10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

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: 0-29253

 


 

BEASLEY BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   65-0960915

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 200

Naples, Florida 34103

(Address of principal executive offices and Zip Code)

 

(239) 263-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

None

 

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

 

Class A Common Stock, $.001 par value

 


 

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

 

As of March 10, 2004, the aggregate market value of the Class A common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $99,856,237 based on the number of shares outstanding as of March 10, 2004 and the closing price of $13.55 on The Nasdaq Stock Market’s National Market on June 30, 2003, the last business day of our most recently completed second quarter.

 

Class A Common Stock, $.001 par value 7,444,364 Shares Outstanding as of March 10, 2004

 

Class B Common Stock, $.001 par value 16,832,743 Shares Outstanding as of March 10, 2004

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 

Certain information in the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to Regulation 14A, is incorporated by reference in Part III of this report, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 29, 2004.

 



Table of Contents

BEASLEY BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

 

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

 

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

Part I—Financial Information
Item 1.    Business    3
Item 2.    Properties    15
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings    15
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    15
Part II—Other Information
Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    16
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data    16
Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    17
Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    35
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    37
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    66
Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures    66
Part III
Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant    67
Item 11.    Executive Compensation    67
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    67
Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    67
Item 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services    67
Part IV
Item 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K    68
Signatures    70

 

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

 

Unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this report to “Beasley,” “Beasley Broadcast Group,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and similar terms refer to Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

We are the 17th largest radio broadcasting company in the United States according to BIA Financial Network, Inc. We own and operate 41 radio stations in 10 markets including Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, Philadelphia, PA, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Las Vegas, NV, West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL, Ft. Myers-Naples, FL, Fayetteville, NC, Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, NC, and Augusta, GA.

 

We were founded in 1961 and are led by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, George G. Beasley. Under Mr. Beasley’s guidance, excluding the radio stations that we currently own, we have acquired and disposed of a total of 55 radio stations. We purchased these 55 radio stations for an aggregate purchase price of $200.5 million and sold them for an aggregate sales price of $370.6 million. Mr. Beasley is supported by a management team with an average of 27 years of experience in the radio broadcasting industry.

 

Our operations are divided into three reportable segments, Radio Group One, Radio Group Two, and Radio Group Three. Operating results and total assets for our reportable segments are contained in note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.

 

Operating Strategy

 

The principal components of our operating strategy are to:

 

    Develop Market-Leading Clusters.    We seek to secure and maintain a leadership position in the markets we serve by creating clusters of multiple radio stations in each of our markets. Our radio station groups rank among the three largest clusters, based on gross revenues, in five of our 10 markets. We operate our radio stations in clusters to capture a variety of demographic listener groups, which enhances our radio stations’ appeal to a wide range of advertisers. In addition, we have been able to achieve operating efficiencies by strategically aligning our sales and promotional efforts and consolidating broadcast facilities where possible to minimize duplicative management positions and reduce overhead expenses. Finally, we believe that strategic acquisitions of additional radio stations in existing clusters position us to capitalize on our market expertise and existing relationships with local advertisers to increase revenues of the acquired radio stations.

 

    Conduct Extensive Market Research.    We conduct extensive market research to enhance our ratings and in certain circumstances to identify opportunities to reformat radio stations to reach underserved demographic groups and increase advertising revenue. Our research, programming and marketing strategy combines thorough research with an assessment of our competitors’ vulnerabilities and overall market dynamics in order to identify specific audience and formatting opportunities within each market. Using this research, we tailor our programming, marketing and promotions on each radio station to maximize its appeal to its target audience and to respond to the changing preferences of our listeners.

 

    Establish Strong Local Brand Identity.    Our radio stations pursue a variety of programming and marketing initiatives designed to develop a distinctive identity and to strengthen the radio stations’ local brand or franchise. In addition, through our research, programming and promotional initiatives, we create a marketable identity for our radio stations to enhance audience share and listener loyalty. As part of this objective, we promote nationally-recognized on-air personalities and local sports programming at a number of our radio stations.

 

   

Build Relationship-Oriented Sales Staff and Emphasize Focused Marketing and Promotional Initiatives.    We seek to gain advertising revenue share in each of our markets by utilizing our

 

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relationship-oriented sales staff to lead local and national marketing and promotional initiatives. We design our sales efforts based on advertiser demand and market conditions. Our radio stations have an experienced and stable sales force with an average of five years experience with Beasley Broadcast Group. In addition, we provide our sales force with extensive training, competitive compensation and performance-based incentives. Our radio stations also engage in special local promotional activities such as concerts featuring nationally recognized performers, contests, charitable events and special community events. Our experienced sales staff and these promotional initiatives help strengthen our relationship with our advertisers and listening community.

 

    Hire, Develop and Motivate Strong Local Management Teams.    Our general managers have been with Beasley Broadcast Group for an average of approximately 10 years. We believe that broadcasting is primarily a locally-based business and much of its success is based on the efforts of local management teams. We believe that our general managers have been able to recruit, develop, motivate and train superior management teams. We offer competitive compensation packages with performance-based incentives for our key employees. In addition, we provide employees with opportunities for personal growth and advancement through training, seminars and other educational initiatives.

 

Acquisition Strategy

 

Our acquisition strategy is to:

 

    acquire additional radio stations in our current markets to further enhance our market position;

 

    acquire existing clusters in new markets or establish a presence in new markets where we believe we can build successful clusters over time;

 

    pursue swap opportunities with other radio station owners to build or enhance our market clusters; and

 

    selectively acquire large-market AM radio stations located in the 100 largest radio markets that serve attractive demographic groups with specialty programming.

 

Our ability to execute our acquisition strategy, is subject to our ability to identify acquisition targets that both satisfy our acquisition criteria and that are available on terms that are economically and commercially acceptable to us. During the past two fiscal years, we have remained selective in our approach to acquisitions, and did not identify any radio stations that both fit our criteria and that were available on terms that were acceptable to us. As a result, we did not acquire any radio stations during the past two fiscal years. While we cannot be certain that conditions will change and that acceptable acquisition opportunities will arise in the future, we intend to continue to pursue our acquisition strategy. We believe that many of our competitors have had a similar experience in this regard during the past several years and that they may be eager to take advantage of any improvement in the market for radio stations. Many of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do and may be able to outbid us for attractive acquisition targets. Additionally, even if we are able to identify acceptable acquisition opportunities, our ability to complete such acquisitions will also remain subject to, among other factors, the availability of additional borrowings under our credit facility, or other permitted financings including additional equity offerings, which may not be available to us when needed or on acceptable terms.

 

Radio Station Portfolio

 

The following table sets forth selected information about our portfolio of radio stations.

 

Market/Radio Station


   2003
Radio Market
Revenue
Rank


   Year
Acquired


   Format

   2003
Market
Revenue
Growth


    2003
Beasley Market
Revenue Rank


Atlanta, GA

   6              —    %   —  

WAEC-AM

        2000    Religious           

WWWE-AM

        2000    Hispanic           

Boston, MA

   9              —       —  

WRCA-AM

        2000    Hispanic           

 

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Market/Radio Station


   2003
Radio Market
Revenue
Rank


   Year
Acquired


   Format

   2003
Market
Revenue
Growth


    2003
Beasley Market
Revenue Rank


Philadelphia, PA

   10              (0.7 )   5

WXTU-FM

        1983    Country           

WRDW-FM

        1997    Rhythmic CHR           

WTMR-AM

        1998    Religious           

WWDB-AM

        1986    Financial           

Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL

   11              1.4     3

WQAM-AM

        1996    Sports/Talk           

WPOW-FM

        1986    Rhythmic CHR           

WKIS-FM

        1996    Country           

WWNN-AM

        2000    Health           

WHSR-AM

        2000    Foreign Language           

Las Vegas, NV

   35              4.8     4

KSTJ-FM

        2001    80’s           

KJUL-FM

        2001    Adult Standards           

KKLZ-FM

        2001    Classic Rock           

West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL

   45              —       —  

WSBR-AM

        2000    Financial           

Ft. Myers-Naples, FL

   66              10.1     2

WRXK-FM

        1986    Classic Rock           

WXKB-FM

        1995    Adult CHR           

WJBX-FM

        1998    Alternative Rock           

WJPT-FM

        1998    Adult Standards           

WWCN-AM

        1987    Sports/Talk           

Fayetteville, NC

   96              (6.9 )   1

WKML-FM

        1983    Country           

WZFX-FM

        1997    Urban           

WFLB-FM

        1996    Oldies           

WUKS-FM

        1997    Urban AC           

WAZZ-AM

        1997    Nostalgia           

WTEL-AM

        1997    Religious           

Greenville-New Bern-
Jacksonville, NC

   98              6.0     1

WIKS-FM

        1996    Urban AC           

WNCT-FM

        1996    Oldies           

WSFL-FM

        1991    Classic Rock           

WMGV-FM

        1996    AC           

WXNR-FM

        1996    Alternative Rock           

WNCT-AM

        1996    Hispanic           

Augusta, GA

   119              (8.2 )   1

WKXC-FM

        2001    Country           

WGAC-AM

        1993    News/Talk           

WCHZ-FM

        1997    Alternative Rock           

WGOR-FM

        1992    Oldies           

WSLT-FM

        2001    AC           

WAJY-FM

        1994    Religious           

WRDW-AM

        2000    Sports/Talk           

WGAC-FM

        2000    News/Talk           

WGUS-AM

        2003    Classic Country           

 

For our radio station portfolio, we derived:

 

  the 2003 radio market revenue rank from BIA Research, Inc. The radio market revenue rank reflects the size of the radio market compared to other radio markets in the United States when measured by the amount of revenue derived by all of the radio stations in each market.

 

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    the 2003 market revenue growth from Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co. (December 2003 ed.). The market revenue growth reflects the increase in the size of the radio market from 2002 to 2003 when measured by the amount of revenue derived by all of the radio stations in that market. Reports for the Boston, Atlanta and West Palm Beach-Boca Raton markets were not available to us.

 

    our 2003 market revenue rank from Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co. (December 2003 ed.). The Beasley market revenue rank reflects the size of the Beasley share of the radio market compared to other owners in the radio market when measured by the amount of revenue derived by all of the radio stations in that market. Reports for the Boston, Atlanta and West Palm Beach-Boca Raton markets were not available to us.

 

Competition; Changes in Broadcasting Industry

 

The radio broadcasting industry is highly competitive. The success of each of our radio stations depends largely upon its audience ratings and its share of the overall advertising revenue within its market. Our radio 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. By building a strong listener base consisting of a specific demographic group in each of our markets, we are able to attract advertisers seeking to reach those listeners.

 

The following are some of the factors that are important to a radio station’s competitive position:

 

    management experience;

 

    the radio station’s local audience rank in its market;

 

    transmitter power;

 

    assigned frequency;

 

    audience characteristics;

 

    local program acceptance; and

 

    the number and characteristics of other radio stations and other advertising media in the market area.

 

In addition, we attempt to improve our competitive position with promotional campaigns aimed at the demographic groups targeted by our radio stations and by sales efforts designed to attract advertisers.

 

The operation of a radio station requires a license from the FCC. The number of radio stations that can operate in a given market is limited by strict AM interference criteria and availability of FM radio frequencies allotted by the FCC to communities in that market. The number of radio stations that a single entity may operate in a market is further limited by the FCC’s multiple ownership rules that regulate the number of radio stations serving the same area that may be owned or controlled by a single entity.

 

Radio station operators are subject to the possibility of another radio station changing programming formats to compete directly for listeners and advertisers or launching an aggressive promotional campaign in support of an already existing competitive format. If a competitor were to attempt to compete in either of these fashions, our results of operations could be adversely affected as a result of an increase in operating expenses in the affected market associated with increased promotional and other expenses and/or decreased advertising revenues. There can be no assurance that any one of our radio stations will be able to maintain or increase its current audience ratings and radio advertising revenue market share.

 

Our radio stations also compete for audiences and advertising revenues within their respective markets directly with other radio stations, as well as with other media such as newspapers, magazines, network and cable

 

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television, outdoor advertising and direct mail. In addition, the radio broadcasting industry is subject to competition from new media technologies that are being developed or introduced such as:

 

    satellite delivered digital audio radio service, which now has two primarily subscriber-based satellite radio services that offer numerous programming channels and sound quality equivalent to that of compact discs;

 

    audio programming by cable systems, direct broadcast satellite systems, internet content providers, personal communications services and other digital audio broadcast formats;

 

    new AM radio stations in the expanded AM band;

 

    in-band on-channel digital radio, which provides multi-channel, multi-format digital radio services in the same bandwidth currently occupied by traditional AM and FM radio services; and

 

    low power FM radio, which has resulted in new non-commercial FM radio broadcast outlets that serve small, localized areas.

 

The radio broadcasting industry historically has grown despite the introduction of new technologies for the delivery of entertainment and information, such as television broadcasting, cable television, audio tapes and compact discs. A growing population and greater availability of radios, particularly car and portable radios, have contributed to this growth. We cannot assure you, however, that this historical growth will continue or that the development or introduction in the future of any new media technology will not have an adverse effect on the radio broadcasting industry.

 

We cannot predict what other new competitive services or other regulatory 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 services, proposals or changes might have on our business.

 

We employ a number of on-air personalities and generally enter into employment agreements with these personalities to protect our interests in those relationships that we believe to be valuable. The loss of some of these personalities could result in a short-term loss of audience share, but we do not believe that the loss would have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Federal Regulation Of Radio Broadcasting

 

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to extensive and changing regulation of, among other things, program content including determination of decency standards, 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, operating powers and other technical parameters of radio stations;

 

    issues, renews, revokes, conditions and modifies radio station licenses;

 

    determines whether to approve changes in ownership or control of radio station licenses;

 

    regulates equipment used by radio stations; and

 

    adopts and implements regulations and policies that directly affect the ownership, operation and employment practices of radio stations.

 

The FCC has the power 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, non-renewal of licenses and the revocation of operating authority.

 

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The following is a brief summary of some provisions of the Communications Act and of certain specific FCC regulations and policies. The summary is not a comprehensive listing of all of the regulations and policies affecting radio stations. For further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of radio stations, you should refer to the Communications Act, FCC rules and FCC public notices and rulings.

 

FCC Licenses.    Radio stations operate pursuant to renewable broadcasting licenses that are ordinarily granted by the FCC for maximum terms of eight years. A radio 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 radio station’s renewal application if a substantial or material question of fact exists as to whether the radio 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. Historically, FCC licenses have generally been renewed. We have no reason to believe that our licenses will not be renewed in the ordinary course, although there can be no assurance to that effect. The non-renewal of one or more of our licenses could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

The FCC classifies each AM and FM radio station. An AM radio station operates on either a clear channel, regional channel or local channel. A clear channel is one on which AM radio stations are assigned to serve wide areas. Clear channel AM radio stations are classified as either: Class A radio stations, which operate on an unlimited time basis and are designated to render primary and secondary service over an extended area; Class B radio stations, which operate on an unlimited time basis and are designed to render service only over a primary service area; or Class D AM radio stations, which operate either during daytime hours only, during limited times only or on an unlimited time basis with low nighttime power. A regional channel is one on which Class B and Class D AM radio stations may operate and serve primarily a principal center of population and the rural areas contiguous to it. A local channel is one on which AM radio stations operate on an unlimited time basis and serve primarily a community and the immediately contiguous suburban and rural areas. Class C AM radio stations operate on a local channel and are designed to render service only over a primary service area that may be reduced as a consequence of interference.

 

The FCC has authorized an additional 100 kHz of bandwidth for the AM band and has allotted frequencies in this new band to certain existing AM radio station licensees that applied for migration to the expanded AM band, including one of our radio stations, subject to the requirement that at the end of a transition period, those licensees return to the FCC the license for their existing AM band radio station. Upon the completion of the migration process, it is expected that some AM radio stations will have improved coverage because of reduced interference. We have not evaluated the impact of the migration process on our business but do not believe that such impact will be material.

 

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

 

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The following table sets forth the metropolitan market served (the FCC-designated city of license may differ), call letters, FCC license classification, frequency, power and FCC license expiration date of each of the radio stations that we own. In many cases, our licenses are held by wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries. Pursuant to FCC rules and regulations, many AM radio stations are licensed to operate at a reduced power during the nighttime broadcasting hours, which can result in reducing the radio station’s coverage during the nighttime hours of operation. Both daytime and nighttime power ratings are shown, where applicable. For FM radio stations, the maximum effective radiated power in the main lobe is given.

 

Market


  Radio Station

 

FCC

Class


  Frequency

 

Power in

Kilowatts


 

Expiration

Date of
FCC

License


Atlanta, GA

  WAEC-AM   B   860 kHz   5 kW day/.5 kW night   04/01/2004
    WWWE-AM   D   1100 kHz   5 kW day   04/01/2004

Boston, MA

  WRCA-AM   B   1330 kHz   5 kW   04/01/2006

Philadelphia, PA

  WXTU-FM   B   92.5 MHz   15.5 kW   08/01/2006
    WRDW-FM   B   96.5 MHz   17.0 kW   08/01/2006
    WTMR-AM   B   800 kHz   5 kW day/.5 kW night   06/01/2006
    WWDB-AM   D   860 kHz   10 kW day   08/01/2006

Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL

  WQAM-AM   B   560 kHz   5 kW day/1 kW night   02/01/2004
    WPOW-FM   C   96.5 MHz   100 kW   02/01/2012
    WKIS-FM   C   99.9 MHz   100 kW   02/01/2012
    WWNN-AM   B   1470 kHz   50 kW day/2.5 kW night   02/01/2012
    WHSR-AM   B   980 kHz   5 kW day/1 kW night   02/01/2012

Las Vegas, NV

  KSTJ-FM   C   102.7 MHz   96 kW   10/01/2005
    KJUL-FM   C   104.3 MHz   24.5 kW   10/01/2005
    KKLZ-FM   C   96.3 MHz   100 kW   10/01/2005

West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL

  WSBR-AM   B   740 kHz   2.5 kW day/.94 kW night   02/01/2004

Ft. Myers-Naples, FL

  WRXK-FM   C   96.1 MHz   100 kW   02/01/2012
    WXKB-FM   C   103.9 MHz   100 kW   02/01/2012
    WJBX-FM   C2   99.3 MHz   45 kW   02/01/2012
    WJPT-FM   C2   106.3 MHz   50 kW   02/01/2012
    WWCN-AM   B   770 kHz   10 kW day/1 kW night   02/01/2012

Fayetteville, NC

  WKML-FM   C   95.7 MHz   100 kW   12/01/2011
    WZFX-FM   C1   99.1 MHz   100 kW   12/01/2011
    WFLB-FM   C   96.5 MHz   100 kW   12/01/2011
    WUKS-FM   C3   107.7 MHz   5.2 kW   12/01/2011
    WAZZ-AM   C   1490 kHz   1 kW day/night   12/01/2011
    WTEL-AM   B   1160 kHz   5 kW day/.25 kW night   12/01/2011

Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, NC

  WIKS-FM   C1   101.9 MHz   100 kW   12/01/2011
    WNCT-FM   C   107.9 MHz   100 kW   12/01/2003
    WSFL-FM   C1   106.5 MHz   100 kW   12/01/2011
    WMGV-FM   C1   103.3 MHz   100 kW   12/01/2011
    WXNR-FM   C2   99.5 MHz   16.5 kW   12/01/2011
    WNCT-AM   B   1070 kHz   10 kW day/night   12/01/2011

Augusta, GA

  WKXC-FM   C2   99.5 MHz   24 kW   12/01/2011
    WGAC-AM   B   580 kHz   5 kW day/.84 kW night   04/01/2004
    WCHZ-FM   C3   95.1 MHz   5.7 kW   04/01/2004
    WGOR-FM   C3   93.9 MHz   13 kW   04/01/2004
    WSLT-FM   A   98.3 MHz   2.8 kW   12/01/2003
    WAJY-FM   A   102.7 MHz   3 kW   12/01/2011
    WRDW-AM   B   1480 kHz   5 kW day/night   04/01/2004
    WGAC-FM   A   93.1 MHz   4.1 kW   04/01/2004
    WGUS-AM   B   1630 kHz   10 kW day/1 kW night   04/01/2004

 

We have timely filed license renewal applications for all of our radio stations. However certain licenses, including one that is subject to two indecency-related inquiries at the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, were not renewed prior to their expiration dates. Based on having filed timely renewal applications, we continue to operate the radio stations operating under these licenses and do not anticipate that they will not be renewed.

 

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Transfers or Assignment of License.    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 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; and

 

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

 

To obtain FCC consent to assign or transfer control of a broadcast license, appropriate applications must be filed with the FCC. If the application involves a substantial change in ownership or control, the application must be placed on public notice for not less than 30 days during which time petitions to deny or other objections against the application may be filed by interested parties, including members of the public. These types of petitions are filed from time to time with respect to proposed acquisitions. Informal objections to assignment and transfer of control applications may be filed at any time up until the FCC acts on the application. If the application does not involve a substantial change in ownership or control, it is a pro forma application. The pro forma application is nevertheless subject to having informal objections filed against it. When passing on an assignment or transfer application, the FCC is prohibited from considering whether the public interest might be served by an assignment or transfer of the broadcast license to any party other than the assignee or transferee specified in the application. 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. The Communications Act permits certain court appeals of a contested grant as well.

 

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

 

    in markets with 45 or more commercial radio stations, ownership is limited to eight commercial radio 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 radio 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 radio 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 radio stations or no more than 50% of the market’s total, whichever is lower, and no more than three of which can be either AM or FM.

 

On June 2, 2003, the FCC adopted rules, which changed the methodology by which it defines a particular radio market and counts radio stations to determine compliance with the radio multiple ownership restrictions. Under those new rules, the FCC will count non-commercial as well as commercial radio stations for purposes of determining the total number of radio stations in a market. However, other changes to the methodology would generally result in parties being able to own fewer radio stations in Arbitron-rated markets than was the case under the previous rules. The FCC’s new rules also provide that parties which own groups of radio stations which comply with the previous multiple ownership rules, but would not comply with the new rules, will be allowed to

 

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retain those groups on a “grandfathered” basis, but will not be allowed to transfer or assign those groups intact unless such transfer or assignment is to certain eligible small businesses. On September 3, 2003, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued a stay of the FCC’s new rules, which were to become effective on September 4, 2003, pending the outcome of legal proceedings involving those rules. Pending resolution of those proceedings, the FCC has continued to apply its previous rules. If the FCC’s new rules regarding radio multiple ownership are upheld by the courts, our ability to transfer or assign our radio stations as a group to a single buyer in one of our current markets will be limited.

 

The FCC’s revised radio/television cross-ownership rules permit 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 will be permitted to own additional radio stations, not to exceed the local radio ownership limits for the market, as follows:

 

    in markets where 20 media voices will remain after the consummation of the proposed transaction, 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 after the consummation of the proposed transaction, 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, 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.

 

As part of its June 2, 2003 rulemaking order on broadcast ownership, the FCC adopted new rules which would eliminate television-radio cross ownership restrictions in markets with four or more television stations, and would relax newspaper-broadcast cross ownership restrictions in markets with between four and eight television stations (inclusive). Under these new rules, cross ownership among newspapers, radio and television stations would not be permitted in markets with fewer than four television stations and would not be restricted in markets with nine or more television stations. These new rules have been stayed pending the outcome of the legal proceedings before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals described above, and in the meantime the FCC has continued to apply its previous rules regarding cross ownership.

 

The FCC generally applies its ownership limits 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% or more of the corporation’s voting stock. The FCC temporarily revoked the single majority shareholder exemption that provided that the interest of minority shareholders in a corporation were not attributable if a single entity or individual held 50% or more of that corporation’s voting stock. However, the FCC grandfathered as non-attributable those minority stock interests that were held as of the date of the revocation. On December 3, 2001, the FCC reinstated the single majority shareholder exemption for all transactions after the order.

 

The FCC also has a rule, known as the equity-debt-plus rule, that causes certain creditors or investors to be attributable owners of a radio station. Under this rule, a major programming supplier or a same-market owner will be an attributable owner of a radio station if the supplier or owner holds debt or equity, or both, in the radio station that is greater than 33% of the value of the radio station’s total debt plus equity. A major programming supplier includes any programming supplier that provides more than 15% of the radio 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 radio station, but only if

 

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the owner is attributable under an FCC attribution rule other than the equity-debt-plus rule. The attribution rules limit the number of radio stations we may acquire or own in any market.

 

Alien Ownership Rules.    The Communications Act prohibits the issuance or holding of broadcast licenses by persons who are not U.S. citizens, whom the FCC rules refer to as “aliens,” including any corporation if more than 20% 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% of the capital stock is owned of record or voted by aliens, if the FCC finds that the prohibition is in the public interest. Our certificate of incorporation prohibits the ownership, voting and transfer of our capital stock in violation of the FCC restrictions, and prohibits 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 prohibitions. For example, the certificate of incorporation provides for the redemption of shares of our capital stock by action of the board of directors to the extent necessary to comply with these alien ownership restrictions.

 

Time Brokerage Agreements.    It is not uncommon for radio stations to enter into what have commonly been referred to as time brokerage agreements. While these agreements may take varying forms, under a typical time brokerage agreement, separately owned and licensed radio stations agree to enter into cooperative arrangements of varying sorts, subject to compliance with the requirements of antitrust laws and with FCC’s rules and policies. Under these arrangements, separately-owned radio stations could agree to function cooperatively in programming, advertising sales and similar matters, subject to the requirement that the licensee of each radio station maintain independent control over the programming and operations of its own radio station. One typical type of time brokerage agreement is a programming agreement between two separately-owned radio stations serving a common service area, whereby the licensee of one radio station provides substantial portions of the broadcast programming for airing on the other licensee’s radio station, subject to ultimate editorial and other controls being exercised by the latter licensee, and sells advertising time during those program segments.

 

The FCC’s rules provide that a radio station that brokers more than 15% of the weekly broadcast time on another radio station serving the same market will be considered to have an attributable ownership interest in the brokered radio station for purposes of 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 time brokerage agreement with another radio station in the same market if we could not own the brokered radio station under the multiple ownership rules, unless our programming on the brokered radio station constituted 15% or less of the brokered radio station’s programming time on a weekly basis. FCC rules also prohibit a broadcast station from duplicating more than 25% of its programming on another radio station in the same broadcast service, that is AM-AM or FM-FM, either through common ownership of the two radio stations or through a time brokerage agreement, where the brokered and brokering radio stations which it owns or programs serve substantially the same area.

 

Radio stations may also enter into what are commonly known as joint sales agreements. In a typical joint sales agreement, separately owned and licensed radio stations agree to enter into cooperative arrangements involving the sale of advertising time and the collection of proceeds from such sales, but involving none or only a limited amount of programming time. Such arrangements are subject to compliance with the requirements of the antitrust laws and the FCC’s rules and policies. In its June 2, 2003 rulemaking, the FCC determined that a radio station that sold more than 15% of the weekly advertising time of another radio station serving the same market would be considered to have an attributable interest in that other radio station. These new rules have been stayed pending the outcome of the legal proceedings before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals described above, and in the meantime the FCC has continued to apply its previous rule that joint sales agreements do not constitute attributable relationships.

 

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 radio station’s

 

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community of license. A licensee continues to be required, however, to present programming that is responsive to issues of the radio station’s community of license and to maintain records demonstrating this responsiveness. Complaints from listeners concerning a radio station’s programming often will be considered by the FCC when it evaluates renewal applications of a licensee, and although listener complaints may be filed at any time, they are required to be maintained in the radio station’s public file and generally may be considered by the FCC at any time. Radio 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, employment practices, obscene and indecent broadcasts and technical operations, including limits on human exposure to radio frequency radiation.

 

On November 7, 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 implement programs to promote equal employment opportunities at their radio stations. These rules replace earlier rules that were found by the Federal Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to be unconstitutional. The rules generally require broadcasters to widely disseminate information about full-time job openings to all segments of the community to ensure that all qualified applicants have sufficient opportunity to apply for the job, to send job vacancy announcements to recruitment organizations and others in the community indicating an interest in all or some vacancies at the radio station, and to implement a number of specific longer-term recruitment outreach efforts, such as job fairs, internship programs, and interaction with educational and community groups from among a menu of approaches itemized by the FCC. Radio stations with ten or more full-time employees in a given market must file a Mid-term EEO Report with the FCC midway through the license term. Broadcasters must prepare and place in their public files and on their websites an annual EEO report, and to file the previous two reports with the FCC along with the Mid-term EEO Report and the renewal application. The rules became effective on March 10, 2003. The applicability of these policies to part-time employment opportunities is the subject of a pending further rule making proceeding.

 

FCC decisions hold that a broadcast station may not deny a candidate for federal political office a request for broadcast advertising time solely on the grounds that the amount of time requested is not the standard length of time which the radio station offers to its commercial advertisers. This policy has not had a material impact on our programming and commercial advertising operations but the policy’s future impact is uncertain.

 

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. Such matters may include:

 

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

 

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

 

    streaming fees for radio;

 

    foreign ownership of broadcast licenses;

 

    revisions to the FCC’s rules relating to political broadcasting, including free airtime to candidates;

 

    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 selected the In-Band On-Channel as the exclusive technology for introduction of terrestrial digital operations by AM and FM radio stations. The FCC has authorized the commencement of “hybrid” In-Band On-Channel transmissions, that is, simultaneous broadcast in both digital and analog format, pending the adoption of formal licensing and service rules. Nighttime operations by digital AM radio stations have not yet

 

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been authorized and remain subject to further review. The advantages of digital audio broadcasting over traditional analog broadcasting technology include improved sound quality and the ability to offer a greater variety of auxiliary services. In-Band On-Channel technology would permit a radio station to transmit radio programming in both analog and digital formats, and eventually in digital only formats, using the bandwidth that the radio station is currently licensed to use. It is unclear what formal licensing and service rules the FCC will adopt regarding In-Band On-Channel technology and what effect such regulations would have on our business or the operations of our radio stations. It is also unclear what impact the introduction of digital broadcasting will have on the radio markets in which we compete.

 

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

 

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

 

Federal Antitrust Laws.    The agencies responsible for enforcing the federal antitrust laws, the Federal Trade Commission or 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 the acquisition or to consummate it on the proposed terms.

 

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. In addition, acquisitions, whether or not required to be reported under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, may be investigated by the FTC, the Department of Justice or other state authorities under the antitrust laws before or after consummation. In addition, private parties may under certain circumstances bring legal action to challenge an acquisition under the antitrust laws.

 

As part of its increased scrutiny of radio station acquisitions, the Department of Justice has stated publicly that it believes that local marketing agreements, joint sales agreements, time brokerage 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.

 

Seasonality

 

Seasonal revenue fluctuations are common in the radio broadcasting industry and are due primarily to fluctuations in advertising expenditures. Our revenues are typically lowest in the first calendar quarter and highest in the fourth calendar quarter.

 

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Employees

 

On December 31, 2003, we had a staff of 500 full-time employees and 174 part-time employees. We are a party to a collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. This agreement applies only to certain of our employees at WXTU-FM in Philadelphia. The collective bargaining agreement expires on March 31, 2004 and will automatically renew thereafter for successive one-year periods unless either party gives a notice of proposed termination at least 60 days before the termination date. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.

 

Environmental

 

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

 

Our Internet address is www.bbgi.com. You may obtain through our Internet website, free of charge, copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. These reports will be available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

 

The types of facilities required to support each of our radio stations include offices, studios and transmitter and antenna sites. We typically lease our office and studio broadcasting space with lease terms from five to 10 years, although we do own some of our facilities. Our principal executive offices are located at 3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 200, Naples, Florida 34103. We lease that building from Beasley Broadcasting Management Corp., which is wholly-owned by George G. Beasley. We currently have a month to month lease and pay approximately $8,600 per month. We lease the majority of our towers from Beasley Family Towers, Inc., which is a corporation owned by George G. Beasley, Bruce G. Beasley, Caroline Beasley, Brian E. Beasley and other family members of George G. Beasley. The transmitter and antenna site for each radio station is generally located so as to provide maximum market coverage, consistent with the radio station’s FCC license.

 

No one 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. Substantially all of our properties and equipment serve as collateral for our obligations under our credit facility.

 

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We currently and from time to time are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of our business including indecency claims and related proceedings at the FCC, but we are not a party to any lawsuit or proceeding which, in the opinion of management, is likely to 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 the fiscal year covered by this report.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. has two authorized and outstanding classes of equity securities: Class A common stock, $.001 par value, and Class B common stock, $.001 par value. The only difference between the Class A and Class B common stock is that Class A is entitled to one vote per share and Class B is entitled to ten votes per share. Class B is convertible into Class A shares on a one for one share basis under certain circumstances. Our Class A common stock trades on Nasdaq’s National Market System under the symbol “BBGI.” There is no established public trading market for our Class B common stock. Quarterly high and low prices of our Class A common stock are shown below:

 

Fiscal 2003


   High

   Low

First Quarter

   $ 12.59    $ 8.94

Second Quarter

     13.69      9.60

Third Quarter

     15.60      12.78

Fourth Quarter

     16.75      13.35

Fiscal 2002


         

First Quarter

   $ 16.08    $ 9.84

Second Quarter

     17.55      12.42

Third Quarter

     14.75      9.85

Fourth Quarter

     13.58      9.28

 

As of March 10, 2004, the number of holders of our Class A common stock was approximately 604. As of March 10, 2004, the number of holders of our Class B common stock was 10.

 

We did not pay any cash dividends in the year 2001, 2002 or 2003 and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Additionally, our new credit facility prohibits us from paying cash dividends and restricts our ability to make other distributions with respect to our capital stock.

 

ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

We have derived the selected financial data shown below as of and for the year ended December 31, 1999 from our audited combined financial statements not included in this report. We have derived the selected financial data shown below as of December 31, 2000 and 2001 and for the year ended December 31, 2000 from our consolidated financial statements not included in this report. We have derived the selected financial data shown below for the year ended December 31, 2001 and as of and for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 from our audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.

 

As you review the information contained in the following table and throughout this report, you should note the following:

 

  From January 1, 1999 to February 10, 2000, we operated as a series of partnerships and subchapter S corporations under the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, we were not liable for federal and some state and local corporate income taxes, as we would have been if we had been treated as a subchapter C corporation. During these periods, our stockholders included our taxable income or loss in their federal and applicable state and local income tax returns. The pro forma amounts shown in the table reflect provisions for federal, state and local income taxes, applied to net loss before pro forma income taxes, as if we had been taxed as a subchapter C corporation. On February 11, 2000, our subchapter S status terminated.

 

  For purposes of our historical financial statements, the term pro forma refers to the adjustments necessary to reflect our status as a subchapter C corporation for income tax purposes rather than a series of subchapter S corporations and partnerships, distributions to equity holders for income taxes on income of entities comprising Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. prior to the reorganization, the distribution of untaxed retained earnings and subsequent re-contribution of the same amounts as additional paid-in capital and the fair value adjustment necessary to record the acquisition of minority shareholder interest using the purchase method of accounting.

 

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The comparability of the historical financial information reflected below has been significantly affected by acquisitions and dispositions. You should read the selected financial data together with “Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report.

 

     Year ended December 31,

     1999

    2000

    2001

    2002

    2003

     (in thousands except per share data)

Operating Data:

                                      

Net revenue

   $ 93,621     $ 106,154     $ 115,132     $ 114,692     $ 114,482

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 7,180     $ 10,309     $ (7,873 )   $ 27,973     $ 26,393

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (6,052 )   $ (28,514 )   $ (21,815 )   $ 8,600     $ 12,504

Pro-forma net loss from continuing operations

   $ (3,848 )     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A

Net income (loss)

   $ (6,052 )   $ (28,514 )   $ (22,134 )   $ (3,727 )   $ 12,771

Pro-forma net loss

   $ (3,848 )     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A

Basic net income (loss) from continuing operations per share

     N/A     $ (1.21 )   $ (0.90 )   $ 0.35     $ 0.52

Diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations per share

     N/A     $ (1.21 )   $ (0.90 )   $ 0.35     $ 0.51

Pro forma basic and diluted net loss from operations per share

   $ (0.22 )     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A

Basic net income (loss) per share

     N/A     $ (1.21 )   $ (0.91 )   $ (0.15 )   $ 0.53

Diluted net income (loss) per share

     N/A     $ (1.21 )   $ (0.91 )   $ (0.15 )   $ 0.52

Pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share

   $ (0.22 )     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A
     As of December 31,

     1999

    2000

   2001

   2002

   2003

     (in thousands)

Balance Sheet:

                                   

Total assets

   $ 185,861     $ 219,242    $ 319,299    $ 282,091    $ 277,891

Long-term debt, including current installments

     163,123       103,487      225,498      196,359      169,987

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     (2,919 )     80,041      57,907      54,180      69,410

 

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

 

Overview

 

We are the 17th largest radio broadcasting company in the United States according to BIA Financial Network, Inc. We own and operate 41 radio stations in 10 markets including Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, Philadelphia, PA, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Las Vegas, NV, West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL, Ft. Myers-Naples, FL, Fayetteville, NC, Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, NC, and Augusta, GA. We refer to each group of radio stations that we own in each radio market as a market cluster.

 

Our operations are divided into three reportable segments, Radio Group One, Radio Group Two, and Radio Group Three. Radio Group One includes market clusters located in Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Ft. Myers-Naples, and Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville. Radio Group Two includes market clusters located in Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Fayetteville, and Augusta. Radio Group Three includes our market cluster located in Las Vegas. Operating results and total assets for our reportable segments are contained in note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.

 

Effective January 1, 2004, we reorganized our internal reporting process including the information provided to the Company’s chief operating decision maker to better facilitate his evaluation of the performance of our radio stations. Our chief operating decision maker now receives operating results and other information directly from our radio stations and no longer evaluates performance or allocates resources based on the operating

 

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segments previously reported. As a result of this reorganization, we now operate only one segment which includes all of our radio stations. Accordingly, we will no longer be reporting segment information beginning in the first quarter of 2004.

 

Net Revenue.    Our net revenue, from which we generate the majority of our cash, is primarily derived from the sale of advertising airtime to local and national advertisers. Net revenue is gross revenue less agency commissions. Local revenue generally consists of advertising airtime sales to advertisers in a radio station’s local market either directly with the advertiser or through the advertiser’s agency. National revenue generally consists of advertising airtime sales to agencies purchasing advertising for multiple markets. National sales are generally facilitated by our national representation firm, which serves as our agent in these transactions.

 

We generated 74.0% of our net revenue from sales of local advertising airtime and 18.9% of our net revenue from sales of national advertising airtime in 2003. We generated the balance of our net revenue from promotional events, brokered programming and sales to broadcasting networks that purchase advertising airtime.

 

The advertising rates that we are able to charge and the number of advertisements that we can be broadcast without jeopardizing listener levels generally determine our net revenue. Advertising rates are primarily based on three factors:

 

  a radio station’s audience share in the demographic groups targeted by advertisers, as measured principally by quarterly reports issued by The Arbitron Ratings Company;

 

  the number of radio stations, as well as other forms of media, in the market competing for the same demographic groups;

 

  the supply of, and demand for, radio advertising time; and

 

  the size of the market.

 

Our net revenue is affected by general economic conditions, competition and our ability to improve operations at our market clusters. Seasonal revenue fluctuations are also common in the radio broadcasting industry and are primarily due to variations in advertising expenditures by local and national advertisers. Typically, revenues are lowest in the first calendar quarter of the year and highest in the fourth calendar quarter.

 

We use trade agreements to reduce cash paid for expenses by exchanging advertising airtime for goods or services, however, we minimize our use of trade agreements to maximize cash revenue from our inventory of airtime. The following summary table presents a comparison of our trade revenue and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

 

     Year ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

Trade revenue

   $ 9,078,749    $ 6,702,237    $ 6,356,638

Trade expenses

   $ 6,798,793    $ 6,548,259    $ 5,894,725

 

Operating Expenses.    Our operating expenses consist primarily of (1) programming, engineering, and promotional expenses, reported as cost of services, and selling, general and administrative expenses incurred at our radio stations, (2) general and administrative expenses, including compensation, insurance and other expenses, incurred at our corporate offices, and (3) depreciation and amortization. We strive to control our operating expenses by centralizing certain functions at our corporate offices and consolidating certain functions in each of our market clusters.

 

Income Taxes.    Our effective tax rate is approximately 40%, which differs from the federal statutory rate of 34% due to the effect of state income taxes and certain of our expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes. For the year ended December 31, 2003, our effective tax rate was increased by a non-deductible $0.5 million loss arising from a split-dollar life insurance arrangement.

 

Certain Events that Affected Our Results of Operations.    On February 5, 2003, we completed the sale of WBYU-AM to ABC, Inc for $1.5 million. The proceeds from the sale were used to reduce the outstanding balance of the revolving credit loan under our credit facility. Upon completion of this sale we no longer have operations in New Orleans, therefore the results of operations for WBYU-AM have been reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.

 

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Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS 142 requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives no longer be amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the adoption of SFAS 142. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 142, as of January 1, 2002, we tested our FCC broadcasting licenses, which were identified as intangible assets having indefinite useful lives, and goodwill for impairment. To determine the fair value of our FCC broadcasting licenses and goodwill, we obtained appraisals from an independent appraisal company. As a result of the testing, we recognized an impairment of $17.5 million related to FCC broadcasting licenses and goodwill in the Radio Group Three segment and recorded the loss as a cumulative effect of accounting change in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2002. The cumulative effect of the accounting change, net of income tax effect, decreased net income $12.1 million and earnings per share $0.50, of which $0.4 million or $0.02 per share is reported in discontinued operations. We tested our FCC broadcasting licenses and goodwill as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 and no further impairment losses were recorded.

 

The following information presents the impact on the net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share had SFAS 142 been effective on January 1, 2001 and as a result FCC broadcasting licenses and goodwill had not been amortized during 2001:

 

     2001

    2002

    2003

Net income (loss)

   $ (22,134,122 )   $ (3,727,050 )   $ 12,771,192

FCC broadcasting licenses amortization (net of income tax benefit of $7,562,102)

     13,054,437       —         —  

Goodwill amortization (net of income tax benefit of $483,264)

     768,066       —         —  
    


 


 

Adjusted net income (loss)

   $ (8,311,619 )   $ (3,727,050 )   $ 12,771,192
    


 


 

Basic net income (loss) per share:

                      

Net income (loss)

   $ (0.91 )   $ (0.15 )   $ 0.53

FCC broadcasting licenses amortization

     0.54       —         —  

Goodwill amortization

     0.03       —         —  
    


 


 

Adjusted net income (loss)

   $ (0.34 )   $ (0.15 )   $ 0.53
    


 


 

Diluted net income (loss) per share:

                      

Net income (loss)

   $ (0.91 )   $ (0.15 )   $ 0.52

FCC broadcasting licenses amortization

     0.54       —         —  

Goodwill amortization

     0.03       —         —  
    


 


 

Adjusted net income (loss)

   $ (0.34 )   $ (0.15 )   $ 0.52
    


 


 

Basic common shares outstanding

     24,273,441       24,273,441       24,273,783
    


 


 

Diluted common shares outstanding

     24,273,441       24,312,899       24,334,480
    


 


 

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates on historical experience and assumptions we consider reasonable at the time of making those estimates. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different circumstances or using different assumptions.

 

Accounts Receivable.    We have recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from customers’ inability to make payments to us. We review specific accounts by radio station, the current

 

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financial condition of our customers and historical write-off experience when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, then additional allowances may be required.

 

FCC Broadcasting Licenses.    Our FCC broadcasting licenses represent significant amounts recorded in our financial statements. To estimate the fair value of our FCC broadcasting licenses for our impairment test as of December 31, 2003, we obtained appraisals from an independent appraisal company. Subsequent estimates of fair value, whether by appraisal or management estimates of future discounted cash flows, may result in an impairment of our FCC broadcasting licenses in the future. In addition, the use of different underlying assumptions by an appraisal company or management, such as determining future cash flows and discount rates, could result in materially different estimates of fair value and therefore could result in a material impairment of our FCC broadcasting licenses.

 

Recent Pronouncements

 

In June 2001, FASB issued SFAS 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS 143 addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. SFAS 143 amends SFAS 19 and is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. We adopted SFAS 143 during the first quarter of 2003 with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2002, FASB issued SFAS 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. SFAS 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. SFAS 146 nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3 and is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. We have adopted SFAS 146 with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2002, FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others (FIN 45), which addresses the disclosure to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees. FIN 45 also requires the recognition of a liability by a guarantor at the inception of certain guarantees. FIN 45 requires the guarantor to recognize a liability for the non-contingent component of the guarantee, which is the obligation to stand ready to perform in the event that specified triggering events or conditions occur. The initial measurement of this liability is the fair value of the guarantee at inception. The recognition of the liability is required even it is not probable that payments will be required under the guarantee or if the guarantee was issued with a premium payment or as part of a transaction with multiple elements. We have adopted the disclosure requirements of FIN 45 and will apply the recognition and measurement provisions for all applicable guarantees entered into after December 31, 2002. To date, we have not entered into guarantees, which would require recognition and measurement pursuant to the provisions of FIN 45.

 

In January 2003, FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46), which clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. Effective July 1, 2003, we adopted FIN 46 with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In December 2003, FASB issued Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46(R)), which revised and clarified FIN 46. The issuance of FIN 46(R) had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements or on our adoption of FIN 46 effective July 1, 2003.

 

In May 2003, FASB issued SFAS 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS 150 is effective for financial

 

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instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after September 15, 2003. Effective July 1, 2003, we adopted SFAS 150 with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

Consolidated

 

The following summary table presents a comparison of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 with respect to certain of our key financial measures. These changes illustrated in the table are discussed in greater detail below. This section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.

 

     Year ended December 31,

   Change

 
     2002

   2003

   $

    %

 

Net revenue

   $ 114,692,029    $ 114,482,240    $ (209,789 )   (0.2 )%

Cost of services

     37,458,376      39,461,502      2,003,126     5.3  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     40,384,193      39,559,535      (824,658 )   (2.0 )

Corporate general and administrative expenses

     5,151,244      5,494,605      343,361     6.7  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,725,484      3,573,992      (151,492 )   (4.1 )

Interest expense

     15,263,648      11,195,231      (4,068,417 )   (26.7 )

 

Net Revenue.    The decrease in net revenue was partially due to a $1.6 million decrease in net revenue from our Philadelphia market cluster primarily due to a non-traditional revenue event not held in 2003 that contributed $1.1 million to net revenue in 2002, and a decrease in national advertising revenue. The decrease was also partially due to a $1.0 million decrease in net revenue from our Fayetteville market cluster, which is located near several military bases. These decreases were partially offset by a $0.9 million increase in net revenue from our Ft. Myers-Naples market cluster, a $0.9 million increase in net revenue from our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market cluster, and a $0.7 million increase in net revenue from our Las Vegas market cluster due to improved performance in these clusters.

 

Cost of Services.    The increase in cost of services was primarily due to a $2.1 million increase in costs at our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market cluster primarily due to a $1.3 million increase in program rights fees associated with the Florida Marlins baseball club and an increase in that market cluster in other programming and promotional expenses.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a $0.7 million decrease in expenses at our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market cluster primarily due to cost containment measures.

 

Corporate General and Administrative Expenses.    The increase in corporate general and administrative expenses is primarily due to increased compensation and insurance premiums.

 

Interest Expense.    The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to a general decline in interest rates and a reduction of the outstanding balance under our credit facility as described in Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section in this Item.

 

Loss on Extinguishment of Long-Term Debt.    On September 30, 2002, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement, under which a new $100.0 million term loan B was issued and certain financial covenants were revised. The proceeds from term loan B were used to reduce the outstanding balance and maximum commitment of the revolving credit loan and the outstanding balance of term loan A. In connection with the amended and restated credit agreement, we recorded a $1.9 million loss on extinguishment of long-term debt for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

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Gain (Loss) on Investments.    The $4.5 million gain on sale of investments in 2003 was the result of the sale of an aggregate of 300,000 shares of common stock of FindWhat.com during the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to a $0.6 million gain as a result of the sale of an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock of FindWhat.com during the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

Gain (Loss) on Change in Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments.    In accordance with SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, our interest rate cap, collar and swap agreements are carried at fair value. The estimated fair value of each agreement is based on the amounts we would expect to receive or pay to terminate the agreement. The gain on increase in fair value of derivative financial instruments of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 reflects the decrease in the amounts we would expect to pay to terminate our interest rate cap, collar and swap agreements not designated as hedges in accordance with SFAS 133.

 

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change.    As a result the adoption of SFAS 142 effective January 1, 2002, we recognized an impairment loss of $17.5 million related to FCC broadcasting licenses and goodwill in the Radio Group Three segment, of which $11.7 million, net of income taxes, was reported as a cumulative effect of accounting change and $0.4 million, net of income taxes, was reported in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

Discontinued Operations.    On October 3, 2002, we entered into a definitive agreement with ABC, Inc. to sell WBYU-AM in the New Orleans market for $1.5 million, subject to certain adjustments. As of the completion of this sale on February 5, 2003, we no longer had operations in New Orleans therefore the results of operations for WBYU-AM have been reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. Net income from discontinued operations was $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, which included a gain on disposal of $0.3 million, net of income taxes, compared to a net loss from discontinued operations of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, which included the $0.4 million impairment loss, net of income taxes, due to the adoption of SFAS 142.

 

Radio Group One Segment

 

     Year ended December 31,

   Change

 
     2002

   2003

   $

    %

 

Net revenue

   $ 64,811,126    $ 66,792,441    $ 1,981,315     3.1 %

Cost of services

     23,506,507      25,588,382      2,081,875     8.9  

Selling, general and administrative

     21,815,189      21,303,947      (511,242 )   (2.3 )

 

Net Revenue.    The increase in net revenue was primarily due to a $0.9 million increase in net revenue from our Ft. Myers-Naples market cluster and a $0.9 million increase in net revenue from our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market cluster due to improved performance in these clusters.

 

Cost of Services.    The increase in cost of services was primarily due to a $2.1 million increase in costs at our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market cluster primarily due to a $1.3 million increase in program rights fees associated with the Florida Marlins baseball club and an increase in other programming and promotional expenses.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a $0.7 million decrease in expenses at our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market cluster primarily due to cost containment measures. This decrease was partially offset by a $0.4 million increase in expenses at our Ft. Myers-Naples market cluster primarily due to increased selling expenses related to the increase in revenue.

 

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Radio Group Two Segment

 

     Year ended December 31,

   Change

 
     2002

   2003

   $

    %

 

Net revenue

   $ 39,106,616    $ 36,335,058    $ (2,771,558 )   (7.1 )%

Cost of services

     11,280,485      11,369,470      88,985     0.8  

Selling, general and administrative

     14,330,753      14,022,619      (308,134 )   (2.2 )

 

Net Revenue.    The decrease in net revenue was partially due to a $1.6 million decrease in net revenue from our Philadelphia market cluster primarily due to a non-traditional revenue event not held in 2003 that contributed $1.1 million to net revenue in 2002 and a decrease in national advertising revenue. The decrease was also partially due to a $1.0 million decrease in net revenue from our Fayetteville market cluster, which is located near several military bases.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a $0.2 million decrease in expenses at our Fayetteville market cluster primarily due to decreased selling expenses related to the decrease in revenue.

 

Radio Group Three Segment

 

     Year ended December 31,

   Change

 
     2002

   2003

   $

    %

 

Net revenue

   $ 10,774,287    $ 11,354,741    $ 580,454     5.4 %

Cost of services

     2,671,384      2,503,650      (167,734 )   (6.3 )

Selling, general and administrative

     4,238,251      4,232,969      (5,282 )   (0.1 )

 

Net Revenue.    The increase in net revenue was primarily due to a $0.7 million increase in net revenue from our Las Vegas market cluster due to improved performance in this cluster.

 

Cost of Services.    The decrease in cost of services was primarily due to a decrease in programming and promotional expenses at our Las Vegas market cluster.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001

 

The following summary table presents a comparison of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 with respect to certain of our key financial measures. These changes illustrated in the table are discussed in greater detail below. This section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.

 

     Year ended December 31,

   Change

 
     2001

   2002

   $

    %

 

Net revenue

   $ 115,131,801    $ 114,692,029    $ (439,772 )   (0.4 )%

Cost of services

     41,411,263      37,458,376      (3,952,887 )   (9.5 )

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     40,942,432      40,384,193      (558,239 )   (1.4 )

Corporate general and administrative expenses

     4,683,775      5,151,244      467,469     10.0  

Depreciation and amortization

     27,439,179      3,725,484      (23,713,695 )   (86.4 )

Interest expense

     16,652,363      15,263,648      (1,388,715 )   (8.3 )

 

Net Revenue.    The decrease in net revenue was partially due to the sale of two radio stations in the New Orleans market cluster in March 2002, which had contributed $4.4 million to net revenue during the year ended

 

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December 31, 2001. The decrease was also partially due to a $1.0 million decrease in revenue from our Ft. Myers-Naples market cluster and a $0.9 million decrease in revenue from our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market cluster due to competition and the completion of our barter agreements with eTour, Inc. in May 2001 and FindWhat.com in October 2001. These decreases were partially offset by a $2.2 million increase in net revenue from our Las Vegas market cluster and a $1.2 million increase in net revenue from our Augusta market cluster primarily due to the inclusion of twelve months of operations from our radio station acquisitions in the Las Vegas and Augusta markets which were completed in February 2001 and April 2001, respectively and improved performance in these clusters. From January 1, 2001 to the date of acquisition, net revenue from the Las Vegas and Augusta markets clusters was $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively. These decreases were also partially offset by a $1.7 million increase in net revenue from our Philadelphia market cluster due to improved performance in this cluster.

 

Cost of Services.    The decrease in cost of services was partially due to a $3.7 million decrease in costs at our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market cluster primarily due to the completion of our 1997 radio broadcast rights contract with the Florida Marlins. The decrease was also partially due to the sale of two radio stations in the New Orleans market in March 2002, which had incurred $1.6 million in costs during the year ended December 31, 2001. These decreases were partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in costs at our Las Vegas market cluster and a $0.5 million increase in costs at our Augusta market cluster primarily due to the inclusion of twelve months of operations from our radio station acquisitions in the Las Vegas and Augusta markets which were completed in February 2001 and April 2001, respectively. From January 1, 2001 to the date of acquisition, cost of services from the Las Vegas and Augusta markets clusters was $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was partially due to the sale of two radio stations in the New Orleans market in March 2002, which had incurred $1.7 million in expenses during the year ended December 31, 2001. The decrease was also due to a $0.5 million decrease in expenses at our Philadelphia market cluster due to cost containment measures. These decreases were partially offset by a $0.8 million increase in expenses at our Las Vegas market cluster primarily due to the inclusion of twelve months of operations from our radio station acquisitions in the Las Vegas market cluster which were completed in February 2001 and increased selling expenses related to the increase in revenue. From January 1, 2001 to the date of acquisition, selling, general and administrative expenses from the Las Vegas and Augusta markets clusters was $0.2 million for each cluster. These decreases were also partially offset by a $0.8 million increase in expenses at our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market cluster.

 

Corporate General and Administrative Expenses.    The increase in corporate general and administrative expenses is primarily due to increased compensation and insurance premiums.

 

Depreciation and Amortization.    The decrease in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to the adoption of SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002, which requires that our FCC broadcasting licenses and goodwill no longer be amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 142. FCC broadcasting licenses and goodwill amortization was $21.9 million for 2001.

 

Impairment Loss on Long-Lived Assets.    On October 31, 2001, we entered into a definitive agreement with Wilks Broadcasting LLC to sell WRNO-FM and KMEZ-FM in the New Orleans market for $23.0 million, subject to certain adjustments. On October 31, 2001, the carrying amount of WRNO-FM and KMEZ-FM exceeded the sales price, therefore we recorded an impairment loss on long-lived assets of $7.0 million.

 

Interest Expense.    The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to a general decline in interest rates and a reduction of the outstanding balance under our credit facility as described in the Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section in this Item. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in interest expense due to financing our radio station acquisitions in the Las Vegas, New Orleans and Augusta markets during 2001 with borrowings from our credit facility.

 

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Loss on Extinguishment of Long-Term Debt.    On September 30, 2002, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement, under which a new $100.0 million term loan B was issued and certain financial covenants were revised. The proceeds from term loan B were used to reduce the outstanding balance and maximum commitment of the revolving credit loan and the outstanding balance of term loan A. In connection with the amended and restated credit agreement, we recorded a $1.9 million loss on extinguishment of long-term debt for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

Gain (Loss) on Investments.    The $0.6 million gain on sale of investments in 2002 was the result of the sale of an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock of FindWhat.com during the year ended December 31, 2002. On May 7, 2001, we received a letter from the management of eTour, Inc. stating that eTour, Inc. is in the process of winding down. Based on this information, we recorded a loss on investment of $1.6 million, the recorded cost of the 396,354 shares earned as of May 7, 2001.

 

Gain (Loss) on Change in Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments.    In accordance with SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, our interest rate cap, collar and swap agreements are carried at fair value. The estimated fair value of each agreement is based on the amounts we would expect to receive or pay to terminate the agreement. The gain on increase in fair value of derivative financial instruments of $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 and loss on decrease in fair value of derivative financial instruments of $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 reflects the change in the amounts we would expect to pay to terminate our interest rate cap, collar and swap agreements not designated as hedges in accordance with SFAS 133.

 

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change.    As a result the adoption of SFAS 142 effective January 1, 2002, we recognized an impairment loss of $17.5 million related to FCC broadcasting licenses and goodwill in the Radio Group Three segment, of which $11.7 million, net of income taxes, was reported as a cumulative effect of accounting change and $0.4 million, net of income taxes, was reported in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

Discontinued Operations.    On October 3, 2002, we entered into a definitive agreement with ABC, Inc. to sell WBYU-AM in the New Orleans market for $1.5 million, subject to certain adjustments. As of the completion of this sale on February 5, 2003, we no longer had operations in New Orleans therefore the results of operations for WBYU-AM have been reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. The net loss from discontinued operations was $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, which included the $0.4 million impairment loss, net of income taxes, due to the adoption of SFAS 142 compared to a net loss from discontinued operations of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.

 

Radio Group One Segment

 

     Year ended December 31,

   Change

 
     2001

   2002

   $

    %

 

Net revenue

   $ 66,292,601    $ 64,811,126    $ (1,481,475 )   (2.2 )%

Cost of services

     26,835,342      23,506,507      (3,328,835 )   (12.4 )

Selling, general and administrative

     21,185,541      21,815,189      629,648     3.0  

 

Net Revenue.    The decrease in net revenue was primarily due to a $1.0 million decrease in net revenue from our Ft. Myers-Naples market cluster and a $0.9 million decrease in net revenue from our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market cluster due to competition and the completion of our barter agreements with eTour, Inc. in May 2001 and FindWhat.com in October 2001. These decreases were partially offset by a $0.3 million increase in net revenue from our Greenville-New Bern Jacksonville market cluster due to improved performance in this cluster.

 

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Cost of Services.    The decrease in cost of services was primarily due to a $3.7 million decrease in costs at our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market cluster primarily due to the completion of our 1997 radio broadcast rights contract with the Florida Marlins. This decrease was partially offset by a $0.4 million increase in costs at our Ft. Myers-Naples market cluster due to increased programming and promotional expenses.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a $0.8 million increase in expenses at our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market cluster.

 

Radio Group Two Segment

 

     Year ended December 31,

   Change

 
     2001

   2002

   $

    %

 

Net revenue

   $ 35,934,993    $ 39,106,616    $ 3,171,623     8.8 %

Cost of services

     10,987,847      11,280,485      292,638     2.7  

Selling, general and administrative

     14,565,602      14,330,753      (234,849 )   (1.6 )

 

Net Revenue.    The increase in net revenue was partially due to a $1.7 million increase in net revenue from our Philadelphia market cluster due to improved performance in this cluster and partially due to a $1.2 million increase in net revenue from our Augusta market cluster primarily due to the inclusion of twelve months of operations from our radio station acquisitions in the Augusta market which were completed in April 2001 and improved performance in this cluster.

 

Cost of Services.    The increase in cost of services was primarily due to a $0.5 million increase in costs at our Augusta market cluster primarily due to the inclusion of twelve months of operations from our radio station acquisitions in the Augusta market which were completed in April 2001.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a $0.5 million decrease in expenses at our Philadelphia market cluster due to cost containment measures.

 

Radio Group Three Segment

 

     Year ended December 31,

   Change

 
     2001

   2002

   $

    %

 

Net revenue

   $ 12,904,207    $ 10,774,287    $ (2,129,920 )   (16.5 )%

Cost of services

     3,588,074      2,671,384      (916,690 )   (25.5 )

Selling, general and administrative

     5,191,289      4,238,251      (953,038 )   (18.4 )

 

Net Revenue.    The decrease in net revenue was primarily due to the sale of two radio stations in the New Orleans market cluster in March 2002, which has contributed $4.4 million to net revenue during the year ended December 31, 2001. This decrease was partially offset by a $2.2 million increase at our Las Vegas market cluster primarily due to the inclusion of twelve months of operations from our radio station acquisitions in the Las Vegas market which were completed in February 2001 and improved performance in this cluster.

 

Cost of Services.    The decrease in cost of services was primarily due to the sale of two radio stations in the New Orleans market in March 2002, which had incurred $1.6 million in costs during the year ended December 31, 2001. This decrease was partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in costs at our Las Vegas market cluster primarily due to the inclusion of twelve months of operations from our radio station acquisitions in the Las Vegas market which were completed in February 2001.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to the sale of two radio stations in the New Orleans market in March 2002, which had incurred $1.7 million in expenses during the year ended December 31, 2001. This decrease was partially offset by a $0.8 million increase in expenses at our Las Vegas market cluster primarily due to the inclusion of twelve months of operations from our radio station acquisitions in the Las Vegas market which were completed in February 2001 and increased selling expenses related to the increase in revenue.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Overview.    Our primary sources of liquidity are internally-generated cash flow and our credit facility. Our liquidity needs have been, and for the next twelve months and thereafter are expected to continue to be, for working capital, debt service, radio station acquisitions and other general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures. We expect to provide for future liquidity needs through one or a combination of the following:

 

    internally-generated cash flow;

 

    our credit facility;

 

    additional borrowings, other than under our existing credit facility, to the extent permitted; and

 

    additional equity offerings.

 

We believe that we will have sufficient liquidity and capital resources to permit us to meet our financial obligations for at least the next twelve months. However, poor financial results, unanticipated acquisition opportunities or unanticipated expenses could give rise to additional debt servicing requirements or other additional financing requirements sooner than we expect and, we may not secure financing when needed or on acceptable terms.

 

As of December 31, 2003, we held $7.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and had $64.1 million in remaining commitments available under our credit facility; however, as of December 31, 2003 our maximum total leverage covenant would have limited additional borrowings to $13.1 million. Our ability to reduce our total leverage ratio by increasing operating cash flow and/or decreasing long-term debt will determine how much, if any, of the remaining commitments under our credit facility will be available to us in the future. Poor financial results or unanticipated expenses could result in our failure to maintain or lower our total leverage ratio and we may not be permitted to make any additional borrowings under our credit facility.

 

The following summary table presents a comparison of our capital resources for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 with respect to certain of our key measures affecting our liquidity. The changes set forth in the table are discussed in greater detail below. This section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.

 

     Year ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 8,907,950     $ 13,265,424     $ 20,337,950  

Net cash provided (used in) investing activities

     (132,893,700 )     18,360,044       8,405,461  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     123,241,648       (31,176,390 )     (26,461,269 )
    


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (744,102 )     449,078       2,282,142  
    


 


 


 

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities.    The increase in net cash from operating activities for 2003 compared to 2002 was primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in cash receipts from sales, a $1.4 decrease in cash paid for station operating expenses, a $6.7 million decrease in cash paid for interest during 2003. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2002 included the receipt of a $2.2 million income tax refund during that year.

 

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The increase in net cash from operating activities for 2002 compared to 2001 was primarily due to a $1.9 million increase in cash receipts from sales, a $0.9 decrease in cash paid for station operating expenses, a $2.7 million decrease in cash paid for income taxes and the receipt of a $2.2 million income tax refund during 2002. Net cash provided by operating activities included the receipt of $2.6 million from a previously written-off related-party receivable during 2001.

 

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities.    Net cash provided by investing activities in 2003 was primarily due to the receipt of cash proceeds of $4.8 million from the sale of investments, $3.35 million from the repayment of a note receivable and $1.5 million from the sale of one radio station in the New Orleans market. Net cash provided by investing activities in 2002 was primarily due to the receipt of cash proceeds of $19.65 million from the sale of two radio stations in the New Orleans market for $23.0 million and $0.7 million from the sale of investments. Cash payments for capital expenditures were $1.3 million for 2003 compared to $2.1 million for 2002. Net cash used in investing activities in 2001 is primarily due to the acquisitions of three radio stations in the Las Vegas market, three radio stations in the New Orleans market and two radio stations in the Augusta market for $128.3 million and the payments of $2.5 million for a signal upgrade in the Las Vegas market. Cash payments for capital expenditures were $2.1 million for 2002 compared to $2.2 million for 2001.

 

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities.    Net cash used in financing activities in 2003 was primarily due to the repayment of borrowings under our credit facility with $7.3 million of scheduled repayments, $3.8 million of cash proceeds, including interest, from the repayment of a note receivable, $1.5 million of cash proceeds from the sale of one radio station in New Orleans, and $13.7 million of additional repayments. Net cash used in financing activities in 2002 was primarily due to the repayment of borrowings under our credit facility with $9.6 million of scheduled repayments and $19.5 million of cash proceeds from the sale of two radio stations in the New Orleans market, payments of loan fees of $2.0 million for changes to our credit facility during the first and third quarters, and proceeds from the issuance of a new $100.0 million term loan B which were used to repay $16.0 million of the revolving credit loan and $84.0 million of term loan A under our credit facility. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2001 was primarily due to the financing of our acquisitions of three radio stations in the Las Vegas market, three radio stations in the New Orleans market and two radio stations in the Augusta market with $123.2 million of borrowings under our credit facility.

 

Credit Facility.    As of December 31, 2003, the revolving credit loan had a maximum commitment of $103.5 and included a $50.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit. The revolving credit loan and term loan A bore interest at either the base rate or LIBOR plus a margin that was determined by our debt to operating cash flow ratio. The base rate was equal to the higher of the prime rate or the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.5%. The revolving credit loan and term loan A carried interest at 4.4375% and 3.4375% as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively. Term loan B bore interest at either the base rate plus 2.75% or LIBOR plus 4.0%. Term loan B carried interest at an average rate of 5.4375% and 5.1875% as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2003, we believe that we were in compliance with applicable financial covenants under our credit facility. As of December 31, 2003, as calculated pursuant to the terms of our amended and restated credit agreement, our total leverage was 5.57 times consolidated operating cash flow compared to the maximum requirement of 6.0 times, our interest coverage ratio was 2.73 times compared to the minimum requirement of 1.75 times, and our fixed charges ratio was 1.51 times fixed charges compared to a minimum requirement of 1.1 times.

 

On February 27, 2004, we entered into a new credit agreement. The new credit facility consists of a revolving credit loan with a maximum commitment of $75.0 million and a term loan of $150.0 million. Proceeds from the new credit facility were used to repay the old credit facility. The revolving credit loan includes a $10.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit which may be increased to $20.0 million upon our request and with the approval of the Bank of Montreal, Chicago Branch in its capacity as a letter of credit issuer. The revolving credit loan and term loan bear interest at either the base rate or LIBOR plus a margin that is determined by our debt to operating cash flow ratio. The base rate is equal to the higher of the prime rate or the overnight federal funds rate

 

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plus 0.5%. Interest on base rate loans is payable quarterly through maturity. Interest on LIBOR loans is payable on the last day of the selected LIBOR period and, if the selected period is longer than three months, every three months after the beginning of the LIBOR period. The revolving credit loan and term loan mature on June 30, 2011. The scheduled reductions in the amount available under the revolving credit loan may require principal repayments if the outstanding balance at that time exceeds the new maximum amount available under the revolving credit loan. In connection with the new credit agreement, we expect to record a $2.4 million loss on extinguishment of long-term debt during the first quarter of 2004 related to the old credit facility.

 

The new credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets and guaranteed jointly and severally by all of our subsidiaries. The guarantees were issued to our lenders for repayment of the outstanding balance of the credit facility. If we default under the terms of the credit facility, the subsidiaries may be required to perform under their guarantees. The maximum amount of undiscounted payments the subsidiaries would have to make in the event of default is $169.0 million. The guarantees for the revolving credit loan and term loan expire on June 30, 2011.

 

As of February 27, 2004, the scheduled repayments of the new credit facility for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

 

     Revolving
Credit Loan


   Term Loan

   Total Credit
Facility


2004

   $ —      $ —      $ —  

2005

     —        5,625,000      5,625,000

2006

     —        7,500,000      7,500,000

2007

     —        10,875,000      10,875,000

2008

     —        12,000,000      12,000,000

Thereafter

     18,986,906      114,000,000      132,986,906
    

  

  

Total

   $ 18,986,906    $ 150,000,000    $ 168,986,906
    

  

  

 

We must pay a quarterly unused commitment fee equal to 0.375% of the unused portion of the revolving credit loan. For the year ended December 31, 2003, our unused commitment fee was approximately $193,000.

 

We are required to satisfy financial covenants, which require us to maintain specified financial ratios and to comply with financial tests, such as ratios for maximum total leverage, minimum interest coverage and minimum fixed charges. As of February 27, 2004, these financial covenants included:

 

    Maximum Consolidated Total Debt Ratio.    On the last day of each fiscal quarter from February 27, 2004 to March 31, 2005, our consolidated total debt must not exceed 6.25 times our consolidated operating cash flow for the four quarters ending on such day (as such terms are defined in the new credit agreement). On the last day of each fiscal quarter for the period from April 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005, the maximum ratio is 6.0 times. On the last day of each fiscal quarter for the period from January 1, 2006 through June 30, 2006, the maximum ratio is 5.75 times. On the last day of each fiscal quarter for the period from July 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006, the maximum ratio is 5.5 times. On the last day of each fiscal quarter for the period from January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007, the maximum ratio is 5.25 times. On the last day of each fiscal quarter for the period from July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007, the maximum ratio is 5.0 times. On the last day of each fiscal quarter for all periods after January 1, 2008, the maximum ratio is 4.5 times.

 

    Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio.    Our consolidated operating cash flow for the four quarters ending on the last day of each quarter must not have been less than 2.0 times the amount of our consolidated cash interest expense for such four quarter period.

 

    Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.    Our consolidated operating cash flow for any four consecutive quarters must not be less than 1.1 times the amount of our consolidated fixed charges for such four quarter period. Fixed charges include cash interest expense, cash tax expense, capital expenditures, agency and commitment fees, and scheduled principal repayments.

 

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Failure to comply with these financial covenants, scheduled interest payments, scheduled principal repayments, or any other terms of our credit facility could result in the acceleration of the maturity of our outstanding debt.

 

The credit facility also prohibits us from paying cash dividends and restricts our ability to make other distributions with respect to our capital stock. The credit facility also contains other customary restrictive covenants. These covenants limit our ability to:

 

    incur additional indebtedness and liens;

 

    enter into certain investments or joint ventures;

 

    consolidate, merge or effect asset sales;

 

    enter sale and lease-back transactions;

 

    sell or discount accounts receivable;

 

    enter into transactions with affiliates or stockholders; or

 

    change the nature of our business.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

As of December 31, 2003, our contractual obligations consist of the following:

 

     Payments due by period

Contractual Obligations


   Total

  

Less than

1 year


  

1-3

years


  

3-5

years


  

More than

5 years


Long-Term Debt (1)

   $ 168,986,906    $ —      $ 13,125,000    $ 22,875,000    $ 132,986,906

Operating Leases

     23,279,000      2,592,000      4,711,000      4,275,000      11,701,000

Purchase Obligations (2)

     16,250,917      10,768,355      5,476,130      6,432      —  

Other Long-Term Liabilities (3)

     179,185      179,185      —        —        —  
    

  

  

  

  

Total Contractual Obligations

   $ 208,696,008    $ 13,539,540    $ 23,312,130    $ 27,156,432    $ 144,687,906
    

  

  

  

  


(1)   Payments due under long-term debt reflect a $1.0 million principal repayment under our old credit facility in January 2004 and the amortization schedule under our new credit facility which began on February 27, 2004. Failure to comply with our financial covenants, scheduled interest payments, scheduled principal repayments, or any other terms of our credit facility could result in the acceleration of the maturity of our outstanding debt.
(2)   Purchase obligations include contracts for rating services, sports programming rights, and on-air personalities not employed by us.
(3)   Other long-term liabilities include the estimated fair value of two interest rate collar agreements and one interest rate swap agreement. The estimated fair value of each agreement is based on the amounts we would expect to pay to terminate the agreement. These amounts could become due and payable prior to the expiration of the agreements.

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Our Form 10-K disclosure and analysis concerning our operations, cash flows and financial position, including, in particular, the likelihood of our success in developing and expanding our business, include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Although these statements are based upon assumptions we consider reasonable, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that are described more fully below. Accordingly, we can give no assurance that we will achieve the results anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements.

 

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Risk Factors

 

Our radio stations may not be able to compete effectively in their respective markets for advertising revenues, which could adversely affect our revenue and cash flow.

 

We operate in a highly competitive business. A decline in our audience share or advertising rates in a particular market may cause a decline in the revenue and cash flow of our stations located in that market. Our radio stations compete for audiences and advertising revenues within their respective markets directly with other radio stations, as well as with other media. These media include newspapers, magazines, network and cable television, outdoor advertising and direct mail and emerging media such as satellite radio.

 

Our stations could suffer a reduction in ratings or advertising revenue and could incur increased promotional and other expenses if:

 

    another radio station in a market was to convert its programming to a format similar to, and thereby compete directly with, one of our stations; or

 

    a new station was to adopt a comparable format or if an existing competitor were to improve its audience share.

 

Other radio broadcasting companies may enter into markets in which we operate or may operate in the future. These companies may be larger and have more financial resources than we have. Our radio stations may not be able to maintain or increase their current audience ratings and advertising revenues.

 

A downturn in the performance of our Miami-Ft. Lauderdale could adversely affect our net revenue.

 

A ratings decline or other operating difficulty in the performance of our radio stations in Miami- Ft. Lauderdale could have a disproportionately adverse affect on our consolidated net revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2003, approximately 37.3% of our consolidated net revenue came from our radio stations in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market. Because of the large portion of our consolidated net revenue from Miami- Ft. Lauderdale we have greater exposure to adverse events or conditions affecting the economy in that market than would be the case if we were more geographically diverse.

 

We have substantial debt that could have important consequences to you.

 

We have debt that is substantial in relation to our stockholders’ equity. As of December 31, 2003, we had long-term debt of $170.0 million and stockholders’ equity of $69.4 million. Our long-term debt is substantial in amount and could have an impact on you. For example, it could:

 

    require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to debt service, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow for other purposes, including ongoing capital expenditures and future acquisitions;

 

    impair our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes;

 

    limit our ability to compete, expand and make capital improvements;

 

    increase our vulnerability to economic downturns, limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures and reduce our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions; and

 

    limit or prohibit our ability to pay dividends and make other distributions.

 

As of December 31, 2003, we had $64.1 million in remaining commitments available under our old credit facility; however, as of December 31, 2003 our maximum total leverage covenant would have limited additional borrowings to $13.1 million. Our new credit facility also contains a similarly restrictive covenant. Our ability to

 

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reduce our total leverage ratio by increasing operating cash flow and/or decreasing long-term debt will determine how much, if any, of the remaining commitments under our credit facility will be available to us in the future. Poor financial results or unanticipated expenses could result in our failure to maintain or lower our total leverage ratio and we may not be permitted to make any additional borrowings under our credit facility. Moreover, we may need to modify or enter into a new credit facility to close on future acquisitions. We also may seek to obtain other funding or additional financing in connection with the acquisition of radio stations, the full or partial repayment of our outstanding debt and/or the payment of a dividend on our common stock. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain other funding, additional financing or the approvals, if necessary, for any of these transactions. Any additional borrowings would further increase the amount of our debt and the associated risks.

 

We are subject to restrictive debt covenants, which may restrict our operational flexibility.

 

Our credit facility contains various financial and operating covenants, including, among other things, restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, subject our assets to additional liens, enter into certain investments, consolidate, merge or effect asset sales, enter into sale and lese-back transactions, sell or discount accounts receivable, enter into transactions with our affiliates or stockholders, change the nature of our business, pay dividends on and redeem or repurchase capital stock, or make other restricted payments. These restrictions could limit our ability to take actions that require funds in excess of those available to us.

 

Our credit facility also requires us to maintain specified financial ratios and to satisfy financial condition tests. Our ability to meet those financial ratios and tests may be affected by events beyond our control and we cannot assure you that we will meet those ratios and tests. Our breach of any of these covenants, ratios, tests or restrictions could result in an event of default under our credit facility. If an event of default exists under our credit facility, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder to be immediately due and payable. If the lenders accelerate the payment of the indebtedness, we cannot assure you that our assets would be sufficient to repay in full that indebtedness.

 

We may also incur future debt obligations in addition to, or in lieu of, our credit facility. Such future debt obligations might subject us to additional and different restrictive covenants that could further limit our operational flexibility or subject us to other events of default.

 

The radio broadcasting industry faces many unpredictable business risks that could have a material adverse affect on our advertising revenues.

 

Our future operations are subject to many business risks, including those risks that specifically influence the radio broadcasting industry, which could have a material adverse affect on our business. These risks include, but are not limited to:

 

    shifts in population, demographics or audience preferences;

 

    increased competition for advertising revenues with other radio stations, television stations and other entertainment and communications media; and

 

    changes in government regulations and policies and actions of federal regulatory bodies, including the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, Internal Revenue Service, United States Department of Justice, and the Federal Trade Commission.

 

In addition, we believe that for most businesses advertising is a discretionary business expense, meaning that spending on advertising tends to decline disproportionately during economic recession or downturn as compared to other types of business spending. Consequently, a recession or downturn in the United States economy or the economy of an individual geographic market in which we own or operate radio stations would likely adversely affect our advertising revenues and our results of operations.

 

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We may not be successful in identifying, financing, consummating and integrating future acquisitions, an element of our business strategy, which could significantly impair our future growth.

 

We believe that in order to continue to compete effectively in our industry, we need to identify radio stations that meet certain criteria and consummate acquisitions of such stations on terms that are both economically and commercially acceptable to us. During the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, however, we were unable to identify radio stations that satisfied these requirements. As a result, during that time, we did not acquire any stations.

 

While we intend to continue to pursue our acquisition strategy, we cannot assure you that we will be able to identify radio stations that meet our acquisition requirements and consummate future acquisitions. Additionally, even if we are successful in identifying acceptable targets, our ability to consummate acquisitions is subject to a number of risks, including the risks that:

 

    our competitors may be able to outbid us for acquisitions because they have greater financial resources;

 

    required regulatory approvals may result in unanticipated delays in, or prohibitions of, completing acquisitions; and

 

    we may be unable to raise any additional financing necessary to consummate such acquisitions and additional financing may not be available to us on terms that are acceptable to us or permitted under our credit facility.

 

Even if we are able to consummate acquisitions, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in integrating the operations of the acquired station or stations into our existing operations or that we will realize the benefits that we expect to realize in connection with such acquisitions. Moreover, consummating these acquisitions could also result in the incurrence of additional debt and related interest expense as well as unforeseen contingent liabilities, all of which could have a material adverse effect of our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer controls Beasley Broadcast Group, and members of his immediate family also own a substantial equity interest in Beasley Broadcast Group. Their interests may conflict with yours.

 

George G. Beasley, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, generally is able to control the vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Without the approval of Mr. Beasley, we will be unable to consummate transactions involving an actual or potential change in control, including transactions in which you might otherwise receive a premium for your shares over then current market prices. Shares of Class B common stock, that Mr. Beasley beneficially owns, represent approximately 79.6% of the total voting power of all classes of our common stock. Mr. Beasley also has currently exercisable employee stock options to purchase 487,500 shares of Class A common stock. Members of his immediate family also own significant amounts of Class B common stock and, through stock options, Class A common stock. Mr. Beasley will be able to direct our management and policies, except with respect to those matters requiring a class vote under the provisions of our amended certificate of incorporation, third amended and restated bylaws or applicable law.

 

Historically, we have entered into significant transactions with George G. Beasley, members of his immediate family and affiliated entities that may conflict with the interests of our stockholders now or in the future. See note 14 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Our business depends on the efforts of key personnel and the loss of any one of them could have a material adverse affect on our business.

 

Our business depends upon the continued efforts, abilities and expertise of our executive officers and other key employees, including George G. Beasley, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Beasley is 71 years old. We believe the unique combination of skills and experience possessed by

 

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Mr. Beasley would be difficult to replace and that the loss of Mr. Beasley’s or other key executives’ expertise could impair our ability to execute our operating and acquisition strategies.

 

We may not remain competitive if we do not respond to the rapid change in technology, standards and services that characterize our industry.

 

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and the emergence of new media technologies and services. We may not have the resources to acquire and deploy new technologies or to introduce new services that could compete with these new technologies. Competition arising from new technologies or regulatory change may have an adverse effect on the radio broadcasting industry or on our company.

 

If we are not able to obtain regulatory approval for our acquisitions, our future growth may be impaired.

 

An important part of our growth strategy is the acquisition of additional radio stations. We may not be able to complete all the acquisitions that we may agree to make. Radio station acquisitions are subject to the approval of the FCC and, potentially, other regulatory authorities. FCC regulations limit the number of radio stations that a licensee can own in a market, which could restrict our ability to consummate future transactions and in certain circumstances could require us to divest some radio stations. The FCC recently adopted rules which could further limit the number of radio stations a licensee can own in a market, and may further restrict our ability to acquire and sell radio stations. Although those new rules are currently stayed by a federal court, they could become effective if upheld by the courts. Also, the FCC in the past has adopted, and may re-institute, procedures to review radio advertising concentration levels in proposed radio broadcasting transactions even if the proposed acquisition otherwise complies with the FCC’s ownership limitations.

 

Additionally, since the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Justice Department has become more involved in reviewing proposed acquisitions of radio stations and radio station networks. The Justice Department is particularly concerned when the proposed buyer already owns one or more radio stations in the market of the station it is seeking to buy. Historically, the Justice Department has challenged a number of radio broadcasting transactions. Some of those challenges ultimately resulted in consent decrees requiring, among other things, divestitures of certain stations. In general, the Justice Department has more closely scrutinized radio broadcasting acquisitions that result in local market shares in excess of 40% of radio advertising revenue.

 

We are dependent on federally-issued licenses to operate our radio stations and are subject to extensive federal regulation.

 

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to extensive regulation by the FCC under the Communications Act. We are required to obtain licenses from the FCC to operate our radio stations. Licenses are normally granted for a term of eight years and are renewable. Although the vast majority of FCC radio station licenses are routinely renewed, we cannot assure you that the FCC will approve our future renewal applications or that the renewals will be for full eight-year terms or will not include conditions or qualifications. The non-renewal, or renewal with substantial conditions or modifications, of one or more of our licenses could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

We must comply with extensive FCC regulations and policies in the ownership and operation of our radio stations. FCC regulations limit the number of radio stations that a licensee can own in a market, which could restrict our ability to consummate future transactions and in certain circumstances could require us to divest some radio stations. The FCC also requires radio stations to comply with certain technical requirements to limit interference between two or more radio stations. If the FCC relaxes these technical requirements, it could impair the signals transmitted by our radio stations and could have a material adverse effect on us. Moreover, these FCC regulations and others may change over time and we cannot assure you that those changes would not have a material adverse effect on us.

 

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FCC regulations prohibit the broadcast of obscene material at any time and indecent material between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The FCC has recently indicated that it is enhancing its enforcement efforts relating to the regulation of indecency and has threatened on more than one occasion to initiate license revocation proceedings against a broadcast licensee who commits a “serious” indecency violation. In addition, legislation has been introduced in Congress that would dramatically increase the penalties for broadcasting indecent programming and potentially subject broadcasters to license revocation, renewal or qualification proceedings in the event that they broadcast indecent material. In addition, the FCC’s heightened focus on the indecency regulatory scheme against the broadcast industry generally, may encourage third parties to oppose the Company’s license renewal applications or applications for consent to acquire broadcast stations. One of our stations is currently subject to two indecency-related inquiries at the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau and we may in the future become subject to additional inquiries or proceedings related to our stations’ broadcast of indecent or obscene material. To the extent that these inquiries or other proceedings result in the imposition of fines, revocation of any of our station licenses or denials of license renewal applications, our results of operation and business could be materially adversely affected.

 

Future sales by George G. Beasley or members of his family of our Class A common stock could adversely affect its market price.

 

The market for our Class A common stock could fall substantially if our stockholders who hold restricted shares of common stock, including George G. Beasley and members of his family, sell large amounts of shares of Class A common stock in the public market. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, could make it more difficult for us to raise capital by selling equity or equity-related securities in the future.

 

The difficulties associated with any attempt to gain control of our Company may adversely affect the price of our Class A common stock.

 

George G. Beasley controls the decision whether a change of control of Beasley Broadcast Group will occur. Moreover, some provisions of our certificate of incorporation, by-laws and Delaware law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if a change of control could be beneficial to you. In addition, the Communications Act and FCC rules and policies limit the number of stations that one individual or entity can own, directly or by attribution, in a market. FCC approval for transfers of control of FCC licensees and assignments of FCC licenses are also required. Because of the limitations and restrictions imposed on us by these provisions and regulations, the trading price of our Class A common stock may be adversely affected.

 

There may not be an active market for our Class A common stock, making it difficult for you to sell your stock.

 

Our stock may not be actively traded. An illiquid market for our stock may result in price volatility and poor execution of buy and sell orders for investors. Our stock price and trading volume have fluctuated widely for a number of reasons, including some reasons that may be unrelated to their businesses or results of operations. This market volatility could depress the price of our Class A common stock without regard to our operating performance. In addition, our operating results may be below expectations of public market analysts and investors. If this were to occur, the market price of our Class A common stock could decrease, perhaps significantly.

 

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk associated with our credit facility. Amounts borrowed under the credit facility incur interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus additional basis points depending on the outstanding principal balance under the credit facility. As of December 31, 2003, $170.0 million was outstanding under our credit facility. We evaluate our exposure to interest rate risk by monitoring changes in interest rates in the market place.

 

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To manage interest rate risk associated with our credit facility, we have entered into several interest rate cap, collar and swap agreements. Under the cap agreement, our base LIBOR cannot exceed the cap interest rate. Under the collar agreements, our base LIBOR cannot exceed the cap interest rate and our base LIBOR cannot fall below our floor interest rate. Under the swap agreement, we pay a fixed interest rate and the other party pays us a variable amount based on LIBOR. Notional amounts are used to calculate the contractual payments to be exchanged under the contracts. As of December 31, 2002 and 2003, the aggregate notional amount upon maturity of these cap, collar and swap agreements was $100.0 million and $95.0 million, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2003, our swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges are summarized in the following table:

 

Agreement


   Notional
Amount


   Floor

   Cap

   Swap

    Expiration

   Estimated
Fair Value


Interest rate swap

   $ 20,000,000    —      —      1.98 %   May 2006    $ 164,676

Interest rate swap

     20,000,000    —      —      1.98     May 2006      164,357

Interest rate swap

     10,000,000    —      —      1.91     May 2006      94,640
    

                       

     $ 50,000,000                         $ 423,673
    

                       

 

As of December 31, 2003, our cap, collar and swap agreements that were not designated as hedges are summarized in the following table:

 

Agreement


   Notional
Amount


   Floor

    Cap

    Swap

    Expiration

   Estimated
Fair Value


 

Interest rate cap

     10,000,000    —       6.0 %   —       May 2004      —    

Interest rate collar

     15,000,000    1.5 %   4.5     —       November 2004    $ (47,492 )

Interest rate collar

     10,000,000    1.5     4.4     —       November 2004      (31,661 )

Interest rate swap

     10,000,000    —       —       2.26 %   November 2004      (100,032 )
    

                         


     $ 45,000,000                           $ (179,185 )
    

                         


 

36


Table of Contents

ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

BEASLEY BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Financial Statements

    

Independent Auditors’ Report

   38

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2003

   39

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

   40

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

   41

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

   42

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

   43

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   44

Financial Statement Schedule—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   65

 

37


Table of Contents

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

 

The Board of Directors

Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards 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. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 142, Goodwill and other Intangible Assets, effective January 1, 2002.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Tampa, Florida

January 30, 2004, except as to Note 18, which is as of February 27, 2004

 

38


Table of Contents

BEASLEY BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     December 31,
2002


    December 31,
2003


 
A S S E T S                 

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,447,604     $ 7,729,746  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $415,814 in 2002 and $467,303 in 2003

     21,057,358       21,441,820  

Trade sales receivable

     1,015,641       1,656,604  

Other receivables

     1,094,539       902,673  

Prepaid expenses and other

     1,978,492       1,952,853  

Deferred tax assets

     3,399,952       1,102,455  

Assets of discontinued operations

     992,996       —    
    


 


Total current assets

     34,986,582       34,786,151  

Notes receivable

     7,910,070       4,411,976  

Property and equipment, net

     18,078,438       16,979,825  

FCC broadcasting licenses

     203,174,334       203,174,334  

Goodwill

     10,128,224       10,128,224  

Other intangibles, net

     4,512,352       3,704,131  

Investments

     550,002       3,800,002  

Derivative financial instruments

     —         423,673  

Other assets

     2,750,568       482,429  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 282,090,570     $ 277,890,745  
    


 


T O T A L    L I A B I L I T I E S    A N D    S T O C K H O  L D E R S’

E Q U I T Y

                

Current liabilities:

                

Current installments of long-term debt

   $ 7,318,961     $ —    

Accounts payable

     1,478,872       1,997,209  

Accrued expenses

     4,020,636       3,953,347  

Trade sales payable

     1,485,219       1,857,324  

Derivative financial instruments

     1,590,000       179,185  

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     27,303       —    
    


 


Total current liabilities

     15,920,991       7,987,065  

Derivative financial instruments

     219,000       —    

Long-term debt, less current installments

     189,040,209       169,986,906  

Deferred tax liabilities

     22,730,705       30,506,455  
    


 


Total liabilities