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results and events may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, those listed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our 2012 Form 10-K and as may be described in subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, as well as the other factors described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

 

We believe that the market risk of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2013 has not materially changed since December 31, 2012. The market risk profile on December 31, 2012 is disclosed in our 2012 Form 10-K.

 

 
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or furnish under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. No system of controls, no matter how well designed and implemented, can provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the system of controls are met and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 identified in connection with this evaluation that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Please refer to the information set out under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A in our 2012 Form 10-K for a description of risk factors that we determined to be most material to our financial condition and results of operations. We do not believe there have been any material changes in these risks. Additional risks that we do not currently consider to be material may also materially adversely affect our results of operation or financial condition in the future.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

4.1

Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 18, 2013, by and among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 21, 2013).

 

4.2

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 18, 2013, by and among Gray Television, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 21, 2013).

 

31.1

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

 

31.2

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

 

32.1

Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer

 

32.2

Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer

 

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

 

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

  

 
24

 

 

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

  

 
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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

GRAY TELEVISION, INC.
(Registrant)

 
     
     
     
        
Date: November 7, 2013 By: /s/ James C. Ryan  
    James C. Ryan,  
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  

 

 

 

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